A/N: This chapter is a little longer than the last one with a little bit of angst. I can't help but get excited when I receive and email saying that someone has added this story to their alerts list or favorite story list. I love all of you who added me to your Favorite Author list last chapter, it really means a lot to think that you enjoy my writing that much! I give extra, extra love to those of you who take the time to write a review. Take a few brownie points!

Again, I must thank the wonderful women who devote and volunteer their time at PTB. Without them, I would fail, epically at Fic writing.

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I hope you all enjoy this chapter!

Chapter 3

He Called Me Bella

The weather was changing. October was coming to a close, and November was on its way. The cold was getting harsher, and the rain was turning to sleet. People were pulling out their scarves, gloves and hats. I still hadn't worn any of the new clothes I had bought when I went shopping with Jessica and Angela.

However, I took one of the outfits to Angela's house, since I was staying the night. It was the navy blue striped shirt with a solid layover and light blue jeans.

"I was surprised your dad let you stay over considering we have school tomorrow," Angela said.

I agreed. "Yeah, I was too. I don't know what came over him, but I'm glad it did, whatever it was. Are you sure it's OK I stay over tonight?"

"Yeah, it's totally fine. My parents probably won't even be home until later in the week."

Angela's dad sold medical items to hospitals. He traveled a lot, taking care of nearly half the hospitals in the state of Washington. Edward's dad was one of his customers. When Angela was younger, her mom would stay with her. Now that she was nearly old enough to take care of herself, her mom went with him occasionally.

Angela had pulled out the outfit I had brought over for school the next day. "I'm shocked that you're going to wear it. It's been what, about a month since we went shopping?"

"I couldn't let it go to waste. I bought it and it does look really good on me. I just don't want all the attention you and Jessica think it will give me."

"Oh, we don't think it will give you attention, we know it will," Angela told me. Her saying that made me nervous, yet she had a huge smile on her face. "I'm excited! I can do your hair in the morning!"

"Oh, Angela, no! It's bad enough I'm going to be having all this attention on me because of my clothes!"

"It's not a big deal. So a few guys will throw some catcalls in your direction? Everyone already knows who you are. You were the most excitement this town has had since we got computers and wireless internet put in the three schools. Me curling your hair won't do much more, and it will take less than ten minutes."

"Fine." I gave up; I was such a pushover.

~*v*~

Walking into school the next morning was... different. Angela told me to ditch my coat and scarf before I went into the school. I tried to protest, since it was about 30 degrees outside, but both Jessica and Angela ganged up on me.

I walked to my locker to get my books for first period English, and I had the feeling I was being watched. Not the ominous feeling I had when I was nearly attacked by those three men, but it was still weird and uncomfortable. I turned around and saw Ben Cheney, Tyler Crowley, and Mike Newton gaping at me.

"What?" My question seemed to break them out of whatever trance they were in, because the three of them started mumbling incoherently and walked away, looking rather embarrassed. Jessica and Angela started laughing.

"What was that all about?" I asked them. "And why are you two laughing?"

"Bella, are you seriously that blind?" Jessica asked when she was able to regain her composure. Apparently I was, since I didn't know what she was talking about. She opened up her locker, which was a few down from mine. We had the long lockers so we were able to hang our large coats up during the day. She had a mirror the length of the locker on the door. "Look at yourself."

I looked and I saw... someone beautiful. I knew it was me, but it wasn't the 'me' I was used to. It must have been the make-up I tried not to let Angela put on me. I hadn't looked in the mirror until now, so seeing what a flawless job she'd done took me by surprise. All of my features were smoothed out, not a blemish in sight. My lashes were longer and fuller, which made my eyes look bigger in an attractive way. There was light blue shadow dusted on my eyelids that matched the jeans I was wearing. I must have gone into a trance like the guys had because the next thing I knew, Jessica was snapping her fingers in my face.

"Hello! Earth to Bella!" I shook my head, coming back to reality a little bit annoyed. I was having a moment with myself, thank you very much.

"Sorry. I was admiring Angela's handiwork. Thank you so much! I look amazing!"

"Oh, it's no big deal. I just wanted to show you how pretty you are since telling you doesn't seem to work."

The first bell rang, letting us know class would start in five minutes. We finished getting what we needed for our first period and headed to class. Mike Newton was in my first period class, so I had to deal with him looking at me all class long.

"... And what's the answer, Mr. Newton?" Mr. Berty asked.

"Oh, um, what?" He finally turned away from me.

"I was inquiring about the answer to the homework from last night on Hamlet. But, since you're so interested in Miss Swan's earlobe, why don't you share with me and the rest of the class why it's so fascinating?" A few gasps and snickers filtered throughout the room. I felt myself blush as people started looking between Mike, Mr. Berty and me. I hoped that the make-up Angela had put on me hid the deep flush that always seemed to creep up on me.

"Um, I – uh... No, thank you." Mike sounded like he had in the hallway. He obviously was just as embarrassed as I was.

"I suggest you pay more attention to more important matters, Mr. Newton. Not that you have ugly earlobes, Miss Swan. I'm sure they're... ravishing."

I blushed once more as the class stole glances at me again. I couldn't wait for this day to be over already. The bell rang, ending first period, and I was the first person out of the class.

Having Jessica in my first four classes of the day helped take my mind off of all the attention I was getting. It wasn't just the male population of the school; the girls seemed to notice my change in wardrobe choice and the added face paint. A few girls complemented me on my hair or my new outfit, while the majority of girls just gave me dirty looks. Especially Lauren. We were on our way to the lunch room when Jessica said, "she's jealous," for about the tenth time. I could have sworn I saw more of Lauren today than I had since the first day of school.

"It's as if she's going out of her way to see me and shoot daggers at me."

"I wouldn't put it past her." I gave Jessica an inquisitive look telling her to explain what she meant. "OK, she was always a bitch, you know that. But what you don't know is she became more of a bitch after you came to this school."

"Are you saying I'm the reason she's so mean?" I asked as I sat down at our usual table.

"It's more-so because of your friendship with Edward."

"What does Edward have to do with anything?" I couldn't believe what Jessica was telling me; saying that Lauren was jealous of me.

"Oh, I don't know," Jessica said. "Maybe just about everything. Lauren's been obsessed with him for as long as I can remember. He never wanted her, though."

"So, let me get this straight, Lauren hates me because I'm close friends with the guy she's always wanted?"

"Pretty much, yeah," Jessica said, nonchalantly.

"She's crazy."

"Maybe. But I'm starving. Let's get some food."

"No, thanks. I'm not hungry," I said.

"Suit yourself," Jessica said, leaving our table for the food line. I felt like I was going to explode from confusion. I couldn't figure out the logic in Lauren's hatred for me; none of it made any sense. Of course, all I had was Jessica's opinion, not actual fact.

I thought my eyes were tricking me when I saw Lauren stalking toward the table I was at, but they weren't; she was heading straight for me.

"I see what you're trying to do with all of this make-up and curly hair and new clothes, but it's not going to work. It doesn't matter what you do. You're never going to have him." She was not happy. In fact, she was very pissed off; her left hand was flailing everywhere as she yelled at me, gesturing to my clothes and hair. She had her right hand planted on the table, as if she meant business, and she had fire in her eyes.

That was it; that was the last straw. Lauren Mallory wasn't going to treat me like this anymore. If I hadn't just had my conversation with Jessica about Edward and Lauren, I wouldn't have known who the him was. I stood up to make direct eye contact with her.

"Oh, honey, I don't need to dress up like this to get his attention. I don't even have to try. I've already got him. This is all for fun."

Lauren was livid. Her eyes looked like they were about to pop out of her head. I thought she was going to spontaneously combust on the spot. I saw Edward walk up to my table and sit in his usual spot, next to me.

"Is everything OK?" he asked.

"Peachy. Lauren was just leaving," I said, my eyes never moving from hers. She left the table in a huff, much like she had when Angela told her off. I sat down next to Edward. "So, what's new?"

"You, apparently," he said. "Everyone's been talking about 'how hot' Bella Swan is today." I blushed for the umpteenth time that day. Edward smiled slightly.

"At least I can still see your cheeks get red with all that stuff on your face." There was a tone in his voice that made me assume he didn't care for girls who wore make-up.

"You don't think I look good?" I asked, a bit saddened.

"I think you look amazing. But I thought you still looked amazing without all of this make-up and trendy clothes, Bells. When you wear it, it makes you look like everyone else. When you wear your t-shirts and hoodies, you look like you."

The way he said it made me blush harder than ever, and my heart was pounding like crazy. He had such an intense effect on me. I turned to face him.

"Thanks, Edward. That means a lot, coming from you." We were staring at each other, almost as if we were a newly formed couple. The thought made my heart swell with emotion. Angela approached the table with her lunch, followed by Jessica. Edward broke our eye contact.

"Angela. Jessica," he greeted. They both said hello back through bites of their chicken sandwiches.

"So, homecoming is coming up," Jessica started.

"And there's my cue to leave," Edward said. The three of us turned to look at him. "What? I don't know who I'm taking yet, and I don't think I want to hear you three gush over what guys you want to take you. If I did, I would be gay, and I'm not gay. See you soon, Bells."

He left the table, going to sit with his football friends.

"Bella, are you planning on going to the homecoming dance with Edward?" Jessica asked.

"Well, I mean, it's completely up to him." I hadn't really thought about who I would go to the homecoming dance with. I assumed I was going with my friends, not making a big deal out of it and having a guy ask me.

"Oh my God, you really want to go with him!" Jessica squealed excitedly.

"Yeah, but isn't the asking up to him?" I asked.

"It can be, but this is the 21st century, Bella. Girls can ask the guys if they want," Angela said.

"I don't think I would ever have the guts to ask him," I said, almost a little embarrassed.

"That's your problem. You think too much. Just walk right up to him and ask. I have a pretty good feeling he won't say no," Jessica said.

"I'm just going to let him decide." I couldn't possibly ask Edward to the dance, I knew I didn't have the audacity. He would have to be the one to ask me, and I knew that only in my wildest dreams would the star quarterback of the school's football team ask me, boring, old Bella Swan, to the homecoming dance. I would love to go with him, but it was just not probable for someone like me.

~*v*~

"Bella, this is my mom. Mom, this is my best friend, Bella," Edward introduced me.

"Hi, Bella. It's so nice to finally meet you. You can call me Esme, or Mom, since that's what all of Edward's friends call me," she told me with a bright smile. She was a few inches taller than me, had light brown hair - almost a caramel color - and welcoming brown eyes. She was wearing a simple purple blouse and a pair of blue jeans. I noticed the resemblance between her and Edward.

"It's so nice to meet you, too!" I replied. It was nice to finally meet Edward's mom and put a face to everything he's told me about her. She was exactly how I imagined; caring, happy, and beautiful.

"We'll be upstairs, Mom."

"Alright."

I followed Edward up two flights of stairs to his bedroom. It was double the size of my room; the walls faded from a light blue to a night sky blue, all the way up to the ceiling. I noticed the ceiling had a bunch of stars on them. Not the cheap, plastic ones that would glow in the dark when the lights were off, but they were painted by hand. The carpet was a fiery orange, and the bedspread matched. I wasn't sure what it was supposed to resemble. Nonetheless, I thought his room looked cool and unique.

"Your mom won't care that you're in your room alone with a girl?" I asked as Edward plopped down on his bed.

"As long as we don't do anything."

"Oh." I sat next to him on his bed. "What did your mom mean by 'finally' meeting me?"

"I may have mentioned you once or twice," he said, but the way he said it seemed like he talked about me more that a few times. He seemed a little embarrassed to be admitting it.

"Sure you did," I said sarcastically. Edward turned on his TV. He was flipping through the channels, looking to see what was on.

"Oh, shit!" he exclaimed. He said it so suddenly it scared me, causing me to jump.

"What?"

"Rocket Power is on! I haven't seen this show in years," he said, settling on Nickelodeon. I chuckled at his childishness; although I was glad he stopped on this channel. It had been a long time since I'd seen this show as well. It must have been a marathon because we watched about four or five episodes until his mom knocked on the door.

"Edward?"

"Come in."

"Hey, honey. I was just wondering if Bella wanted to join us for dinner." Edward turned to me.

"I couldn't impose," I replied. I was surprised at Esme's invitation and I felt a little awkward. I wasn't used to being in other people's homes, let alone having dinner with their family. I guess not having friends in Phoenix really didn't help much.

"Nonsense, you wouldn't be," Esme said kindly.

"Well, I normally cook dinner for Char- I mean, my dad," I stammered, not wanting Esme to think I disrespect him. I moved to get off of Edward's bed. "I really should be getting home."

"He can join us, too, if he doesn't have other plans," Esme said simply. She seemed as though she really wanted the extra company tonight.

"Um, sure. I just need to call him," I said.

"Just let me know, dear." Esme left the room.

"Here." Edward put a tiny silver flip phone in my lap. "Call your dad."

I dialed the sheriff's station, having the number memorized.

"Forks' sheriff's station, how may I direct your call?" a woman's voice answered.

"Charlie Swan, please? It's his daughter."

"One moment, please," she said, then transferred me.

"Bella? Is something the matter?" Charlie asked, sounding worried.

"No, nothing's the matter. I'm at Edward's house, and his mom asked us both to eat at their house."

"Oh. Well, actually, if you don't mind, since you're not going to be cooking tonight, I think I'll go over to Billy's and watch the game. Harry and Sue Clearwater will be there. She's making her famous fish fry," he explained.

"No, I don't mind at all. Have fun, Dad." I was pleased and a little relieved that he was going to Billy's house. He hadn't even gone fishing since I moved to Forks; he needed to get out of the house.

"See you later, Bella." I hung up and gave Edward his phone back.

"Not coming?" he asked.

"Not coming," I recited, shaking my head. "Should I go tell your mom?"

"I can do it," he said, getting off of his bed.

"Thanks. Um, before you go, where's the bathroom?" I asked nervously, biting my lower lip.

He smiled, apparently finding some joke in my question. His smile made me want to melt. "It's right through that door, Bells," he said, pointing to a door that I hadn't noticed before.

"Thanks." I did my business quickly. It felt odd using Edward's bathroom. When I finished, Edward wasn't back from telling his mom that my dad wouldn't be joining us, so I decided to explore a bit. The Cullen house was huge; in my opinion, it resembled a mansion. I went downstairs, assuming the top two floors were only bedrooms. Off to the side of the foyer, there was a living room. It had wooden floors all throughout, a white leather couch with two matching chairs on either side. There was a tan oval rug underneath a coffee table that sat in front of the couch. A large flat screen TV sat on an elegant, wooden entertainment center against the wall. Charlie would be sad knowing the Cullen's had a TV ten times bigger than ours and Billy's combined.

I heard Edward's voice and found him in the kitchen. He was talking to his mom-about what, I had no clue. I was too captivated by the beautiful kitchen. It had white tile floors and black granite countertops with wooden cabinets that matched the entertainment center in the living room. It had a matching island in the center of the room with a stainless steel cooktop. All the other appliances were stainless steel, and there was a double oven next to the fridge.

"Hello, Bella. I see you found your way around," Esme said.

"Your house is amazing," I said. Edward flashed me a smile, and his mom laughed.

"Thank you, dear. I'm sorry your father won't be joining us."

"I'm sorry, too. He had previous plans, though," I said apologetically.

"Ah. Well, I must get back to getting dinner ready. Edward, why don't you show Bella around more?"

"Of course," he replied.

"Thank you for inviting me to stay for dinner. It was really nice of you to do that," I said.

"You're welcome here anytime." Esme's words made me smile. I could see where her son got his charming quality.

"Come on, Bells. I'll show you the outside," Edward said. I walked with him through the sliding glass door that sat between the doorway of the kitchen and the dining room.

"Your house really is something," I told Edward once we were outside. We were walking along a trail that led into the woods.

"My dad had it built for us. My mom designed everything."

"She did a really good job. She has talent," I said.

"Usually the house is louder, but my brother, Jasper, just started college this year at Washington State," he explained.

"I didn't know you had a brother," I said, surprised.

He nodded. "He's nice. I miss him, though. I can't wait until Thanksgiving to see him again. You should come around over break and meet him. We would have a lot of fun together."

"Definitely! I can't wait!" I was elated at the thought of spending more time with Edward and that he liked me enough to bring me around his family. I could tell he thought a lot of his brother and that they got along real well.

We came across a river and started following it to the south.

"Have you figured out who you want to go to the homecoming dance with?" Edward asked after a few moments silence. It was unexpected to say the least. I looked at him and saw he had his hands in his pockets and he looked a little nervous asking me about the dance.

"I thought you didn't want to talk about homecoming?" I asked, a little confused.

"I don't around Angela and Jessica. I don't mind talking about it with you," he said, grinning at me.

I couldn't tell him I wanted to go with him. I knew I didn't have the bravery to do it. "I don't know whom I want to go with, honestly. Whom do you want to go with?" I asked Edward, trying to take the focus off of me.

"I don't know either," he shrugged.

"Oh." I knew I wasn't helping, but I didn't know what else to say. I had no idea why I said what I said next, but it took me by surprise as much as it did Edward. "You should take Lauren."

"What?" Disbelief filled his voice.

I didn't really know how to explain it, so I said the first thing that came to mind. "Well, I mean, she's pretty, and she's wanted you to notice her forever." I really wanted him to tell me no, that he didn't want to go with her and that he wanted to go with me. I wanted him to choose me, even though I knew he wouldn't do that.

He seemed to contemplate that for a minute. "Um, all right, then. I'll go with Lauren," he said. He didn't sound like he wanted to, though.

"You don't want to go with her?"

"No, you're right. I should go with her," he said, shaking his head incredulity.

I had to admit, my heart sank a little. I didn't actually believe he would decide to go with her, of all the girls at Forks High. My mind started going over the events that would happen: he would ask Lauren, she would to rub it all in my face every chance she got, they would have a good time at the dance, and they would end up at an after party together. I was officially the biggest idiot in the world.

Dinner with Edward's parents was nice. I met his dad, who was very handsome. He was blond with blue eyes. He had a very dominant quality that made him appear more respectable. He had a kind smile, and I could definitely tell why Esme was attracted to him.

He said hello to Edward and pecked Esme on her lips, then taking his seat at the head of the grand table. They talked about each others' day, much like my dad and I do when I cook for him.

I liked not having to cook for once, even if I did love cooking. Edward's parents were very hospitable, making sure I had what I wanted to drink and that I had enough food. Esme had prepared a beef pot roast with potatoes and carrots, which, ironically, was my favorite meal.

"The roast is amazing, Esme. Perfectly tender," I complemented.

"Thank you, Bella," Esme said. "It's nice to see that someone actually tastes their food." Her eyes moved to Edward, whom was sitting on my left. I looked at him, too. He was stuffing his face; his cheeks made him resemble a chipmunk.

"What? At least if I eat it you know I like it," he said, continuing to stuff his face. I giggled.

"Did you know that pot roast is my favorite meal?" I asked Esme.

"No, I didn't! I guess I couldn't have planned for a better night to have you eat with us!" Esme seemed delighted.

"So how long have you and Edward been friends?" Dr. Cullen asked.

"I met him on the first day of school. We got along pretty well, becoming friends fairly fast," I told him.

"Homecoming is coming up. Are you two planning on going with each other, you know, just as friends?" Something about how Dr. Cullen asked that question made me think he thought Edward and I were hiding something from him. Were we?

"No, Dad, Bells insisted that I take another girl from our class," Edward informed his dad.

"Who's that?" Dr. Cullen asked, taking a bite of potatoes.

"Lauren Mallory."

"Oh, Edward," Esme said, pleadingly. "Please take someone else! Anyone would be so much better than that little-"

"Ahem," Dr. Cullen interrupted his wife. "If Edward wants to take Lauren, that's his choice." Esme pursed her lips, obviously disagreeing with Edward's decision. I felt bad since I mentioned he should take her, but I couldn't help but smile at his mom's disapproval.

"So who're you going with, Bella?" Dr. Cullen asked me.

"I don't know. I suppose I was just going to go with whomever asked me first."

"Don't do that," Edward said. It seemed more of a warning than a friendly suggestion.

"Why not?" I asked imploringly.

"Well, you could end up with someone like Mike Newton," Edward said. I didn't want that to happen at all.

"What do you suppose I should do, then, Edward?" I asked. I was a little freaked out, not at Edward, but at the thought of Mike Newton asking me to the dance.

We finished our meal, continuing with random conversations. I addressed Edward's dad as "Dr. Cullen," and he insisted I call him Carlisle. Esme made apple crisp for desert, which was just as good as the roast. I asked her where she learned to cook so well. She said her dad had been the owner and head chef in one of the more "elite" restaurants in her hometown of Columbus, Ohio when she was growing up. There were a lot of days she spent in the restaurant kitchen, helping her dad cook.

"Thank you for the amazing food, but I really should get home. It's getting late, it's been dark out for a few hours now, and I don't want my dad to start to worry," I said once we all finished our desert.

"I'm so sorry to keep you!" Esme said. "Will you take some of the food home with you, though? There's no way the three of us would eat all of it!"

"Sure, I have a good feeling my dad will eat it." I helped Esme made me a few Tupperware containers of the dinner and desert we just ate to take home. I thanked her again for everything. She just brushed it off, telling me I could come around anytime. Edward walked me out to my truck.

"Your parents are really nice," I said.

"They're not always. They seem to really like you, though, and they don't usually like my friends that are girls," Edward said. I blushed, then Edward smiled. "There it is again."

We were at my truck now, my back toward the driver door. His eyes were focused on mine with great intensity. He had a crooked smile that, on any other guy, would have looked odd. But on Edward it made him look even more attractive than was humanly possible. He took a small step forward, and my heart rate quickened, my breathing intensifying. You could see my and Edward's breath since it was cold outside.

"What do you mean?" I barely whispered. His eyes were still locked on mine. He reached his hand up to my cheek, brushing his thumb across my cheekbone. I could feel the warmth of his breath against my skin and it made me shiver. He tilted his head toward mine.

Then the front door opened. He moved away from me. "Hey, Edward, when Bella leaves, do you think you could take out the trash?" It was Carlisle.

"Yeah, Dad, sure thing." His dad went back inside.

"Um, I'll just see you at school tomorrow?" I said so nervously that it came out like a question. I didn't know what else to say or do.

"Yeah, see you tomorrow, Bells," he said nervously. I got in my truck and left, noticing that Edward watched me until I drove out of sight.

~*v*~

"Jess?"

"Yeah, Bella?"

"I need to tell you something," I said. It was lunch period; Jessica and I were at our usual table, sans Angela. She had a cold and stayed home. It had been two days since the almost kiss with Edward, and it was eating me alive. I couldn't stop thinking about what almost happened.

"What about?"

"It's about Edward." Jessica whipped her head to me the second the first syllable of his name left my lips.

"Continue..." Jessica said. I knew I had her full attention.

"Monday night, I had dinner at Edward's house. His mom invited me. When I was about to leave, he almost kissed me," I said. Thinking about it still sent my stomach into somersaults.

"Oh! Bella! This is exciting!" Jessica said, clapping her hands and bouncing in her seat.

"Kinda. Except we were interrupted by his dad."

"That explains why he hasn't been around the last few days. So what happened?" she asked.

"I went home. It was kind of awkward after we realized what happened," I said. I had to admit, I was disappointed that we didn't kiss.

"Well, if Edward is smart, he will ask you to the homecoming dance," Jessica stated firmly.

"I have a feeling he won't be asking me," I said, somber.

"Yeah, right, and you two didn't almost kiss last night," she scoffed, rolling her eyes dramatically.

I wanted to tell Jessica that I told Edward he should go with Lauren, but something told me that wasn't a good idea.

"If he doesn't ask me, I'll just ask someone else," I said.

"Really? I would be surprised if you did."

"Well, it is the 21st century. Girls can ask the guys," I said, mocking her.

She smiled, going back to her lunch. "Well, it's true."

I looked instinctively toward the table Edward sat at when he didn't sit with me. Lauren was at his table; they seemed to be talking. Jealousy flared up in me when I realized that he was actually going to ask her to the dance. I knew I had no reason to be mad since I told him to take her, but that didn't stop the anger I felt. I knew my face had to portray some sort of emotion toward the interaction going on between the two of them since Jessica asked me what was wrong. She looked in the direction I was looking and saw what had me so upset.

"Oh, Bella. I am so sorry," Jessica consoled. I realized I couldn't appear mad when I walked into my next class, since Edward was in there. I was horrible at hiding my feelings, but I knew I couldn't let this get to me, let Edward see how much it upset me. We had a stronger friendship than that. I had to let it go.

I couldn't let it go. Biology hour was awkward, and I was trying hard not to make it awkward, but it seemed like no matter what, being next to Edward was awkward.

Mr. Banner assigned the class to copy notes off of a slide show that was projected onto the wall. It was about half way through the class when Edward spoke to me for the first time in 48 hours.

"Are you OK?" he asked.

"Yeah, why?" I replied, trying to keep my voice as even and emotionless as possible.

"You just seem... different," he told me.

"Well, if you really want to know, I'm a little confused," I started, looking up at Edward. He seemed as if he knew exactly what I was talking about.

"Why are you confused, Bella?" He called me "Bella." Not "Bells," like my name is music to his ears, but just plain "Bella," the name I found ugly ever since the first time Edward called me "Bells."

"You called me Bella," I said.

"What are you talking about?"

"You usually call me 'Bells,' and now you're calling me 'Bella.' You never have called me 'Bella' before," I said, a little hurt.

"Oh, I didn't know it was so important that I call you 'Bells,'" he said, sounding surprised. "So, Bells, why are you so confused?"

I didn't want to explain it all at school where other people could potentially overhear. I wanted to talk to Edward in private.

"Just… come over after school, and we'll talk then, all right?" I whispered, not wanting Mr. Banner to hear us talking.

"All right."

~*v*~

I was thinking of what I was going to say to Edward when he got to my house. He had football practice after school, so he couldn't come over right away.

That gave me time to think about what to say so I wouldn't sound like a blithering idiot. I was upset for sure, mad even. I had no right to be mad at him for asking Lauren, but after what happened between us the other night, I figured he wouldn't ask her.

I started a load of laundry, waiting for Edward. It was past four-thirty, and I knew his practices ended at four. I started pulling things out to make pork chops when there was a knock at the door. My heart started racing; he was here. I let Edward in the house, going back to preparing dinner.

"Bells?" he said it like a question, using his silky soft voice. My legs felt like jello; I held onto the countertop for stability.

"Yes, Edward?" I said once I found my balance.

"Look at me, please," he said. I didn't so he got up to approach me from behind. I turned instinctively at his closeness. "What was wrong today?"

I had to say something. "Where have you been the last few days, Edward?"

The room got real tense. I watched Edward's face for some signal, some sort of emotion to tell me what could possibly be going through his mind. I got nothing.

"Monday night... You left so quickly... I didn't know..." He couldn't form a proper sentence. Hell, he couldn't form an improper sentence.

"Let's talk about Monday night, shall we?" I suggested. "I went to your house for the first time, and you introduced me to your mom as your 'best friend.' Your parents treated me like I was your girlfriend—like they already knew who I was—and then when I was leaving, you almost kissed me! Almost freakin' kissed me! Not to mention for the next few days, you acted as if I didn't even exist, even in the one class we have together. And, to top it all off, you still asked Lauren to the school dance! I don't know what I did wrong Edward, but I think I deserve to know. I think I have the right." My heart was beating fast from the adrenaline, my chest puffing out with every breath I took. Edward's eyes never left mine, his gaze intense.

"OK."

"'OK'? After all that, all I get is an 'OK'?" I yelled. I was already annoyed as it was, but getting that short answer tipped me over the edge.

"Please, just stop! I'm trying to process it all. I'm just as confused as you are," he said, sitting back down and running his hands through his hair multiple times.

"OK." I turned back to making dinner to calm myself down. I seasoned the pork chops, covering them and setting them in the fridge. I peeled potatoes, rinsed, cut, and put them in a pot to get ready to boil. I wrapped fresh asparagus in foil with some salt, pepper, and olive oil and put it in the fridge with the pork. I preheated the oven and sat next to Edward at the small table in the kitchen.

"I almost kissed you," he finally said, his voice full of nerves. It wasn't a question; he was stating it as fact.

"Yes," I replied, just as nervous.

"You almost kissed me back."

I hesitated, taken back a little by the question. "Yes."

"Am I your best friend?" he asked.

"I would say so," I replied without a doubt in my mind.

"Why would you say that?" he asked, as if he needed a reason, something to justify out friendship.

I look at him, making eye contact. His eyes had so many emotions going through them: confusion, nervousness, uncertainty. All of the emotions that were displayed on his face I recognized as the same ones I was feeling. "We spend a lot of time together. I think you're the only person in the world that likes crab-flavored potato chips. You know more about me than I've ever let anyone else know. We get along so well, and I couldn't see myself having a best friend that isn't you. I hope you feel the same way about me."

"I do." Him saying those two small words made the uncertainty I felt lift away. I was almost elated, but then I remembered he asked Lauren to the dance.

"You asked Lauren to homecoming."

"Yes."

"Why?"

"Because you told me to," he said. I raised an eyebrow. "Well, you did!"

"I know I did. I just didn't think you would since we almost kissed," I pointed out.

"I thought about that, too."

"And the consensus?"

"I thought, 'I should ask Bella to homecoming', but the more I thought about it, I knew I couldn't. I couldn't because we're best friends. Girls can go to school dances together, and it doesn't mean anything but as soon as two friends of the opposite sex go to a dance together, everything changes. I didn't want that for us. I want us to stay friends for a very long time, Bella Swan... which is why I decided, in the end, to still go with Lauren."

I had to admit, I was a little hurt. Hearing him say that he only wanted to be friends with me made me feel like I wasn't good enough. And he called me 'Bella'... again... twice. It just wasn't my day. "OK."

"After all that, all I get is 'OK'?" Edward flashed his lopsided smile, which brought a smile to my face, cheering me up instantly.

"Touché, my friend, touché." The buzzer on the stove went off, letting me know it was done preheating. I stood up, as did Edward.

"Are we good?" he asked.

"Yeah, we're good," I said. He pulled me into a hug, the scent of his cologne filling my nose and making me feel lightheaded. He moved away too soon.

"I'll see you tomorrow, Bells," he said, leaving. He called me "Bells."

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