Disclaimer - I don't own Twilight, but I'm getting a new phone tomorrow. Soooooo excited!

Another fairly short one, but I'm setting up the next chapter. Enjoy n review x

Chapter 8 - Friends EPOV

I woke the next morning feeling better about myself after talking to Rose. I just hoped she opened her eyes and saw that Emmett was good for her and Morgan and let him into their lives in a more permanent way. I lay in bed staring at the ceiling as Jacob's snores rumbled across the room at me. I thought back to the conversation wth Rose.

"Edward, when was the last time you actually noticed a girl?"

"To be honest Rose, I haven't met a woman that I've wanted to talk to."

"You've obviously not been talking to the right women. Plastic types don't suit you Edward. You're a smart guy; you need someone who isn't going to just agree with everything you say. The right woman for you needs to challenge you and actually fight her own corner."

Bella's face floated before my eyes. I couldn't imagine her shouting at anyone. I could tell she was smart, but as for fighting, maybe not. She was quite meek from what I saw of her. I had to admit it, she was hot, and that hotness was playing a major role in my mind as I slept. She was just a goody goody who'd snuck off to speak to my mum. I was still pissed off at that even if I could see the reasoning behind it.

I rubbed my hands over my face and through my hair as I sat up, swinging my legs out from under the duvet. I flinched at the cold floor when I stood, looking for my jeans. I pulled them on and headed to the bathroom. I washed my face and took a good luck at myself in the grimy mirror. I still looked the same, but I was beginning to feel different. I could see the guilt behind my eyes. Guilt at what I'd put my mum through the past few years, guilt at being a disappointment to her and myself. If I'd carried on along my original path, I'd be a university graduate by now. I'd have a shit hot job and possibly have a good woman by my side. Would that ever be possible now?

I headed back into my room to find a shirt. Jacob was still asleep. I rummaged through my drawers, pulling out a green t shirt. I pulled it on and went to grab some breakfast, taking my ipod and book with me.

I poured out some cereal and sat at a table, stuck my headphones in, turned my ipod to my Nirvana play list. I opened up my book and began to eat. I didn't notice when I'd finished eating, I was so caught up in the tale of Garion and his adventures I jumped three foot in the air at the tap on my shoulder.

"Sorry. I didn't mean to make you jump." Of course it was Bella. She slid into the seat opposite me, I got that tantalising scent of strawberries again.

"No worries. I was miles away." I indicated my now closed book and silent ipod.

"I just wanted to apologise again for yesterday." I watched as she took her bottom lip between her teeth and gently bit down. I had a flush of heat run through my body.

"Look, I was pissed off about it yesterday, and I still am a bit, but I can totally get why you did it. You've got a job to do, and need all the info. I'm just not good at talking about myself."

"I understand that you find that hard. Most people in your situation do." Her eyes caught mine and seemed to bore into my very soul. "I just want you to know that whenever you want to talk, I'm here. It doesn't even have to be here. We are allowed into the real world." She smiled at me. I fumbled in my pockets as my phone rang. I indicated for her to stay.

"Hey EM." Emmett's voice boomed down my ear.

"Hey man. You busy today?" I glanced at Bella who was reading the blurb on the back of my book.

"No plans. Why?" Emmett explained that he, Rose, Jasper and Alice were all taking Morgan to the park as the sun was shining. "Sounds good. I'll be there." I ended the call. "What were you saying about the real world?" Bella put my book gently on the table.

"I don't get it."

"Fancy finding out more about my life?" Her chocolate brown eyes widened slightly in shock. "A few mates are going to the park.. Are you allowed to fraternise with the riff raff?" She laughed out loud.

"Can't see why not. It'll be good to see what you're like away from here. Let me just grab my bag. Shall I drive?" I told her we could walk there faster. While she went to the office to get her stuff, I went to put my book back in my room. Jacob was still snoring away like a pneumatic drill. I yanked my jacket off the back of the door and went to meet Bella.

The sun was shining brightly. I didn't have any sunglasses so I ran into the first shop I saw to buy a cheap pair. I managed to grab hold of a cheap but decent fake pair of Armani ones. Slowly Bella and I walked along Notting Hill Gate towards Holland Park to meet my friends. The closer we got, the more nervous I began to feel. What if she didn't like my friends?

"Tell me about your friends." She asked as she lit a cigarette.

"They're more like my family. Emmett has been in love with Rose for years and dotes on her daughter Morgan. His cousin Jasper is the quiet one. He's more serious than the rest of us. Alice is…Alice. She's kinda hard to describe. Just prepare to be analysed by her."

"What do you mean analysed?" I smiled at the worry on Bella's face.

"Alice likes to …assess clothing. If you don't fit into her mould, she'll soon get to you." Bella's pale skin went whiter. I could have sworn I heard a whisper of "shit" leave her full lips.

We entered the park as my phone rang again. Emmett again.

"Where are you bruv?"

"We've just arrived." Shit, slip of the tongue.

"We?" I could hear Alice yelling in the background to speak to me. "We're in the adventure playground." He cut the call off quickly before Alice could become too involved. I led the way to where my friends were. As we reached the large gate, I took Bella's tiny, trembling hand into my own.

"Don't panic. They don't bite, unless you want them to." I opened the gate.

Story Recs:

feathersmmmm - Edward Wallbanger

AngelAtTwilight - Rebuilding Hope

NanaMun - Forks Host Club

Some of these are rated M, you have been warned! xx