Disclaimer: I don't own Twilight. I do own a Harry Potter tote bag, at least 25 zombie movies, and several New Zealand newspaper articles about Heath Ledger.

A/N: Thanks for reading and reviewing. It means a lot! Thanks to Chylex28 for her awesome awesomeness. 'Nuff said.


Oh, I could hide 'neath the wings of the bluebird as she sings
The six o'clock alarm would never ring
But it rings and I rise wipe the sleep out of my eyes
The shavin' razor's cold, and it stings

Cheer up, sleepy Jean, oh what can it mean
To a daydream believer and a homecoming queen?

~Daydream Believer~ Monkees


Surviving High School

I woke up a nervous wreck. Today was the day. The day that I would tell Edward all about Bitchtoria and her attitude toward me. I flopped onto my back and stared at my ceiling, running through what I was going to say. I'd already decided to just get it out of the way, once I got in his car. If he didn't like what I had to say, then tough. And if he refused to drive me over to his house, I'd just have Alice come get me. Or I'd get in Chuck and follow him home. Okay. Maybe not. That could be seen as a bit stalkerish. Then a thought occurred to me. We never discussed what time I was going over there! I hopped out of bed and stumbled to my computer. One of these days, I was going to save up enough money to get a laptop. That way, I could stay all comfy in bed while playing my Facebook games. While the computer was booting up, I headed to the bathroom to take a quick shower.

After showering and getting dressed, I logged onto Facebook. I hoped that someone from the Cullen clan was online so I could find out what time Edward was getting me. I noticed that Alice was online, so I sent her a short message asking what time I should expect Edward.

Alice Cullen: edwards coming to get you? i was going to come get you. why doesnt he ever tell me anything

Bella Swan: oh. i didnt realize that. edward volunteered to come get me last night when we were talking.

Alice Cullen: no biggie. but he better not try to interfere with our girl day. ill send him over around 1. is that okay?

I looked at the clock noticing that it was a little after 11. That would give me plenty of time to get myself ready.

Bella Swan: sounds good

Alice Cullen: yay! cya soon

After replying back to her, I closed the chat. I figured since I was already on Facebook, I'd play some games. Once I was done and logged off, I opened up my closet to try and figure out what to wear. It's not like I'm particularly picky about clothes, but I was going to be hanging out with Alice, the Forks Fashionista. I decided on a pair of nice jeans and a blue shirt with three quarter sleeves. I braided my hair and then headed downstairs to make a sandwich. As I was cutting up the tomato to put on my sandwich, the knife slipped and I took off my thumb. Okay, not really, but it could have happened. Having been through this many times before, I calmly washed the blood off, bandaged it and went back to my sandwich making. Before I knew it, one o'clock had rolled around and I heard a knock on the door.

I quickly ran to the door and opened it. There, standing on my porch, was a sight to behold. Edward flashed me a grin and leaned against the door frame.

"You ready?"

I nodded, grabbed my wallet and keys, and locked the door. Edward gestured towards his Volvo and I headed down the front steps. Of course, I managed to trip on the last step. I threw my hands out in front of me to stop the cement from hitting me in the face, when Edward's hand reached out and caught me. He shook his head at me and asked if I was okay. I gave him a sheepish smile and told him I was fine. He opened the passenger door for me and I climbed inside. Once seated, I took a deep breath to calm myself, and was immediately engulfed in his smell. God, he smelled good. He climbed in and gave me a smile. I returned his smile and looked down, noticing that my hands were starting to shake. I clasped them together and took another deep breath. It was now or never.

"Um, Edward?"

"Yeah."

"Before we get going, can I talk to you about something?"

He looked at me with those piercing green eyes. "Of course."

"It's..." I started, but then had to take another deep breath to steady my nerves. "It's about Victoria."

He turned in his seat to face me, and I noticed a slightly wary expression in his eyes.

"Um...she'samajorbitch. Who'souttoruinmylife,"I blurted out.

"Bella, I didn't understand a word you just said. Can you say it a little slower, please?"

I wanted to bang my head into the dashboard. Was he really going to make me say it again? Gathering all the courage I had, I began again. I couldn't look at him while talking and kept my gaze averted.

"She's a major bitch. At least to me, anyway. It started when I ran into you, which was a complete accident, by the way. It's not my fault that I'm clumsy, but that's not the point. She completely hates me! When she found out that we were lab partners, she cornered me in the hallway, warned me to stay away from you and told me that I'd better find a new lab partner. And then Friday night at the diner, I was in the bathroom talking to Angela, and Victoria was in there. She pretty much told me that this was the last time she was going to tell me to back off and that if I continued to be friends with you, she would ruin me."

I held my breath, waiting for him to say something, anything. But did he? No. The silence around us was deafening. I took a quick glance at him, and found him staring out the window. Oh God. I ruined whatever tentative friendship we had. I could feel tears starting to form, but I'd be damned if I let him see me cry. I fumbled for the door handle in an attempt to get out of his car. Fuck this. Just as I was about to open the door, a hand reached out and covered mine.

"Wait. Please."

I let go of the handle and turned to see him looking at me. He took a deep breath, his gaze never leaving mine.

"I'm so sorry, Bella. I had no idea she was being so mean to you. I knew that she was upset about us being partners. That's what she and I were arguing about that day in the parking lot. She wanted me to switch partners and I told her no. I honestly had no idea that she was threatening you. Please believe me."

"I do. I believe you," I told him.

"I'll have a talk with her. I'm not making excuses for her, but she's a bit insecure and tends to get easily jealous. I'll explain that she has nothing to be jealous of. You and I are just friends."

Ouch! While it was true, it still hurt. I think a little piece of my heart shattered. Stupid, I know. It's not like I'm even in his league. I'm lucky that we're even friends. Seriously though? All he's gonna do is talk to her? I'm not sure what I expected, but that wasn't it. It's not like I expected him to pull out his phone, call Victoria, break up with her on the spot and then drive off into the sunset with me.

"Thanks, Edward," I told him. I had a feeling that his talk with Bitchtoria was going to make her hate me even more.

Just then, his phone buzzed. He pulled it out of his pocket and quickly texted whomever it was back.

"Alice. She wanted to know if I had kidnapped you."

I smiled. It would be nice to be kidnapped by Edward. I would be his willing hostage. He put his phone away, threw the mom-mobile in reverse and pulled out of my drive. Turns out the Cullens lived at that very edge of town and I never would have found their house on my own. Their drive was hidden by a cluster of large trees. As the house came into view, I couldn't help but gasp. It had to be at least a hundred years old. Three stories tall and painted a soft shade of white.

"Oh, Edward. It's beautiful!"

He grinned at me. "Wait till you see the inside. Mom's an interior designer, she designed the whole place."

He placed the car in park and we both opened our doors to get out. I almost felt like I was walking into a fairy tale. Edward opened the front door for me and I was instantly whisked onto the back of an elegant pink unicorn by a tiny, bubbly princess. It took me a second to revert back to reality, but I returned the hug that Alice had bestowed upon me.

"Oh, Bella! I'm so glad you're here! We're going to have so much fun!" she exclaimed.

I couldn't help but laugh at her excitement. She quickly shooed Edward away and gave me a quick tour of the house. It was amazing. I couldn't imagine living in such a place. After the tour was done, Alice dragged me to the downstairs den, where a huge flat-screen TV awaited us.

"Okay, Bella. As my guest, you have the honor of choosing the first movie we watch," she said, as she led me over to the huge entertainment center that held more movies than Emmett had muscles.

There were so many to choose from, I didn't even know where to begin. And then it caught my eye. The Princess Bride. My favorite movie of all time. I snatched it up quickly and turned to Alice.

"This one okay?"

"Yes! I love The Princess Bride!" she said while clapping her hands together while bouncing up and down like Tigger on crack. She was too cute.

We settled down on the couch and began the movie. No matter how many times I watch it, I always tear up a bit. I let out a small sniffle and heard one coming from the other end of the couch as well. Turns out, I'm not the only one who tears up at this movie. After the movie was over, I let out a sigh. If only I could be the Buttercup to Edward's Westley.

"What's wrong, Bella?"

I curled up on the couch and turned to face Alice.

"I told Edward about Victoria earlier."

"How did that go?"

"Eh. Not bad, but not great either. He apologized for her behavior and told me he'd talk to her. Like that's gonna help," I snorted.

"Sometimes that boy is so stupid! I swear, there are days when I don't think we're related. Doesn't he realize that talking to her isn't going to do anything but piss her off more?"

"Guess not."

"Not sure if it'll help or not, but I'll talk to him later."

I gave her a smile. "Thanks, Alice. I appreciate it."

"No prob. So..." Alice began innocently, as she scooted across the couch, practically in my lap now, "how long have you been in love with Edward?"

"What?" I sputtered.

"Oh c'mon, Bella. I can tell."

Well, crap. If she could tell, then who else could? Did the whole world know that I was in love with him? It would certainly explain Victoria's hostility toward me.

"Uh..." I was completely at a loss as to what to say.

"Bella, it's okay. You can tell me. I won't tell anyone, I swear!"

Just like with Emmett, I knew that I could trust Alice.

"Is it obvious?"

"What? No! No, of course not. I'm just really good at reading people. That, and I have a sixth sense about these things."

"A sixth sense?"

"Yep. I just get these feelings about things."

"Feelings, huh?"

"Yes. Feelings. Now don't you start! It's bad enough that Jazzy and Edward tease me about it."

"Okay, okay," I said with my hands up in the air, surrendering. "I won't make fun of you."

"Thank you. Now tell me, how long have you been in love with my brother?"

"Since the minute I saw him. He's so beautiful, Alice! And the past week has only made it worse. Despite being Mr. Popular, he's so nice and sweet to me."

Alice smiled at me. "He's a great guy, Bella. A bit misguided in the girlfriend department though. Believe me, there is nothing I want more than to see him break up with Victoria. But that isn't going to happen until he can see for himself just what kind of a person she is."

She was right. Until Edward could see the real Victoria, I guess I was just going to have to deal with him dating her. Alice got up to grab another movie, and asked me if I wanted anything to eat or drink. I told her no, but did mention that I needed to use the bathroom.

"The one down here is broken. You'll have to head upstairs. It'll be down the hallway, on your right."

I made my way up the stairs and found the bathroom easily enough. Once I was done, I opened the door and ran right into Edward.

"Sorry, Edward."

"No harm done. Are you having a good time with Alice? Has she driven you insane yet?"

"Yes, I'm having a good time and no, she hasn't driven me crazy yet."

"Just wait. After a few more hours in her presence, you'll come running, begging me to save you from her."

I giggled at him. "Sure, Edward. Although, I have to say her whole 'sixth sense' thing is a bit weird."

He busted out laughing. "Oh yeah. We're always teasing her about it. She's a weird one. Like I said, if you need rescuing, just give me a holler."

"Will do," I said, grinning up at him.

"Bellaaa!" Alice called from the bottom of the stairs.

"Guess I'd better get down there before I get in trouble."

"Go on. When you're ready to go home, just let me know. I'll drive you back."

"Thanks, Edward."

I headed back to the basement and found Alice sitting on the couch waiting for me. I sat back down and saw that she had put in The Emperor's New Groove. I also loved this movie! I was sitting there, trying to watch it, but I could feel her staring at me. Finally I couldn't take it anymore.

"What?"

"You were up there for quite some time."

"Uh huh."

"So...what were you doing?"

"Using the bathroom."

"Bella!" she whined.

I giggled at her exasperation. "Fine, fine. I came out of the bathroom and ran into Edward. We talked for a bit. Are you always this nosy?"

"I'm not nosy. I just like to stay informed."

"Sure, Alice."

"Well, I'm glad that Edward has you as a friend. He doesn't have many real friends. Mainly myself, Jasper, and Emmett."

"What about Rosalie?"

Alice snorted at that. "Puh-lease. Those two are always picking a fight with each other. He thinks she's a self-absorbed Barbie doll and she thinks he's an uptight pretty boy."

"Well, he is pretty."

"Of course he is. He's my twin."

We giggled some more and then sat back to enjoy the movie. Halfway through the movie, Edward came down and joined us on the couch. Alice scooted all the way to the opposite end so that Edward had to sit between us. Not that I was complaining. I'd take what I could get. I quickly learned that Edward was an extremely annoying person to watch movies with. He sat there, repeating all the lines, loud enough for me to hear them.

"You know, Edward. Just because you know all the words to the movie, doesn't mean I want to hear them," I told him.

Alice and I both busted out laughing at the look on his face. He scowled at both of us, crossed his arms over his chest and let out a huff. We went back to watching the movie, and not more than ten minutes later, I caught him doing it again. I grabbed the pillow that I was leaning on, whacked him with it, and then went back to watching the movie.

"What the hell was that for?" he asked me.

"I have no idea what you're talking about," I told him.

"You just hit me with a pillow!"

"I did no such thing."

"You totally did."

"Really, Edward. I think you're imagining things."

I was having a hard time not busting out into giggles, but I was having a blast picking on him. He turned to look at Alice, who was busy attempting to watch the movie.

"Help me out here, Alice?"

"I have no idea what you're talking about Edward."

He just shook his head and muttered something about sibling betrayers. He then turned back to me and pointed at me.

"Better watch your back, Swan," he warned me.

"Oooo...I'm so scared."

"You should be."

As the credits rolled, we decided to watch one more movie, and then I'd head home. Edward decided that since we were being mean to him, that meant he got to select the movie we watched. I had a feeling I wasn't going to enjoy his pick. He put the movie in and sat back down between us.

"Ugh! Really, Edward? A zombie movie?"

"Don't tell me they scare you, Bella?"

"No, they don't scare me. They're stupid and all the same."

He shot me an incredulous look. "What are you talking about? They're not stupid or all the same."

"Of course they are," I said while rolling my eyes. "There's usually some post-apocalyptic shit going down, or a virus has infected the human race and there's a handful of people who have to survive. These people are on the run, living in malls, and all apparently know how to shoot and that they must aim for the head in order to kill the zombies. These movies are so stupid!"

"Whatever. We're watching this regardless of your opinion," was his brilliant comeback.

During our exchange, Alice had excused herself to take a phone call and left us to our own devices. We settled in to watch the stupid movie, and again, Edward started repeating lines in a whisper. I wasn't sure if he was doing it to annoy me this time, or if he just couldn't help himself. Either way it was ending here and now. I, once again, grabbed the pillow and this time I smacked him in the face with it.

"What the hell, Bella?" he roared at me.

I busted out laughing. He was too cute when he was annoyed. He made to grab the pillow from me, but I wasn't about to let go of it. It was the only weapon I handy and I might need it. Of course, I was laughing so hard, that I could hardly hold on to it.

"I warned you little girl. Now you're gonna get it," he growled.

Before I knew what was happening, he dug his fingers into my sides and started tickling me. I shrieked partially in outrage, partially in laughter, and did my best to attack him with the pillow. It wasn't going so well for me.

"Stop!" I yelled at him, all the while giggling.

He ignored my demand and moved to tickle my other side. I was laughing so hard and squirming to get away, that I managed to knock both of us to the floor. I lay on my back, with Edward hovering above me. Oh my. His eyes were even more beautiful up close. His gaze fell to my lips and then back up to my eyes. His head moved closer to mine, and my breath caught in my throat. Oh my God! He's going to kiss me! When his lips were a hairbreadth from mine, a throat clearing caught our attention. We sprang apart as quickly as possible and I looked up to see Alice smirking at us from across the room.

"Having fun guys?" she asked.

I was sure my face was bright red, and Edward's seem to have a tint of pink on it. We both mumbled yes and refused to meet each other's gaze. Can we say awk-ward? From somewhere upstairs, a clock chimed, letting us know that it was six. I picked imaginary lint off of my shirt and told Edward that it was probably time for me to head home. He headed upstairs first, and I made to follow, when Alice reached out and touched my arm.

"So...care to explain what I just saw?"

"Nope."

"Please?" she begged with a pout.

"Nothing happened. We were just goofing around, that's all."

"Uh huh. Care to explain why you were on the floor?"

"He was tickling me and we fell off the couch. I swear. Nothing happened."

She reached over and rubbed my arm. "Relax, Bella. It's fine. I know that neither of you would do anything while he's still dating Victoria."

I paled at the mention of her name. If she ever found out about this, I was as good as dead.

"You can't tell her about this! Promise me!"

"You know I'd never say anything to her, right?"

I nodded.

"Thanks, Alice."

She gave me a hug, and then walked with me upstairs. She told me she had a good time and that we'd catch up at school tomorrow. I waved goodbye to her and slowly made my way to Edwards' car. Despite what had almost happened, or not happened, or whatever, he was still a gentleman and opened my door for me. I slid inside and closed my eyes for a minute.

"You okay?" Edward asked me after starting the car.

"Yeah."

"Um...about what happened back there..."

"Forget it. It's no big deal," I said. Oh, I'm such a liar. It was a very big deal. To me, anyways.

He dragged a hand through his hair and let out a sigh. "I really like you Bella, and I don't want things to be awkward between us."

I smiled at him. "I like you too, and it'll be fine."

"Friends?" he asked.

"Friends. Thanks for coming to get me and for driving me home."

"No prob. I couldn't very well pick you up and then make you walk home now, could I?"

"Well...I don't know. You did try to make me watch a zombie movie."

He shook his head at me. We made small talk for a few more minutes, and then he pulled up at my house.

"See ya tomorrow, Bella."

"Bye, Edward. Thanks again."

I let out a sigh as I watched him drive off. My thoughts were all jumbled up and I couldn't even begin to think straight. I unlocked the front door and headed inside. Charlie wasn't home yet, and I was thankful for that. I made my way to my room and threw myself down on my bed. I couldn't get over the fact that Edward had almost kissed me. He almost kissed me! I let out a girly squeal. I was so over the moon for this guy, it was ridiculous. But I knew that nothing like that could ever happen again. Not until he was single. I prayed that the boy would be able to open up his eyes, and see Victoria for what she really was. I sat up and decided to attempt to do some homework, to keep my mind off of Edward and the almost kiss. A half hour later, I gave up. My mind kept going back to him. I closed my eyes and let my mind take over.

We were laying on the floor, after his tickling had caused us to end up there. The look in his eyes set my heart racing. His gaze left mine and moved down to my lips. My breath was shaky, and my heart flew into overtime as he bent his head closer. His lips were so close. I wished he would hurry up and just kiss me. And then he did. His lips were so soft, yet firm, and felt perfect against mine. I let out a sigh and plunged my hands into his hair, holding him closer. Best. Kiss. EVER. The boy knew what he was doing. Very gently, he sucked my bottom lip as he pulled away from the kiss.

"God, I'm crazy about you Bella." he said in a husky voice.

"I'm crazy about you too, Edward."

He bent his head down again, and just as he brought his lips to mine again...

"Bella!"

"Upstairs, Dad!"

I let out a sigh. Stupid daydream disturbing dad! I made my way downstairs, and filled Charlie in about my day, (well somethings were obviously left out) while making dinner. After we ate, we went our separate ways. Me, back upstairs, and Charlie to the living room. Knowing that I wouldn't be able to concentrate on my homework, I logged into my Facebook and updated my status. Bella Swan feels like doing some homework, so she's sitting down until the feeling passes. She also had a great day today! I killed the next few hours, yes hours, playing pointless games and then gave Angela a call.

"Hey, Bella," Angela answered.

"Hey. So something interesting happened to me today."

"Oh yeah?"

"Yeah. Alice invited me over to their place to watch movies, and Edward was there."

"And?"

"And...healmostkissedme," I gushed.

"He what?" she screeched.

I held my phone away from my ear to keep myself from going deaf.

"He. Almost. Kissed. Me."

"Do tell!"

"We were watching this stupid zombie movie and Alice had gone upstairs to talk on the phone. Anyway, Edward was annoying me by repeating the lines of the movie, so I hit him with a pillow, which led to him tickling me. Then we fell off the couch and he was hovering over me and he almost kissed me, when Alice interrupted."

"No way!"

"Way. As much as I would have enjoyed that kiss, I would've felt guilty, and so would Edward. I mean he's still dating She Who Shall Not Be Named."

"Too true. Oh hey, did you ever tell him about her?"

"Yeah. Earlier today when he came to pick me up. He apologized and said he'd talk to her. Alice and I agree, that will probably only make things worse. She also pointed out that until he can see her for the bitch that she is, he'll stay with her."

"Aw, Bella. Well, at least you told him and now he knows."

"True. Alright, I'm gonna head to bed. See ya tomorrow."

"Night Bella."

I hung up the phone and got ready for bed. As I laid there waiting for sleep to claim me, all I could think about was Edward and his kiss, the kiss that almost belonged to me. So close, yet so far away. I hoped that tomorrow wouldn't be awkward and really, really hoped that he would break up with Victoria and soon. She was such a major bitch, it couldn't take too long for him to see her for what she really was, right? Then again, they'd been together for almost two years now. I guess I would have to be patient and give it time, even though the thought of him with her killed me. But while I was waiting for him to come to his senses, I'd be savoring every moment we had together. Particularly, our almost kiss.