“101.3,” Edward said, grimacing, after he felt my forehead.

“Shouldn’t you check with a thermometer?” I instantly regretted my question. Of course he wouldn’t need a thermometer. He just smirked and raised an eyebrow at me. I let out a huff and pushed my comforter off of me for the third time. My body was rapidly changing temperature. Edward wanted me to stay covered, so he compromised by pulling the sheets up close to my chin. He tucked me in and kissed my forehead.

“I feel like a mummy,” I pouted. He chuckled and kissed me on the lips. I started to sit up so I could deepen the kiss but his hands stopped me dead in my tracks.

“Bella, please lie down. How many times do I have to ask you? You need your rest.” I sighed and lay down like he asked me.

“Edward, I-”

“Shh,” he interrupted, and before I could blink he was out of sight. Charlie. I grunted, aggravated. Charlie knocked once and then cracked the door.

“Why are you still in bed, Bella? You’re going to be late for school,” he said, matter-of-factly.

“I don’t feel so hot, dad. I think I’m going to stay home today.” He looked me over suspiciously.

“Now… This wouldn’t be some ploy to just hang out with Edward, would it?” I rolled my eyes and grabbed a tissue from the box on the bedside table to my left.

“Come on, dad, really?” I asked, and then loudly blew my nose. I hated doing that knowing that Edward could hear, but there was no way of avoiding it. Being sick was just another side effect of being human.

“Yeah, well. You look pretty bad I guess.”

“Gee, thanks.” I retorted sarcastically. My voice sounded scratchy. He chuckled and walked over to me to feel my forehead.

“Ooh, Bella, you are warm. You need me to call in?” My eyes got huge and I silently prayed that if God had any mercy on me at all, to let my father go into work.

“It’s cool, dad. I can take care of myself,” I replied quickly. He looked at me suspiciously again, scrutinizing my face, and then turned to walk toward the door.

“Please call me if you need anything, Bells. Don’t bother yourself with cooking, okay? I’ll pick up some soup on the way home. Get better.”