October
Things I'd discovered about Edward Cullen. He was probably one of the sweetest guys I'd ever met. He was smart—like super smart. And, unfortunately, he'd been in a relationship with his girlfriend, Angela, for two years. It was like a kick to the gut hearing about her. Though I knew, deep down inside, especially after overhearing the end of his conversation at the library, that he probably had a girlfriend, I had to admit, knowing the actual fact, sucked.
It was also a little heartbreaking, because it meant we could never be more than friends. But being friends was better than nothing. After weeks of working on our group project, Riley, Edward, Bree, and I were actually becoming the best of friends. We hung out all the time, going to parties, studying, or even just going for coffee. Tonight, we were going to a Halloween party at another friend of Edward's; some guy named James, who lived in an off-campus residence house a few blocks over.
By the time we all got ready to go and arrived at the party, it was in full swing. We entered the house and Edward immediately started looking for James. We finally found him in a group of others over by the kitchen.
"James, dude, there are so many people here. Someone's going to call Campus Security."
James just laughed. "No worries, my friend. I've got a friend on the force. If they have to come out, all I'll get is a warning."
Edward introduced all of us to James, who led us into the kitchen to get us drinks. I wasn't sure how I felt about drinking in a house full of people I didn't know, but Edward and Riley were there, and they wouldn't let anything happen to us.
We all had a great time at the party, and James was super sweet. So sweet that before we left, when he asked me for my number, I didn't hesitate to say yes.
.
.
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James was funny. We texted all the time, and talked on the phone, too. One of his favorite things to talk about was stuff that happened in the class he shared with Edward that I didn't have. I almost wished I did have that class; the teacher sounded like a complete moron.
He told me all about his sisters, and I told him about Alec. We traded stories about our families—from childhood to present. It was comfortable, talking to him. I didn't know if I actually felt for him what I was feeling for Edward, but James was available and Edward was not. I couldn't turn down something with someone based on my feelings for someone who was unattainable.
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Thanksgiving was approaching, and I couldn't wait. Alec never did end up being able to come and see me, and I was kind of excited to see the asshole. The closer Thanksgiving got, the more I noticed that Edward was struggling with something.
"What's going on with you, Edward? Is everything all right?"
He exhaled a breath. "Yeah. I'm just… super stressed out. We've got a ton of stuff due right after the break, and everyone is pressuring me to come home. I don't think I can, though."
I bit my lip. I didn't know if there was any way I could help him except to offer, "Why don't you come home with me?"
His eyes bugged out of his head. "Um, I... I don't know, Bella."
"I didn't mean it like that, you loser. I meant, home with me for Thanksgiving. That way your family knows you won't be all alone, and we can work on our projects together. Two heads are better than one and all that jazz."
He hesitated, but I could tell he was considering it. "Are you sure your parents wouldn't mind?"
"I'll call them to make sure, but I'm positive they won't care."
He fiddled with his phone for a second, saying, "That would be great. Thanks."
A/N: I forgot to mention last chapter that the characters are Stephanie's. I just enjoy playing around with them. To my girls (you've heard about them all by now but in case you need reminding Missy, Kenny, Annie and Mid) I love you all... you complete me!