What Goes Up, Must Come Down

Disclaimer: I do not own Twilight, or any related characters.

It was strange. I was rather fooled by her. Her giggles were obviously close and the scented trail she left led straight to the hallway closet but she couldn't have possibly gotten here so fast. She had started out downstairs with me covering my eyes relentlessly in the corner with obvious sullenness.

Though I was probably distracted enough not to notice Emmett's scent mingling with hers. I should have known, even in this disastrous time, he'd find a way to prank me. I had been searching for near hours, always coming close and then missing her by a fraction, only to realize that she had been moved somewhere else by none other than prankster Emmett.

Let us just say that I was in no mood for pranks.

I had gone out of my way to punch him in his weakest spot—who would have known his weakest spot was his neck?—and scooped Bella away from him, dragging her away so I could give her to Esme and be in peace.

As always, Emmett wondered why.

Well because sometimes when the love of your life is turned into a five-year-old miraculously with no evident explanation we tend to be a bit… out of character.

Who wouldn't?

I hadn't heard from Alice or Jasper in hours and the guilt was unexplainable. Esme and Carlisle fretted downstairs about what to do when Charlie arrived and I hadn't a clue either so I stopped worrying, letting the morose consume me in pity.

And while I'm at it, why not be angry?

Angry for Alice, angry for Jasper, angry for Carlisle, Esme, Rosalie, Emmett, Bella… Well, maybe not so much Rosalie. But... Why did I have this reoccurring feeling that this was my entire fault? If I hadn't have gone out to hunt and not let Bella out of my sight this would not have happened!

"Edweerd?" Bella pulled at my sleeve as I starred blankly out the front window.

What was coming was inevitable. Charlie would be here soon. Why not confront him with the absolute truth?

"Edweerd?" Bella repeated, a bit anxious now.

I shifted my eyes only to glance at her. Her eyes widened at my expression and I did my best at softening my features for her. "Yes?" I answered quietly.

"What's wrong?" she whispered.

I cracked a smile at her. "Nothing, sweetheart. I'm fine." Lying to a five-year-old. Way to boost your ego, Edward. I scowled at nothing in particular.

She shook her head and her lips became pouty. "Nuuh… something wrong…"

I sighed, smiling, looking away to regain my composure and looked to her again. "I suppose something might be bothering me…a little."

"Talk?" Bella's eyes shimmered and she cracked a small smile at me.

What an adorable sight she was… I sighed. Bella rolled her eyes and imitated my sigh. I laughed lightly. She giggled in response, hopping into my lap and wrapping her arms around my neck; she rested her head on my shoulder.

"Hello, there." I greeted playfully.

She smiled, tucking her chin in, looking up at me through her thick eyelashes. Her hair fell into her face and she peered at me through the curtain of her dark locks, crossing her eyes and stuck her tongue out. I did the same, tickling her side. She screamed, laughing in delight.

I laughed really this time.

Bella knew this, as well. She grinned, bringing her face up, smiling in satisfaction. "Talk now?" she said, sounding oddly mature for her age.

I exhaled noisily and dramatically. I mumbled something about 'this cruel world' under my breath and then turned my face away. I could feel Bella's intent stare on the side of my face and if I could have blushed I would have been doing so.

I looked at her, shame-faced. She grinned, shook her head. Closing her eyes, she settled into my arms.

I had yet to realize that Carlisle was standing in the doorway with a gentle look on his face. He held his arms out. Would you like me to take her, Edward? He suggested.

"For how long?" I whispered.

Bella's breathing had become more steady and shallow, her heart-beat slowing fractionally with the pace of rest. "Not so long," Carlisle said, starring at Bella. "She could nap in your room, if you wish. Or Esme could take her." Carlisle's eyes assessed me with a speculative look. "You look like you could use a break, Edward. Why don't you leave; we'll handle the Charlie situation."

I shook my head, flat-out refusing that offer. "Absolutely not. I got us into this…I will get us out."

The look of determination on my face had Carlisle unsure. Edward…

My eyebrows shot up, challenging. "Carlisle. This is my fault. Don't let me off the hook for this." I pleaded.

How is this your fault, son?

I opened my mouth but Carlisle cut me off quickly.

"I should have known you would have a reason. Forget I asked. This isn't your fault. We're here to help you no matter what you think. And anyways, we want to help. We're not helping out of pity."

I looked away. "Thank you." Was all that came to mind.

"No thanks needed." Carlisle said softly, walking over and shaking my shoulder gently. "That offer of taking a break still stands though."

I shook my head, starring out the window. The cars passing by on the highway were louder than usual as my thoughts were a dead-end; nothing to think about, nothing to ponder, nothing but worry which mustered no words. It was just there, clinging to every thought, attached like a parasite, not killing the thought but feeding from it; bending the thought to its ways and constantly setting me on end…

"When is Charlie's arrival?" I asked, my tone hollow.

Carlisle took a moment to reply, starring out the window to the highway where my eyes were. "Soon."

As he said this, the distant noise of a car coming off the free way and turning onto the paved, curved road of our drive had us alert. Carlisle swiped Bella quickly and stealthily off of my lap and was out of the room in a moment.

"What are you doing?" I called in a panic.

I stood up, my arms moving around helplessly as I was unsure of what to do, the distant tires sounding closer and closer with each passing second.

I heard Carlisle shift Bella to Esme upstairs and Carlisle was back in less than a second, standing before me. "Stall."

My eyes widened. "With what?!"

Carlisle's head whipped from side to side. I haven't a clue!

"Here," Emmett said, throwing a piece of paper folded neatly in two. "Stall with that. It's the best I could come up with on such short notice, eh?" Emmett winked before disappearing behind the door. "I'm going to go find Alice and Jasper. I know they didn't go far." Emmett called over his shoulder as he darted into the forest.

With wary indulgence, I unfolded the piece of paper in a quick movement. I could hardly believe what I was reading; it was so ridiculous I found it funny.

Dad, went to the mall with Alice.

P.S. Don't let her do it! I'm forewarning you!

P.P.S. Charlie, I'm taking Bella on a weekend shopping trip. You won't mind, will you? Over these past weeks I've been working on Bella's appearance and what not, including those new clothes I packed along. I mean, I had to get rid of these horrid fuzzy socks that had holes on the bottom! Ugh, I shudder. Did you also know she's in some serious need of new bras and underwear? Anyways… Sorry I couldn't be around to see you! I miss you and Bella loves you and misses you lots, too!

P.P.P.S You're the greatest :) –Your favorite best friend of your daughter. Oh, and by the way, don't mention the waxing to Bella. She'd FREAK. Love ya lots!

It wasn't the best, but then again, Emmett said it was the best he could come up with on such short notice. I didn't blame him. I probably wouldn't be able to come up with something much better.

Carlisle read the note over my shoulder and chuckled. He then moved around hastily and left the room, in search of Esme. Esme met him at the door way, taking his hand, calming his nerves. "This will work." She said gently, reassuring his panicked thoughts.

Truthfully, Esme was scared and panicked out of her mind, too, but she managed to keep her composure for all of our sake's. I could hear it though and I grimaced at the guilt of causing all this chaos on my poor mother. She sent me an apologetic glance and then rubbed Carlisle's hand, calming him further.

Emmett appeared in the doorway, grinning from ear to ear. "I found them."

Jasper stood behind the doorway, his arm wrapped around Alice's tiny waist. She looked just as well as ever, though I don't understand why I suspected she'd change any in the few hours; her expression was sullen and defeated. I sighed in relief, running to hug her. "I'm so sorry," I apologized, pulling away.

Alice smiled sadly. "This isn't your fault, Edward." How could it be? She thought.

I grimaced. Charlie's car was pulling into the drive. "Places, people!" Carlisle said.

Emmett's eyes narrowed. "Do we even have places…?"

"Oh, just move!" Esme snapped, placing her arms on Emmett's broad shoulders and pushing him out of the room. Alice and Jasper followed closely behind; Jasper's thoughts centered on Alice as she slowly grew accustomed to the frustrating fact that she had no idea what was about to happen.

Carlisle left the room and I followed, not sure of my place in this scheme.

Upon waiting in the back room, we all heard Charlie's car come to a stop in the driveway. Our breathes held, hoping this would work. Charlie's car door opened and a grunt emitted from him. He sighed, standing, from the sounds of it, with the door open. The door slammed shut and he mumbled unintelligible things under his breath, his tone repentant.

His heavy footsteps echoed in my ears as he took the stairs slowly, tormenting each of us, one by one. His boots clanked against the wood of the porch loudly as he came to a stop in front of the door, ringing the doorbell predictably, just like in Alice's vision.

Esme turned to Carlisle, unsure. He nodded and she scurried to the front room, just like in the vision.

Opening the front door, I could see from Esme's thoughts Charlie was not happy. He wore a disgruntled expression, his arms folded across his chest, his lips pursed and his brows furrowed low on his deep-set eyes with a speculative look.

"C-Charlie, how good to see you?" Esme said politely, shakily. Oh, dear. Oh, dear, oh, dear, oh, dear… Esme was panicking.

"It's good to see you too, Esme. May I come in?" he repeated from the vision.

"O-Of course," Esme said, glancing behind her. "Um, Carlisle?" she called. "Charlie's here." She said, stating the painfully, horribly obvious.

Carlisle disappeared from my side, only to be seen standing next to Esme in the other room. "Charlie. Please do come in." He said, motioning with his hands, inviting him inside.

Charlie stepped in, glancing around. He pursed and un-pursed his lips nervously. He made a sucking nose with his lips and took a deep breath. "How are you?" Charlie asked, making small-talk. Where the hell is Bella? His thoughts screamed.

Mentioning Bella, I glanced around. She wasn't in the room. I shook it off, supposing that she was somewhere or another. Right now that wasn't exactly important. Getting this by Charlie was our main priority at the moment.

"We are excellent, thank you," Carlisle smiled brightly, stepping forward to shake his hand. Charlie obliged, shaking it warily, his eyes still skeptical. "And you?" Carlisle returned.

"I'm great. Been missing Bella though…" he hinted subtly.

Esme feigned sadness. Or maybe it was real. I could hardly tell. Unlike Bella, she was an excellent actress. "Oh, dear, Charlie. I feel so terrible…"

Everyone gaped; all of us in the room exchanging glances frantically.

Carlisle pursed his lips and looked at Esme with wide eyes. "Esme, darling…" he said slowly, walking over and placing his hand on her shoulder, looking in her eyes.

I could see Esme's golden eyes beautifully through Carlisle's thoughts and Carlisle's golden eyes handsomely through each of their thoughts, mirroring each other with their own thoughts of one another. Was it creepy as I looked at Carlisle through Esme's thoughts I found him handsome?

I grimaced and shook my head, ridding the thought.

Edward, Esme's thoughts rang in my head clearly. Tell the others this is an act and they're not to worry. Esme's lips opened and she told Carlisle quickly of her plan, so quickly and so incredibly quietly that Charlie missed it and he was standing right there in front of them.

I sighed in relief and the others starred at me curiously. "Esme is acting." I explained quietly.

"Ahh," they all said simultaneously while they nodded in understanding.

Emmett grinned. Esme is a damn good actress. She'll come in handy when I need a prank-buddy… I rolled my eyes.

"I'm so sorry, Charlie." Esme said, turning to Charlie. "I just feel so terrible about you missing Bella. I wish we would have known sooner… Bella told me to give this note to you if you decided to drop by." Esme handed Charlie the note with a pained look on her face. "If we would have known you were to stop by so soon we would have told them to stick around a bit…"

Charlie's eyes widened and he snatched the note, skimming over it. He blushed at some parts and cracked a smile at others. He then sighed, looking up at Carlisle and Esme. "So Bella is on a…shopping trip?"

Carlisle smiled tightly, nodding his head. "Unfortunately. Alice insisted. And you know Alice…"

Charlie breathed deeply and allowed himself to laugh. "Yeah. Well…when they get back…"

"We'll be sure to give you a call." Carlisle said quickly.

Charlie nodded. "I'm so sorry, Charlie." Esme apologized again.

"It isn't your fault, Esme. I just…didn't really realize I would miss Bells so much."

I took a deep breath, knowing the feeling. Times a thousand.

I am so sorry for the wait, but I assure that it's is over. I have the idea of how it will end in mind, so stick around for that and DON'T forget to review. :) I plan to make the ending romantic and I'm feeling all lovey-dovey so I'll get it good :D

Mentioning romance (which was what I partially categorized this story as); I did try to fit a bit more humor into this chapter. Lately I've been all dramatic and I categorized this story as part humor. I hope my humor wasn't pitiful. (I think it was.)

So I know this chapter is longer than normal. Well, there are reasons. One, you deserve a lot more because of that stupid wait I had to make you endure, and two, I wanted to get a lot on this chapter because I want to end this story on the best note I can (aka while I'm on an incredible writing-streak.)

One last thing, heh, about the ending… It might not be as clever as you thought it would be. I did my best at trying a plot-twist, something to try and make you go LE GASP! I so did not see that coming! But I don't think it's going to end up like that… The only real thing I can promise is some cutesy romance. …Cause I'm good at that. xP

Hugs and kisses,

-Holly