Disclaimer: I own only this alternative plot and OC characters. Twilight is Stephenie Meyers' property.

Author's note: A short chapter. Hopefully it will be enough to suffice. Sadly, other priorities have surfaced. DAMN YOU OBLIGATIONS! yes...i have a problem =D

Chapter Four: Illicit

"Edward's a complicated guy. He pushed me out the way before Tyler's van crushed me. He's my lab partner in Bio. His father is the doctor that saw to me when they rushed me to the hospital. That's it."

I have just spent the drive home spilling everything I possibly could- without mentioning the bizarre fleet of strength on Edward's behalf. Belloto listened to it all, asking a question here and there. So here we sat in my truck, parked outside the house, staring through the windshield in silence.

"Why did you leave him in the music room?" he asked.

Banging my forehead on the steering wheel, I groaned. "I got embarrassed! I fell out the damn chair, Bell! Like an idiot!" I nearly yelled. Resting my head against the wheel after the sixth bumping, I looked over at him. "Bell. This guy...he gets under my skin. I'm never the person to act ga-ga over someone and all of the sudden Edward brings that side out of me! And at the same time, he makes me so angry."

He patted my shoulder. "What about the Newton boy?"

"What about 'em?"

"He's interested in you. It's obvious. I'd rather you date a guy who's into you then one who's playing mind games with you," he replied. "Have you given any thought to his offer? Go on a date- incognito of course. Make it look like you're two friends on a night out of town or somethin'. That Jessica girl asked him to the Spring dance after I shot her down. Make it a shopping trip for his suit if he goes."

I chewed my lower lip, indecisively. "It's your choice, Bela. Either let this Edward guy toy with you or try to find some happiness." I combed my fingers through my hair, nodding. He's right. Always is. We got out the car heading to the house. "But first things first. Finish our freakin' homework and kick start E.B.I," he cheered.

"E.B.I?"

"Eternal Blood Iris. Has a ring to it...chicks'll flock to see us." Laughing, we went inside. Charlie wasn't home. I'll start dinner at 6:30.

Belloto and I sat at the dining room's table, doing our homework. He did my math and I did his history. My mind dawdled on the situation my brother put out. I could ask Mike out. He's a nice guy. Sweet in a loyal dog kind of way. He doesn't make me feel confused- he doesn't make me feel anything, though. Still he offers a change from confusing moves Edward makes.

"It's better if we are not friends."

Were we ever friends? He acted interested in the past but...maybe it's like Belloto says. Mind type that plays around with other's hearts. Getting a sick joy from it...but then I remember that expression. That lonliness. He's so young yet that expression ages him so much. Like he's spent thousands of years without anyone.

Five minutes after five o'clock the doorbell rang. I greeted the three and led them inside. We first got to know each other. Knowing how we all stand on music. Belloto enjoys it, but he openly admits he doesn't want a career in it. Randy's the same way. He wants to be a web designer. The girls, Zack and I are the only ones wanting to become something in the industry. Belloto brought up the name of the band, wanting to know if they liked it. Hilary wanted to get a better understanding of it.

I like this girl.

After twenty minutes of brain storming, we agree on " Illicit". With that done, Belloto went upstairs to grab our instruments while I helped Zack set up his drums in the garage. This was a practice round. So we played a song we all knew; Poets of the Fall's Lift. Georgia played bass and sang back up. Hil and Randy's added take on sax and violin brought about a different sound to the song. Zack put his all in the drumming- straight from the soul. Belloto's, Georgia's and my voice blended perfectly. She has a sweet, innocent voice. His a bit deeper than mine, harsher. I felt thrilled performing with them.

It contined on like this until 6:20. They had to head home. "This is the band," I smiled. The girls squealed loudly. Before they left, I gave them each an extra printed copy of the songs I've written.

"Damn! These are great," Zack enthused.

"Thanks. I really would like for us to perform at the Spring Dance. Our first live performance... if you all can come over an hour each day, practice here and at home I think we can," I said, hopefully. Belloto and Georgia were sure that we could. Performing three songs at the very least. Hilary set up a dead line.

"We'll have until the seventeenth. Everyone should have the songs down by then. Will we br getting outfits? Identical or something?" she asked.

"Wear something dressy but comfortable to play in. You guys pretty much know how I dress. If you want, we can go to Port Angeles for clothes," I suggested.

They agreed. My brother and I saw our friends off, waving. "This is great," I grinned. He punched my arm, agreeing. "We are gonna show Forks a thing or two," he added.