TWENTY!!...NO MORE

Whatever retort I had, died down when I heard footsteps behind me, and seconds later, Damon walked into the kitchen with a huge grin - only it was directed at Isabella.

“Isabella, you're cooking? That's a pleasant surprise,” Damon remarked.

Isabella chuckled softly, her eyes meeting Damon's. “Why are you surprised? I'm allowed to cook, aren't I?”

Damon's smile widened. “Well….thing is, honey, you are a terrible cook”

Isabella glared at him, and he laughed, throwing his hands up.

“It's just the truth, don't get all feisty now.”

“Get out. I have improved a lot in the last few months. Actually, Vincent loved cooking and, well, he taught me one or two …"

Her expression suddenly shifted from playful to sad as she gazed at the word, looking lost.

Damon wrapped a hand around her shoulder, patting it…" Hey, don't feel sad now. It's okay, alright?”

She smiled, and took his hand, “Yeah. Thank you so much for being here, despite …."

“Bella, we are friends. You have been our friend since we coul