Baby Isabella

Chapter 18

I woke with a start, snapping my eyes open only to be closed again with the blinding sunlight.

I lied there, breathing heavily for a moment. My dream was completely forgotten but the memory of Tanya's threat was fresh in my mind.

I thought again about how I would avoid Edward. I could always do what I do to the people at school, avoid eye contact, give short answers, and try to leave as soon as possible.

He would think I am just tired, at least for a little while. I sighed and pulled myself out of bed.

I winced, feeling the ache of my shoulder and side. I walked into my closet to start changing clothes.

I stood in front of a mirror and inspected my injuries. Both had started to bruise and hurt with movement and touch but I would have to ignore it if I didn't want anyone to know.

I chose a brown sweater and jeans. It was comfortable and covered the bruises.

I walked out of my room and made my way downstairs for breakfast.

However, being the clutz I am, I tripped over my own feet while on the last couple of steps. I braced myself for the impact but instead found myself saved by cold arms.

I looked up to see Edward smiling at me. I smiled in thanks and he helped me stand. I looked over to see Tanya in the corner of the room, glaring at me.

I looked down and walked past Edward into the dining room where Esme was putting my breakfast on the table.

"Thanks mom." I said as I sat down.

She patted my head and went back to the kitchen. I sat down and started eating. Edward took his usual spot next to me and I did my best to ignore him, using my hair as a wall between us.

"Are you okay?" He asked me when I finished. I nodded silently, getting up to take care of my dishes. He followed me like a shadow. I could feel Tanya starring daggers me as I made my way to sit with everyone in the living room.

I had sat down in a chair that only fits one person. Edward frowned a bit but stood next to me anyway.

"How was hunting?" I asked.

"Not much fun," Emmett whined, "I couldn't find any bears, just boring deer."

"It's still the middle of winter. They're hibernating." I laughed.

I sat contentedly as I listened to everyone talk. I noticed after a while that Tanya had started talking to Edward and was trying to get him to go with her. While saying that he was going to stay with me, he put his hand on my bad shoulder.

I flinched and winced. Edward immediately turned his attention towards me.

"I'm so sorry. Are you alright?" He asked with so much concern in his eyes.

"Yes, just sore. I slept awkwardly." I mumbled, looking down.

"Are you sure?" He pressed.

I just nodded. I hoped that Tanya wouldn't confront me later. She must have been doing a great job at hiding her true thoughts from Edward, as he wasn't suspicious.

I realized that Alice didn't know anything either. Tanya must not have planned her actions. If she had, Alice would have seen it and not have left me alone with her.

I got up and started to make my way upstairs. I needed to find something to do to distract myself. I wandered the halls until I found myself at Jasper's library. I spent a lot of time in the library reading anything I could find. Jasper had been reading to me from a young age and occasionally still did.

I closed the door behind me and pulled out Wuthering Heights.

Try as I might, I couldn't focus on the story. Worried thoughts kept rushing through my mind. Tanya hurting me, my family finding out, the near impossibility of avoiding Edward, even if I wanted to.

I couldn't let them find out. I don't want to cause problems and possibly harm the family relationship. They have all considered themselves family for longer than I've been alive.

A light knock at the door snapped me out of my thoughts. I turned to see Jasper walk in. He sat next to me in his usual chair.

"Are you ok?" He asked.

"Did Edward ask you to come in and say that?" I sighed.

"You know him well," he chuckled, "but seriously, what's going on?"

I knew Edward would be listening in, either physically or through Jasper's mind. I couldn't reveal anything nor could I lie convincingly. Half truths were my only option.

"I just had a long night." I mummbled.

He raised an eyebrow, "You've been nervous and worried all morning."

Crap. I forgot that he could read my emotions.

"I've been thinking about how to avoid Mike."

That wasn't entirely untrue. I really had been trying to find out how to avoid Mike. He had been sending texts for the past few days, trying to get me to go out with him. Definitely stress worthy in my book.

"Are you sure that's it?"

"Pretty much."

It still didn't seem like he believed me but was at least willing to let it go for a while.

He nodded and pulled out a book and started to read to himself. I continued trying to read and just ended up staring at the pages.

Time flew and before I knew it, Esme came to get me for lunch.

I passed through the living room on my way to the dining room. Tanya was on Edward's lap and he seemed to be struggling to get her off without being completely rude. We locked eyes for a moment, his pleading for help, mine holding an apology. I looked away quickly and finally reached the dining room.

I had just finished eating when Alice bounded my way.

"We're going shopping, just us girls." She clapped excitedly.

I looked behind her to see all the females in our family, including Tanya. She wouldn't be able to do anything to me in public or around the others.

I smiled, "Okay."

~~~~~~~~
Heu guys!!! I didnt realize how long it has been since I last updated. Sorry about that. I have been working on this chapter for a while whenever I have time. I know it is a filler but things will pick up again soon.

SUPER IMPORTANT!!!! I need your opinions. I have been thinking about making a book that is kind of like a diary and will update you guys on what's going on in my life and updates on how chapters are going. Is that something you would like to see? Let me know in the comments.

Thanks for the continuing support.

~Holly