AN: I'm back! I'm so extremely sorry for my complete disappearance. School, work, and life have gotten me pretty busy. I know this isn't an update to A New Home, but this idea hit me awhile ago and I can't get it out of my head. I have so many ideas and I'm truly excited to write it.
This is quite different than my other stories and one shots, but there will be lemons. A lot of lemons. Just a fair warning. Also, everyone is human. Edward will be very OOC and Bella may be too. More will be explained in coming chapters. I already have a few chapters written up, so the time between postings will be very short. I plan on writing and updating much more now. Thank you to everyone for keeping with me!
"Photosynthesis is why we're alive!" Mr. Banner exclaimed, pacing back and forth across the room. He suddenly stopped, turned, and slowly pointed a finger at each student in the class. "You all may not grasp just how important the process of photosynthesis is, but I've come up with the perfect solution: A project."
The entire class groaned in unison. I simply sighed and took a peek at the person who I've sat next to all year. He didn't seem disappointed or particularly excited. I don't know what I was expecting, Edward Cullen never cared.
"Now, this will be a partnered assignment," Mr. Banner explained while leaning against his desk. He heaved a sigh and pointed to the one raised hand in the classroom. "Yes, Mike?"
"Do we get to pick our partners?" he asked and quickly glanced in my direction. I attempted to cover the revulsion I was sure my face expressed. Over my dead body.
"I'm sorry, Mike, but no. You will keep the same partner you are stationed with for labs."
I gulped and took yet another glimpse at Edward. He was staring at me and chuckled as I met his gaze. Blushing, I averted my eyes and focused on the front of the room.
"Now, this project may involve some after school work, but I'm sure you all can handle it," Mr. Banner stated while counting papers and handing them out. "The concept is very simple," he began, but I blocked his lecture.
Working after school with Edward Cullen? I'll probably end up doing the whole thing by myself, just like the labs. It's not that Edward isn't smart; on the contrary, he's known for having exceptional grades when he wants to. Instead of studying, Edward dates. I'd be lying if I said I didn't have a little crush on him.
I broke out of my internal conversation just in time for the bell to ring. Quickly gathering my books, I stood to leave. I didn't get far before I heard an unfamiliar voice call my name.
"Bella?" a smooth voice purred from behind me.
I froze, shocked at the realization of who it was. I hesitantly turned. "Yes, Edward?"
His brilliant emerald eyes locked with mine as he leaned against a nearby desk. "We have a project we have to accomplish, right? When would you like to start?"
I opened and closed my mouth several times before finally settling on what to say. "Oh, um, I didn't think you would plan on helping. I was prepared to do it myself," I mumbled, clutching the books in my hands until my knuckles turned white.
"What kind of partner would I be if I didn't lend some assistance?" he chuckled while taking a small step forward. "We could begin tonight if you would like, my house is empty for the weekend."
He was so close I could smell the sweetness of his breath as he spoke.
"S-sure," I stuttered. "Sounds good?"
He grinned crookedly and pushed back several unruly locks of hair. I admired the copper hue as it gleamed in the florescent lighting.
"Perfect. Here are the directions to my house," he added and scribbled instructions on a scrap of paper.
With another dazzling smile, he gracefully exited the room. I stayed planted in my spot.
"Ms. Swan, are you alright?" Mr. Banner questioned, clearing his throat.
"I'm fine," I replied sheepishly. "Have a nice weekend!"
He nodded and let me leave without further question.
I practically ran to my rusty truck, one of the last vehicles in the lot. I entered the chilly cab and brought it to life. The loud rumbling barely affected me as I studied the scrap of paper Edward had given me minutes before. The directions were simple, for which I was grateful. It would be embarrassing to be late because I couldn't find my way to his house.
I've overheard many conversations of wild parties Edward has thrown when his family goes out of town. Supposedly it was a mansion, one of the biggest in Washington. It shouldn't be too hard to find.
Surprisingly enough, Charlie's cruiser was parked in the driveway as I pulled in. I eyed it suspiciously. He usually didn't get home until it was time for dinner. Slipping off my drenched boots, I quietly closed the front door behind me.
"Dad?"
"Hey, Bells, I'm in the kitchen."
"What are you doing in the kitchen?" I laughed, watching him play with the dials on the stove. "Attempting to make dinner?"
"Actually, I was," he grumbled and removed an oven mitt from his left hand. "How does meatloaf sound?"
"You made meatloaf?" I asked in disbelief.
He nodded with a proud smile. "Yep, should be ready in an hour or so. I wanted to give you a break from cooking for a night."
"Well, um, thanks," I muttered. "Should be great."
"Sure thing. I'm gonna go watch the game for awhile."
I waited for him to retreat from the room before I took a peek at the meatloaf. Well, it was definitely made of some meat. I grimaced. Maybe I could just say I was eating at Edward's…
"Hey, Dad?" I asked while sitting on the slightly overstuffed couch.
"Hm?" His eyes stayed glued to the game as he motioned for me to continue.
"I was wondering, uh, would you mind if I went out to eat with a friend tonight? I was kind of already invited." I smiled, hoping it didn't look too unusual.
"What friend?" he warily replied.
"Well, Edward Cullen invited me over to his house to work on our science project and we were going to eat there. Sorry I forgot to tell you."
Charlie took a deep breath and ran a hand across his stubbly chin. "Bells, you know how I feel about Edward Cullen. He's always getting into some sort of trouble. He is not a good influence on you."
"I know," I muttered while rolling my eyes. "We were assigned as partners, I couldn't help it. You wouldn't want me to fail Biology would you?" Not that failing a project would necessarily mean failing Biology, but Charlie didn't need to know that.
"No I wouldn't, but I still don't want you going to his house. Will his parents be there?"
"Of course," I swiftly lied.
"Alright, just be home by eleven. No later, do you understand?"
I nodded and stood. "Sure, Dad. No problem." I quickly kissed his cheek and darted up the stairs. I wasn't so good when it came to lying, but I did well on that one. I could have blown it.
I flung open my closet doors and studied my pathetic wardrobe. Oh well, jeans and my light blue sweater will just have to work.
After changing and picking up my backpack, I shuffled down the stairs.
"I'm leaving now, Dad," I hollered while sliding on my boots.
"Remember, eleven!"
Even though he couldn't see me, I nodded. I would be home in plenty of time. A Biology project couldn't take that long.
I pulled the creased scrap of paper from my back pocket and gave it a once over. The ride wasn't difficult; I only had problems finding the hidden driveway.
I slowly drove my truck down the bumpy drive, silently praying I wasn't going into the middle of nowhere. After a few minutes, Edward's house finally came into view. It was huge.
The white building before me took up most of the expansive clearing, protected by the nearby trees. Wide windows shone into the upper floors as well as the bottom. I parked in front of an enormous garage, eyeing the familiar silver Volvo parked inside.
"Damn," I whispered and slowly grabbed my backpack. Turning off my beast of an engine, I jumped out and slowly ambled to the front door.
Before I had the chance to knock, it flew open exposing a grinning Edward.
"Hello, Bella. Come on in."
AN: Next chapter will be very soon, maybe tomorrow depending on the response or if everyone likes it. Please let me know.