Wednesday at school was boring. Again. I spent all day with either Alice or Edward and no time thinking about the horror of yesterday afternoon. It was all but forgotten by the end of period six.

For the first time this school year, Alice rode home with Edward and me. Since Charlie was forever grateful for her help during my last major injury, she was welcome to stay. And took the invitation.

With her help, homework went fast. Afterwards, Alice insisted on dressing me up for dinner. I didn’t understand why, but eventually fell for her usual sob story. After an hour of work, I was dressed in a v-neck, two-inch sleeve, blue dress with a shiny sash across the waist and the same fabric across the bottom. A pair of pointy, white flats was placed on my feet. My face was covered in midnight blue eye shadow, starry eyed eyeliner, bright red lipstick and some light pink lip gloss. At least Alice had left most of my hair down, pinning just a few pieces up and back.

I was looking at myself in the mirror. Despite the nice clothes, make-up, and hair-do, I was still boring ole Bella. Seconds into my examination, the door bell rang and I stumbled backwards onto the chair I occupied moments prior, startled. Thank goodness for the interruption.

Alice bounded out the bathroom door and down the stairs. I followed as fast as I could, eager to see Edward after the long day. Charlie was watching his game and ignoring Edward – as usual.

The door opened, revealing a grinning Edward holding bags. He stepped inside and wrapped his unoccupied arm around me.

“Have fun with Alice?” he asked as we followed her into the kitchen.

“It was dreadful.” I shuddered at the thought.

He chuckled and led me to the table. The bags were set on the counter and I was seated in a chair by Edward’s command. Seconds later, a plate full of mushroom ravioli was set in front of me.

“What about Charlie’s dinner?”

“Alice is serving him,” Edward said as he sat down across from me. “Tonight is about you.”

“So why did you let Alice put me through an hour of this?” I gestured vaguely at my face and outfit.

He shrugged. “I thought it would be a nice change. Plus, Alice wanted to spend some time with you.”

I opened my mouth to respond, but he held up a hand to stop me and pointed at my food.

“Eat, Bella.”

I stared at him for a moment, disappointed he didn’t want to listen, and then looked down at my plate. The mushroom ravioli looked delicious, so I took a bite. After a few more mouthfuls, I found I was hungrier than I thought, and finished dinner quickly. Nobody spoke up the entire time.

After dinner, Edward took Alice home. While I waited for his return, I showered and changed into pajamas. By the time I was done, Edward was already sprawled across my bed. He looked stunning – like a model. With his eyes closed, I could have believed he was sleeping peacefully.

His arms opened, welcoming me, and I took the invitation greedily. Once I was settled in the bed, he started humming my lullaby.

“I love you, Bella,” Edward murmured, just before I fell asleep.