Chapter 21

Finally, after 38 slow minutes, we were both released from detention.

"Do you need a ride home, Eli? You mentioned you were walking and you're on the way." Eli shoved his hands inside of his pockets and nodded.

"That'd be great, thanks."

I took out my phone to call Edward but just as we were exiting the building, I spotted him leaning against my car. I put my phone away and sighed.

"Oh, yeah. I forgot you guys are like living together now." Eli chuckled but I knew it probably bothered him. It would bother me. It did bother me.

When we finally got to the car, Edward was now really interested in the book in his hand. He didn't even greet me or Eli which was definitely super strange.

"Hey," I didn't know if I should be explaining why Eli was here since he wasn't even talking to me but I didn't want to add fuel to the fire, "I offered Eli a ride home, he's on the way."

He still didn't say anything and instead walked around to the passenger seat. I unlocked the car and within record time, we were peeling out of the parking lot of the school.

"Thanks again, Bella. With everything that happened, would you believe I actually forgot to get my license?" He gave me a shy smile in the rearview mirror and looked down.

Yeah, I could believe it. When a parent dies, it's like time stops. The world continues without you and you're supposed to figure out how to make sense of anything all by yourself. It's even worse that his mom wasn't really there for him. Not the way my dad was. He must be so alone.

"I completely understand, maybe I can give you lessons? Whenever you're free."

That got a reaction out of him. His smile was exactly as I remembered it. Just warm.

"Are you sure? I doubt I'm gonna be anywhere at driving a car than riding those stupid bikes we got last year. I still can't believe I managed to fall down every time we took them out."

We shared a laugh, remembering the simpler times of sophomore year. I forgot Edward was even next to me until he crossed his arms over his chest and looked out the window.

"It's way easier, trust me we'll be good to go for that test in no time."

There was an awkward silence for a pretty long time until we finally arrived at Eli's house. His house looked different. Not as green. Not as manicured. The grass was way too long and all the flowers had over grown and become lanky plants. I guess maintaining the yard was his Dad's thing. Eli lived in a small neighborhood between my house and the school. All the houses were simply adorable, they looked like country cottages from the outside. I had been inside Eli's home and the inside was just as gorgeous. Not too big, not too small. Modern finishes.

I pulled up to Eli's driveway and put the car in reverse.

"Thank you, again! I'll see you tomorrow." I was grateful that he didn't try to talk more, I was already uncomfortable as it is.

I waved goodbye and pulled the car out of the driveway.

There was still silence in the car, Edward still did not want to speak to me but I could somehow feel the mood shifting.

He wasn't huffing and puffing anymore and I could tell his mood was lifting the closer we got home.

I still sure as hell wasn't going to break the silence. At this point, if I pushed any more, he would think I was up to something. I put the car in park and got out. After dumping my backpack by the door, I beamed upstairs mainly to change but also to avoid Edward for a little bit.

I changed into a pair of sweatpants and a tank top and smoked a quick bowl.

After the much-needed moment to myself, I finally started to head downstairs for some food.

No one was in the kitchen or living room so I figured Edward had gone to his own room.

I took out the ingredients for a PB&J and started assembling the sandwich. Just as I was done, I heard music start to come from upstairs. A slow acoustic. It sounded so peaceful and elegant.

I took my plate to the living room and ate in the small silence. I could still hear the music and wondered what Edward was going through. I was still beyond confused but it had to be something significant for this type of reaction from him.

I contemplated going to his room and demanding that he talk to me. Or at the very least, ask nicely.

I took my plate to the kitchen and started my march to Edward's room. I still had never been in there since he moved in. I was actually kind of excited. Before my anxiety won over my current state of excitement, I quickly knocked on the door. I didn't know if he would hear it since the music was still going but it wasn't a super loud tune.

He answered the door and waited for me to talk.

"Edward. I want to know why you've been so moody today. I don't think it's fair that you're just being so rude to me without even telling- "he cut me off midsentence and pulled me into his room. I was suddenly pressed up against the door with Edward's arms on either side of my body, trapping me in.

"Bella, do you even know who your friend Eli is? I mean, how well do you really know him?"

Still stunned from the violation of space, I couldn't even comprehend his question.

Eli? So that is what this is about?

"What are you talking about? Of course, I know who he is, what is your problem?" I tried to shove him away to get some clarity but no chance. He wouldn't budge.

"Oh really? You know who he is?" He pushed off the wall and left me pressed against the door as he murmured to himself, "I seriously doubt that."

I didn't know how to answer, I didn't even know what he was asking.

He ran his fingers through his hair and stopped at the top to pull. He seemed so incredibly frustrated but I just couldn't understand why.

"Edward. You need to tell me what is going on. Right. NOW. I'm about to come over there and punch you in the face if you don't start talking."

He laughed to himself and started pacing the room.

"Ok sit." He took my hands and made me sit at the edge of the bed. Somewhere in the corner of my mind, I was acknowledging the fact that I was sitting on his bed…in his room…but it was fleeting and couldn't hang on.

"You have been friends with him for a while? His dad died, right? Well, I knew his dad. Actually, my mom knew his dad. They were sort of…friends? I don't know exactly but it didn't click until I heard his last name being yelled in the cafeteria today. Goldsworthy? You don't forget a name like that and I doubt it was a different guy. Plus, they both died around the same time. It has to be the same guy. Eli's dad was someone that my mom was almost afraid of. There are things you don't know about my family but all I can tell you for now is you can't trust Eli. Please, tell me you'll listen."

He was still holding my hands but I couldn't comprehend his words. Don't trust Eli? I had known him forever, Hazel had known him forever. And I knew his dad! I had met him so many times, he was an incredibly sweet guy. He would make pancakes for us on Sunday mornings. He would fix things around the house. He would watch trashy TV with us just to spend time with his son.

I bolted up and pulled my hands away. What he was saying was not making any sense.

"Look, Bella, I don't know if Eli is anything…like…his dad but you have to believe me. His dad was not a good guy. And he must know something. Why did he disappear for so long? Don't you think that's a little strange?"

He was pleading with me, begging me but I couldn't imagine a world where Mr. Goldsworthy was a bad man. I shook my head and the wheels started turning.

"Edward, how did you know him? You didn't even live here. You're telling me you met in Portland? That he's a bad guy because you ran into him once? Eli's dad was an engineer, he worked out of an office. He never traveled to my knowledge. So how could you possibly have known him? Tell me! I'm so sick of this! I'll ask your mother myself but I swear to god I will never forgive you." He had a blank stare on. I couldn't tell if he was going to take my ultimatum. His face was literally stone.

He finally blinked after what seemed like forever and his complexion softened.

"Fine, Bella. Her answer won't be much different. This is not about hurting you. We're trying to protect you but your stubbornness will be the end of you, I hope you can see that. I can't protect you if you won't listen to me."

He was trying to walk towards me but I was too enraged to let him anywhere near.

"No. Don't touch me. You're a liar. A sociopath. You're using my friend's dad's death to some sick agenda between you and your mom and I can't believe I ever trusted you. I was right. You guys are both stone cold statues. If you can't tell me, your OWN FAMILY, what the hell this big secret is then who can you?"

I turned around and walked out the door, without waiting for his answer. I was so livid. My skin was on fire and I wanted to hit something.

In my room, I turned on the water to the shower and waited for it to heat up by putting music on. Hopefully a shower will help calm my nerves. I was officially done with Edward. I was officially done with his vague and ominous threats. I will find out what this secret is and I will not let him or his mother hurt my family.