Lots of love to reviewers! So glad you're enjoying it.. I'm working on Edward and Bella meeting but it'll be a little while yet, bear with me!


My mind raced as I mentally retraced all our conversations. Had I ever actually asked if he had a girlfriend? I'd just assumed he wouldn't be spending all his time talking to me if he had someone special right there with him. Maybe she was just his friend. He was allowed girl friends, he wasn't my property. I tried to calm the tight feeling in my chest.

I sighed in relief as my phone lit up once again.

"Oh thank God, I was worried-"

"Why? He's not a rapist Bellla! I thought we covered this when I called earlier." Not Edward's voice but Alice's filled my ear and sunk my heart. I really needed to start paying attention to called ID.

"Oh hey Alice! No I know. I just thought you were.."

"Ah, so how is my brother?" She cottoned on immediately.

"Confusing. I just have to check, does he have a girlfriend? Has he mentioned seeing anyone to you?"

She paused to think seriously. "No, he definitely hasn't said anything to me, I would've told you. But Edward isn't very open with his feelings, it surprises me how open he is with you, actually. Do you want me to ask my mom if she knows anything? I'll be subtle."

"That'd be great, Alice. I just wanted to know before I.."

"Get in too deep? Oh Bells." She sounded a little sad. "I think it's too late for that."

I swallowed, realising she may be right. Time to change the subject. "Anyway how's it going with Jasper? Has he managed to leave your side yet?"

She giggled. "Only just. It's so amazing! I think we're soulmates!"

I smiled at her enthusiasm. "That's so great! I think me and Rose need to meet him properly then, don't you?"

"Definitely, that's actually what I was calling about. I was thinking later this week, dinner at mine after school?"

"That sounds perfect."

"Good. I gotta go Bells. I'll ask my mum about Edward and text you later. But don't worry ok? I have a feeling you and Edward are made for each other, just like me and Jazz."

I tried not to hope that was true. "Thanks Alice. Talk later."

After making dinner for Charlie and I that night, I sat back in my room working on my homework. The only texts I got were from Mike- 'Thinkin ov u.' - which disturbed rather than pleased me, and Alice telling me her parents were out for the night and she'd definitely talk to Esme as soon as possible.

From Edward, however, there was nothing. Not even the usual goodnight text. I berated myself for being so needy, trying not to think about him doing whatever he was doing with this mystery woman that made him forget about me. I wasn't doing very well. Edward had become a constant in my life, and if we stopped being friends I knew there'd be a big, Edward-sized hole in my heart with nothing to fill it. Nothing interested me quite like he did.

It took me a long time to fall asleep that night, and when I eventually did my dreams were full of chasing dark objects that I desperately wanted, but which always remained just out of reach.


Back at school on Monday, I headed for our usual table in the cafeteria at lunchtime. Rose and Emmett were already seated there. As I approached Emmett was whispering something into Rose's ear which made her laugh and punch him lightly before she noticed me and her eyes lit up.

"Hey Bella! Quick, save me from this moron."

Emmett only grinned in reaction and greeted me fondly too. Whatever drama the dysfunctional couple called, at least they always made sure never to make me feel like third wheel. Which with all my friend pairing off, I was in danger of feeling like daily.

We were halfway through lunch and a lot of banter when Alice sat lightly next to me in a cloud of Chanel. She greeted Rose and Emmett, then left them chatting while she turned to me with an air of importance.

"So, I'm ready to report the results of my investigation." She told me gently.

My stomach tightened while I nodded casually, trying to act like I hadn't been obsessing all weekend. Edward had been in contact a little on Sunday, but even through text he seemed distant, and I was worried.

"Mom said that as far as she knows, Edward hasn't been serious about anyone since this one girl in high school. So at the moment, he seems available." She smiled at me. "Probably more available if we can get him in the same state as you, though."

I exhaled the breath I was holding, feeling a little better, but still filled with curiousity over the high school girl. "Thanks for asking for me, Al. This woman could be someone new though."

She nodded slowly. "She could be. Or she could work with him, or just be a friend. Why don't you ask him? You guys talk about pretty much everything right?"

"I guess so.. maybe I will when he stops acting so distant."

Then Alice's answer was interrupted by a chip flying at her head, Emmett's way of getting our attention.

"When we meeting your new guy Pixie?"

Alice rolled her eyes and tried not to smile at him, throwing a chip back.

"It was actually just going to be the girls, but sure you can come too Em, if Rose will let you," she teased. "How does tomorrow night sound?"

We all agreed, and as Alice was making Emmett swear to be on his best behavior, I felt the familiar vibration in my pocket. Pulling it out I found Edward's late reply to my good morning text.

Good morning yourself. Today I have a hypochondriac patient demanding every test we can offer, boring. There's a nurse here that reminds me of you, but she's a lot less pretty unfortunately. Have a good day. E

I smiled as I picked up my lunch tray and said bye to my friends. The distance of yesterday seemed to disappearing, I was getting my Edward back. I thought of him dreamily, busy working and looking cute in that white coat doctor's wear..

I snapped quickly out of my daydream when I ran into something hard.

"Oh God I'm sorry! I'm such a klutz!" I cried when I realised it was a person, and I'd knocked all of his books out his hands. I bent down quickly, helping him pick them up.

His eyes met mine warmly. "No worries at all. You're not drunk again, are you?"

I looked back at him, confused. "Do I know you?"

He clutched his heart dramatically, looking anguished. "She doesn't remember me! She haunts my dreams, but to her I am just a tree."

I looked at him, wondering if he was insane, and taking in his appearance for the first time. Very tall, dark, lovely eyes.. recognition hit me and I blushed while he laughed at me.

"You're the... tree."

"The nice looking tree, actually." He corrected, delighted I remembered. "And known to most as Jake."

"I'm Bella." I shook his outstretched hand. "I'm really sorry to keep bumping into you like this."

"Chill, Bella. It's not like someone as little as you is going to hurt me."

I considered being insulted, but he was right. He towered over me and made me feel tiny in comparison. I imagined him next to the miniature Alice and held back a giggle.

"I guess you're right. Nice to meet you, Jake." I smiled at him and started walking away.

"You too, Bella. Look forward to being bumped into again soon!" he called after me.

I rolled my eyes and made my way to Calculus, mind already back on Dr. Edward.

How is she like me? B

She's very kind and sweet, and is on her way ruining my 'serious intern' reputation with the amount of times she's made me laugh.

Hmm. Sounds like someone has a crush..

Bella she's like 40, I don't think her husband would be too pleased.

"Bella Swan, hand your phone over to me." My Math teacher said from behind me, nearly making me jump out of my skin.

And that was Calculus.