Chapter 97

BPOV

Even in an unconscious state there must be an ingrained part of my psyche that yearns for Edward. So great was the need for his touch that in my sleep I reached for him but to avail. My hands continued to pat around on the empty side of the bed where he slept; searching in vain for some reminder he had been there. Feeling only the cold mattress and crumpled blankets my eyes opened for confirmation of what my hands knew to be true.

He was gone.

Catching the bright red numbers on the clock I wondered where the heck he could be at seven-fifteen in the morning, and then the aroma hit me – bacon.

I’ve heard it said that to a man the smell of frying bacon is the most powerful odor on the planet. At the first whiff of it, he will drop everything he is doing to go seek out where it coming from in hopes of being able to satisfy his desires. I think the same principal also applies for women, as without even recognizing what was happening I had already made it half way down the stairs. My goal of finding the source of the smell was so strong I hadn’t even thought about the way I was dressed. Hitting the landing it suddenly dawned on me that putting a robe on over the T-shirt and panties might have been a good idea. Still the promise of crispy, hot bacon had my feet heading towards the kitchen door; propped open it provided no obstacle for the aroma or the sight that greeted me.

Edward stood in front of the stove wearing blue and green plaid pajama pants and a black t-shirt, holding a spatula and talking to Vinny. The little boy next to him was raised up on the stool I kept in the corner so could I reach the top shelves in the cabnets. He was dressed similarity except his pants were burnt orange with yellow stripes and his shirt had the rear view of Sponge Bob Squarepants across his back. The two of them were in a deep discussion over the proper way to make eggs.

“You have to keep moving them around” Edward explained “..or else they all stick together and then they’re no longer scrambled eggs, instead they become an omelet”

Tilting his head to the side Vinny’s hand continued moving as he asked “Doesn’t Aunt Bella like omelets?”

“Sure she does…but since we’re not serving them…we have to make sure to do it correctly”

“Ok…” focusing on his task for a moment before looking up at Edward he asked “Does Aunt Bella like to be surprised?”

“Sometimes, I guess it depends on what the surprise is” Edward said as he reached around Vinny to push down the toast.

“Will she like this one?”

“Yup…everyone likes breakfast in bed”

So that’s what they were doing

“Do you have to make Aunt Bella breakfast in bed” Vinny wondered giving the eggs a final stir before Edward turned off the burner.

“No…but when you love someone a whole lot, you do nice things for them”

“And we love Aunt Bella a whole lot…right?”

“We sure do…” Edward was placing the bacon on a paper towel and I figured it would be a good idea to head back upstairs so I didn’t ruin their plans.

Moving as quietly as possible I couldn’t help but smile at the scene I had just witnessed. Vinny was really a sweet kid and I had enjoyed having him with us for the night. Once we had gotten to bed Edward told me that his sister was so angry at him she had threatened to not allow Vinny to stay. I couldn’t imagine that simply not having the code to get into the house would be such a major problem. I knew she was irritated when she arrived which was why I took the kids into the kitchen to help me make the pizza dough. Then when she did come to retrieve Mia and say good-bye to Vinny it was obvious she’d been crying. When I asked if she was alright all I got was the typical dismissive answer “I’m fine”

I’ve worked with enough women to know when you want an honest answer you don’t ask a basic question. I was going to probe a little deeper but one look at Edward had me changing the subject. His face was rather glum as he stood there with pursed lips cautioning me with a gentle shake of his head.

Not wanting to get in the middle of a family dispute I said the first thing that came to mind. “Alice we’re having everyone over on Sunday for a cookout to celebrate Edward’s Birthday”

“I know…mom told me”

Alice was already aware of the plans; Edward on the other hand was a different story “We are?”

Focusing on the confused man I felt the need to inform him that everyone was going to be invading his house “Yeah, I thought since my family was all going to be here…”

“You didn’t know?” Alice questioned but I answered for Edward “It was just kind of decided this afternoon. I wanted to bring it up with Esme before I said anything because I didn’t know if your family had some kind of tradition…”

“We do, usually it’s at home, we swim, play games then mom has our favorite meal and cake…it’s an all-day thing”

“Oh…” feeling rather discourteous I justified my plan “Esme didn’t say anything when I brought it up”

As I thought about it there was a brief moment when she assumed I meant to bring everyone to her house but she didn’t seem too disappointed. Alice on the other hand must have taken offense “What was mom going to say…no Bella; you can’t have it at Edward’s?”

At the way she said his name my eyes darted to his and before I could reply Edward’s demeanor became stern “If Bella’s whole family is going to be here in the city, wouldn't it make more sense for mom and dad to come over rather then the entourage traipsing to Bainbridge ”

“It’s only a ferry ride Edward; it’s not that big of deal”

In a way she was right but it did seem silly for my family to have to go to the extra lengths when it would be so much easier to come here. Besides there were other reasons for staying in the city, Dad had been here briefly the day Mr. Weiss came however I wanted Sue and Billy to see where I was staying. Having everyone come to us was like placing them all on equal footing. I was sure all the Cullen's would be more comfortable at Edward's then my family, still it was better then being at his parent's house. Which was yet anther reason; the Cullen's estate was impressive and I knew damn well Charlie would feel overwhelmed by the sheer magnitude of the size alone.

No...the first informal Swan-Cullen encounter had to take place on neutral territory.

I was going to plead my case when Edward’s tone turned defensive “Apparently it doesn’t matter to mom, so what’s the difference?”

“It doesn’t matter to me either” Alice said with a condescending shrug “...except it’s Sunday which means we’ll have to go over to the Island for Mass and then come right back” turning her focus to me she asked “What time do you want us here?”

“Hmmm…” I hadn’t even told Esme a time and I took a moment to think out loud “Well Claire and Quil will be here until…”

“Who’s Claire and Quil?”

Edward answered his sister “Friends from Forks…” I noted he didn’t say Bella’s friends and something about that little omission made me happy “…they’ll be spending the weekend with us”

He had left out the reason why so I added “They’re coming in for Leah’s shower”

“They can’t go to a hotel?” Hostility - that was all I could hear in the tone Alice was using.

“They could” Edward introjected “ but why would they when we have an empty room and it gives us time to spend with them. Bella’s brother Seth is staying here with us also…should he go to hotel too?”

Wow

At the time I had no idea what had occurred in the room, however it was clear that Edward was not at all pleased with his sister. Vinny on the other hand perked up tremendously “You’re brother whose name is the same as doggy Seth?”

Glancing at the small boy with a huge smile on his face he proclaimed “That’s better than a picture”

What the heck was he talking about?

“You said he looks like doggy Seth, does he bark too?” the excitement in Vinny’s voice made me giggle as I remembered telling him that first day at the baseball field in the park I would show him a picture of my brother so he could see the resemblance himself.

“Me wanta bark too” Mia chimed in her little tinkle bell voice as she kicked her legs eagerly back and forth on the edge of the counter.

“No one is barking” Alice said with a bit of authority, and I could only guess that had she not the two kids would have started howling at the ceiling.

Not giving me a chance to answer her son, Alice questioned again “So what time?”

“Ummm…two?” asking instead of stating.

“Can we make it three? That way I can put Mia down for a nap”

“Sure…” I hadn’t given anyone a time and I knew for a fact Charlie and Sue were going to be staying until at least Monday night, probably Tuesday morning. I was also fairly sure Seth wouldn't mind hanging out a little longer so it made no difference to me at all. However there was a little girl who had a different answer.

“Me don’t wanta nap” Mia said with a crinkled face and a huff that caused her shoulders to bounce.

“Well you need one…” Alice had barely gotten the words out and the happy feet that had been kicking so carefree began to pound against the side of the underlying cabinet as the crying started and she yelled “NO NAP…NOT TIRED!”

Alice looked exacerbated and Vinny didn’t help by telling his sister to ‘stop being a baby’.

Mia was going into total melt down tantrum and all I wanted to do was try and calm down the angry child. Placing my hands on her small legs to stop the kicking I spoke as calmly as I could “Mia, if you take a nap then you’ll be able to stay awake for the party. We’re going to have cake and ice cream…”

“I got it Bella” Alice said defiantly while picking Mia up off the counter and forcing me to take a step back “When I need help, I’ll ask for it”

“Sorry…” I muttered “I was just…”

“She’s my daughter, I know how to handle her” the words were so cuttingly unexpected that all I could do was stare at Alice.

Had I overstepped the bounds of friendship? Or was there something else the matter? Assuming it was the later or rather hoping it was I remained quiet, Edward on the other hand was a different matter.

“Bella didn’t mean any harm Alice; she was just trying to help”

“I don’t need help” Tears began to form in her eyes and I was beginning to get truly worried for her.

“Alice?” I didn’t even get to ask anything before she blurted out “I’m fine Bella”

Stepping to Vinny she spoke in a gentler tone “Give mommy a kiss good-bye” when he did she gave him a one arm hug while holding an angry squirming child in the other and over Mia’s sobs told him “You be a good boy and don’t forget to brush your teeth and listen to Uncle Eddie.”

“I will mommy” he assured her before once more saying good-bye.

Alice said she would call later to check on him, and told me good-bye with the same one armed hug before Edward walked her to the door. Once they were gone I was still stunned, Vinny who was patting his hand in the flour looked up at me with a sad smile.

“Mommy’s tired, we had to go to the doctor and then she had to go have a needle in her arm.” Putting his thumb on the inside of his elbow he continued “They stuck it in and all the blood came out…they got four tubs …”

Smiling at the word tubs which I was sure Vinny meant tubes I began to think.

Blood work…Doctors…Moody…Irritable…Tired… all those things seemed to add up to pregnancy.

Alice had said she and Jasper were thinking about having another baby. I thought she was waiting a few months or even a year. Remembering she had been drinking alcohol at the beach and she hadn’t said anything about actively trying to conceive, all I could surmise was if she was pregnant, the baby was a big surprise. There was no real problem in that she was married, healthy and financially stable still an unexpected pregnancy could throw a major monkey wrench into anyone’s life.

“…and she had to go into the bathroom and pee in a cup for the lady to take…it was gross”

Giving my best smile I had to ask “Did your mommy say why she was at the doctor?”

I knew it was terrible trying to weasel information out of five year old but I couldn’t help it. Unfortunately Vinny didn’t have any conclusive answers.

“Mommy said it’s stuff mommies have to do sometimes”

Hmmm….

If Alice was indeed pregnant my guess was we would all find out soon enough.

Scurrying up the stairs I got back into my room, quickly using the bathroom I exchanged the box of super plus tampons for lite-day regular’s, washed my hands and got back into bed just as the door opened. Seth led the way flowed by Vinny who held a small clear glass vase with one single yellow rose in it.

“hah-ch chee-EH Aunt Bella” Vinny exclaimed jubilantly

Repeating the words back and taking the vase from him I smiled up at Edward who was right behind him carrying a full tray of food. He too had a smirk on his face which I was sure had everything to do with Vinny’s perfect Quileute pronunciation of ‘good morning’

Jake and Leah arrived about a half hour after Alice had left, during that time Edward had set Vinny up in the spare bedroom while I finished with getting things ready in the kitchen. I had let them in the house and even with the half-eaten bag of chips she had devoured, Leah was starving. Not wanting to keep her waiting I ushered them out into the kitchen where I had a tray of vegetables and dip waiting. I was just about to offer them drinks when Edward came in said hello and took over that duty.

Remembering our small guest had already met Jake and Leah at the walk-a-thon for the center I just offered a small reminder “You guys remember Edward’s nephew Vinny…” taking his hand in mine I brought him over to the island where Leah had sat down and reintroduced them “…this is my sister Leah and…” pointing across the counter “…that’s Jake”

“Hi…” his voice didn’t have its normal jolliness, glancing down I saw the reason why. His head was moving from side to side as he stared at Leah’s round stomach and blurted out “Do you have a baby in your belly like Aunt Rose?”

“Yes I do” Leah answered while his head continued to take in the mass which took up just about all of her lap before announcing “Your belly is a lot Bigger then Aunt Rose”

I giggled at him while Leah gave a disgruntled ‘Yeah’ and Edward provided the boy with a proper answer “That’s because Leah and Jacob’s baby is going to be born soon. Aunt Rose’s belly is going to get bigger too”

“Oh” Vinny said as if it all made sense to him and letting go of my hand he went to climb up onto the stool next to Leah asking “Is it a girl baby or a boy baby?”

Again Leah was rather discontented, not with Vinny’s question but because she didn’t have an answer “I don’t know”

“I hope it’s girl baby”

“Why?” she wondered with a smile

“So she’ll be pretty like you.” And with that small sentence Leah’s face softened as she said a quiet “thank you” and Vinny became my sister’s new best friend.

She was feeling fat and ugly, she complained about how wide her feet have become, knew without a doubt because of the stretch marks she’d never wear a bikini again and she was convinced her belly button would forever be an outty. It was amazing how one little five year old boy telling her she was pretty seemed to make all the difference in the world.

Just as we were putting the pizzas in the oven to bake my phone rang with a number I didn’t recognize. The exchange however was from La Push so I figured it was someone calling about the shower. Leah had gone to use the bathroom so I hadn’t bothered going into the other room. When I answered the woman on the other end was speaking in Quileute and I naturally slipped into the language for the duration of the conversation. It was Mrs. Reed – Tracy’s mother – she was calling at Edward’s request to give permission for her daughter to spend the weekend at our house with Seth.

Getting off the phone I was met with three sets of eyes, Jake was amused as was evident by the snicker on his face. Edward who understood some of what was being said – due to our continued working on his learning of the language – was curious and waiting for conformation, while Vinny looked perplexed.

Glancing over my shoulder to make sure Leah wasn’t returning I gave a quick nod “Mrs. Reed doesn’t have a problem with Tracy staying here”

Edward nodded in resolve while Jake laughed “You better cover the couch”

“Augh…” Edward groaned while I laughed at the him yet I had to say “I swear if we walk in on that…”

“Walk in on what?” Leah wondered as she rejoined us.

Not knowing what to say I was kind of glad Vinny spoke up “A covered couch”

“What?” having no idea what he was talking about she naturally questioned but I was saved by the ding of the timer and the promise of real food.

Sitting at the kitchen table Edward not knowing the whole verse asked Jake to say the blessing, when he was done Vinny wondered what was said and that was his introduction into Quileute. We spent all of dinner teaching him basic words and phrases which he picked up with perfect clarity. Half way through the meal he was saying hoto'eh and waddo instead of please and thank you. By the end of dinner he could count to ten, say good morning and good night. With the dishes done Vinny had mastered, how are you, where are you going and knew basic colors.

All through playing a game of ‘PIG’ which is a simple card game for children yet fun for adults he continued to soak up as much of the language as possible. Jake and Leah enjoyed teaching him, correcting his pronunciation and thinking of other phrases Vinny could use. Edward dazzled everyone with his own grasp of the language even adding a few words to Vinny’s repartee.

Of course Leah just couldn’t help herself as we were on the last round of cards she said “Vinny did your Aunt Bella tell you her Quileute name?”

“No” Vinny glanced across the table at me from his seat next to her.

Unsure what Leah was talking about I shook my head “It’s just Bella”

“That’s not true, she has another name”

“I do not…” starting to dispute the claim it suddenly dawned on me, Leah knew Edward called me...

“Nâhtötse” Leah said confidently and Vinny’s eyes widened in excitement as he pointed his finger at me “That is your name; Uncle Eddie calls you it all the time”

Jake’s nose wrinkled as he questioned “You call Bella pet?”

Sitting back in his chair Edward had an air of confidence, giving me a wink he responded “No…actually I believe the word translates to my pet”

“I think it’s adorable” Every head turned to see Leah’s smiling face “And it kind of fits perfectly doesn’t it?”

What the hell got into Leah?

Holding my gaze she reached across the table and took a hold of my hand “Besides I’d much rather see the love and devotion shining in your face from someone calling you my pet then to ever hear you called C-U-N-T…” spelling it out “…again.”

Actually James’ favorite term of endearment was 'Fucking Cunt', it was something he said all the time. I knew there were women who had no problem with being referred to by the disgusting word. Creating in them a reaction similar to when Master calls me ‘slut’. Yet personally I find the word cunt to be the most degrading, repulsive and belittling term in the human language. I had made it a point to request Edward never used it and true to his word he hasn’t. Not once during sex or a scene or even in a passing comment has the vile word crossed his lips. I didn’t know if that was simply out of respect for me or if he had his own distaste, either way his discretion was most appreciated.

Staring into Leah’s eyes I could feel my own begin to fill with moisture as I realized the words she had spoken to me while taking the pictures were true – she was genuinely happy for me.

Giving my hand a squeeze she smiled widely “And pet also kind of fits doesn’t it awi unodena”

Oh Jesus

Letting her hand go I laughed at the nick name Billy had always called me - little lamb – and came back with my own retort “And Vinny do you know what Leah’s name is?” not waiting for a reply I quickly said “ónêšêhe' pôhoo'o”

Pain in the ass

“Surprise!” Vinny yelled pulling me from previous evening’s memory and causing Edward to laugh “The surprise was supposed to come before the good morning”

“Oh yeah…I forgot” Vinny’s tone of voice being as apologetic as his expression.

“That’s Ok…I was surprised anyway” I said patting the bed for Vinny to sit down while smiling at the smirk on Edward’s face.

The man knew I was lying

No matter how covert I was trying to be, I was fairly sure Edward knew that I had crept down the stairs. Setting the overloaded tray down on the nightstand he handed me a cup of coffee before sitting next to me. Giving Vinny a chance to settle in at the bottom of the bed Edward gave him a coffee mug half filled with apple juice and a warning to ‘be careful’. The breakfast was wonderful and while we ate I asked what the boys had planned for the morning.

“After we drop you off at The Center” Edward started “we’re going to come home to see what kind of baseball equipment I can gather”

Jake had finally come to a decision on what the men were going to do during the shower. They were all meeting at my house and then going to the park. Jake was planning on taking coolers of beer, grilling hotdogs and playing baseball all afternoon.

“I should have enough stuff but if need be I can borrow things from Emmett. He had a bright idea of forming a team for the man's league so when the High School got new equipment he took the old stuff.”

Nodding I swiped a dab of ketchup the bite of egg and toast “I guess that’s a perk of coaching”

Edward laughed “Yeah, Rose about killed him when he brought everything home and she banished it to the shed”

It didn’t really sound like Rose and I had to wonder “How much stuff did he have?”

“The whole back of his jeep was full”

My fork stopped midway to my gaping mouth “You’re kidding”

“Nope…” Edward chuckled “I helped him load it, then when he got home with it all and told Rose he was keeping it in his man-cave she nearly killed him. Told Emmett ‘you’re not storing that junk in my house’ he tried to tell her it was his room to do what he wanted with but she wasn’t having it at all and so it’s all in the shed.”

He took a drink of coffee while I resumed eating and he smirked at me before asking “So what’s the moral of the story Vinny?”

I looked at Edward like he was crazy because I’d give two-to-one odds Vinny didn’t even know what a moral was.

Tilting his little head to the side he wondered “I don’t know…what’s moral?”

I should have bet

Chuckling at the thought along with Vinny’s scrunched up face I looked to Edward waiting for him to impart us with his words of wisdom.

“A moral is…the meaning of a story. Like in the little boy who cried wolf, the moral would be to not make things up just to get attention.”

“Oh…” Vinny seemed to contemplate for a moment before coming to a conclusion “the meaning is…Aunt Rose said ‘No!”

Edward laughed “That’s right, because no matter what Uncle Emmett thinks, his man cave is inside Aunt Rose’s house…and the house always belongs to the girl to do whatever she wants with.”

“Is that right?” I asked with a bit of amusement.

Edward’s expression turned serious as he gazed into my eyes for a long moment “Yes…and I wouldn’t have it any other way”

Not exactly sure what brought the subject to Edward’s mind I was still fairly certain where it had come from. The previous evening after Vinny had gone to sleep, Edward and I lay in bed talking, he was still upset with the way his sister had acted. Even though when she had called to say goodnight to Vinny she had apologized to not only him but also me. Fairly positive Alice was indeed pregnant I told Edward my suspicions along with the circumstantial evidence. But we had a very different opinion on the subject, where I was willing to give his sister the benefit of the doubt, Edward was not as gallant.

“It doesn’t make a difference Bella, there is no excuse for the way she behaved or the things she said”

“What did she say?” I asked propping myself up on my elbow

Letting out a sigh Edward tucked a strand of hair behind my ear at his hesitation I had to wonder “Stalling? Was it that bad?”

“It doesn’t matter what Alice says, I want you…no I need you to be happy here, to make this house a place where you want to be. And it wouldn’t matter to me if you wanted to remove the living room furniture and replace it with all the old stuff you got from your mother. If it meant you were more comfortable here, I'd hire the movers tomorrow ”

Smiling at him I highly doubted he would be happy with my mothers brown tweed loveseat and mix matched tables. Still the gesture was nice and the meaning behind it understood, however it did leave me to wonder

“Alice thinks I’m…taking over your house”

“I don’t know what Alice is thinking and frankly I don’t give a shit. I told you it doesn't matter what she said…” a devious grin appearing “…I got you in my lair Ms. Swan and I’m not letting you go”

“Is that so?” I asked leaning down for a chaste kiss as he answered “Yes…that’s so”

Pulling back I felt the need to come to my friend’s defense “Don’t be too angry with Alice, pregnant women are not always rational…”

I knew from first hand experience of dealing with Leah how hormones could wreak havoc on a woman. All of her life she had never been what I would have called a pessimist yet suddenly she was seeing danger in almost every situation. The first three months of her pregnancy she called me almost every day crying and worrying about the most mundane things. For a week straight it was the rain –we lived in Washington, it rained all the time. Still I had to put up with the speculations that the baby was either going to die from lack of Vitamin D, catch pneumonia from being wet all the time or become agoraphobic from being stuck in the house.

“Don’t do that” he chastised making me wonder “Do what?”

“Make excuses for other people's bad behavior, sometimes you are too damn forgiving. People have to be held accountable for their actions”

Biting my lip at the brutal honesty I took a deep breath and running my fingers through the soft hair on his chest I quietly wondered “Would you rather I be cynical, mean spirited and vindictive?”

“Of course not” he said after lifting my chin so I would look at him “I love your forgiving nature, especially when it's me that needs the absolving.” smiling so wide I had to respond with one of my own “That doesn't mean you should condone people who encroach on your kindness. And I don't care who they are, the last thing you should be doing is making allowances for them to justify rude behavior. Alice has been increasing impolite and I don't care if it is from fluctuating hormones, it has to stop.”

It was clear Edward didn't at all appropriate the conversation he had with his sister yet I still had no idea what it was about “You're not going to tell me what she said are you?”

Letting out a sigh his face became rather grim as he shook his head “I don't want to keep things from you but I don't want to hurt your feeling either. She has put me in a bad position, which I don't appreciate...”

Narrowing his eyes as if debating what to do I prompted “I'm a big girl Edward, I can take it”

“Come here...” pulling me down to lay next to him with my head on his chest. He was quiet for a few minutes just lying there running his hand through my head until he finally said “...she took notice to your presence in the house...”

So did Carlisle

“She was angry I wouldn't give her the code for the door entrence and inferred the house was mine not ours...”

That's funny Carlisle thought the opposite

“And she made references to your...”

It was never a good thing when Edward hesitated.

I tried to move so I could raise my head to see his face but he held me tighter to him letting me know whatever it was made him very uncomfortable. Running my hand over the muscles of his chest I questioned “To my what?”

“To your...middle-class upbringing”

“Oh” it was all I could really say, after all it wasn't the first time Alice had brought up the subject.

Each time we had been out shopping my frugal ways was a point of contention. She had no problem with paying designer label prices in expensive boutiques while I gravitated towards the sales rack at JC Penny. It made sense while we were in that environment for Alice to bring up our difference however I had to wonder why the subject came up with Edward.

“What brought that up?”

The question was met with more hesitation which was making me very nervous and all I could do was come to my own assumption.

“It's the money...she thinks I'm...”

Edward quickly shifted his body so I was on my back with him hovering over top of me. If I didn't know any better I would have thought the darkness in his eyes was anger as he practically growled “I told you, I don't give a shit what she thinks. Alice is a spoiled brat who wasn't getting her own way and was lashing out because she all of a sudden wasn't the center of attention.”

Staring up at him I didn't understand the part about Alice not being the center of attention because that had nothing to do with me, yet she was still his sister “You shouldn't be angry with her Edward...”

He looked at me like I was speaking Swahili or something so I explained “...Alice is just behaving the way she's been conditioned to act. She gets mad, yells and expects everyone to adjust themselves in order to cater to her.”

Half expecting Edward to be angry with me for talking about his sister in such a derogatory fashion I was taken off guard by the laughter “See what I’m talking about...” he said still shaking his head with a huge smile on on his face “...I tell you that my sister, your friend, was talking smack and instead of retaliating you chastise me and justify her behavior.”

“Well you can't play with a skunk and then get upset when he sprays you”

Maybe that wasn't the best analogy

Edward's eyes widened “Did you just call my sister a skunk?”

Biting my lip I was surprised as he burst out laughing “See nâhtötse most people would have lashed out with 'That Bitch!'....you?” he chuckled “... the worst you could come up with is a skunk”

I didn't mean to infer I thought Alice was a skunk and I could have gotten angry over what was said especially since I was sure there was more there then what Edward had told me. However I chose to rise above the level of teenage pettiness, not that the words didn't hurt my feelings more that I wasn't going to allow them to dissuade me from my choices. No one else in Edward's family showed any animosity towards me in fact they had all been overly welcoming. Even Alice who I thought of as a sister never showed open hostility so I really was chalking up her antagonism to hormones. After all she wasn't angry with me, it was Edward who had pissed her off to the point where she wanted to retaliate. And the best way to get back at someone is to attack the thing that means the most to them.

In Edward's case – that would be me

Taking in the grin on his face I thought maybe I should remind him of what he had said “We'll see if you still feel that way when all my old furniture starts taking up residence in your basement.”

“Our basement” he qualified and all I did was smile because it really wasn't ours - it was his.

And I suppose in my mind it always will be

“Aunt Bella?” the whiny voice telling me I must have missed something of vital importance

“What Vinny?”

“Are you coming to Taco Bell with us?”

Finishing the last bite of egg I used the napkin to wipe my mouth before speaking “That's tempting but I have a lot of work to do so I don’t think I can.”

My desk was over flowing with things that needed to be caught up on, the majority of it having to do with finishing the counseling notes from my time away. I also knew Rose was coming in sometime during the day and Peggy was arriving with Carlisle so getting away for lunch would be out of the question.

“Maybe next time” Edward suggested as he started to gather up the mess all over the bed.

The two of them left me alone to get ready for the day, just as I was stepping into the shower the door bell rang telling it was eight and the contractors had arrived. Having finished I was wrapped in a towel and going through the contents of my shirt drawer looking for something to pair with dark gray pants when Edward came in.

Giving the door a kick with his foot he looked me over then reached out to untuck the little flap above my breast, letting the damp blue towel fall to the floor. “I was hoping to get back in time to join you in the shower”

“Oh yeah?”

“Mm Um” the twinkle in his eye and smirk on his face telling me he was hoping to get more then a clean body. “As gratuity for breakfast.”

“Gee” I said while willing allowing him to pull me into his arms “and here I thought you did it because you loved me....a whole lot”

Tilting his head the smirk became more pronounced “I thought I heard you sneaking up the stairs”

Reaching my arms around his neck and letting my fingers play with the soft hairs there I was just about to kiss him when the knock on the door and loud voice stopped me. “Uncle Eddie!”

“Damn!” cursing under his breath Edward released me; angling the door so my nakedness was still hidden he took care of Vinny's remote problem. Giving him a quick rundown of how to turn the channels, adjust the sound and switch the program to the DVD player.

By the time he was done I already was in my underthings and zipping up the pants. Edward gave me the most adorable pout which almost had me stripping everything off – almost.

“Sorry babe, you missed your chance”

“But...”his lip jetting out “...I thought you'd wash my back”

“You're going to have to wash your own back...and your front too” mumbling the last part as I pulled the black knit shirt over my head.

Walking by me Edward stopped at my side, leaning down he spoke slowly against my ear “You're a cold woman Isabella Swan”

His breath on my skin along with the sneer of his tone sent a shiver down my spine and a giggle from my throat.

Straighting he stepped away from me “Go ahead...laugh it up. But just remember I still owe you from that little stunt at Leah's yesterday”

“What stunt?” I asked spinning around to watch him pulling his shirt off and throwing it across the room into the hamper.

“You know damn well what I’m talking about, answering the door practically naked, leading me around by the balls thinking we were going to be settling our bet. Then laughing at me” tsking as he shook his head “teasing me is not a nice thing to do” dropping his pants all I could do was stare as he added “or maybe I should say not a very smart thing to do”

I was in a naked Edward induced fog but still capable of inquiring “a smart thing?”

“Not at all smart” shaking his head with pursed lips “especially just a short twenty-four hours before you enter my playroom”

My mouth dropped as Edward took on a rather smug expression “Yeah just remember my sweet ….sometimes you're the windshield and sometimes... you're the bug”

Going in to take his shower I was left standing there with echo of his dark menacing laughter. The sound so ominous it caused me to shutter as a sick twisted wave of desire went through me. I should have been scared and dreading our usual but all I could do was wish it was six in the evening instead of nine in the morning. The day was gong to be long enough without the added sexual tension or the anticipation of his paying me back for the little stunt I had pulled. Then again that just might have been his purpose, after all Edward knew how to get me hotter then a June bride sitting on a coal stove - and I absolutely loved it.

Gathering my senses I moved into the bathroom to finish getting ready and hearing my entrance Edward called out over the spray of water “Too late babe I already took care of myself”

“Damn! You didn't let me watch?”

Pulling the shower curtain back he peeked out at me “Sorry...naughty girls have to suffer”

“Naughty?” I questioned

“Oh yes my dear, you were indeed purposefully naughty.”

Giggling I went back to brushing out my hair while Edward must have been finished as he turned off the water and stepped from the shower. Wrapping a towel around his waist he stood next to me at the sink, his exposed chest still glistening with beads of moisture – moisture I wanted to remove with my tongue. The smugness in his expression told me Edward had caught my gaze yet I couldn’t truly find it in me to be ashamed.

He was one fine specimen of man – and he was mine.

“You had your chance nâhtötse”

I did have my chance but I needed to get to work so I left the bathroom knowing that in less then nine hours I would be in the hands of my Master and he would make it worth the wait.

The hallway was filled with the sounds of the men working in Edward's room and getting downstairs Vinny found my making lunch a whole lot more fascinating then what he was watching on TV. Sitting at the kitchen island he sprinkled shredded cheese on my salad while I wrapped up a remaining piece of pizza from the previous evenings dinner.

The little boy was chattering away asking for more Quileute words - How do you say 'cheese' Aunt Bella? How do you say 'work' Aunt Bella? How do you say hair, nose, eyes, mouth? He was like a little sponge absorbing everything he could. I didn't see the harm in his knowing a few words and I could only hope when he went home with a new vocabulary his mother would feel the same way.

Edward was down and ready to drive me to The Center, while he installed a booster seat in the car I gathered up my things, tied Vinny's shoes, said good-bye to Seth and headed out the door. The drive in was uneventful and I wondered how long it would be before I could once again be using my own car to get there.

Carol was on the phone as I walked by so instead of saying hello I just gave a wave. Smiling back she held up a finger for me to wait a moment then cupping her hand over the receiver she spoke softly “Hi Bella, staff meeting in fifteen minutes in the front room”

Nodding I gave a quiet 'Ok” as she went back to her phone call and I moved into my office. Scanning over the mail from the day before there was nothing that needed my immediate attention. Not wanting to begin anything and having to stop for the meeting I headed down the hallway towards the community room. Halfway there the chatter coming from the common area was a whole lot louder then normal. Once I arrived it was clear why, besides the residents of The Center the room was filled with volunteers. And not just everyday helpers, with the of exception of Carlisle each department head was present along with someone I personally rarely saw.

“Hi Mildred” hugging the stout maternal woman over her shoulders who even though her back was to me the contact didn't startle her – Nothing did.

The woman was a retired career Army Major who served as a surgical nurse in a MASH unit during Vietnam. She told me once that 'when you've lived through having your hands elbow deep inside some boys stomach while the bombs are dropping less then a mile way you learn real fast not to flinch”

Patting my arm her head turned to look at me “Hi Bella, I haven't seen you since you been back, I hear you had a nice vacation”

Releasing my hold I stood telling her “I did, it was a lot of fun”

“With that hunk of a man” The familiar voice came from alongside Mildred, glancing over at Tammy's smug smile as she added “I'll bet you had more then ...fun”

replying with with a sarcastic “ha ha” I moved to hug her also and asked “What are you doing here?”

The day after the walk-a-thon at the volunteers breakfast Tammy had informed me after only being at The Center for less then six weeks, she was leaving. In her own words she was 'tired of hiding' and wanted to 'get on' with her life. I knew she'd be coming back for continued session but since Jean – her counselor – wasn't in on Wednesdays it surprised me Tammy was.

“Julie is filing some legal forms for me and Doctor C is filling out medical releases so I can move next week”

“Move?” I asked taking the seat next to her “Where are you going?”

Since I hadn't seen any notes yet this was all news to me and I was even more shocked by her answer “Montana”

“Montana?” oh yeah I was shocked “What the heck is in Montana?”

“Nothing...absolutely...nothing” she said assuredly before giving me the explanation I was so curious to know about “The bank has an immediate opening for a Manager in Ryegate, I put in for the transfer and got it. So I'm moving”

“Wow”

“I know it's exciting right?”

Exciting? Not exactly the word I would have used, abrupt, shocking, life altering, those all seemed more fitting. As I thought about the circumstances I remembered when I asked Demetri why he went to New York for college and wondered 'what he was running from or to'. Since Tammy said there was nothing in Ryegate – wherever the hell that was – Montana I could only come to one conclusion.

“He's been in contact with you” not even saying it in the form of a question because I already knew the answer and realized I was right - she had left the safety of the The Center too early.

The women are allowed to stay for twelve weeks for a reason.

The longer the victim stays away the better chance she has of not returning to her abuser. It gives her time to come to terms with the loss of the relationship. Until that occurs along with the accompanying mourning period the woman will not be mentally prepared for the work ahead of her. It also gives the abuser time to deal with the anger he has over losing control of the woman he is so emotionally dependent upon. His anger escalates and peaks around week six when all the legal proceedings begin to take place. He see's what he had slipping away and goes through his own mourning period of feeling helpless and his anxiety increases making him volatile.

That is the time period Tammy went out to and unlike most of the woman who leave the safety of The Center, she was not placed in one of the safe-houses. The woman was headstrong and determined to return to her life so she went back to her old apartment and of course she kept her position as a loan officer.

Tammy sighed and her bright hazel eyes that always seemed to shine with life became grave “Yes, Tod came to the bank last week, he caused a scene and my manager called the police. He was arrested for disturbing the peace, making terroristic threats and contempt of court for breaking the restraining order. He was being held on bond, but he's out now so I'm staying at The Holiday Inn and since I can work from home...” giving me a shrug as if no other explanation was needed.

And it wasn't

“That's that the reason for the transfer?” I couldn't blame her, after all I ran clear across the country.

“Not completely but it just seems better this way...I want a normal life Bella. I don't want to have to look over my shoulder of wonder if Tod's going to show up while I'm grocery shopping or pumping gas. I want to go to work, make friends, meet a great guy and maybe have babies...is that too much to ask for?”

“No” shaking my head with complete empathy and agreeing wholeheartedly “Not too much at all”

The next ten minutes were spent with Tammy telling Mildred and I all about Ryegate Montana which was a small town sixty miles north of Billings. The transfer was a done deal, all that was needed was her medical release form and in less then a week she would moving. Tammy was excited about her new position and looking forward to the not only the increase in pay but also the responsibilities. However the most astonishing news was her not renting a home but buying one. It was a small two bedroom ranch on a small plot of land which she purchased sight unseen for fifty-eight thousand dollars.

That didn't sound like very much money to me and I wondered if she was moving into some dilapidated rat infested building. Whipping out her phone Tammy pulled up the pictures of the home she was purchasing and all my worries were gone. It was a cute single home with yellow siding, a cobble stone walkway and white picket fence. The interior was clean and bright with one bathroom and a separate laundry area off the kitchen.

“So what do you think?” She asked not only me but also Mildred, who answered first

“I think that is a smart move on your part Tammy, just be sure to take it slow when you get there. Don't go jumping into a relationship...or a bed” giving a stern warning “give yourself time to settle in, go slow and build the life you want for yourself.”

I couldn't have said it better myself, although I did wonder “What about counseling?”

“Jeanie and I talked about that. She said we could do it over the web or phone for as long as necessary or until I get a therapist there”

Figuring I would be able to see the details laid out in Jean's notes I let the subject drop and made a mental note to seek them out as soon as I got back to my desk.

Everyone started leaving for the meeting and after getting a cup of coffee and saying 'good morning' to the rest of the resident’s I ran into Peggy in the hallway. Saying I'd would met her in my office in an hour I went with the others to find out what Carol had to tell us.

The only time the front room was utilized was for staff meetings, it was set up much like a living room with couches and chairs set out. Sitting down between Nancy and Tori we were chatting about nothing in particular when Carol came in followed a few seconds later by Carlisle who was apologetic.

“Sorry ladies, the ferry was running late this morning”

Carol started by thanking us all for coming in and then started out with telling everyone the state would be in sometime the following week to inspect the facility. Not that we had anything to hide but it was just a friendly warning; more for the house staff then anyone else. Twice a year the state would send out an inspector to make sure the facility was fit for human occupancy. They also due to The Center's Non-Profit status, made sure we were not indoctrinating the residents who stayed here with our own political or religious beliefs.

The next thing on the agenda was the discussion of the Nation Convention. Carol handed out pamphlets and asked that we all give them to our helpers. She gave a deadline for everyone to have their registration forms and deposits in to her. After going over all the details Carol – the traitor - announced that we had been requested to give a presentation on the topic of 'surviving'.

“Who's giving the speach?” Gail asked, even though I was damn sure she knew Carol was trying to get me to do it.

“Well...right now Bella is still considering”

“Bella is not considering” I informed her “Bella doesn't want to”

“You said you would ask Edward...”

I thought it best to let them all know “I don't need his permission, besides he doesn't care if I go”

Carol smiled widely “And what about speaking?”

“I Think you would do a great job Bella” Tori spoke up from along side me “After all you have a personal experience”

Was she kidding me? I didn't want to talk about my personal experience in front of a room full of strangers. Hell I didn't even want to talk about it in a room full of friends.

Carol spoke up “Not personal Bella, that's not what I'm suggesting. Just a general overview...”

“You can give a general overview”

“Not like you. I can speak of statics and goals and you can speak the same words yet there is a passion behind the message, because it means something intimately personal to you.”

As Carol finished Mildred spoke in her demanding tone “You should do it”

“What did he say about it?” Nancy question

“Who Edward?” unnecessary clarifying who the woman next to me was talking about it. It was an attempt to stall because once they knew his opinion they would never stop hounding me until I agreed.

“Is there another man your...dancing with” she giggled making everyone else snicker at the term they coined for my sex life.

Ignoring the snide comment and the chortles I gave the answer that was probably going to seal my doom

“He thinks I should do it and he even said afterwords we'd stay in Anaheim a few days and do Disney”

“Awe, that's so sweet” Julie crooned as she glanced at Carlisle “Do you have another one of those?”

“No...sorry, Bella got the last one” giving me a smile

“Well you could always take the afternoon off and make me a new one” Julie's suggestion was met with even more giggles as Carlisle's face turned bright red.

“OK..OK...” Carol chuckled “Bella you keep thinking about it, we have a few weeks for you to decide.”

I could not for the life of me come up with one thing that would have me changing my mind or any reason why I would want to. The next subject centered around Peggy and Tammy, although the concern was geared more towards Peggy because technically she was still under our care. It was me acting on behalf of The Center who secured her job, her living situation and ultimately her security.

Feeling a bit of responsibility for her I thought I'd let everyone know “I spoke with her Sunday when I was over on Bainbridge. She said it was only one call and she turned off the phone right away.”

“Yes but yesterday he showed up where she works” Carol informed me of something I didn't know “Her boss forcefully escorted him out and called the police.”

Garret removed him?

As much as I would have loved to have seen that, it wasn't something I could dwell on as I wondered “Does Peggy need to be moved?”

“I don't think she wants to be”

“It's not safe for her Carol”

Unlike Tammy, Peggy had been at The Center for her full twelve weeks, the fact Rick – her boyfriend – was still obsessing over getting her back was not a good sign.

“You are going to have to take that up with Peggy, but as of last night...she wants to stay where she is and we have to honor her decision.” moving her head in the direction of the other side of the room she spoke to Julie “You're going to go over all of Peggy's legal rights with her?”

“Anna is doing it right now” Returning her attention back to me Carol shook her head in resignation “That's all we can do Bella, we give the women the tools to empower themselves and then let them lead their own lives”

Not at all happy with the turn of events my eyes fell on Carlisle he gave me a sad smile and a knowing nod. There was nothing I could do but sit back, wait and hope to god someway, somehow, someone kept her safe.