Chapter 1 – Opposites
EPOV
It was another day of school during of my senior year; the home stretch. I was excited because in less than one year's time, I will be leaving for college in California. And my girlfriend of six months will be going with me. Bella was one of the smartest girls in the school.
When she first transferred to Forks High, almost every guy wanted her. Everyone but me. I was too focused on being the star forward on the basketball team. She and I looked at each other from across the cafeteria and I looked away from her first. Everyone in town knew me, Edward Masen.
I moved to Forks from Chicago five years ago with my mom, Elizabeth. We moved after my father passed away. I don't talk about him much. "Yo, Edward. Here comes your girl." "Thanks, Damien." Damien Drake was on the team with me. I turned and saw Bella coming, with our friend, Angela. Angela was my first friend in Forks and now, my best friend.
"Hi, how was class?" Bella asked. Angela waved and went onto the cafeteria. I wrapped my arm around her waist, "Boring. I missed you." She smiled as she curved her hand around my arm, "Ditto." I kissed her lips and hugged her closer. I have never felt this way about anyone. Bella was my opposite; not a big fan of sports, loved to read and kept to herself. Well, opposite definitely attract when it came to us.
We walked to the cafeteria together and I bought her lunch. "You know you don't have to do that," she protested and I looked at her, "And you don't have to say that every day." She giggled and I loved the sound of it. Sometimes we sat with our friends, other times we liked to be alone together. Today, I wanted to have her alone.
"Bella, I got my algebra test back?" Her brown eyes looked up at me and she smiled, "And?" I chuckled as I set our tray down, "I aced it." She laughed, "That's great." My hand reached across the table to cup her cheek, "And it's all because of you helping me." She blushed, my favorite thing in the world, "That and you focus better when SportsCenter isn't on." We laughed together, "Now, I have to take you out to dinner as a thank you."
She tilted her head to the side, "Now you really don't have to do that. I'll cook." I shook my head, "No way. Besides, we need to get out of town. I was thinking we could go to Seattle to your favorite restaurant." Bella loved Le Petite Café and I got us reservations for Friday night. She never wanted to be surprised, but I got away with it a few times. Her eyes softened as she looked at me.
"Edward, no. We don't have to." I gazed into her eyes, "Bell, please let me do this for you." She could never refuse me when I called her "Bell." She sighed and closed her eyes, "Fine." She let me win this time. Next time, it would be her turn. "Good. Friday after school, we leave after lunch and you go home and get ready. By the way, could you wear my favorite dress?" She smiled and blushed, "Ok, I will." She considered that particular dress part of her 'restricted collection.'
She looked down at the table for a moment, "Wait, you said Friday?" her voice changed in the question. I nodded, "Why?" A coy smile came across her face, "Umm, nothing. Just do me a favor?" I loved giving her things. We were leaning towards each other across our table, "Which is?" She bit her lip and the look of it was sexy, "Tell your mom after we go out, you're spending the night at Damien's house. And get him and his brother to go with the story." I was going to ask, but she had my favorite smile on her face. Her dimples deepened as she did that, "Ok….?" She looked away for a moment, then back to me, "Trust me. Just do it." And she winked at me.
BPOV
Edward and I have been together for the majority of the time I was at Forks. I overheard some of his friends ask him why he was with me. "Because she's sweet, beautiful, smart and funny. I like her a lot," I overheard Edward explain, "That and you're mad that I got to her first." His friends had a point though. We were incompatible. I liked books and he liked sports. Until he met me, Edward wasn't very interested in his grades.
He was sure he would get into college through a basketball scholarship. And yet, we worked. He got me somewhat interested in basketball and I got him to focus on his schoolwork, which was a bigger task. Mr. Green asked me to work with Edward as he was struggling in our algebra class. Jessica leaned over to me, "You're so lucky." I scoffed, "Well, I wish it was you and not me. I don't want to waste my time working with someone who isn't interested in learning." Edward looked back at me with an annoyed expression. I didn't care if he overheard me.
I sat in the library waiting for him to come. The clock ticked past 1:30. He was supposed to be here thirty minutes ago. Completely frustrated, I packed up my bags and left. Outside, I pulled my hood up when Edward arrived. I rolled my eyes and walked away. "Hey, Bella, right?" I looked back at him, "Yes." He shrugged, "Where are you going? We just got here." My eyes narrowed as I turned to look at him, "No, I've been waiting inside for you for half an hour. I have other things to do that tutor some jock."
His green eyes hardened, "Look, you're new, so I'll just let you know. No one talks to me like that." My arms folded, "Maybe not to your face." He opened his mouth top retaliate, but I cut him off, "Look, I really don't give a damn that you're the most popular guy in school or the prize jewel of the basketball team and you think that makes you a star. Well, I don't know how far you think that is going to take you."
"Hey, I have a lot of scholarship offers," he responded with. My head fell to the side, "What if you get hurt and the team doesn't need you anymore. You know all those professors who gave you a free ride is going to expect you to do your work." Edward stared at me for a moment. I looked down away from his eyes. Damn me and my kind heart, "Look, I'm free this evening. If you really want help, come to my house. I can work with you and I only will if you're serious about learning something. Don't think I will be doing all the work and you not do anything." He nodded once and turned away from me.
Much to my surprise, Edward came to my house promptly after school. My eyebrows shot up seeing him on my doorstep. "Let's get to work." He came in and looked around the room. Edward glanced up the stairs. Did he think we would work in my bedroom? I turned down the hall to the kitchen, "Are you coming?" He looked at me with a look of disappointment. What was it with boys in this town?
After an hour of work, Edward was starting to get the work. "Well, actually, I would like to work with you more," he said. My eyes widened a bit, "Really?" He held up a hand, "You were right about me. I mean you laid everything out in black and white and no one has ever done that." My arms folded as they rested on the tabletop, "Yea and I'm sorry about that. I was in a bad mood." "Because I left you waiting." There was a kind side to Edward. Maybe he should show that a bit more. From then, Edward and I got closer. He and I were opposites, but we still cared deeply about each other.
After lunch, Edward and I went to Calculus together. Knowing him, the prospects for Friday night was running through his mind. What he doesn't know is that my dad was going on an extended fishing trip in Canada and he was leaving Friday morning and he wasn't coming back until Sunday evening. I was going to have Edward spend the night at my house.
After school, I went straight home while Edward had basketball practice. Charlie wasn't home yet, so I was alone for a little while. While the steaks were in the oven, I began to tidy up my room. Everything was put away and I had to pick up some candles for Friday night. Also, I needed to change my bed sheets and pick out something for that night. "Bella?" Charlie called. "Yea, Dad. I'm upstairs," I called back. "Ok, by the way, Edward's here."
Edward always came over for dinner. His mother worked late in Tacoma and I made enough for him and Ms. Elizabeth. "Ok, be right there." I surveyed my room once more before going downstairs. I walked down the stairs thinking about how I was going to provide music for the evening. My dad's stereo in his bedroom; perfect.
As I reached the bottom of the stairs, I almost tripped over Edward's gym bag. "Edward! I've asked you a million times to not leave your bag at the bottom of the stairs," I kicked it to the front door. "Sorry Mom," he called from the living room. I heard my dad muffle his laugh. I picked up a cushion from the air chair and threw it at the back of Edward's head. He looked back and I ran into the kitchen before he got up from the couch.
The steaks were sizzling as the got them out of the oven and I began making the salad and mashed potatoes. I was pulling the dishes out of the cabinet, when Edward came into the kitchen. "I'll set the table," he whispered while wrapping his arms around my waist. He brushed my hair out of the way and began kissing my neck. My body jolted from the soft caress. "Edward, stop," I whispered and turned around to face him, "my dad's in the living room."
He looked behind himself and then back to me, "It's worth it," and he pressed his lips to mine. I laughed under his kiss, "You better stop. You don't want to start something you can't finish." I smiled and pushed him away. The food was set on the table, "Dad, dinner's ready." Charlie huffed loudly as he got up from the couch, "Thanks Bella." The three of us ate together.
My dad and Edward discussed the basketball team, while I read Pride & Prejudice. When ever they talked sports, I just tuned them out. When I first moved to Forks, Charlie made it very clear that he thought none of the boys in town were good enough for me. When he came home and saw that I was tutoring Edward, he was happy about that. Someone he could talk sports with. When dinner was done, Charlie went off to the living room. Edward cleared the table and began on the dishes. "Once again, you made a wonderful dinner," Edward complimented. "Thank you and here," I took a plate out of the microwave, "this is for your mom." I handed him the plate and he held my wrist.
He placed the plate on the counter and kissed me, "Thanks, Bell. "He kissed me again, his arms tight around, "I'll see you tomorrow." I smiled at him, "Ok." Edward turned for the door. "Good night, Charlie," Edward waved as Charlie laid on the couch. "Good night, Edward and tell your mother I said hi." He nodded, "I will." Edward and I walked out to his car and he kissed me again. Edward spun me, leaning me against the side of his car and tightened his hold on me.
I sighed, hearing my heart pound in my ears, "Edward, stop," I said as he kissed my neck. He groaned against me, "I can't help it. You are too beautiful." I stroked his nose with my finger, "So are you. Now get out of here." I smiled and kissed his cheek. I watched him drive off and went back inside.
Friday during lunch, I told Angela that I was leaving early. She smiled, "No problem. I'll take notes. Just have fun, Bella," she wished me. "Thanks, Ang." Jessica looked across the table, then went back to talk to Lauren. Jessica didn't speak to me much now. She wasn't happy that I was dating Edward. She had a crush on him since he and his mother moved to Forks. Lauren Mallory and I never got along, so she was never a problem for me.
After the bell rang, I went for my truck. Edward was next to my truck, leaning against his silver Volvo. He put his hands on my face, "Go home and make yourself even more beautiful. And don't worry, Damien is covering for me. What are we doing tonight?" I shook my head, "Ah-ah-ah, that's my surprise for you. Give me an hour." He held my door open for me, "I'm holding you to that." I climbed into my truck and drove to the dry cleaners to pick up my dress.
The truck wheezed as I pushed it to its limits as I raced home. Inside, I sprinted inside and started my shower. In my room, everything was ready. There were vanilla scent candles all over the room, new bed sheets and I got a decent radio for my room. My shower was quick, then I began to curl my hair. At his request, I wore Edward's favorite dress; a black mini dress, that was strapless with a beaded bodice. The skirt stopped mid thigh. I bought this dress when I took Edward out for his birthday in June. Of course, Charlie never saw it. He would say it was illegal for his little girl to wear this.
I wore my sapphire earrings Edward had given me for my birthday and grabbed my black clutch purse. This was a rare occasion that I actually put on some lip gloss and wore hazelnut body splash. The scent of it drove Edward wild. The doorbell rang as I was putting on my strappy black heels.
"Hello, Edward." He smiled as he took in my ensemble, "You do not disappoint. I may not want to take you out now." This was Edward's favorite and I loved the smile it brought to his face. I giggled, "No, I helped you passed that test, so you have to feed me." We smiled at each other and walked to his car. Edward opened my door. The car was warm from the heater.
He was in his seat and inhaled, "You don't play fair." He could smell the hazelnut. Edward leaned over to me and breathed deeply at my neck, "Not at all." I pushed him away with one hand and he drove us to Seattle. Edward didn't like to follow the speed limits. When we arrived in the city, Edward drove to my favorite restaurant. "Edward, you didn't have to do this." Edward knew how much I loved this place. After a lovely dinner, we went dancing. I was nowhere near as good as he was, but thanks to Edward, I was getting better.
After dinner and our long drive, Edward dropped me off. The car stood in front of my house with the head lights off. "Ok, park your car at Damien's and come back in an hour. But leave your car there, ok? When you get back, use the spare key. I'll be waiting in my room." He nodded and leaned closer to kiss me. Damien lived down the street for me. Luck was with me that Edward didn't know my dad was away before now. Edward drove off and I went to take another quick shower. The warm water soothed my frantic nerves.
Once my body was calm, I went to my room and lit the candles. The pajama pants I bought for him was laid out and I put on my new nightgown. It was sapphire blue with a black lace and thin straps that crossed at my back. There were only five minutes left before Edward was back. The music began to plan and the lights were turned off. My heart was pounding in my chest like crazy. I was going to have the house to myself all night and I was spending it with Edward.
I went to the bathroom and put on more of my hazelnut body splash. My palms waved back and forth, trying to cool myself down. My eyes were panicked as they looked back at me in the mirror. I had to calm down. This was it; I was ready. I want to be with Edward.
The key turned the lock of the front door. Shoes came up the stairs and my body slumped to the floor. It's only Edward. He was in my room and I heard him chuckle. Let him have a minute. I forced myself to get off the floor and quietly open the bathroom. Edward stepped into my room. The lights of the candles made him look even more handsome. Squaring my shoulders, I walked across the hall to my room. Edward was looking at my radio, "Hello, Mr. Masen," I said, leaning in the doorway.
He turned and saw me. His eyes popped as he saw my revealing nightgown, "Very nice. But what is all this for?" I crossed the room, "Well, I thought we could have a sleepover. Charlie won't be back until Sunday." I took his hand and sat him on my bed. He smiled and wrapped his arms around me, "That sounds like a plan."
I leaned in to kiss him. Edward moved to lie on top of me. His lips moved down to my neck, where he inhaled and sighed. He sat up and took off his jacket. His eyes held mine as I did this. Edward stood and began to undress. I slide back to the head of the bed and got under the covers. He ignored the pajamas I had for him.
I've never seen Edward undressed. He smiled and got into the bed with me. He brushed my hair back and kissed me again. He leaned me back and laid on top of me again. Edward kissed me very gently and pulled back to look me in the face, "Bella, I love you." I gasped; that was the first time he told me that.
He wasn't just telling me this because of what we were about to do. I believed he meant, "I love you too." Edward caressed my thigh and kissed the hollow of my neck. And we began to express our love for each other.