Vs. 401

While I waited for Bella, I finally took the opportunity to examine her small media collection beside the bed. There weren't many surprises, after all my interrogations. I found just one hardback in her library, too new to be paperback yet. It was her copy of *Tooth and Claw*, the one of her favorites that I'd never read. I'd not yet taken time to catch up on this lack- I'd been too busy following Bella around like a demented bodyguard. I opened the novel now and began.
	I was aware as I read that Bella was taking longer than usual. As ever, the constant anxiety that she would at last see something in me to avoid quickly reared its head. I tried to ignore it. There could be a million reasons why Bella dawdled. I focused on the book instead. I could see why it was one of her favorites- it was both strange and charming. Of course, any story of triumphant love would fit my humor today.
	The bathroom door opened. I replaced the book- noting the page number, 166, so I could return to it later- and assumed my statue-like pose from before. But I was disappointed; rather than return, she shuffled down the stairs. Her steps came to a stop on the bottom tread.