Ebb and Flow (Twilight x Reader)

Chapter 5

"Yeah, I think so. It will do her good to get some fresh air that's free from Edward's cologne."

Mike barked out a laugh.

***

When I got home, I knocked on Bella's bedroom door.

Her voice was muffled. "Come in."

The door squeaked as it opened, and I leaned against the doorframe. "Hey."

She was at her computer, and turned her swivel chair to face me. "Hey. . .?"

"Just wanted to make sure you were alright. Mike told me what happened."

Her lips parted in surprise, as if she'd been caught doing something bad. Maybe she had. "Oh. Yeah, I'm feeling much better now. Just needed to lie down for a bit."

"Mike also mentioned that it was Edward who took you home."

She froze.

"Want to tell me how that happened?" I prodded, but I kept my voice soft, so I was speaking to her in more of a maternal way rather than a demanding way.

Bella shrugged and avoided eye contact. "He was just there when it happened and offered to drive me. That's all."

"Hm. I thought you hated him?"

Bella scratched at her neck. "Yeah, well. . . we've talked a few times lately, and decided to just. . . be friends, I guess."

I gave her a disbelieving look. "Friends?"

"You don't sound convinced."

"I'm not. Bella. . ." I sighed. "Edward isn't a good guy. He—his mood swings are off the charts, he's been practically obsessed with you, and. . . just, there's something weird going on with him. I just don't want you to get hurt."

Bella's expression twisted into one of almost offense. "I can take care of myself, you know."

"I'm just looking out for you—"

"I don't need anyone to look out for me, okay? Can you get out? I need to focus on my homework."

"Bella—"

"Get out," she said forcefully. Then she paused and her voice went soft. "Please?"

My jaw clenched.

But all I did was nod and shut the door to her room softly.

***

Friday wasn't too eventful. I had originally planned to observe Edward and Bella during lunch to see exactly what was going on there, but he wasn't there.

That night at dinner, Dad seemed enthusiastic about our trip to La Push in the morning. I think he felt guilty for leaving us home alone on the weekends, but he'd spent too many years building his habits to break them now. Of course he knew the names of all the kids going, and their parents, and their great-grandparents, too, probably.

"Dad, do you know a place called Goat Rocks or something like that? I think it's south of Mount Rainier," Bella asked.

"Yeah—why?"

She shrugged. "Some kids were talking about camping there."

"It's not a very good place for camping." He sounded surprised. "Too many bears. Most people go there during the hunting season."

"Oh," she murmured. "Maybe I got the name wrong."

I peered at her, but she kept her head down for the rest of dinner. What was that about? Why the sudden interest in that area?