Chapter 4:

After about a gallon of ice cream later I was laying on my back looking at my ceiling. My phone rang for the hundreth call from either Alice or Rose. I just decided to answer it.

"Hello?" I answered.

"Bella, what is going on? Where were you today?" Alice asked and then I realized that now Edward and I were sorta friends...and that I would have to explain this to her somehow.

"I didn't feel so good," I said. It wasn't a complete lie.

"Wrong day to miss though. He wasn't there today either," she said and I sighed and looked at my ceiling.

"That's because he was with me," I answered.

"What? Did you just say what I think you said?" Alice said shocked.

"Yes, Alice. And he is driving me to school tomorrow," I said.

"Why? What happened?" she asked.

"I don't know. We talked it out I guess," I told her.

"Alright, whatever. So anyways, Jasper asked me out for this Saturday night," she said excitedly.

"That's great, Alice," I said and let her ramble on about what she was going to wear and what they were going to do. I said bye to her after about 20 minutes and then closed my eyes to fall asleep. Just as I was about to doze off my phone rang. I let out a frustrated sigh and flipped it open while my eyes were still shut. My eyelids were too heavy to open.

"Alice, I think you covered everything about Saturday," I answered and then I heard a laugh on the other end. I knew that too well.

"Oh, sorry Edward," I said.

"That's okay. I was just calling to see if everything was okay," he said and I sighed.

"Yes, everything is fine. Although Alice is curious as to why you are picking me up tomorrow. In fact, I am too. Why are you picking me up tomorrow?" I asked while sitting up. I was wide awake now.

"I don't know," he answered.

"How are we going to explain this to everyone?" I asked to myself and him.

"What is this?" he asked curiously. I had to say I was interested too.

"I don't know. Are we friends now?" I asked and I heard him laugh a little. It made me smile to hear him laugh.

"That sounds too weird," he answered and my smile faded.

"So we aren't friends?" I asked.

"Definantely not," he said and my heart broke. Why did I let him do this to me again?

"I don't understand," I said in a whisper.

"Bella, we can't just be friends. Not after everything," he said. I was so confused I wanted to throw something.

"So what are we?" I asked.

"I haven't figured that out yet," he said.

"Alright?" I said in a confused voice. "So are you or are you not picking me up tomorrow?" I asked to clearify.

"Definantely," he said.

"You are confusing the hell out of me," I told him and he laughed.

"I'll see you in the morning," he said and then hung up. I let out a frustrated sigh. How was I going to sleep like this? Aparently very easily considering I was extremely tired.

I woke up the next morning with my mother standing at the doorway with her suitcase packed.

"I have to go home today," she said.

"Okay," I told her.

"Are you going to be okay? Do you want to come stay with me for a while?" she asked and I shook my head.

"No, I will be fine. Thank you, Mom. For everything. I love you," I said and she gave me a sad smile.

"Okay, sweetie. I love you, too. Call if you need me," she said and then kissed me on the cheek and went to say goodbye to Emmett.

I got in the shower after that and then blow dried my hair until it was straight. I then threw on my favorite pair of jeans and a sweatshirt. I walked downstairs and got myself some breakfast. My dad was there and I had to explain that I was fine and the reason I was crying the other day was because I missed Mom and that was why she came over. He bought it of course.

"Hey," I told Edward as he gave me a hug and then opened the door for me.

"So what was up last night? I am still extremely confused at our conversation," I told him honestly. "I mean if you still hate me I understand, and you didn't have to drive me today. I just want you to tell me if everything is going back to how it was," I said.

"You really think I still hate you?" he asked in shocked curiousity.

"I don't know! That is what I am trying to figure out," I said frustrated.

"Well, I don't hate you. Actually, I like you a lot. And after everything you and I both know that we can't be just friends. That is what I was trying to tell you last night," he told me.

"Okay?" I said confused again.

"Lets just keep things the way they are right now and to hell with what people think," he suggested.

"Um..sure?" I said and he gave me a smile and I just looked at him like he was crazy. "You know I was serious that I didn't want people knowing right?" I asked just to make sure. He nodded and then got out of the car. Here goes nothing.

We held hands as we met up with the rest of the crew. They stared intently at our hands. I shot Emmett a look telling him to keep his mouth shut. He nodded.

"Hey guys," I said as if nothing changed.

"Umm hi," Rose said and I smiled at her. Edward pulled me by the hand and we walked to my locker together.

"That was interesting," I said and he nodded while leaning up against the lockers.

"What are you doing tonight?" he asked.

"I don't know. Nothing. Why?" I asked him while finding my books.

"Want to stay the night again?" he asked and I smiled and shook my head.

"Maybe," I said.

"Maybe?" he asked in a shocked voice.

"Yeah, maybe," I said and then left him in his dumbfounded expression as the bell rang. Not once have I stayed over a guys house before. Well the other night really doesn't count...but still.

At lunch I was standing at my locker putting my books away and grabbing my lunch.

"Do people know we had sex in the closet?" Edward came from behind me and asked. I jumped.

"Shit! You scared me! And shh!" I said looking around to make sure nobody heard.

"Sorry," he said.

"And no, I didn't say anything. Did you?" I asked. I remembered he did that to be like his friends.

"No," he said.

"Thank you," I said and he nodded.

"So people still think you are a virgin?" he asked.

"Edward, can you please shut up? This is not the right place for this," I told him.

"Right...so they do," he said and I nodded. "Why didn't you tell anyone?" he asked out of curiousity.

"Because that isn't something I wanted to share," I told him honestly.

"Your embarassed to be with me," he said in a teasing but questioning tone.

"Of course not! It is just too...special to be shared," I said.

"I see," he said and I nodded as we made our way to a lunch table.

"Why did you ask me?" I asked.

"Just wondering," he said and I nodded. At lunch Edward didn't make eye contact with me at all. Something was up, but I just couldn't tell what. Emmett pulled me over to the side.

"In the closet, Bella? Really?" he said and I got wide eyed.

"That son of a bitch told you," I said and started to glare at Edward. How could he?

"So it is true?" Em asked and I got confused.

"Yeah...that is what Edward told you, right?" I asked.

"No...I heard it. It is all around school Bella," he said looking at me worriedly. I could tell my face was paling.

"Edward told everyone?" I asked in disbelief.

"He didn't say anything. Bella, I know him. He hasn't spoken a word unless it was to you," Emmett said and I sighed relieved.

"Then how..?" I trailed trying to figure all of this out. I couldn't so I just shook myself out of it as Em was pulled away and I was confronted with a very annoyed Alice and Rose.

"You had sex with him and you didn't even tell us?" they screamed at me. I couldn't take it anymore. This was too much for me. I simply walked away and sat next to Edward.

"Can I take your car please?" I asked in a pleading tone.

"I thought you knew and I thought it would have been better if you heard it from your brother. That is why I asked him to tell you," Edward said.

"I know. It isn't your fault. I just really can't handle everything right now," I said as I started to cry. I wiped all of the tears away. He pulled out his car keys and handed them to me.

"Thank you," I said and then hugged him tightly. "Emmett will take you back to my house."

"Okay," Edward said and kissed my forehead.

I didn't know what to do with myself. I was so confused and humiliated. How do people know? Edward didn't say anything and I certainly didn't say anything. Did Emmett? No..he didn't even know it was in the closet! As far as I know Edward and I were the only two people on campus at the time. Right? Apaently not, Bella. You are such an idiot! Why would you do it in such an exposed place?

I let out a frustrated sigh and hit my head on the steering wheel. No way could I drive now. Especially Edward's car.

I laid the seat back and closed my eyes. I want this all to just go away. My phone buzzed in my pocket.

Did you make it home safely? -E

I can't drive right now...I will be waiting in the parking lot. -B

I'll be there in 2 minutes. -E

I didn't ask how. He had his ways to get out of class and I wasn't going to stop him. If I was being honest with myself, I needed him. Badly. I jumped over to the passenger seat. Two minutes felt like two hours as I stared at the clock intently. I pulled my knees to my chest and laid my forehead on them and closed my eyes. Strong, Bella. Stay strong. I heard the door open and felt the car start flying. I lifted my head up against the head rest.

We stayed quiet the entire car ride as he drove me home. Wait, home? I didn't want to be alone!

"Edward, you can't leave me," I said.

"Who said anything about leaving you? I am just giving you a chance to grab some clothes. It isn't an option anymore. You are staying the night," he said and I didn't argue. I just ran up to my room and put together some clothes.

If Dad comes home tonight tell him I am staying at a friends. NOT Alice or Rose. Make up a place that he doesn't have a number to. I'm at Edward's. Please let me deal with this, Em. I love you and hope you understand. -B

We are both with Rose. She will undersatnd you need some time to yourself. -Em

No...she won't. I didn't tell her so she is upset with me. And plus, I think I will just stay the night at Edward's. -B

I will beg for Rose to understand. I won't even let her call Alice. Why are you sleeping over there? Please tell me you aren't having sex with him again...-Em

Alright, whatever. Em, not now. I think I have learned enough by now. -B

I am just checkin -Em

Love you. See you tomorrow maybe. -B

Maybe? -Em

Yeah, maybe. -B

Alright...love you too. -Em

I don't understand what is so hard about the word maybe that boys don't understand. Edward was staring at me intently while we were laying on his bed.

"What?" I asked.

"I am just seeing how long it would take you to notice that I have been staring at you. Five minutes incase you were wondering," he told me and I rolled my eyes.

"Sorry...I had to have Em cover for me since I am staying the night here," I said and he smiled.

"Wonderful. What should we do first?" he asked.

"How about we figure out how everyone knows. And it is completely obvious because we were together all day...and left together," I said and then groaned. I wonder what people think of me now.

"Well who was at school then?" Edward asked.

"Um..nobody that I can think of," I said and then Edward looked like a lightbulb went off.

"What?" I asked.

"Mike Newton," Edward said.

"He left, remember?" I said.

"We don't know for sure," he told me and I shrugged.

"Why would he do that though?" I asked.

"I think I know," Edward mumbled.

"Enlighten me with your knowledge," I said and he smiled and looked down at his hands.

"Well he is jealous," Edward suggested.

"Stop being an ass and tell me the real reason," I told him in all seriousness. He looked up and frowned.

"I just did," he said and I could tell he wasn't lying.

"Okay..and you know this how?" I asked.

"Bella I might be an ass, but I'm not an idiot," he said.

"Okay?" I said unsure of what he was saying. Is he calling me an idiot? When did Mike Newton become interested in me?

"He was talking about you the whole night of the banquet," Edward said.

"So?" I said.

"Well he got in trouble too..maybe he stayed," Edward suggested. I sighed.

"Should I talk to him?" I asked.

"I don't know," Edward answered.

"Maybe I should call Rose. She always knows about things like this," I suggested.

"Okay," Edward said and I looked at the clock. School was just being let out. I dialed her number and put it on speaker.

"I am so sorry, Bella. I didn't know...and I was just angry that you didn't tell us. I mean I knew something was up with you lately, but I didn't know for sure so I didn't ask," Rose answered and I laughed.

"Rose, calm down. It's okay. I know you only said that out of love," I said and rolled my eyes.

"Well screaming at you for having sex is not very loving," she said and I shook my head.

"Of course this conversation would have gone down more smoothly if you guys heard me out. Even if I really am not all that willing to share. Anyways," I said so that this conversation doesn't get any more awkward. "Do you know how the rumor got started?"

"It's not a rumor if it is true," she muttered into the phone and I had to mentally step back. Ouch. That was like a slap in the face.

"Rose, the rumor," Edward said pulling me out of my position.

"Oh hey Edward. Right..umm I heard it from Lauren who heard it from Jessica who heard it from Tyler who heard it from Mike," she said going down the list.

"You could have simply said it was Mike," I groaned and put my head into a pillow. Edward rubbed my back smoothly.

"Well I don't know for sure...when did this happen?" Rose asked.

"Not now," I said.

"Oh come on, Bella. I am your best friend and probably future sister-in-law. Just tell me," she said and I rolled my eyes.

"I'm telling Em you think that. He might go balistic," I said.

"Don't try and change the subject on me missy," she told me sternly.

"The night of the banquet," I said softly and looked at Edward with apologetic eyes. He shrugged. I knew he wouldn't care but still..

"The football one? Wait, I thought you had to clean up," she said and I just rolled over on my back and waited for her to understand. Edward had an amused expression on.

"Bella, you dirty little hoe," Rose said and laughed at her own joke.

"Ha ha. I didn't even go out in the garden you moron!" I said into the phone.

"Yeah, because you didn't have time after going into the closet to find the gardening tool. You just replaced it with yourself," she said and I frowned.

"I am not a hoe!" I said.

"I know..but I had to do it," she said, still laughing at her own joke.

"Yeah, whatever. Keep your mouth shut or I will go around tell about the time in the po-" I started, but she cut me off.

"Woah! Okay! I got it. I won't say anything," she said and I smiled knowing I had something on her.

"Love you. Have a nice time with my brother. Remember that I am there too so don't do anything naughty," I said and Edward laughed. I had totally forgotten he was in the room.

"I don't know about that. I think that we should explore your teritory," she said.

"EWW! Rose, please do not ever say that again. He is my brother," I said while shivering in disgust.

"Bye Bye dirty little hoe," Rose said and hung up. I rolled my eyes and shut my phone.

"What story do you have on Rose?" Edward asked out of curiousity.

"Trust me. You don't want to know," I told him and smiled.