Would have updated sooner but I'm having internet probs. Here's the next chapter. A reader asked for Edward's point of view. Unfortunately this had already been written and I haven't had time to do EPOV. Maybe next chapter or I might rewrite the story in his POV.

Chapter 7

I'm embarrassed to say that I lost conscious thought after that. He pulled back after a while. He seemed just as speechless as I was.

I bit my lip nervously. Maybe he didn't mean to kiss me. Maybe he just got caught in the romantic atmosphere around us.

"I'm sorry," he said.

I knew it! If I could cry I probably would have burst into tears at that very moment.

"I was going to wait. I didn't want to rush things."

I didn't respond.

"It's just…I've been waiting for you for so long."

I looked up at him. "What?"

"Yeah. Bella, I've wanted you since I first saw you. That day, in the crowded cafeteria."

"Really?"

I thought he was trying to be funny.

He nodded. "And then you were there in Bio. And the bloodlust…it was too strong," the anguish was clear in his voice.

"It's selfish but I'm glad you changed," he said softly to me.

I pushed him back and straddled him. "Me too," I murmured between kisses.

We stayed like that until it became clear that it was very late.

"We should get back," he said, brushing a strand of hair away from my face.

I pouted but stood up. "Lead the way," I said sulkily.

"We'll come back," he assured me.

"I'll hold you to that."

Unsurprisingly, Alice was waiting for us to get back. She was sitting out on the front steps, hands folded across her chest. She stood up as we approached her.

"You guys are back early," she remarked sarcastically.

"Bella wanted to stay longer but I said we should come back. I know how worried you get," Edward said to her.

Alice shot him an irritated look. "Your clothes for school are upstairs," she told me.

"Alice, I can dress myself," I reminded her.

"Isabella Marie Swan, after everything I have done for you," she gave me a pointed look and then glanced at Edward.

My eyes widened. What the hell? Did she have to make it so obvious? Well, sure he knew now after last night but I didn't want him to think that I was some crazy lovesick vampire.

Tanya ran outside and grabbed my hand. "Listen to her," she said before turning around and leading me inside the house.

"What's with her?" I asked Tanya as I changed into my Alice-appropriate outfit.

"She's a bit miffed that she didn't get to stage the perfect kissing moment. I suspect she has OCD," Tanya said.

"I heard that," Alice grumbled, stomping into the room. "What is wrong with you?" she asked me.

"What? Me? Nothing!" I cried defensively.

"Don't you know that you're not supposed to kiss on the first date? It makes the guy think you're easy."

Tanya scooped her hair back in her hand. "Al, they're not human. Normal dating rules don't apply to them."

Alice looked at her, outraged. "They are rules for dating. It's not simply just for humans. They're for everyone who dates."

"Well, I'm sorry," I said, trying to pacify Alice.

"Are you really?" she asked, narrowing her eyes at me.

"No," I admitted, causing Tanya to burst out laughing.

Alice glared at us.

"Aw, c'mon Alice. When did you want us to kiss?" I almost blushed at the word.

"Tonight. Carlisle has been invited to a masquerade ball. It's a benefit for…something. I don't know," she waved her hand dismissively.

"She just loves the excuse to party," Tanya replied, finally putting her hair up in a chignon.

"It's a masquerade ball! How you could not like it?" Alice cried, returning instantly to her normal bubbly self.

"We have to go shopping for outfits," she continued.

"Oh, fun," I replied sarcastically.

"You're going to be late for school. Hurry up!" Esme called from downstairs.

"Coming," I called back.

School…and now I was with Edward. This should be fun.

"This is getting annoying," Edward said under his breath as we walked to the cafeteria. The stares we were getting the entire day still hadn't stopped. I wasn't sure if it was because of Edward's arm around my shoulder, our inhuman beauty or the outfit(black mini, leggings and a red top) that Alice had dressed me in.

"Take a picture. It'll last longer," I heard Rosalie snap at a freshman.

I fought back a smile. Yeah, it was definitely because of our looks.

"Beauty is in the eye of the beholder," Tanya said sagely, handing me a lunch tray.

"I really wish they'd just stop. It's making me uncomfortable," I complained.

"Get use to it. As long as you're around them you're going to be getting looks," she replied.

I sighed and picked up a sandwich. "I know."

"Where's Alice?" Edward asked as we walked to our table.

I looked around the cafeteria for her. I couldn't see her anywhere."Arranging for us to go home early. She wants to take us shopping later on," Tanya replied.

"For the ball?" I guessed.

"Yep."

The pixie arrived then, grinning triumphantly.

"When?" I asked.

"In the next hour or two," she said proudly.

"It'll be fun," Rosalie tried to reassure me.

"Yeah, sure."

Ok, so that was kind of a filler chapter but I wanted a ball so badly! Review please! And if you know any sites where I can find outfits for the ball, let me know.