Chapter 55 - Joy Rides & Clown Masks

The next day, Emmett and Rose arrived early. I rushed to greet them as Edward brushed past me to help Emmett carry four garment bags inside.

Rose saw my curious expression as I watched Edward and Emmett carry them upstairs. "So, since it's my birthday on Monday, I decided that I just wanted a small dinner tonight to celebrate." She spoke quickly. "We're meeting Alice, Jazz and Christopher at Michael's Restaurant in Port Angeles at 6pm."

"Oh?"

Chapter 56 - Hallelujah & Zombie Dances

When I finally tore myself away from my little bubble of friends and family, I realized that we were still standing in the Forks High School parking lot. Also, I realized that we weren't alone.

From a distance I watched as my father and what looked to be about half of the police force of Forks, stood in front of the group of paps that had followed us from the restaurant.

"Sorry folks, unless you have permission to be on school property, I'm going to have to ask you to leave." Charlie announced.

I heard a collective groan go up from the camera-wielding pains in the ass.

Chapter 57 - Making Plans & False Allegations

If I hadn't known it already, today would have convinced me that Edward was too good to be true. He didn't even flinch when Dr. Miller asked him to step into her office. Quite the opposite, he actually seemed to welcome the opportunity to speak with her.

He grasped my hand, and never released it during the entire visit.

Of course Kim never mentioned the things we'd talked about during my sessions, her main focus while speaking with us seemed to be how we planned to handle the stress of being in the public eye, especially after our marriage.

Chapter 58 - Family Photos & Mama's Squeeze Box

I didn't cry for long. After a few minutes, Rose came in search of me. "Bella what happened?" She exclaimed as she knelt down and covered my hand with hers.

I wiped the tears from my cheeks. "He pushed me away Rose."

She frowned.

"I get that he's upset, but I was only trying to help. I wanted to reassure him." I sniffled. "I'm not naïve, I know things like this are going to happen. It's inevitable that once in a while some crazy person is going to accuse Edward of something, merely to get attention. I also know that this particular accusation is easy to disprove." I took a shuddering breath. "But Edward's reaction was so unexpected. It doesn't bode well for our future if, at the first sign of difficulty, he pushes me away."

Chapter 59 - Dream Jobs & Photo Shoots

Here I sat having lunch with my future mother-in-law once again. This time Esme brought the wedding planner, Gloria, with her. They chatted on and on about the preparations for my wedding while I barely paid attention.

I had no right or reason to feel sad, but I did. It was ten days until graduation, and two weeks until I was unemployed. Actually, I was thrilled to be graduating, not so thrilled to be 'unemployed'. Add to that the fact that Edward had been called back to California early this morning, a whole day and a half earlier than expected. Something about needing him early because weather predictions caused changes to the dates of the reshoots for The Harvest of Avarice.

Chapter 60 - Wrap Parties & Shattered Glass

Lou and I were on our way to the wrap party before I heard from Edward. His response came in the form of a text message.

.

You know what they say about paybacks my love


I'll meet you in the lobby
.

Upon entering the lobby of The Standard, I felt out of place in my t-shirt and jeans even after I saw Edward dressed similarly. That man would look good in anything.

Or nothing

Chapter 61 - Boot Heels & Body Bags

Can you hear my heart beating like a hammer?

Beating like a hammer?

Help, I'm alive, my heart keeps beating like a hammer
Hard to be soft
Tough to be tender


Come take my pulse, the pace is on a runaway train
Help, I'm alive, my heart keeps beating like a hammer