What's Wrong With The World - Eddy&bells <3

What's Wrong With The World?

Chapter 1 : The Beginning, You, Me and all other people You may wonder how I ended like this... How me, Isabella Marie Swan . Miss Independent ended up making out in secret with Edward Anthony Mason . Forks High’s Player of the Year, to be rather exact somebody I swear to hate all my life since I first arrive to this little town in the 5th grade. Don't get me wrong we're gathering ONLY for making out purposes, NOTHING more... do you wonder how I ended like this? What could turn "Miss Independent" in a person that could do what I'm doing right now? Don't worry I'm still Miss Independent; I still control my own life and this situation... Maybe I should start from the beginning... Flashback The last day of school before winter break... A chilly December morning, but not just a regular morning, it's the last morning I have to come to this purgatory called High School during 2007, that's right, when I return to this place it would be 2008... In fact I am not coming back to Forks until 2008 either. I am going to L.A. for winter break; Charlie didn't mind that I pass the holiday with my mother, her husband Phil and my two step-siblings Samantha & Allison. (A/N: In this story, Phil is older than Renée and a widower he has two twin daughters that are the same age as Bella). I like to go visit them. It allows me to show the other side of me. You see, here at Forks, specifically Forks High School, Bella Swan is an 16-year-old sophomore, that is ONLY known for being shy and quiet…In fact here at school I only have a few friends, okay 4. No I don’t mean 4 best friends, though they are my best friends… I ONLY have 4 friends…and they’re the only ones at Forks who have seen the other side of me, the wild side of Bella Swan. That’s the Bella Swan that comes out every time I go to L.A. I finally arrive to school… I saw Alice and Angela (two of my previous mentioned amount of friends) waving me so I started walking towards her. Alice Cullen was my first friend here at Forks. Since the first day we’ve been the best of best friends. Alice’s father is the best surgeon in Forks. There is no one who hadn’t heard of Carlisle Cullen’s “miracle” surgeries. Alice’s mom is the best home decorator I have ever known in my short life. Alice was a sophomore like me, while her older brother, Emmett was a junior. Alice and Emmett have the most funny brother-sister relationship ever. I have grown and turn out to be friend

Emmett as well as Emmett’s best friend Jasper Hale. Alice have befriend Jasper in a different way, they were dating. Jasper however had a twin sister, Rosalie. She was very pretty with light blue eyes, blonde hair and a super-model body, any boy in Forks wanted to date her. She, being a junior, was currently dating a sophomore, Edward Mason. A junior dating a sophomore would be news if they weren’t Edward Mason and Rosalie Hale. Edward is the Forks High’s Player of the Year. He has dated almost all the school including the older girls. Because of the existence of boys like him is the reason I don’t date. In my case dating is a lost cause. I’m totally plain, though my friends try to contradict me. After meeting Alice at the entrance, I went to my classes. The day turned out uneventful. Then the last class of the day: Government. One word to describe this class: Boring. Not to mention I was seeing something nauseating. I forgot to mention Edward Mason takes this class with me… ugh! I hate him! Right now in the middle of class he is making out with some girl, Jessica I think is her name… though I don’t really care. If you’re wondering, yes he is cheating on Rosalie, though she knows this pretty well and don’t care about it. Perhaps it is because she’s cheating on him with someone in the football team cough-Emmett!-cough. I don’t know why Emmett is with her, he says she is really nice outside school. Probably that is why nobody outside me and my friends know about that relationship, Rosalie has to maintain her reign in Forks High. Emmett is really weird in that aspect. He doesn’t mind that she treats him like crap at school; he says she makes it up for him after. That’s creepy. I don’t see why they (Edward and Rosalie) didn’t break-up. Maybe it’s just a popular thing. I don’t really care about it. Mr. Banner, the teacher started giving us our last tests. I usually do pretty well at school. I am at the top of my class in all the subjects, this being the only exception. When I received my paper I was very disappointed, I have gotten an A-. Ugh! “Don’t worry. I will make it up for you. I will do some charity for you and make out with you after class…” I turned around to see the egocentric smirk of Edward who was spying my work. I was going to say something but Mr. Banner appeared and handed him a grade. He got an A ! How in the world did he get that grade! Oh right! Mr. Banner shows preferences, even though I pay attention to every single class and complete every single assignment that is given, Edward that does nothing and doesn’t even know the significance of the word Government gets all A’s. Why? Because he is the son of Edward Mason, the great lawyer, and he can’t get that grades in a subject like government. I quickly got out of the classroom, not without tripping in my way. “You’re such a klutz, it clearly shows that you’re retarded” He said. Gah! I can’t stand him! Did he just say I was a mental person? “You know what Mason, go to hell!” I said as I ran away from school. The next thing I knew I was in Port Angeles Airport taking flight 2824 to Los Angeles. The flight was relatively short. Then I arrived. Fun Bella had her way. I was having so much fun! Finally the last day of the 2007 arrived. My step-sisters had a surprise for me. We were going to a New Year’s Eve Party. And that

wasn’t all it was a costume party. To my disgrace I went shopping. Finally I end up wearing a beige dress with a black ribbon at waist height and a mask. (A/N: Picture of dress on profile) We arrive at the party at 10pm, all was going normally. I was having a lot of fun. Dancing and talking with other people in masks. At 11:45pm the hostess made an announcement. “My guests, its an honor to have you all here and to tell you that it’s fifteen minutes till midnight and the year 2008! Enjoy the last few minutes of the 2007!” She was about to go when she suddenly said “Oh! I almost forgot! It’s a tradition on New Years Eve to ring in the year with a kiss, so everybody grab your special someone and ring the 2008!” What did she just say? I have to ‘ring’ the New Year with a kiss but with whom? “Come on Bells, you are going to miss this experience.” Allison said to me. I just realize my two step-siblings were standing next to me. “I don’t have anyone to ‘ring’ the New Year with.” I was clearly telling the truth, not to mention I’m a terrible liar. “That’s easy to solve, I will find you someone” Allison always trying to help. She suddenly disappeared in the mass of people. “No, it’s okay. I don’t need to do that.” Do I? “Of course you do. What kind of L.A. party would it be if you don’t kiss a random guy at midnight” I swear sometimes Sam can be so weird. I raised an eyebrow. Suddenly Allison appeared of nowhere with a completely random guy. She started walking in my direction looking all bossy like. Oh crap! This is going to be bad. “Listen Bells and listen carefully. I found this guy and he was alone. So you will be with him. Who knows, perhaps you will like him.” She talked so sure of herself. “I’m guessing I don’t have a choice here, right?” I said in defeated. Allison just nodded. “Oh and please Bells, don’t screw it up this time. You know what, don’t talk to him until after the kiss” What did she just said? “Do I have to kiss him? No way, I’m so not doing it!” I replied “Okay if BORING OLD Bella doesn’t want to show her fun side…” ugh! I hate when they do that. Why in the world did I tell them about the Forks’ Bella, oh yes, because they’re my sisters (kinda). “Okay, fine I would do it” my voice sounded defeated. “Okay then bye. Come on Sam let’s give them some privacy” I started to walk indirection to the stranger in the black tux. He greeted me without speaking.

“Ladies and Gentlemen this is the last song that you will hear in the 2007” The DJ announced and a song started… The stranger offered me his hand and we started to dance… What day is it? And in what month? This clock never seemed so alive I can't keep up and I can't back down I've been losing so much time Cause it's you and me and all of the people with nothing to do Nothing to lose And it's you and me and all of the people And I don't know why, I can't keep my eyes off of you All of the things that I want to say just aren't coming out right I'm tripping on words You've got my head spinning I don't know where to go from here Cause it's you and me and all of the people with nothing to do Nothing to prove And it's you and me and all of the people And I don't know why, I can't keep my eyes off of you There's something about you now I can't quite figure out Everything she does is beautiful Everything she does is right Cause it's you and me and all of the people with nothing to do Nothing to lose And it's you and me and all of the people

And I don't know why, I can't keep my eyes off of you and me and all of the people with nothing to do Nothing to prove And it's you and me and all of the people And I don't know why, I can't keep my eyes off of you What day is it? And in what month? This clock never seemed so alive “Alright ladies and gentleman we’re starting the count down…10” Oh my gosh! I don’t even know him! “9…” What am I doing? “8…” What the crap? “7…” Who is he? “6…” Huh? “5…” Poop! “4…” What did I just think? “3…” Nevermind…I think I have seen those eyes somewhere... “2…” Why am I standing here? “1…” Where am I? Who am I? “0… Happy New Year!!!” Suddenly the stranger’s lips touch mine. It was very gentle at first, but then it started going more passionately. I put my arms around his neck and he put his around my waist. We just stay there kissing, though I think snuggling is a better word to describe it. Out of nowhere he broke the kiss and grabbed my wrist taking me outside. Once we were outside I realize that I really want to know this guy. He is a great kisser. I hope he doesn’t have a girlfriend. Sure he doesn’t have one, because he should be with her right now. I wonder if I should move in with my mom to know him better or is he in college because then“That was awesome; I think we should take off our masks and get to know each other better.” The stranger said. I know that voice. Oh my god! Why me? Could it be possible, I mean I am miles

away from Forks. “Excuse me? Are you listening to me?” he said. I know that voice. No it couldn’t be him. I was too confused to answer so I just nodded. He spoke again. “Okay in the count of three we take off our masks alright” I nodded again. “One… Two…and Three” I pulled my mask away from my face. He slowly pulled off his mask and opened his eyes. Shock and realization spread upon his emerald green eyes. “I-Is-Isabe-Isabella?” He stuttered. “Crap! Why me!” Of all the world population I happened to cross with Edward Mason. He seemed to recovered from the shock and stare at me. “What?” I said annoyed. “It’s just that I thought you would be a bad kisser and it turns out you’re a pretty good one” What the crap did he just said. “Oh and you look so beautiful that it makes me want to kiss you again… Fuck! Did I just say that out loud?” “Yes you did” I to my own surprise, blushed. I quickly changed the subject. “So what do we do with this?” “Um…well… I don’t really know… Oh! Here’s the deal. I will tell no one about this if you promise to make out with me frequently” What did he just said? “Okay while no one knows about it, this would be our secret” I said. “Wanna sealed with a kiss?” He smirked. End of Flashback That’s how I ended like this. I’ve been getting use to it. Okay I admit it, Edward is a great kisser. However I don’t have grown feelings towards him at all. At least I think so. No one has figured it out yet. We normally kiss at Port Angeles’s Mall or at Edward’s house when his parents are not home. We have a deal and that’s the way it goes. Today we were in his house. He finally broke out the kiss. “That one was pretty long” I said “Uh-huh” He said. “Um… Bella may I tell you something?” He started calling me Bella or Iz after the first week. I was bothered to being referred as Isabella. At school he still calls me ‘Swan’ or ‘Isabella’. I nodded. “Just promise me you will not get mad and stop seeing me” Huh? What is he going to tell me? “Okay… now spit it out!” I replied. I was eager to know what he is going to tell me.

“It’s that- um… well… Iz I think I love you” What?? I think I just lost the control on this situation…

Chapter 2: Suddenly, Here Relax Bella, deep breaths….deep breaths. Don’t look at his pleading emerald green eyes, focus, you have everything under control. Right? I don’t think so. Did he just say he like me? No, it was worse. He said he loved me. Is he high? I think so, it’s impossible for him to say something like that sober. I’m losing it… Wait a second he said he thinks… That definitely means he is on crack. Because Edward doesn’t think, does he? “Bella….” “Bella, are you there?” “Iz” “Say something!” I finally wake up from my trance to see a very worried Edward sitting in the couch next to me. A couple of seconds later, I realize he was talking to me. What should I do? Do I love him? Of course not, my world and his world where spheres that never collide, will a few exceptions like us making out. But that was it. Making out. No more than that. NO MORE. That was the deal. Does this mean the deal was over? That was a good question. “BELLA!” “Oh, shit, look at the hour” I said pointing to wrist, only to realize I didn’t have my wristwatch on. “Nevermind, it’s already late, I have to go…um… home… to….um…make dinner for Char-I mean my dad!” With that I grab my coat and my backpack and start running away. Thanks to my bad luck, when I got out from the house I figured that it must not be more than 4:30pm. I was screwed. “Bella, wait!” I recognize that voice. I didn’t want to turn around, but I don’t know how, not even why I did. Suddenly he grab me and kiss me first very gentle and then more passionate, but this kiss wasn’t like the one we shared in New Year’s Eve that didn’t had the minimum dose of real feelings behind it. This kiss was more sudden and natural than the other ones. We had to break the kiss only to gasp for air. “Iz, I love you, these weeks had an effect on me. I got to know you better, and it has made me grow to love you” He spoke clearly, and you could feel the truth behind every word. But I knew better than that. Do I? Crap! He’s waiting for me to say something...

“Look I gotta go home” I said, he looked at me with a very disappointed look in his face. It hurt me to see him like this… but why? “Can I drive you home?” he asked. Sadness was clearly in his voice. “Sure” I replied. We got into his silver Volvo. The ride to my house was silently. When we were in my driveway he spoke. “Bella, please I don’t want to complicate things more than they already are. But I had to tell you that. I have never felt this way about anyone before. You don’t have to feel the same way. I just had to tell you. It was like Rosalie describe how she felt about Emmett when she broke up with me, and she wish me the best of luck searching for someone for who I could feel that way. I just think you should know.” His words repeated in my head over and over again. I didn’t answer. “Bye Bella, see you at school tomorrow” He didn’t wait for a reply. As soon as I was inside the house, his car disappeared in the driveway. As soon as I was inside, I order pizza. I wasn’t in mood for cooking right now. Charlie arrived and started eating. I decided to skip dinner. I got upstairs, took a shower, put my pajamas on and grab my iPod. I lye in my bed and selected the option shuffle songs in my iPod. I always found some song that fits me exactly in that moment. The song started to play. I didn’t bother to look at the name or the artist. I was only focused on the lyrics… I like where we are, When we drive, in your car I like where we are... Here Cause our lips, can touch And our cheeks, can brush Our lips can touch... here Well you are the one, the one that lies close to me Whispers "Hello, I miss you quite terribly" I fell in love, in love with you suddenly Now there's no place else I could be, but here in your arms I like where you sleep, When you sleep, next to me. I like where you sleep... here

Our lips, can touch And our cheeks, can brush cause our lips can touch... here Well you are the one, the one that lies close to me Whispers "Hello, I miss you quite terribly" I fell in love, in love with you suddenly Now there's no place else I could be, but here in your arms Our lips, can touch Our lips, can touch...here Well you are the one the one that lies close to me Whispers "Hello, I miss you quite terribly" I fell in love, in love with you suddenly Now there's no place else I could be but here in your arms You are the one the one that lies close to me Whispers "hello I miss you, quite terribly" I fell in love, in love with you suddenly Now there's no place else I could be but here in your arms Here in your arms. But here in your arms. The lyrics repeat in my head… ‘I miss you, quite terribly’, ‘I fell in love, in love with you suddenly’ I fell in love, in love with you suddenly… I fell in love, in love with you suddenly… I fell in love, in love with you suddenly… I fell in love, in love with you suddenly…

I fell in love, in love with you suddenly… I fell in love, in love with you suddenly… I fell in love, in love with you suddenly… I fell in love with you suddenly, Edward…

Chapter 3: Hanging by a Moment, Just You and Me Green… I could think of a lot of things that are green…. Forks is too green… My iPod Nano is lime green… His eyes are green… emerald green… Oh crap! What should I do? My mind is a blur. I quickly grab my cellphone and texted ‘I need 2 talk 2 u’. I looked at my alarm clock. It was 10:30pm. Maybe he wouldn’t read the message until tomorrow morning. Maybe just maybe, if luck is at my side this time (at least) he wouldn’t notice my message today and I could postpone that conversation. But, as always, luck wasn’t at my side. Less than 5 minutes had passed since I first send the message and my cellphone started vibrating indicating I had a new text message. I already knew who send it. I just don’t want to think about t, about him. I sighed and start reading the message. It said: ‘Oh…me 2, It can’t wait 4 school 2morrow.’ I replied. ‘Guess u’ve 2, there’s no other way’ In less than a minute (That was quite fast, messages didn’t get that fast, unless the sender was really close. That wasn’t the case this time.) It said: ‘Really? Take a look at ur window’ That was weird… I walked to the window and gasped at what I saw in front of me. Edward was there, climbed in my window frame. That was really weird.

“Hi there” he said “Hey” I replied “So what do you want to talk about?” He asked. Concern was showed in every part of him. “I was afraid you’ll ask that” I said, and then I took a deep breath and continue “what do you wanted to talk about?” “Oh, that. I was worried about what I said before. If you think is better to leave things where they are, then you and me will continue with our ‘dirty little secret’. How about that? ” He spoke each word very clearly and distinct. It hurt me to hear it. But it was for the best. Was it? “I-I-I guess so” I can’t believe, I stuttered. Do I feel tears in my face? Oh stupid betrayal tears! C’mon Bella you have to make yourself believe what you’re saying! “Bella, there is something you’re hiding from me about this. Please tell me” He pleaded. He was pleading me with those gorgeous emerald green eyes… Quick Bella! Find something to distract yourself from staring at him! He will win that way! You can’t let that happen. Can you? I quickly grabbed my iPod and press play… unaware of the song that started to play… Kiss me Out of the bearded barley Nightly Beside the green green grass Swing swing Swing the spinning step You wear those shoes and I will wear that dress Just my luck! Why now? Why this song? ... He was staring at me. He had managed to get inside my room by the window while I was still in shock for the song that was just playing in my iPod. Oh, kiss me Beneath the milky twilight Lead me

Out on the moonlit floor Lift your open hand Strike up the band and make the fireflies dance Silver moon sparkling So kiss me He started walking towards me… Kiss me Down by the broken tree house Swing me Upon its hanging tire Bring bring Bring your flowered hat We'll take the trail marked on your father's map He removed one of my headphones and started listening to the song. He chuckled at first. Very shocked I turned around just to let my lips found his… Oh, kiss me Beneath the milky twilight Lead me Out on the moonlit floor Lift your open hand Strike up the band and make the fireflies dance Silver moon sparkling So kiss me Kiss me Beneath the milky twilight

Lead me Out on the moonlit floor Lift your open hand Strike up the band and make the fireflies dance Silver moon sparkling So kiss me So kiss me So kiss me So kiss me I think we kiss during the remaining time of the song because when I realize, the song had ended. I turned my iPod off, now ready to face him. “Now tell me…why are you acting so weird?” He asked. “Ok, I just spit it out. Right?” I asked, half to myself I had to admit. He nodded. “Edward, I think I might like you” I said. Like you, that was it. I couldn’t tell him I was falling over heels for him. Like him that was it. Perfect. A perfect lie. “Oh… I suppose we can try to have more than whatever we have now then. I’m willing to take the first step in this change if you like.” He said, very confident. I would have expected his arrogant smirk right away, but he just shot me a crooked smile and I could hear the hope in his voice, even if he tried to hide it. “I’ll like to” I replied “Ok then, girlfriend. I’ll pick you up for school tomorrow at 7:30 and after school we could go to Port Angeles for our first date” he said enthusiastically. Either was I hallucinating or he had put emphasis in the word girlfriend? Oh… who cares! “Alright, boyfriend, see you tomorrow then” I said as I open my window for him to leave. “Don’t I get a goodnight kiss from my girlfriend?” he asked. I stand on my tip toes and kiss him. “Goodnight Boyfriend” I said “Goodnight Girlfriend” He replied as he climbed down the tree and walk to his car. I lay in my bed, and my phone started vibrating. I had a message. It said:

‘I miss u already’ I replied ‘Me 2’ I grab my iPod and turn it on again without noticing the song that was playing… Desperate for changing Starving for truth I'm closer to where I started Chasing after you I'm falling even more in love with you Letting go of all I've held onto I'm standing here until you make me move I'm hanging by a moment here with you Forgetting all I'm lacking Completely incomplete I'll take your invitation You take all of me now... I'm falling even more in love with you I'm Letting go of all I've held onto I'm standing here until you make me move I'm hanging by a moment here with you I'm living for the only thing I know I'm running and not quite sure where to go And I don't know what I'm diving into Just hanging by a moment here with you There's nothing else to lose

There's nothing else to find There's nothing in the world That can change my mind There is nothing else There is nothing else There is nothing else Desperate for changing Starving for truth I'm closer to where I started Chasing after you... I'm falling even more in love with you Letting go of all I've held onto I'm standing here until you make me move I'm hanging by a moment here with you I'm living for the only thing I know I'm running and not quite sure where to go And I don't know what I'm diving into Just hanging by a moment here with you Just hanging by a moment (here with you) Hanging by a moment (here with you) Hanging by a moment (here with you) Hanging by a moment here with you The lyrics keep repeating in my head I'm falling even more in love with you…

I'm falling even more in love with you… I'm falling even more in love with you… I'm falling even more in love with you… This was a different Edward, than the one that I saw at school everyday. This was the loving, caring Edward. I haven’t notice that side of him before… And I fell asleep thinking about tomorrow… I didn’t even now what I was up to….

Chapter 4: School I woke up at 6:30 am. Edward would be here in about an hour. Realization came in to me… I have a boyfriend now… right? Yes that’s true… Why do I feel like there’s something I’m forgetting? … I dressed up and ran downstairs to eat my breakfast. I grab a bowl and a spoon. Next I grab the Cheerios box and milk. I quickly made my breakfast and eat it. By the time I was done, it was already 7:20. Edward would be here any minute… I ran upstairs again to check my backpack and bring it downstairs, when the door bell rang. I checked in my window and the silver Volvo was there. I realized that I was forgetting my cellphone. So I put it in my pocket and ran downstairs again. There he was, in my doorstep… Looking as good as ever… “Hey girlfriend.” He said “Hi” I replied. Do I am supposed to start a conversation with him? Or should I let him begin? “How was your sleep?” He asked “Good” Oh c’mon Bella! Stop giving I syllable answers! “Yours?” “I enjoyed it, because I dreamed about you.” I had to blush at that. “Oh” It’s that the only thing I can manage to say right now?!?! He stared at me, curiously. Then he looked at his wristwatch and spoke. “We should get going now. We don’t want to be late to school. Do we?”

“Sure” What’s wrong with me? I can’t even make sense of what I’m saying! He led me to his car and opened the door for me. The he got into the driver seat and start the car. We were heading out to school now. We were very quiet as we speed off my driveway. Then he decided to break the silence. “Bella? Are you ok? You seem a little lost today?” He asked. “I’m fine. I just have a lot on my mind” I replied, without looking at him. Before he had time to ask, we arrived to school. He got out of the car and opened the door for me, helping me to get out off the car. Such a gentleman, I thought to myself, or maybe he just doesn’t want me to fall and cause him that kind of public humiliation. Then we walk in the hallways holding hands. How cliché… But that wasn’t the worst part, everybody was staring at us…they even talk about us while we walk. “…I wonder how they got together…” a girl that I recognized from my Spanish class was saying to her friend. Then it shot me. My friends… I haven’t told any of them about this and they’re going to know it from other people and not from my self. Oh crap! Alice would be mad at me. She made me promise she would be the first person I called when I had major news… But this isn’t major news, is it? Of course it is! You idiot! Now your best friend would be mad at you for at least a month after this. And if Alice it’s mad, then Jasper would be away from me too. Emmett probably would feel offended in a way, because he did told us about Rosalie… I only wonder… Will Angela get mad at me for this? What kind of moron am I! How can I forget to tell them…? Maybe I could explain to them, I’m sure they’ll understand…. The rest of the day… was weird. Instead of my friends walking me through every single class, Edward did. He was leaning against the wall as soon as I got out of each one of my classes. He would kiss me before we started to head to class and as soon as he left me at the door of the class room. People were watching us and then as soon as he was gone, they stared at me like I was some kind of freak. At lunch, Edward has saved a table just for us. I was sad I couldn’t sit with all of my friends. I will apologize later, I thought. At Government, I realized, he had found a new distraction. It was quite funny, I’ll admit. Instead of paying attention and doing class work, he stared. Do you wonder what or who he was staring at? One word to answer that: Me. Exactly. He stared at me, while I was well focused in the class, but not so focused, because I noticed he was staring. We handed the work to Mr. Banner who checked immediately. The next thing that happened, however, surprised me.

As always, I had got an A-. I could never understand what was wrong in my work to make it an Athough. Then as it always happens he got an A . He stopped staring at me, took a look at his paper, and then to mine. “Mr. Banner. Could you come over here please? It’ll just be a minute.” He said Mr. Banner was quickly at his side looking at Edward as if he was his boss. “What’s wrong Mr. Mason?” Mr. Banner said concerned. “I was just wondering, why did Isabella here have an A- and I an A if we both got the same answers?” He asked Mr. Banner looked away as if he didn’t know what to say… “Mr. Mason, I think you’re under a misapprehension. See…um… Isabella here has never shown the same kind of interest and passion in her answers as yourself” “Excuse me, Mr Banner, but it’s a multiple-choice test, you don’t show any of your interest in here. You just pick the right answer. It’s totally quantifiable not qualitative.” He replied. It’s the first time I heard him using such kind of words. I guess maybe he thinks a little bit after all. Mr. Banner didn’t know what to say. Edward continued. “So, I don’t see why if we got the same answers we didn’t achieve the same grades. You should put us both either an A or an A-, it’s up to you. But I must say that all her answers as well as mine are correct.” Is he trying to convince Mr. Banner to finally gave me an A ? “Oh… I’m so sorry for this inconvenience, Mr. Mason. I’ll change Ms. Swan grade right away.” He said. As soon as the bell rang, we got out of class and inside his car. “You didn’t have to do that” I said “Do what?” He asked “Mr. Banner, my tests… ring any bells?” I said “Oh… I didn’t see why I shouldn’t. He put you a mark that you didn’t deserve, that was completely inexcusable” He said And then we head to Port Angeles. ’

Chapter 5: Just Forget the World

“Are you going to tell me where are we going?” I asked. We have been driving for about an hour and I still didn’t now what or where we were going in Port Angeles. “To our first day silly” He replied and laughed. “Yeah, I mean I know that. What I mean is what are we doing?” I told him annoyed. This kind of situations can get me annoyed. “Oh, that’s a surprise…” Oh crap! I hate surprises! “Ha, ha, ha. Very funny, I have news for you, Mr Surprise, I HATE SURPRISES!” I yelled. “Now please Iz, don’t be difficult. I know you’ll love this one… I hope” he whispered the last part to himself. I suppose I wasn’t meant to hear that part. He only stared at the road and stopped talking to me… The silence is killing me…. “Now, now Eddie did knowing that I hate surprises upset you?” I asked. Did I hurt him by saying that? I hope not. “Since when can you call me Eddie?” He asked annoyed. “Well you call me Bella or Iz all the time so I figured that I should call you something” I replied “Yes, I do call you that, because you like those nicknames, I on the other way don’t like to be called Eddie” He said. “Oh c’mon! Please Eddie-kins!” I said and burst out laughing “Bella please don’t call me like that, you know Lauren use to call me like that all the time and I hate that name.” Here he goes, talking about other girls probably reliving some memories that torture him right now, bad memories in each of his other ‘girlfriends’ if they can be called that. He surely looks frustrated. “Oh… Eddie-poo is upset!” I replied. I can’t help him. I found something which I can use to tease him and it was fun… Oh crap! He looks mad. “Isabella Marie Swan?” He said. Full names, is it? Oh two can play this game… “Edward Anthony Mason?” I replied and laugh, “This is not funny… please don’t call me any names like that or else” he said. He threatens me? I am going to take a little advantage of this. I remain quiet.

Minutes passed as the silence continue. I could feel he was worried about this silence. He finally broke it. “Bella, sweetie”- ok, did he just said that?-“what’s wrong?” He asked. He had finally parked the car in the Port Angeles Mall’s parking lot. He was now staring at me, his eyes full of concern… “Bella…” He said as I stayed quiet. “Love…” He continued. Ok, that’s way too far… I need to start speaking right now… I had my knees on my chest and my arms wrapped around them. I hid my face in my knees as I start faking sobs… “Its just”-fake sob-“that I was trying”-fake sob-“to do something you”-fake sob-“like and then you”-fake sob-“threatened me”-fake sob “I mean you threatened”-fake sob-“your own girlfriend.” I said. “Oh I am so very sorry, Iz. How is my girlfriend feeling?” he asked. I have to admit he was really concerned. “Which one?” I replied between fake sobs. “You, silly. Who else I would be talking about? Did the mention of Lauren upset you?” He asked. I only started laughing like a maniac. “Now, why are you laughing?” He asked “I just can’t believe you fall for that one. I was just teasing you… Eddie” I replied and continue laughing as he helped me to get out of his car. He shot me a crooked smile and then warn me… “You will pay for that, later” he said as he cover my eyes with his hands. “Where are you taking me?” I asked “I told you, it was a surprise” He replied and continued walking me. We finally stopped. “Now you can look” he said as he removed his hands from my face and put his arm around my waist. In front of me was a big ad that said ‘PAINTBALL’. “Paintball?” I asked “Exactly, now get inside” he replied. We got inside, where we put us on the suits to play paintball. (A/N: I really don’t know what they’re called. Sorry) As we got inside the Paintball zone I realized it was empty. “What happens to all the people?” I wondered out loud.

“It looks like someone rented the whole place for a special date:” Edward replied. “Oh, and who will do that Eddie” I said “I said you’ll pay for that and now its time” He replied as our private paintball war started. An hour later we were covered in paint from head to toes. “That was fun, Edward” I said “Yes, it was. Now would you like some ice cream?” He asked “Sure” I replied We head to eat ice cream. I ordered a strawberry cone, while Edward ordered a chocolate one. While we were eating, my clumsiness took place. I accidentally fell and spill my ice cream over him. “Oh I’m so sorry. It was an accident! But I had to admit you look good in pink” I laughed at the last part. He grabbed his cone and put the ice cream in my nose. “Accident” he said. And we laugh along. After we got to the bathroom and got all cleaned up, he took me to dinner. I look at the expensive restaurant in front of me. Then I looked at me. I was utterly nor dressed for this kind of occasion. “Edward! I can’t go in there. Look at me; I am not dressed for this! Neither are you” I said. “Silly Bella, we have to change. That’s why I bring this with me” he said as he handed me a bag. Inside it was a black dress and black heels (A/N: picture on profile) as well as a brush and some make up. I looked at Edward confused. “Where and how did you get all of this?” I asked. He surprisingly blushed and replied. “Um… well my parents were excited that I was dating a girl for real this time, especially mom” he murmured to himself the last part. “Oh, you told your parent about this?” I asked. Do they know that he climbed in my window last night? “Well, I didn’t tell them all the details; I told them that you came over yesterday, which is true. So they helped me in this surprise… no worries, they don’t know about me climbing on your window, I sneak out to see you last night” He told me. “Oh… okay” I replied “You must go to change” He said

30 minutes later, I was as good as I can get. I had the dress on and the heels too. Perfect fit, which made me wonder, how did he found a dress exactly my size? Never mind… I got out of the bathroom only to see a very handsome Edward in a black tux. His green eyes enlightened as he find my gaze. “You look beautiful” He told me “You look nice too” What am I saying, he looks more than nice!!! What’s wrong with me!? With that we put the bags in Edward’s car and head to the restaurant. I ordered mushroom ravioli and he ordered chicken parmesan. After we were done eating, Edward spoke. “Do you want to dance?” He asked “I honestly can't dance” I replied. “Don’t worry silly, I can” he said (A/N: I know that’s a quote from Twilight, but I thought it will fit here). “Besides, you could dance in New Years Eve” he stated matter-of-factly. Damn! He was right. I was lucky I didn’t trip that time. We headed to the dance floor and a song started playing… We'll do it all Everything On our own We don't need Anything Or anyone If I lay here If I just lay here Would you lie with me and just forget the world? I don't quite know How to say How I feel Those three words

Are said too much They're not enough If I lay here If I just lay here Would you lie with me and just forget the world? Forget what we're told Before we get too old Show me a garden that's bursting into life Let's waste time Chasing cars Around our heads I need your grace To remind me To find my own If I lay here If I just lay here Would you lie with me and just forget the world? Forget what we're told Before we get too old Show me a garden that's bursting into life All that I am All that I ever was Is here in your perfect eyes, they're all I can see I don't know where

Confused about how as well Just know that these things will never change for us at all If I lay here If I just lay here Would you lie with me and just forget the world? We continue dancing, until we realize, it was already 9 o’ clock and we had to get home. Edward speed up to get us home… I was afraid watching the speedometer rise from 70 mi/h up to 150 mi/h, we were going too fast. Suddenly I feel a crash, Edward’s arms around me and then everything went black…

Chapter 6: Waking Up I woke up in a blue room. It smelled funny. It reminded me of all my trippings that led to trips to the hospital. I looked at the clock next to me 11:15. Oh crap! I’m in a hospital! “Bella, how are you feeling?” asked a voice that I knew well, Dr. Carlisle Cullen, Alice & Emmett’s father. “I’m ok now. What happened?” I asked But before he had time to answer my last question, my pixie-like best friend ran into the room. “Bella! Thanks god you’re ok! I mean…you survived… But why am I doing all the talking? You’ve some explaining to do girl!” She said. I know noticed that Dr. Cullen has left the room. “Excuse me?” was my only reply. “I mean the fact that you were in his car. I heard the rumors, but I would never believe it if I didn’t saw it with my own eyes.” She told me. Now I remember… Edward… car…accident…My god! Where is he? Is he ok? Then I replayed in my mind what Alice has just said ‘you survived’. No, no, no. Did that mean that he died? I need to know…

“Alice, where is he?” I asked “Down to the hallway and up to the 3rd floor in room 315, by the way my dad said that you’re fine and you can check out as soon as you wish.” She sighed and then continued. “He, on the other way, got the worse part.” That scared me… “What do you mean?” I asked “You should have seen his car, it was awful Bella. You both could have died simply from the impact”-she took a deep breath-“But when they found you, they find out how do you survived. Instead of staring at the wheel he got a good grip on you. It sounds weird, but you’re completely safe n his arms. He got the worse part. But he didn’t die either” “Oh” was my only replied. “Dear Bella, you can’t go walking in a hospital with that kind of clothes, they’re too formal” she said. Oh crap! I realized then, that I was still wearing the black dress. I stared at her because I didn’t know what to say. “Don’t worry silly, you can tell me later. However, you should change to more ‘comfortable’ clothes” she said as she handed me a small pink backpack. Inside of it they were jeans, a t-shirt, a jacket, socks and a pair of converse. “Thank you Alice” I said. “You’re welcome, after all he convinced you to wear that dress, I would never convince of that” she said. Now it all fits. Edward had requested Alice’s help to buy me this dress with her shopping addiction she obviously fell for it… ok…now Alice wants to know the truth…That was going to be difficult. Alice always asks difficult questions. “Now Bells, go see how is he doing, you’ll tell me later” she said. Thanks God! I have more time to think about it. Alice is going to ask. Alice is going to ask A LOT of questions… After I changed my clothes. I took the elevator to the 3rd floor. As soon as I got out of it, I started searching for room 315… Now there I was standing in front of the door, wondering if I should get in or not. C’mon Bella, you got to get in… But what if he’s really bad, it will hurt me to see him like that… Bella, you can do this…

I opened the door only to see him. He was damaged, with several bruises, but no broken bones. All beaten up, he still look gorgeous. Then I noticed that his eyes were closed. Then someone spoke. “You must be Isabella.” A woman said. I just nodded and continued staring at Edward. “We are Mr. and Mrs. Mason, Edward’s parents.” she said. I realized she had the same green eyes as Edward. “Oh…nice to meet you though I wish we were under different circumstances.” I replied. “We’ve wanted to meet you. He talks about you a lot.” She said and I blushed. “Oh… he has?” That surprised me… But right now I only wanted to ask how was him… I just only couldn’t get the words of my mouth… To my surprise, Mr. Mason seemed to understand what I was arguing with myself to ask… “He hit his head pretty hard out there. The doctors say that he was in a shock from the impact, but he has not wake up. They’re wondering if he has gone…in to a… coma” he said slowly, especially the last words in which Mrs. Mason sobbed. “Oh…I’m so sorry this happened.” That was the only thing I managed to say at the moment. “Sweetheart, is not your fault, it was an accident, accidents do happen.” Mrs. Mason replied. “I guess I should go now” I offered, though I didn’t want to leave. “No, quite the opposite actually, I think you two should have some time alone.” Mr. Mason said. “I have to get to the office tomorrow anyway, c’mon Elizabeth.” They left the room. I grabbed a chair then and sit in the right side of his bed. I looked at him and sighed. Then I took his perfect hand and held it in mine. I took a deep breath and spoke. “Edward, I know that you can’t really listen to me right now, because you’re unconscious, but I really need to get this out anyways.” I took a deep breath again and continued… “I love you, alright? I was only covering my feelings toward you last night by saying I only like you. I had realized I love you back then and I can say it now… I love you and I don’t want to leave your side. Seeing you like this has made me realize how much I truly love you. You got to wake up ok? Please wake up!” I sobbed the last part. Then I leaned and kiss him gently on the lips. As soon as I broke out the kiss, Alice was there and grabbed me by the hand as she got me out of the room hugging me and squealing. I would bet I heard someone whispering my name; it must be my imagination…

Chapter 7: Spelling My Guts Out “Oh Bella! I’m so happy for you! I never imagined you & Edward… and… you didn’t tell me a thing about this…” she said. I was about to speak but Alice squealed and continued… “I have so much to ask… but let’s start from the beginning… how did you ended here?” she said And then I told her the whole story from New Years Eve to our ‘first date’, obviously without talking about my feelings toward him, but I knew questions like that were coming… But she will ask the easiest questions at first… “So he climbed your window on Thursday at midnight, and there you became an item?” I just nodded and kept asking questions about how was he dressed or commenting about the cliché situations we have already been through. When she asked she was a good kisser I blushed crimson red… Why does my face betray me in a moment like this? After that blushing show I just had to nod. Then I just nod or shook my head on the right times. Soon the easy questions were out and it was time for the difficult ones to begin… “Let’s go to the bathroom for the next questions.” She said as she grabbed me by the wrist and took me inside the woman’s bathroom… Once inside the bathroom she asked me the one question I was expecting a long time ago, for me, the most difficult of all… “So… Tell me. How do you feel about him?” “Um…well… I like him” I said. “Yeah, I know that, but that’s all? Or there’s more?” Dammit! Alice knows me too well… “I like him a lot, ok?” She didn’t look convinced… I bit my lower lip, should I tell her? “My gosh Bella! You’re blushing crimson!!” Oh… Now I feel the blood that rose to my face… I stood in shock… staring at the emptiness of the room, unable to look at Alice.

“Bella? Do you love him?” She asked. That was it. I couldn’t hold myself any longer. I fell in to tears, to realize later that I was now sitting in the bathroom floor sobbing… “I…do, Alice. I do. That’s the problem. I love him and I just can’t stand seeing him like this” – I sobbed. Then took a deep breath and continue, trying my best to stop sobbing, failing terribly.-“I want him to wake up, to open his eyes as see them sparkle again. I love him, Alice, I truly do love him.” Alice try to comfort me for a long time, she kept telling me that everything is going to be ok… I didn’t know how much time has passed when I decided I would stop crying and be hopeful…. Hopefully he wouldn’t get in to a coma. Who was I kidding? This was my entire fault. I took a deep breath. “C’mon Bells, let’s go.” Alice said. “Alright Alice, I can do this.” I said as I stood up and headed to room 315. Three doors away… Two doors away… One door away… There I was in front of his room, taking deep breaths… What if his parents were there? I should knock. Should I even knock? Should I come in? Should I knock? Or should I just run away? I took all the confidence that I could gather for my self and knock at the door… Knock Knock Knock And then something caught my attention… A soft velvet voice, that came from inside, spoke. “Come in.” it said. I knew that voice… Am I turned crazy? I may be… I could swear it was his voice…

Chapter 8: Stucked I opened the door, my eyes focused on the floor, because I was afraid of the disappointment I would feel when reality hit me and I realized his voice was an hallucination and I would never see his eyes again… "Bella?" I allowed myself to look up. Doing so, I met a pair of emerald eyes… his eyes. As soon as our eyes met, he shot me a crooked smile. "Edward! You… woke up." That's the only thing I can manage to say? C'mon! I burst out in to tears at the bathroom last night wishing that he would wake up and when he finally is awake… I honestly don't know what's wrong with me. "Yep… pretty much…the doctors told my parents that I could check out of this hospital at noon. Will you believe if I tell you that after all of this, I still get to school on Monday, anyways?" I laughed at that. I could laugh now, now that I knew that he was alright. I looked at the clock; it was 8:15 am. I now realized that Alice had to be with me almost the whole night while I cried myself out. Wow. "But tell me. What did the doctors say about you?")?" he asked, concern was evidently showing in his voice and it reflected in his eyes. I suddenly blushed crimson. "I woke up a couple of hours ago… last night to be more accurate… I was… um… I mean… um… I am… fine, thanks to you… you saved me." I was having serious difficulties in clearing my thoughts at the moment. I was still blushing and I was looking at my feet. I couldn't look at him in the face right now. "Bella, come here" he said as he gestured the empty spot in the right side of his bed. I just obeyed and sat next to him. I kept looking down… the floor view I had at this location was interesting… why are hospital floors so... white? I wondered… how do they keep them clean? I mean with all the blood that shed in here… ugh! Blood… gross! I shuddered. Then he took my chin with his index finger and made me looked at him. I quickly turned my head down…staring at the floor once again. "Bella please look at me" he said, it sounded like he was pleading… But I can't turn to face right now…. I bit my lower lip as I contain myself from looking at him… trying to hold on the tears "Bella?”

He was waiting for a response… crap! I don’t need to cry right now! Hold on the tears, you can do this Bella… "Bella?" I could feel the betrayal tears racing through my cheeks… "Honey, what's wrong?" he asked as he wiped off my tears. That was it. I started sobbing. He wrapped his arms around me as I cried. "Sh… sh… everything is gonna be ok" he said "No is not! You saved my life out there… You… hurt yourself so I didn't get hurt and it put you in a coma-I stopped right there, I couldn't take it anymore, this was my entire fault. "You owe me nothing, Bella" he said. "Of course I owe you something… you saved my life, you were in a coma." I replied "Trust me Bella, it wasn't so bad." He said matter-of-factly. Huh? I'm confused. "What do you mean? That you enjoyed the coma?" I was stunned. I've never heard of someone who enjoyed being in a coma… "No that's not it… being in a coma… how can I put it? ... helped me to realize some things and discover other ones." He said, I could tell you that he was thinking of something else when he said 'discover other ones'. "Like what?" His behavior stunned me yet. Enjoy being in a coma estate? "I had an epiphany…" he confessed. "Seriously?" I said. He was about to answer when the door opened gently… I was too focused in trying to figure out Edward's epiphany to look up at that second, but Edward's next words automatically snap me out of my trance. "Hi mom" he said… So that must mean the person behind the door was Mrs. Mason. I look up, now noticing that I was cuddled up in Edward's chest and he had his arms around me, and we were both lying in his bed. This must look awkward. However, I was very comfortable in my present location. "Hi Mrs. Mason" I managed to say, trying to hold my embarrassment. "Oh… sorry I interrupted?" - I shook my head-"Oh… well I was coming here to tell you that I couldn't find Bella, but she's here… she has been so worried about you. I should get going; perhaps

I should call your father to tell him that you're awake." She said as she left the room closing the door in her way out. Edward turned his face to me once again… "Worrying about me much?" he said. I blushed. Edward's arms tightened around me, leaning me closer to his chest, he moved on of his hands up to my head and started playing with my hair. He was so close I could feel his breath on my hair. "So…"-he said as he twirled a strand of my hair with his fingers-"where were we?" he leaned down. "Um… I don't remember very well" I replied playfully as I looked up. He leaned closer. "Someone is having memory issues…" he whispered "Mmhm…" I replied. Our faces were only inches apart. He leaned closer… our lips almost touching… "Maybe this would help you remember" he whispered just before our lips touched. This kiss was somehow different. I don't know what got in to us. Maybe it was the stress of the moment… the fact that we thought we had lost each other or anything that was crossing our mixedup minds at that moment. I could swear the world stopped moving at that very moment. His lips were moving in synchrony with mine, it was so natural, and it felt so right… But all good things have to end for one reason or another; in this case it was for the necessity and obligation to breath. I could stay in his embrace forever, but that would be too selfish. He should talk to his parents now… "I should get going, Alice is waiting for me downstairs and Charlie will probably want to talk to me when I get home." I told him. "I understand that. Chief Swan isn't going to prohibit you dating me, right?" he asked. "Highly doubt it. He knows it was an accident. Which reminds me… you don't have a ride to school on Monday, do you?" I asked. "Nope… I don't think I'll be getting a new car by then either… why?" "I was thinking that…maybe you could ride with me?" I was looking at the ceiling… I'll admit it; it wasn't a very interesting panorama… "Really? You'll do that for me?"

I looked at him... "Of course, who is being silly now, Eddie? That's what girlfriends are for." I stated proudly. Instead of protesting at the mockering nickname I had just provided, he stared at me curiously, without breaking the tight grip from which I wasn't released just yet. "What?" I finally asked. "It's just…" he said innocently. "It's just what Edward?" I asked. "I just thought girlfriends were for this…" he said as he leaned down… His mouth was on mine once again, he held me tighter until I broke out the kiss… "Yup… girlfriends are for that too Eddie…" I said as I laughed. "You'll pay for calling me Eddie…" "You can get your revenge later, now I gotta go, boyfriend!" I replied. "Ok… girlfriend, just one more thing"-he said as he released me. I was now sitting next to him. He leaned down and kissed me swiftly on the lips. "There you go…" he whispered. "Take care" I whispered back. "You too, I love you." He whispered. Now was it… This was the time… "I-I-I…" What's wrong with me? I must have some serious brain damage… did someone drop me when I was a baby? I could tell him when he was unconscious, why not now? I tried again… "I…" "Sh…sh…"- he said as he put his index finger against my lips-"you don't have to say anything back… we put that pretty clear on Thursday, I just had to say that just the same… now go Alice is waiting for you…" He smiled my favorite crooked smile. At that moment I made up my mind. I would tell him, later. I guess. But I would…

Chapter 9: Sleepover at Alice's After I left his room, I took the elevator to the first floor. Alice was waiting there for me, of course. I tried to hide the grin that spread across my face, failing terribly. As soon as she saw me, she squealed. "Bella! What happened?!" She asked, bouncing up and down. "He's out of the coma." I replied happily. I could see in her face that she was expecting more. "AND?" she demanded as we got inside her Porsche. There was no getting out of this one. When Alice wanted to know something, she always would found a way. "Have you heard anything from my dad?" I asked, trying to change the subject. "Oh… he came to see you before you woke up from shock. My dad told yours that you were ok, and he asked him if you could stay over at my house because he's gone fishing with Billy Black." My father has been rather emotionally-repressed since my mom left him when I was younger, and I could tell he was still having a hard time with that. Especially since my mom had married Phil almost ten years ago. He went fishing almost every weekend, and I believed that was where he hid his feelings. Poor dad. "I have an idea! I could call Ange and we could have a sleepover! I'll paint your toenails and everything! And you'll tell us what happened, with DETAILS…" she grinned evilly. I tell you, I love my best friend, but she's evil. "Need I tell you? Alice Cullen is a genius." She stated. "Sure you are, Al." I replied, laughing sarcastically. Knowing Alice, we wouldn't have to stop at my house to pick up my pj's and clothes. She had already planned on buying me new stuff. That's Alice Cullen for you. Twenty minutes later, we arrived to the Cullen's house. Or should I say, mansion? The Cullen's lived in a big Victorian mansion located next to the forest. Before I had time to say 'hi' to Esme or Emmett, we were already on Alice's room. Her room totally reflected her personality. The walls were pink and the rug was snow white. The bed sheets and comforter also matched the color scheme. They were white with pink dots all over them. You could easily notice that Alice was the daughter of a home decorator. Even her iPod and

iPod speaker followed the patterns. Alice had her own bathroom connected to her room, which also followed the color scheme. Last, but most certainly not least, her closet. Alice's closet was at least two or three times the size of my room. She even had a remote and every single item she owns is organized according to color, size, pattern and brand. It clearly displayed her passion for shopping. "Make yourself comfortable, I'll call Ange." She said as she pulled out her cellphone. It was pink, go figure. "Hi Ange. I was wondering…are you doing anything to do tonight? Oh… it's that Bella is calling for an emergency sleepover" Um, excuse me? "Alice, it was your idea!" I shouted. "Okay… see you at six." And then she hung up. We passed the rest of the day shopping for pj's, shirts, skirts, pants, shoes, and the like. Alice could really over-exaggerate sometimes. She even bought me a couple of dresses. On our way back to the Cullen's, my phone started vibrating. I opened it. I had a text from Edward. 'Whats doin?' I text him back. 'Alice dragged me shoppin'. Wat about u?' He replied 'Bored… my parents are treatin me like im 5' I texted back. 'Aw, lol' I sighed; I missed him. I thought it was alright to miss a person that you saw less than twelve hours ago. I started daydreaming about him… His green eyes… At that moment Alice noticed I was daydreaming and snapped me out of my trance once again. "Um, Bella? Hellooo. What are you doing?" "Oh… me? Nothing." At that same moment my phone vibrated. It was another text from Edward.

"You're texting him, aren't you?" Alice prodded. "Oh shut up…" I read the text it said. 'Could u come over? I miss u' I sighed heavily; how could I not tell him that I love him? "Bella, give me that for a minute." Alice said pointing to my phone. "Um, why..." I said hesitantly. "Oh for pete's sake, Bella, I'm not gonna talk to him or anything." she amended. "Who's Pete?" I said, cracking a very un-Bella like grin. I handed her my phone, and she messed with it for about a minute and a half. Then, she handed it back. "There you go… Now you've unlimited texting, you can text him as much as you want just BEFORE the sleepover." "Eh, ok…" Then I sent him a new message. 'I miss u 2. sry but im sleepin over at Alice's.' Shortly after that, he replied. 'oh… ok' I texted him again. 'don't be sad' He texted back.. 'Bored again… im gonna listen to my iPod' "Bella, it's almost six, say goodbye to loverboy over there." Alice stated. Dammit, did I have to say goodbye already? 'I g2g, cya bf' He replied…

'ok… ILY gf…' Damn, why couldn't I say anything back? I sighed and closed my phone. But if I texted it… That's it, I would text it! I started writing a new message. I was going to write 'ILY2' but then I realize that I couldn't tell him the truth by a text. He faced me when he told me; the least I owed him was to do the same. At least when I told him that for the first time. I left my phone in Alice's room as I got ready to take a shower. After I showered, I put on my new pajamas that Alice bought. At six o'clock, Angela rang the doorbell. "Hey Ange" I said. "Hey Bells" she replied. "Hi Angela" Alice said. "So now our sleepover can officially start. As I'm sure you're well aware, it can't be a sleepover without makeovers, but that can wait. Now I ordered pizza and I've got pop corn and coke. We could also bring down some ice-cream if you want. We'll be watching 'Titanic'" She said enthusiastically. Fifteen minutes later, we were lying on the couch as we listened to Alice's comments about Leonardo DiCaprio while the movie was playing. But we did cry when Rose realizes that Jack is dead. By the time that the movie ended, we went upstairs to Alice's room. "Makeover time" Alice announced, cheerfully. I cringed. Alice and Angela look at me with evil smiles on their faces. Oh, crap. Now they could both torture me at the same time. What was worse is that I knew the bomb of questions was about to explode… Tick, tick, tick, BOOMI though bitterly to myself. "So, Bella… Why Ange does your hair and I paint your toenails, dish girl!" Alice said. "What is Bella going to dish about?" Ang asked. "It's just that Bella is dating Edward Mason" Alice said matter-of-factly. As soon as Alice finished speaking, Emmett burst through the door "BELLA'S WHAT?" he yelled. "Emmett, were you spying on us?" Alice, very bossily. It was funny to see tiny Alice talk to Emmett like that. You could say they were the siblings I never had.

"Sorry lil' sis. Did you just say that Bella is dating Mason?" "Yup" I replied. Emmett faked a hurt face, "And she admits it. She doesn't even tell us and she has the nerve to call us her best friends. I'm hurt Bella." Emmett put his hands on his chest to look hurt. I decided to play along. "Sorry Em. It's just that well… I started dating him on Thursday, but our first day was yesterday and with the car crash and all tha-" Emmett interrupted as soon as he heard the words car crash, "Did you just say car crash? That's so cool." Alice stood up next. "No, not cool Emmett, dangerous." There was silence for a moment. Angela used that chance to speak. "Edward Mason, Bells? I thought you guys didn't get along." Alice had a dreamy look on her face, and she stood up again, miming her words as she described what happened. "He protected her by wrapping his arms around her when the car crashed, like this. That was so romantic…" "Wait… car crash? How did you ended up in a car crash?" Ange said. "Did Mason pay you to go out with him?" Emmett said. "No, Emmett, I went of my own free will." I stated. "You should start from the beginning." Alice demanded. "Alright" I said. I took a deep breath. But just when I opened my mouth to speak, music filled out the room. I'll spread my wings and I'll learn how to fly I'll do what it takes 'til I touch the sky And I'll make a wish Take a chance Make a change And breakaway Out of the darkness and into the sun But I won't forget all the ones that I love I'll take a risk

Take a chance Make a change And breakaway… "Sorry, that's my phone" Angela said as he picked up the call. "Hey you... I miss you too. Ok… pick me up at eight. Love You." And then she hung up. I suddenly realize that I had an escape. I made a note to apologize to Ange for this, later. "Who is it that you love Ange?" I asked. "Oh… I haven't told you about Ben. Well… we have been dating for a while and I'm pretty crazy about him." she said. Alice pretended to be shocked. "I can't believe you two! Emmett and I told you about Jazz and Rose and you keep your boyfriends a secret! I'm hurt…" Alice could be so overdramatic at times. Emmett spoke next. "That reminds me that Jazz should know about this too. We should call him." But just when we were about to call him… Yo I'll tell you what I want, what I really really want, So tell me what you want, what you really really want, I'll tell you what I want, what I really really want, So tell me what you want, what you really really want, I wanna, I wanna, I wanna, I wanna, I wanna really really really wanna zigazig ha. "Don't worry Em, that's him. Do you want me to tell him to come over?" "Yup, please. I don't wanna be the only guy here." So now this girl sleepover had turned to a co-ed sleepover, and I still had to dish. Crap! Alice picked up her phone. "Hey Jazzy. I was wondering… Could you come over to a sleepover with Em? No, he's not gonna pull any pranks on you. Ok… see you, I love you" and then she hung up. Gosh! Everyone could say it except me. "He's coming" She announced.

"Ok" we all replied. "Al?" "Yes Ange?" "Do you wanna meet Ben?" "Yup" Alice replied. "Would you have any problems if he came over too?" Ange asked. "None."- Alice replied then she turned to Emmett-"You, Em?" "The more the merrier." he replied. Angela opened her phone and dialed a number. "Ben, I was wondering if you could come to a sleepover with my friends, they want to meet you. Yes it's a co-ed sleepover. Ok, see you soon. I love you more." Then she hung up, and nodded indicating that he was coming too. I judge by what she's wearing, Just how many heads I'm tearing, Off of assholes coming on to her, Each night seems like it's getting worse "That's Rose." Emmett announced as he pulled out his cellphone. "Hey Rose. Oh…" he put a hand on the phone and asked us…"Are you ok if Rose comes over too?" "Fine by me" Ange said. "No problemo" Alice replied. "Ok" was my only reply. He returned to his phone. "Alright, Rose, you can come too. Oh… And…Rose? I love you. See ya" and he hung up. So I'm the only retarded moronic idiot that couldn't express her feelings in those 3 words… I really sucked. I want you to want me. I need you to need me. I'd love you to love me. I'm beggin' you to beg me.

I want you to want me. I need you to need me. I'd love you to love me. "Oh, no. Not again… Who's phone is that?" I inquired. Just then, the doorbell rang. Emmett went to open the door. "Yours" Alice's stated. Crap! She must have changed my ring tone while I was in the shower. I glanced at my phone. The little screen was flashing. It said 'EDWARD'… "It's him" I stated.

Chapter 10: Surprises & New Friends I took a deep breath and picked up the phone. "Hello?" I said. "Bella! Did I wake you?" "No, you didn't. It's not even ten yet." "I just thought angels went to bed early." I blushed. I needed to change the subject; and quickly, before I made a fool of myself. "Ok… how was your afternoon?" Alice gave me a meaningful stare and mouthed the word 'lame'. "Boring. I've missed you" "Yeah, I miss you too." Alice quickly changed her expression to one that you would give a lost puppy. 'Aw', she mouthed. Rosalie and Jasper had finally arrived, and Emmett guided them upstairs to the room we were in. "Hey Rose, Hey Jazzy!" Alice screamed as she bounced up and down like a two year old on Christmas morning.

Hearing this, Edward asked, "Is Rosalie there?" as politely as he could. "Yup." "I thought you weren't friends." "Long story…" I told him. "I gotta go. My mom is coming to check on me." "Ok... bye boyfriend. Take care." "Bye, my angel. I love you." And then he hung up. Jasper looked at me with a very shocked expression. "Did you just say boyfriend?" Jasper inquired. "Yup" Alice replied. "Damn, how much have I missed!?" "Not much… Bella was about to start telling us how she ended up dating Edward Mason." "What?!" Rosalie exclaimed. "She said that Bella is gonna explain us how did she ended up dating Mason." Emmett explained, matter-of-factly. "Oh… Bella you're dating Ed?" Rosalie asked me, disbelievingly. "Well… kinda" I replied. "Kinda? Bella you're dating him and he's crazy about you; He saved you from the car crash for Pete's sake!" Alice said frantically, practically shouting. "Ok, I suppose I should start from the beginning…" Then, the doorbell rang. "It must be Ben." Angela guessed. "Eh, who's Ben?" Jasper asked. "Angela's boyfriend, whom she failed to mention, existed until about a half-an-hour ago." Emmett replied. "Wow Ange. I'm hurt… You too Bells." Jasper also pretended a hurt face.

"Sorry" we replied in unison, voices thick with sarcasm. Angela ran downstairs, and two minutes later we were introduced to Ben Cheney. We learned that he also attended Forks High, but he had no classes with any of us, only with Angela. We got along pretty well. So well that, in fact, two hours later he had been added to my very short friends list. Meeting Ben took a little of our sleepover schedule, but I already knew that next was a very sincere heart-to-heart talk about me and Edward yet to come. Damn! "Well Ben, I believe you've become a very good friend for all of us…" Jasper confessed, speaking for the entire group. "So… where were we before we met Ben?" Alice said, as an evil grin spread across her face. Emmett started bouncing up and down, yelling 'I know, I know' like a 5-year-old. I did my best to glare at him. "I guess we all know, except our new friend Ben. Anyone care to enlighten him?" Alice said. "Oh, I guess I will." Angela offered. "No need Ange." I stated. "I'll repeat everything, so we're all on the same page, alright?" They all nodded. "Okay, where to start? Well, I'm dating Edward Mason." I took a deep breath. As I inhaled, they bombarded me with a flurry of questions. "How long have you been dating?" "Where did you go for your first date?" "Have you kissed, at all?" "Is he nice?" "Is he a good kisser?" "Why didn't you tell us?" "How much did he pay you? Wait, have you two, like, done it yet?" That last one was Emmett, and it took all my self-control to not jump up and beat him to a bloody pulp. But I didn't have to move. Rosalie was already hitting Emmett with a pillow. Not as violent as I would have preferred, but I would have to live. "One at a time, please…" I begged them. "Emmett, he did not pay me. I went out with him of my own free will. And no, we have not 'done it'." I stated.

"So… how did you guys start dating then?" He inquired. "Yeah… I thought you hated him…" Angela looked at me quizzically. "Yeah, I thought so too." Jasper confessed. "Me too." Rosalie coughed. "He's not so bad." I confessed, blushing. My voice sounded weak, I was never a good liar. "No offense, but, he didn't seem to like you. Last I saw, you were both still calling each other by your last names…" Rose said. "That's only inside school" I confessed, regretting it immediately. "So, what happened?" Jasper said. "Do you remember that I went to L.A. for New Year's Eve?" I asked them. They all (except Ben) nodded. "Well Allison and Samantha drag me to a party, and I was being the 'fun Bella'"- I made quotation marks with my fingers-"… so it was almost midnight. Have you ever heard the expression 'ring the new year'?" I asked them. They all, including Ben, nodded. "So, naturally, I didn't have someone to 'ring' the year with. I wasn't upset, but you know Allison, she doesn't want anyone missing any experiences… so she quickly found someone. Oh! I forgot it was kind of a masked ball…" I took a deep breath. "A couple of minutes later, Allison appeared with a masked guy that I didn't recognize at first. We danced, and then we, eh, 'rang in' the year…" I paused for suspense, and to collect my thoughts. How was I going to explain the next part to them? I was deep in thought, but a sort of group-shout, snapped me out of my trance. "SO…?" They inquired. "After we made out, he took me to a balcony… And he starts saying, that 'we should know each other better' and asks me to take my mask off… I was already recognizing the voice, but I wasn't sure until I stared at him, while realization hit us… we didn't know how we ended both in the same party…" "It was fate." Rose declared.

"Well, as I was saying… we both, especially me, didn't want anyone at school to know about this… so he wouldn't tell anyone if I promised I…I...would make out with him, frequently… I didn't know why he asked me that, but I was worried that he might change the story and tell lies to the whole school…I mean, it's not like they would take my word over his..." I took another deep breath. "So as soon as I was home from winter break, Emmett told me you'd broken up with Edward, Rose. Then he told me himself, I didn't care though. I was just happy for Emmett, because he could be in a more established relationship. After that, me and Ed made out often. We went to Port Angeles or to his house, when his parents weren't home." Okay, I thought, here comes the hard part... "That was basically our whole relationship for a couple of weeks. Of course he still treated the same at school. One day we were at his house, making out, I blushed, "And then he tells me that he thinks he loves me. I ran away, but it was raining, and I hadn't brought my truck… He ran after me and told me that he loved me. Then I told him I was late and he drove me home…" Then I continued the story with the texting, climbing to my window at midnight, our 'first date', the car crash obviously omitting my feelings towards him. And then, to Alice's delight, I continued beyond that, to his coma. "So he was in a coma, and I was very upset. The whole situation had made me realize how strong my feelings towards him are. I'll get to that part later. So I was really messed up… I can't believe I did that to him. It was my entire fault, even if everyone says it wasn't…" Deep breaths, Bella, deep breaths. "Well, after seeing him like that, I couldn't sleep all night. Alice was with me that time… That was Friday… This morning I went to his room and he was awake, looking at me. With those green eyes of his…" Oh my God, had I just said that out loud? Crap! "You LOVE him too" Ang said. I blushed and nodded. "AWWW! How cute" Ange, Al and Rose said in unison. "Well, 'That's all folks'" Emmett announced. "Goodnight Rose" "Goodnight Em" "Goodnight, Al" "Goodnight, Jazz"

"Goodnight, Ange" "Goodnight, Ben" "Goodnight Bells" "Goodnight" And with that I drifted in to sleep. I could not wait until Monday...

Chapter 11: Messing Up with Romeo & Juliet Monday was finally here after a really long Sunday. It had been filled with small talks with Charlie about ‘driving safely’. Fortunately he didn’t ask further in the boyfriend issue. I was really grateful for that. If it had been Renée, I would have been bombarded with questions. So today I was going to pick up my boyfriend for school. The boyfriend my mother knows nothing about, but I’ll deal with her later. Right now the only thing that matters is him. And that I have to tell him how I feel about him. I love him… a lot, to be rather exact. But what exactly do love stands for? I know, but I mean, you aren’t supposed to love only once or twice and I’m way too young to know that I love someone. Many teenagers confuse crushes with love and do things they would regret later. Like… Run off to Vegas and get married… That’s exactly what my parents did. My mom has told me that she had thought she loved Charlie. While, according to her, he was only a phase, a crush. She had met him in high school and things had gone way too fast because they were young and foolish. And even if she didn’t regret having me, I know she always wonders what would have happened if she had gone to college instead. She had thought she loved him… I repeated to myself. Things were going way too fast… They were young and foolish… But that wasn’t the case with Edward and I. We would take things slow, our way…

I was now in front of a very familiar house (at least it had became familiar during the last two months or so). He was waiting for me, naturally. He smiled my favorite crooked smile as soon as his gaze met mine. He opened the passenger door and got inside the car. “Hi” he said as he gave me a peck in the lips. “Hey” I replied. “How are you this morning, love?” he asked. Love? Haven’t I just thought about the significance of such a word? “Good. I missed you lots, though” I said. “I doubt you could miss me more than I miss you” I stick out my tongue at him like a 5-year-old. “So how was the sleepover?” he asked. “It was interesting…” I admitted. “We met Ben, Angela’s boyfriend.” “Really? Did you talk about me?” Okay, I took a quick glance at his face… not Bella, bad idea…I felt the blood rising to my cheeks. I used my long dark hair as a curtain between us. “We should probably get going” I said in a rush as I put the key in ignition. We talk non-stop during the whole ride. It helped me to not think about… no Bella, don’t go back there… but really, are we going too fast? We got out of my car in a blur. Though we have been ‘officially’ introduced as a couple last week, gossip has spread out. I’m sure the whole school knows about the car crash. There aren’t secrets in Forks. Everyone is staring. Ignoring all the eyes that were ‘observing’ us, Edward grab me by the wais and lock me up in to a passionate kiss. I kiss him back, just a little. I think we have to discuss public displays of affection soon! This is too public for my liking. Morning classes went in a blur, sooner that it seemed, it was lunch time. I must admit I was a little mad at Edward for his little stunt earlier. I wasn’t hungry so I just grabbed my old copy of ‘Romeo & Juliet’ and sat under a canopy tree. I can’t recall how much time passed. I was lost again in Shakespeare’s writing. I’ve always thought that Romeo and Juliet were two misfortunate souls that couldn’t fulfill what life had planned for them… but right now I might have changed my mind. I mean they met and that same day, they decided to get married. They get married on the second day, Tybalt dies a few hours later, Romeo is exiled. On the third day, Juliet is told that she is to marry Paris and drinks the vial. And on the fourth day miscalculation ends it all.

But did it really was fate or did they do something wrong? I mean how did they really know if they love each other? Their whole relationship lasted less than four days… They have moved too fast… They move too fast… They went too fast and that screwed everything up. But they didn’t notice it because they were so young. I mean they were two teenagers that got carried away… They went too fast… They screwed everything up… Just two teenagers… Just like... My parents… Just like... NO! Stop it Bella! But I couldn’t stop… Just like Edward and me. I think the world is cons pirating to make me realize something. “There you are. I’ve been looking for you.” I looked up to meet his too-perfect face. “Were you looking for me? What for?” I asked him. “Just so I could do this” he said as he lifted me up and leaned closer to me. I turned my head aside and push him away. “Bells, what’s wrong?” he asked, bewildered. “Look at the hour! I don’t want to get late to class” I wasn’t completely lying. Lunch was almost over. He walked me to class. Neither of us spoke. He didn’t even attempt to kiss me goodbye. At government, I could feel his gaze on me. He was staring at me thoughtful, like he was calculating something. I focused on my textbook. When school was finally over, I found him leaning against my car. “Bella, are you mad at me?” He asked with serious expression in his face. “No” It sounded like a question...

“Are you?” he asked again. “I’m just…” “Go on” he inquired. “It’s nothing really” “If you’re concerned it’s not nothing” “We should get going.” Neither of us spoke during the entire ride to his house. When we arrive he gave me a concerned look and a quick peck on the lips. After that he got out of the car and I drove away.

Chapter 12: Time & Space Tuesday didn’t do me any good either. The conclusions of re-reading Romeo & Juliet were still racing through my mind. I glanced at the clock. 7:30. Oh crap! I’m late for school and I’ve to pick him up! I ran downstairs grabbing a granola bar in my way our. I sat in my truck and turned the engine on. Twenty minutes later, I was in the Mason mansion. Mason Masion? It’s sound quite funny…. and repetitive. I giggled at the thought. “You’re late.” He stated. I noticed he was pouting at me. However, all I could think about was… MASON MASION! I failed trying to hide my giggles by putting my hand over to my mouth. Oh c’mon! Bella control yourself! Stop giggling about non-sense! Non-sense… Non-sense… Nose sense… Alright Bella, you need to sleep more and stop taking too much sugar, you’re worse than Alice!

“It’s good to see you smiling again. I was worried about you. I love to see you smile. But may I wonder what are you giggling at?” he asked me. His words automatically stopped my giggling and I turned back to my serious façade. Love? Too fast… Screw everything up… NO, NO, NO! “It’s not of your business.” I replied coldly “But you’re my business.” He said perplexed. “We’re going to be late.” I blurted out willing to change the subject. He closed the door beside him and we headed to school once again. Once we had arrived, we both ran off to our classes. Just like yesterday, classes went out in a blur and before I knew it, lunch had arrived. I grabbed a chicken sandwich and a soda… Then I proceeded to find a sit. Where can I sit? With my friends? With my boyfriend? Alone? I’m too messed up… I got it! Maybe I could slow down things with him if I offer some space… Perhaps it would work… So where do I start? I’ll sit with my friends today. I need the time anyways. I walked over to their table. “Hey Bells” Jazz said happily. “Hey Bella” Ali & Rose said cheerfully “Squirt” Em said mocking me. “Bella!” Ang said with a happy tone. I noticed that Ben had become a new addition to our table.

“Hey guys. Excuse me Em, why did you call me ‘squirt’?” I demanded angrily while I did air quotations with my hands. “Just teasing you Bells.” He replied as he grinned at me. Rose punched him playfully on the stomach. “So… where’s Mr. Boyfriend today?” Alice asked at the same time as she raised her eyebrows playfully. “No idea.” I replied as I lift up my shoulders. Just then, a pair of arms grabbed my waist and a velvet voice whispered into my ear. “May I still you for a while?” “Fine” I hissed at him. I can’t help feeling a little guilty. He was being sweet, but we were going a thousand miles an hour in this road. He grabbed my wrist and led me through the cafeteria door and far beyond until we were by the same tree where I was reading yesterday. “Bella are you ok?” he asked. Anxiety was filled in his eyes. “Yeah. Sure. Never better.” I blurted out too quickly to make it seem like the truth. “You’ve been a little distant lately.” He observed. “I have a lot on my mind.” I replied angrily. “What is keeping you so worried?” He asked. Concern was filled in his eyes. “None of your business.” I hissed at him and quickly looked down. He lifted my head up with his index finger to make my gaze meet his. “As I said before, and I quote myself, ‘You’re my business’, my Bella. I love you and if something is keeping you worried, I want to know what it is. Your concern is my concern.” He said. His Bella? So now I was his? Since when? “It’s nothing.” I hissed back. He just leaned down and kissed me. It took all my will power to restrain of giving in. It was pointless so I started to give in to the kiss and kiss him back. Stop Bella! What are you doing? What happened to the space, YOU had promised to yourself so that this doesn’t screw up? I pushed him off. “What’s wrong?” He asked mystified.

“I just need time, I’m pretty messed up right now. I’ll see you tomorrow. I need to be alone and think tonight.” “Ok, my love.” Again with that word. That’s the word that I have trouble with. After that discussion, we headed to class. Finally, classes were over. I drove him home. When we arrived we got a huge surprise… A brand new silver Aston Martin V12 was parked in his driveway with a huge red ribbon around it. It looked quite expensive… talk about spoiled children. “Oh god.” I muttered “Wow” Edward said. His mouth was hanging open. We got out of the car and there they were. Mr. & Mrs. Mason smiling at us. Edward couldn’t remove his eyes off of the car. “This is for me?” He asked flabbergasted. “Of course, son. We realized that you’ll need a car to drive your girlfriend around.” Mr. Mason said matter-of-factly. I blushed. “Thank…you… a lot” Edward replied. His eyes hadn’t left the car yet. I guess he was interiorizing the surprise. “Well, let’s leave them alone, Edward.” Mrs. Mason said to Mr. Mason. They got inside the house. Edward turned to me. “So… do you like my new car?” He asked me. His eyes lit up the excitement. “Yeah… I should get going.” I said trying to get out of here. Before he could kiss me goodbye, I blurted out a ‘bye’ ,jumped into my car and drove away. That night I stayed up, thinking. I had lots of questions in my mind. Were we really going too fast? Was it really too soon? Do I tell him that I love him. Do I? I’m too messed up! I opened my window and let the fresh air fill the room. I, pathetically enough, started talking to myself out loud. Oh god, I’m really wicked! “What do I do? Do I ignore it? Do I tell him? Do I? Why can I get the guts to do it? C’mon everybody could. I’m sure I can too. But do I? It’s not like I could walk to him and say ‘Hey Edward, guess what? I-’ that’s way too pathetic. I need a better way to tell him and stop freaking out like this.” I started thinking of ways when... “Tell me what?” A voice asked. I notice that it was coming from my window.

And the worse part was that I knew that voice, and I did not want to hear it now. That was the siren call… That was it…

Chapter 13: You… He was leaning casually beside my window frame, raising a perfect eyebrow at me. I just stared at him. “Say it Bella, what do you want to tell me?” he asked. That-that… that… JERK! He thinks the can just come here and spy on me. Damn you eavesdropper! I was too pissed off to speak. Although, he waited till I had finally enough self-control to reply. “WHAT THE HECK ARE YOU DOING HERE?” I yelled at him. I was glad that Charlie had a late night shift at the station; all this yelling would’ve probably caught his attention. I waited for him to explain his behavior. I watched his facial expression get angrier. His gaze was pointed firmly at me when he spoke. “WHAT AM I DOING HERE? WELL, LET’S SEE… I WANTED TO SEE MY GIRLFRIEND, WHO HAS BEEN ACTING REALLY WEIRD LATELY AND PERHAPS SPEND SOME TIME WITH HER?” He glared at me. I could swear he did. But that was not the worse part; he had spoken each word so harshly, so bitterly. I did not know that velvet could be rough until know. I’m starting to think that perhaps I was right, we’re not mature enough for this. Though I had to admit he still looked hot even with that angry façade. Bella focus! It’s the enemy you’re talking-or rather thinking about! Right then the bomb that was ticking inside of me explode… Tic, tic, tic, BOOM! I thought to myself. “You’ve no right to come here” I snapped “Do you understand that I care about you? Fuck! I damn care about you a lot” he hissed….

That started a night that I’ll record in my memory for as long as I exist, everything came in a blur as soon as those words came out of his mouth… “You don’t have to care about me” “You are my girlfriend. I have to care about you” “And that automatically gives you the right to eavesdrop on me?” “You’ve something to tell and you’re not telling me” “Oh, don’t give that. You’re a doubting bastard. You couldn’t even trust your own girlfriend. Maybe it is because you aren’t trustworthy at all.” It wasn’t supposed to come out like that. “You’re fucking changing the subject.” “I don’t have anything to tell you” “You’re damn lying Bella” “And why do you give a shit on it? It’s my business” “Bella get this inside your thick skull: I care about your well being; besides you still are my girlfriend.” “And if I don’t want to be your freaking girlfriend?” The glass was broken. Some anger faded from his face and he stared at me flabbergasted. “What?” he almost-whispered. “We’re freaking over! I don’t give a shit if you’re alive or dead! You are dead to me!- No sorry, it will be as if you’d never existed” “You’re acting like a bitch” “And you’re being a possessive, distrustful asshole!” His face was red. He was too angry to speak. Right then I opened my mouth and said the words that I’ll regret for the rest of my life. “I can’t believe I ever agreed to be your girlfriend.” That led to the words he said, the ones that my mind kept replaying every once in a while… “And I can’t believe I ever asked you. I should have stayed with Lauren.”

“I bet you cheated on me with her, didn’t you? You know what? Don’t answer that. I don’t give a shit.” “Bella-” “It’s Isabella to you, Masen. Get the fuck out off my house!” “Fine!” “Fine, go away.” He jumped out of my window and climbed down the tree cursing and fumbling all the way down. I subtly watched him walk away. I could feel the tears that started to gather around my eyes. By the way, Edward, I love you. Was the last thing I thought as I watched him disappear in the driveway…

Chapter 14: The Aftermath The silver car-his car-had disappeared into the driveway about five minutes ago. The only think I could do is stare at my empty driveway, while my mind played evil tricks with me as the tears fall. Why on earth had those words come out of my mouth? Why had I said that to him? I’m an idiot. I couldn’t sleep all night. I regret everything that happened tonight… I would take it all back if I can, but I can’t. I grabbed my iPod and I put my headphones all, carelessly I hit play. I don't think I want this anymore, The words came sinking one by one into my mind… This time you will stay gone, that's for sure. ‘We’re freaking over’ I had said… And he shattered something else But he did react, he did regret it… he regret it all. She had never gone that far.

He clearly said it. ‘I can’t believe I even ask you’ No 'Happily Never After' That just ain't for me. So he did regret having me as his girlfriend… My tears keep falling down my face. I'm done, I'm done, said I'm so done, (so done, yeah). I'm free, I'm free, so free Free to feel the way I feel, yeah. I’ve never depended on anyone in such way… She inhales a breath she'd never breathed before Don't want no drama no more. C’mon Bella, you did not need him a month ago… That just ain't for me But you need him now… Said I'm done, I'm done, I'm done We’re over; I need to start getting over it… --A/N: I was going to leave it there, but I though you deserved a longer chapter.. ;) It would've been too short...-A/N: (Soundtrack: Apologize by Timbaland & One Republic) I suggest you re-play the song as you read this… Wednesday is here… damnit! Wednesday’s abbreviation in the calendars is wed, and wed reminds me of wedding and wedding reminds me of love and love reminds me of-STOP BELLA, GET OVER IT. I messed up, I should accept the consequences. I pulled my car into the school driveway. I recognized the silver car; that everybody was staring at. As I parked my car, I watched him get out of his with a grim expression on his face. I got out of my car and closed the door behind me. I headed to the main building.

I did hear footsteps-his footsteps- coming behind me. I ignore it. I started to walk faster… Something-or rather someone-grabbed my wrist… “Bella” he said “Get the fuck away from me, Mason!” “We need to talk” “No we don’t” “Bells, I’m sorry… I really acted like an ass last night” It’s too late to apologize, Edward. What’s done is done. “I don’t care what happens to you”-ENORMOUS lie-“Get away from me” I walked faster to my class… Lucky me I didn’t trip. Oops… too soon to say that. I did trip… And guess who offered me a helping hand? “C’mon Bella, take my hand.” I didn’t. Instead, I stood up all by myself, luckily, turn around and keep walking to the classroom” Classes, as they always do… went out in a blur. But this time, lunch time was an unknown land. I know that I could sit with my friends, but I was wondering where he would sit and more importantly with whom. I walked over to my friends’ table. “Hello, Bella” Jazz said. “Hi Bells” Em said “Bella!” Rose & Al sang cheerfully. If only they new… “Hey Bella” Ang & Ben said. I took my usual sit between Alice & Jasper and Emmett & Rose. I know notice that I was the only one single in my group of friends. Yesterday, you weren’t. My mind told me. “I heard Edward got a new car, but he didn’t drive you to school today did he?” Alice asked.

“Yeah, I heard about that too, an Aston Martin V12, pretty expensive car…” Em said. I bit my lower lip. “Bella, what’s wrong?” Ang said “Well, listen carefully; because I’m only saying this once, he has no right or obligation to drive me to school anymore.” I said flatly. “How so?” Jazz asked. “Edward & I broke up last night” I stated. They all looked at me as if I had 3 eyes or something… “Stop looking at me like that! I’m going to take fresh air. I’ll see you guys later.” I said as I got up and walked out of the cafeteria. I walked too that tree- that cursed tree, where my life had changed so abruptly… I tried to open my book-Romeo & Juliet- but I just couldn’t. So I grabbed my iPod and hit play… Nobody’s Home by Avril Lavigne started playing… I couldn't tell you why she felt that way, She felt it everyday. And I couldn't help her, I just watched her make the same mistakes again. What's wrong, what's wrong now? Too many, too many problems. Don't know where she belongs, where she belongs. She wants to go home, but nobody's home. It's where she lies, broken inside. With no place to go, no place to go to dry her eyes. Broken inside. I could feel the tears falling. C’mon Bella you can do this… stop the tears from falling Open your eyes and look outside, find the reasons why. You've been rejected, and now you can't find what you left behind. He rejected me. He regretted everything. Be strong, be strong now. Too many, too many problems. Don't know where she belongs, where she belongs.

She wants to go home, but nobody's home. It's where she lies, broken inside. With no place to go, no place to go to dry her eyes. Broken inside. I should regret it too, but I can’t. Well I do, but I shouldn't... right? Her feelings she hides. Her dreams she can't find. She's losing her mind. She's fallen behind. She can't find her place. She's losing her faith. She's fallen from grace. She's all over the place. Yeah,oh I felt someone beside me. I did not have to look to know who it was. I already knew… She wants to go home, but nobody's home. It's where she lies, broken inside. With no place to go, no place to go to dry her eyes. Broken inside. He tried to reach for my hand. I got up abruptly and ran to my next class... As farthest away from him as possible... It was for the best wasn’t it? She's lost inside, lost inside...oh oh yeah She's lost inside, lost inside...oh oh yeah Wasn’t it?

Chapter 15: Feb. 14 Thursday, February the 14th… For some people is a special day, for others is just another crappy day….

And I have no idea what it is to me. I wish I could ditch school only for this day, but I couldn’t. Some perfect student I am. I was lying lazily in my bed. I took a glance at the clock. 6:50 am. Damn! I’m up early. As if I needed more time to hate this day! I tried to search for my iPod, but as soon as I found it, I realized it had run out of battery probably because it has been serving as my escape lately. I connect it to its charger. Since I couldn’t use it, I turned the radio on. Nothing's ever what it seems In your life or in your dreams It don't make sense what can you do So I won't try makin' sense of you Love just is... whatever it may be Love just is... in you and me Nothing less and nothing more I don't know what I love you for Love just is... I can’t stand that… Next station Love me love me Say that you love me NEXT! Dammit!! Kiss me Down by the broken tree house The last time I heard that song was… NO! BELLA DON’T THINK THAT! I turned the radio off… It was a bad idea. I jumped into the shower and changed quickly. I made myself a bowl of cereal and ate it slowly.

It was early when I pull over in front of the school’s building. But there was another car parked already. A silver car, obviously…I allowed myself to take a quick glance at him. Hopefully he would not notice. But damn! He noticed. I couldn’t stay locked up in my car as much as wanted to. Let’s get this over with, I thought as I got out of the car. “Bella” he called. I ignored him and kept walking to the front building, only to discover that it was locked. Just my luck. I turned around and kept walking to a different direction. I stopped in front of the tree. I touched the grass to see if it was dry, and surprisingly it was. I sat down Indian style and grabbed my calculus notebook. The work wasn’t supposed to be done until next Wednesday, but I needed something to distract myself. As you might imagine, I was being followed. By the Edward Mason himself. He had kept my pace and he was now sitting two feet away from me. He just sat there, watching me. Or I should say… observing me. I swear he looked at me like I was a science experiment or something. “So now you stalk me?” I hissed, trying to break his gaze. “Bella, please listen to me…” he pleaded with beseeching eyes. “You left it all crystal clear, Edward” I snapped. “I didn’t mean to say those things Tuesday, I’m really sorry…” he said remorseful. “Shut up, I know you don’t mean it.” I hissed back. “Bells, listen please.” He pleaded again. “No you listen. I don’t care what you’ve to say unless it is the answer of equation 45b.” I said trying to get back to my homework. “You’re irritating me” he said. “And you’re not making this easier” I stated. “Not making what easier?” he asked bewildered by my statement. “Ignoring you” I blurted out. Dammit! I need to keep some things to myself and not blurt them out like that! “That’s because I don’t want you to ignore me” We were now gazing fiercely at each other. It was like our anger had trapped us in our own little bubble.

“You’re a jerk” I stated confidently. “And you’re a hopeless pushover” he said mockingly. But he was right about that, crap! I was about to reply to him with some words I would most probably regret saying, when he grabbed me by the wrists and made me stand up. As soon as I was up his lips press to mine fiercely. Our anger was clearly reflected in the kiss. The force of it made me dizzy. When he finally released my wrists, I pushed him off. “Get the fuck away from me, Mason!” I yelled. He just stared at me in disbelief. -Classes passed one by one… and all I could think about was him. Damn him and his breath-taking, dazzling, amazing kisses! By lunch time I decided to grab something to eat and head to my truck. Once I had grabbed a chicken sandwich and a bottle of lemonade, I sat down in my truck and started eating. When I was down, I took a few sips of my lemonade. Suddenly I felt a knock on my window. It was him. There was no way out of this one. I got out of my truck. “Be my valentine?” he asked as he handed me a red rose. The rose was beautiful to say the least, it was perfect. I couldn’t accept it though… “When pigs fly, Mason” “Is that a yes?” he teased “No, besides I’m someone else’s valentine already.” Such a liar I am! Now I need a date! “What?” he was trying to find the truth about the matter I suppose. “Wait and see” was my only reply. His expression turned hurt. It broke me to see him like that. He just turned around and left. -After school was over, I went to find Alice. “Al, I need a date ASAP” I blurted out” “Why?” she asked flabbergasted. I remembered I haven’t told her why Edward & I broke up. “I’ll tell you later.”

“Ok, I’ll see what I can do.” She said. I drove home quietly. I e-mailed Renée, got my homework done and was getting dinner ready when the phone rang. “Tomorrow 7 pm, he picks you up. Got it? , you owe me.” Alice voice announced. “Thanks a lot, who is it?” I asked. “Newton,” she said. I’m sure she is getting me back for something… “Ew! Al!” I complained. “Sorry, no whining accepted. You’re the one that was desperate” she announced. She’s definitely mad at me for something… “I was not. I just needed to make a lie become a truth” That really sounds stupid… “Care to elaborate?” she asked. “Nah, too personal” I snapped. “Then you’re stuck with Newton” she announced as she hung up… Damn! She definitely is up to something…

Chapter 16: Stunned I can’t believe I ever agreed to this. I can’t believe I even ask for it. In moments like this, I swear, I really hate myself. I was sitting in a gas station dinner. But it wasn’t anywhere near Forks, so I couldn’t just ran away all the way home. Plus, that would probably look rude. I shouldn’t blame myself for this. This date has been awful. Not that my dating history, automatically resumed to him, was of help at the moment. I’ve been told I shouldn’t compare dates like that. But if I did, I don’t think this date would get a 1 in a 1-10 scale! Well let’s re-play it… He came late. And when I say late I mean really late. He could be late by 10 minutes, but he kept me waiting for two hours!! Then he drove us to a gas station near Tacoma. Do you know how far that is? We ended up dining in an unhygienic dinner just because the burgers where cheaper there. Mike didn’t even ask me

what I wanted to eat, he ordered 2 of what seem to be, cheese burgers and 2 un-branded sodas. I only sat there, afraid of even pick my food. It doesn’t look edible. I swear I can see the fungi in my bun! Ew! I don’t believe I would ever look at a cheeseburger the same way… “Ya’re not hungray?” Mike said between bites. EWWWWW!! I couldn’t open my mouth without feeling nausea, so I just shook my head. He tried to grin at me, failing miserably. I could see the food, already chewed falling from the corner of his mouth. “Hey, babe, I’m quite a catch, aren’t I?” he said in a mouthful of the so-called food I managed to keep my breath while I spoke. “Sure you’re Mike” sarcasm colored my tone. Of course Mike being the prick he is; didn’t catch it. He finished eating his food and then just grabbed mine, without even asking me. I didn’t mind, I wanted to get rid of that nasty food anyways. Our waiter walked toward us. He was an 18-year old teenager with acne problems, but Mike had a thing for him, I think. “Are ya ready folks?” “Yea, Tyler, we’re done” he smiled at him. “Anything else you want?” Tyler asked smiling a little too warmly to Mike. He was flirting with him, figures... And I’m starving! “See ya later” Mike said as he winked at him. When it was time to pay, Mike ‘discovered’ that he had forgot his wallet. So… I ended up paying for both of us. He drove us home; it was almost midnight. I got out of the car and he followed me. Damn! We were in my front door step and I was wishing to get inside, when he turned me around. He grabbed me and put his horrible lips in mine. Ew! I mean he had just eaten that disgusting so-called food and I can now taste it! In addition he was an awful kisser. I think I’m gonna puke… I pushed him away. “GET AWAY FROM ME!!” I yelled. “C’mon, ya know ya like ‘t” he said. “No, I didn’t” “Its gotta be the best kiss of ya life!”

“Of course not, it was awful” I didn’t care if I was being mean. “I gotta kiss better than Mason” “No way on earth” oops! “What the fuck?! I am!” “No, you’re not!” My subconscious is answering for me! “YEA I AM… HE IS SO…” “So… what?” “HE IS A JACKASS!” “No he is not. He is sweet and caring, and sometimes he actually can think-” Shut up, Bella! You hate him, remember! “SHUT UP. HE SUCKS!” “I’m not going to discuss further with you. Bye Newton. I hope this would not repeat ever!” “Count on that, dork” “At least, I know I’m going to college!” I got inside my house and change into my pjs. I put my headphones on and hit play… (A/N: The song is Can I Have a Kiss? By Kelly Clarkson) Excuse me for this I just want a kiss I just want to know what it feels like to touch Something so pure Something I'm so sure of What it feels like to stand outside your door I'm unworthy I can see you're above me But I can be lovely given the chance

Don't move I want to remember you just like this Don't move It's only a breath or two between our lips I know why you left I can't blame you myself Must be hard living with ghosts and such an empty shell I tried to warn you I've been a mess since you've known me I can't promise forever But I'm working on it If I can't hold you Can I give you a kiss Can I have a kiss I see that you're torn I've got some scars of my own Seems I want what I know is gonna leave me hungry Don't move I need to remember you just like this I know why you left I can't blame you myself Must be hard living with ghosts and such an empty shell I tried to warn you I've been a mess since you've known me

I can't promise forever But I'm working on it If I can't hold you Can I give you a kiss Can I All I have All I can give to you I will Just promise this If I can't have forever Can I have a kiss I know why you left I can't blame you myself Must be hard living with ghosts and such an empty shell I tried to warn you I've been a mess since you've known me I can't promise forever But I'm working on it If I can't hold you Can I give you a kiss Can I give you a kiss Can I, can I Can I have a kiss Damn! Why am I so weak? I can’t surrender, not now. I gotta get started with that essay due Monday. -- (A/N: You can play ‘Who’s that Girl?’ by Hilary Duff here)

Monday was already here. Alice apologized for the date with Mike. However, she seemed up to something… I wonder what she’s up too… As I pulled up in the school driveway, I deduced I had about 10 minutes before classes actually started. I couldn’t believe what I saw. Edward was in a deep lip lock with some blonde bimbo. How dare he? Calm down Bella, you broke up with him. Remember? I headed to class. In my way to each of my classes I found him with a different one. I felt something strange inside me; probably I’m sick because of Mike’s unhygienic burgers. Ew! I’m going to puke if I even recall that he kissed me! Government was the worse. Edward actually had a waiting list. How much of an ass can he be? I swear he make out with at least 5 girls in the class in an hour! Mr. Banner, didn’t mind of course, he could be burning the place for all he cared. When class ended, I gathered my books and headed out of the classroom. Me being, well me, I tripped. Edward passed by and looked at me. “You’re such a klutz, Swan!” “Shut up, Mason!” I ran away from class and drove away fighting the tears the whole way back home. Who's that girl? Where's she from? No she can't be the one That you want That has stolen my world It's not real, it's not right It's my day, it's my night By the way Who's that girl living my life?

The only thing that came to my mind was. He’s back. The player is back.

Chapter 17: Harming & Assignments The past two weeks have been hell… --Flashback-Tuesday was here, once again. I was lying on my bed with no intentions to get up. You’ve to go to school, the voice in the back of my head told me, damn conscience! Why do you’ve to bother me right now! Okay Bella, get up now… I got dressed and headed downstairs. I needed to waste time, so I made myself a bowl of cereal and ate slowly. I have no intentions of running on to him and one of his girls today. Yesterday’s stunt was more than enough. I mean... he hadn’t said that he loved me? Key word in that sentence, loved, past tense and we live in the present. He is just a dickhead. A scoundrel! He is unimportant in my life, even if every cell in my body ached to deny that. I would get over him; I would focus on most important things. I grabbed my keys and headed to school. Figures… it’s not even 8 o’clock and he’s already exchanging saliva with the Asian exchange student. How much of a pig can he be? Oh… but that’s not all, here comes the French, guess he wants authentic French kissing now… C’mon! 3 girls in less than 20 minutes! Asshole! Stupid womanizer! And I’m the idiot who is stuck staring at his actions! Get a grip Bella! I, as much as I hate it, have to admit that I’m hurting a lot. But I would not let him know that. It’s all over. I grabbed my books an headed to class. --End flashback-But that wasn’t my only encounter with him…

You think I’m that lucky? Of course, that I kind of got a revenge after that… --Flashback-So… he’s there with the French again, and now she’s walking away. Might as well go talk to her. What was her name, again? Oh that’s right! Amélie! Fortunately, I was taking AP French, so I could explain her, the basics on him in her own language. (A/N: Sorry if I messed up a little bit, I’ve just began taking French. I’ve written the English translation on parenthesis) “Amèlie?” “Oui?” (Yes?) “Mai je parle avec vous?” (May I speak with you?) “Bien, qu'en est-il de?” (Alright, what about?) “Vous savez Edward? Vous savez celui là-bas?” (You know Edward? You know the one over there?) She just nodded. I proceeded “Eh bien, il est un homme à femmes; il change les filles plus souvent que ce qu'il change de sousvêtements. Il est une mauvaise nouvelle, il est des problèmes. Je vous recommande de se tenir loin de lui.”(Well, he is a womanizer; he changes girls more often than he changes his underwear. He is bad news, he is trouble. I recommend you to stay away from him.) I expected her to be mad and simply stop seeing him, but she surprised me. She went all red and ran to him completely pissed off. She stomped on his foot, slapped him in the cheek and started yelling at him… in French! I approached the area to hear the ‘lecture’. “Vous porc dégoûtant! Comment pourriez-vous faire pour nous pauvres filles! Vous n'avez pas de coeur, pas de sentiments que ce soit. Vous êtes un dégoûtant trou du cul!”(You disgusting pig! How could you do this to us, poor girls! You have no heart, not feelings whatsoever. You’re a disgusting asshole!) He was utterly shocked. I bet he didn’t catch a thing of that. I was fighting with myself to no burst out laughing. I ran to my car, lock myself up and laugh until I felt tears ran into my eyes. But deep down, I felt bad for him, I’m sure it will go away… --End of flashback-Good times…

But of course, Mr. Banner ruined it all. The man doesn’t have another thing to do than ruining my life, I’ll assure you! I was sitting at my lunch table with my headphones on. (A/N: She’s listening to ‘Miss Independent’ by Kelly Clarkson) Miss independent Miss self-sufficient Miss keep your distance Miss unafraid Miss out of my way Miss don't let a man interfere, no Miss on her own Miss almost grown Miss never let a man help her off her throne So, by keeping her heart protected She'd never ever feel rejected Little miss apprehensive Said ooh, she fell in love What is this feelin' takin' over? Thinkin' no one could open my door Surprise...It's time To feel what's real What happened to Miss Independent? No longer need to be defensive Goodbye, old you When love is true

I saw Alice approaching the table. I turned the volume up. Miss guarded heart Miss play it smart Miss if you want to use that line you better not start, no But she miscalculated She didn't want to end up jaded And this miss decided not to miss out on true love So, by changing her misconceptions She went in a new direction And found inside she felt a connection She fell in love. What is this feelin' takin' over? Thinkin' no one could open my door (open my door) Surprise...It's time (yeah) To feel what's real What happened to Miss Independent? No longer need to be defensive Goodbye (goodbye), old you (oh you) When love, when love is true She sat next to me. She watched me curiously. I just tried to ignore her, she seemed to be implying something with that look. Damn! I swear she’s up to something… When Miss Independent walked away No time for love that came her way She looked in the mirror and thought today What happened to miss no longer afraid?

It took some time for her to see How beautiful love could truly be No more talk of why can't that be me I'm so glad I finally see... “Bella… Earth to Bella!” Alice snapped trying to direct my attention back at her. But it was too late; I’d already focused my gaze on him. Damn him and his freaking good looks! What is this feelin' takin' over? Thinkin' no one could open my door Surprise (surprise), it's time (yeah) To feel (to feel) what's real What happened to Miss Independent? No longer need to be defensive Goodbye (goodbye), old you When love, when love is true... His gaze found mine and he sent me an arrogant smirk. What a dickhead! He thinks I’m staring at him? As if! Bella, you idiot! You are! I looked away blushing… Miss Independent. “Bells? Are you there?” Al asked. “I’m back, you were saying…?” I replied quickly. “Bella, I was wondering what’s up between you two guys?” She questioned “Huh? What are you talking about?” I snapped, wishing that she will drop the subject. Of course, with Alice, there is not such luck. “Isabella Swan! You know exactly what I’m talking about! Don’t you dare think I’ll drop the subject!”-DAMN! But for some odd reason, luck decided to help me at that precise moment, because the bell rang.

“Gotta go, Al. Tell ya, later, ‘k?” I blurted out. “You know you will” She stated. I ran to class. Government was a living hell. As if I wasn’t pissed at Mr. Banner that he had returned giving me lower grades (he had heard that we had split up). Edward was really… let’s say… involved in his player ways… “So, class. As you know, you’ll have to present an important assignment by the end of March. It will be a mix between Law and Drama Class. No complaining, I know most of you have not taken drama ever, however, the teacher’s board decided that this would be a more educative dynamic. The project is supposed to be completed in couples. Each couple will have a determined type of case and they’ll have to create a case and perform it in front of the class. You can ask for help of your classmate for the performance, as extras, you and your partner will have to do the main roles, but not for the creation of the case. Understood?” Oh great… Another assignment in which I would get a low grade because of his freaking preferences. Mr. Banner continued. “Because, I don’t trust you enough to pick you own partners, I’ve taken the liberty to assign them already. You’re not allowed to switch partners nor complain about yours. I don’t care if you get along with your partner or not. You’ll do this project together because I say so.” Crap! That… ugh! “Mr. Newton, your partner will be… Miss Stanley.” Jessica dared to complain. “But I wanted to be partnered with Edward!” She sang in her nasally voice. “Shut up, Miss Stanley. Your partner is Mr. Newton and it’s going to stay that way.” Mr. Banner replied and continue telling the names. “Mr. Clarke, your partner will be Miss Newley.” No one dared to complain about it. “Mr. Adcock, your partner will be Miss Reeves.” No one complained either. He continued telling the partners until… “Mr. Mason, your partner will be… Miss Swan” He stated. The next thing I can recall is Edward and I screaming in unison. “WHAT?!” “As I said before you’ll work together because I said so. Now all the teams will meet for further arrangements. This project is planned to be developed outside of school so you’ll have to meet at each other houses, understood?” I was left with no choice, but to sit next to him. We just glared at each other.

“Look Mason, it seems that we’re stuck in this project together”- bad word Bella-“So, I propose a truce only for self-benefit. I suppose you don’t want to fail this and neither do I.” “I agree Swan. Say Friday, my place, 5:30 pm?” He asked me. “Fine” I hissed. I so do not want to work with him. “You do remember where it is, right?” he questioned. “Of course I do” How could I forget? Mr. Banner spoke again. “I will give you a paper with your assigned cases. Remember you’ll have to create a plot for the case, they cannot just be plain laws.” He started approaching each table and giving them their cases. Hannah Reeves and Jack Adcock got a murder case. Newton and Jessica got Tuna company demand… Edward and I were next. Mr. Banner approached our table. “Here’s is your case, Miss Swan and Mr. Mason, or should I say Mr. & Mrs. Mason?” What the heck? What is he talking about? He handed me the paper and left. I looked at the paper. “You gotta be kidding me” I muttered. The paper said. Students: You’ll have to use your real names in this case, just for simplicity issues. The rest of the case can be whatever you want. Your case will be a DIVORCE TRIAL. Mr. Banner “Swan, you’re fucking white. What does the damn paper say?” Edward exclaimed. “Look by yourself” I said as I handed him the paper. “This has to be a joke.” He muttered. “Students, I think it will be a good time to inform you that you cannot change cases. You have to work with what you got.” Damn! I swear I’m going to kill that man someday… But if I kill him I will go to jail, so maybe I should hire someone to kill him. --

Friday had arrived. I was pulling out in his driveway… Let’s get this over with, I thought as I rang the doorbell. The door opened. Elizabeth Mason was standing in front of me with a smile on her face. “Hello sweetheart, come in” I did not know what I was getting into…

Chapter 18: Why? “Can I offer you something to drink, darling?” Mrs. Mason asked me. I sat on his living room waiting for him to make his appearance. “No thanks, Mrs. Mason” I replied politely. “Call me Elizabeth, sweetie. After all, we’re soon to be family” She stated with a small smile. I wonder what did she meant by that. Better keep your mouth shut, Bella. Silence. Tic, Tac, Tic, Tac. “Perhaps I should go up and get him” Crap! I did not just say that! That sentence can, obviously, have more than one connotation. I hope she doesn’t get it. She did! Damn it! I blushed. “Perhaps you should” Elizabeth replied with a small chuckle. “Second door to the left” she instructed. I made my way upstairs and then turned left. I walked beside the first door. Sooner than expected, I was in front of his door. It took all my guts to knock that stupid door. I listen to music on the background. I heard him approach the door. He opened the door. And there he was. As soon as we were face to face, we stared at each other. I swear I never meant to let it die I just don't care about you anymore It's not fair when you say that I didn't try I just don't care about you anymore His hair was messy… as always…

We had time on our side In the beginning we We had nothing to hide In the beginning you You blame me but It's not fair when you say that I didn't try I just don't want to hear it anymore And his eyes… green eyes I swear I never meant to let it die I just don't care about you anymore It's not fair when you say that I didn't try I just don't care about you anymore Emerald green… You say that I didn't try You say that I didn't try You say that I didn't try Oh god, I could get lost in those eyes. I swear I never meant to let it die I just don't care about you anymore It's not fair when you say that I didn't try I just don't care about you anymore I just don't care about you anymore I just don't care about you anymore I just don't care about you anymore

I just don't care about you anymore STOP STARING YOU MORON! I decided to break the trance. “Mason, stop staring at me. It’s creepy” I said as I returned to my all business façade. “If my memory doesn’t fail me, you were staring at me too, Swan. Plus, I’ve caught you checking me out more than once…” He replied wittily as he raised one perfect eyebrow at me. Damn him! “Let’s go to work” I commanded him. “Okay, let’s get things straight first, right?” He asked me. I just nodded. “If I recall correctly, Banner did say that we had to use our real names.” He said “I guess he did say that” We both sat cross legged at the floor. I had a notebook and a pen to write down the brainstorming. “Let’s get this story as better as possible. Ready Swan?” “Ok, Mason. Why do we want a divorce?” I questioned him. “Hmmmm….” He thought for a moment. “I got nothing” “Let me think” I said. Suddenly a great idea popped into my mind. Damn idea! Come back! I was about to state it when I took a look at his eyes and just like that –poof!- goodbye idea! “Nada” “Maybe we should start from scratch” He proposed. “Alright, you first. What do you think we should clear up?” I asked as I prepared to write. “I have a lot of things in mind… How old are we? How many years have we been married? How did we meet? What are our current jobs? How much money do we make? Do we have any kids? If so, how many and what are their names? Do we-” I cut him off. “Back off, mister, I can’t write that fast.” He waited. I proceeded. “Ok. First question. How old are we? I would say early 30s. It’s not that old. Plus, getting a divorce at twenty-something is just plain sad.” I said. “I agree Swan” Well that’s a first one… “Edward, your turn now. How many years have we been married?” I asked him.

He was thoughtful for a minute. “I guess about 8-10 years” “Huh?” “8-10 years. I want us to have kids.” Okay that did sound weird. “Alright. What do we do for a living?” I asked him. “I think I would be a doctor.” He said. “I was thinking to be the same thing” “So, we’re both doctors. However, I’m a neurosurgeon and you are a…?” he asked me “Cardiac surgeon, I got it. How old are we?” “32” he blurted out “Why?” I questioned him. “I don’t know it just popped out.” “Alright. If we’re 32 that means we got married sometime when we were 22-24 years old” “Exactly. I got it! We married just before med school. The kids came later though. We have been married for 10 years.” He said enthusiastically. KIDS?? As in plural? “Wait a minute… kids?” I inquired. “Yep. C’mon we have to have kids” he begged? I gave up. Sigh. “Guess so. How many?” “I want a whole football team.” He stated with a grin. No way on Earth, Mason! “Excusez-moi?” “Well, I guess we haven’t gotten there yet. How about twins and one on the way” Okay… “Fine… Boy & girl” “How far along do you want to be?” This project just get’s weirder with time. “I don’t know. Early stages. 10 weeks.” “And our children’s names?” He inquired. “I’ve always liked Thomas for a boy” I replied.

“Ok. Thomas Andrew Mason it is. And for our little girl?” He asked me “No idea” I answered. “How about… Isabella Anne Mason” “No way. I’m not naming the poor child after me” “I think it is beautiful” Okay he did not just say that. “Well, I don’t. How about Elizabeth Anne?” I asked him. It was really strange to discuss the names of our imaginary family. “Guess it will do. Grandma would be thrilled.” He said laughing. “So… we have Tom & Liz, who are…” “4 years old” he finished. Suddenly I decided to go on 3rd person. “And they live in…” “Seattle. There’s a great hospital there.” “Alright” I wrote it down“I think she makes about 200 grand a year and he makes about 250, so they’re financially stable” he said “Ok.” I wonder how did he knew that data. I knew it, but by research. “And… they… want… a …. Divorce… because…”-he thought for a minute-“…she is overly emotional because of the pregnancy hormone, plus she is stressed with everything that is going on. They fight a lot…” “I’m the emotional wreck?” I asked flabbergasted. “Exactly” He grinned at me. That pissed me off… “No way. I think he is a cheating bastard so you cheated on me with some slutty nurse.” I snapped at him. “HE’S NOT THAT COLD-HEARTED. C’MON! LEAVING HIS WIFE THAT IS CARRYING HIS CHILD AND HIS KIDS FOR SOME SLUT? I DON’T THINK SO. I THINK SHE CHEATED ON HIM” he yelled. “HOW ON EARTH CAN SHE CHEAT ON HIM? SHE’S CARRYING HIS CHILD FOR GOODNESS SAKES!”

“AND WHAT GUARANTEES HIM THAT THE CHILD SHE CARRIES IS HIS?” he asked. That bastard! “MAYBE HE HAS TO TRUST HER. SHE IS HIS WIFE, AFTER ALL.” “SHE SHOULD TRUST HIM, TO BEGIN WITH. SHE SHOULD BELIEVE ON HIM. HE WOULDN’T CHEAT ON HER.” “WHY SHOULD SHE?” “HE WOULDN’T CHEAT ON HER BECAUSE…” but he didn’t state the reason. “I’M WAITING…” “BECAUSE… DEEP DOWN… HE STILL LOVES HER” “DEEP DOWN… SHE LOVES HIM TOO” oh my god! What did I just say… I didn’t had much time to think about the consequences because as soon as I said those words his lips were on mine eagerly. Oh… I’ve missed this. It was just like the old times, when we had no worries… It was just him and me… being ourselves… I didn’t pull away. I kissed him back in fact. When we broke the kiss we were both gasping for air. But as soon as I looked into his eyes… he asked me the only question I didn’t know how to answer… “Why, Bella? What did I do wrong, then?”

Chapter 19: Somewhere Along In The Bitterness He was staring at me intently. I gulped. What was I supposed to say? I tried to open my mouth and say something, but my voice did not work. So I chose to do, what seemed like my only choice at the moment, leave. I headed towards the door. But, he beat me to it. He put himself between the door and me. Clearly, I would not be getting out of here that easy. He raised one perfect eyebrow at me. Silence… Tic, tac, tic, tac…. “I’m waiting…” he stated “Umm….You see…”I really suck at explanations for irrational and illogical actions! Keep that in mind next time you decide to commit one, Bella! “Bella? You were saying…” “I can’t…” I whispered

“You can’t, what?” “Never mind, it’s totally unimportant.” I mumbled “I’m not following you…” “I just can’t. Don’t get me wrong. I just can’t. I really do like you, but…” I started “But…?” he inquired “I think we would be better off as friends” I can’t believe I just said that. But we do have to take things slow. Either way, being friends is way better than being enemies, right? He looked at me thoughtful. He gave a cold glare and turned his back at me. Great, now I really lost him. He sat on the window frame, his back at me. I curled up in the ball and out my head between my knees. Why am I such an idiot? You suck Bella, you really do. See? He doesn’t want to be even near you anymore. You screwed it up. Dumb ass! You couldn’t shut your mouth, could you? Sucker… Idiot… He loved you once, and you blew it. Now he doesn’t want to look at you at all. Way to go, dim brained. I would have critiqued myself more thoroughly, if I hadn’t heard him sigh. I looked up at him and our eyes met. He stood up. I hid my face on my knees again. He must have turned the stereo on, because music filled the room (A/N: Start playing ‘How To Save A Life’ by The Fray). He approached me and offered me his hand. “Would you dance with me?” he asked me with pleading eyes. I just nodded and he helped me stand up. He put his arms around my waist and I put mine around his neck. I rest my head in his shoulder. It came natural, like it was meant to be this way… Step one you say we need to talk He walks you say sit down it's just a talk He smiles politely back at you You stare politely right on through

Some sort of window to your right As he goes left and you stay right Between the lines of fear and blame And you begin to wonder why you came We just stay silently moving to the music… Where did I go wrong, I lost a friend Somewhere along in the bitterness And I would have stayed up with you all night Had I known how to save a life God, I missed this. Let him know that you know best Cause after all you do know best Try to slip past his defense Without granting innocence Lay down a list of what is wrong The things you've told him all along And pray to God he hears you I missed him. Where did I go wrong, I lost a friend Somewhere along in the bitterness And I would have stayed up with you all night Had I known how to save a life Just enjoy the moment, Bella. This might be the last time… As he begins to raise his voice

You lower yours and grant him one last choice Drive until you lose the road Or break with the ones you've followed He will do one of two things He will admit to everything Or he'll say he's just not the same And you'll begin to wonder why you came He leaned closer and whispered in my ear. “If you want me to be your friend, then so be it. I would love to be your friend, Isabella Swan.” Where did I go wrong, I lost a friend Somewhere along in the bitterness And I would have stayed up with you all night Had I known how to save a life I just wished this moment would last forever…

Chapter 20: Friendship? Not so... I arrived home sometime around 6 o'clock. I couldn't stop thinking about my new friend. Edward. He is so dreamy. His hair, his eyes, his mouth, his-Wait a minute, Bella! You SHOULD NOT be thinking those things… Edward is your friend. That's right… Edward, my friend, my mate, my pal, my buddy… Okay that sounded weird… And finally, I ought of Edward as my bother. Guy friends are kind of like brothers, aren't they? Oh lord! I love my own brother. NO YOU DON'T BELLA, REMEMBER THAT. I COMMAND YOU TO STOP LOVING. YOU CAN'T COMMAND ME TO DO ANYTHING… YOU'RE ME! Ok, I might have been losing it ('it' being my sanity) a little. Self control, Bella. Self control. Suddenly my cell phone started vibrating. I had forgotten I had put in on silence while driving over to the Mason's. I looked at the caller ID, 'Evil Pixie'

"Yes, Mary Alice?" I answered. Alice hated to be called by her full name almost as much as I hated to be called mine. "Good evening, Isabella Marie" she replied. Ugh, she got me there. The game was on... "May I inquire what the purpose of this call is?" I asked "Well, Isabella" Oh, God. "I am calling to cordially invite you to spend this evening, at the cease of today, at my humble residence, where I reside. Hence the title, 'residence'." she continued. Her house, humble? I almost laughed. It was a mansion; far from humble. "I am deeply sorry. I will be unable to comply with your request." I told her. "Why that might be?" she pushed farther. "I have unfinished educational work in my possesion that is in need of completion." Ah, I hated lying, but it was necesary. I just wanted to take a mental break for myself. "C'mon Bells. Loose it a little. You study way too much." She accused me. "Alice, don't make me start. I really had a hard day." And it was true, I had. "And what would be better to make up for it than to have some fun tonight." She proposed. "I'm not sure." That was the last straw, no more Mrs. Nice Pixie. "Listen Bells and listen good 'cause I'm not saying it again. Sleepover tonight. You, Me, Rose, Ang, Jazz, Em, Ben & their new friend. There's no point in objecting. Got it? Yes? Good." "Yes ma'am" She laughed. "Shut up, Isabella" "Alright, I'll be there in half an hour." "Fine by me" I did not know if Alice had bought me new clothes for this 'party', and I didn't want to be taken by surprise if she had. I packed my stuff anyway. I was trying to stuff my bag when Charlie arrived. "Where are you off to, Bells?" he asked me. "I'm gonna stay over at Alice's tonight. Is that alright dad?" I asked back. "I suppose it is." He looked at me and continued "Can I talk to you for a minute?"

"Sure" I replied. He took a deep breath and looked me carefully. "I know how much you like this boyfriend of yours, Edwin isn't it?" "Edward, dad. And he's not my boyfriend." I replied. "Huh. I'm confused. Isn't Mason's son who you were with in the car crash?" he asked me "That's him. But he's not my boyfriend. Not anymore at least. I broke up with him quite a while ago." I told him "Oh." He thought for a minute. Conversations like this had always been hard for him. "Are you alright?" "Yeah." "You need to update me, tell me what's going on in your life once in a while…" "I know dad. I will try. Starting now. Edward is my friend" I informed him. He raised an eyebrow at me. "What are you implying dad? That just because things did not work between us, we can't even be friends?" He looked at me all-knowingly. "I'm fine if you ask me. You said I needed more friends and I got another one. See? Everyone happy?" I explained. "Bells, are you really sure about this?" he asked me. He seemed to know something that I didn't. "I know what I'm doing" I said goodbye to him, picked up my keys and drove down to the Cullen's Mansion. I got out of the car and rang the doorbell. I was immediately faced by a the Hyper Pixie known only as Alice Cullen. "Hey Bella! We're gonna have sooo much fun now that we will be eight instead of seven!" Eight? Who was the eighth person? Then I remembered her saying something about Emmett and Jasper's friend. "Who is the new one the guys are bringing over?" "You'll see. He's not such a new friend though. He's an old one." So it's a he, figures… "Maybe you should go, say hi to my mom and dad. They have company, so be warned." I decided to head there. Carlisle and Esme were like family to me. I walked into the living room as I always did. "Hi Carlisle. Hi Esme, Hi…" I looked over too see who was it.

"…Mr and Mrs Mason, what a surprise" It certainly was. But why should it be? It's Carlisle and Esme's house. They could invite anyone they want. Mrs Mason looked at me disapprovingly. "Isabella, what did I tell you this afternoon? Please call us by our first names. No need to be so formal." "I'll do it as long as you call me Bella" I replied. "Alright" she agreed and continued. "Edward should be arriving soon. He was practicing piano when we left home." A pianist, figures… He is damn freaking perfect! That definitely did not make things any easier. Wait a minute; did she just say he's coming? Why would he be coming? Unless… Damn! "MARY ALICE CULLEN" I yelled. The two couples looked at me quizzically, waiting for an explanation. I blushed. "Sorry," I muttered. Alice appeared then and dragged me out of the room. "Jeez Bells, chill" "No Alice, I will not calm down. I'm leaving. And you can't stop me" And she didn't even try. She knew what, or rather who, was at the other side of the door. I, on the other hand, did not. So I opened it without thinking-Just to faced a green eyed god. "Hey Bells" he greeted me. His hair was just as messy as this afternoon, but his eyes had some sparkle that wasn't there before. "Hey Ed" I replied. He took a looked at my surroundings and then leaned down. Our eyes were at the same level. Our faces, almost touching. "Where do you think you're going?" he asked me, raising his eyebrows. "Home" I replied. "May I ask why?" he inquired as he leaned closer "You don't want to know" I replied as I leaned closer. Control yourself, Bella! "I believe I do" he replied leaning closer. "Edward, dear" Elizabeth spoke as she entered the room "I see you met your girlfriend. But is that way to greet her? I believe I taught you better manners, young man" It was actually fun to watch Edward being lectured by his mother. And all of this, because he didn't greet his girlfriend adequately, as she put it. Wait. Girlfriend? Does she mean me? No way. No freaking way.

I was about to object when Alice drew me out of the room and took me to her. Rose and Ang were already there. The interrogation started. "Since when are you friendly to Mason?" Al asked. I took a deep breath. "Al, I haven't tell you about this because it happened barely 4 hours ago. Edward and I decided to-" But they didn't let me finish. They started guessing. "Get back together?" Al asked enthusiastically. I shook my head. "Take it slow, but be together anyways?" Ange guessed. I shook my head again. "Be friends with benefits?" Rose guessed and then continued. "No, you aren't the type of girl that does that sort of thing" "Could you let me finish?" I asked them. They nodded. "We've decided to become friends" I stated They started laughing hysterically. What's so funny about that? Alice looked at my confused expression and answered me. "You and Edward? Friends? Never." Their laughing fit continued. I still didn't get it. Rose replied this time " Perhaps we should be more specific. You and Ed were never just friends" "I, unlike some people, can practice self-control." I defended myself. Ange took me off guard though. "Exactly. The fact that you have to use self control only proves our point: You two were never just friends." She said. And the laughing continued.

Chapter 21: Pajamas After quite sometime of laughing at my expense, the girls were ready to 'get the party started’. All four of us quickly changed into our pajamas, which Alice had been kind enough to buy for us this afternoon. As if we needed new clothes every time we went to one of her get-togethers. Unlike other times, though, this time we didn't have matching attires. I didn't think much of it, I had no idea of the surprise that was coming.

Rosalie's pajamas were white and kind of loose; like they were meant to be used by a carefree person. Ange's, on the other hand, consisted of a peach top and stripped pants, which fit her well. Alice's pajamas were sleeveless and green with pink designs all over them. Mine were brown, also sleeveless and had white designs on the pants. I had to admit, they were very pretty. However, something was on my mind. "Al, how come your parents know the Masons?" I asked her. She looked at me with skeptical eyes. "Bella, which world do you live in? Everyone knows Edward Mason, greatest lawyer in Washington state and probably the whole west coast." She raised her eyebrows. That hadn't answered my question. "Mary Alice Cullen, you know what I meant by that." I told her. She looked at me and sighed. She was fidgeting. "Ok Bella, but I'm warning you, you won't like it." She took a deep breath. "You see...Esme, my mom...and.... Elizabeth, his mom...are... cousins." she stated. Her eyes did not meet mine. Why, I wondered, had she kept this from me? "No, that’s not possible... because that would mean that you and Edward are..." I couldn't make sense of what she was saying. There was no way. "Second cousins" she finished for me. She looked at me, waiting for my reaction. "How come?" My brain still couldn't process the information she was giving me. "Al, this has to be a joke." Although, in the back of my mind, it made perfect sense. This could explain a whole series of things that didn't seem quite so before. How Edward could contact Alice so quickly to get the dress-and her automatically trust him. How she seemed so sad when I told her about it, like she had lost something. How she could have planned this out perfectly and kept it away from my attention. So she was up to this... She's trying to make us get back together. My mouth hung slightly open. Alice started explaining. "Well, all three of us, Ed, Em and I grew up together. We were really, really close. Like siblings. A year before your arrival to Forks, in fourth grade, things got tough between Em and Ed" She sighed. "You see, they were doing a project together for the science fair and they had made it to the finals. However, the night before the award ceremony, Em got appendicitis. Edward couldn't believe it when they were announced winners…but, he was acknowledged to have done all the work himself. Ed refused to receive the price without Em, but they insisted on him taking it home. Em didn't wait for Ed to explain anything, he didn't forgive him. That's why he was the first to support you when you expressed your dislike towards Ed. Things with Rose did not make it any easier. It was quite a shock for him when you started dating. So he called Ed and talked things over. Turns out that Ed missed him too." "And how do you...?" Alice seemed to understand what I was about to ask.

"He trusts me. Asides from his grudge with Em, I'm still his little cousin. We were always on good terms. So... yeah he told me that he was dating you so I could help him with the details. He wouldn't give me details though. I didn’t mind so much because I wanted to hear you say it." She finished. "Wow. That's…that's something. And you didn't tell me this story before, because..?" I asked her "I thought they should tell you themselves. But I got tired of waiting." I took a deep breath. "Let me get this straight, you're Edward's cousin?" "Yep. I'm Eddie's cousin." she replied. "That'll take some time to get used to." I scowled at the floor. "Well you better get used to it because this is the first of many sleepovers that we will have together. Ed will join us every time." "Oh...uh, really?" I asked "Yes, but this shouldn't bother you. You said that you two were friends, still, right?" she smirked at me. "A friend she loves." Rose added. "Rose, would you shut up?" I snapped, "You don't know anything about it. You don't know anything about anything." I continued scowling. Rose closed her mouth immediately, but fixed me with a stare that seemed to say, You'll pay for that, Bella Swan. I wasn't impressed. Angela cut us off. "We should head downstairs before they come up wondering what on Earth we're doing." I didn't say anything else. Nor did Rose or Alice. As soon as we were downstairs, we spotted the guys. They were also in their pajamas. I noticed that Emmett's pajamas matched Rose's, Al's matched Jazz's just as Ben's matched Ange's. Just like... …his matched mine. That got me thinking. I raised my hand. "Al, question here." She looked at me expectantly. "I understand why Em and Rose match, why Ange and Ben match and why you and Jazz match." I explained. "But why do we match?" I pointed at Edward and then back at me.

Alice smirked again. "Well, if we're finally an even number. I didn't want you two to be mismatched." There was a double meaning in those words. "But it shouldn't be a problem for you. You two are friends, right?" I nodded once. She smiled knowingly. "Let's get this party started" -------Three hours later, we were lying on the floor. We had watched The Grudge and The Ring, one after the other one. Usually, I did not like horror movies. But Edward was there, and he did anything but make me act like my usual self. So instead of hiding myself under the blankets and screaming my head off, I laughed like a maniac. "In my opinion, The Grudge was just a bad imitation of The Ring" Ange stated. "I think so too." Jazz told her "Well what does miss I-laugh-my-ass-off-in-scary-demonic-movies has to say?" Al asked. Damn it! She had noticed me laughing. Well, you were pretty loud…like, duh. I tried to defend myself. "Well, you can't blame me. The situations were just plain ridiculous." Plus, I was sitting next to the guy I’m in love with. "I agree with Iz on that one." Edward had my back. Aww... Edward, have I told you how much I love you? No, I haven't. You don't even know I love you. "Shut up Ed! You don't count!" Al exclaimed. "Excuse me?" He asked her, sounding offended. Poor Edward. "You know exactly what I'm talking about. Actually, you both do." Is she talking about.... nah.... she can't be. C'mon! She sweared to keep it secret. "I'm confused..." Jasper stated. Me too, Jazz. "Lets change the subject." I proposed. I really didn't want to talk about me loving him. It wasn't the best time. I would probably break down. "I agree on that too." Ed replied. I turned to look at him. "You realize you don't have to agree to everything I say, don't you?" He grinned at me. "I do understand that Bells." Crap! Why do you have to smile now…all gorgeous and…and…smiley? And remind of how out of my mind you drive me? "Oh! I have an idea! Let's play truth or dare" Rose said, grinning mischievously. I clenched my jaw.

"Great idea, Rose." Al agreed. I noticed she took a quick glance at me, easily identifiable sparkle in her eye. We gathered in a circle. Alice and Jasper were sitting across from each other, so were Rosalie and Emmett, and Angela and Ben. Therefore, Edward and I had to sit across from each other, too. Rose was the first one to speak. "Because Ed is new here, I believe he should start." Edward though for a minute. "Emmett, truth or dare?" "I'll start easy this time, truth" "Alright, is it true that Aunt Esme tried to convince you to date Bella when she first came here?" Edward asked. Emmett laughed once, loudly. "Yes, she did. But she seemed more like a friend because we got along easy." I did remember that. The reason we became friends in the first place was because we both hated Edward. Oh, the irony. "Oh. But Bella didn't want to?" Rosalie asked. Now I remember she didn't know about this either. I nodded. Emmett continued "Mom finally understood that and left both of us alone. We're buds, that's it man…" He was trying to erase the murderous glare from Edward's perfect face."Don't kill me. The only girlfriend I've shared with you was Rose, though I doubt that counts." Leave it to Emmett to bring up our past together again. Wait a second, Edward had that murderous glare just because he was jealous? What would it mean if he was? "It's my turn. Who should I pick?" Emmett looked around the room. "Oh I know! Bells! Truth or dare?" I rolled my eyes. Emmett could act so childish at times. "Truth." I muttered hesitantly. They always have said I was too coward to pick dare. "Coward" he muttered "But I got a good one anyways" I stared ahead. "Did you really go out with Mike Newton?" I took a deep breath. Edward was looking at me expectantly. "Yes I did, though I would not call it 'going out'. It was just one really awkward, painful date. I really don't want to go into details" I confessed. Emmett started laughing probably at the terrified expression on my face as I remembered that terrible and even traumatic date. Edward looked relaxed like he had just received good news. "I believe it's my turn now." I started as I picked my victim. "Rose, truth or dare?" "I'm brave. Send me a dare." she replied. Your wish, my command.

"I dare you to stop kissing Emmett unless it is required for the rest of the sleepover." She and Emmett were very physical. They were all over each other, so I expected this to be quite a show. She fixed me with another stare. Game's on, Rose. She thought for a minute. "Alice, truth or dare?" "Dare. Pfft, duh." Alice replied. "Go upstairs and bring your iPod. Then sing-along to Barbie Girl mimicking what we saw in that video at YouTube." She instructed her. Alice did as commanded. About fifteen minutes after, she came downstairs dressed in a neon pink dress, and white leather boots. She searched through her music library and found the song. Then she started mimicking the voices, acting way too girly for 'Barbie' and trying to look all masculine for Ken. She raised her hands often, especially in the 'fantastic'. All of us, even Jazz, laughed at her expense. "Ok, enough laughing. It's my turn now. Bells?" She looked determined. "Why me? Again?" I protested. "Yup. Now choose" She ordered. "Eh…" I thought for a moment. "Truth." She grinned. That was a bad sign. "Did you kiss Mike Newton? Did he kiss you? How was it? Did you like it? Did his breath smell like nachos? Details, please." I went over the question in my head a few times and tried to find a loophole. There was none. I sighed, everyone looking at me expectantly. "I did not kiss him. He kissed me, I pulled away. It was awful. Worse than the date, I must say." I took a deep breath. "And before any of you ask me about it, he took me to a gas station in Tacoma where they serve food that did not look edible at all." It was silent. I continued. "Now I believe it's my turn again. Ange, truth or dare?" "Truth." she replied. "When did you and Ben started dating?" I asked her. She blushed. "Well, actually, we met during the summer, but we started going out on Halloween" she confessed. Alice burst out then.

"What you two were together and you didn't even bother to tell us?" Alice exclaimed, she looked really disappointed and so was I. "Yeah, Ange. I thought you trusted us more than that." I said, almost mockingly. Right then, Emmett decided to remind me, that she wasn't the only one who had hid her boyfriend from us. "You don't have any right to complain! You also hid it from us! You don't trust us either!" Emmett yelled at me. "Sorry guys" Angela mumbled. But my attention was focused on Emmett right now. How dare he? "Well, maybe I would trust you more if you had told me the guy we both hated was your cousin!" I told him. "Everyone shut the hell up!"Rose exclaimed "It's Ange's turn to ask the questions" Angela spoke up "Edward, truth or dare?" "Truth, I suppose. And no, Emmett. I'm not a coward for choosing it." He answered "Why did Bella and you break up? Bella here didn't tell us anything besides that you did. So perhaps you could give us a little more detail." I sucked in a breath. I should have known this was coming.

.

Chapter 22: Coming Clean Edward sighed. "There isn't much to tell, really." He looked at me. "Is there?" I decided to play dumb. "I don’t really remember. That day was a bit…foggy." I lied, lamely. I hoped they didn’t notice. Of course, Rose did. She was about to accuse me, when she evidently thought of a better idea. "Why don't we let them tell us together, that way we could understand a little better." she proposed. “I’m sure that Edward can fill in all the blanks from what you don’t remember.” She smiled at me. Bitch. Edward continued looking at me, waiting for me to answer, and I nodded somberly. He spoke first. It was February twelfth, I thought to myself.

"Alright…it was February twelfth." He even remembers the date… I do too. "My parents had given me a new car and you had asked for space, right?" I nodded again, he proceeded. "I was going to leave it at that, I figured you'd come around eventually. But I had something I wanted you to listen too, so I decided to go see you. It was supposed to be a surprise." That was surprising enough. That would mean he wasn’t there eavesdropping on me. He continued. "So I parked in your driveway, I was lucky your dad wasn't there, I bet he would have noticed either the Vanquish or me." He sighed heavily. "I climbed up your window, and surprisingly it was open. I was about to say hi, when I noticed that you were talking… to yourself." I blushed. "I listened to your conversation awhile, and it seemed like you had something to tell me. I thought it would make things easier for you if you told me right away, so I asked you." No, no it did not happen that way. He wasn't completely innocent. I did not snap at him and destroy the best-and-only-relationship I have ever been in because I was too stubborn to listen. "That's not it at all. You eavesdropped on me!" I said angrily. He blinked, taken aback. "You got mad at me for caring about you. That’s your own fault, Bella. Not mine." I couldn’t think of an argument. "You…you…eavesdropper" "You called me an asshole that night" He recalled. "It wasn't the first time, Ed. It was just the first time I called you that to your face. Besides, you called me a bitch first." I regretted saying that the moment the words left my mouth. He didn’t need to know how violently I had hated him, before. Ugh, great job, I thought, I doubt he even wants to be in the same room as me now. He looked hurt, which made me hurt, knowing that I had caused it. In the back of my mind, I knew that even if I hadn’t caused it, seeing him hurt would have been painful for me to watch. The next thing he said was also painfully true. "You were the one who said we were over." I remembered then. He had said something else that night. Those words were among the ones that hurt me the most. My mind drifted, just for a moment, to that fateful day. *** His face was red. He was too angry to speak. Right then, I opened my mouth and said the words that I would regret for the rest of my life: "I can't believe I ever agreed to be your girlfriend." That led to the words he said, the ones that my mind kept replaying over and over, and the words that I wished most in the world had never been said. "And I can't believe I ever asked you. I should have stayed with Lauren." ***

No, he’s not as innocent as he says, I reminded myself. "You cheated on me with Lauren". Jaws dropped around the room. "I did not." he countered. "What? Of course you did. You didn't deny it. You even said you were better off with her." "I didn't, Bells. I mean—I didn’t cheat. I wouldn't do that to you." "Liar." I said accusingly. "Bigger liar." He said, matching my tone. At that point, we had almost forgotten our audience. Our audience, however, hadn’t forgotten us. "Shut up you two! You're worse than kindergarteners.” Emmett snorted. Then, a grin slowly spread across his face. I wondered if I should be nervous. “You know what? Let's play seven minutes in heaven. Ed, Bells you first!" Emmett shouted, getting up to push us. Before we had time to complain or argue about it, we were being locked in the farthest possible closet within the Cullen household. The lights were either off or broken, but it didn’t matter. The ruling fact was that they weren’t there. There was a small window, big enough to let moonlight illuminate the room, but not big enough to use it as a gateway. Realizing that my only way out was when they decided to open the door, I sat on the floor with my head on my knees. Edward sat beside me and turned to face me. I looked up. "So…what's up?" I asked him. "Just… being locked in a closet with my girlfriend." He smiled, then froze, realizing what he had just said. Where did that come from? "I mean friend who is a girl." he corrected himself. I laughed nervously. He laughed too. When the laughing stopped, he met my gaze again. "I have a question, though" "Shoot." "When was the date with Newton?" he asked. I blushed. "It was the day after Valentine's. In my defense, Alice picked the date" He laughed. "Newton was your Valentine? And you said your date was awful? I can't believe I was so upset about…" he trailed off, looking at the darkness in front of him. "About what?" I inquired. "Never mind."

"C'mon, you can tell me. We're pals, right?" I reminded him. He tried to change the subject. "So, what have you been up to?" I decided to leave it at that. I could try getting him to tell me later. "Nothing, really. Just being locked up in a closet with you." "Oh, ok." He answered. "I wonder when Alice will decide we can come out. It's getting kind of cold." A dim blue light caught my eye. It was the heater, but it worked from the outside; the little screen only indicated the room temperature-and it was decreasing. The evil pixie strikes back! Talk-or think- of the devil, and the devil should appear-or call. I used to think maybe you loved me now baby I'm sure And I just can't wait till the day when you knock on my door Now every time I go for the mailbox , gotta hold myself down Cos I just wait till you write me you're coming around "Walking on sunshine?" he asked, raising an eyebrow at me. "Ask your cousin, the short, annoying one." I replied. He laughed as I picked up the phone. "Hello?" "Isabella Marie Swan what the hell are you doing in there? A staring contest?" She seemed mad. "We're talking." It was better to keep my answers vague with Alice. "But I can't hear at thing." She complained. "Too bad." I told her. "You know I'll find out sooner or later, one way or another." She threatened. “I don’t doubt it.” “Or…you could just tell me, and I won’t embarrass you about it.” “Or I could break the door down and sit on you.” "Jeez, chill. I was just kidding.” She amended. I didn’t believe her. “Well go back to…whatever you were doing."

"Hey! Play-time is over. How about you open the door" "I would but…" she trailed off. "But what?" I demanded. "The door handle kind of broke when Emmett closed it, so you're really locked inside." No way. No mother-frickin’, goshdarned way, ran through my head, along with a few other colorful words. "Excusez-moi?" I asked, trying to sound calm. "Don't worry be huggies!" Huh? She took a deep breath. "I mean, I’ll tell my mom everything tomorrow morning and she’ll call someone to fix it. But, as far as tonight goes, you two are stuck in there." And she hung up. Crap! "What did Alice want?" he asked. I took a deep breath and put my best sarcastic smile. "She wanted to tell us that Em broke the door handle, therefore, we are stuck in here until tomorrow at who knows what hour." "Oh." he smiled apologetically. "So, what do you want to do?" I asked him. "I don't know. Maybe keep getting to know each other." I nodded slowly. "Alright, what would you like to know?" "How come you went to L.A. on New Year's Eve?" He asked. We had talked before, but never about that night. I had assumed it was some kind of taboo for us. I sighed. "You know my parents are divorced, right?" He nodded, and I continued. "Well, my mom, Renée and her husband Phil live in L.A. with my stepsisters, Sam & Allison; those were the girls that were with me that night." "Ok." He said, somewhat unsatisfied with my answer. "Now… it's my turn. What were you doing that day on that party?" "My parents know the hostess; however they prefer to celebrate the New Year's in Europe." Spoiled brat. I wasn't satisfied with his answer either. "How was the night of the car crash? I mean the part when I was comatose." He asked me. "Are you sure you want to hear it?"

"I want to know the truth. The whole truth, no lies are allowed." I took a deep breath. "Well I woke up and Carlisle and Alice were there. Alice handed me a bag with a change of clothes, she said I couldn't be running in a hospital with that dress. Those were the clothes I was wearing when you woke up." He twitched his finger, encouraging me to continue. "She scared me right then and there. I recall she told me 'at least you survived'. I thought you were dead." He put his hand unobtrusively on mine. I shivered. "After I asked, she told me that you were pretty badly hurt and told me which room you were in." I took another deep breath. I had to squeeze my eyes shut to keep the tears from leaking out. "I ran upstairs and knocked on your door. When I went in, you were lying on the bed, unconscious. I talked to your parents. I was about to leave, when they told me I should stay. They left instead. I talked to you until Alice dragged me out of the room. I spent the night at the hospital, though; I didn’t go upstairs to see you until the next day." I decided not to tell him about my confession to his unconscious self or all the crying I did that night. He's better off not knowing, I thought. He looked surprised somehow, like he knew I was keeping part of the story from him. I realized I might be hallucinating; it was pretty late after all. I yawned. He smiled. "Tired, aren't we?" "Yes." I confessed, though trying to sleep in such an environment was a lost cause. But that wasn't something I was planning on telling him. Therefore I curled up in a ball and attempted to sleep, unsuccessfully. I was shaking, and this did not pass unnoticed. "Bells, what do you think you're doing?" he asked. "You are going to get sick. Come here." He said as he patted his side. I looked at him confused. "I'm not going to let you get sick just like that. You're my friend. Plus, I know body heat helps in these kind of situations. Now, if one of us gets sick, we can share it." He smiled. I did as he told me. We were now lying next to each other, but I was still shaking. He raised his arms and I knew what he was about to do. "May I?" he asked me. I just nodded. I fell asleep in his arms. I was happy… with him, and locked in a closet, as odd as it seemed. I had found my happy place.

Chapter 23: Rapunzel I was woken up by a bright light, followed quickly by the click of a camera. I grunted, half asleep, and tried to mentally brush away the voices; to no avail. "They look so cute!" “Yeah. Hey, I wonder if anything exciting happened…” “What do you mean?” “You know.” A moment’s pause. “Oh. Er…” “Oh my god, ew.” “Hey, I’m hungry.” “Ugh, why are so horny all the time?” "Shhh… You're going to wake them up." "What a Kodak moment." “So you don’t think anything happened?” “Can you please shut up?” “I wonder if you have any pop-tarts.” “Everyone has pop-tarts, you idiot.” “I dunno. I thought maybe rich people have something a little more special. Like, snap-tarts or crackle-tarts or something.” “Snap-tarts? What the hell?” “What’s a crackle-tart?” “Something dumb he just made up.” “Soh-ree.” “He has a point though. Where’s your kitchen?”

"Guys, I think she’s awake." I recognized Jasper's voice. Alice had opened the door, seen us sitting there, and immediately taken a picture. This was followed quickly by a short but extremely intellectual conversation about sex and pop-tarts. Damn it! I would be definite remorseless teasing about this later. I guess I have no choice… I gotta get up and do this. I opened my eyes. There were the six of them, crowded around the closet door, silhouetted strangely by the light behind them. They looked like one big, long dark scary monster. Alice noticed. "Good morning sunshine. Looks like you slept well." She smirked and snapped another picture. I grunted and shifted around in Edward’s sleeping embrace to look at him. My heart leapt slightly at the sight of a fallen angel, sound asleep, right next to me. Blinking the sleepiness from my eyes, I reached down and tried to unwind his arms from my waist. He snorted in his sleep and pulled me closer, his entire body shifting in my direction as his arms wound tighter, until I was crushed in an awkward crouch to his chest. “Erm…” I muttered. Emmett burst out laughing, leaning his side against the wall and holding his stomach as he snorted. “Shucks, Em…” I mumbled sarcastically, still half asleep. I realized I needed to wake him up if I wanted a way out, and I wasn’t going to get any help from them. "Edward." I said as I shook his left shoulder. He didn't react. "Edward…" I tried again. "Ed… wake up" And again, louder. "Edward… Wake up!" And once again, this time even louder than before. He didn’t move. I sighed. "Edward Anthony Mason, wake the hell up!" I yelled. He grunted and jerked upright, blinking stupidly. "He lives!" Emmett exclaimed, breathless from laughing. Alice took another picture. What does she want pictures for, anyway? Edward still had his arms around me. I cleared my throat. He looked at me for a moment then unwound his hands from me, allowing me to slide back into a sitting position. We both looked at Alice. "Alice, dear, what’s that for?" He raised his eyebrows and jerked his chin at the camera.

"Oh… don't give me that Eddie, we both know you would want these anyways…" I stiffened, What would Edward want with pictures of us sleeping together in his cousin’s closet? It wasn’t like people kept collections of pictures of themselves sleeping with their friends…if we were even that. He inhaled as if he was about to argue, but I didn’t want to wait for that. "Alice, what time is it?" I asked her. "About 11, why?" she answered. "Crap! I have to go, its Renée's birthday and I have to call her before Phil and the twins get her out of the house." Ten minutes later, I was ready to leave. I said my goodbyes to everyone and drove away. Fifteen minutes later, I got home and found out Charlie had been called from the station, so I was on my own. I picked up the phone and dialed the number. "Hello?" It was Allison's voice from the other end. "Hi Alli, it's me, Bella" "Oh, Bells! How are things up there in the rainy Forks? Do you still miss your creepy- I mean, uh, sneaky bronze-haired Californian boyfriend? Or has another guy caught your eye by now?" So… Edward was probably sneaking out during the time we were both in LA to accomplish the conditions in our deal. And the twins might have caught him more than once sneaking into the house. And… they might have assumed that he was my boyfriend… and they might tease me about it still. ---Flashback---I was sitting on my bed Indian style with my laptop in front of me. I gazed at the clock. 12:15 am. It's LA… figures… they probably have parties this late every day. Suddenly I heard a tap on my window. What the hell? I thought. I walked to my window. Edward was throwing rocks at them to catch my attention. How cliché. I opened the window. "What do you want Mason?" I asked him, annoyed. "You know what I want Swan" He replied confidently. I caught my breath. “Edward…” He grinned. “Not that, Bells, what do you take me for? Some kind of asshole?” I snorted.

"Come on, are you seriously implying that you don’t make out with me right now?" He said, changing tactic. "Make out, maybe. With you, no." I replied. "Swan, you know you want it." He teased me. "Really, I can't go out now. Renée and Phil would notice." I said. He inhaled deeply, as if he was about to start singing. "Rapunzel, Rapunzel, Let down your hair for me." He shouted up to my window. "You’ve got to be kidding.” I hissed, “Edward, it’s twelve in the morning!” "No such luck, though, given that your hair isn’t long enough to help me climb to your window, you’re going to have to roll out your bed sheets." He said. "Not happening, Ed. Go home.” I replied. He pouted and looked at me with those mesmerizing green eyes. My heart leapt up in my throat and I tried to swallow it down. He got down on one knee. "Rapunzel, Rapunzel, Let down your bed sheets for me.” He shouted. "Shut up, that sounds weird.” I told him, as I turned around and grabbed my bed sheets. When he was finally upstairs, he stood by my open window, just looking at me. I inhaled to say something, shifting my feet nervously, but couldn’t think of anything to say. I closed my mouth and coughed. He grinned and walked over to the end of my bed. Sitting down with his long legs hanging off of the edge, his feet flat on the ground where mine would dangle over, he patted the spot next to him. I walked over and sat down next to him stiffly, wringing my hands in my lap. “Relax…” he said, taking one hand and gently rubbing my shoulder, then moving down to my lower back. He pulled my body toward him, and put the palm of one hand on my cheek, rubbing it softly. He leaned forward and pressed is lips against mine, pulling my face closer to his. I kissed him awkwardly, wrapping my arms around his neck. I felt him smile. He opened his mouth, slipping his tongue in between my lips and rubbing it against the back of my top teeth. I squirmed and was about to pull away, when the door banged open. We both jumped, turning toward the door. For a sickening second, I thought it was going to be my mother or Phil. It was the twins. Their faces were completely shocked.

"Oh, uh, sorry bells.” Alli said, turning and smiling at Edward. “Yeah. Sorry…strange guy Bella’s making out with on her bed at in the middle of the night.” Sam said, frowning at him. “Don’t mention it.” He replied, raising his eyebrows sarcastically. We all stood there, the twins standing in the doorway and me and Edward sitting stiffly next to each other on the bed, for a good thirty seconds. No-one could think of anything to break the silence. “Well then…” Alli said, making me jump, “You two can just…erm…go back to what you were doing.” She reached forward and grabbed the door handle, taking one last look at Edward. "I hate you, Mason." I said quietly, scooting away from him as Alli shut the door. "I hate you to.” He said, smiling crookedly, as though he didn’t mean it at all. ---End Flashback---"Bella? Bella? Are you still there? Hellooooooo?" Allison's voice woke me up from my daydreaming. I coughed once into the phone. "Uhm, yeah. Yes. I'm here." "I was asking you, if you found a new guy yet" "I haven't" It's the same one. "Oh, what a shame.” She said airily. “I bet I can find the one you met here for you." She offered. Well, I bet you can't because he lives in Forks. "Not interested, Alli. Can I talk to my mom, please?" I asked. "Ok. Mom… it's for you!" The twins had grown to call my mom 'mom' too, it didn't bother me when they started doing it and it didn’t bother me then. I could hear my mother's voice from the other end. "Hello?" "Mom, its Bella" "Hi, baby! How are things up there?" "Peachy. Happy birthday, by the way" "Thank you, sweet pea. Hey, am I wrong or were Allison and you talking about a boy?" She asked. "Nah… Alli is just being silly, that's all."

"Really? Because I had an interesting conversation with your father a few weeks ago when I called to see how you were doing after the accident. He mentioned that you were dating Edward Mason's son." Crap! I was screwed. I couldn't risk lying to my mom. "You’re right, I was. I'm not anymore." "How come Isabella? You’re usually so sure when you make decisions about…stuff like that." "I’d really rather not talk about it." "Okay, sweetie. Just don't forget to update your old mother once in a while." She told me. "Alright. Bye, mom. Love you" "Love you too." I could hear the twins on the background fighting to get the phone. They had heard what my mom said. They would want an explanation. I took a deep breath. I would deal with them later. Unfortunately, I wasn't that lucky. Although the house phone didn't ring, my cell phone did. I looked at the caller ID… 'SAM'. Oh great. I realized I didn't have a choice here. I picked up the phone. "Hi, Sam." I said. "Isabella Marie!" She answered. "What is the purpose of this call may I ask?" Alli took the phone from her. "You know exactly what we're talking about Iz! We know what you did last summer!" She said as she giggled. I snorted. "Yes, I know. I was never allowed to forget it." I replied. I guessed Sam might have put me on speaker then because the next thing I knew they were both talking at the same time. "So…?" They asked eagerly. "Is my mom anywhere near?" I asked them. "Don't worry, Bells. We waited 'til we were able to find somewhere far enough so you could tell us about it." Alli said. "Tell you about what?" "About… Edward Mason’s son perhaps." Sam said. "Oh… about Edward Mason" "No… the son not the dad! Unless it was the dad you dated. Bells?" Alli said.

I really didn’t need to think about that. I love Edward Anthony Mason, I thought to myself, a.k.a. Edward Mason Jr. "Guys, I'm talking about Edward Mason Jr." "Oh… you should have said that." Allu said. "You want me to tell you or not?" "Of course we want us to tell us. Who is this mystery boy that was able to lure you out from your infatuation with your Californian bronze-haired boyfriend?" Sam said. I sighed. "Uhm… well… guys… it’s the same guy." I confessed. "The same who?" Alli asked. "My Californian, bronze-haired boyfriend." I admitted. Unfortunately Charlie was just coming through the door. "Boyfriend?" he inquired in a whisper. "Not anymore" I whispered back. He looked like he had been smacked in the face with a spatula. He stomped out of the room, muttering. Poor Charlie. "Oh… my… god!" Alli squealed into the phone. “Meh.” Sam said. "You are so totally in love with him" Allison stated. "Am not." I countered. "Just admit it Bella." "So… maybe. Is there a problem with that?" I asked them. "I never thought there would be a day we would say this. Bella is in love, Bella's in love, Bella loves Edward." Alli said. "Shut up. Somebody might hear you" "So… Bella… does he know yet?" Sam asked. "Well… you see I kind of broke up with him before I had a chance to tell him that." I told them. "You… what? Why would you do that?" Alli asked.

"I caught him eavesdropping on me once, I was pissed. He got mad. I accused him of cheating, he didn't deny it. But now, he told me he didn't" I continued. "Oh… so you still talk to each other?" Sam asked. "Yeah. We’re friends." Alli started snorting. "Some kind of friends you guys’ll be. I remember you couldn't control yourself when you were making out with him here." "It's more complicated than that. Remember that I told you once or twice about this guy I hated?" "Yes… why the past tense… you don't hate him anymore?" Sam asked. She seemed a little melancholy about the whole situation. "Well… this guy is Edward." Silence. "I told you, Sam. There is a thin line between hate and love and Bella crossed it!" Allison said happily. "But you can't be just friends if you love him." Sam said. "Of course we can." "Nah… I don't think so. You two are too into each other to deny it." Alli said. "I have to go. I haven't been able to finish the school work I have for next week." "Okay, bye… Bella is in love!" Alli screamed, one last time into the phone. "Bye." I said, annoyed as I hung up. I sat down on my bed and started working and then went to sleep. The hours flew by and it was suddenly Monday. I got ready for school and went downstairs to get my breakfast. Charlie had already left. I went to the cupboard and started looking for cereal. When I found the box I realized it was empty. I looked for the granola bars but they were gone too. Looking for other breakfast alternatives, I realized I would have to do grocery shopping in my way back from school and that I would have to start classes with an empty stomach. It groaned. I sighed and pick up my keys. I drove to school. I was early again, he was too. "Hi Bells." He greeted me. "Hi Ed." I replied. "So… how was your weekend?"

"Fine… it was my mom's birthday. Yours?" "Alright, my father had some business meeting and he wanted me to go with him." He told me. "Oh… he's already training the next lawyer?" I asked him "Yeah…" he said doubtfully. Just then, my stomach groaned. "Hungry?" He asked. I nodded. "I didn't have breakfast this morning." I confessed. He started looking worried. "Why did you do that? You know how unhealthy it is to skip meals?” he started ranting. “I expect stuff like this from someone as dumb as Jessica or Lauren. Not from you. What if-” "Excuse me, who are you to judge me? I didn't have breakfast this morning because I didn’t have the time to go grocery shopping during the weekend." I explained. How dare he? "Oh… Sorry.” He grinned. “My beloved Rapunzel. Can you ever forgive me?" He asked me as he pouted. And once again I got lost in his eyes. Wait a second… did he just said beloved? Oh forget it… "I suppose." "Thank you." And he hugged me. The bell rang. I ran to class. ---Lunch arrived and I was glad. My stomach had not stopped making funny noises all morning. I was about to go and pick up my food, when I notice everybody was staring at me. I wonder why. And then I notice that certain someone was the reason. He lifted his finger and gestured me to join him. He had already picked up a lot of food. "I thought you might be hungry after…well, you said you didn’t have any breakfast.” He explained. I nodded and sat in front of him. He pushed the tray towards me. "Pick whatever you like" I grabbed a pizza slice and a coke. "Why are you doing all of this?" I asked him. "I don't want you to starve to death." He admitted. "You do realize skipping one meal isn't going to make me starve to death, right?" I said to him as I took a bite of pizza. "That's how anorexia starts." He informed me.

"Over reactive much?" I asked him. "Am I not allowed to be worried?" He asked, smiling at me. We spent the rest of the hour talking and teasing each other. I guess being friends with him is not as hard as everyone thought it would be, I realized. The bell rang. "See you in government?" I asked him. "Yeah… see you there." He replied with a smile that made my heart melt. Or maybe it is.

Chapter 24: Divorce Arrangements, Family Dinners & Creepy Illusions Two weeks later I walked into government and took my seat besides Edward. Mr. Banner arrived late, as he always did. Sitting down and frantically shuffling the papers on his desk, he ordered us to get in couples and start working. I turned to face Edward. “So…should we pick up form we left off?” I asked, too late realizing how suggestive it sounded. Hoping he hadn’t caught it, I blushed. “Whatever you like Bells.” He replied, shooting me a grin. “Well, we were…umm…oh right we have to decide why we want to get divorced.” I said, trying to put up my serious façade. He turned to me, appearing serious as well. “Right… so Mrs. Mason, why are you filling for divorce?”

“Because my husband has been cheating on me with someone at work.” I explained. “No he’s not!” He countered childishly, offended. “Well I saw it! With my own eyes!” I replied. “When and where?” He inquired, raising a critical eyebrow at me. I thought for a minute. “I was walking out from the O.R. after performing a nine-hour-surgery, when I saw them together.” I said “Impressive. Nine hour surgery? Didn’t think you had it in you” He stated. “It could happen…” I admitted shyly. He changed the subject curtly. “Well… we have to ask around for some favors.” He grazed his hair with his fingers. “What do you mean?” “We would need lawyers, a judge, and people to interrogate…”He sighed “We better start making a list…” “Oh, erm, ok.” Was my sad response. We resumed our work. ---Later on that week, we found out that the project was to be due by the end of the following week. This would mean double-shifts of study sessions with Edward, not that I was against the idea. We spent the rest of the week pleading people to play as judge, lawyers, and so on. It was surprising how much it seemed to matter it him. He hadn’t used to care about things like this; he was getting an A anyway. It was Thursday already. We were sitting in his room, working. We had been through custody papers, marriage licenses, medical diplomas, birth certificates, the works. Anyone reading the papers who didn’t know about the project would’ve thought they were genuine. I heard the printer going off and looked up to see Edward walking toward me. “Bells?” He said. “Mhm?” I asked without looking down again. “We haven’t signed these yet.” He said indicating the legal papers he had just printed while handing me a pen. I looked at the papers.

CERTIFICATE OF MARRIAGE STATE OF WASHINGTON Edward Anthony Mason & Isabella Marie Swan Were wed on: __________ By: _____________ At: ________________ Edward A. Mason Isabella M. Swan “Oh… we ought to fill the minor details too, right?” I asked him. “Yeah. We should.” He replied. “So we got married on…” “I haven’t thought about it, really. Any ideas?” “You know what? We should put whichever time and date it is now. We would change the year though.” “Alright, and given that the license is from Washington, we should put that Mr. Webber ‘wedded’ us.” “Ok. So, we are all settled then” He said as he finished writing what we had just decided. “Want a pen, Mrs. Mason?” He asked, handing it to me. “Oh, you’re too funny.” I said as I signed the piece of paper. I took a glimpse at it. It just looked, so official; as if we had really gotten married. CERTIFICATE OF MARRIAGE STATE OF WASHINGTON Edward Anthony Mason & Isabella Marie Swan Were wed on: June 12th, 2014 By: John H. Webber At: 4:30 pm BellaSwan Edward A. Mason Isabella M. Swan

I sighed. “What next, hubby?” “I have yet to print the birth certificates for Tom & Liz” It seemed funny how he talked about them as if they really existed. “So… you can check out our medical school diplomas” I search through the papers in his desk until I found them. The printed pieces of paper that fictionally accredited us both as Dr. Mason. I thought it was ironic. “Edward… we went to Harvard Med?” I asked him, taken slightly aback. “Yeah… just after graduating from Dartmouth.” “Great.” I heard the printer once again and Edward approached me with three papers in his hands. He handed me the first one. “We only have to sign it, I filled the rest out already” BIRTH CERTIFICATE Thomas Andrew Mason Was born to Isabella and Edward Mason On June 30, 2020 At 6:30 in the evening At Seattle Grace Hospital, WA Weighing 7 pounds and 4 ounces Measuring 22 inches EdwardAntMason BellaMason Edward Mason Isabella Mason Then I looked at my ‘daughter’s’ birth certificate. BIRTH CERTIFICATE Elizabeth Anne Mason Was born to Isabella and Edward Mason On June 30th, 2020 At 6:32 in the evening

At Seattle Grace Hospital, WA Weighing 6 pounds and 8 ounces Measuring 22 inches EdwardAntMason BellaMason Edward Mason Isabella Mason I sighed once again. The signing process seemed so official, it felt almost real. A heavy knock on his door woke me from my daze. “Edward Anthony! Is Bella in there with you?” Elizabeth’s voice sounded loudly. Edward paled. “Yes mother. Why do you want to know that?” Edward asked, almost…nervously? “How come, you haven’t introduced her to us yet?” Elizabeth criticized. I decided to interrupt. Edward didn’t need to get grounded because of me. “You’ve already met me, Mrs. Mason.” I said as respectfully as I could. “Oh, I’m sorry, Bella.” She shouted through the door, “I was just came to see if Edward had invited you to dinner yet. Since he hasn’t, would you like to have dinner with us tonight?” She asked sweetly. Edward started to make signs indicating me to say no. I just tilted my head towards my shoulder, pretending to be confused. Edward sighed and nodded somberly. “I would love to.” I answered. ----Several hours later, Edward and I were sitting side to side in a dining table that could easily afford at least twelve people. However, there were only four seats on there. Elizabeth had cooked meat loaf with mashed potatoes. After she finished arranging the table, she took her seat in front of us in silence. “Just a minute sweetie, Edward’s father should be here any minute” She told me. I just nodded. This whole ordeal seemed way too formal to be just a simple dinner. It looked like it should have been far more. Just then Edward senior walked through the door. “Hello family and… Bella. I didn’t know you would join us this evening” He said.

“Neither did I, sir, until a few hours ago.” I admitted. “I invited her.” Elizabeth explained him. He took a glance at his son, probably expecting him to say something. He hadn’t said a word since his father had arrived. I turned to look at Edward. He was as pale as if he just had seen a ghost; Like he had seen the handwriting on the wall or something like that… We returned to our seats and started eating. Edward (Jr) was well focused in his plate, filling his mouth as often as he could so he didn’t have to speak. He had this kind of traumatized look. He looked as if he had just received utterly shocking news. “So, Isabella…” Edward Sr. traded off. “I prefer if you call me Bella, really.” I told him “Alright, Bella… my son and you have been dating for how long now?” He asked me. What the heck? Who says I’m dating Edward? He’s just my friend… “Excuse me?” I replied. “I was asking how long have you two have been together” He repeated. Why would he think that? Edward and I broke up weeks ago… Unless… I glared at Edward. I took a deep breath. “I don’t know what your son told you, but I can assure that-”I was cut off by Edward’s (Jr) stepping on my foot, hard. I yelped. “We’ve been together a little over three weeks, dad.” Edward added. What? Since when? I looked at Edward confused, his foot was still firmly pressed on mine It didn’t look like he wasn’t moving it anytime soon, so I kicked his shin with my other foot. Edward picked his foot up immediately. “Ow!” “Edward, I need to talk to you, in private.” I addressed my ‘boyfriend’. He looked sheepish. “Right now.” I said sternly, like a mother disciplining a disobedient child. “Oh. Excuse us.” He said to his parents as he walked me through a hallway to a room I had never seen before. He opened the door and turned the lights on. I saw a piano, a bigger and fancier stereo than the one he had in his bedroom, and a guitar among other items. He locked the door once I walked in, turning toward me. “Well… talk.”

“What the hell happened there Edward? Why are your parents asking me questions like that? I swear anyone could have believed that that was an actual parent-girlfriend introduction! And you know as well as I do, that it wasn’t!” I said. He looked at his toes. “It kind of was… actually” He admitted. I looked at him confused. He remained silent, thoughtful. I sighed. “I just need you to-”But I was cut off by his lips pressing into mine. It wasn’t as bluntly passionate as the last one we had shared, however there was more feeling into this one. It wasn’t long, but just long enough. “Bella, I love you. I thought I could do it from afar, but I can’t. I love to be your friend, but I kept wishing to be more. When you broke up with me, I couldn’t bear it. I guess I wanted to keep pretending that you were still my girlfriend. Perhaps that’s why I didn’t tell my parents about our breakup. Perhaps that’s why it took me a lot of effort trying to stay away from you. Because I can’t. Because I love you. Because you’re it for me, Bells. There’s no other I would rather be with. You are my life now.” He concluded. I couldn’t make a sound. “I know you don’t love me. I think you’re closer to hating me than loving me, really.” Edward continued. “I just wanted you to know. My feelings haven’t changed. More so, they have increased. That I will be waiting in the wings. Do whatever you want, don’t worry about me. Go, ran off with Newton if you want to. I believe you two can already get married under Vegas law, so, what are you waiting for? Go ahead. Do you need car keys? You can have mine. Do you need money for gas? I can give you that too. As long as you are happy, nothing else matters. But if you want to marry Newton in somewhere exotic, you’ll need more than that. Maybe a couple of pass-“I cut off his nonsense with a kiss off my own. He was surprised, but I felt him smile under my lips. “I love you, idiot. How could you think otherwise? Oh, yeah. I guess I did lie convincingly once, didn’t I? That was weird. I didn’t think you would believe that time. But what is even weirder, is those creepy illusions of yours. Why on earth I would want to marry Mike Newton? Just plain ew. Why would you-” He interrupted, grinning. “What did you just say?” “Which part? The part of you wanting to set me up with Mike Newton? The creepy and weird illusions that you have of me marrying him?” He shook his head, laughing. He looked happy, the happiest I have ever seen him. “Me lying convincingly? Your denseness?” He shook his head again. I rolled my eyes. “That I love you, despite your stupidity?” I said with a smile. I had done it. I had said it, just like that, without hesitation, and without even a thought.

He smiled and closed the space between us. His lips found mine eagerly, moving softly against them. He lifted my legs and sat me on his piano. As much as I liked it, his parents were still waiting in the other room for us to get back. “Edward” I said between kisses “we” – “really”-“need”-“to”- “get back” “Yeah” he said as he helped met off of the piano. “But I need to do something first.” “What Edward?” I asked him. “Well, you were the one that pointed out that this seemed like a parent-girlfriend dinner. I would like to make it one. Officially.” “Edward…” “Bella… I never got to ask you properly the first time. So, since I have nothing else left to say: Isabella Marie Swan would you be my girlfriend?” He asked me. “Well, let me think about it” Edward grimaced for a moment, making me laugh “Of course! I would love that, Edward” He sighed in relief. “Thank you” “Well, we should get back” “Yes, we should.” He said, holding the door open for me.

Epilogue Three months later I was sitting on the same tree, our tree. Yes, I was on school in the middle of the summer and it wasn’t because I’m a dork. Actually, this would be my last summer before my last year of high school. A couple of weeks, after presenting our government project, the school informed me that I was in conditions to graduate a year earlier. This, of course, didn’t pass unattended by Edward. My mind drove back to that day. --Flashback--“Isabella Swan, to the office” the receptionist called over the speakers. What happened? It’s something wrong?

I walked cautiously to the office. Ms. Cope greeted me and told me to go to the Principal’s office. I entered. “Hello Isabella, sit down for a moment please.” My breathing was still heavy. Did I do something wrong? “Don’t worry, it’s nothing bad. It’s quite good actually.” She said. I took a deep breath. “Well, you have been taking advanced courses and passing them with flying colors. As you know, AP courses give you more credits than the regular ones; therefore, you’ll be able to graduate with honors one year earlier. There’s not much high school education can do. You have gotten almost all the tools already, so I hope you join our senior class next fall.” I was completely astounded. I knew I needed great grades for college, but I didn’t expect them to gain me a year. Wow. “Thank you Principal Greene. Thank you very much.” I replied. “It’s my pleasure Bella.” He said as I walked out the door. When I walked outside of the office, Edward was leaning against the wall. Just as he saw me, he walked towards me and started bombarding me with questions. “What happened Bells? What did they tell you? Did they do something bad to you? Because if they did, I swear I-” I cut him off. “Edward calm down, will you? It isn’t bad. They just gave some…news.” I said. I hadn’t thought about this? How will Edward take this? It’s one whole year away. Me in, glup, college and he in here still. That’s surely going to be tough. I will miss him… a lot. “I’ll tell you at lunch, okay?” I finally told him. “Okay Bells. I got to go, I’m late to class.” He kissed me chastely on the lips and left. --At lunch he found me at our tree. He looked worried. “So what is it?” He finally asked. “I’m graduating one year early.” I blurted out. I expected him to be sad, or to get mad or something. Instead, he smiled. “That’s great Bells” He said. “No, it’s not” I said “That would mean I would have to be away from you for a whole year. And I’m sure then you will realize that I’m just plain, boring and a total dork.” I said, looking at the grass; spring had come, finally. He hugged me and then kissed my forehead. “Listen to me Bells, this is about you, not me, okay? This is great! I’m proud of you and you should be proud of yourself.” He said. “I guess it is kind of great.” I admitted. “I’m going to miss you lots, though” “Me too, my love” He said. “Me too.”

--I didn’t see Edward during the rest of the day. Not even in Government. What had happened to him? When I got home I noticed familiar Aston Martin was parked in my driveway. Edward was leaning against the door frame, grinning sheepishly. I got out of my cars, grabbed the house keys and walked towards him intrigued. “Hello, Stranger” I greeted him with a questioning look. “Hi Bells” He replied as he leaned to give me a peck on the lips. “Why are you here? Not that I mind, of course.” I asked him. “Well I have news too.” He stated matter-of-factly. “Oh. Really? And what news would that be?” I asked him. “That you and me, missy, are going to be seniors next fall.” He stated. Did I hear him right? Did he just say ‘we’? I was in awe. He must have seen my confusion, so he continued. “Hey! My grades aren’t that bad either. I talked to Mr. Greene and he said that as long as I took a couple of extra credits in the summer, I should be fine. I’m a straight-A-student too, you know.” He said. I just kissed him right there. I couldn’t believe he had done that. He had done that to be with me. God, I love him. “I love you!” I said. He smiled. “I love you too Bells.” --End Flashback— So, I was sitting in our tree in the middle of the summer with Hamlet on my lap. No more Romeo and Juliet for me. Just kidding. Just then my perfectly amazing boyfriend walked out of the school building. “Hey you, birthday boy!” I called out. He turned to look at me, surprised. I walked towards him. “What are you doing here?” He asked me. “What? Can’t I come and greet my boyfriend for his birthday?” I questioned before giving him a peck on the lips. “You sure do, I didn’t see your truck though.” I bit my lip.

“The pixie dropped me off, after she dragged me shopping with her, again.” I explained him. “Oh I see. And how exactly do you plan to get home?” He asked. I smiled sheepishly. “I was hoping you would give me a ride.” I admitted. “I was going to do it anyways, what kind of boyfriend would I be, if I didn’t?” He replied. “Oh… and Alice kind of talked with your mom and now we’ve this ‘gathering’ at seven.” I informed him. “Ha ha. They’re incorrigible, aren’t they?” He said. We got in the car. However, Edward didn’t start the engine just yet. He stared at me intently. He stayed like that for a while. I was getting frustrated. “Hello? Earth to Edward!” I said as I shook my hand in front of his face. He woke up from his trance. “Yes, my dear?” “I don’t mean to be rude, but shouldn’t we be leaving now?” I asked him. “We should. I was just remembering something.” He explained. “Oh ok.” I replied. He raised an eyebrow at me. “Aren’t you going to ask what was it?” He asked. “Nah. I, unlike some people, don’t need to know all of what’s on your mind. It can’t be that bad, can it?” I explained. “Of course not, love. I was just remembering that one year ago, this same day, I’d not be able to imagine this, and that just makes my last birthday wish so silly…” And now he makes me curious. “What was it?” “This” He stated. What? “Define this.” I asked him. “The car dummy.” “But you knew you were going to get it either way. If it wasn’t when the other one died, you would have received it as a birthday present.” I explain. “That’s what makes it silly. Back then, I thought it was hopeless to ask for anything else. My life was perfect, or so I thought. I hadn’t realized yet that you had been missing all along. I love you Bells.” He replied.

“I love you too.” Wow… is it me or this just gets kind of repetitive. I don’t get tired of saying it though. We just stood there for awhile, until our hormones took the best of us. We started making out and I’m not sure how much time had passed when my phone went off. “Ignore it.” Edward pleaded. “I c-”- He cut me off. “But Ed-“ I started taking the lead now. “Edward.”-kiss-“I”-kiss-“really”-kiss-“have”-kiss-“to”-kiss-“get this”. He smiled under my lips and let me go. “Okay. I’ll behave.” I checked the caller ID. “Oh boy, now we’re in trouble.” I picked up. “Hello Alice.” “Don’t you ‘Hello Alice’ me! You two should’ve been here about five minutes ago.” She ranted. “Jeez Al, chill. We’re on our way. His class took a little longer than expected.” I attempted to explain. “His class or your make out session?” She half-yelled into the phone. I blushed. Edward chuckled. I glared at him. “Al, there’s people around you. And seriously, you freak me out when you do things like that.” I told her. “Oh, so you two were making out all this time! Isabella Marie Swan! I gave you one simple task to accomplish. You think you would still be able to accomplish it?” She asked. “Yes ma’am.” I replied. “Ok. So no more delays please. Seriously Bells, Aunt Liz is freaking out.” “Alright, Ali” I hung up. Edward smiled. “So, where were we?” “Sorry Ed, but I have strict orders to bring you home as quickly as possible. And I’m talking about Alice here. I really need the Fast and the Furious now.” I told him. He shot me one of his trademark smiles as he pressed the gas pedal.