CHAPTER 4: Perplexes of the Exes

Upon opening the door, I held in my groan at the sight of none other than Edward freaking Cullen. "Hey…" he smiled sheepishly, nervously stuffing his hands into his pockets.

When he tried to take a step into the house, I placed a hand onto his chest and feigned human weakness in pushing him back. "What are you doing here?" I demanded and crossed my arms defensively, blocking his path.

"Thought I'd drop by" he answered and raised an eyebrow suggestively.

I shook my head with a low scoff. "You just don't give up"

"You sounded strange on the phone" he mused, leaning on the doorway and darting expectant glances over my shoulder.

"It's because I didn't want to talk to you"

"Bella I just-" I froze when he began to sniff the air. "Is someone in here?" he frowned and pushed past me before I could answer. He raced around the room and began to walk towards the kitchen.

"Someone was here" I corrected, remaining composed as I trailed in after him. The door now closed behind me.

"Who?" he demanded and whirled around to stare at me. "Who was here?"

I bit my tongue, fighting against the insults that left a bitter taste in my mouth. "Don't you dare get possessive. We're not together" I sneered and jabbed at his chest.

"Which is why I'm here" Edward sighed, easily distracted by my words.

When he began to reach out for me, I took a step back. "Please don't…"

"Bella, I love you" he insisted, grabbing hold of my hand but I tore myself away from him.

I pushed him back again and casually sauntered into the kitchen. The drinks and glasses had already been cleared out but my breath probably still stunk. I couldn't chance any suspicions. "Now is really not the time" I muttered and grabbed the orange juice like a good little human girl.

Edward was hot on my heels. "Why won't you just give me another chance?"

"Like you said. I don't belong in your world" I reminded him, slamming the fridge shut and then hopping onto the counter. "Aren't you happy to get what you want?" I starkly replied.

Fear crept up in his golden eyes, widening as he trembled. "What about you said? About us making it work?" he asked with a panicked tone.

"That was when I thought I could trust you" I retorted.

He nodded profusely and continued to stalk me around the kitchen. "You can. You should"

When it became clear that he wasn't willing to give up, I sniffed and threw my head back. Our gazes locked as I sighed tiredly. "I'm leaving town" I announced.

"What?" he gasped, blinking up at me.

"I have to go help a friend"

He searched the room and then placed a hand onto his chest. "Is this because of me?"

"Don't be pretentious" I barked and exhaustedly ran my trembling fingers through my hair. How did he manage to twist everything around to him?

"Will you be back?" he croaked.

I shrugged. "I don't know"

"And I can't stop you?" he said and I looked up to him, thankful for the teasing smile he adorned.

I shook my head with masked sadness. "You should go" I suggested.

"Okay" he relented and in a painful slow motion, he numbly walked to the door. He opened it but turned to look at me. "Just remember…"

"You love me" I concluded and held the door, waiting for him to leave. Only as he took a step, I placed a hand on his arm. "I loved you too" I assured him. "Don't doubt that" I vowed with a sad nod.

After one last melancholy goodbye, he left and I softly closed the door behind him. My back now falling against it as I sighed while massaging my temple. When finally opening my eyes, I caught how the closet door opened and Stefan reappeared.

"Not a word" I curtly warned.

He exhaled and then took slow steps towards me. "I'm sorry" he said, placing comforting arm around me.

"Don't be" I shook him off.

Stefan tilted his head and gave me the brooding look that made anyone within ten miles want to off themselves. "I guess we're on the same boat huh?"

"No pity party" I jabbed and pushed from the door, walking around him. "Let's make this road trip fun" I exclaimed, suddenly uplifted with the prospect of getting away.

He followed after me. "Nothing says fun like trying to rehabilitate your emotionless vampire brother"

I turned and smirked excitedly when laying my palms onto his chest. "That's the Stefan I know and love"