Alright everyone, just a heads up...this one is long!

But i think it's probably my favourite chapter so far...I don't know what I did, but it seems different from the others. I actually felt so nervous while writing it, like...feeling what bella felt. It was weird.

Anyhoo! I hope you enjoy! I shall speak to you more at le end x

DISCLAIMER - I do NOT own anything.

Read on, my brave warriors!

Bella's POV

"Hi Bella!" Angela called as I half-skipped into the room, sliding into my chair with a happy grin on my face. Angela giggled, "Why are you so cheerful this morning?"

"No reason," I answered, my fingers still clutching the black marker pen tightly, "I just had a…good weekend."

Angela raised a brow, "A good weekend? This wouldn't involve meeting someone, would it?"

"Now, why would you come to that conclusion? I could have just had a nice time with Alice."

Angela laughed, "Bella, no weekend is so 'good' that you come into work practically radiating happiness unless there's a man involved. So," she steepled her fingers and fixed me with her eyes, "tell me all."

I'd already spent the whole evening yesterday avoiding Alice's questions about Edward, so I was particularly keen on going through the whole process again, "Ang, we'll have a movie night soon, and I'll tell you about him then, ok?"

Angela nodded, "Well, at least we know it's a him." I rolled my eyes as she turned back to her computer, smiling widely.

That morning progressed as it always did: Angela and I talking quietly every now and again whilst we worked. Unlike others who worked in the magazine, who talked loudly and did no work at all unless the boss came in, me and Angela were both quiet people - so we talked when we needed to - but other than that we did our work, which both of us enjoyed.

"So, how's living with Ben going?" I asked, smiling at how Angela's face lit up when I said it

"Oh, Bella, it's going so well! I love living with Ben!" she bit her lip and glanced at me, "Are you doing ok, Bella? I mean, I know I really left in a hurry, and all, and you didn't know Alice that well…"

I waved her off, "It's going great too, Ang. She's completely different from you, but I still like living with her. Alice is…a very good friend, to say the least."

Angela smiled, "I'm glad." She looked at her watch, "Oh, Bells, it's 1. Do you want to go get some lunch?"

"Sounds good." I pushed back my chair and saved my work, shutting down my computer before I left. I always made sure to keep my work private; I didn't want people reading it whilst I was away. Angela and I signed ourselves out, as we always did, every day at 1, then made out way down the embankment, arm in arm.

"So, where shall we go today?"

I twisted my mouth to the side as I thought, "Well, we could go to Starbucks and live off frappaccinos and nothing else, we could go to Pret, or we could go to McDonalds."

"Well, I think we've had enough McDonalds since last week," we both laughed , "Pret sounds good, we haven't been there in a while."

"Alright, then." The nearest Pret was pretty close, so it only took five minutes to get there. I always enjoyed our walk to get lunch; the embankment was a lovely place to be in the middle of winter, especially as there was still quite a lot of snow around. As I looked across the river, a large, grey building caught my eye. St. Thomas' Hospital.

That was where Edward worked. I watched it as we walked, completely absorbed by the fact that Edward could be in there. I wondered what job he had – was he a doctor, or some sort of technician?

"Erm…Bella? Why are you staring at the hospital?"

"What?" I tore my gaze away from the building and bit my lip, wondering what explanation there could be for staring at a completely normal, interesting grey structure. "I'm…interested in architecture?"

"Come off it, we pass St Thomas' every day on the way to lunch. Were you daydreaming again?"

"Oh…yeah, daydreaming," I laughed nervously, "you know me." Angela narrowed her eyes suspiciously, but didn't say anything. She pushed open the door of the Pret and we both hurried in, glad of the warmth. "Are we staying in?"

Angela shivered, "I don't want to go back outside for at least an hour." We picked out our lunches, paid for them, then sat at our favourite table; a pair of comfy chairs right by the window, with a little coffee table in between. I crossed my legs underneath me and opened my sandwich, staring out of the window as I watched people walk by.

A flash of messy, bronze hair caught my eye, and I froze, my sandwich still in my hands.

Ok fate, now you're just getting ridiculous!

Edward's POV

I checked my watch, and was relieved to see that I was now officially on my lunch break. "Alright, Mrs Jikalsy," I said, smiling at the old woman lying in the hospital bed opposite me, "I have to go now, but I'll be back in about an hour, ok?"

She nodded mutely, her frail hand waving a slight goodbye as I left the room, closing the door quietly behind me. I turned away and sighed, running my hand through my hair as I strode away from the ward to the doctor's lounge. My field of work was tiring in more ways than one; sometimes we were forced to sit and smile as people, like Mrs Jikalsy, just slowly slipped away, with nowhere else to go but here. I did enjoy being a doctor, but sometimes I needed to get away.

I took off my coat, threw it in my locker and tapped one of my better friends on the shoulder, "Hey, Jack, I'm off now, so get up and go before you get a warning again."

"What? Oh, thanks Edward." Jack stirred and stood up sleepily, rubbing his eyes as he pulled his coat on again.

"Could you check on Lily for me? Just make sure she and her parents are doing ok." I had a variety of patients around the hospital who I took care of, but mostly I worked with the elderly and children. I had always loved children, so it did make my job more enjoyable when one I was looking after got better and went home with their parents.

"Sure thing," Jack nodded and grinned as I picked up my jacket and made my way out of the hospital, ignoring the various looks and smiles nurses shot at me as I went. Apparently, according to Jack, I was the 'catch' of the hospital, which, needless to say, meant that I was constantly bombarded with offers from various nurses and doctors. The fact that I was single didn't make it any easier for me.

What was unnerving was that everyone seemed to know I was single, even though I didn't talk about my private life with anyone other than my good friends. Maybe Emmett had got to them.

Though, I thought as I walked down the embankment, I wasn't really planning on being single much longer.

Bella had occupied my thoughts ever since that first moment, that first time I'd seen her on the platform, sellotape and black marker pen in hand. She really was the most beautiful creature; I loved everything about her. She always surprised me with the way she thought – I would ask her something, and her reply would always be different to what I expected her to say. Already I missed her, and the end of the day couldn't come any quicker.

If she didn't have Mike, I would have definitely asked her on a date by now; I wasn't usually one to hang around and stall when I knew I liked someone. And I did like Bella, more than I'd ever liked anyone. She had quickly become my best friend, and I could safely say that, even though I had only known her for a few weeks, I was definitely falling for her.

But she did have Mike, and that made me hesitate – I knew she didn't like him, but what if she didn't like me either?

But, then again, as Jasper said to me quietly when Bella and Alice said goodbye: You never know until you try.

Still, I was going to have to wait a little longer.

I sighed to myself as I pushed open the door of my favourite restaurant, sliding in and shivering as I realised how cold it was outside. The café was filled with people, all talking and bustling loudly, and I quickly glanced around looking for a seat which I could claim before I went and bought my lunch.

Two girls were sitting by the window; I saw them most days, but up until now I never paid much attention to them. But today, something was different. The light haired girl, who was tall with big blue eyes, was staring at me, a wide grin on her face. I looked back at her, raising my brows in question and she laughed, whispering something to her friend. Her friend had long, mahogany hair, which I recognised at once.

"Bella?"

Bella's POV

"Bella…do you know him?"

I nodded, trying to hid my blush, "Stop staring at him!"

"What? He's staring back!" Angela glanced up again and giggled, "Bella, he's gorgeous!"

"Bella?" Edward's musical voice questioned from behind me, and I turned, unable to keep a wide grin from spreading across my face.

"Edward!" I shushed Angela, who was still giggling, and jumped up quickly. "Hey, how are you?"

He smiled, "Good, I'm on my lunch break."

"Oh yeah, us too," I gestured towards Angela, who waved, "Oh, Edward, this is Angela. Angela, Edward. She's my old roommate."

Edward held out his hand, "Edward Cullen, nice to meet you."

"Nice to meet you too…" Angela shook his hand and smiled, a little too Alice-like for my liking. "I take it you know Bella?"

"Yes, we've been friends for a while now."

"A while now? It's a wonder I haven't heard about you yet," Angela threw a wink at me and I resisted the urge to slap myself on the forehead.

"A wonder indeed. Anyway, I only have an hour for lunch, so I'd better get going."

"Well, you can sit with us, I mean, if you want."

Edward smiled at Angela, "That's very nice of you, I'll be glad to." He left to stand by the sandwiches, and I buried my face in my hands.

Angela was still watching Edward, "I'm impressed, Bells, he really is magnificent."

"Since when did we start calling people 'magnificent'?"

"Since Edward Cullen came into the picture…"

"Ang, you have a boyfriend, remember? Ben Cheney?"

She grinned, "Oh no, I don't want him at all, he's all yours Bells." As Edward came back she suddenly picked up her phone and said, "Hello? Oh, hey Ben, what's up?" she stage-gasped, "one of the cats has escaped again? Oh no! Well, of course, I'll come home straight away!" She snapped her phone shut and stood up, gathering her food and smiling apologetically at Edward and me, "I'm sorry, I have to go, there's been an emergency at home." She bustled out of the restaurant, yelling, "Nice to meet you, Edward! See you Bella!"

Edward watched her go, his eyebrows pulled together in confusion, and I stifled a laugh. "Does she always do that?"

I shrugged, "Her cats are 'in trouble'"

"I see…" Edward sat down in Angela's now vacant chair and closed his eyes, slumping down so his head was resting against the arm.

"Are you ok?" I asked, concerned; I had to physically pull my hand back to keep it from stroking his hair.

He opened his eyes and nodded wearily, "Just a little tired. Working at the hospital takes it out of you."

I nodded in sympathy then looked out of the window as Edward shut his eyes again. I took a sip of my water – the most I allowed myself since me plus caffeine was definitely not a good idea – and then slowly my eyes drifted back to his face. He looked even more handsome with his hair windswept and his mouth set in a peaceful line. The urge to reach out and play with his bronze curls was getting a little painful now, and I curled my hands into fists and tucked them into my lap in an effort to control myself.

"Aren't you going to eat anything?" Edward said, his eyes back open, a little more alert now.

"What?" I had lost my trail of thought as soon as his green eyes caught mine, "Erm…" I looked away, embarrassed, "What?"

"You're not eating."

"Oh," I was confused by his blank statement, "Well, neither are you."

He laughed, "That's true." As if in answer he took a deliberate bite of his sandwich and then looked pointedly at me. I sighed and ate some of mine too, wondering why on earth he was so worried about me not eating, but still a little pleased by his obvious concern for me.

We made easy conversation for a while, Edward all the time keeping on eye on whether I was eating or not, and I found myself thanking Angela dearly for giving me alone time with Edward. I was going to have to buy her a big chocolate bar for this one.

"Oh no," Edward grimaced and slid back down in his seat again, hiding behind his sandwich.

"What?"

"Tanya." I turned and saw a beautiful strawberry-blonde woman looking our way, a confused expression on her face – probably recognising Edward behind his sandwich, I thought.

I disliked her already.

"Bella, help!"

I crossed my arms and sighed, "You already have a sandwich to disguise you, so I think you'll be ok."

"Please!"

"What can I do?"

He leaned forward and grabbed my hand, "Just go with me on this, ok?"

Edward pulled me over and sat me on the arm of his chair, putting his arm around my waist to keep me steady. I was slightly dizzy but I still rolled my eyes at him. "Edward, are you completely insane?" I whispered in his ear.

"Bells, we broke up, but you know what Tanya's like!" he whispered back.

I was about to comment on that particular idea when Tanya suddenly popped up next to us, "Edward!"

Edward smiled in a friendly way, "Hello, Tanya," he said politely; I tried to ignore the glares Tanya was shooting my way by staring at the ground.

"Who's this?" she asked bluntly – I assumed she meant me, even though I was still examining the floorboards.

"Oh, Tanya, this is Bella." Edward squeezed my waist reassuringly and I looked up quickly, meeting Tanya's cold gaze for the first time.

"Hi," I said quickly; she narrowed her eyes at me and I dropped my gaze back down to the floor, wishing I could sink through it. Edward noticed my unease and took my other hand, playing deliberately with my fingers.

"So, Bella, how do you know Edward?" Tanya's question was blunt and short and I tried hard not to wince as our gazes met again.

"She knows Alice," Edward answered for me, I nodded, still keeping quiet.

"Oh. Do you know each other well?"

I was feeling distinctly uncomfortable with all the personal questions; I was sure I would be even if I was actually dating Edward. "Pretty well, yeah," I said, gathering my courage and looking Tanya straight in the eye without faltering. Edward nodded and smiled crookedly at me, holding my hand tightly.

My fear died down a little, and I decided to play dumb. "So, how do you know Edward?" I said, letting myself slide down a little onto Edward's lap and crossing my legs again. Edward took the hint and linked both his hands around my waist.

Tanya's eyes widened a little, but she crossed her arms and said haughtily, "We dated."

If she expected that to throw me, she was dead wrong, "Oh, that's nice," I said, smiling fakely at her.

Edward chuckled then stood, pulling me with him, "Well, Tanya, I think we'll be off now. It was nice seeing you," he moved towards the door, me trailing behind him, feeling her gaze on my back the entire time. If looks could kill, I would probably be dead by now.

"Eddie!" Tanya suddenly appeared again in front of us; I jumped and blushed as she shot me yet another glare, but I steeled myself and glared straight back at her, driven by anger and indignation. Edward had stiffened and I half expected him to retreat behind me as Tanya leaned forward, pushing her chest out a little as she did so. "Eddie," she said again, her voice sweeter now and her mouth pushed into a pout, "can we talk? Please?"

Honestly, she was so transparent.

Edward looked back again at me – he seemed so panicked it was almost comical. I decided to give Tanya a run for her money.

"Edward?" I said, interrupting her whining as I moved around Edward and stood in front of Tanya, "I think we need to go, you know, we have that…thing we need to go to."

Edward's expression turned to delight as I put one arm cautiously round his neck; he nodded quickly and reciprocated with an arm around my shoulders, "Yes," he replied, not taking his eyes off mine, "we have to go."

"Sorry about that," I said to Tanya, not bothering to smile anymore. Edward stepped quickly round her, pushed open the door and led me out. I looked back and threw Tanya a little wave; Edward chuckled as we turned the corner.

When we were out of sight, Edward stopped and swept me up into a hug, "Thank you, Bella!"

I laughed breathlessly, a little intoxicated, "Don't mention it."

"Really," he pulled back a little, grinning widely, "you were magnificent!"

"I wasn't that good…" I shuffled my feet and looked down, embarrassed.

Edward put his hand under my chin and tilted my head up to look at me, "You were great," he said firmly; I was too dizzy to answer. We remained that way for a long moment, Edward's hands on my cheek and at my waist, and my arms around his neck. It was getting to the point where I wasn't sure what was going to happen next, but then a car backfired on the road behind us and we both jumped. I blushed and removed my arms from his neck quickly, backing up to the wall and Edward cleared his throat, looking away at the river.

"So…"

I checked my watch, "Oh, sorry, I have to go," I said hurriedly, "They're expecting me back in…20 minutes."

He raised a brow, "20 minutes?"

I shrugged, trying to be nonchalant, "Well…it's a long walk."

"Oh."

He didn't say anything else, just carried on looking over the river. "Ok then…well, I'll see you tonight." I made to hurry away, pulling my hair over my shoulder to hide my blush and disappointed frown, but Edward caught my hand, pulling me back.

"Bella," he said, smiling nervously at me, "would you mind if I walked you back?"

I shook my head robotically; as if I would say no. "Yeah, sure."

He smiled and began walking, keeping my hand in his as I went with him, still a little dazed. Neither of us said anything as we walked down the pavement, me trailing my hand down the stone embankment and desperately trying to keep my eyes from drifting to Edward.

"Bella?"

"Yes?"

"Hi." I bugged my eyes at him and he shrugged, "You looked a little out of it, Bella."

"Did I?"

"Yes. What're you thinking about?" he said curiously.

It was my turn to shrug, "I don't know…how I can't actually believe you dated Tanya."

He laughed, "You know, neither can I. She's pretty terrifying."

"I'll say."

He squeezed my hand, "I'm sorry for making you stay and face her; I could tell you were really uncomfortable."

"It was fun, really."

"We should do it more often then, Mrs Cullen." Edward grinned and I nudged him gently.

"Yes, I'm sure we should, Mr Swan."

"Only sometimes, remember." He smiled angelically and I gave him another shove, trying hard not to smile too.

We arrived at the doors of my building and I sighed, "Here's where I get off then."

He nodded, "I guess you do."

I glanced at him timidly, and said, "Thanks for walking me back."

He smiled crookedly, "Trust me, the pleasure was all mine. See you tonight?"

I nodded, "Definitely. Partner?" I held out my hand and he shook it firmly.

"We'll thrash them, Mrs Cullen." I giggled despite myself and nodded. We stood awkwardly for a few more seconds, then Edward suddenly leaned down and pressed a kiss to my cheek. "I'll be counting the seconds," he whispered in my ear, before wheeling round and striding off without another word.

I nearly crumpled straight to the ground; my heart was racing and my cheeks were burning. I glanced once more towards his retreating back before taking a deep breath and half running into my work building, not stopping until I reached the lift. As soon as the doors closed, I slid down the wall and landed heavily on the floor.

Edward Cullen…if he didn't have me before, he definitely did now.

heehee...and tanya will be back along with Mikey dearest! Oh joy upon joys.

Game night is coming up next...i must go downstairs and check our many shelves full of board games in preperation!

So, what did you all think of this one? And thankyou to all my reviewers...it's such a joy to see everyone reply so quickly! It means loads, so, even if you don't review often, just give it a go! I do it all the time for the stories i read, and it gives me a happy feeling too yay! :D

TTFN folks!

Love, ATO xxxx

quick a/n - fanfiction hasn't been sending me alerts for anything in a while, and I just finally managed to fix it, but i feel terrible if anyone sent me any PM's and i didn't write back! So i apologise profusely, and if you did want to ask me something, please feel free to ask again! x