Hey sexy hope ur havin a gd evenin X

I sighed and threw my phone down in frustration, heart rate still slightly erratic with the hope that I'd see the name Edward flash across the screen. Instead, it was my somewhat creepy admirer from school, Mike. He was a nice guy, but he seemed to be oblivious to my signals- my loud, clear, signals- that I just wasn't interested in him in that way, and never would be. And his grammar was appalling.

Ten minutes later my phone buzzed again and I took a deep breath, trying and failing miserably not to get my hopes up before peeking through my fingers at the screen. Yesssssss!

You busy? E

Jut those two words meant more to me than all the lingering glances from Mike all day, every day. I managed to make myself wait all of two seconds before replying..

No, what's up? B

I turned my phone on loud so I wouldn't miss anything and left my dad, Charlie, snoozing in front of the game on tv while I took it up to my room. My homework lay abandoned on my desk and I sat down with a sigh, picking up my pen like a martyr then immediately throwing it down again as my phone beeped loudly.

Sorry we haven't spoken today- hectic. Call you in a bit.

I let out a happy sigh and looked apologetically at my Bio homework, doomed never to be completed now. Edward was my best friend.. who I'd never actually met. He was my other best friend Alice's older brother, and went to college in California, whilst I slogged away at my senior year in high school, rainy days only brightened by his texts, emails, and phone calls. And of course life was made a lot more bearable by Alice and Rosalie too, I thought with a smile.

Edward and I had started out unlikely friendship a couple of months ago. I was sitting in Alice's room doing my hair, killing time whilst she showered for our night out, when an IM popped up on her laptop which I was using to blast Rihanna.

Cullen346: Wassuuuuuuup Pixie

I smiled, knowing this must be her brother Edward from the time she had bitched about his nickname for her.

Fashion_Police_800: Hi, Edward? This is Alice's friend Bella. Just thought I'd tell you Alice is in the shower right now so won't be replying anytime soon..

The girl took her showers seriously.

Cullen346: Oh hey Bella! I've heard so much about you. Want me to entertain you whilst my sister washes herself away?

And so when Alice finally emerged in a cloud of steam 30 minutes later she found me in hysterics at her computer screen, and after reading over my shoulder for a few minutes was smirking knowingly to herself.

"So do you want his number?"

Alice was very smug about my friendship with Edward from the beginning. Her and Rosalie would wolf whistle and hoot with laughter at my blushes during that first couple of weeks when Edward and I would test through school every day and IM every evening. My phone, previously just a useful way to let Charlie know where I was, had quickly become an extension to my arm, and it frequently got confiscated in school.

"I always knew you two would get on well." Alice told me repeatedly. "Hurry up and get him to come home so he can meet you properly!"

But Alice and Rose soon got used to it, and it became accepted that Edward was just as big a part of my life as his sister was, even if it was long distance. And just as friends.. as I had to keep reminding myself. Especially when I saw his Facebook photos.. mmm.

I was snapped out of my daydream about his smooth, defined, tanned, beautiful abs by my phoe flashing my favourite name at me happily.

"Hey good lookin'," I smiled into the phone.

"Why hello beautiful." His velvet smooth voice spoke softly back to me, relaxing me properly for the first time that day. "How was your day?"

"Same old high school. Mike was really getting into the puppy dog role today."

"Oh really? Maybe I should come down there and have a chat with this Mike." He sounded annoyed and I laughed, imagining poor Mike being stared down by my six foot tall, muscly adonis of a.. friend. Friend Bella, friend.

"I can handle it, don't you worry. But you really should come down anyway, it's been so long. Alice misses you!"

Edward was doing a medical degree that kept him so busy in California that he hadn't been able to visit his loving family in over two years. His last visit had ben just before I moved to Forks to live with my dad. I couldn't help but wonder if we'd still have been such close friends if he had met me in person and come face to face with my clumsy awkwardness and average looks before getting to know me. Part of me was dreading finally meeting him someday, as I knew I must, because his sister was someone I wanted in my life for good.

"Is Alice the only person that misses me?" he asked suggestively.

I played dumb. "Erm.. your parents probably do. Did you have any friends down here that might've noticed you were gone?"

"I've only got one friend down there that really matters to be honest."

"Oh right." I immediately pictured some anonymous ex-girlfriend, tall, blonde, beautiful... what a bitch. "Who's that?"

"You, dumbass." He chuckled at me.

I smiled in surprise as a warm feeling crept across my cheeks. "Well how can I miss you Edward? We've ever even met."

"I don't know." His voice turned serious. "But I think I miss you somehow."

There was a little silence as I let that wash over me, unsure how to respond without squealing in delight.

"Anyway.." He continued in a lighter tone. "It's impossible for me to come and visit right now, they're working me hard here and I'm really enjoying it. I don't want to lose my work placement at this hospital, there's such great people here."

I smiled at his enthusiasm, both a little sad and a little relieved that we didn't have to meet yet. "I know Edward. I understand. I'm glad you're enjoying it so much. Carlisle is so proud you're following in his footsteps."

Edward's father was the best surgeon around, wasted on little Forks, but so dedicated to his beautiful wife Esme that he was willing to join her here in the small town life that she loved.

"Thanks babe, I knew you'd get it. Look I've got to go, my shift starts again soon." I grinned as I realised he'd taken the time in his short break between hospital shifts to call me. "Have a great day at school tomorrow little one, don't take shit from Mike. Just say no."

I laughed again, "I always do. Don't know why he's so keen. Have a great shift and talk to you soon. Bye."

"Bye gorgeous."

I got ready for bed ad climbed in just as my phone vibrated again. Groaning, I reached for it, expecting a follow up text from Mike.

Think I can see why he's so keen. Sweet dreams. E

I fell asleep with a smile on my face.