Disclaimer: We do not own Twilight

Hey there peoples! So, I've started the House of Night series, which is good, and I'd totally recommend if you have any spare time to read. I've almost finished the second book today, so ya. The first book is called Marked and it's by P.C. Cast and Kristin Cast.

I hope you enjoy this chapter, although, I know for a fact that the next chapter is going to be a favorite of yours. Yup, I'm psychic, you caught me.

And Edward's towel drop, totally my idea… you can thank me later ;) Just joking.

taciturnstream, thanks for sharing your soccer ideas with me, and I'm glad you don't judge me for following Michael Owen, it's just who I am. To those of you who enjoy the frequent updates, keep your eyes peeled.

Enjoy

True that in regards to the House Of Night series. I read them in October of last year thinking that I could read the entire series, but then I get to the end and find I have to wait for another book. I just can't win! Lol.

Anyway, thanks so much guys for keeping up with us and our beta, Kathy is back…YAY! And wow, for the first time like ever, I have nothing to really say…haha.

So, since the impossible has come and ashel-13 is out of words, here are some we typed up for you. ON WITH IT…



EPOV

Neither of us heard the sharp, shrill wail of the bell; nor did we see our other classmates spilling into the hallway, but we heard her. Jacob's smirk disappeared as his girlfriend stomped toward us, her normally pale cheeks reddening with anger, her hair falling into her soft, brown eyes. I stepped away from the bronze skinned boy, not thinking their conversation was any of my business.

"Where do you think you're going, Edward?"

I turned, confused, "Excuse me?"

Jacob chuckled, "She asked where you were going. Are you deaf?"

I scowled, as my eyes bore into Jacob's, "Maybe your fleas jumped into my ears, mutt."

"Enough! Why don't you two grow up about ten years? Stop acting like little boys." She turned to Jacob, "I don't care what you think of Edward, but be nice to him, Jake!" Then she spun back around to face me, "What happened to that nice guy I got a glimpse of last night, Edward?"

When neither of us responded, Bella let out a sigh of frustration, and then turned to walk down the hallway to the lunch room. Both of us remained, staring, dumbfounded at the floor. I'd never felt this way, even after receiving a mild scolding from Esme. As I looked up, I saw a similar look of pain on Jacob's face, and suddenly, I didn't feel right standing next to him.

I went to the lunchroom, where Bella was sitting next to Alice, who had her arm around her. Emmett set a tray of food in front of her, but it remained untouched as I stood watching from the doorway. I felt horrible, and confused. On one hand, I wanted to go beat Jacob's ass for making her feel this way, but at the same time, I knew it was my fault, too.

Hunter was sitting on Bella's other side, where I should have been. I could see my best friend murmuring quiet words to her, and every so often Bella would giggle at what he said, happiness breaking through the sad look she had on her face, like the sun on a cloudy day. Hailey came over and sat next to her boyfriend, then gave a bottle of water to Bella. Once again, I felt like the outsider, looking in.

I felt two hands settle themselves on my shoulders, and when I turned to see whose they were, I saw my soccer coach. He offered me a weak smile, before jerking his head and pulling me out into the hallway. I followed Adam, silently, to his office, "Have a seat, son."

Adam's desk was covered with pictures of his wife and son, and playbooks sat on the edge of the desk, but they never obstructed the view of any of the pictures. The soccer team's pictures hung on the wall, along with pictures of Adam's other teams, including Hunter's and my select soccer teams, for all the years Adam had coached us. My coach cleared his throat, and when I returned my eyes to him, he spoke, "What's on your mind, Edward?"

I slumped back in one of the chairs, and shook my head, sullenly. He chuckled at my attitude, "Now you look like that stubborn little boy I knew and loved. I remember the first day we met, do you?"

When I didn't respond, Adam spoke, and began reminiscing about the past.

Flashback

"But, Mom, what if they think I'm weird because I'm good." Esme sat in the passenger seat, and my dad chuckled softly, before glancing in the rearview mirror.

"They won't think you're weird, Eddie." I let out a frustrated sigh, slapping the leather material on the back of my dad's seat.

"Don't call me Eddie!"

Alice, who was brushing one of her dolls' hair, eyed me curiously from where she sat next to me, "Edward, don't slap Daddy's seat, it's not nice!"

I brooded silently as we pulled onto the grass in front of the field. Carlisle turned off the Land Rover, and turned to face me, "You ready, son? You'll be fine, Edward."

When I didn't answer, he reached into the backseat to unbuckle my seatbelt. The metal unlocked, and the strap smacked against the side of the door as it quickly retracted. Esme helped Alice out of her seat, and my dad opened his car door, and then opened mine to lift me from my seat. I was still pouting by the time we got to the field, but my eyes lit up once I saw a ball.

I tried to kick it, and was successful as it floated out onto the field. A man with light brown hair chuckled, as he approached me, a gentle smile on his face. His blue eyes sparkled in the sunlight, and my eyes focused on his cleats as he spoke, "What's your name, champ?"

"Edward…" I mumbled, and my voice trailed off as the wind blew, carrying it away into the distance. The coach extended his hand, so I lifted mine to shake it, but he shook his head.

"No, Edward, make a fist, and then hit mine, okay?" I nodded, and punched his fist with my hand, but was startled when he made an exploding sound, and wiggled his fingers. He laughed, and patted my back, nudging me toward the field, "Now, go kick that ball around while I talk to your parents, okay?"

During our first practice, I hogged the ball, driving toward the goal, scoring every time my feet touched it, but Coach Adam (who introduced himself to all of us later) was not happy with that. There was another boy on my team, and he wanted to score, too. When I wouldn't pass the ball, he tackled me to the ground, and we grappled as the ball lay, forgotten, next to us.

"Hey! Break it up!"

We jumped away from each other, dirt smudged on our cheeks, knees, and elbows. Our shirts were muddy, and our eyes flashed as we stared each other down. The boy stuck his tongue out at me, so I lunged, and tackled him. Coach Adam grabbed our shirts, yanking us apart, "Boys!"

The way he said "boys" was different, like it was spelled bhoys, and we both began to laugh at our coach's frustrated expression. As we were giggling, Coach Adam rolled his eyes, and walked away, leaving the two of us to our laughter. I extended my fist to the other boy, and spoke, as our knuckles connected, "I'm Edward."

"I'm Hunter." Our fist smacked, and we both made the exploding sound, setting us into another fit of giggles. Coach Adam called out our names, and we ran back to him.

"Edward, you pass the ball to Hunter. Share it. You're not a hog, so don't act like one."

"'Kay, Coach."

Hunter and I were inseparable after that day and Adam had been our coach since then. I stopped hogging the ball, eventually, and our team ended each season with a winning record.

End Flashback

"So the moral of the story is…" Adam trailed off, and looked at me, waiting patiently for my answer.

"That I'm not a hog?"

My coach rolled his eyes and reached across his desk to swat me across the head, "No, you bozo, that you shouldn't let one little spat ruin your relationship. I heard the little argument you and Hunter had, and then I saw your faceoff with Jacob Black." He paused, "But, what intrigued me the most was your reaction in the presence of Ms. Swan."

I inhaled sharply, choking. Adam smirked, knowing he had hit a sensitive spot, "Care to share what's going on between the two of you? And why she was at your house last night, hmm?"

The bell couldn't have rung at a better time, so I grabbed my bag, and left Adam's office, his laughter following me as I scrambled toward the Biology Lab. I might as well have been plastic wrap because everyone was seeing right through me.

Everyone but Bella.

BPOV

Alice found me as I was storming from the gym to the cafeteria. I was so upset with the two of those boys, I was sure smoke was coming from my ears.

"Bella! What's wrong? What happened?" Alice asked, and she walked backward when I wouldn't stop for her. She was in front of me, and facing me, and I briefly thought about how coordinated she must be to be able to walk as well backward as she could forward.

"Boys! That's what's wrong. Stupid, PMSing, teenage boys!" I wanted to yell it, to scream it, but we were in school where 'inside voices' were required, so instead it was a low growl.

She giggled, a noise that resembled wind chimes tinkling together in the springtime breeze. Alice was definitely springtime. She just reminded me of blossoming flowers and the smell of a clear day right after it had rained. A happy time. That was Alice.

"It's not funny," I said, as I stopped walking, but my lips tried to lift their way up into a smirk I desperately tried to fight. "Okay, so it's a little funny," I admitted.

"Listen Bella," Alice said, still standing in front of me, "all guys 'PMS'. I mean, honestly, they think we're bad? They should take a look at themselves when they get all moody and suddenly have the urge to throw something and cry all at the same time." She let out a tiny laugh before adding, "Actually, when it's not really annoying, it's kinda funny."

I smiled at her, glad that she was trying to lighten the mood and cheer me up.

"How about you come sit with us at lunch, and you can vent all about the male specimen," she suggested. "I promise Emmett and Jasper won't care if you complain about Edward. In fact, they'd probably get a kick out of it."

I agreed and I went to join Rosalie, Emmett, and Jasper at the table as Alice pranced ahead of me. My new pixie-like friend sat next to me and I smiled in appreciation up at Emmett, when he slid a tray to me. To my surprise Hunter, Edward's best friend, sat down on the side Alice wasn't occupying, his girlfriend just past him.

"So, what's eating at ya, Bells?" Emmett asked. He was just so carefree and friendly that it was hard not to smile at how he phrased things. I felt I could have the shittiest of days and whatever came out of Emmett's mouth could make me feel better.

"Boys," I sighed, as I leaned back into my chair.

"Amen," "I know about that," "I hear you, sister," The three other girls replied, making me laugh at their response as the men looked at them with questioning gazes.

"I don't get it," Emmett said, cocking his head to the side, as he looked over at Jasper who shrugged in response.

"Edward and Jacob," I clarified. "I just don't understand why they can't get along. Jacob is my boyfriend and Edward is becoming a friend…I guess," I explained, my eyebrows knitting together in confusion at the end of my own statement.

Were Edward Cullen and I really friends? It was hard to say. It seemed to me that we had such a hate/hate relationship with only moments of kindness interspersed between. Did that really make us friends?

Suddenly the feeling of him kissing my cheek rang clearly in my head and I remembered the way his lips seemed to heat my skin on contact. Even after he pulled away and was no longer touching me, I could feel the tingles that he left in his wake.

Did Edward kiss all his friends like that?

"UGH!" I growled out at the realization.

Of course Edward-The Player-Cullen didn't kiss all girls like that. He only kissed the girls whose pants he wanted to get in like that. Holy shit! Did that mean….

"What's wrong, Bella?" Rosalie asked. I was surprised, she had never really talked to me before.

I sighed again. "Edward. That's what the matter is. He's just so…ugh!" There just weren't any words to describe my frustration with him.

I hated it! I truly did. He could make me melt at little gestures one moment, and then could completely disgust me in the next. I didn't know what to think of him, which made it even harder to try to understand what we were. If we weren't friends, was I simply just his next challenge? Was he trying to claim the only single girl that hadn't been with him?

It was all so frustrating. The boy was like night and day and possibly had a serious chance of being bipolar. It was like what I had seen the night before as he set the table. That was Edward. He was always on the brink of going one way or the other.

He could be so charming and caring at times, and then, with a snap of some ho's fingers, he was the cocky son-of-a-bitch we all knew and hated (well, some of us more than others).

It was exhausting to even think about him. I felt out of breath just going around in circles in my head with him and I layed my head down on my folded arms resting on the table.

"It's alright, Bella," Alice said, patting my back. "Everything will work its way out eventually. Believe me, I have a talent for knowing these things," she told me softly.

The bell rang and as I lifted my head off my arms, everyone called good-byes before heading off to their classes. I stayed sitting there for a moment longer, knowing I'd have to face Edward in Biology coming up. I wasn't particularly excited to be having any class with him right after yelling at him in the middle of the hall, and I was a little worked up from thinking about him so much during lunch.

But, I couldn't hide out in the cafeteria forever. After all, the study hall teacher coming in next would want a pass from me, if I were still there. So, I picked up my brown, tattered satchel and flung it over my shoulder before heading to the Biology classroom.

When I got there, Edward was already sitting in his seat. He looked a little worked up, and I watched as he let out a breath and ran his hands through his hair. He looked frustrated or nervous, I suppose. I had to take a breath before braving the frustrated Biology partner at whom I had just yelled.

I pulled my stool out and sat down on it, hearing it scratch against the floor as I slid it toward the table. I cringed at the sound, hating that I was drawing attention to myself. I would have preferred it if I could've just snuck into my seat without Edward noticing.

With a sigh, I started to turn toward Edward, knowing that I should talk to him about what happened in the hall. "Edward…" I started, the word sounding pleading.

"Hey, Bella," I was cut off by the unwelcome and annoying voice of Mike.

I turned back to see him looking at me with a confused expression. "Hi, Mike. Can I help you with something?" I asked. I said it in a nice way, but I really wanted to sneer it at him for interrupting my almost-conversation with Edward.

He bit his lip and his eyes started to roam all over my body, making me want to cover myself and hide from him. Creepy. "Uh yeah," he said, his voice suddenly lower than usual. Weird. "I was just wondering where you were today during lunch. We all kind of missed you," he explained, his eyes still only briefly stopping at my eyes before roaming up and down the rest of me. Ewww! I felt as if I were in serious need of a bath!

"Oh, well, Alice Cullen and I have become friends and she wanted me to sit with her today," I explained.

"Hmmm…okay, well can you come back to me…I mean... us tomorrow, then?" he asked.

"I think so?" It came out as a question, and without any certainty at all.

"Great. Hope to see you then." He smiled, before licking his lips and finally turning away to go to his own seat before the bell rang. Ewww.

I couldn't stop the shudder that ran through my body as I made the noise of disgust.

I heard chuckling from beside me and turned to find Edward with his hand over his mouth, and trying to feign a cough. Right, like anyone actually falls for that?

"Do you need some water, Mr. Cullen?" Mr. Mason asked in concern.

I couldn't help but smile and laugh on the inside. Well, I guess someone does.

EPOV

"No sir, I don't need any water." But Mike might need some cold water dumped down his pants. What a dipshit. No girl found his idiocy attractive, except for Jessica. The poor girl could do much better than Newton, she just needed to see it.

I saw Bella smiling out of the corner of my eye, as I set my arm on the table to steady my body with my elbow. My hand shifted up the side of my face, and I laced my fingers into my hair. A piece of paper bumped into my right hand but when I glanced at Bella, her eyes were on Mr. Mason.

Sorry I yelled at you in the hall, and I'm sorry if Jake was being an ass.

When I leaned down to get a pen out of my bookbag, Bella shoved hers into my hand, apparently needing a faster reply than I was offering.

It's alright, Bella, I'm not angry with you.

Bella's eyes narrowed as she read over my words, and snatched the pen from my fingers, before scribbling something across the paper. I winced at her hurried actions, but the paper was back in front of me with her response faster than I'd've thought possible..

Care to explain who you're angry with then, because if you're angry with Jake, then you're angry with me.

I shook my head, and when I leaned over to write her one last note, my tongue poked out of the side of my mouth. There was an easier way to do this, and there was less of a chance of us getting caught, and having our words read to the class.

555-1274

Her jaw dropped when she read off the digits, but she got the point, and pulled her phone from the bag that sat next to her chair. She managed to keep her eyes on Mr. Mason while texting whatever her message said, and he had no idea of the continuing conversation that was taking place.

What does that mean?

It means that I'm angry with myself, not you, or Jacob. I'm letting something slip through my fingers, something that for once in my life I cannot control.

Like what?

She was biting her lip when I looked at her, white teeth nibbling at her perfect, pink mouth. Her fingers were gripping the edge of the black table, nails seeming to dig into the solid surface. Was I making her nervous? I wanted to reach across and pry her fingers from the table, but knew that would only draw attention to our silent conversation. I typed one word out on the text, and sent it, holding my breath until she got it.

You.

Her chair scraped against the floor, and she shot up, her cell phone in hand. The finger she pointed at me was quaking, but she never got a chance to speak, because Mr. Mason was glancing in our direction, "Ms. Swan, would you kindly take your seat? I'm sure whatever you have to say to Mr. Cullen can wait."

I licked my lips anxiously, and bit my lips in turn, waiting for class to be over. Bella refused to look at me, but her phone remained clutched between her fingers, as if it were a bomb that she was unwilling to drop for fear that harm would come to her. I felt someone tap my shoulder, and I turned to see Mike Newton watching me oddly.

"What?"

My whisper came out as a hiss, and he recoiled slightly, but composed himself, "What's wrong with Bella?"

I shrugged, "Why don't you ask her yourself."

Bella turned in her seat, glaring at the two of us, "Why don't you two shut up!"

"Actually, I was thinking you could continue this conversation, in detention." Mr. Mason's arms were crossed as he stood next to our desks.

"Mr. Mason, I can't miss practice again, Coach Fury will murder me."

The teacher shrugged his shoulders, "You should have thought about that before you wasted my time, and the class' time."

I snickered, not being able to hold back my comment, "Oh really? I waste YOUR time? This class is a waste of my time. I have an A in the class, and I'm sorry that not everyone can do well while listening to your monotone voice. But please, continue."

Bella's hand shot out to cover mine as I ground my teeth together, and Mr. Mason stared down at me, "Excuse me, Mr. Cullen? Did you just ask for a week's worth of detention because that's what it sounded like to me?"

"Go ahead; I don't give a damn anymore. Do whatever you want to me. It can't be any worse than what I'm feeling right now."

His voice came out in a terse undertone, "Cullen, office, now."

I stood, and snatched my bag from the floor, knocking Bella's hand from mine. I was taller than Mr. Mason, and as I stood before him, I towered over the small man, "Gladly. I'm sick of listening to your incomprehensible nonsense anyway. It's a wonder we're not all failing this class."

After brushing past him, I headed for the office, not waiting for the detention slip. As I headed down the hall, I glanced up to see my sister heading into the bathroom, but when our eyes met, she doubled back to me.

"What's wrong, Edward? Your eyes look like coal."

"Nothing, Rose, don't worry about it."

The glass door to the office sprung open, and Principal Falkner stepped out into the hallway, his fingers beckoning me closer. His beady little eyes were narrow, so I turned away from Rose, and followed him back to his office, "Have a seat, Edward."

BPOV

Detention? I had never gotten in trouble at school in my life, and now because of Edward Cullen he's made it twice within the same week! I wanted to scream and punch him in the chest! Of course it was also Mike's fault and I wouldn't mind whacking him in the head with something, either. Hmm…what could I use?

Unfortunately the only thing I had with me was my Biology notebook and my shoes. Neither would inflict much damage. I'd have to wait until I could go home and load up with a shovel or something. I wonder if Charlie would notice his missing gun…

I went into my seventh hour study hall in a fury. I threw my satchel down on a chair in the cafeteria where our study hall was, and slumped down into the one next to it, crossing my arms and shaking my head to try to let some of my anger out.

"Hey, hon." Jake's voice was hesitant as he spoke to me, probably thinking that the anger I was displaying at the moment had been from before, in the hallway. Oh, how wrong he was.

"Hey, Jake," I said, letting the anger wash away, but instead, it came out in a sad tone.

"Babe, what's wrong?" he asked, setting down his book bag and sitting down next to me to wrap his arm around my shoulder. He must've noticed the small pout that was on my lips.

"I have detention after school today," I said, not able to help myself as I leaned into his strong body and rested my head against his shoulder. I could feel my pout grow even more pronounced.

"Awww, baby," he said, before kissing my hair. He tilted my head up to face him, and his face was closer to mine than I thought. His eyes traveled from mine down to my lips and back again. "You look so sexy when your lips are all pouty like that," he whispered, his other hand going to hold my face and running his thumb over my bottom lip, effectively smoothing out my pout.

I could feel the warmth radiating from him, and he tilted his face down, coming even closer to mine, and I welcomed it anxiously. His lips were just a breath away from my own, when…

BAM!

Startled, Jake and I jumped apart from one another and I prayed it wasn't a teacher. I really didn't feel like getting another detention this week.

"Hey guys!" I looked up to find Emmett standing at the other side of the round table where we were sitting, a huge, shit-eating grin on his face. "Please, don't let me interrupt."

"Shut up, Emmett," I laughed at him. "Wanna sit with us?" I asked, gesturing to the table. I heard Jake sigh, but he didn't say anything. What? Did he think we would just make out during study hall? Come on.

"Don't mind if I do," he grinned before sitting his bulky self down. "So, Bella, having fun?" he asked, wiggling his eyebrows suggestively.

I felt myself blush and my mouth drop in a state of shock. "Emmett McCarthy, mind your own goddamned business," I laughed at him.

He laughed before digging into his bag and pulling out a notebook and textbook. "Hey, I'm just saying. You wouldn't believe how many times I've gotten to finger Rosie during study hall," he said nonchalantly.

"Oh. My. God." I muttered, my face heating even more.

"Really?" Jake asked, a tone of awe in his voice.

I slapped his arm, before scooting away from his embrace.

"I was just asking," he clarified, before clearing his throat. "Really?" he whispered this time.

"Oh yeah, and..." Emmett said in a hushed whisper, before looking around to make sure no one was listening, "she gave me the best hand job ever, right over there, where Crowley is sitting."

The two boys turned to look at the table Emmett was discussing, and I put my head in my hands, wishing that some air conditioning would cycle on to cool me down.

"Dude," Jake laughed, "that's awesome. So, Bells…" he trailed off suggestively.

I looked at him with shock, before once again slapping his arm, an action that hurt me more than him, I'm sure.

"Oww," he laughed, feigning injury. "I was just kidding, babe," he chuckled before putting his arm around me again.

I pushed him away with a glare. "Hey," I told him, "I'm still mad at you."

Jake cleared his throat before taking both of my hands into his. "Bella, I'm really sorry for acting like such an immature ass to Edward. I really want to make it up to you this weekend, if you'll let me." When he finished he gave me the smile he knew I couldn't resist; the one that always made me smile back at him, no matter what he had done.

"Okay," I smiled. "So, what are we doing?"

"It's a surprise, but nice try," he laughed, kissing my cheek before reaching to pull homework out of his backpack.

"Jaaaaakeeee!" I whined. "You know I hate surprises," I pouted.

"This one you'll like," he said, bending down to kiss my bottom lip that was sticking out. "And stop pouting, for the love of god, before I throw you down on the table and take you. I'm sure Emmett wouldn't like that," he laughed, looking over at Emmett who appeared to be deep in thought.

"Whoa, Em. Don't hurt yourself over there," I laughed at how hard he was concentrating.

He must've snapped out of whatever thinking stage he was in, because he smiled at me. "Sorry. Trig with Mrs. Anderson," he laughed.

"I understand that," I said, pulling out my own Trig homework to work on.

EPOV

"Now, Edward… Mr. Mason called me via the intercom tell me what happened. What has gotten into you, son?"

I had no response to his question, but he sat patiently in his chair, as it groaned with his ever increasing weight. His fingers were resting beneath his chin, and a frown wrenched at his lips.

"I'm just nervous about the upcoming match against Portland, sir. I don't want to lose, so my mind is just set on one thing, and it's putting me on edge."

He nodded, his chin moving back and forth, "I understand…and you definitely don't need another detention…How about, I cancel your detention, and you go to practice. I won't tell Fury about this minor infraction, as long as you behave yourself. I'll talk to Mason, and set him straight, ask him to be a little more lenient with you. Just relax, Edward, the Portland game isn't for a few weeks. I'm sure you'll have your head on straight by then."

The way he said it left me with no room for argument, so I nodded fiercely. "Of course, sir, we won't let you down." I could barely contain my eye-roll. This kind of scenario frequently happened to characters in books or movies, but never in real life.

His pudgy hand came down on the desk, "Good! Now go to your next class, and behave yourself. I don't know how many more of these messes I can get you out of, Edward."

As I stood to exit Falkner's office, my hand grasped the door frame, stopping my feet from moving forward. I turned, and opened my mouth speak, "What about Bella?"

Falkner's eyebrow rose, "Yes? What about Ms. Swan."

"She can't be put in detention either. If Adam sees that she's missing from practice, he'll question her, and then everything will come out."

He stroked his thick neck, and nodded slowly, "I see your point. I'll make sure Bella doesn't have detention either. Anything else I can do for you, Edward?"

"No, thank you, sir. I'll let Bella know that she doesn't have detention." I left his office, heading toward my next class. Trigonometry, our teacher was a short, stout little woman, with dark hair. Her giggle was catchy, and once you heard it, you couldn't help but laugh too.

Soft laughter filtered out from the cafeteria, where study hall took place. I passed, hurrying toward my next class, "Edward! Hey, little brother, come here!"

I stopped, and turned to face Emmett, who, for once in his life, had no goofy smirk on his face, "What's going on, Emmett?"

Emmett swallowed, his hand coming down to rest on my shoulder. When he opened his mouth to speak, an announcement came over the PA, "Attention students: Don't forget about the soccer game on Tuesday. Your Spartans will be taking on the Salem Raiders. Come support your favorite sports team!"

As the announcement ended, Mr. Baran called for Emmett to come back into the cafeteria, and he never got a chance to finish what he wanted to tell me. I bit at the inside of my cheek when I saw Bella and Jacob sitting side by side, flirting with each other. I was jealous of their playful banter, not just because I knew that Bella should be mine, but because I wanted something like that. A girl to flirt with, one who loved me for me.

Speaking of Bella, I needed to tell her that she didn't have detention, but I didn't feel like facing her until I had my wits about me. I tugged my Blackberry Storm from my pocket and texted Bella hurriedly.

No detention. Don't thank me. I'm not proud of how I handled it. Enjoy your free time.

-Edward

I slunk into the class, and sat at my desk just after Mrs. Anderson took attendance, "Oh, Mr. Cullen, glad you're here. Alright class, pass your homework to the front. It's time for a pop quiz!"

A simultaneous groan echoed through the classroom as our homework was passed forward. Mrs. Anderson giggled, "Oh relax, this won't be hard if you did your homework correctly!"

My pocket buzzed, but I had no time to check it, as the quiz was passed backward over Matt Davis's shoulder. He was on the soccer team, and he offered me a smirk once the sheet was in my hand, "Good luck, Boss."

"Yeah, thanks, Matty."

---

"Now, gentlemen. I heard from a certain source that none of you bothered to help our team manager with the ball bags the other night. Even though your captains punished you, I still think it's up to me to make sure that it doesn't happen again. Who's ready for a two mile run?" Adam clapped his hands together.

Most of the boys groaned, but Hunter and I glanced at each other. Apparently, our punishment hadn't been sufficient according to Adam's standards, so we were due for an extra run.

"Let's go!"

Someone tapped my shoulder, and when I turned, I saw an angry Bella, her cheeks flushed, "What did you do to get us out of detention, Edward Cullen?"

I ignored her, and started to run, wanting to catch up with the rest of my team. She couldn't control me, especially if she didn't want anything to do with me.

"Hey! Wait!" I slowed to a jog, letting Bella catch up to me.

"Yes?" She sighed, shaking her head at me, as we ran.

"Can we talk? Please?"

Her pale cheeks were flushed, and when I stopped to turn and look at her, her hands were resting on top of her head, "What do you want to talk about?"

Apparently my tone wasn't exactly the most friendly because she winced, her eyes looking anywhere but at my face. I sighed, watching as she continued to avoid looking at me, "Bella, if you can't answer me, I need to finish my run."

She put her hands on my chest, and began pushing me backward off of the road, wanting to talk to me without anyone being able to see, "Tell me what you did, please."

I chuckled, shaking my head slowly, "I did nothing. Falkner told me that we didn't have detention, that's it."

Bella didn't believe that for one second, and I could see it in her eyes, "Edward, seriously. Tell me, please."

She looked desperate, her eyes pleading with me, as I rested my back against the tree trunk. The bark dug into my back, but I didn't move away from the solid base, "He told me that he'd get me out of detention, and I requested that you be removed too."

"You didn't have to do that, you know." I just smiled, shaking my head.

"It wasn't a big deal, love." Her eyes widened when I spoke, but I didn't understand why. She backed away from me, biting at her lower lip, before I turned and ran to catch up with a few lagging members of the soccer team.

What had I done wrong?

BPOV

There was that word again. "Love." It wasn't used as in "Hey, Bella, just wanted to tell you that I love you. Catch you later." And it wasn't all fireworks and party poppers exploding as music soared in the background while he took me into his arms and kissed me.

It wasn't like that at all. Not over the top, or even just a casual saying. Now, it was obvious it was simply a term of endearment, after all, the two times he had said it, it was as if he didn't even realize it. But although that registered in my mind, I couldn't help but notice the softness in his eyes and how he looked at me when he said it. It was the little things like that that made my heart stutter.

I took off running across the field, back to take my usual spot on the bench. As I sat there, I realized how wrong it was that Edward probably used the same thing he tried to pull the first time we ended up in the principal's office, it wasn't right. But, I couldn't very well say that to anyone without giving Edward a detention again, not to mention I was relieved that Charlie wouldn't have to hear about yet another incident where I had gotten into trouble at school.

Time went by faster that day, of course that could've been due to the fact that Coach Fury made Edward keep his shirt on. I was relieved that no one would catch me drooling if his shirt was on, and then I was disappointed at the loss of the sight.

"Bella," Edward said, running up to me as the team headed into the locker room before going home.

I turned just as we reached the steps to the school. "Yeah?" I asked, biting my lip to keep from focusing on just how good he looked with his hair soaked in sweat.

"So, uh, what are you up to this weekend?" he asked with a shrug.

I looked at him in confusion. Since when had Edward Cullen and I started to talk about what we do on the weekends? For crying out loud, we'd only just started to get to know each other for the past what? Five days? God, had it been a week? It seemed so much longer.

"Umm…I don't really have any set plans," I told him, my brows still knit together. "What…are you doing?" I asked slowly, still confused about why we were even having this conversation.

"Oh, I don't know yet," he smiled.

"I know what you'll be doing," both of our heads snapped up to look at Tyler Crowley. "I saw that hot blonde at your party," he winked in Edward's direction. "Don't tell me you won't be tapping that this weekend. I swear Edward, you are a fuckin' idol! Dude, if I got half as much ass as you do, I could die a happy man," he laughed before walking into the school.

I heard Edward sigh heavily as he pinched the bridge of his nose.

"Looks like you have a pretty full weekend," I said. "I'll see you around," I slapped him on the arm in a friendly gesture, but I couldn't mask the hurt and disappointment on my face.

I changed out of my sweats and into the clothes I had come to school in slowly, having no reason to hurry. I was the only girl in the locker room and I knew I would have to stay late on Monday to make sure all the uniforms were clean, folded and present for the game on Tuesday.

When I finally emerged from the school, my truck was the last one in the parking lot and the sky was already dark.

My truck roared to life and I began my very slow journey home only to find that Charlie's cruiser wasn't in the driveway. When I unlocked the door and went into the kitchen, there was a note held on the fridge with an "M" from the magnet alphabets that hung on the fridge's door.

Bells,

Got called back to work. Probably won't be back 'til late. Do your homework and don't stay up too late.

Charlie

I almost laughed at the fact that he sounded like a parent in the note. Every day when I came home from school I was never told to do my homework and I was never told when to go to bed. I always just did it myself. I suppose that rubbed off on me while living with my mom and Phil and I had to take care of myself as well as them.

I sighed as I laid my satchel on one of the four mismatched kitchen chairs and opened the fridge to find that we still were in desperate need of food. So, taking the money from the jar in the kitchen cabinet, I grabbed my keys again and went out to my truck and headed for the Thriftway.

Pushing a cart up and down the aisles, I only ever got what I knew we needed, but I was feeling so down on myself since hearing Tyler Crowley talking about Edward and what he probably was doing this weekend. Hell, what he probably did every weekend.

So, in my despair, I grabbed a container of Ben and Jerry's Chocolate Fudge ice cream and some chocolate chip cookie dough. I put my comfort food in the place in the cart were infants were supposed to sit, and carried on through the other aisles.

As I rounded the canned food aisle, heading for the produce, my cart slammed into another's and I went stumbling backward.

"Oh my god! Bella!" I looked to find the owner of the other cart. "I am so sorry. I just seem to keep running into you."

I laughed as I steadied myself on my cart. "It's alright, Alice," I smiled at her. I wasn't sure why, but I just couldn't picture any of the Cullens going out to shop for groceries, especially Alice. "You're grocery shopping?" I couldn't help but ask.

"I know, not exactly my usual shopping trip," she giggled, "but Esme was busy." I nodded in understanding. "So, still having boy trouble?" she asked with a laugh.

"Actually Jake and I patched things up during study hall," I told her.

"Mhm… then your boy trouble doesn't just include Jacob, does it?" she smirked, knowingly.

"What? I mean how…why would you think that?" I stumbled over my words.

"Bella, any teenage girl with ice cream and cookie dough has some serious boy problems. So, if you're eating that; what's eating you?" she asked, her elbow leaning down on her cart.

"Alice, I really appreciate you trying to help, but we're in a grocery store," I laughed the last part out nervously.

"You're right. I think we need to have a sleepover!" she squealed.

"Alice, I really shouldn't. Charlie's out and I have all these groceries…" I trailed off as I followed her down the aisle to the registers.

"We'll stop at your house to get your things and you can put away the groceries. Then you can come over after you call Charlie and get approval. It'll be so fun! Oh," she stopped to turn toward me, "And bring the ice cream and the cookie dough," she said with a wink.

I sighed knowing there was no way I could win against a force as strong as Alice.

EPOV

Their incessant giggling was driving me insane…correction; Alice's incessant giggling was driving me insane. My hand was poised over the paper, pen dangling over the blank surface. I was working on my homework, but at this pace I would never finish. Literally.

I pursed my lips, glaring down at the empty sheet. Did Alice live to torture me? Perhaps it was an early present from Satan sent to harass me until my soul left my body? Yes, that was it…Damn him…

"Emmett! Mmmm!"

They couldn't go one night without doing that? For God's sake, there were innocent ears downstairs that need not be exposed to such sounds. My eyes moved to my ceiling, until I heard a faint tapping on my door.

"Edward? We need to speak with you."

"It's open."

Esme pushed open my door, and smiled when she saw me sitting at my desk. I had an extra chair, so she pulled it up, sitting close to me, "Your father and I are going out tonight. Will you be okay?"

The tip of my pen tapped along the edge of my desk as I listened to my mother. She and Carlisle would be leaving me alone, with my siblings, and Bella. It would give me a chance to explain myself to Bella, and maybe get to know her better.

"Sure, Mom, why wouldn't I be okay?"

My mother winced when she heard the giggling next door to my bedroom, and I shook my head, "These walls are like cardboard. Or maybe, they just moved the bed against MY side of the wall to torture me."

Esme patted my shoulder, and then leaned down to kiss my forehead. Her hand pushed my hair from my eyes, then cradled my cheek, "Be good, Edward."

I smiled cheekily, the grin transforming my face, "I always am."

Once the familiar purr of the Mercedes floated in through my open windows, I closed my chemistry book, abandoning the formulas to see what my siblings had planned for dinner. Bella was perched on the kitchen island, and Alice was leaning back into Jasper's arms while she munched on an apple.

"Hey, Edward! Look who's here."

I nodded, and offered Bella a smile, "Hey there, Bella." I wasn't sure what else to say after she'd run away from me earlier that day, not to mention after the confrontation between Jacob and me that remained as yet unsettled.

"Hi, Edward."

I locked my shoulders, and hoisted myself onto the island, sitting next to Bella. Jasper offered me a sheepish smile, and I returned one. We had apologized without words; with Jasper, I never had to tell him that I was feeling remorse.

The house shook as Emmett stomped down the stairs, with the world's goofiest grin on his face. Rose's smug expression confirmed the noises I'd been hearing weren't wolves howling, "Hello, family!"

My brother wedged himself between Bella and I, before wrapping an oversized arm around each of our shoulders.

"So, what's for dinner?"

"Food." I smirked, so he cocked his head to the side, unsure of what kind of game I was playing.

"What kind of food?"

"The kind you eat."

Emmett's bottom lip stuck out, and he made it tremble. I bit back a chuckle, as Bella, compensated him for his pouting, "Aww… Emmett, don't let Edward be mean to you. He's just acting like an ass."

"Well, what are we eating?" His voice was soft and childish, and just like that, Bella melted. Her expression showed that she would do anything to make him feel better… Well, anything within reason.

"I can make us something. I saw what Alice bought at the grocery store, so I can cook something up, Emmett, don't worry."

He grinned, his entire face lighting up with that silly expression, "Good! But you can't cook by yourself…" Emmett trailed off, but I didn't catch what he was getting at until...

"Not it!"

"A.B.C. drop out!"

"I mess up grilled cheese!"

"My hands are dirty."

"I just can't help!"

I blinked, and glanced at Bella, who was covering her laughter underneath her open palm, "I never was very good at the game. I'll help you… what did you have in mind?"

My siblings cleared out of the kitchen, as Bella remained perched on the island, clearly contemplating what we could make for dinner. Her lips were parted as she thought, making me want to lean across the counter and kiss them, suck on her bottom lip, and taste her tongue.

"…is that okay, Edward? Edward?"

"Yes, sorry, I was off in my own little world."

Bella nodded and pushed herself down from the counter, "Turkey meatball subs it is then."


Turkey meatball subs, are FREAKING delicious… Mmm Mmm good! As I mentioned before, the next chapter is one of my favorites, and it was tons of fun to write.

If you can find the slight Sydney White quote, I'll applaud you. I dunno if there is a prize involved, except I might say, OH, so and so got it right! TATA!

By the way! Smart Guy is back on TV. I'm super excited… don't judge me…

See you soon,

Hayden

I wonder if Hayden realizes he just said "tata" in his A.N (hehehe).

We were indeed hard at work on the next chapter and I think you will all be excited. There is the return of a little thing I like to call DTE!!!!!!!!!!! (plugs ears as fangirls scream!).

Okay, now who actually screamed like a fan girl? Just curious…lol.

See you guys later,

ashel-13