Disclaimer: Twilight and all characters associated with the series are not mine. My desire to put them in strange situations is most definitely all mine.

Music this Chapter: Ludacris - One More Drink

I want to thank everyone who has reviewed, added this story as an alert or added this story to your community. It means a lot. I apologize that this was put to the side for a bit. I am a mom of 2, work full time and have gone back to school to finish my degree, so sometimes I have to choose which one of my stories gets updated over the others. Enough excuses from me...on with the story.

Chapter 9

BPOV

Fuuuuucckkkk! Have I died? Am I in heaven or hell? Shit! I must be dead…I certainly feel like death. Hmmm…that begs the question. If you die, you should be free of pain, thus 'feeling like death' makes no sense. Okay, so what does that mean? I FEEL like death…but I wouldn't FEEL if I were actually DEAD, therefore I am not dead, just in my own personal hell. Damn it. I'm a fucking genius. I should write a book on this shit or something.

Just to be on the safe side. Eyes, count to three and we'll open up and see if this is heaven or hell…1...2...2 ½…2 ¾…oh get on with it…3

SHIT! Are we on the sun's surface? Seriously, why is it so bright in here?

"Hey guys! She's awake!" I looked around the room when I heard someone speaking way too loud. Note to self: Need to talk to Em again about using his inside voice.

Okay, roll call…Emmett - present; Jasper - present; Edward - present…well damnit.

"I fucking KNEW I was in hell!" My raspy voice wasn't as forceful as I would have liked, but what can you do. I saw everyone looking confusedly at each other and shrugging.

"Um. Bells? Care to share with the class?" I looked over at Alice. Hey. Alice and Rose are here! She had a very amused expression on her face that made me smile…at least I think I was smiling. I really couldn't feel my face.

"Oh. I was trying to figure out if I was dead and if I had gone to heaven or hell." I looked around at my guys before finishing. "When I saw these three fucktards, I knew I must have done to hell." I wanted to say 'duh', but I didn't want them to know how dumb they were for not understanding earlier. All the sleep I had gotten must have helped replenish lost brain cells.

"Bella love. I'm sorry to tell you that you are very much alive and we are all very happy about that." Edward grasped onto my hand and gave it a strong squeeze while staring down at me. "I'm going to go get my dad and let him know you are awake."

"Hurry up. I think this calls for a round of Kumbaya!" I yelled at him as he made his way out of my room, shaking his head.

An hour later, I was sent on my way and my guys took me home.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

"Come on Em! It's been a week since I got out of the hospital! I want to go to Jake's!" I have been fighting with Emmett to let me join the guys on on their outing to Jake's bar for hours, but he refused to budge. Ever since I left the hospital the previous week, they have all been so fucking overprotective. Edward hasn't even allowed me to go to work, claiming I needed to take a leave of absence.

"Sorry. Bellbottoms. I think you need to stay here and rest. Plus, I don't want you to get tempted to drink tonight." Emmett has taken it upon himself to constantly remind me of what led to my trip to the hospital at every opportunity.

"Carlisle said there is no reason for me to quit drinking as long as I don't do it in extremes. Which means that it is best that I go with you guys so you can keep an eye on me." I gave a smug smile knowing that I was making a valid point. Take that you over grown child. Bella - 1; Emmett - 0

Emmett stood and stared at me for a bit, obviously trying to figure out what he should do. "Fine. But - " He threw his hands up in the air. I started to do a little happy dance, but stopped when I realized Emmett wasn't done with me, yet.

"There will be rules!" I huffed in exasperation. "Rule number one. I am the only one allowed to order drinks for you." Okay dad. "Rule number two. You have to sing a song of my choosing." Eh. That's no biggie. "Rule number three. I can make more rules once we get there." Typical Emmett. He'd be that douche bag that would get three wishes from a genie and his third wish would be for 10 more wishes.

I rolled my eyes and shook my head. "Whatever. I'm going to go get changed."

"Oh, new rule. You have to wear whatever I pick out for you." Emmett called after me as he followed me to my room.

I sat on my bed while I watched him pick through me closet. In that moment, I decided I needed to check to see if Emmett has a vagina. Only a girl can get so excited about women's clothes. He threw a black micro-mini skirt in my direction, along with a tight pink tank top.

"I'll allow you to pick your shoes. Be ready in 10 minutes." He smiled at me like he had just given me the best Christmas present ever. I jumped up and down and clapped to appease him.

"Thank you so much for allowing me to pick my own shoes. Can I even pick out my own bra and panties? Thank you master!" He sneered at my sarcasm and practically ran out of the room, presumably to call Edward and Jasper and warn them that I would be joining them tonight.

I quickly got dressed and put my hair in a messy bun, not really caring about what I looked like. I was just excited that I would be getting out of the house for a little while. The fact that I would get to spend time with my guys made it that much better, especially Edward.

To say I was anxious as Emmett and I made our way to the bar would be an understatement. Things between Edward and I have been quite awkward since my little stint in the hospital. I know he blames himself for me being there, and won't listen to me when I tell him it isn't his fault. It probably doesn't help that I haven't said anything to him about hearing what he was saying to me while I was drugged up. The truth is I'm not sure if he truly meant it. He thought I was unconscious and was scared he might lose me. Maybe he was just saying those things out of guilt. Honestly, I don't even know how I feel about what he said to me, so I thought it would be best to just avoid it all together.

When we got to the bar, I immediately went to say 'Hi' to Jake. He has apparently been giving Edward a hard time for allowing me to get hurt, so I had to make sure Jake saw that I was perfectly fine. Making my way to our normal table from the bar, I passed the dance floor and something caught my eye. I saw a head of bronze hair dancing with some blonde skank. Thinking that it couldn't possibly be Edward, I stood rooted to my spot until I could get a better look. That's when a pair of green eyes looked right at me and widened.

I took a deep breath and finished my trek to our table. I was pleasantly surprised when I saw Alice and Rosalie sitting with Jasper and Emmett.

"Hey guys!" I greeted everyone at the table at enthusiastically as I could. Alice jumped up and ran over to me to engulf me in a huge hug.

"Bella! Oh my gosh! I have been so worried about you. I'm so glad you came tonight!" She didn't let go of her grasp as she spoke and it made me feel bad that I haven't taken the time to really get to know her. She really seemed like a sweet and caring girl.

"I'm sorry Alice. No need to be worried about me now, though." She let go and beamed at me as she went back to her seat next to Jasper. Rosalie was the next to greet me and she, too, gave me a huge hug.

"Hey sweetie. I was worried I was out a dance partner." She gave me a kiss on the cheek and quickly took her seat by Emmett. Just as I was about to grab a seat, I was stopped by a hand on my arm. I looked down at it and then looked up at the owner of the hand, the blonde that was dancing with Edward.

"Yeah. That's my seat." She talked to me as though she owned the place. I glared at the little tramp and pulled my arm away from her.

"That's too bad." I sat down and turned my back to her.

"Bella. This is my cousin, Tanya." Rosalie decided to start with the introductions and pointed to the bimbo.

"That's nice." I smiled at Rose, but didn't turn to acknowledge the slut again when I heard her huff beside me.

"You know what? Don't worry about the seat. I'll just sit on Eddie's lap when he gets over here." I narrowed my eyes at her and I'm pretty sure I snarled. Before I could say anything back to her I felt his presence.

"Bella. Hey! I didn't know you were going to be here." I snorted.

"Obviously. Skankarella over here actually thought this was her seat." I titled my head in Tanya's direction.

"But, that's okay Eddie. I told her I would just sit on your lap." I rolled my eyes and got up from the table. I couldn't be there if I was going to have to see them all over each other. It all became too much. Edward was obviously very much into Tanya. And who wouldn't be. She was gorgeous. But, after the things he said, even though he didn't know I could hear him, I thought maybe he had strong feelings for me.

I found Jacob again working behind the bar and decided I wanted to spend some time with him. He has always been a great friend to me and I knew he would be more than happy to talk to me and help keep my mind off Edward. I sat and talked to him for a few minutes and tried multiple times to get him to give me a drink. Unfortunately, Emmett had already talked to him and said I was not allowed to order my own drinks. Damn rules. Luck was on my side when I remembered Jake's weakness to dirty talk and I whispered a few indecent things in his ears. Putty in my hands.

After downing a few shots fast enough that Emmett wouldn't see, I looked to the table filled with my friends and Super Tramp and saw them all laughing and having a great time. That's when I realized coming out tonight was not a good idea. I sighed and bid Jake farewell, deciding I should just go home and sulk. Emmett apparently figured out my plan and ran over to grab my wrist.

"Ah ah ah. You have some singing to do before you can get out of here." I put my hands on my hips and glowered at him.

"Are you fucking serious? Do you not realize how upset I am right now?" Oopsie! I forgot that Emmett doesn't know about the whole Edward and me fucking thing.

"No, why are you upset?" Emmett stared into my eyes trying to figure out what was going on. Still confused, he sighed.

"One song. I'll even let you pick." I thought about it for a few seconds.

"Fine. One song. Then I am out of here." I walked away from him and stomped up to the DJ to tell him what I wanted to sing. He laughed and told me to get ready.

"And now. Our favorite regular, Miss Bella Swan has a…um…well a rap of sorts she would like to dedicate to her new friend, Tanya." I smiled sweetly at everyone at my table and got ready for the song to begin.

It was Friday night and I was feelin' aight (Yep) Downtown Atlanta, big city, bright lights, Mixin' Henney wit da Sprite while I'm drinkin' and drivin', No police lights, no police sirens, I'm headed to da club, lookin' fo' a freak, To spread a lil' love and spread a couple cheeks, Pull up to da spot, 26's like bam! Eyes on me like "Bitch, do you see him?" Stroll through the front door, headed to the VIP, Bought a couple bottles and I took a couple sips, Scopin' out da room and what do I see? A nice round butt and a pair of double D's, So I crept up like "Shawty, what's happen'n? You kilin' dat dress and I love it wit' a passion,"

I pointed to Tanya to show her this next part was for her and winked.

Den she turned around and her face was aight, She had a gap tooth and mean overbite, But I was like hmm... If I take one more drink, I'm gon' end up f***in' you, Is that watchu wanna do, shawty? If I take one more drink, I'm gon' end up f***in' you, You too. Woke up da next mornin' and all I can remember, Was takin' shots and tippin' da bartender, Surrender to da woman, end up bringin' me home, Cause' she started lookin' better every shot of Patron (Yep) I jumped up wit a devilish grin, Cause' tonight damn right! I might do it again! So I called up da homies (What up?) Let's ride, we can hit the sportsbar, Over on the South side, Get a couple of Coronas, couple of limes, Went up to da bar, saw a couple of dimes, So I, slowly walked up an said "Hi," My name is Ludacris and I'mma hell of a guy, One said "I know who you are, I'm your 1 fan, And right now it's too bad I got a man," And I said "I understand, but where da hell is he at? Cuz, in a minute if he don't show up then maaaaan....." If I take one more drink, I'm gon' end up f***in' you, Is that watchu wanna do, shawty? If I take one more drink, I'm gon' end up f***in' you, You too. Uh huh, Ay Pain, holla at em right quick man! You gon' get in trouble wit yo' man, girl, (Don't get in trouble, girl) Talkin 'bout how you're my biggest fan, girl, (I know it, I know it) Now I don't wanna do, (Please) What you gon' make me do, (Don't make me do it, don't make me do it!) But... if I have one more drink... One more drink I'mma get cha, Home, then I'll split cha, Grab the camera phone, And take a buncha drunk pictures, Cause' Hennessy mixed wit a whole bunch of Buddha, Equals you mixed wit a whole bunch of Luda, And you know how far one drink could go, Start slurrin' my speech, slowin' up da FLOOW, Hikin' up yo' skirt, climbin' up yo' shirt, It's Mr. Late Night Luda and I like to flirt, So guess what babygurl? If I take one more drink, I'm gon' end up f***in' you, (Just one mo') Is that watchu wanna do, shawty? (That's all it's gonna take) If I take one more drink, (Hey!) I'm gon' end up f***in' you, (Haha, who else T-Pain?) You too. You hear what I'm sayin'? People too picky these days, dammit! Too tall, too short, too fat, too skinny, Have a couple of drinks and quit discriminating,

I am a fucking rap god! Once the song was over, I threw the microphone down as I received a round of applause. I bowed and jumped up off the stage and made my way out of the bar, not looking at my friends as I walked by.

When I got home, it took every ounce of self control I had to not grab a bottle of alcohol and get drunk. I was reeling at the realization that Edward was surprised to see me, meaning he was getting with Tanya behind my back. It made no sense because I thought he was the one that didn't want me to get with James and Jacob. I was furious to say the least. But, even then, I couldn't get myself to retaliate. I wanted to show him that I was serious when I said I wouldn't be with anyone else.

I went to my room and started working on my book. I had put it on the back burner for so long that I had to reread what was already written. I made myself comfortable laying on my bed with my laptop and ended up spending the next few hours editing my old stuff and adding new chapters. I hadn't realized I fell asleep until I heard my bedroom door open and close.

Startled, I sat up, rubbing my eyes and trying to see into the dark. I really need to get a night light or something. This place is pitch black.

"Hey." I heard Edward's voice before I felt him close to me. I jumped slightly at the sound of him and heard him chuckle.

"What do you want?" I was tired and not in the mood to talk to him at the moment.

"We need to talk." He sat down at the end of my bed after moving my legs over slightly.

"Can't this wait until the morning? I'm sure you want to get back to your skank." I went to lay down and go back to sleep when I felt Edward grab my and pull me closer to him.

"No. This can't wait." He was almost pleading with me and I sighed knowing I couldn't say no to having this talk.

"Then talk." I folded my arms over my chest and waited for him to speak.

"What you saw tonight was nothing. Rose brought Tanya tonight and we were just hanging out. Nothing happened and nothing ever will happen. She has a thing for Jake and she was hoping I could help her get him to notice her." I scoffed at his lame excuse, but could hear the honesty in his voice.

"Alright. So, that still doesn't explain why you have been avoiding me like the plague this week and acting like a fucking prick with being so over protective." I wanted him to understand how annoying this last week has been.

"God Bella!" Uh oh. Someone's mad. "Don't you understand? I thought you were going to die." I gasped at his comment, but said nothing, hoping he would continue. "I can't even explain what it is like to see the love of your life unconscious on the floor and not know what to do. You were not responsive to anything and I seriously thought I was going to lose you before I really even had you."

Okay. Let's dissect this little speech into parts. 1 - He just called me the love of his life. 2 - Oh hell! He just called me the love of his life.

"Did you mean that?" I sat there wringing my hands waiting for his response.

"I meant it all, but was there something you are specifically questioning?" Even though I couldn't really see him, I knew he was furrowing his brow at the moment.

"Um…the part where you called me the love of you life…" I trailed off hoping he wouldn't need anything else. I heard him suck in a deep breath and then chuckle.

"Well, that's not really how I wanted to tell you, but yeah. I'm in love with you. I'm pretty sure I always have been." Silence.

So, he loves me. He's IN LOVE with me. This intelligent, gorgeous, witty, compassionate, silly, fucking hot, oh you get the picture, man just said he's in love with me. Now, Bella. How do you feel about this?

"Say something Bella." He pleaded with me, but I put my hand to his lips.

"Hold on. Having an internal monologue here. Give me a second." I didn't want him to think my silence was a bad thing.

Okay, brain. You can continue thinking this through.

Thanks.

So, how do I feel about this? Hmmm…let's break this down into simple questions.

1 - Do I dream about him? Most definitely. Yum!

2 - Do I want him? Uh duh. Have you seen him?

3 - Do I need him? Yep. Pretty sure I do.

4 - Can I live without him? Never.

5 - Can I picture myself with any other man? No.

Oh shit! Epiphany of all mother fucking epiphanies happening right now!

I'm in love with Edward. I have never been able to commit to any other guy because I have always hoped Edward would one day want to be with me. I was always willing to be in the background of his life as long as he would just let me in that life to begin with. Hells yeah. I really am a genius!

"I love you too, Edward." It came out as a whisper, but I knew he could hear it.

"ABOUT FUCKING TIME!" I heard Emmett's obnoxious voice at the door before it burst open and he came rushing in with Jasper, Rose and Alice. Everyone jumped on my bed while Edward and I went with the cliché and stared into each other's eyes. The stare was broken by a violent pull on my arm by the smallest member of the group.

"Okay. So, here's the deal. You guys are going on a date tomorrow night." Alice let out a squeal before proceeding. "Sorry. So happy! Rose and I will be here bright and early tomorrow to take you shopping and to the spa." I know she kept talking, but I tuned her out to look at Edward. I gave me his crooked grin and leaned in to whisper in my ear.

"Will you go on a date with me tomorrow?" I blushed and nodded.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

A/N: Hope this chapter was worth the wait. I can't guarantee that this story will be updated this week, but I am going to seriously try to get the date chapter up as soon as possible. Show me some love.

Peace out.