After the clapping died down, and the house lights came on, we all filed out of the aisle following Mr and Mrs. Cullen out the double doors and into the lobby. I leaned over to Arisu and whispered, "Really Arisu, it wasn't that long. It was perfectly timed, and it was really cool. You really are a bit of a drama queen," I teased. I gave Arisu an amused smile.

"Bella-chan, this is intermission." She stated curtly while giving Edward an evil glare.

"Oh…." was all I could reply. Arisu stared at the shocked expression on my face while giving me her I told you so smirk.

Once we finished our light meal in the theater's restaurant and drank our hopefully ultra-caffeinated green tea, the Cullens and I made our way back to our seats. I was surprised to see that this time Edward led the way into our row, an attempt I assumed to force Arisu to be seated next to his parents.

I sat down beside him while ignoring Arisu's scowl on my right. Edward's eyes frowned back at both of us on my left at. God he was such a pill.

I settled into my small chair, again noticing how closely seated we were to one another. I immediately felt the warmth of Edward's upper arm and leg practically flush with mine. Why were these damn chairs so close together? I complained inwardly. It felt just a little too close for my liking. I shifted uncomfortably and smoothed the bottom of my dress, fanning it out over my knees.

At that moment the lights dimmed and the show began its second act. It was only about three minutes into the performance when I became strangely aware of Edward beside me. I realized I could feel the deep rise and fall of his chest while he breathed, and I thought I could feel his heart beating as well. I glanced at his elbow resting on our shared armrest. His arm looked very strong and lean. My eyes traced down his muscles to his hands that were clasped together in his lap. Wow, I thought. He has really nice hands. I'd never been this close to him to notice.

An unfamiliar feeling started to simmer from within, making my stomach do a tiny turn over. I chanced a glance up at his face and inhaled quietly. Edward sat up straight and was looking directly at the stage, engaged fully in the drama. I was grateful he was unaware of my obvious staring. I could see the silhouette of his face: his strong jaw line, his lips, nose and wow, I never realized how long his eyelashes were – so pretty.

What are you doing, Bella? I snapped my head down feeling my cheeks redden.

My eyes returned to the stage and soon enough the actors recaptured my full attention. Arisu and I held hands, giving each other the occasional encouraging smile and hand squeeze when we felt our eyelids getting heavy. I leaned over to Arisu and whispered into her ear.

"You were right, I like it, but this is REALLY long." She smiled back kindly and leaned her head onto mine.

I started to stir with the feeling of someone's hand squeezing my right knee and shaking me gently. I was so warm and comfy I didn't want to wake up. I snuggled closer towards the warmth strengthening my grip as I whispered softly, "I don't want to wake up Ari – let me sleep. I'm having the best dream… please don't make it end…." I groaned. I wrapped my arm further around my pillow. Hmmm, this is a hard pillow…. I pressed my fingers in deeper and realized what I was clutching wasn't a pillow, nor was I at home in my bed.

Oh no. No no no… I clenched my eyes shut tighter praying that I could wake myself up from this nightmare.

Sometime between trying to stay awake with Arisu and this moment, I had unconsciously decided my arms and right leg were tentacles. I was a hungry octopus, and somehow Edward was my prey.

I think only my arms were twisted around his arm with my head resting gently on his side just a second ago, but the moment I tried to nuzzle into my 'pillow' I stretched my head over onto his chest, my arm snaked around his waist and my left leg curled over his legs.

I heard people applauding and the room started to brighten. With a jolt I extracted myself from Edward's body and cringed away from him. In wide-eyed panic I looked over at him. Edward had the oddest expression of anger on his face. He was absolutely furious. His face was red and blotchy and he looked out of breath. "Ahh, gomenasai, gomenasai, gomenasai…." I whispered very quietly dropping my head into my hands in absolute humiliation.

What was wrong with me? God, why did I do that? How long was I sleeping, and on him of all people?? Why didn't I just fall asleep on Arisu?

I looked to my right and saw Arisu stand up. She had a look on her face that told me she was trying her best not to laugh. It was unsuccessful. I looked at her parents as they gathered their belongings and strode up the aisle. Edward disappeared from my opposite side.

"Oh my God, Arisu, how long was I sleeping? Why didn't you wake me? Oh, I am so embarrassed. I am so sorry. Did your parents see? I feel so disrespectful…." I tried to refrain but a few tears leaked out. My cheeks burned hotly.

"Bella relax, it's okay. My parents didn't see, nobody saw… really." She affirmed.

"But Bella, the look on Edward's face… that was priceless." Arisu smirked.

"He was so angry I think I saw steam leak out of his ears." I sulked.

"No, I'm talking about his face before you attached your outer limbs to him. He looked so panicked and nervous like he was about to vomit the whole time." Arisu giggled.

Ouch, that stung. I knew those two enjoyed verbal sparring and that Arisu felt happy she had something to use against Edward in the future.

But it was upsetting to have to hear Edward's utter distain for me verified like that.

Awkwardly, I followed Arisu out of the hall, wishing I could snap my fingers and be home and asleep in bed. I wanted this day to be over with now.

I felt ill for the rest of the evening. I tried in earnest not to replay the unfortunate event from earlier in my head to no avail. I avoided Edward all night, keeping my head down and staying quiet.

Carlisle asked me during dinner if I was feeling unwell. I replied saying that I was just feeling a little tired, which prompted a chuckle from Arisu.

Feeling deflated after dinner, I didn't wait for Arisu to go upstairs. I quickly changed into my pajamas, climbed into bed and shut out the light.

When I was about to doze off, the door creaked open and Arisu crept in and over to my bed.

"Bella chan, I brought you something." Arisu whispered softly kneeling down beside me.

I sat up in my bed and Ari turned on the reading light. In her hands she had my favorite ice-cream treat, chocolate wafer monaka – a treat Esume-san didn't like us eating because it was so sugary and processed.

"Where did you get this?" I asked in surprise.

"I had it hidden in the back of the freezer for an emergency." She said smiling.

"What's the emergency?" I asked solemnly.

I looked at Arisu and she had the sincerest look of regret in her eyes.

"I'm sorry I laughed at you today at the theater, and again at dinner. I didn't realize how upset you were by what happened today. And my snickering didn't help either. Bella, will you please forgive me?"

I nodded and she leaned forward giving me a much-needed hug.

"Daijoubu?" She asked.

"Yes, I'm okay." I replied.

She handed me the ice cream with a genuine smile and said, "it's all yours…."

I took the treat, broke it in half and handed her a piece.

"Hai dozo…" I said.

"Hai arigato!" she replied excitedly.

A/N

I am truly sorry its taken so long to post. Thank you for your patience.

And I am sorry this chapter is a short one. I'll make it up to you though, I am posting chapter five right now.

Choco-monaka for everyone who leaves a review….

Arigato!