Author's Note: I own NONE of this. No copyright infringement is intended. I just wanted to borrow the characters and play with them. I'm also looking for songs that would work for the story. Please leave a review or PM me if you have suggestions.

Thank you to all of the people who have faved my story! It means more to me than you can imagine!

Also, just to let you know, Emerson University is a made up university in my head. In the craziness that I call my brain, it's located in upstate New York. I apologize if it's a real university. Some of the aspects of Emerson are based on my college experience as are Bella's (at least the musical experiences).

Chapter Nine: Complications

EPOV

I jogged from the music building after I swatted Bella on the ass. She had the cutest expression on her face. She looked like an angry kitten. So adorable…even when she's pissed. I stopped at the corner and waited for her to join me. She was still standing outside of Brandon Hall with her arms folded across her chest. I ambled back to the music building with a contrite look on my face. As I got closer, she huffed and turned the opposite direction. Her shoulders were shaking.

Shit, did I hurt her? You are such a fucking idiot, Cullen!

"Bella? I'm sorry, baby," I said pathetically. "Don't cry."

Bella turned back to face me and she was not crying, not from sadness. She was laughing. She was laughing so hard that she had tears flowing down her face. She bent over in a fit of giggles.

"I'm glad I amuse you, Swan," I said dryly.

"Sorry, Edward. I just couldn't resist," she teased. "I guess I missed my calling as an actress."

"Whatever. You're a tease," I grumbled as I looked at her with a raised brow. "Do you want food?"

"Yeah, I'm really sorry, baby," she said. She wrapped her arms around my waist and laid her head on chest. I folded my arms around her and kissed her head. I shook my head and started walking to the cafeteria. Bella released her arms from my body and grabbed my hand. We walked hand in hand to the cafeteria.

After lunch, Bella and I grabbed my Volvo and headed to the campus bookstore. We entered the store and went our separate ways. I picked up my necessary books, along with some highlighters, a new hoodie and a travel mug. I got in line behind Bella and laughed at her grumbling.

"This is insane. I'm buying almost all used books and I'm still going to spend over $500. Absolute rip off," she mused.

"If it makes you feel any better, I'm spending about $1000 on my books. About half of them are used," I reasoned. "My biochemistry book is a new edition and it's $200. What really sucks is if I want to sell it back, I'll get like $25. That's a rip off."

"That sucks, Edward," she said, frowning slightly. She walked up to the register and unloaded her books. The cashier rang up her books and gave her total. Bella had a noticeable grimace on her face as she pulled out her check book to pay for her books. She handed the check to the cashier and finalized the sale. She put the books into a bag and turned to me after she completed Bella's sale.

I walked up and waited for the cashier to total up my books. She smiled sweetly as she said, "$1,126.57."

That is downright sickening…blah!

I shook my head as I reached for my wallet. I took out my credit card and handed it to her. I noticed Bella was looking at an Emerson hoodie. "Can you also add that sweatshirt, in a small?" I asked with a crooked grin.

"Sure. Your new total is $1207.68," she confirmed.

"Thanks," I said. I signed the credit slip and gathered my books. I walked up behind Bella and reached up to get the hoodie in the appropriate size. I glanced at the cashier and she smiled as she nodded. I pulled it down and folded it. I handed it to Bella. "For you, Ms. Swan."

"Edward, you didn't." she chided looking at me in shock.

"I did. You can't go through your first bookstore experience at Emerson without getting some Emerson-wear. Please accept it," I offered with a smile. She ran her hand over the navy material, over the embroidered Emerson University logo.

"Thank you very much," she said gently. "Don't make this a regular occurrence, though."

"I intend to spoil you as often as I can, Bella. You deserve the best. Right now it's a navy blue hoodie. Later, it'll be diamonds and gems. Let me spoil you."

"Diamonds and gems?" she squeaked, her brown eyes wide with shock. "I don't think so, Edward. I'll accept the sweatshirt but at least let me buy you some coffee when we get to the coffee shop after?"

"Seems fair," I chuckled, taking her hand in mine.

"Not really. I'll have to buy you coffee for a year," she deadpanned as we left the bookstore.

"Nope, I only want one and that's all I'll accept," I said. I gathered her bag with her books and led her back to my car. I put the bags in the back seat as Bella headed to the passenger side. She slid into the car and I got in the driver's seat. I pulled out of the parking lot and drove for fifteen minutes to a small coffee shop called The Bean where I used to play some acoustic sets of music last year. I parked the car and turned to face my Bella.

"We're here." She gave me a smile and exited the car. I grabbed the bags with the textbooks and carried them into the coffee shop.

"What do you want, Edward?" she asked.

"Oh, um, a grande café Americano, please. A water, too," I responded with a crooked smirk.

Bella went to get in line and I carried the books to a small booth in the back of the coffee shop. I placed Bella's bag in the booth and I slid into the opposite side. I took out my laptop and loaded it up while I waited for Bella to return with our drinks. I opened up my email and sent out a quick email to my former choir director.

To: Garret Sisko

From: Edward Cullen

CC: Isabella Swan

Re: Favor

Hey Garrett!

It's Edward Cullen. I hope things are going well for you this school year. I would assume so, since Alice is no longer in choir. Just kidding!

Okay, not really, but still :-) I'm still at Emerson pursuing my father's dream of becoming a doctor. However, you know you can call me if you need an accompanist. Got keep my piano chops up, you know? Also, hang out with my favorite choral director. LOL.

Anyhow, I have a favor to ask of you. My girlfriend, Isabella Swan, is a music education major. She is in an Introduction to Education class and needs to complete some observation hours. She's not from the area and doesn't know anybody locally. Can she do her hours with you? Let me know as soon as you can so she can make other arrangements if need be.

Thanks!

Yours in music,

Edward

I had finished my email to director, sending it off to him, as Bella came to our table with our drinks. She slid into the seat and handed me my coffee.

"What are you doing, handsome?" she asked.

"I just emailed my old choir director to see if you could your observation hours for your education class. I may be local, but my school is still an hour away. Depending on when you go, Alice or I will have to drive you," I explained.

"Being an hour away by car is a hell of a lot closer than five hours away by plane," she giggled.

"True. I guess I could also let you borrow my car," I said as I grabbed her hand across the table.

"You'd let me borrow your car? Really, Soccer Mom?" she teased.

I rolled my eyes, "I'm not a 'soccer mom.' It's a safe car, but in a masculine way."

"It is, Edward. I'm just giving you in a hard time," she smiled as she sipped her coffee.

"Come on, I have a ton of reading to do and I'm certain you do too. I'd like to head back to campus in an hour and half so I can get some practice in for the Opening Convocation tomorrow. We also need to work on our lesson for Wednesday in University Singers."

"Yes, sir," she said with a mock salute. She pulled out psychology book and a highlighter and began reading, curling up in the booth across from me.

I took out my biochemistry book, my notebook and a pencil and began reading as well, jotting down notes in the margins and in my notebook. We sat in relative silence as we studied. I was cursing biochemistry. This class was going to kick my ass. About forty-five minutes into our study session, Bella put her psychology text away and took out her Italian textbook and workbook. I looked at her and smiled. She quirked an eyebrow as she took her glasses off and put them on top of her head.

"What are you grinning at, Edward?"

"You," I stated simply. "I am thinking at how happy I am sitting with you, doing something so mundane as studying."

She shook her head and went back to her Italian homework. Her phone chirped from her bag. She put her pencil down and grabbed it. She flipped her phone open and her face paled visibly.

"Bella? What's wrong?" I asked, concern lacing my tone.

"Jake."

BPOV

Things were going so well. I couldn't remember ever being this happy. I had truly found my niche in this world. I was working on my homework with Edward in this adorable coffee shop, The Bean. It was very eclectic. Every wall was a different jewel tone and each table was unique. I had finished my psychology reading and had taken out my Italian homework. I needed to do the first ten pages in the workbook and read the first chapter in the book, becoming familiar with basic conjugations of verbs.

I had taken off my glasses. I was getting a bit of a headache from reading with them on. I looked up at Edward and he had a thoughtful smile on his face.

"What are you grinning at, Edward?" I asked.

"You. I am thinking at how happy I am sitting with you, doing something so mundane as studying," he said sweetly, his green eyes sparkling in the overhead light of the booth.

Blushing, I shook my head and returned back Italian homework. I was about halfway through the workbook pages. I was struggling with a challenging conjugation when my phone chirped from my bag. I dug through it and pulled out my cell phone. I had a new text message. I flipped it open. I felt all of my blood drain from my face.

This can't be happening. I'm finally happy.

"Bella? What's wrong?" Edward asked worriedly, his brow pulled together.

"Jake." I squeaked out.

I read the text message and my stomach rolled.

I hope you are enjoying college. If you were with me, you would not be there, though. We'd be together, fucking, making babies and fucking some more. You better be behaving yourself, not acting like slut or anything. Remember, you're mine, Isabella. You'll be punished if you forget that – Jake

I dropped my phone on the table and ran to the bathroom. I wrenched the door open and dropped to my knees and emptied the contents of my stomach into the toilet. I sat back and leaned against the wall. I pulled my knees up to my body and began crying. How can he still have this affect on me and he's across the country?

Why can't he leave me alone? Hateful, evil bastard.

I vaguely heard the pounding on the bathroom door. I scrambled off of the disgusting bathroom floor. I washed my hands and splashed some water on my face. I swished some water in my mouth to get the nasty taste of my own vomit out. I opened the door and found a very worried Edward waiting outside. I took one look at his beautiful face and I broke down crying. Again.

He encircled his arms around me and held me tightly, cupping my head with his large hands. I gripped my arms around his waist, clinging to him like he was my personal savior. My fingers were twisted in his soft grey sweater as I tried to keep it together, unsuccessfully. Slowly, he led me back to the booth. He slid into his seat and grabbed me to sit next to him. He stroked my face until I had calmed down, wiping the tears from my face. His lips were attached to my forehead as he held me. "I read the text, Bella. I'm sorry if I invaded your privacy, but I needed to know what made you so upset. Before we head back to campus, we're getting you a new phone and a new number," he spat angrily. "This is harassment and you should not have to deal with…with…this bullshit."

"Edward, I can't. I'm still on my father's plan. I can't afford my own cell phone," I whimpered, curling closer to him.

"I'll add you to my plan. You're getting a new phone. That's final. That manipulative prick shouldn't have the right to get a hold of you and cause you so much pain. Don't worry about the cost. Let me take care of you, baby." His words reverberated in my soul. He was protecting me. Loving me. Normally, I'd object to this, but he was right. Jake was harassing me. No. More.

"Let me just call my dad and let him know what happened. We've been trying to get a restraining order against Jake. Perhaps this will put it over the edge," I murmured, a quiet strength filling my voice. He nodded as he reached across the table to pick up my phone. I opened it up and found my father's phone number and sent the text that Jake sent to me to my dad's cell phone. Then, I dialed him. The phone rang a few times before he picked up.

"Swan," he said tersely.

"Hi, Dad," I said quietly.

"Bella? Are you okay, baby girl?" Charlie asked gruffly.

"Not really. I got a text from Jake today."

"What did he say?" he barked.

"I sent you the text that he sent me. It should be on your phone," I stated.

"So, that's what that beep was. I'm still getting used to this whole texting thing. I've heard your mother is doing it. I may as well get with the times," Charlie grumbled. "I can't check while I talk to you. What did it say?"

"He said that he hopes that I'm enjoying college. I wouldn't be here if we were together. We'd be together, whatever that means. He then called me a slut and said that I was his. I would be punished if I forgot that I belonged to him," I said quietly, tears streaming down my cheeks. Edward held me close to his hard body.

Charlie roared on the other end of the line. There was an unending stream of profanities coming from his mouth. I cringed at his reaction. Edward's hold on me tightened as Charlie carried on with his tirade. He gently rubbed my arms and kissed my temple. He whispered that everything will be alright. He would take care of me. Jake couldn't hurt me. I leaned against Edward and relished the fact that he was here with me. I whimpered quietly and that got my dad's attention.

"Sorry, baby girl. I didn't mean to lose my temper. I should have known that he would try to contact you today. He came to the house looking for you, wanting to 'hang out'. I reminded him that you went away to college and wouldn't be back until around Christmas. He flew off the handle. He ripped the mailbox out of the ground and through it in the middle of the street before he ran off."

I gulped and gently pried myself away from Edward. I wiped my nose and gave Edward a sheepish look. "It's okay, Dad. I just don't like it when people yell."

"Are you alone? Are you with your roommates?" Charlie asked.

"No, Dad. I'm with Edward," I responded.

"Who's Edward?" Charlie grumbled.

"Alice's brother. She's the small pixie girl that I live with. Edward and I are in a few classes together and we were studying together," I said.

"At least you weren't alone," Charlie sighed.

"Well, Dad. I called you for two reasons. The first reason was to tell you what Jake did. The second reason was to tell you to cancel my cell phone number. I'm getting a local number that's unlisted. I don't want Jake to find me."

"I'll cancel your number, but I'm unsure how you can afford your own phone," Charlie said skeptically.

"Edward said he would add me to his plan. I'd pay him," I explained.

"Hmph," Charlie barked.

"What?" I snipped.

"I understand the need for you to get a different phone, but I don't like the fact that this boy is offering to pay for your cell phone. Why can't you get a disposal phone? It's cheaper."

Edward gestured with his hand that he wanted the phone. My eyes widened and I hesitantly handed him the phone.

"Hello? Mr. Swan? My name is Edward Cullen. I just wanted to let you know that it's not a big deal for me to add Bella to my plan. Actually, it probably will be better. Her name will not be associated with the number. It'll be under my name. This Jacob character has no idea who I am and will not be able to find her new number."

Edward nodded and grabbed my hand, weaving his fingers with mine. I looked at him expectantly. He brought my hand and kissed each knuckle. He looked at me seductively and pulled my pinkie finger between his lips and nibbled on it. He lightly sucked on my pinkie.

Gah!

"Great, Mr. Swan. Once we get Bella's new number settled, she'll call you. Here's Bella," he said with a smirk as he handed me back my phone.

"Dad?" I asked.

"Smart boy, Bella. I like him," Charlie said. I could hear his smile over the phone. "Call me with your new number once you get it. I love you, baby girl. I am hoping that this will allow the cops to give you that restraining order. If it happens, I'll send it to you at the campus so you can have a copy. You'll need to inform the campus police. Okay? I'll talk to you later. Bye, Bells."

"Bye, Dad. Love you."

"Love you, too, baby girl."

Edward beamed at me as he began to load up his books into his messenger bag. He lightly shoved me to do the same. I was frozen. Did that just really happen?

"In order to get you a phone, we need to leave. I can't go anywhere with you blocking my exit. I could always climb over the tables, but I don't think they would like that too much. Move it, Swan!"

Shooting him a look of disbelief, I clambered out of the booth and put my books into my bag. I slipped on my jacket. Edward put a couple of dollars on the table as a tip and grasped my hand.

"I'm thinking that you need an iPhone. I have it and I love it," he said with a wink.

"Edward! No… no way! That's way too much," I sputtered.

"Think of it as a birthday present. Belated if it already passed or early if it hasn't happened yet. When is your birthday?" Edward asked with a smirk. He opened the door to the coffee shop and we walked on the sidewalk to his Volvo.

"September 13th," I muttered.

"Bella! That's on Thursday! When were you going to tell me?" Edward admonished, hurt filling his green eyes.

"Ummmm, never? I don't like to celebrate my birthday," I said with my eyes cast down.

"I happen to think that the day of your birth is a reason to celebrate," he said as he pulled me in for a kiss. He angled his face to deepen the kiss. His tongue slipped between my lips. His hands gently cupped my face. I slipped my arms around his waist. He pulled away and placed a chaste kiss on my lips, "If you weren't born, I couldn't kiss you. I rather enjoy kissing you, Bella. It's definitely a day to celebrate."

"An iPhone is really too much, Edward. It's unnecessary," I whined.

"It's my birthday present to you. Come on. Remember what I said in the bookstore? I intend to spoil you, give you the best the world has to offer. Originally, it was a navy hoodie, now it's an iPhone."

At this point, we arrived at his car. I was reeling at what he was saying. Spoiling me? Best that the world has to offer? He opened my door and I got in. He slipped into the driver's seat and I turned to him.

"What happens if we break up, Edward?"

"Never gonna happen. You're it for me," he said solemnly. "I'll never let you go."

"Be realistic, Edward. I'm only 18, going to be 19 in three days. You could easily get bored with me," I chided, my heart breaking with my confession.

"Yes, we're young. I just turned 20 in June. I'm not saying that we're getting married tomorrow, Bella. I just have a feeling that I'm done looking for my soul mate. She's you." His eyes glimmered with unshed tears. He took my hand, kissing my palm sweetly.

"I feel the same way, Edward. I-I a-am af-afraid of t-the d-depth of f-feelings that I-I-I h-have f-for y-you already," I stuttered. "I never felt this away. EVER."

"Me neither. I like the way I feel. Wait, like is the wrong word. I love the way I feel when I'm with you. I never want it to end. Our journey may not be easy, but I want to take each step with you," Edward said fervently.

I sat back in my seat and pondered what just happened. Edward started the car and headed to the mall that Alice and I went to on Saturday when I moved in. We pulled into a spot in front of the cell phone store. I shook my head in disbelief. Two hours later, I was an owner of a 16 Gig iPhone 4S with all of the necessary trimmings.

"Thank you," I said quietly. "You didn't need to do this. I do appreciate it, very much."

"My pleasure, Bella. I'd do anything for you. Now, let's head back to campus. I have to do some more reading for biochemistry and some research for my anatomy/physiology class. After that, I just want to snuggle with you."

"You are a romantic fool, Edward."

"You love me for it. Admit it," he chuckled.

I rolled my eyes at his teasing. I felt something with Edward that I never felt before. Was it love? I was too afraid to think it. We'd only known each other for two days. I looked at him as he drove back to Emerson University. He was incredibly good looking. He had a long, graceful neck, strong profile, an angular jaw line, that adorable crooked smile, the insanely messy but sexy bronze hair and the most amazing eyes. His mossy green eyes looked deep into my soul. They probed into my heart and gave it love, protection and happiness. I reached up and ran my fingers through his hair. He turned and glanced at me.

"Enjoying the view, Bella?" Edward joked.

"Very much," I sighed. "I just can't believe it."

"Believe what, beautiful?"

"That you're mine," I said as I brushed a wayward hair off his forehead.

"Yours. Forever," he said thoughtfully.

Forever. I love you, Edward Cullen.

A/N: Raise your hand if you want to kick Jake's ass? Raise your hand if you want an Edward all your own? Well, put 'em down, ladies. He's mine. LOL! (Ha! I wish, seriously). Pictures of the bookstore and The Bean are on my blog (link on my profile). You can also find me on Facebook: Tufano79's Twilight Fanfiction Appreciation or on Twitter: tufano79. Leave me some lovin!