[notes passed in English class]
B: How are you coping Edward?

E: I should be asking you that. I'm ok though. Nervous about the family meeting tonight.

B: Look, maybe this is weird, but can I come? I mean, it's about me after all, isn't it? There are some things I should say to everyone I think.

E: Usually the family meetings are awful. Everyone hates them except Carlisle. If you come he might try and make you hold hands and pray.

B: Can I hold your hand? Haha

E: Of course. I don't think he'd let me hold them both though. I'll try and put you between me and Alice or Esme. I should see what the others say at lunch though.

B: Of course. I don't want to make things worse.

E: You haven't done anything wrong at all Bella. I'm so sorry about all of this. I can't believe you want anything to do with me.

B: Well, I do. When are your parents back tonight?

E: Alice said it would be about 1am.

B: Oh, so will the meeting be in the middle of the night then? Will you tell them right away?

E: I know I should, but I am a coward, so will probably draw it out for as long as possible without doing so.

B: I don't blame you. Do you think I could talk to them tomorrow then if you have the family meeting right away? Would that help?

E: I will ask them if you are not too scared.

B: I'm only scared they won't listen to us or trust me, not of the other stuff.

E: I still don't understand how you can be this calm.

B: I've had a few months to process everything. I mean, well, not some of the stuff you said last night. I definitely need to wrap my head around some of that.

E: Of course. I'm so very sorry.

B: I'm not going anywhere ok? I promise.

E: Thank you. I can't really express how grateful I am, I feel so mixed up, relieved and guilty and really scared I will be made to move because of all this.

B: We just have to be a united front, make them listen and see sense.

E: Well, Alice, Jasper and Emmett support our stance and Rosalie doesn't want to move either.

B: Carlisle is not very good at listening to you from what you've said before? Do you think he'd even listen to me?

E: He listens, in his way, I mean, I think he just sees the world very differently to me. He's very kind and always wants what's best.

B: Of course. I don't mean to say he's bad or anything. I just know, well, he upsets you a lot it seems, Sometimes it seems like he's not thinking about your feelings very much, even if he does want what's best. I don't know him though.

E: Esme understands me better, I think. I know she really wants me to be happy, so does Carlisle, he just thinks that I should do things his way and then I'll be happy.

B: But his way doesn't suit you, does it? You're not like him.

E: No, sadly not.

B: Well, for what it's worth, I like you the way you are. Even after everything.

E: You are the best person I know.

B: Did you read my letter? I'm kind of embarrassed about it. I still mean it all though.

E: I'm going to read it after the family meeting. I think I'll need a distraction.

B: That's a good plan. WIll you text me after the meeting? I bet I'll be up worrying about it.

E: I'll text you as soon as I can, I promise.

[Edward's diary entry]

Bella and I handed in our biography projects and gave a quick presentation about our methods and some of what we learned. We wrote notes in secret for much of the rest of the period, I don't think either of us could focus on Lauren and Jessica's extensive timeline of outfits and beauty routines, or Tyler's assertions that he'd been Ghengis Khan in a past life and that was why he loved Mongolian bbq so much.

After school Bella and I hung around and ended up going for a long aimless drive around Forks, winding up on the coast and looking over the ocean. We didn't speak much, but just kept looking at each other nervously, and then looking back over the sea as the evening crept in. Eventually she grabbed my hand and held it.

"Oh! You're not so cold!"

I showed her my new hand warmers and thanked her for her wonderful Christmas presents again.

Holding Bella's hand and hugging her are my favourite things in the world. I am glad she still wants to touch me. She is so forgiving.

All too soon Bella had to go home and I was left to await my fate alone. I tried out listening to the white noise machine Bella got me for Christmas when I was alone, it reminds me of her, though she sounds much more bubbly. I think it is her diet.

Esme and Carlisle returned home from their vacation in Isle Domyownwriting late this evening. They seem in high spirits, well Carlisle still is. Esme is inconsolable about her table. We tried to gloss over the damage, saying it was like that when she left, but she tutted and fussed until Emmett promised her he'd fix it 'properly'. She has agreed, which I feel we all agree is a sure sign that she knows the table is beyond all hope.

After much procrastination and enduring an extensive slide show of Carlisle and Esme in various sun hats and beach wear, I could put it off no longer. Especially not once Alice said we needed to have an urgent family meeting. So we are meeting in fifteen minutes, I anticipate this will be a long and arduous meeting.

All I want to do is pretend to sleep and try out my white noise machine heartbeat until I can see Bella again. I am terrified I shall be forced to leave her forever. I know this would be best for her, but she is very clear that it is not what she wishes.

Reviewers get to hold Edward's warm hand.

Thanks a million to all of my amazing and patient readers who've been waiting for so many months, and especially to my wonderful betas itsthatkindofanight and wh1teow1 (please show some love and read Moirai, a reimagining of Twilight for the new decade!

There are 130k words of Volume 3 written, and the first 20 chapters are all ready to go, so set your alerts and buckle in for a wild ride!