Okay, I keep getting alerts that tell me that people are adding this story to their 'favourite' list which is great. But will someone please review, even if you want to tell me I suck. Come on, I dare you. Someone has to be first. I promise to reply.

BPOV

After I got out of the shower I spent some more time berating myself. I was technically an adult now after all and it was pathetic to let someone effect me this much. Particularly someone who had spoken no more than a hundred words to me. If that. I wriggled, still damp into a pair of sweats and a spaghetti strap top.

I needed to do something to take my mind off Edward Cullen. There was some school work I could be doing. I could put a load through the washer. I could do something other than flop onto my bed and try to understand what I had done to offend Edward. I must have done something. Maybe he'd found my joking with him offensive? If so he really must have no sense of humour, I hadn't been rude or anything. It would be an explanation though.

I was still obsessing ten minutes later when the doorbell rang. I glanced at the clock. It was a quarter after seven. I had told Alice I had to get home because my boyfriend usually called. It was true, but sometimes he just stopped by. It was a rare occasion that I wasn't at home in the evenings. When I wasn't it was usually because I was out with him.

Despite knowing all this, once I had gotten home, it had completely slipped my mind. I had been too busy obsessing over the new and according to the other girls 'oh-so-gorgeous' guy at school. Who was I kidding? He really was gorgeous. Still, that was no excuse to forget about the guy who was actually in my life.

Feeling horribly guilty I clambered off my bed and hurried downstairs to let Jake in. As I pulled open the door I couldn't help but smile at the familiar face waiting for me. It was dripping wet, "Let me in quick Bells, I'm soaked."

I stepped to the side and Jake hurried through the door shaking the rain from his clothes as he moved. His long hair was dripping wet and I couldn't help but laugh a little, "You look like a drowned rat." I knew I should try to sound more sympathetic, but with his clothes stuck to him and water running down his face it was too hard.

"Awww, thanks so much," he was grinning too and he darted forwards and grabbed me, pulling me into a hug.

"Jake! Jake let me go. I've only just got OUT of the shower."

He was rubbing his face on my hair, "Well, my girlfriend wasn't kind enough to bring me a towel. I'll have to make use of whatever's lying around I guess."

I was trying to sound stern but I was giggling too hard, "Jake, knock it off. I'll get you a damn towel." His eyes twinkled mischieviously for a second and then he dropped down to his knees. He was so tall now he was on a level with my shoulder even down there. He pushed his face between my breasts and sighed contentedly, "Oh, Jake for god's sake," I laughed, "I'm gonna have to change my clothes."

His voice was muffled but he didn't move, "Aha, you without clothes, phase one of my plan is complete." I felt him smile against my skin.

I lifted his chin from my chest and kissed him gently on the lips, "Hello and good evening to you too." He tried to grab me but I squirmed free, "I'll be back in a minute, and I'll bring a towel. You, wait here."

He sigh in a long-suffering kind of way and then he headed into the living room, "Yes, dear." I laughed again at his retreating back and headed back up the stairs to my room. I really was going to have to change.

It wouldn't have been a good idea to let Jake come up here with me. He wasn't too pushy but I knew he didn't understand my reticence. It wasn't as though he was going to sleep with me and never call me again. He adored me and I knew it. In his mind, if two people loved each other and planned to be together forever, there was no need to wait. Men.

Jake had always been crazy about me. Billy used to joke that when Jake had started talking it only sounded like 'Da-da'. He firmly believed 'Be-ba' had been his son's first word and that he had meant to say 'Bella'. It was likely this was true.

We had not spent more than two days out of each other's company by choice ever. The only exceptions had been when I had gone to visit my mother Renee in whichever state she was residing at the time. Jake was my other half, and my best friend in the world. But I knew that I wasn't ready to take that final step yet. It wasn't a question of confidence in our relationship. There were things on my side though; I had some time.

I had always made it a point to take things slowly with us. I had never dated anyone else and neither had he, but I had not started dating him properly until very recently. I hadn't thought it appropriate. Things had started to get a little weird between us in our early teens. The boundaries in our relationship had begun to blur and things had been confusing for us both.

In the end I had reluctantly turned to Charlie. I knew that I could ask my dad's opinion on anything. Even with things that made him uncomfortable, Charlie would fight through the hereditary blushes. He always managed to survive our talks one way or the other, we both did.

He had advised me to be patient if I could, that good things were worth waiting for. He had said that our ages made a differnce now, but eventually they wouldn't. In the future we would be able to be on a more even footing. He said that if I couldn't be patient he would appreciate it if I could limit myself to things that couldn't get me pregnant.

I had babbled about how I wasn't thinking that far ahead. He was jumping the gun etc. I knew I was too young. Jake was defintiely too young. He had mumbled something about not wanting to be naive, but he was glad to hear I was currently abstaining. Still, I had never been sure who had been more embarassed on that occasion. Or who had blushed the darkest shade of red. It had been a close one.

So I had been patient, Jake and I had shared our first kiss on his fouteenth birthday. I had been almost seventeen at the time so I had tried to make sure I hadn't crossed any lines. I didn't think I had. Things had only started to become more physical between us in the last six months or so and we had still been taking it slowly.

I had told Jake, flat out that I would not have sex with him until he was eighteen. It would mean breaking the law and I had been raised to abide by it. It was my decision as it would be me committing a felony once I was eighteen.

Jake had accepted it, grudingly but he had. The truth was though, I was glad of the excuse. It wasn't that I didn't love Jake or that I didn't want to be with him...and only him. It was just that it felt not quite right to me yet. I figured I had the right to make that kind of decision for myself. I would employ my excuse as long as I needed to and not feel at all guilty for the white lie.

Once I had dried off again, I went downstairs with a towel for Jake. He wasn't in the sitting room and I found him in the kitchen. He was bent over with his head in the fridge. He had the biggest appetite of anyone I had met. Charlie didn't mind though. We'd been eating out of each other's fridges for years, "Here you go, drippy."

He looked up and I tossed him the towel, he shifted on his feet and caught it on his head. "Thanks Bells," he said with a grin.

I marvelled, up until recently Jake had been almost as unsteady on his feet as I was. Maybe his ridiculous growth spurt, which had begun last year was over now. How unfair! I didn't think I would ever grow out of being a supreme klutz. And now he was just showing off. I waited until he was distracted by the fridge and crept up behind him. I tickled his ribs and he instantly straightened with a yelp,"Not fair. Not fair! Cruel and unusual punishment I shall report you to child services!"

We were both giggling and I wrapped my arms around his waist. He pulled me against him, "It's good to see you Jake."

"It's good to see you too Bella. It always is," he sounded pleased but surprised and I buried my face in his chest. I needed to remember to appreciate him more. I was always hearing the gossip at school; about how the girls were messed around by the boys they dated. I had been spared all that hurtful crap. How could I be anything but grateful? Jake kissed the top of my head, "Is everything okay? You seem weird." Jake has a way of cutting through the small talk.

I looked up and smiled, "Yes, I was just thinking about how lucky I am. But I actually had a good day." For the most part...

"You did? So, did I. Embry asked out one of the girls at school. She's a senior. Of course hilarity ensued. You?" I liked Embry Call, maybe even a little bit more than Quil. Not that I didn't like Quil Ateara, he was just getting over his dorky phase. Watching a young guy trying desperately to be cool and suave was tiring.

"I made a new friend," and I was pleased about it all over again. I thought of Alice, she was going to be fun. I just had a feeling.

"Really, you?" Jake's surprise was a less than flattering comment on my social skills. I was about to snap something sarcastic but I realised he was kidding. At least mostly.

"Yes, I did as a matter of fact. Her name's Alice Cullen, she's one of the new people."

Jake and I had discussed them before but I hadn't mentioned their name's before. A puzzled look crossed his face, "I know that name from somewhere."

"Really, any idea where?" Was there a famous Cullen among the family maybe? It was probably Rosalie, maybe she was a model after all.

Jake was still thinking but after a second he shook his head, "Nope, can't place it. I'm sure it'll come to me at some point."

I shrugged, "Kay, you eaten?"

He smiled, my favourite boyish smile, "I knew I was coming here."

I didn't say anything else, I just started assembling the ingredients for dinner with an exaggerated long-suffering sigh. I would make enough for Charlie's supper...and some for Jake to take home to Billy.

After we'd eaten, Jake and I lay curled on the couch together watching something boring on tv. His fingers were stroking my hair gently and I relaxed into the couch. This was how things were supposed to be. I was content here. There were no strange golden-eyed men to make me wonder what I had done to offend them.

I mentally shook myself. It was tacky to lie here in Jake's arms thinking about Edward Cullen. Why was a so obsessed with one hour spent in a class room anyway? It made no difference in the grand scheme of things. I just couldn't shake the way his face had closed. He had looked so...different. It was odd, I had almost felt nervous but I hadn't known why. It wasn't like this weird, staring person could do anything to me.

So why did I have the feeling he could; against all rational reason? I mentally slapped myself. Stop it. I needed to stop, let it go, move on. I snuggled back into Jake's arms and he planted a gentle kiss on the side of my neck, "Shall we go up to your room for a while?"

He knew Charlie wasn't due home until later. It was a rare opportunity. Emboldened by...well something. Guilt maybe, I just nodded. Jake looked very surprised but he didn't quesiton it. He might be an unusually kind guy but he was still a guy. Maybe distraction was a good way to go anyway.

XXX

I couldn't believe it. I had been so good. After I had gone upstairs with Jake last night I had managed to keep my mind off Edward for the rest of the evening.

Okay, so after Jake had left my mind might have drifted back to the colour of his eyes, but it only been for a second and I had stopped. I may have taken more time this morning picking out my white v-neck shirt to wear, but that was purely coincidence. It was nothing to do with anything. Apparently the gods of fate were punishing me anyway. Edward Cullen wasn't in school today.

I knew it shouldn't matter, that it should make no difference whatsoever. But the fact was, it did. I had wanted to see him again; to see if I had really been right about his eyes. Maybe the lights had caught them at an odd angle and I'd imagined it. Or at least exaggerated it.

Alice had come over to speak to me for a few minutes. She had introduced herself to Eric. He had been busy making one big sandwich from three but she got his attention of course. She looked like one of the nymphs you saw strutting down a catwalk. His mouth dropped open and I could almost read his mind. He was wondering if she was real. I smiled and clicked my teeth together. He got the message and then he snapped his mouth shut.

Alice wanted to throw a party. A kind of end-of school-come-meet-the-new-family thing. I wasn't a huge fan of large gatherings. It just meant more people to watch you fall on your face, but she looked so excited. I couldn't say anything to dampen her enthusiasm. I had nodded and smiled and tried to keep my eyes from drifting to the table. The table where all the others sat. Except for Edward.

I wondered why he wasn't in school. Alice didn't mention anything if she noticed. Was he sick? Had his headache got worse? Maybe he hadn't been faking. Alice had bid me goodbye, promising to call me that night so we could go over the party details. I had tried to nod eagerly but my mind was elsewhere. I hoped she got the idea.

She waved over her shoudler again and I saw eyes following her back across the room. Jasper Hale stretched an arm around the back of her chair as she sat and she gave him a glowing smile. Oh yes, she had been off the market for a long time. You could tell.

I didn't eat much for lunch. I was trying to pretend I wasn't upset about anything and keeping my disquiet from my two best friends wasn't easy. They'd known me for too long. I got up from the table and went to bus my tray. I couldn't be bothered to eat right now. I'd make something nice for Charlie for dinner.

Maybe a fresh fish pie? He'd like that. I bid Angela and Eric farewell as the bell rang and I headed to class berrating myself. I had to stop this. I pushed open the door and froze. Edward Cullen was sat there already. The first thing I noticed was that he was wearing a white shirt today as well. Then other concerns took over. Where had he been all day? Why was he here now? I didn't care. I was ridiculously pleased to see him. I didn't even care if he had another fake illness today.

His head turned slowly as the door swung shut behind me and I saw his lips part as though he was breathing out. He probably was; stupid Bella. I realised I wasn't moving and I tried to remember how to walk.

Oh, yes. One foot in front of the other. That was it. I approached the desk slowly trying to read his expression. It was calm, not exactly relaxed though. He looked as though he was trying to think through a maths problem in his head. When I put my bag down he smiled, "Bella," he said in greeting.

There was tightness in his voice but his tone was perfectly pleasant, "Edward," I replied. Where have you been? I wanted to demand but I restrained myself.

"How are you?" His voice was formal and I looked at him in surprise. The next second I gasped though I tried to hide it, "Is something wrong?" There was genuine concern in his eyes.

Yes there was. His eyes, which I had not exaggerated. They seemed to be almost glowing today. They weren't even golden anymore. They were gold, "Yes, no...Sorry, I'm fine."

He nodded slowly, looking at me with caution. He probably thought I was nuts, "Okay."

Well, two could play at that game. I had doubts about his stability too. Mood swings was an understatement and it had been torturing me since yesterday, "How's your headache?"

I could have sworn his lips twitched. It was like he had been going to smile and then he'd changed his mind, "Better thank you. I hear you're being drafted into the world of party planning."

How did he know that? Had he spoken to Alice since lunch? And if he had been here why hadn't he been in the cafeteria, "I guess so," was what I came up with. No need to scare him off with questions, "I don't know how much good I'll be at it. Parties aren't really my thing."

"Oh?" There was a question in his tone, "Not really mine either, but with Alice as a sister you get used to it."

When I laughed softly it was genuine, "I can believe it. I've only ever met small children with her level of enthusiasm."

He was smiling now too. It was the same smile I had seen yesterday, the crooked one that changed his face. I felt my heart beat speed up. His effect on me hadn't gotten any less since yesterday. "I know, isn't she great? Well, when she's not bugging you to death," he qualified.

We could agree on that much as least, I noticed the other students were starting to file into the classroom. I was irritated, I liked talking to this nice version of Edward, "Did you throw a lot of parties back in Alaska?"

He shrugged, "Not many. We lived a little out of the way."

I was surprised. If his father was a doctor wouldn't he need to be in commuting distance of a hospital? "Well, it'll be the biggest thing to hit Forks in a while." I wondered if Jake would want to accompany me. Of course he would. My stomach sank but I tried to ignore it. It was just the idea of these two men in as room together. It was alien; wrong.

Plus, a part of my mind I didn't want to analyse too closely didn't want Edward to know about Jake. Before I could think about how wrong that was, I realised the obvious truth. Edward was Alice's brother. He probably knew all about me. Or way more than I knew about him anyway. That was a disconcerting thought.

I looked up again and saw that Edward was watching me intently, a very slight frown on his face, "Is-is something wrong?" I asked.

"I was just wondering the same thing," he said softly.

I was confused by his answer, I hadn't said anything strange had I? Nope, didn't think so, "No, I'm fine. Just thinking about the party. Is it going to be a big thing?"

"If Alice is involved it'll be enormous I guarantee. She'll probably hire valet's for the night." His smile was indulgent and I realised how fond he was of Alice. For some reason it made my breath hitch. However oddly he'd behaved yesterday he'd gotten over it and how bad could someone who loved Alice Cullen be anyway?

Just what I needed, another reason to like him, just like the rest of the female student body, "You going to get yourself a date for the big event?"

As soon as I'd said it I wished I could call it back. Asking not-so-subtly about a guy's date plans was never good. It pretty much screamed 'unspoken attraction'. Maybe I should mention Jake just as subtly. Just so he knew I wasn't interested in him. I could do that, but I really didn't want to. Edward didn't seem phased by my question anyway, "I doubt it. I don't really...do that."

"Do what?" I asked, confused.

The crooked smile was back and he raised an eyebrow as he said, "The dating girls thing."

I was sure the shock registered clearly on my face that time. I couldn't believe that. How could someone like him not date? He must literally have to beat girls back with a stick. Unless...

It was like a light had been switched on over my head. It all made sense. A sickening, and too upsetting kind of sense. He didn't date 'girls'. No one this beautiful was ever on the right side, "Oh, I see," I said my voice quieter than I'd hoped. Mr Banner was coming into the class. I didn't have much longer to speak to Edward but I had a fatalistic urge to finish this now. I should be relieved, if he was gay he was no threat to my relationship with Jake. Why wasn't I relieved? "So, you're..." I didn't know how to phrase it. Edward was waiting, his gaze perfectly calm. He was clearly okay with it, I should be able to hide my disappointment, "You've into guys then?"

His eyes widened, but the rest of his face stayed the same, "Okay people, today we're going to be discussing..." Mr Banner started speaking before Edward could answer.

I dragged my eyes to the front of the class and tried to focus on the teacher. I couldn't sit here absorbed in Edward's gaze any longer. I wondered at his reaction, was he expecting me to be shocked? I wondered why Alice hadn't said anything, well maybe she didn't go around broadcasting her brother's sexuality. But then, she had said that she could see me with Edward. Something was amiss here.

I felt something nudge my elbow and I looked down to see a piece of paper. I grabbed it and read it under the desk.

I am NOT gay. I don' t know what I said to give you the impression I was, but I'd like to correct it immediately.

Oh thank you God. I knew you couldn't have put him on this earth as an art form only. I was so pleased, and trying not to be obvious. But I couldn't help the smile that blossomed over my face.

But then again...Oops, the usual blush crept up my neck to my cheeks. Men were touchy about that sort of thing. Jake had once asked me about the girl's locker room and if we ever checked each other out. I knew he was only kidding but I'd turned it round and asked him the same thing. He'd sulked for half an hour.

I looked down at the note wondering what I should reply. I thought you were too gorgeous to be single and straight? Bad idea. Rephrase maybe?

Sorry, most teenage guys I know do nothing but date. I didn't mean to offend you.

I pushed the note back across the desk and he quickly swept it under the table. He seemed to be taking care to avoid my skin. I wondered if he was going to close down again and stop speaking to me. The thought made my heart ache. I wished that it didn't. The note was back under my elbow.

You didn't offend me. I just wanted to clarify.

There was nothing else written. He sure sounded like I'd offended him. Crap, how did that keep happening? I bit my lip. This was clearly a sign. Despite my increasing attraction to Edward Cullen, it was not meant to be. Well, obviously.

Well, I'm sorry anyway.

I pushed the note back towards him and then stared pointedly ahead. I tried to look as though I wasn't hoping for a reply. I didn't get one.

XXX

EPOV

"It's fine Edward, I swear."

"Okay, thanks Alice. I appreciate it."

"Are you sure this is a good idea anyway? We could just..."

"Alice look, tell me what you see."

"But what if I'm wrong?"

I breathed a little easier. I was glad that Alice was only speaking to me on the phone and couldn't see my face. I had taken a gamble. Granted that I had absolutely decided not to hurt Bella. But I had decided that the other night and my future had still disappeared when I got to her house. How could I be so weak?

At least I wasn't being weak today according to Alice's visions. Plus, Bella apparently reeked of wet dog. That was a good thing...I guessed. I tried not to visualize the activities that had led up to the stench. It made me feel odd. It was not a pleasant feeling.

Alice had been subtly trying to run Bella to ground all day but had only managed to see her at lunch, it meant I had been out all day. I just had to be sure that she wasn't without the...protection she had had yesterday. It sounded terrible and I hated it but the stench of her boyfriend, Jacob Black was enormously helpful. It didn't make me feel any better about it being there in the first place. I was still trying to fight a sense of ownership I had no right to. How could a scent that called to me so strongly not be mine?

I pushed open the door of the classroom and went to sit in my allotted seat. I would wait here for the hurricane that was Bella Swan. I would have a few minutes. At least I had assumed that I would. I had just sat down after pushing the window next to my seat ajar. The breeze might help...a little.

But Bella apparently decided to come to class a little early today too. Her scent hit me and I wasn't prepared. But I still fought it. She caught me off guard with that delicious aroma and I didn't even flinch. I refused to do so.

I could smell the dog allright. It was fresh and pungent. Did she shower in his sweat or something? My musings stopped; she froze when she saw me. Had I really come across as so rude? Her face coloured and for a second I could have sworn she was actually pleased to see me. I was surprised. For as much time as I had spent thinking of her it hadn't occurred to me she might have been thinking of me.

Why would she? I had been rude and abrupt and combined with the natural shyness humans have of us...well I was surprised she decided to come to class at all. Yes, her eyes were hesitant and the richest shade of brown I had ever seen. The first time I had seen her, in the cafeteria I had noticed that.

Then any other observations I was making were blown out of the water by her scent. Now I concentrated on not breathing through my nose. Not for any reason. I tried to make my face as normal as possible when I greeted her. I wanted to erase any anxiety she might have about me. We had to blend in here. The burn in my throat was...well I was better not thinking about it too much. I had fed and fed last night. Alice and Jasper had come with me in the end. I should not be thirsty right now.

I concentrated on her face; looking at the paleness of her skin against her shirt. There was not a mark on it. I concentrated on sight and tried to ignore scent. We had joked about Alice, it was an easy topic for us both. I was pleased to see she was so attached to my sister on so short an aquiantance. It wasn't surprising. I did try to concentrate on the conversation, but every now and then her expression would change. Sometimes it was only for a second but every time it did I became distracted wondering what the hell she was thinking.

I did try again but whatever bubble she was inside, I couldn't join her. Her mind was closed to me. She was inscrutable. I had to fight a smile when she asked if I would be inviting a date to my sister's party. I saw myself standing beside one of the various 'popular' girls I had seen. They were very typical, one could find similar specimens in high schools all across America.

I didn't think this would be a polite way to put it, so I just tried to say that I didn't date. Somehow it must have come out wrong. She must have misunderstood me, because the next thing I knew she was asking me if I was gay!

She asked me at the worst possible moment too. The bombshell was dropped just as the teacher began speaking. Did she do that on purpose? I took a quick look at her face. There was no hint of amusement. She had been serious then.

Well, I could just explain the truth at the end of class. There was no harm in Bella thinking I was gay for an hour. I didn't mind. Except that I found that I did mind. I wasn't insulted. But I just didn't want Bella Swan thinking I was gay. It made me somehow anxious. I silently tore a piece of paper from inside my book and scribbled a note on it that read:-

I am NOT gay. I don' t know what I said to give you the impression I was, but I'd like to correct it immediately.

I stuffed it under her elbow feeling about ten years old. I knew it was ridiculous but I couldn't let her think I was gay. I watched her as she read my note and saw her face break out in the most beautiful smile I had ever seen. On a human or a vampire.

Her eyes actually twinkled and she bit her lip to keep from laughing. She seemed...pleased. Again. Just like she had been pleased to see me earlier. Bella was pleased I wasn't gay. I was grinning in response without having consciously to do so. Bella hadn't noticed, she was writing something. A reply?

Sorry, most teenage guys I know do nothing but date. I didn't mean to offend you.

Her face had turned more serious. How did that happen? Why wasn't she smiling anymore and why would she have offended me? What in God's name was going on in her head? This was so frustrating, I would have to take her words at face value.

You didn't offend me. I just wanted to clarify.

There, that was polite and it told her she had nothing to worry about. I watched her slyly. I was horrified to see her face fall even further. Now what? I didn't want her looking this upset. I wanted to see her smiling. I wanted her to be happy.

Well, I'm sorry anyway.

Apparently she was still sorry for something. I didn't understand that. I had just told her she didn't need to apologise. I sat, glancing at her occasionally, I half hoped she might look round at me, but she didn't. I had somehow managed to offend her and this time I didn't even know how I had done it.

I considering writing her another note; because it had worked out so well a minute ago. But I waited instead. I waited and took my chances to look at Bella. She didn't smile again for the rest of the lesson.

She started to scoop up her books the minute the bell rang. She seemed in such a hurry to get away from me and I knew I should let her. I should help her do just that. In fact I should seize all her books, throw them into the corridor and then laugh. If I did she might stop looking pleased that I'm not gay; and then sad two seconds later.

"Bella?" I said quietly. Then I was mortified. I had no idea what I was going to ask her.

She looked over at me in surprise, but her eyes widened when they met mine, "Yeah?"

My brain worked a lot harder than I've made it work in years to come up with something plausible quickly. "I was wondering if you might be free after school?" What? What in the hell was I doing? I needed to stop now. "I might need some help catching up." Yes Cullen that's what you need. You have several degrees in various fields. Yet you're asking this beautiful, delicious smelling, human girl to help you with high school homework. Impressive.

I was distracted from thoughts of my own stupidity as I watched the blush creep over her neck. She was getting to her feet about to answer, when she tripped, seemingly over air. This time there was nothing I could do. I either had to steady her or she would fall.

My hand flew out and gripped her elbow. As I touched her skin I felt something shoot up my arm. It was as though I had touched a live cable. The heat from her arm burned into my hand and my throat. I swallowed and continued to breath steadily through my mouth. I was going to conquer this.

I stared at her eyes, they were startled but the smile was back. The one I had been missing since I had passed her the offending note, "Thank you. You're the second Cullen to save me from a nasty fall in as many days."

"Alice," I said immediately and Bella nodded.

"It's how we met. I was about to go sprawling and she caught me in the nick of time." Bella looked as though she wanted me to share in the wonderful coincidences in life.

Yeah, right, "She does that sometimes."

"So, thanks for the saving," the blush was back. It looked adorable creeping up her cheeks. I wanted to put my hand against her cheek and see how hot her skin really was, "And yes, I can meet you in the library for a couple of hours this afternoon if you want."

I shook myself internally. I had to stop this, and now. If I didn't, something was going to happen. I wasn't sure what it would be, but I suspected it would not be good. I stared at Bella's eyes and I came to a conclusion. Bella Swan was attracted to me. I could have dealt with that. I had had to deal with similar situations in the past. But the truth hit me and I couldn't ignore it. Almost immediately I heard Alice's voice in my head.

Edward? What are you doing? What's happening? Everything's shifting arou...Oh, I see. Oh. Oh crap. Oh for Christ's sake!

I mentally thanked Alice for the thought. I knew where she was coming from. There was no way for this to work out well for everybody.

I wanted Bella Swan and not just for her blood. There was something about her that transfixed me. I didn't think it was even her closed mind, though that could be part of it. It was the pleasure she had caused in me. Seeing her happy had made me happy.

I should walk away now. I knew it.

"Is three o'clock okay?"

Bella nodded and smiled. Oh yeah, I was going to hell. The bad hell, the one reserved for Judas and people who talk on their cell phones at the movies.