Disclaimer: Sadly we do not own Twilight or any of the characters. We just wanted to play with them.

AN: Thanks so much to Mana Liz, SaraBeth Cullen and Jan Breesmom for pre-reading for us.

Special thanks to Kitchmill for being the world's best beta.

And thanks to all of you that have read, followed, favorited, reviewed and shared our story. We appreciate you more than words can say.

BPOV

I'm already exhausted and this is the third stop on our tour, only two and a half tiny weeks out of nine long months. Of course, part of that exhaustion is stemming more from the misery I've been feeling than actual physical exertion.

One bright spot so far in this tour is that my bus is pretty amazing and I love that I get to hang with Rose and Alice.

It has an open section in the front for a seating area, all set-up with a flat screen mounted on the wall. Next to that is a well equipped kitchen area, all granite and stainless. After the kitchen is a smaller bathroom for the other girls to share, then there are twelve bunks housed down the middle.

All the way to the back is my space and it's adorned with luxury. I have a queen-size bed with plush comforters and a private larger bathroom all to myself. And of course the biggest flat-screen on the bus.

It's a great space and we love that we can get together and shut the skank twins out. Not that they matter much, seeing as how they spend as much time as possible on the guys' bus.

But as nice as the bus is, I still prefer when we stay at hotels. Whenever we're in a city for more than a night we get a hotel room. That beats bus living any day.

Even with the amazing bus and the great hotels, this tour is still wearing on me in so many ways.

The male backup dancers, or leeches as I call them, are on my nerves already. They can't seem to get it through their idiot heads that, in reality, I'm not Issa. I'm not all about sex and partying.

I've told them repeatedly, yet they continue to make stupid comments whenever they can and touch me inappropriately—touching in ways we haven't rehearsed—during performances. They know I can't say or do anything on stage in front of all my fans.

I assume one of them must have blown someone pretty high up at the label, because no matter how much I complain, they refuse to get rid of them.

And of course Lauren and Jessica are being the same pathetic whores they've always been. It's almost funny to see them constantly trying to get Edward, Emmett and Jasper's attention. We all know by now about their vow, and Lauren and Jessica appear to take it as a personal challenge.

As I said before, they spend more time on their bus than ours.

For their part, the guys are actually all right. They've definitely made this tour more bearable for the girls, which I greatly appreciate. Overall they're pretty cool guys.

Well, Jasper and Emmett anyway.

Edward and I have managed to avoid each other since the night of the "meet up" dinner. We only get together for mandatory things and speak when absolutely necessary.

I did introduce him—well, all of them—to Jake and Sam. They're my security for the tour. They stay very professional while working, but they're together … as a couple.

When Jake and Sam first arrived in Charlotte, right before the first show, the skank twins were all over them. Both guys were repulsed and basically told them where to shove their fake tits. We figured it best to go ahead and get their sexual orientation out in the open since they're also drivers for my bus and are forced to spend time around them.

I know from my interaction with Edward he can be a judgmental asshole, so I was worried about how he'd treat them when he found out. I was shocked and very pleased—at least as far as Edward went—to find that once the guys knew, they didn't treat them any differently. Jake plays guitar and has a decent voice, which gives them some common ground.

I have to admit I respect that Edward, Emmett and Jasper remain devoted to their vow. So far I've seen so many girls—Jessica and Lauren included—throwing themselves at them. Some of them are downright embarrassing in their desperation.

The guys remain polite, but keep their distance.

I thought it would be some sort of gimmick on their part when I first met them. I mean, no way three guys their age and that gorgeous would choose to stay abstinent. Especially with all the women that make themselves available to them constantly.

When I saw Edward checking me out at our first meeting and then letting Lauren paw all over him, I figured I had him pegged. I learned pretty quickly after speaking with him that his thoughts, at least as far as I was concerned, weren't lust but distaste.

He may have dampened my panties at first sight with his good looks, but his attitude toward me dried them right up. Since that one night though, he's been a perfect gentleman. We don't speak much, but when we do he's always polite and almost seems regretful of his earlier actions.

He crossed a line though, and forgiveness won't come easily. Talking to me like I'm a whore, who does he think he is?

I can tell he and his brothers are annoyed with Mike and the guys, but they stay respectful and calm. Lauren and Jessica are a different matter. They're constantly trying to touch and simper to the guys. They aren't picky … whichever's around will do. It's all the boys can do to stay polite.

Wonder how much it'll take to make one of them blow?

Alice and Rose seem a little smitten by Jasper and Emmett. They've never been around guys as genuinely good as these boys are. My girls are the "try it before you buy it" type though, and Emmett and Jasper will have to sell it better than ever if they're even considering going for either of them.

Unfortunately they have no interest in settling down. Both have said countless times that marriage isn't something they plan on anytime soon … if at all. They're very independent and surprisingly, of the three of us, I'm more the fairytale dreamer.

It's cute because I think the guys are equally entranced. Not that I blame them; my girls are awesome. I see Jasper and Emmett staring at Alice and Rose all the time and coming up with reasons to talk to them. They've gone off on a couple tourist excursions in the other cities and out to dinner a few times, too.

I've chosen to hang back and let them explore with the guys. It's always more trouble if I join. Plus, Edward and I didn't get off to a great start.

Maybe it's the part of me that still believes in soul mates and happily ever afters, but I'm hoping they can try to build something with them. They seem great and really interested in Alice and Rose. After all, I've only ever wanted my girls to be happy, and they seem that way when they hang out with Emmett and Jasper.

At the very least, I think they'll remain good friends far into the future.

~~~~~POP RELIGION~~~~~

I flop down on my bed after the sound check. We're finished for the day with nothing else to do until the final run-through tomorrow, a couple hours before the actual concert. I have nearly twenty-six hours of freedom.

Just as I get comfortable, there's a knock on the door. I already know who it is. I smile and get up to let them in.

Rose and Alice burst through the door already talking.

"Come on, Bella. We have to get you dressed," Alice says in a rush as she pulls me toward the small closet.

I start to pull away. "Um, no we don't, Ali. I just want to lie around and do nothing for the next twenty-four hours. I don't even want to change out of my pajamas."

"Bella, you haven't done anything yet and this is such a historical city, there're so many things to do and see," Rose pleads.

"We're all bored out of our minds," Alice complains. "You haven't gone out with us one single time and I'm sick of it. Suck it up, Missy!"

"Whoa there! Who's the 'we all'? No fucking way am I going anywhere with the skank twins or the leeches." I glare at them.

"Oh please, Bella. As if we'd let any of those idiots come near us any more than we have to. Give me a fucking break. You know us better than that. I meant Jasper, Edward and Emmett," Alice spits at me.

"You're right. Sorry. I should've known," I apologize. "So you want us to spend the day hanging out with the Cullens?"

"Well yeah," Rose says. "They don't seem to like the others any more than we do and they're bored too. So we figured it'd be a good chance for us all to get away from the idiots while getting out and doing something. Plus, you could spend some time getting to know them better. They're pretty good guys."

"I think that could be a really good thing for you, Bells. I still think you and Edward got off on the wrong foot," Alice throws in. "He always seems so sweet."

"If by sweet you mean a judgmental asshole who thinks I'm a whore, then yeah, he's real sweet." I roll my eyes.

I still can't believe my girls are so friendly with Edward after hearing the things he'd said to me. They keep swearing it must have been a misunderstanding because Edward isn't "like that."

Yeah, whatever.

Like they know him so well.

I figure what the hell though.

I'd do pretty much anything for these two and I know if I sit here by myself today I'll just dwell on how depressed my life is making me. Plus, I can handle Edward "stick in his ass" Cullen.

So, of course, I agree and we start getting me dressed.

Since I'm so well known, it can be difficult for me to just go out like normal people. Thanks to Alice and her ties to Angela, I have a nice supply of wigs that I can use for occasions like these.

I opt for a shoulder length curly red wig with bangs. Then I dress in a baggy hoodie and skinny jeans. Lastly, I slip on my favorite sky blue Converse. I keep my makeup very light and natural … almost the opposite of Issa.

Rose texts Emmett, and we set off to meet the guys downstairs.

Jake and Sam will be there too, because even though I'm in disguise they still go anywhere I go, just in case something comes up or I get recognized. They're awesome guys, so it's no hardship having them around.

As soon as we step out my door we run into Jessica and Lauren in the hallway. I swear those two just hang out in the halls hoping for some guy to come through with his cock hanging out. We try to walk right past them, but I know it won't be that easy.

"Issa, Rose, Alice ... where are you hussies off to?" Jessica asks before we can get far enough away.

"Jessica, for the millionth time, you don't get to call me Rose. That's for my friends," Rose responds. "And we're just headed out to see the city a bit."

"Why are you dressed like the loser in high school who could never get any dates?" Lauren asks, pointing at me.

"Not that it's your business, Lauren, but I'd like to go out without being recognized."

"Is it just you three going? I swear sometimes I think you're all a bunch of lesbians in love with each other," Jessica stupidly comments, smacking away on her ever-present gum.

"Not that it's any of your business, skank, but we aren't going alone. The Cullens are going too," Alice informs her with a mischievous gleam in her eyes.

"What?" they both screech.

"We want to go too. No fair that you get to spend the day with them," Lauren whines.

"Sorry, but there's no way in hell that's happening." Alice looks at them with a sneer curling her lips.

"But … but why would they want to spend the day with you three? Are you making them because you're the headliner?" Jessica asks in her annoying shriek, with an accusing glare my way.

"Um, no." I laugh. "I'm guessing they probably want to get away from you two trying to constantly shove your hands down their pants and your pathetic, embarrassing attempts at getting them in the sack."

"Please!" Lauren spits. "You're just jealous that Edward wants nothing to do with you. I'm so close to having that boy break his precious vow and you're sick with jealousy. You can't stand that he's going to be mine and wants nothing to do with the amazing Issa." And she seriously believes that shit.

I may not know him very well, but I do know the attempts from the skanks are being met with repulsion. It's written all over his face every time they're near.

"If I thought for one second that any of that was true and he was ready to give it all up for you, then I'd say congratulations! You two would deserve each other." I roll my eyes at her … as if. "I may not know Edward well, but I know him and his brothers enough to know that they'll never have anything to do with two disgusting, cheap whores who're willing to spread their legs for anyone who shows interest and even some that don't. You two should spend some time working on getting a little self-respect and less time on your backs," I huff out, my voice getting higher as I reach the end of my rant.

They both look like they have steam coming from their ears.

"Now if you … well, 'ladies' isn't the correct term, is it?" I give her a smirk. "Anyway, if you two would excuse us, we have places to be," I say as I start to walk around them, bumping Lauren's shoulder as I pass.

Jessica calls after us, "You may think you are so fucking special, Issa, but one day you're going to be nothing. And you'll regret everything you just said to us, bitch!"

We just ignore her and keep walking, but I can't help but feel like today is going to come back to bite me in the ass at some point.

We round the corner to the elevators, and there stands the guys. All three of them immediately look anywhere but at us.

Oh my god, did they hear any of that?

My question's answered as soon as we approach them. Emmett can't help himself. He glances our way with a smile so wide his dimples are on full display. I look down in embarrassment from being caught arguing over them.

"Well now, ladies, that was sure some smack down. I thought someone was fixin' to get slapped!" he exclaims excitedly. I chance a glance up to see them all looking at us.

"Calm down, Em, before you scare 'em to death." Jasper nudges him. "We appreciate that you'd speak up for us like that though, and you hit the nail on the head. Ain't no way we'd ever take 'em up on any offers," he turns and says, giving us an easy smile and a wink.

"It was long past due. Those bitches needed to be put in their place. Just because you're too nice to do it doesn't mean we are," Alice says to him as she steps into the elevator with a smirk his way.

"Next time I wanna front row seat," Emmett says with a motion for Rose to enter in front of him.

"There'd better not be a next time if those skanks know what's good for them," Alice snarls out, still a little pissed off at the encounter.

Once we were all in the elevator I take a peek at Edward. He's looking directly at me with a small smile. "Um yeah, thanks, ladies," he says shyly. I nod in recognition and we ride the rest of the way in silence.

When we reach the van provided by the hotel, Jake and Sam are already there waiting on us. Sam climbs into the driver's seat with Jake taking shot-gun. Rose and Emmett take the first seat, and Jasper and Alice get in the middle. That leaves Edward and me in the back. He sweeps an arm in a go ahead gesture, so I climb in next. When everyone's seated, Sam heads out.

During the ride I allow myself to peep at him from the corner of my eye. I have to admit he's a handsome man and I can't imagine how he's made it this far without being snatched up.

He's dressed in a baseball cap, white T-shirt and well-worn jeans. Instead of his unlaced Docs that seem to always be on his feet, he has on a pair of black Converse. I guess we at least have the same taste in footwear. He hasn't shaved, so he has some delicious scruff going on that only serves to highlight his strong square jaw.

I notice him turn and take me in, but I don't know if it's in appreciation, disgust or bewilderment at my disguise. I sit there looking straight ahead trying to pretend his eyes aren't locked on me. Finally, we arrive at the first location and I bolt from my seat to get away from his piercing stare.

We decide to see the Liberty Bell, which is Jasper's idea. Apparently, he's a bit of a history buff.

It's really interesting to see the bell, along with the historical documents and fascinating tidbits that surround it. We spend at least two hours there looking around at everything.

Every now and then Edward or I will point something out to the other, but mostly we just follow the others.

I end up walking with Edward the whole visit, but strangely it isn't as awkward as in the van. We still aren't really speaking, but it's become more of a comfortable silence.

Once we're seated in the van I catch him staring again. "Why do you keep staring at me?" I have to ask. Maybe I'm a glutton for punishment, but I have to know if he still thinks as badly of me as he did originally.

He actually blushes. "I'm sorry, I can't help myself. You're a beautiful woman, Bella. All this silence is killin' me. I know it's my fault, but it ain't what I want." His hand reaches out. "Also, I miss your hair. This"—he touches my wig—"looks pretty, but nowhere near as pretty as your natural hair," he says as the fake strands slide through his fingers. "But I do like you in clothes like this and without all that makeup. It suits you better."

It's my turn to blush.

"Thanks. This is the real me. Well except for the hair of course. If you'd known me before, this is how I looked pretty much every day. It used to drive Alice and Rose crazy because I never dressed up." I laugh remembering how much the girls bugged me to wear sexier clothes and now I'm forced to wear them most of the time. "I must say though, most guys seem to prefer Issa's look."

He smiles. "Well I ain't most guys."

"No you're definitely not." I giggle … yes giggle. I think I'm back to being a twelve-year-old girl.

He clears his throat. "I also wanna thank you for what you said back at the hotel. Without even knowin' me, you stood up for me and my beliefs and I appreciate that." His eyes are piercing into me again. Only this time I can name the emotion there … it's sincerity.

"You're welcome. Those skanks need a reality check every now and then," I tell him, tilting my eyes down to my lap.

Edward lifts my chin and looks straight into my eyes. "Listen, Bella. I'm sorry for the way things went down when we first met. Normally, I ain't that big of a jerk. It'd been a long day and I was uptight about everythin' goin' on. I was bein' judgmental towards ya and it wasn't fair of me. My mama'd skin me alive if she ever heard me speak to 'nother person like that," he says as he drops his hand from my chin.

I can still feel the heat where his fingers touched.

He looks down for a second before meeting my eyes again. "I said some terrible things to ya and you didn't deserve any of it. I'd really like it if we could start over so I can get to know … Bella."

I'm touched that he's making this effort, and the first move in mending things between us.

Maybe he isn't so bad after all.

"I'm sorry for my part in all of it too. I'd already had a bad day and was pissy by the time we met, and I took it out on you," I admit. "I had preconceived notions of you and that wasn't fair. I'd really like it if we could start over and get to know each other. We have a long tour ahead of us and I would love if we could become friends."

He holds out his hand for me to shake. "Hello, my name is Edward Cullen. I'm the lead singer of Pure Religion. My brothers and I are goin' to be on tour with ya for the next eight and a half months, and it's a pleasure to meet ya."

I grin at him and reach to take his hand. "Nice to meet you, Edward. The world may know me as Issa, but my friends call me Bella, so I'd love for you to call me that too." I shake his hand and feel a little jolt of electricity. It's like a nice shock of static from rubbing your feet on the carpet.

We both yank our hands back and laugh.

After that, the day just gets even better. We have a great time exploring Philly.

So many beautiful architectural structures to see … especially churches.

We drive by the Eagles stadium; I don't see what the fuss is about, but the guys and Rose seem to enjoy it.

Emmett says we absolutely have to get real cheesesteaks since we were in Philly, so he asks around and we're told to try Pat's King of Steaks on Passyunk Avenue.

That's where we end up for dinner. I've never had a cheesesteak before, but it's delicious. I know I shouldn't eat too much of it … but fuck it. It has all this yummy, gooey cheese and the roll is so fresh. It's amazing.

The guys say Grace before we eat, which isn't something the girls and I are used to, none of us having grown up in religious homes. I find I really enjoy it though. I feel a sense of peace before we start eating.

When we return to the hotel later that night, I realize how great the day has been.

I was able to actually get out without being spotted.

We had a great time.

I got to spend time with my two most favorite people in the world.

I caught up with Sam and Jake, since I hadn't had as much time to talk to them lately. And I got to know Emmett and Jasper a little better.

If I didn't already think so, now I'm sure that Jasper and Emmett are the perfect guys to show my girls what love is all about. I mean they aren't in love with them yet or anything, but I can see they adore them and would worship them completely, if only the girls will give them a chance.

And finally Edward.

We buried the hatchet, so to speak, and actually took real steps toward becoming friends.

I'm physically exhausted from the long day, but go to bed with a genuine smile on my face for the first time in a long time.

That night is the first night I dream of Edward Cullen.

We're walking through a meadow filled with beautiful wildflowers, talking and laughing. We stop and kiss. Suddenly, the simple kiss becomes more passionate and before I know what's happening, he's lowering me onto a blanket that wasn't there a moment ago.

He kisses down my neck and suckles a spot behind my ear that has me gasping. He moves down, and I realize I'm only in my bra and panties and he's only in his boxer briefs. He continues to kiss and lick down my neck and collarbone as I use my hands to roam his muscular shoulders and biceps. My hands move down to his ass then back up to his silky hair as his lips reach my bra.

In an instant my bra is gone and Edward's lips and tongue are all over my nipples, going back and forth, tasting them both. He uses his teeth to scrape one lightly and then blows his cool breath over it. I'm panting and know it won't be long before I come just from his mouth on my breast alone.

Before I have the chance to think, he's back up and kissing me again. His tongue is swirling around mine in the most sinfully erotic way, one that a good boy like him has no right knowing. Then I feel him, hot, heavy and big pressing against my entrance. I'm not sure where our underwear went, and don't even care at this point.

He pulls back to look into my eyes. "Are you ready, Bella?"

"Yes, oh I'm so ready. Please, Edward, now!"

"Are you ready, Bella?" he asks again. This time there's a knocking sound.

"Yes, Edward. I already said yes. Please!"

"Bella! Are you ready?" And that's when I realize I'm only dreaming and my annoying best friend's at the door. "Who are you talking to in there?" she yells when I don't answer right away.

I jump out of bed—near tears of frustration—and yank the door open. "What, Alice?"

She jumps at my tone and then raises an eyebrow. "Sorry to interrupt your beauty sleep, princess, but it's time to get a move on so we can have breakfast before the final sound check," she spits back at me.

"Sorry. I was having a really good dream and it was getting to the best part."

Her face lights up and a huge grin stretches across it. "Oh? Do tell."

Realizing there's no way I can tell her it was about Edward, I quickly make something up. "It was just another Brad Pitt sex dream."

"Hmmm … Which Brad Pitt?" she asks because … well … she's Alice.

"Um, Legends of the Fall Brad Pitt," I shoot off quickly.

"Oh, Bella, I'm so sorry. That really was the hottest Brad," she apologizes, looking truly remorseful.

Laughing, I say, "It's fine, and all good things come to an end anyway." Then I usher her out the door so I can shower and get ready for the day. "I'll meet you downstairs in thirty minutes," I call out down the hall after she walks away.

As I step in my shower I realize I'm fucked.

I need to make sure I stop all thoughts of Edward in that way before they even start.

We live two completely different lives. He deserves someone who's pure of heart and soul as well as body. I feel like I sold my soul to get where I am. Plus, I know there's no way the label would be okay with us being together.

My image as single and available is too important to them.

I need to nip these thoughts and feelings in the bud before they grow. He's beautiful and talented, but all he can ever be is my friend.

As I wash, I remember the ache between my legs and the erotic dream that felt so real.

Edward Cullen's just a friend—barely, at that—it can never be more. He's just a tour mate. Someone you'll see for nine months and then he'll be gone.

"Sure, Bella … keep telling yourself that," I mumble to myself as I start lathering my body.

I allow my fingers to slide south, hoping to soothe the physical ache my dream left behind.

Did Edward redeem himself? We'd like to think he did. Let us know what you think.

Now I have a very serious important question for all you lovelies … which do you think really is the best Brad Pitt?

See you next Saturday. Xxoo