Chapter 9: INVITATIONS

The rest of the school didn't know about Edward and my relationship yet. Edward had insisted we would wait to break the news till I felt comfortable. At the time, I had felt relieved. Right now, with so much going on in my head, I chose not to deal with that question for the time being. Jessica was already pestering me with her silly questions about the last weekend. Although, she did suspect that something was going on between Edward and me and was happy that her track with Mike was cleared.

Still puzzling about Alice's prophecy on Biology class, I entered the classroom to sit at our usual place.

"Hey Bella, bit preoccupied today, eh?" Mike Newton lost no time taking his chance to grab Edward's chair.

Looks like my face betrayed me again. I'll have to be more careful if I wanted to maintain my human charade. Funny enough, I am the only one whose mind Edward can't read. Another funny thing, how quickly my mind sprang to Edward again.

"Nope, I was just thinking about the English assignment." I replied, putting on my innocent face.

"It isn't due today, is it?" Mike was suddenly concerned.

"No, relax Mike. Next Wednesday."

"Bella, you need to relax more. Hang out with fun people of the school, not the spooky ones." Mike was now eyeing Edward who had just entered.

Wow, I thought. He could be easily mistaken for a supermodel even when he was walking.

"Newton, you are in my place." Edward's voice was indifferent. But I could sense some resentment in the way he clutched his books.

"I was just inviting Bella to the beach, Cullen. You have to come, Bella. The whole gang will be there. No excuses." Mike was now leaning towards me at our table.

"Um, okay." I said. Anything to escape Mike's insistence in front of Edward. Mike didn't know yet but he was putting himself into a lot of trouble, I thought looking at the now glaring Edward.

"See ya then, this weekend!" Mike waved.

Mr. Banner backed into the room then — what superb timing the man had — pulling a tall metal frame on wheels that held a heavy-looking, outdated TV and VCR. A movie day — the lift in the class atmosphere was almost tangible.

"You shouldn't have said yes to Newton." Edward muttered, sitting down next to me.

"C'mon Edward, he may be annoying but he's my friend. Its not like I said yes for the prom." I whispered so fast that only he could hear.

"Well, now he's going to think you'll say yes to that too. In fact, he's gloating about it right now. But that wasn't the reason you should've refused."

"Then?"

"This weekend you have a plan to go shopping with the girls, Bella. I can almost hear Alice thinking about the trip from here."

"Oh no." I sighed. How could I forget that so soon!

Now, I felt guilty. I had been so foolishly preoccupied with concern for Mike from Edward's wrath that I made a big mistake. I hung my face in shame.

"Its okay, Bella. You are not in so much of trouble." Edward whispered to me.

"How can you say that? I have jeopardized all my friendships in one go."

"Nothing has gone wrong yet. You can still keep your promises, if you show up for both the occasions."

"But how?"

"You are a vampire, love. If you try, you can manage anything. And don't worry, I won't let Mike keep you for long." He was smiling now.

I thought about Edward's idea. I could schedule around both the events. Or maybe, I could make up some excuse for not going to the beach. It'll just have to be convincing. It wasn't such a big trouble, especially with my powers.

"You're right, this isn't a big problem. I don't know why I panicked so much."

"Bella, we are vampires. Its in our nature to feel strongly about everything. Our emotions are always on the high. Stress is one of them. You will get used to them, once you settle in this life."

Thirst, I had managed to control. Feelings were still my weakness. Perhaps, I never had anything to feel about before. A life, filled with people who care about you.

"You always have the solutions to all my problems. You are my hero. I could kiss you right now." Perhaps I should've stopped at the hero part.

As if in agreement, Mr. Banner turned off the lights.

"Be careful what you wish for." I could almost hear the smirk in Edward's voice.

I was suddenly reminded of Alice's words. This was a great opportunity. And, as Edward had said, I could do anything if I tried. We had the perfect place. The last row was empty except for us.

I had never tried my mind manipulation on so many people at the same time, but I decided to give it a try. I could feel my power rushing within my mind, as I was both happy and content. I concentrated hard to include everyone within my power's radius. One row at a time, the invisible radius started increasing till it reached Mr. Banner in his chair at the front. I compelled everyone to watch the movie with their full attention and not turn back till the movie got over. I felt every mind's compliance and knew that my power had worked.

All this took just a few moments. The opening credits of the movie had just started. But I had no interest in the movie. I was thrilled by my new progress.

Meanwhile Edward, oblivious of the whole thing, was looking at the screen.

I grabbed his collar and pulled him towards me.

"Hey.." He started, thankfully still in a whisper.

I closed his mouth with mine to give him a quick kiss, leaving him startled.

"So, that's what surprise looks on you." I laughed in a low voice.

"And you are a constant surprise for me, Bella. But this was risky. Yet I won't deny, I liked the thrill of it."

"There's no risk here, Edward. I have compelled them to focus on the movie, nobody is turning back before the movie is over." I couldn't help smiling roguishly.

"What? Everyone?"

"Yep, even Mr. Banner."

"So, that's why there was absolute silence for some seconds. And I thought it was because everyone was concentrating on the movie. This is pretty impressive, Bella. You managed to influence so many people at the same time. And if my theory is right, you can shield minds other than yourselves too." His voice was filled with incredulity.

"Well, we can try all that some other time. Right now, I don't want to hear any more serious talks. I want to have my own movie here." I pouted.

He joined our chairs carefully, without making a sound and I snuggled into his shoulders.

"You know, this looks like a date." He observed.

"And that reminds me, we still haven't been to a date yet."

"Do you want to?"

"Of course, I want to."

"I thought you only went out with Mike."

I punched him hard in his chest.

"Ow, Bella. Keep your hands in check." He groaned. He seemed to forget easily that I was hundreds of years older than him, and hence stronger.

"Then stop complaining and take me on a real date."

"Actually, I was planning for our first date. I won't tell you the specifics but I still need a few days to make it more special."

"Oh." And suddenly, I was speechless.

"What happened? Is that too late?"

"No, its not that. I was just wondering what I did to deserve someone like you."

"C'mon Bella, don't go serious on me. You're the one who made the 'no-serious' rule."

He took my hands and intertwined our fingers, and kissed my forehead. Looking down at me, in the dim lights of the movie, he simply said, "Perfect."

The hour ended too soon. We never even knew the subject of the movie. We were quick enough to straighten ourselves up as Mr. Banner flicked the lights back on.

As everyone prepared to leave for the next class, I offered Edward my hand, "Shall we?"

He looked at me for a moment. I was afraid he might refuse. But he took my hand, "Always."

We walked out to the next class, holding hands, under the curious eyes of our classmates.

I knew that till the lunch break, the whole school will know about Edward and me. But, I didn't care. People are always going to talk and question your choices; it's up to you to decide what you want in your life. And of one thing I was sure, I wanted Edward in my life.

Author's Note:

Thank you for your reviews. If you have any other ideas for Edward and Bella, please feel free to share. And also, keep letting me know how you felt in the reviews.