All Standard Disclaimers Apply.

Love is a Battlefield.

Chapter Nine.

Bella's Point of View.

I watched as Alice struggled to keep her breathing under control. When her face started turning a violent shade of red I knew it wasn't working. Her knees must have buckled beneath her because Jasper slowly eased her down to the floor. "I k-killed that baby t-too." She choked out, gasping.

Edward quickly released his hold on me and swiftly made his way to Alice's side. I stood there, shocked, not knowing what to say or do. "Alice take deep breathes." I heard Edward say softly, lifting her chin, forcing her to look up at him like he had down with me so many times in the past two weeks. "That baby would have killed you. You were too small too young-"

Alice thrashed her head from side to side. "No!" She screamed, cutting Edward off mid sentence. "And stop touching me!" She screeched, smacking his hand away. Jasper reluctantly released his hold on her and took a small step away from her, Edward soon following her.

Alice looked up at me and her face turned sour. "You think I'm disgusting, don't you? I'm the worst kind of monster-"

"NO!" I shouted. I didn't want to hear her degrade herself an more. I couldn't. "You aren't disgusting and you aren't a monster! Your father was the monster! He disgusts me! And as far as I'm concerned you left him off easy. He deserved worse... His own daughter." My voice cracked, and I realized I was crying. "And ending the baby's life was unfortunate b-but it was for the best. You'll see that one day."

I found myself knelled on the floor in front of her, my arms out stretched. Her eyes were wide with what I could only assume was shock. "After hearing what I just told you... you... you don't hate me?" She asked, unsure.

I stared at her a moment before pouting, my arms dropping to my side. "So, everyone else is allowed to like you, but I have to hate you? I don't think that's fair."

"W-what?" Alice whimpered.

I pointed up at Jasper and then over to Edward. "You let them love you. Along with Mr. And Mrs. Cullen. Can't I love you too?"

I winced as pain pierced through the back of my head, and it took me a moment to realize that I was laying on my back with Alice on top of me. Her face was buried in the crook of my neck and I felt the warmth of the tears on my skin. I instantly wrapped my arms tightly around her and held her there silently as she cried.

"You're my best friend Alice." I said softly into her ear. "Whether you like it or not."

"Thank you..." I heard Alice sniffled.

A few minutes passed before she pushed herself up off me and wiped the tears from her. "Sorry." She murmured, holding out her hand to help me up. I smiled, taking it.

"Don't apologize. You did nothing wrong." I said as we both got to our feet. Alice quickly turned and buried herself in Jasper's chest, whom of which wrapped his arms around her protectively. I heard Alice sigh and visible relax.

"Hey Bella." She murmured looking at me.

"Hmm?" I replied, feeling Edward's arm wrap around my shoulders. He propped his chin on the top of my head and pulled me back against him.

"Would you stay the night with me tonight?"

I smiled at her, nodding. "Of course." I said softly. "If that's what you want. I just have to ask Charlie first. It is a school night after all." I didn't seem him having a problem with it. He loved Alice and he'd understand that she needed me right now.

"Thank you." She said, a small smile of her own making its way on her lips. "I have to go pick my car up from Jasper's house and then I'll come back to pick you up. By then Charlie should be home." She then looked at Edward. "And you should be gone."

I heard Edward groan, but he nodded. Normally he would stay and help me with dinner before leaving. "Alright. I'll call mom and dad and give them heads up then. Are you wanting her over for dinner too, or are you doing to have dinner here with them?"

Alice looked at me. "Bella?"

I shrugged. "Whatever you want Alice. Emmett can cook for dad and him. Rosalie over too, so she'll probably stay."

"We'll have dinner at my house then."

I smiled sadly and nodded. I understood why Alice was upset with Rosalie. What she did was wrong, but she was young too. I could only hope that Rosalie gather the courage to apologize and perhaps that would make things better between them. Maybe they could even be friends again someday. "Sounds good."

I watched as Alice took Jasper's hand. "I'll be back for you soon then. Be packed and ready please." I simply nodded and watched as she and Jasper made their way down the porch. Edward and I both waved and they disappeared into the car, speeding down the street.

I shuddered slightly. It would seem Jasper was a speed demon too. "Thank you." Edward whispered into my ear. I pulled myself from his arms and turned to face him.

"For what?" I asked.

"Being understanding. You know, you are the first person she has tried to be friends with since things went down with Rosalie." Edward said, looking deep into my eyes.

I frowned. "But Jasper."

He smiled at me. "Jasper threw a fit when Alice tried to ignore him. He has been friends with Alice just as long as Rosalie. He reminded her that he had always been there for her and he'd always be. If she wanted him to be or not. Eventually she gave in."

I bit my lip and looked to the ground. "Did she tell him... What her father... did."

"No." Edward said simply, his voice soft but raw with emotion. "But I believe if she had he would have done everything in his power to help her. He loves her to pieces."

I nodded, not knowing what to say. I couldn't imagine how she felt. I knew that if I ever tried I'd never gt anywhere close to the pain she felt... The pain she had to live with each day because of what her father did to her. If Charlie had... I shook my head of the thought and Edward placed his hands on my shoulders and I looked up into his green eyes. He stared into my eyes as if reading my thoughts and shook his head.

"Don't dwell. Don't think about it anymore." He said leaning down and pressing his lips to my forehead gently. His lips lingered there for a moment and I felt all the blood in my body rush to my cheeks. His lips curled into a smile against my forehead and I wondered what he was thinking about. "You know, this will be the first time you've ever come to my house. To meet my parents."

I blushed brighter, realizing he was right. What were they like? I knew that his father was a doctor and his mother was a stay at home mom, but I never thought to ask more about them. Were they nice? Would they like me? I swallowed hard, trying to keep my calm.

Edward chuckled. "They'll love you. Don't worry about that." He said, and I could help but blush more. I don't know how he did it, but he read me like an open book.

I nodded, looking down and sighed. "But you know, I won't be coming over for you. I'll be there for Alice."

"I know." He said simply. I could tell he was smiling from the sound of his voice and I couldn't help but look up into his loving green eyes. "You two have two weeks to catch up on. I promise to leave you guys alone... At least for a little while." He smiled leaning down and pressing his lips gently to mine. I frowned when his lips quickly left mine. I wanted more than a peck on the lips.

Edward chuckled. "I should get going now." He said softly, his smile unfaltering. "But I'll see you soon." With a wink he turned and left me on the porch. It had started sprinkling, but the sun was still shining a bit. Small drops of water fell into his hair and on his skin as he ran and the sun light hit them just so it looked like his was glittering. He was gorgeous. Perfect.

Opening his car door, he looked at me before getting in. His breath taking smile forming on his lips. Slowly he lifted his hand and blew me a kiss. I stepped forward, reaching out and closing my hand around the air as if catching it and held it to my chest, above my heart, before blowing one to him. He reached out and did the same.

-The Forbidden Fruit Tastes the Sweetest-

I was right. Charlie didn't care about me going to stay the night over Alice's. Though, he was a little concerned that my boyfriend just happened to be my best friend's older brother, but of course Alice reassured him that Edward would be no where near us tonight. That thought made me a little sad, but I knew that that was the best. I was going there to comfort Alice not to see Edward.

The ride to Alice's and Edward's house was full of chatter, mostly on Alice's part. I was too nervous to really be able to talk, so I mostly nodded and threw in a few words.

"You look a little sick." Alice said pulling into the garage next to Edward's Volvo. "Are you okay?"

I looked over at her and nodded frantically. "Y-yeah." I said running my fingers through my hair. Alice pouted, turning off the engine and sitting back.

"Are you really that nervous about meeting our parents?" She asked, her eyes never leaving mine. "Or is it the fact that you'll be sleeping down the hall from Edward?"

I swallowed hard. I hadn't really thought about the second one. I mean I knew he'd be there, but I didn't really put too much thought into it. "Both now thanks." I said letting my head fall back against the head rest and closed my eyes. I heard Alice snicker softly and open her door.

"Don't worry about it. Esme and Carlise will love you." I opened my eyes in time to see her grab my over night back. "I mean between Edward and myself I'm pretty sure it is like the know you already. They'll just be able to put a face to your name now." She closed the car door and quickly pushed the button to my seat belt and jumped out of the car.

"You both talk about me?" I squeaked, and she laughed again.

"Well, maybe a little."

I groaned. "What exactly do you two tell them about me?"

Alice shrugged. " This and that." She said taking my hand and leading me to the house. She pushed the door open and pulled me inside behind her. "Esme! Carlisle!" She called from the door.

"In the kitchen sweetheart." Came a soft women's voice.

Alice released my hand and skipped towards the kitchen, throwing my bag gently onto the sofa. "This way Bella." She said stopping in the doorway of the kitchen, smiling at me. I followed reluctantly and she pulled me in.

A women, who I assumed was Esme, stood in front of the stove. She was slender and beautiful. No wonder Edward was so good looking. I suddenly felt unbelievably plain. "Well, hello Bella, dear." She said, turning her head momentarily from her task to take a look at me, smiling. "It is so wonderful to finally meet you."

"It is nice to meet you too Mrs. Cullen." I said softly, smiling.

"Please call me Esme." She said blushing a bit. "Mrs. Cullen makes me feel old."

I nodded. "I'm sorry." Esme shook her head before turning her attention back to her task on the stove.

"Do you like pasta Bella?" She asked, stirring what could only assume was noddles. "If you don't I can make you whatever you like." She said happily.

"Oh, no, I like pasta." I said, watching Alice skip over to Esme's side, peering inside the pot.

"Where is Carlisle?" She asked pecking Esme on the cheek.

"In his study." She said cheerfully.

"And Edward?"

Esme turned and looked at me, smiling, and I blushed. "In his room." She said, her eyes never leaving mine.

"Great!" Alice cheer, running back over to my side and grabbing my arm and dragging me out of the room. I practically tripped over my own feet trying to keep up with her.

"Dinner will be ready in fifteen minutes!" Esme called after us.

"Thank you Esme!" I yelled halfway up the stairs. "Alice! Slow down! Where are we going?"

"To see Carlise." Just as she said his name a door opened and a man stepped out into the hall. I took a deep breath as I took in the sight of him. He was just a gorgeous as Edward. I bit my lip. Both of Edward's parents were beautiful.

Carlise smiled at at us, his eyes sparkling. "Hello Alice." His eyes shot over to me. "Ah, and Bella Swan." He reached out and grabbed my hand and placing it to his lips. "It's a pleasure to finally meet the young lady that stole my son's and daughters heart." He chuckled.

I blushed. I wasn't sure if it was because of his beauty or the fact that my best friend and boyfriend both talked to much. He released my hand and it dropped to my side. "What are your plans for tonight girls?" He asked.

Alice smiled brightly. "Well, I was planning to kick Edward out of his room after dinner so that Bella and I could watch a good movie. I was thinking Interview with a Vampire or Queen of the Damned."

Carlisle chuckled. "You and your vampire movies. Perhaps Edward would like to watch them with you two?" He said eying me and I quickly looked to the floor. I was positive my face was permanently red.

"Bella would never get to watch the movie then." Alice whined. "He never leaves her alone. It's almost pathetic."

Carlise chuckled again. "Kind of like you and Jasper then?" He asked. I looked up just in time to see Alice stick her tongue out at Carlisle and giggle.

He smiled and reached forward, tucking a piece of loose hair behind Alice's ear. His soft eyes quickly filled with concern. "You've been crying." He said staring into her eyes. I suddenly felt uncomfortable. "Everything alright?"

Alice nodded and grabbed my wrist, pulling me towards her. "Everything is fine now." I stumbled toward her and she wrapped her arms around my waist. "I promise." Carlisle nodded.

"Alright sweetheart." He said turning his gaze down towards me and smiling again. "You girls have fun. I'm going to go help your mother with dinner."

Alice and I stood in the hallway, watching as Carlisle mad his way down the stairs. I bit my lip and Alice nudged me. "Want to see Edward?" She asked, smiling brightly.

"No..." I said looking down to the floor.

"You are such a bad liar." She giggled. "We'll be sleeping in his room tonight by the way. His bed is bigger, so that way on one has to sleep on the floor."

I lifted my head quickly, looking at her eyes wide. I wasn't sure I could sleep in his room. His scent would be every where. I 'd go crazy. I bit my lip. "I don't mind sleeping on the floor." I said biting my lip. "Plus where will Edward sleep if we stole his bed."

"In my room." She said simply, taking my hand again and leading me down to the end of the hall. She stopped at the last door in the hall. The sounds of music playing could be heard and Alice opened the door and walked in. "Hey." She said as Edward looked up at her from his desk. He looked like he was doing his homework, something I have yet to have done. I groaned.

"Hey." He said smiling as he put his pencil down. Alice had left me in the door way and plopped herself down on his bed singing along softly to the band Edward had playing. "You know you can come in Bella. You don't have to stand there."

I blushed, looking to the floor. "I'm fine." I said softly.

Alice giggled. "I don't think she has ever been in a boy's room."

I looked up and glared at her. "That's not true! I've been in Em-"

"Emmett doesn't count." She said jumping off the bed and gracefully landing on the tip of her toes. She looked at me and I pouted blushing. Emmett was still a boy and I've been in his room countless times and in my book that counted.

Alice tip toed over to me and yanked me inside the room and Edward chuckled. "Don't force her. She can hang in the hallway if she wants."

I looked at them and sighed ,following Alice over to the bed and sitting down next to her. "We're going to borrow your room tonight." She said, my eye roaming over the room as they spoke. From the posters on the wall and the computer on his desk everything screamed Edward Cullen. My eyes continued to scan the room quickly as I tried to take everything in.

"Bella!" Edward and Alice said in unison and I tensed, staring at them.

"What?"

"Are you okay?" Edward asked, looking a little concern.

Alice giggled. "She's admiring your room."

I blushed and bit my lip. "Sorry." There would be no way that I'd be able to sleep in here. Edward sat next to me and Alice jumped off the bed. My eyes followed her as his arms wrapped around my waist and he pulled me into his lap. "Where are you going?" I asked. Edward's mouth went to my neck, placing open mouth kisses, and I began to feel uneasy.

"To get a movie." Alice said, smiling softly. "Don't worry. I won't let him eat you alive." Her gaze shot to Edward, glaring at him.

"Sorry." He muttered, his chin going now resting on my shoulder. "So, what movie are we watching?"

-The Forbidden Fruit Tastes the Sweetest-

Dinner went by rather slowly, mostly because so many questions were flying in my direction I didn't know what to do with myself. I had no idea why his parents were so interested in me, or anything about me. I still had no idea what Edward saw in me. I was horribly average and I was beginning to feel out of place. Thankfully Alice noticed my discomfort and spoke up for me and they all apologized.

I laid back on one of Edward's pillows, his scent intoxicating me and I closed my eyes enjoying it as I waited for Alice to return from taking a shower. I was alone and it was quiet besides the sound of the television playing one of Alice's vampire movies that I hadn't paid any attention to since she put it in.

My eyes opened when I felt the bed shift under someone's weight. I turned my head and Edward smiled at me. He was laying on his side, propped up on his elbow. "Hey." He said softly.

"Hey." I replied, bitting my lip. "What are you doing?" I asked softly.

"I came to get my pillow." He said simply.

"Oh." I said slightly disappointed. I frowned. "Well grab it."

Edward chuckled. "You're using it."

I blushed and quickly sat up. "Oh sorry."

Edward moved closer and pushed me back down. I stared up at him eyes wide. "No, use it." He said, curling up at my side. I blushed as he rested his head on my chest and draped his arm over my stomach. "You'll be my pillow."

I was instantly blinded by a flash of light. "Aww!" Alice cooed, and then I heard a click followed by another flash of light. "How cute are you two?" I heard Edward groan and he slowly sat up and I frowned. Alice jumped on the bed, sprawling out at the foot of the bed. "Well, don't move apart on my account." She said laying the camera down on the bed. She looked up at Edward smiling brightly, small water droplets falling from her hair onto the bed. "Stay and watch the movie with us."

"Please." I practically begged and instantly regretted it. "Er. Sorry."

Alice looked at me and smiled. "You can make it up to me tomorrow by allowing me to dress you."

I groaned, but nodded.

"That means makeup too."

I looked up at the ceiling, rolling my eyes. I should have seen that one coming. I despised wearing makeup. "Why?" I whined.

"Because it's fun and I want to." She said, crawling up to my side and looking down at my face. "Please." She begged, her bottom lip jutting out.

I sucked in my lower lip, biting it. How could I say no to that face? Only Alice could pull off the perfect puppy dog pout. "Okay..."

Edward chuckled and pulled me over to him. I buried my face into his chest and took a deep breath, closing my eyes. "So, are you going to start the movie?" Alice smiled and held the remote up. Where she grabbed it from I'll never know. She changed the DVD to disk three and started the movie.

I snuggled close to Edward as the movie started and he wrapped his arms loosely around me. And the last thing I remembered before falling asleep was Alice curling up against my back. It might have been apart of my dream, but I could have sworn I felt Edward press his lips to mine and softly whisper in my ear...

"I love you Bella."

Author's Note:

Thank you all! I'm feeling a lot better. Hope you all enjoy! Please review! I should have another chapter up some time tomorrow. Give me some love!

Anna