(A/N) I do not own any of the characters from The Twilight Saga. The wonderful and talented Stephenie Meyer has that privilege. ;)
BPOV: Chapter Seven
Edward - 12
Bella - 12
I had just been sitting in an uncomfortable chair for about an hour and a half and now I just want to go home.
The car ride was quiet because my mom knew I had a really bad headache and my mouth hurt. When we pulled up in our driveway I got out of the car as fast as I could and ran up to my room.
"Edward!" I gasped when I saw him laying on my bed reading an orange book. "What the heck are you doing in here?! You scared the crap out of me!"
"I've been waiting in here for a while now," he explained, "and might I say, you have quite the diary. Very amusing." he said while smirking and tossing the book on the bed next to him.
"Edward! That's private, you little creep!" I shouted while walking over to him and punching his arm repeatedly .
"Okay, okay! Stop! It hurts now!" he yelled after several punches.
I sat down next to him and put my hand over my mouth as I fell back onto the bed. He sprang up and scooted closer to me.
"Let me see them. Do they hurt?" he asked about my braces I had just gotten today.
"No, they're disgusting. And of course they hurt. They're unnatural and metal," I said in an annoyed tone.
"Just let me see, Bella. Please," he pouted like a puppy.
"No!" I argued.
He huffed, "But, Bella, if I had to get them, I'd show you!"
"No need to brag that your teeth are perfect and everything!" I shouted louder than intended.
"Okay. Bye," he said as he stood up and headed towards the door.
I sighed. "Edward, okay fine. You can see."
He turned with a smile on his face and ran over to sit down next to me.
"Open up," he demanded.
I started to open my mouth then I stopped, "Just please don't make fun of me." I begged.
"I won't," he laughed before sticking out his pinkie. I grabbed it with mine. "I promise," he reassured me.
I let go and squeezed my eyes close tight before smiling really wide.
"Bella, they aren't that bad. I swear. I mean, yeah you look different, but you'll get used to it. And you'll be even more beautiful after you get them off," he blushed.
I laughed at him, "No need to lie, Edward. I know… they're bad."
"No!" he argued, "They aren't. You'll get used to them after a week. Because I'm already used to them." he said while smirking at me.
I threw my self at him and wrapped my arms around his neck. "Edward! Everyone's going to make fun of me at school! I look hideous!" I cried into his shirt.
"Bella, calm down! No one is going to make fun of you. You still look like Bella to me," he explained as he pulled away. "And if anyone makes fun of you- boy or girl- I'll take care of them." he smiled sweetly at me before kissing the top of my head.
"Thanks, Edward." I whispered.
"Bella, do you want to come over for dinner? Esme's making mashed potatoes and they're pretty soft so you won't have to chew," he said, his cheeks still slightly pink from blushing.
"Sure, just let me change into some sweats," I said as I went over to my drawer and got a pair of pants.
When I started unbuttoning my pants Edward spoke, "I'll just turn away," he laughed.
"Oh! Edward! I am so sorry, I'm just so used to changing in front of you, yanno? It's just because we've been friends since we were little so I'm not used to-" I mumbled nervously before I was cut off by Edward's finger on my lips.
"Silly, Bella." he chuckled, "It's fine. I understand. I'm used to it. I mean, we used bathe together," he laughed when I blushed. "So just continue, it's fine."
I nodded, "Sorry, again." I whispered. As I began to change I started to feel uncomfortable too. I ripped my pants off as fast as I could and then slipped my sweats on even faster. "Ready!" I exclaimed.
"Okay, let's go. Is Renee home?"
"No, she just dropped me off. I'll just leave her a note or something." I explained.
When we were down stairs I got out a pen and paper so I could write Renee a note.
mom,
i'm at the cullen's for dinner. call me when you get home, i'll probably stay the night with alice.
love you,
bella
I scribbled it quickly in my messy handwriting. I went over to the medicine cabinet to get two Motrin and then over to the sink to get a glass of water. After I swallowed them I turned to Edward who was staring at me. "Okay, now we can go," I mumbled.
He smiled and then walked over to the door and held it open for me.
The walk to his house was quiet, a little bit awkward for me because what happened earlier, but I don't think Edward minded. He seemed to be enjoying the nature.
"So… ummm." I hesitated.
"Bella," he started, "I already told you it was fine. I shouldn't have said anything. Your just making your self feel more awkward by thinking about it."
Sometimes I feel like Edward can read minds. He always knows how people are feeling and what they're thinking. It's crazy.
"I know, but I just feel stupid," I explained while rubbing my sore jaw.
"Well… why?"
"I don't know. We're just older now. We don't walk around half naked with each other anymore. That'd be weird," I said in all one breath.
"Bella." he paused to laugh, "Bella, oh, Bella. First of all, you weren't naked. And I didn't see you at all, so it's okay. Secondly it wouldn't matter anyways because you're just my friend," he laughed again, "I don't like you like that and you don't like me like that. We're just friends."
I just stared at him. He was right.
"You're right. It doesn't matter. But, I promise I'll use the bathroom next time I change." I laughed. Edward's smile grew larger.
"Okay, that sounds good," he agreed as he held the door open for me.
As we walked up the stairs, we saw Esme cooking something that smelt delicious.
"Hi, Bella!" she greeted when she saw us.
"Hello, Esme!" I said while smiling with my mouth closed.
"Bella just got her braces on today, Mom. She's going to be staying for dinner. Is that okay?" Edward asked.
"Oh, Edward, you know you don't have to ask anymore." she giggled, "Bella is practically your sister."
Edward laughed too, "Alright, well, Bella and I are going to go up stairs."
"Bye, Esme," I smiled. I love Esme. She's so nice that it seems inhuman sometimes.
"I'll call you down when dinner's ready!" she yelled when we were at the top of the stairs.
I ripped open Edward's door and ran over to his futon so I could lay down.
"So, where's Alice?" I asked while picking at the blanket still on Edward's pulled out bed.
"She went somewhere with Carlisle. I think to run some errands." he came over and sat down next to me.
"Wha-" I started.
"Emmett is with Jasper." he cut me off. "I'm finally the only child in the house. It's nice and quiet. The way I like it." he said as he looked up at the ceiling and smiled.
"Now you know how I feel," I laughed.
Edward laid down next to me on his back.
"Edward," I said as I turned on my side to face him, "are you sure no one's going to make fun of me Monday? Do you really, really promise?" I asked with a slight pout.
Edward turned on his side to face me. "Bella, you look fine. Older actually. But still like Bella. No one is going to make fun of you!" he exclaimed, "And if any one does, I'll have a little talk with them."
"Okay, good." I whispered while turning to lie on my back.
"Are, you tired, Bella?" he asked concerned.
"A little," I said before I yawned. "actually, yeah, a lot," I laughed.
"Why don't you sleep for a little bit and I'll wake you up when Esme calls?" he offered.
I just nodded because I was already falling asleep.
"Edward! Mom's been calling you down forever! Come on!" Alice screamed as she whipped Edward's door open. "Oh! Bella! I didn't know you were here!"
I opened my eyes and realized I was being held from behind. I looked down to see Edward's arms folded around me.
"Hi, Alice." I mumbled.
"Oh! You got your braces!" she screamed, making my headache worse, "let me see them!"
I tried to flash a smile but it instead came out looking like a grimace.
"Do they hurt?" she asked after staring for a minute.
"Yes. Like a lot, a lot." I explained.
"Ughhh. Well dinner's ready. So wake your little lover boy up and come down stairs," she smirked while bouncing out of the room.
"Stupid pixie," I mumbled under my breath. I turned a little on my side to look at Edward. He looked so peaceful that it made me even more tired. "Edward, wake up. Dinner's ready." I whispered. His grip on my waist got tighter and he buried his face in my hair. I stiffened up. Friends don't lay like this. Definitely not. "Come on! Get up!" I talked a little bit louder.
"I'm not hungry though!" he whined.
"Well neither am I, but Esme always makes such good food. And you're always hungry." I reminded him.
"But I'm more tired than hungry," he complained incoherently.
I went to get up but Edward groaned and hugged me even tighter.
"Ughh… can't… breath…" I gasped. I loosened his arms a little so I could turn towards him and talk, "I'll be right back."
"Fine," he pouted, releasing his grip.
"Jeez," I complained.
I walked towards his door and into the hallway were I saw Emmett walking down the stairs.
"Hey, Emmett," I started with my hand over my mouth.
"Yo. What's up, Bella?" he exclaimed while smiling his toothy grin.
"Nothing really. Uhh… can you tell Esme that Edward isn't hungry and I'm really tired? I'm just gonna be up here laying down."
"Yeah, Bells. Sure," he smiled.
"Thanks, Em," I said quietly while walking back to Edward's room.
When I opened the door Edward wasn't in bed, but his light was on in his bathroom. I walked over to his futon, laid down, and pulled the blanket over me. Edward walked out of his bathroom a few seconds later. His eyes were heavy with sleep and he had changed into a pair of black gym shorts.
He walked over to where I was laying, "Scoot," he mumbled pointing to the spot beside me.
"Sure thing, Prince Edward," I mumbled sarcastically while rolling over to the spot to my left. I felt Edward lay down under the covers.
"I told Em that I was tired and you weren't hungry. He'll tell Esme," I informed him.
He said something along the lines of "Okay. Sounds good, whatever," but it was hard to understand because he was so tired. He wrapped his arms around me again squeezing me softly.
"You're like teddy bear," he laughed, "Except warmer. And kinda bigger."
"Uhh… thanks?" I giggled.
"Hmmmm. Night, Bells."
"Night, Edward," I smiled a little. It felt good having someone to fall asleep with. I felt safe- especially because it was Edward.
I don't remember how I got in Alice's bed. Probably because I was half asleep when I did. But I woke up in her pink room. Her alarm clock was going crazy on the night stand. Alice ran over to turn it off because, of course, she was already up.
"Morning, sleepy head!" she said sweetly. "I had Emmett bring you in here from Edward's room last night. I didn't want you to have to go home."
I just smiled and propped myself on my elbow.
"And I already picked out your outfit for today!"
"Ohh. Yay," I said, sarcasm dripping from my voice.
"It's not that bad!" she pouted, "It's blue!"
I stood up and walked over to the bathroom to brush my teeth. Alice and I spent so much time at each other's houses so we kept our own toothbrushes and face wash there.
After I got out of the shower I had Alice do my hair. She loved playing with it because it was longer than hers. I changed into the outfit Alice picked out and headed down stairs to find Esme cooking.
"Hey, Esme," I said cheerfully.
"Hi, honey."
"Sorry I didn't eat last night. And sorry I feel asleep here."
Esme laughed and I blushed a little. "It's okay, Bella. You're always welcome to stay here. And I'm making a big breakfast. Soft foods, just for you," she smiled.
"Thanks. It smells so good," I said, my mouth watering at the smell of the food. Esme always had a gourmet meal cooking. She was an amazing cook. Renee actually learned a lot for from her so she could cook for me.
I heard foot steps and arguing from the steps. Alice, Emmett, and Edward came down yelling about something.
"Hey, hey. Hey!" Carlisle yelled softly while following them down the steps. They stopped arguing and whipped their heads to face him. "What are you guys yelling about?" he asked.
"We weren't yelling, Carlisle," Emmett answered. "We were just talking."
"Loudly." Edward added.
"At the same time." Alice finished.
Esme and I giggled softly.
Carlisle raised his eyebrows, "About…?"
"About… uhhh…" Edward stopped to think.
"Music."
"Football."
"Shopping." They all answered at the same time.
Carlisle shook his head before passing them and continuing down the last few stairs and into the kitchen. "Well tone it down a bit. It's only 7:30. It's to early to be arguing."
"Sorry," they answered while following him to the kitchen.
"This discussion is not over," Alice glared at Edward, her eyes narrowed.
"Yeah! It's not!" Emmett added also glaring.
Edward rolled his eyes before walking over to Esme and kissing her cheek, "Morning, mom." Edward was always one for chivalry. Holding open doors, kissing hands, everything that was hard to find in people. But Carlisle's like that too. And since Carlisle raised Emmett, he's like that too. I think Jasper just picked it up from hanging out with the two so much.
"Good morning, Mommy!" Alice chirped while dancing over to the fridge.
"Morgig, Esfme," Emmett mumbled while shoveling eggs into his mouth.
Edward stared at him in disgust. "Emmett, you're a pig. It's sickening."
"Edward, he's a growing boy," Esme declared, "well, actually, I kind of hope he's done growing," she added while staring at Emmett.
"Yeah, Edward," he said before after swallowing, "so shut up!"
"Gosh, you guys are both immature," Alice added while grimacing at the boys.
And then the yelling started again. They were all shouting different things, and I would occasionally pick up on something like "She didn't even care!" or "Friends don't do that!" or "You're such a stupid boy!" I didn't understand what any of that meant, so I figured it was what they were arguing about earlier.
"Emmett! Off the chair! Alice, let go of Edward's neck! And, Edward, you know better than to touch Alice's clothes, drop the scarf." Carlisle said while drinking his coffee and reading. I found it funny that he didn't have to look up from the paper to know what was happening.
"Don't drop it! Just hand it over!" Alice screeched. She treated her clothes like they were her children.
"You guy are crazy," I spoke for the first time in a few minutes. They all glared at me. I rolled my eyes and glared back.
"We're gonna miss the bus." Edward glanced at the clock, "It's already quarter after."
We all stood from the table to get our book bags.
"Thanks Emse," Emmett and I said in union.
The bus was beeping outside. After saying goodbye to Esme and Carlisle we walked out the door and towards the bus.
Alice cleared her throat, "Excuse me, Edward. But I will be sitting next to Bella today."
"Fine." he glared.
Once we were seated the glaring continued. The same as breakfast. Emmett and Alice glared at Edward while he glared at the both of them.
I decided to break the silence since nobody talked yet. "Alright, I feel uncomfortable. What are you guys all mad about?!"
No one said anything for a minute. "Well?" I continued.
"I'll tell you in science," Edward said.
Science was the only class Edward and I had together. And gym, but that was broken into boys and girls, so we only had in the same period.
"Okay?" My tone came out questioning.
The rest of the ride was quiet. Well at least we were. When we walked off the bus Edward followed me to my locker.
"What? Isn't your locker by Alice's?" I asked with my eyebrow quirked.
"Yeah, but I promised you that if anyone gave you a hard time I-" he was cut off when someone tapped on his shoulder. "Who is it?" he mouthed since they were behind him. My lips pulled up in the corner and I tried to contain my giggles. "Lauren?" he mouthed with a pleading look. I nodded.
He didn't turn towards her. Instead he stepped closer to me. I looked up at him confused. Edward was a lot taller than me, and still growing. He put his hand on my cheek. My face scrunched in confusion and he smirked before placing a kiss on my forehead. Then my heart skipped a beat. I don't know if it was because I was surprised or because I liked it. I forgot about Lauren until she cleared her throat.
Edward put his arm around me and then turned. "Oh! I didn't notice you there," he said surprised.
"Yeah," she mumbled while glaring at me. I raised my eyebrows at her and she looked back up at Edward. "I just wanted to invite you to my house tonight," she said flirtatiously.
"Huh?" he asked, clearly uninterested.
"I'm having people over for my birthday. It's gonna be fun. I'd really love it if you came," she said while stepping closer to him and batting her eyelashes.
"Bella and I are going to play baseball with my family tonight, So… sorry," he added with fake sympathy.
"Bella? Well she can come too... I guess… if she wants." she said with disgust.
"Sorry, Lauren, but we'd rather be with family tonight. It's a personal thing. Edward and I are very close." I smirked at her and I heard Edward stifle a laugh.
"Did I ask you?" she squeeked. I smiled and then she laughed. "Nice, grillz, Bella!"
My face reddened. I had forgotten about my new 'attire'. Mt teeth weren't hurting due to the Motrin I took this morning.
"I'm not sure they're for you. But they do categorize you even further into the 'total nerd' group," she cackled while a few other people started gathering around.
I stared down at my shoes while I blushed red. I was embarrassed and I felt the urge to cry.
Edward let out a sigh before speaking up, "Lauren, I believe they're called braces. I don't know if you noticed, but a large portion of the student body has them." He paused for a moment before continuing, "Maybe you should consider them, they could probably fix that big overbite you have going on up there…" he said while pointing a finger at her mouth.
Her eyes widened and her hand flew up to her mouth as she turned around and ran to the bathroom. The students that were watching walked away laughing.
"Thanks, Edward," I blushed.
"I promised, Bella," he looked down at me smiling. "Normally I would feel bad speaking to a woman like that, but Lauren's kind of a bitch. "
My eyes widened. Edward normally never cursed. I think he was picking up on it because Emmett did it a lot. "Gosh! Who are you?!" I joked.
He laughed, planted a kiss on my head, and then walked me to homeroom. His arm draped around my shoulder the whole time.
Lunch came quickly. No one else bothered me. I don't think anyone was in the mood for humiliation today.
When I got to my locker Edward was waiting for me.
He stared intensely at me while I put my books away.
"Yes?" I asked with my head in my locker.
"What? Ohh- nothing. Sorry," he mumbled quickly.
I stared at him in confusion before closing my locker and linking arms with him. He seemed a little tense and uncomfortable. So I decided to talk.
"Are you still planning on telling me what it is you have to tell me?" I had forgotten about it until just now.
"Well yeah. But it's not science yet, so…" he trailed off.
"I know. I was just wondering." Edward unlinked our arms and grabbed my hand when we approached the cafeteria doors. Even though we weren't together together we always held hands and linked arms. Everyone was just used to it.
"Edward!" Jasper shouted from across the cafeteria, "Come here!"
"Jazz, where else did you think I was going?" he asked when we approached our table.
"I dunno, man. You just looked lost and in a daze. You haven't been smoking have you?" he joked.
Edward rolled his eyes and sat down. I followed him and flopped into my chair.
"No food?" Edward asked while looking at me confused.
"I can't really eat, Edward. Remember?" I said pointing to my braces.
"Oh. Okay then. I'm not hungry either."
"So, Bells, Eddie. I heard about your encounter with Lauren. Niiiiice." Jasper laughed while holding his fist out for Edward to pound.
He returned the gesture before speaking, "Yeah. Well she's always on Bella's case. It's disgusting. I don't understand her problem," he said while grimacing.
"Really, Edward?" Rosalie chimed in, "What are you, blind? You haven't been smoking have you?" she asked repeating Jasper's earlier words.
Edward starred at her with a confused, scrunched face.
"Edward! She's obsessed with you!" Emmett explained, "She practically stalks you!"
"Yeah. You think I didn't realize that?" he asked with an eyebrow raised.
"Edward, what he's trying to say is she wants Bella away from you. Cause I mean… you and Bella are like… practically together," Alice stumbled on her words.
"Alice, Edward and I are not together." I said, emphasizing the not.
"Well why not?!" she squeeked, "You guys are always together! And you're always touching and sticking up for each other! I don't get it!"
Edward shook his head and I let out a big sigh.
"Alice," Jasper started while rubbing her back, "calm down. It's there choice. Even if it's the wrong one."
"Okay," Edward said loudly, "What about you? What are you two doing? Huh? You aren't together but your always… uhhh…" he stumbled.
"Together," I helped.
"Jasper, just isn't ready to date yet. We're friends with… benefits. Right, Jazzy?" she cooed and nuzzled into his side.
"Right, Aly cat," he smiled and draped an arm around her shoulder.
"You guys sicken me," Emmett hissed
"You and Rose aren't any better!" Alice shot back.
"Yeah, and she's my sister," Jasper added.
"Well Alice is my cousin," he argued back.
Edward groaned, "You guys are so immature."
The bell rang and we all went our separate ways for next period. Edward following me to my locker of course. We got to science just as the bell was ringing and everyone was taking their seat.
"Alight class. Take out some paper and something to write with; we have a lot of notes today," Mr. Callaway shouted over the noise of the class.
I took out my notebook and ripped a piece of paper out.
kay, tell me. I scrawled.
What? he wrote with a confused look on his face.
what you wanted to tell me...
You mean what your making me tell you? he smiled.
yeah yeah, whatever. just write. I demanded.
Okay, well it's really nothing big. he handed the note to me. I flared my nostrils and threw the note back at him. But I mean if you insist. Okay, well I woke up to Alice hitting me in the head with my pillow. She was yelling at me because you and I fell asleep together. And then she told me that if I didn't like you like 'that' then I should be 'leading you on'.
but we're just friends. so it doesn't matter. I tossed the note back.
Yeah, but then she told me that I shouldn't be doing this if you like me. And she asked me if I liked you…
so? what, do you or something? I laughed a the thought of Edward liking someone as plain as me. He was such a… a beautiful person.
Well, I don't know. I mean we are best friends. Would that be weird if I did like you…?
i'm not sure… a little maybe. I hesitated. It would be weird. A little. Well a lot. I mean, I've seen Edward naked. And he's seen me at my mosy embarrassing times. We were friends.
Well do you like me? I mean I know as a friend you do, but not anything more right?
edward, i don't know, the more you bring it up, the more i have to think about it. can we just drop it? I threw him the note with a pleading look.
Of course. Sorry, Bella.
"It's fine, Edward," I whispered so no one else could hear.
"So you don't have to talk to Alice about it if you don't want," he paused, "I'm sure she'll just force me to tell her." he mumbled the last part under his breath.
I didn't really pay attention to the rest of school. I was to caught up in my thoughts.
Edward and I were friends and I was suddenly feeling like I wanted him to be mine.
I wanted him to hold me.
I wanted him to be with me.
I want everyone to know he was mine.
I feel confused and lost. Like I didn't belong in my body. Edward's best friend's body. I feel like Lauren.
And quiet frankly, I'm sickened by it.
(A/N): So please don't be mad it took so long to update! We got our internet switched and it took the people forever to finish. But that did give me a while to fix the story, make it longer and such.
I really don't like the ending though. I got stumped because this was so long, and in the beginning I didn't want her to realize he liked him so soon. But I guess that just means there's going to be a little more drama than I expected there to be in the next chapter.
I hope you liked it! And please review! Thanks! :D