 I admitted. Ill keep it within a ten-mile radius, though. Okay?

He grunted something that did not sound like approval, and stalked out of the room. Naturally, as soon as Id won the fight, I began to feel guilty.

Were going out? Edward asked, his voice low but enthusiastic.

I turned to glower at him. Yes. I think Id like to speak to youalone .

He didnt look as apprehensive as I thought he should.

I waited to begin until we were safely in his car.

What wasthat ? I demanded.

I know you want to see your mother, Bella  youve been talking about her in your sleep. Worrying actually.

I have?

He nodded. But, clearly, you were too much of a coward to deal with Charlie, so I interceded on your behalf.

Interceded? You threw me to the sharks!

He rolled his eyes. I dont think you were in any danger.

I told you I didnt want to fight with Charlie.

Nobody said that you had to.

I glowered at him. I cant help myself when he gets all bossy like that  my natural teenage instincts overpower me.

He chuckled. Well, thats not my fault.

I stared at him, speculating. He didnt seem to notice. His face was serene as he gazed out the windshield. Something was off, but I couldnt put my finger on it. Or maybe it was just my imagination again, running wild like it had this afternoon.

Does this sudden urge to see Florida have anything to do with the party at Billys place?

His jaw flexed. Nothing at all. It wouldnt matter if you were here or on the other side of the world, you still wouldnt be going.

It was just like with Charlie before  just like being treated as a misbehaving child. I gritted my teeth together so I wouldnt start shouting. I didnt want to fight with Edward, too.

Edward sighed, and when he spoke his voice was warm and velvet again. So what do you want to do tonight? he asked.

Can we go to your house? I havent seen Esme in so long.

He smiled. Shell like that. Especially when she hears what were doing this weekend.

I groaned in defeat.

We didnt stay out late, as Id promised. I was not surprised to see the lights still on when we pulled up in front of the house  I knew Charlie would be waiting to yell at me some more.

Youd better not come inside, I said. It will only make things worse.

His thoughts are relatively calm, Edward teased. His expression made me wonder if there was some additional joke I was missing. The corners of his mouth twitched, fighting a smile.

Ill see you later, I muttered glumly.

He laughed and kissed the top of my head. Ill be back when Charlies snoring.

The TV was loud when I got inside. I briefly considered trying to sneak past him.

Could you come in here, Bella? Charlie called, sinking that plan.

My feet dragged as I took the five necessary steps.

Whats up, Dad?

Did you have a nice time tonight? he asked. He seemed ill at ease. I looked for hidden meanings in his words before I answered.

Yes, I said hesitantly.

What did you do?

I shrugged. Hung out with Alice and Jasper. Edward beat Alice at chess, and then I played Jasper. He buried me.

I smiled. Edward and Alice playing chess was one of the funniest things Id ever seen. Theyd sat there nearly motionless, staring at the board, while Alice foresaw the moves he would make and he picked the moves she would make in return out of her head. They played most of the game in their minds; I think theyd each moved two pawns when Alice suddenly flicked her king over and surrendered. It took all of three minutes.

Charlie hit the mute button  an unusual action.

Look, theres something I need to say. He frowned, looking very uncomfortable.

I sat still, waiting. He met my gaze for a second before shifting his eyes to the floor. He didnt say anything more.

What is it, Dad?

He sighed. Im not good at this kind of thing. I dont know how to start. . . .

I waited again.

Okay, Bella. Heres the thing. He got up from the couch and started pacing back and forth across the room, looking as his feet all the time. You and Edward seem pretty serious, and there are some things that you need to be careful about. I know youre an adult now, but youre still young, Bella, and there are a lot of important things you need to know when you . . . well, when youre physically involved with 

Oh, please,please no! I begged, jumping to my feet. Please tell me you are not trying to have a sex talk with me, Charlie.

He glared at the floor. I am your father. I have responsibilities. Remember, Im just as embarrassed as you are.

I dont think thats humanly possible. Anyway, Mom beat you to the punch about ten years ago. Youre off the hook.

Ten years ago you didnt have a boyfriend, he muttered unwillingly. I could tell he was battling with his desire to drop the subject. We were both standing up, looking at the floor, and facing away from each other.

I dont think the essentials have changed that much, I mumbled, and my face had to be as red as his. This was beyond the seventh circle of Hades; even worse was realizing that Edward had known this was coming. No wonder hed seemed so smug in the car.

Just tell me that you two are being responsible, Charlie pled, obviously wishing a pit would open in the floor so that he could fall in.

Dont worry about it, Dad, its not like that.

Not that I dont trust you, Bella, but I know you dont want to tell me anything about this, and you know I dont really want to hear it. I will try to be open-minded, though. I know the times have changed.

I laughed awkwardly. Maybe the times have, but Edward is very old-fashioned. You have nothing to worry about.

Charlie sighed. Sure he is, he muttered.

Ugh! I groaned. I really wish you were not forcing me to say this out loud, Dad.Really. But . . . I am a . . . virgin, and I have no immediate plans to change that status.

We both cringed, but then Charlies face smoothed out. He seemed to believe me.

Can I go to bed, now?Please. 

In a minute, he said.

Aw, please, Dad? Im begging you.

The embarrassing parts over, I promise, he assured me.

I shot a glance at him, and was grateful to see that he looked more relaxed, that his face was back to its regular color. He sank down onto the sofa, sighing with relief that he was past the sex speech.

What now?

I just wanted to know how the balance thing is coming along.

Oh. Good, I guess. I made plans with Angela today. Im going to help her with her graduation announcements. Just us girls.

Thats nice. And what about Jake?

I sighed. I havent figured that one out yet, Dad.

Keep trying, Bella. I know youll do the right thing. Youre a good person.

Nice. So if I didnt figure out some way to make things right with Jacob, then I was abad person? That was below the belt.

Sure, sure, I agreed. The automatic response almost made me smile  it was something Id picked up from Jacob. I even said it in the same patronizing tone he used with his own father.

Charlie grinned and turned the sound back on. He slumped lower into the cushions, pleased with his nights work. I could tell he would be up with the game for a while.

Night, Bells.

See you in the morning! I sprinted for the stairs.

Edward was long gone and he wouldnt be back until Charlie was asleep  he was probably out hunting or something to pass the time  so I was in no hurry to undress for bed. I wasnt in the mood to be alone, but I certainly wasnt going to go back downstairs to hang out with my Dad, just in case he thought of some topic of sex education that he hadnt touched on before; I shuddered.

So, thanks to Charlie, I was wound up and anxious. My homework was done and I didnt feel mellow enough for reading or just listening to music. I considered calling Rene with the news of my visit, but then I realized that it was three hours later in Florida, and she would be asleep.

I could call Angela, I supposed.

But suddenly I knew that it wasnt Angela that I wanted to ta