A/N: I'm Alive! I'm sorry, I've been so busy with school work. Doing this chapter was such a chapter. I'm hoping this 9-page chapter will make up for my long absence.

Thank you to all you guys who have been putting me on their story alerts, author alerts and such! Keep the reviews coming :) So enjoy! Hopefully, the next chapter will be up soon.

Disclaimer: I still don't own Twilight. Still Stephanie Meyer's

POV: Bella Swan

Four hours of sleep really never got me through one day. But it would have to do for today.

I had no idea why I had woken up at 8 o'clock in the morning on this certain Saturday, much less after a party. I was pretty sure that I would be knocked dead for the whole day because we had gotten home only a little past 4 am. But here I was, up at 8 in the morning, doing nothing but staring into the ceiling. It was quiet in our apartment, and I wouldn't dare to wake Rosalie up.

I looked at my cellphone, silent by my bedside table. Before I could stop myself, I heaved a sigh. My reaction almost shocked me, because I knew what that meant.

I was actually hoping that he'd call me.

If nothing beyond that accident with the punch had happened last night, I would be absolutely mortified of the simple fact that he wanted to talk to me.

Thank God, he wasn't as petty as most people were.

We spent the evening together, talking about little things. We talked about a couple of things: school, family and friends, mostly. Together with Edward, my evening turned upside down. No more Klutzy Bella, just me talking to a friend. Rose would be proud that she'd accomplished to bring me out.

I decided staring at the ceiling wasn't doing me any good, so I decided to get up and grab myself some coffee. I scuffled through the morning papers, nothing interesting really catching my attention. I took a sip off my mug of coffee.

"Look who's up early!" I heard Rose's sweet, piercing voice. I turned to her and smiled widely. "And she's in a good mood, too. Oh, I never thought I'd ever see you wake up in a good enough mood to actually smile in the morning."

I half scowled and half laughed. "So I'm not allowed to have my good days?" Rose sat beside me, inattentively flipping through the papers as I had earlier.

"So you got any plans today?" she asked me.

I looked at her, and laughed out of sarcasm. "Rose, you actually think I have plans? I know we haven't been with each other too long, but I thought you'd know me enough to say that my social life is so close to nil."

"'Close to nil my butt. You just came from a party last night, Bella. You must have found some new friends." Rose scowled.

"Let's rephrase then. My social skills are close to nil."

"Then we'll have to do something about it," she responded, getting up from the seat. "I'm going to Emmet's in a while. You wanna join me? Just so you don't spend the whole day sulking around here like a lonely teenager only does."'

I almost jumped off my seat to scream an affirmation, but that would have been so out of character for me. Heck, even I didn't know why my heart almost skipped a beat.

Maybe Edward's going to be there, I thought to myself… and then I snapped out of my daydream.

"So, are you coming or what?" Rose asked again. "I don't have all day to wait for your response, Bella."

I heaved a breath, pretending like I couldn't care less when it was just an attempt for me to calm myself down. "Yeah, I guess I'll go with you. Couldn't hurt me a bit, really."

She smiled so wide I'd think she was up to something, but I was too happy to mind. I'd have to let it slide for today. Maybe some other day, I'll get back at her…

"I'm leaving in 30 minutes. Enough time to get ready for you?" she asked. I stifled my laughter.

"30 Minutes, Rose, that's more than enough for me," I responded, pulling my hair up into a ponytail. She rolled her eyes, muttering as she walked towards her room.

"And that's exactly why you've always, always been the wallflower."

I couldn't believe it. I never thought I could ever be so idle in my life. Somehow, I'd always found something to do. But today, I had absolutely nothing in my arsenal. I'd spent the whole morning staring at the ceiling in my room, tinkering with a couple items in my room that never seemed to hold my interest. I turned to my bedside, looking at my cellphone. It hadn't beeped a single time since this morning, and though I was pretty used to that, I was hoping today would be different. I was still waiting for him to call.

I couldn't place what it was with him that drew me to him, nor could I place why I was so intrigued. I'd never been the most sociable person on the planet, and my father could vouch for that (mostly because he was just the same). I enjoyed the luxuries of being alone, not having to bother with much else. But today, it had to be different.

I almost gave up. I'd see him this afternoon, I talked myself into believing. I was heading to their house with Rose, because she was seeing Emmet, but I wasn't absolutely sure that he was going to be home. I couldn't believe I had the guns to do that. I knew I'd look like an absolute idiot if he wasn't there.

Just when I was about to get up to get ready, my phone rang. Vibrating harshly on the wooden side table, If my senses hadn't overtaken me any sooner, I'd have simply stared at the phone, and the number that registered. It was Edward.

Picking up seemed to be the hardest task in the world, but I found myself scrambling to pick up the phone. I held the receiver up to my ear.

"Hey!" I said, a little too enthusiastically.

"Bella?" He asked silently, and I could hear his voice shake absolutely slightly over the phone. I would have laughed if I wasn't as shaky as he was. "It's Edward"

"I was hoping you'd call," I smiled.

"You were?" he asked, amused.

"Yeah, well, I was dying of boredom over here at the dormitory," I followed up. I mentally scolded myself for voicing out such a thought. Tactless was what it totally was. Absolutely like me to slip that way.

"We're on the same boat then. Why don't you come over to the house, and maybe we'll figure out what to do with our time." He suggested.

"I'll be there in 30 minutes or so. Rose and I were really planning to come over, and I was hoping you'd be home."

"And I am. Coincidence?" he asked lightly, amused.

"Absolutely not. I'm a psychic and I knew that you'd be home,"'

"Funny, Bella. I'll see you in a while," he told me, and I chuckled.

"Can't wait."

I dropped the line, getting up to get ready. I laughed at how eager I was to spend the afternoon with him.

POV : Edward Cullen

I heaved a sigh the moment that we dropped the line. A ridiculous smile etched upon my face as I pocketed my cellphone.

"Now that wasn't too hard, was it?" Emmet asked as his laughter effectively echoed in my room. I simply shook my head.

"It felt good," I admitted. "But I think admitting to murder could have been a little easier."

"It's a woman's way of assaulting our pride." My brother explained, clapping my shoulder, and I laughed.

"Obviously an effective way, Em," I chuckled. "'But don't dare let Alice ever hear you say that."

My brother boomed with laughter as he moved away. I heard him mutter similar to "impending doom" as he walked away.

"He's coming over with Rose, by the way." What I said almost sounded like a whisper.

"Good. Finally, you've found yourself some company," Emmet replied. "Alice will be proud."

I smirked at him. "Of course she would be. Operation 'Get Edward out There' yesterday was a great success."

"Emmet, Rose is at the door," I heard Alice bellow. I smiled, continuing to play the piano. My fingers glided across the keyboard effortlessly; I wouldn't allow anyone to notice that my mind lingered elsewhere.

The door to the music room opened before I could get totally lost in my thoughts. A scent of strawberries overwhelmed my senses and the aroma grew stronger as I reached the cadence of the piece. I felt the piano bench sink slightly as she sat beside me.

"That was beautiful," She whispered. I smiled.

"I'm glad you like it,"' I responded, and I felt her heat radiate toward me. I wouldn't admit that I knew she was blushing. Not yet, at least.

"So do you have anything planned for us today?" I asked her, facing her general direction.

"Absolutely nothing," she responded. "Do you?"

"'Well, not exactly. I hope you don't mind staying home fore the afternoon," I asked quite sheepishly, because I absolutely had no idea either.

"I don't mind," she said. "I enjoy being home. I refuse to spend every waking hour of my life away from home. Besides, it's a lot more comfortable in a house than in a mall," I heard the exasperation over the idea and I chuckled. Alice would have a hard time with her.

"I get what you mean," I said. "But maybe, we could go out for dinner at least."

I heard a sharp intake of breath (well, sharper than her normal breath at the very least) and I felt myself tense almost as immediately. I coaxed myself to calm down, hoping Bella hadn't noticed my 'not-so-subtle' reaction.

But my worries would vanish soon. With the sweetest voice, she said "I'd love to,"'

POV: Bella Swan

If begging for more time wasn't such a waste of what I had left, I would have done just that. Could the afternoon had passed any quicker?

We'd spent the afternoon in the hojme of the Cullens. Rose and Emmet were out on a date, and so were Alice and Jasper, effectively leaving us alone in their home. Like I told Edward though, I absolutely didn't mind staying home.

He showed me his extensive music collection in his room and as we browsed through his music, we attempted to play a round of 20 questions. It was an obsolete attempt: we went WAY BEYOND 20 questions.

I'd learned so much from him out of one afternoon. He was a music major, his concentration on his virtuosic piano playing and his breathtaking compositions, and I could understand why he had received a full scholarship the way that he displayed his prowess as we spent some time in the music room. Edward openly admitted that the music had been his life ever since he could imagine.

I never imagined how my time here at Seattle would be. At home in Forks, I'd always only had Jacob, my childhood friend on my side. I hadn't thought I'd gain friends so easily here, but somehow, with Edward around, I already felt at ease with so many things I usually wouldn't normally feel at ease with.

I'd given him time to freshen up when the clock chimed 6., right before we left the abode for dinner. I left his room, wandering mindlessly across the hallway. I stumbled upon a vanity mirror and I stared back at my reflection, not pleased with what met me. My curly brown hair was tousled, and I smoothed it out with my fingers. I was thin and pale and the slightest blush would show through my thin skin. I sighed. Plain Jane, just like I had always been.

"You know, I'm glad that you ran into him last night."

I spun to meet the voice, matching it to Alice, Edwards twin brother. She was home from her shopping spree with her boyfriend.

"Though I'd have wanted meeting him to have been a little more dignified o n my part, I'm just as glad that I met him," I smiled, practically muttering the beginning of my phrase.

"And before I ever forget," Alice smiled. "Thank You,"

"For what?"

"For making Edward happier than I have ever seen him."'

POV: Edward Cullen

It baffled me, knowing that this Bella Swan was a mystery to me.

I've always believed that a certain sense had overtaken me ever since I had lost my eyesight. I'd always seen beyond the physical. Meeting a person once was enough fro me to know what to expect.

But Bella Swan was as hard to read for me as a normal book was. She was a mystery to me, and that fascinated me.

Knowing her better today was much more comfortable than I had imagined it to be. She was easy to get along with: not too talkative, she knew when the silence was welcome and when it wasn't.

She grew up in Phoenix, Arizona (that explained a lot to me about her accent, but had decided to move to Forks, Washington with ther dad when her parents decided to go their separate ways. She was taking a Bachelor of Arts in Photography for a year in a small college in Forks, but decided to move forward to pursue her passion for writing over here in Seattle.

Today though, she was just Bella. She remained sweet and charming through out the day, but what struck me most was that she acted indifferently toward me. Normally, because of my handicap, I'd struggle with people, friends who'd think they were being nice by treating me like a baby. Not exactly what we needed. Actually, it was more the opposite. I knew people I shared this fate with were all like me: we valued our independence much more than other people did; mostly because even the simplest things that others tend to overlook are a challenge to us. Bella knowing that pampering me was not the only way to deal with my incapacities gave a great boost to my ego, though I would never openly admit that. The day was comfortable in her company.

But the end of the day came much too quickly. Had Bella not pointed out the time, I would never have noticed. She had gracefully given me time to collect myself, prepare and freshen up just before we left for dinner.

I removed my glasses and slipped of the t-shirt I'd worn the whole day. I inspected the contents of my closet, running my fingers down the Braille labels that hung on them. I threw on jeans and cotton tee shirt, throwing a loose polo over it. I slipped my fingers along my unruly hair. I doubted there was anything to be done to tame it: I've been told there was no hope for it.

I heaved a sigh, retrieving my glasses from the bedside table, and putting it on. I wondered where we were bound with this little friendship that we had. I had a hunch, but I would refuse to admit it, if only because I was acting like a coward. But everything I've done so far has surprised me; I've gone far beyond my own expectations, so I guess only fate knows the answer.

No matter what, I was bent into making this evening as good or as better, never the less, the most memorable dinner we ever spent together.

"You're being absolutely ridiculous, Bella," I said, more amused than annoyed at where this conversation was going.

"I drive an old rusty Chevy at home, Edward. And it's running on borrowed time already. You actually trust me to drive your Volvo unharmed?" she asked, absolutely terrified of driving my car.

My CAR. Can you believe, my mom and my dad had the guts to give me one for Christmas last year, when there was no possible way for me to use it anyway. It ended up as Emmet's alternate ride, on dates, mostly. But I wouldn't tell Bella that. It grossed me out, and I wasn't planning on sharing that gruesome feeling with her. Some secrets are better kept.

"Are you going to stare at the car all night, Bella? Because if you are, then I'm hurt," I said a little to sarcastically.

"Why?" she asked. She hadn't moved since we reached the garage, and I wouldn't be surprised to think that she hadn't breathed since, either.

"Because I can't do that with you," I smiled at her and she pulled her arm away from my grip.

"Don't you pull that card on me, Edward Cullen," she demanded. "I'm not spending the night staring at your car. I'll never understand why you have one, but I'm getting inside, and you'll have to find your way in on your own," she stomped ahead of me, clearly upset. I was determined to turn this around though. I'd face her challenge.

I followed her enraged foot steps until she had slammed the car door, far more violently than I would have hoped for. I was sure I had this place figured out, and I stepped back a bit. I traced my fingers through the smooth painted metal surface of the car, until I reached the hinges, and then the door handle. I opened it and climbed in successfully.

"'That was fairly easy," I said with a grin, but she simply huffed. She mumbled things unintelligible to me, but I caught the words "impossibly cheeky," enough to make me chuckle. She remained silent and unmoved, and I realized this wasn't working. I reached down towards the manual transmissions, finding her hand exactly where I expected it to be: on the gear shift.

"I'm sorry. Would it make you up to you if I let you choose where we eat tonight?" I asked sincerely, rubbing circles in her hand. I felt her soften under my touch. Mission accomplished.

"I want pizza" she said simply. Well, I didn't expect that.

"Come on, Bella, you must want something other than that. I'm paying if that means anything to you," I told her.

"It means absolutely nothing, Edward. You asked what I wanted, and I'd like some pizza. I don't see a problem in that." She said, firm and in control. I sighed.

"You're a controlling woman, Isabella Swan," I told her. "I don't think I've ever been manhandled so completely in my life by a stranger,"'

"Stranger?" she asked, her voice softening with worry. I smiled warmly.

"As in, someone other than family," I said, seemingly assuring her as her she let out one long breath. "So, are you sure?" I had to ask one last time. She started the car, letting go of my hand.

"Absolutely,"

POV: Bella Swan

We'd spent the evening in one of the Pizza Hut chains nearby. Though I'd said I didn't mind splitting the bill, Edward insisted that he paid the whole bill. I wasn't willing to drag his ego down any time soon. I let him, though I swore that next time, I wouldn't let him pay for it all. It just seemed wrong. Just like every time that someone spent something for me. I hated being spent on.

We split a big sundae, and we devoured it like we hadn't ordered ourselves a whole pizza. I took first dibs, dipping my spoon into the huge bowl and putting it in my mouth. I hummed in delight.

"Is it good?" He asked me with a smile. I hummed an affirmative, and I saw a little chuckle escape him. I dipped the spoon in the fudge covered ice cream, ran it over his lips until he took the whole spoonful. He nodded his head, licking his lips off the excess sundae left on it.

"Bella, I've had such a good time today," he said after a moment of silence. "I don't think I've ever had so much fun in a long time,"

I smiled as we stood to leave for home. "I know what you mean," I said. "I enjoyed tonight as well,"

We drove to his house, simply listening to the music in his ipod that we had hooked up to the car stereo. The silence was pleasant, welcome and comfortable.

"Clair de Lune?" I asked him, identifying one of the pieces. I remember hearing it when my mom used to love playing those simplified versions of piano classics. He smiled.

"Debussy's my favorite," he said. "His pieces are the epitome of beauty and serenity. I always feel relaxed."

That was about all the conversation we had in the car. When we reached the Cullen home, he stepped out of the car, opening the door for me. I smiled at his gentlemanly gesture, though I knew it would be lost in translation in his sightless eyes. I took his hand as he held it out and stood up. We walked silently to the porch of their home. Before we could knock though, he pulled me back and I spun to face him.

"Bella," he practically breathed my name. "I… hope you don't mind, but I'd like to ask you something."

My heart thumped, doubling in speed almost immediately. He kept his hand on mine, clasped tight, as if never wanting to let go. "Yes?" I managed to choke out before I turned totally blue.

"I'd like to… see you, if you allow me," he asked, almost abashed at the suggestion. I looked at him in confusion.

"How?" I asked, voicing out my puzzlement.

"I have my ways," he smiled at me. His hand slowly let go of mine, running up my arm, to my shoulders, to my neck, then to my face. I closed my eyes, realizing what he was trying to do.

His hands practically caressed my face. He touched the corners of my eyes, tracing every single one of my plain Jane features. I felt myself heat up, sending chills up my spine. I opened my eyes, observing his face. He seemed genuinely happy. His hands cupped my cheek.

"You're blushing," he stated with amusement. I smiled, nodding, knowing he could feel the movement.

"You can tell?" I asked. He chuckled.

"I can feel all the heat rising up to your cheeks."

Blast that signature blush that I shared with my father.

He slowly dropped his hand from my face, taking my hand again. I regained my composure and breathed out.

"That was nice," he said. "Finally being able to put a face to the lovely person that I met today," I could see a smile playing up on his perfect face. He seemed truly happy, and somehow, I understood how he felt. I took his other hand.

"Today was perfect. We''ll do this again, I'm sure," I said. I was tired, but somehow, something in me refused to let this day end.

"Yeah, we will," he said silently, with a smile. "Take the car home, I don't want you walking back to the dorm this evening. Just return it tomorrow,"

I said yes. I was too tired to argue. And I was too preoccupied thinking of the day we had spent together. I was all too preoccupied with him. Something told me we had much to learn about each other, and something told me, we had all the time in the world to spend learning about each other.