"That class is unbearable!" Edward groans as we make our way to my locker. "I don't understand how she expects the class to be engaged when she reads word for word from the slides every day."

I slip my calc binder into my bag and double check I have my planner. "I actually like it. I mean, she uploads the slides online, so it's almost like a free period."

He smirks at me and closes my locker. "What on earth do you need a free period for? You are always at least a week ahead on your assignments."

"True." I say as we start down the hall, "but I can use the period to get two weeks ahead."

"Ah, Isabella, you put us all to shame!"

Once we get to the parking lot we see that the sky is clearing up. It only stopped raining thirty minutes into last period, but I'm glad I don't have to worry about getting soaked.

"So…" he starts, leaning on the passenger side door that he has opened up for me.

"Mom wants you to come over for dinner on Thursday."

"Yeah? What's on the menu?"

"She's on an avocado kick, so that's bound to make an appearance and I have a feeling her boy toy might come round."

"Boy toy?"

"Remember Carlisle? Tall, blonde, eternal blusher?"

"Oh yeah! He definitely has a thing for your mom."

He's quiet for a second as he wobbles the door back and forth.

"You know what's kind of weird?" he asks

"What?"

"Jasper and Carlisle kind of look alike…kind of like mom and Alice have the same taste in men."

"It's so weird that you noticed that."

"Maybe it's a mother-daughter thing. You and your mom have the same taste? Tall, dark, handsome, green eyes?"

"Edward, shut up!" I laugh yell as I slap his shoulder.

He holds his hands up in the air innocently as he walks towards the driver's side. "Just curious, is all."

"Bella, you remember when you were little and we used to go fishing?" Charlie asks. I glance at his plate, happy to see that he's eaten almost everything.

"Of course I remember. I thought I was going to have a heart attack."

"You yelped at the smallest wave because you were scared it would flip the boat."

I smile at the memory.

He goes on, "You were the most stressed out six year old in the state of Washington when we were out on that boat. I always kind of hoped I could make you grow out of it but then…"

"I feel out of the boat because I thought I saw a mermaid." I laugh, embarrassed.

"Sure did! You swore up and down that Arielle came to say hello! " Charlie cackles, his laughs growing louder and louder until I join in.

"and nothing I could say could convince you otherwise. You made me keep that boat there until it was nearly sundown. You said 'Daddy, what if Arielle is lost?"

"And you told me Triton always knew where she was." I finished.

He taps the napkin with his index finger. "Yeah, I wish you coulda had that kiddo. I wish it was me looking out for you, instead of the other way around."

I try to meet his eyes, but they're downcast. "You have always given me everything I need, dad."

"Need." He repeats. "but I wonder if you get what you want."

"Charlie, I wanted to grow up here, and be close to you. You're my dad. I'm not missing out on anything, I promise."

"I love you, kid."

My eyes burn and I look up at the ceiling fan to keep my eyes dry. "I know, dad."

Later that night I lie awake. After I get out of bed, check my email, and pick out my outfit for school tomorrow, I tip toe down the hallway. I smile when I see Charlie knocked out. Old Mash reruns playing on tv.

What would you have been, Dad?

That's the hard part – knowing that you could do so much good outside of this small, white house.

"Mom! What is that?!" Alice screeches as Elizabeth places a large bowl on the table.

"It's white chicken chili."

"Mom this looks so good, really, but did you happen to make a side?"

"Alice, you are not going to eat your weight in some yellow dye #58 macaroni and cheese!"

"Okay mom, first of all, it's not even yellow anymore because they took out the dye and secondly, I can't eat this!"

"Alice, I swear you always complain and then end up asking for seconds." Edward comments.

"Edward you're such a suck up! Bet mom doesn't know about your snack stash upstairs!

"Wow, really! Speaking of stashes –" Edward starts,

"Edward if you say one more word I will gouge your eye out with this spoon!" and by the way Alice is holding her spoon, I can't be sure she's joking.

Elizabeth finishes putting salad on everyone's plate as Alice and Edward continue to bicker, laughing when she catches my eye.

"You know, a lot of my friends tell me they miss when their kids were little. I don't really have that problem. I've had a pair of toddlers running around this house for sixteen years" she giggles. "Would you like some bread, Bella?"

"Yes, thank you."

Elizabeth puts her cloth napkin into her lap and takes a sip of her wine.

"Will I be seeing you in class this weekend?"

"Yes, you will. I think I'm going to use a purple glaze."

"What a great choice!" she exclaims, "is that your favorite color?"

"You know, I'm not sure I have a favorite color. It kind of changes depending on the day."

"Ok, mom! This is amazing!" Alice sighs after finally giving in and taking a bite.

"Shocking!" Edward says mockingly. He loves this. Fake annoyance is his thing because it gets his competitor worked up.

"My intern Carlisle will be assisting with the glaze class" she tells me.

"He seems nice."

"He is. And such a smart, creative student. He is having an art show at his University at the end of the semester. You should attend, Bella!

"I would love to."

As Edward and Alice finished doing the dishes, Elizabeth wraps her scarf around her neck. "I'll give you a ride home on the way to my studio, Bella"

Edward places his arm around Elizabeth's shoulders. "Mom, I can drive her."

"Is your homework done?" Elizabeth asks him.

"Yes, ma."

"Okay, then. Just make sure you don't get her back too late, and you –" she points to Alice "is that paper done?"

Alice laughs nervously. "Well…I have a very thorough outline."

"Get your backpack, kid. You're coming with me."

Edward and me share an awkward silence as we hear Elizabeth pull out of the driveway.

"Have I shown you my room?" he lets the question hang in the air for a few seconds.

"I'm going to show you my room."

As we make our way up the carpeted steps, I feel a slight flutter in my stomach.

A/N: Hi. Missed you. I could write a long explanation, but I feel it's better that I use this time to write more chapters for you all. I will fill you in bit by bit. If you are still here, thank you. I hope you all have a wonderful week.