Disclaimer: I don't own it. If you don't believe me, just ask my bank account.

A/N: I want to thank my lovely beta, emmzz75. She makes things so much prettier and fixes all my crazy.

I hope you enjoy the story and I'll see you at the bottom.

-HV-

My alarm rang at 7 am, waking me, and my eyes immediately fell on the dress that now hung on my closet door. I couldn't help but smile because it was beyond gorgeous.

Yesterday after my shower, my girls had dragged me back to the mall. Telling me that since I had not one, but two secret admirers, I needed a dress. I couldn't argue with them and actually thought it would be fun to find the perfect one.

Although, after the first hour passed with no prospects, I'd started to lose hope. Especially when I did find a beautiful silver and white dress that I loved, only to then have it not suit my 5'4" frame at all. Angela had seen my disappointment though and being the sister that I knew and loved, had ushered us out of the store and into another one.

That's where I saw it and like this morning, my eyes had gone to it immediately and I knew that it was the one. The girls had been shocked when I told them I'd found my dress and pointed it out, especially seeing as how it was such an attention grabbing color. I'd wanted to stay away from that particular shade as I knew everyone else, including Charlotte and Rose, would wear red. But I loved it.

Once I tried it on, there was no going back and my girls agreed wholeheartedly. As I stood in front of the mirror I couldn't keep the grin off my face because it fit me perfectly. Plus, the dress was beautiful and it wasn't just one thing. It was the strapless sweetheart neckline to the rich red color and everything in between. The skirt was amazing and I could see myself gathering it up just enough to walk down the stairs of the house before letting it settle back in place once I reached the bottom.

When I'd finally managed to pry myself away from the mirror, I'd paid for the dress before being dragged out of the store and into yet another one for my accessories. An hour later we were on the way back to the sorority house with a pair of red peep-toe heels, a silver and diamond jewelry set, and a black clutch to go with my dress.

The rest of the afternoon had been spent with the girls helping me figure out what I was going to do with my hair and makeup. I'd had more fun than I thought I would and even took the girls out for dinner to show my thanks.

It was amazing to me how much my thought process had changed since yesterday morning. I'd wanted nothing to do with this week and now I couldn't wait until Friday night. Although, I was still dreading having to tell someone that I wasn't going to the dance with him.

My alarm went off again, bringing me back to the fact that it was still Monday and I needed to stop thinking about Friday and my dress before I was late for work.

Turning my alarm off for good, I climbed from the bed and headed for my closet.

An hour later, I was dressed in a simple pair of gray slacks, a sea-green top, matching earrings, and ballet flats. After making sure I had everything I would need and slipping on a gray sweater, I grabbed my bag and scarf, and walked downstairs for some much needed coffee and a cranberry orange muffin.

Once I had my breakfast in hand, I went out to the dining room and sat beside Rose at our table.

A 'morning, Bella" came in various forms from Vicky, Rose, and Angela. Charlotte and Tanya both had early morning classes on Monday and were always gone by the time I came downstairs.

"Morning, guys," I said before sipping my coffee.

Glancing around the room as I started on my muffin, I had to chuckle at the difference in today and yesterday. It was obvious that Monday mornings were not a favorite around here.

However, the low noise level didn't last long once a knock came at the door. Melanie, one of the pledges stood immediately and left the dining room She came back seconds later with a big heart shaped box of chocolates in her hand and set it down in front of Maggie, a junior, who gave her a smile of thanks.

Though the rest of breakfast more knocks sounded and each time the face of the girl that received the gift changed from morose to happy. Just as I finished the last of my muffin, Angela returned from her trek to the front door, carrying her own present.

"Is that an apple pie?" I asked amazed as she set it down on the table.

"Yeah," she said equally stunned. "And it's still warm."

"Interesting," I said, wondering who could like my sister. It wasn't common knowledge that she didn't like candy, so whoever it was knew her well.

"I wish I had time to try it," Angela said, looking like someone had kicked her puppy.

Checking my watch, I knew why. She had to be in class in ten minutes. Of course, that meant that I needed to get moving, since I drove her so she didn't have to walk.

I stood and picked up my trash as I said, "Let's take it to Mike and have him wrap you up a piece to eat after class."

"Oh, good idea," she said, picking it up and leading the way into the kitchen.

Mike, our hasher, was more than happy to take care of her request and as he did I fixed myself a to go cup of coffee. Once we were both ready to go, we told Mike bye and went back out to the dining room.

As we pushed through the door I saw Stacy setting two gifts on the table. One was a see through bag filled with candy and the other a brown box.

"Here you go, Bella," she said, seeing me.

"Thank you," I said as I walked over.

I picked up the bag first and grinned, seeing all my favorites. Unlike Angela I was a candy girl and the bag was stuffed full with everything I loved. I could see gummy bears, pop rocks, rock candy, blow pops, Twizzlers, and sour gummy worms. There was more than that though and I couldn't wait to go through it.

Setting it down, I reached for the box only for Vicky to snatch it away.

"What are you doing?" I asked and when she turned the box around so I could read the front I had my answer. "Oh, yeah you can have that."

I wasn't being mean this time, I just didn't want to spend the day itching and fighting sleep once I took a Benadryl. It's what would happen too if I touched the chocolate covered peanut brittle in the box. I was thankful my peanut allergy didn't force me to carry an epi-pen everywhere I went, but breaking out in hives was enough to put a damper on my day, so I tended to stay away from all things that contained them.

"We've got to go, Bella," Angela said.

Nodding, I grabbed my bags and coffee and after a quick wave to the girls, followed Angela out to my car.

I dropped Angela in front of her building and then drove over to the campus library, pulling into an empty spot.

As I got out I spotted Demetri, a co-worker and my former TA, walking ahead of me. Whistling loudly to get his attention, I quickly walked toward him.

When I was within speaking distance, I said, "Hey, Teach."

He chuckled and reached up, flicking my forehead. "Stop calling me that." He said. "I'm not your TA anymore and haven't been since May."

"So," I said. "Teach annoys you, so therefore I will use it until I get bored with it or find something else I like more."

"Brat," he said, laughing.

I stuck my tongue out at him before following him up the steps and into the library. I liked Demetri and our relationship, was one that caused most people confusion. We've never dated, mainly because of him being my TA last year and he took that appointment very seriously. However, this year if we'd chosen we could have dated, but while I loved to banter and argue with him, I just couldn't see myself dating him.

Someone once asked, after asking me about us, if I saw him as an older brother, but I didn't. It was hard to describe really. Sure, he was hot as hell and turned many heads. He was sweet and had a great sense of humor. But I just never saw him as anything other than a great friend.

"Good morning you two," Ms. Cope, the head librarian said as Demetri and I walked into her office.

"Good morning, Ms. Cope," I said as Demetri chimed out his own greeting.

She gave us that motherly smile that she was known for, before turning back to her computer. Demetri and I set about getting our things put away and readying for a day of work.

I liked working here and would miss it when I would have to leave at the end of the year. Technically, I shouldn't still be allowed to work on campus, but Ms. Cope had pulled some strings and the dean had allowed me to stay until I'd 'officially' graduated.

"You ready, Brat," Demetri said and I rolled my eyes in his direction before hanging my sweater on the hook in my cubby.

"More than you ever are," I said back, earning a snarl of his nose.

"Children, play nice," Ms. Cope chastised, but with clear amusement in her voice.

Yeah, we might be her favorites and she really wouldn't hesitate to tell anyone that either.

"Yes, ma'am." Demetri and I said together, causing her to roll her own eyes at us.

"Okay, you two get to work. We've got a whole cart of books to put back and Professor Berty is on the second floor. I'll leave it to you to figure out who's going to do which." She said and chuckled when our groans followed her out of the room.

"I've got the books," we both said at the same time.

"I said it first," was said right after, once again at the same time.

"Last time I dealt with him he couldn't stop staring at my ass." I said, trying to get Demetri to take one for the team.

"He did not, you liar." Demetri said, seeing through my lie. "That man wouldn't know a woman's ass if it reached up and slapped him. Now mine, he might just do that."

"Whatever, I'll play Rock, Paper, Scissors with you then. Best two out of three."

"Rock, Paper, Scissors, Lizard, Spock and I will."

"I'm not playing that with you. You always cheat." I said.

"I don't cheat, you just always forget what takes out the other."

"Which is why I'm not playing it." I said before trying a different tactic. "I'll buy your lunch for a week."

"Tempting, but I'm going to counter with I'll buy you lunch for a week and I'll cover your shift on Friday, even though I'm supposed to be off." He said. "I know you have the ball to get ready for."

That stopped me for a moment because that was a good deal, especially now that I was going to the ball. I wouldn't have to rush home after work and then rush to get ready. I could go with the girls to get my nails done and have fun doing something I'd always opted out of the last three years.

"Deal," I said after a few more seconds of silence.

"Sucker," he said with a laugh and pushed me toward the door.

"You aren't going to the ball though?" I asked as we walked out of the office, knowing he was in the same fraternity as Garrett.

"Yeah, but it doesn't take guys as long to get ready."

"So, do you have a date?"

"I think so," he said cryptically before immediately walking away to get the cart of books.

I stood there staring the way he disappeared, wondering what he meant by that for a few seconds. Finally, shaking my head and deciding that it was just Demetri's weirdness, I walked slowly to the stairs and started up to the second floor.

By the way Demetri and I talked about him, most people would think Professor Berty was horrible, but he really wasn't. He was just slow in everything he did, including talking. I'd had the misfortune of being in one of his early morning English lectures sophomore year and I vowed it was the last time I'd ever take one of his classes. He spoke in the same monotone voice no matter what he was talking about and it had been all I could do stay awake.

I found Professor Berty already buried among a pile of Greek Mythology books. Most people said he'd been writing his novel for 20 years, others claimed it was only ten. All I knew for sure, was that ever since I started working at the library my freshman year, he'd been writing it and didn't seem to be anywhere close to finishing it.

Walking over to the table, I waited silently until he noticed me; if I learned nothing else from him the one thing I did was that he hated being interrupted.

I stood there a good five minutes before he finally lifted his head and graced me with his wrinkled face.

"AHHH, Ms. Swan, just in time," he said and I fought the urge to laugh. "I need these books pulled."

He slid a yellow post-it note across the table to me and I picked it up. "I'll get right on that, Professor Berty." I said, leaving immediately.

I quickly found the books he needed and deposited them back at his table, only for him to send me off with an armload to put up. The rest of my morning consisted of getting him a bottle of water and a bagel.

By the time lunch came, I was so tired of waiting around and was starting to regret making the deal with Demetri. I was so happy when Ms. Cope came to tell me to take my lunch break, I could have hugged her.

I walked downstairs and back to her office, finding Demetri already waiting.

"I hate you," I said as soon as I saw him.

"That bad?" he asked as I grabbed my sweater and bags.

"He's still only halfway finished with the bagel I got him at ten." I said, causing him to laugh as we made our way outside.

Once on the stairs, I plopped down on the top one out of the way.

"What are you doing?" he asked as he towered above me.

"Waiting on you to bring me lunch," I said, grinning.

"I said I'd buy it, not deliver it."

"Well, seeing as how I'm not getting in the mess that is the campus cafe, I guess you're going to have to, since you made the deal." I said. "Now, go on. I'm hungry."

"Brat," he said, but turned and jogged down the stairs.

I watched him for a few seconds before grabbing my candy bag and finally opening it up so I could see what else was in there. Other than what I could first see, there was also skittles, candy canes, and jelly beans.

Grabbing a pack of Twizzlers, I zipped the bag up and put it beside me. Opening my other bag, I pulled out my worn copy of To Kill a Mockingbird and with a Twizzler stuck in my mouth, I began to read.

I don't know how long I read for, but a throat clearing brought my eyes up.

"Please tell me that isn't your lunch, Isabella." My former creative writing Professor said, nodding toward what I quickly realized was my fifth Twizzler.

Laughing, I shook my head. "Don't worry, Professor Cullen. Demetri is getting my lunch."

"Good," he said with a smile. "It's nice to know my TA is taking care of my favorite former student."

"Yeah, he just didn't want to take care of Professor Berty." I said, causing Professor Cullen to laugh.

"Yes, not many people want to deal with that man, me included." he said. "However, I must today."

"Oh, well he's up on the second floor." I said.

"Thank you, Isabella. I'll let you get back to reading." he said. "Could you do me a favor though?"

"Of course," I said.

"Could you please tell Demetri to find me once you two finish your lunch? I need to ask him a question."

"I'll tell him." I said with a smile.

It took a brief second before he returned the gesture, but after he did he nodded. "Very well. Have a good afternoon, Isabella."

"You too, Professor Cullen."

I watched as he passed by me and I watched until he disappeared into the building before sighing. If there was one word to describe Professor Cullen it was hot. At 35, he was one of the youngest professors to grace our fair campus. With his single status, tall lean frame, dark hair, and blue eyes that were amplified by a pair of black wire rimmed glasses, he was I'm certain, the reigning guest star in the fantasies of most girls at our school and more than likely a few males too. His classes were known to have a large female attendance and his looks alone were enough to hold anyone's attention. But add in the fact that he made his class interesting and entertaining and it was a deadly combination. However, everyone could look as much as they wanted, but Professor Cullen was not someone to be messed with and he made it perfectly clear that anyone thinking private office time meant anything other than going over school work was wasting their time.

I continued to watch the door until I felt a rough scrape against my chin and looked up to find Demetri holding a napkin close to my face.

"What are you doing?" I asked, smacking his hand as he reached to wipe my chin again.

"Getting all that drool off," he said. "I thought I was going to have to go buy some waders."

"You aren't funny," I said, giving him my best glare.

"We both know I am, so you saying I'm not is a blatant lie." he said, moving to sit beside me.

"Whatever," I said with a roll of my eyes. "What did you get me for lunch?"

"You're seriously just going to ignore the fact you were drooling all over Professor Cullen?" he asked, as he handed me a cup of soup.

"Yep," I said, pulling the top off and wrinkling my nose when I saw it was chicken noodle. Reaching over, I quickly grabbed the sandwich he was unwrapping and replaced it with the soup.

"Hey," he said. "What the hell?"

"Next time, don't be a smart ass and get me something better." I said before taking a big bite of the pastrami on rye and grinning.

"You know, most people who have their lunch bought for them say thank you and eat it."

I managed to swallow the food in my mouth without choking and asked, "You did buy this sandwich, right?"

"Yes," he replied.

"Then thank you." I said as I took another bite.

"Brat," he said before smiling and digging into his soup.

I said nothing, but did knock my shoulder against his before going back to my delicious sandwich. We didn't speak again until it was time to go back to work.

As we walked back into the library I said, "Professor Cullen wanted me to tell you to come find him. He said he needed to ask you a question."

"I bet he does," Demetri said and walked away immediately, leaving me staring after him for the second time today.

Choosing to not dwell on it, I turned and sought out Ms. Cope.

I found her in her office and when she looked up, I asked, "Do you need me for anything special?"

"Not at the moment, dear." she answered. "Just go around and clean up after the animals."

I laughed and pushed away from the door. Deciding to start on the second floor and make my way down, I headed toward the stairs.

I found Professor Berty still in the same spot, with half a bagel still sitting beside him. Further along the floor, I found Demetri and Professor Cullen, their heads bent together as they looked at a laptop. Both glanced up as I walked by, but not wanting to bother them I just waved and kept going.

There wasn't much to pick up as most of the students were pretty good about cleaning up after themselves, but every now and then I had to stop and pick up a stray piece of paper or a book and return it to its shelf.

Once I finished the second floor, I went down and did the same with the first. When I was done, I still had two hours left of my shift. Wondering where Demetri had gotten to, I went in search of him but didn't make it far before Ms. Cope stopped me.

"Bella, can you cover the front desk for me?" she asked.

"Of course," I answered and turned that way.

I got settled behind the counter and waited for someone to need help. Over the next two hours, I didn't do too much. Not many people seemed to need anything.

About ten minutes before it was time for me to go, Demetri finally turned up.

"Where have you been?" I asked.

"Doing my job." he answered, propping his ass against the counter beside me. "Actually I was doing both my jobs."

Giving him a look of disbelief, I said, "Really?"

"Yes," he answered. "I was helping a library patron and Professor Cullen. See, both jobs."

"It doesn't count if they're the same person." I said, rolling my eyes.

"It does...what the hell are you doing?" Demetri asked, since I'd dropped out of my seat onto the floor.

"Hiding," I whispered.

"From?"

"Main door," I whispered.

I watched him glance over his shoulder before a grin spread across his face. "Ahhh, Ednerd."

"Yes, please don't draw his atten-"

"Hey, Eddie," Demetri called, cutting me off.

"Asshole," I hissed.

He clucked his tongue and said so low I barely heard him. "Be nice or I will tell him you're here."

"Fine, oh handsome one." I replied.

He nodded and greeted Edward as I heard him stop at the desk.

"Demetri, do you know where I might find Isabella?" Edward asked.

"Isabella?" Demetri questioned. "I don't think I know an Isabella."

I stifled a laugh behind my hand. Demetri knew I detested my full name and never answered to it unless my father or a teacher used it.

"Isabella Swan, she works here." Edward tried again.

"I don't know an Isabella Swan. I do know a Bella Swan though, is that who you are talking about?"

I heard Edward huff and I knew if I chanced a peek he'd be squeezing the bridge of his nose between his fingers. "Yes, her." he said after a moment.

"Oh, she's up on the second floor, in the back." Demetri said, waving towards the stairs.

"Thank you," Edward said.

A few seconds passed before Demetri said, "You owe me, but he's gone. Now, I'm guessing you've got about five minutes before he realizes you aren't there. Better run."

I hopped up immediately, kissed his cheek in thanks before dashing to the back office and grabbing my things. It was still a few minutes before I was supposed to leave, but as Ms. Cope didn't say anything I took it as a sign that I wasn't going to get in trouble.

Leaving the office quickly, I crossed the floor with my head down. Just before I made it to the door, I heard, "BYE BELLA!"

Jerking around, I shot a glare at Demetri who just waved and smiled.

"You are dead," I mouthed, causing his smile to grow.

Turning back around, I shoved through the door without looking and almost ran over Professor Cullen as he was starting down the steps.

"Isabella, are you alright?" he asked as I rushed by him.

"Yes, Professor Cullen. I'm sorry, I'm just in a really big hurry."

"Okay, well be careful."

"I will," I called back, not bothering to stop.

Racing to my car, I quickly unlocked the door and climbed in. As I started it up I glanced toward the doors and found Professor Cullen still standing on the steps, his eyes trained in my direction. Lifting my hand, I waved and backed out of my spot. As I started forward I saw Edward come out of the library and I breathed a sigh of relief that I'd managed to once again evade him.

-HV-

Well, now you have Demetri. Who loves him like I do?

Hasher-In college terms, is someone who cooks and sets out food like a waiter. They also grocery shop.

Pics of Bella's work outfit and Pics of the gifts are in my Facebook group.