A/N: So now we finally get to see what Edward is going through and how this is all affecting him it is starting back a few chapters ago and this chapter is longer then all my other chapters.

Also I broke my glasses and I can't exactly see very well. So the next chapter may take a little longer than expected to get out because I can't really see without my glasses.

Thanks once again to the following people that reviewed, your reviews make me laugh and make my day. I know that this story doesn't get a lot of people reviewing. I know for a fact that a lot of people are reading it though. So the reviews I get from the following people mean the world to me because they actually let me know that they want the story to continue and for that I'm very grateful.

Galileya

TheCryingDevil

Northern Lass

imatwin247

michelle824

CHAPTER 9

Mr. Cullen's Point Of View.

Once Bella left the classroom I felt dread as if I was missing something. It's so hard to explain what I'm missing because I have no fucking idea myself what I'm missing.

I packed up my things and went to get ready for my next class in room 16. It was called excel, they didn't exactly tell me what excel entails but apparently its life skills. I placed all my stuff on my desk opening my laptop up and checking my emails. There was one from Zach.

Hey Edward,

Brad and I have to go on a trip for work and we are going to be out all week. Sorry it's short notice. But Brad and I just found out this morning and they sent us home to pack so I am currently writing whilst I'm waiting for the plane to board.

See you later.

I quickly wrote a reply.

Hey Zach,

Don't sweat it. I'm used to you guys not being around. Have a safe trip and don't have too much fun without me.

I sent the message and looked on Facebook mighty fast to see what G was up to, considering she posts every little thing she does on Facebook. I have told her time and time again there is something called twitter but she doesn't want to know about it.

There was a sound at the door and I turned my attention to there. Bella was standing there looking all cute and awkward. I have that feeling of peace wash over me once again. "Hi Bella. I didn't realise that you were in this class."

"Yeah,"

"You're here early." I stated the obvious. Could you be any more of a FUCKING IDIOT?

"Not really." And as if to prove my point the music started going.

I chuckled nervously, "I guess not." We fell into an unusual silence, I watched her from the corner of my eye. She hugged her books to her chest and sat on her seat at the back of the room opening what I assume is her diary. She didn't look up at me, not even when the other students started to shuffle in.

Three girls sat with Bella and one of them was Alice who sat on her right and two other girls that looked very similar, so I'm guessing they're sisters.

The bell rung and I stood up and faced the class. I haven't had this class yet and a few students I have not yet seen before. So looks like I'm still introducing myself. "So I'm Mr. Cullen for those of you that don't know that. I'm just going to get straight to the point what have you guys been doing in this class? Because I have no idea what this class even means."

"We started watching 'A BEAUTIFUL MIND' the one with Russel Crowe in it." A boy yelled out from the middle row.

"Really?" I looked around the class room, needing to have conformation on whether this was true or not, my eyes zoned in on Bella. "Is this true Bella?"

"Yeah it is sir." She said timidly.

I took my attention away from her. "Okay, can someone go and get the DVD from the library?" Two girls in the front row put their hands up. "Okay you two go." They left the room. "Whilst they're gone I'll take the roll."

I called the names out and found out that the two girls sitting next to Bella are in fact sisters and the two girls who I sent to get the DVD are Brittany and Kathy. I grabbed the DVD and fast forwarded it to the part on which they said they were up too. I didn't want to ask Bella again and make her a target or anything like that for her pears.

Everyone in the room moved their seats to have a better viewing position. Once again my attention was taken back to Bella and how she didn't move from her spot at all, even with her friends moving to the front. I grabbed a spare chair and placed it close to her chair. Sitting down I angled my body slightly towards hers, I had a perfect view of her. Bella shuffled in her seat leaning back crossing her arms over her chest and stretching her legs out, which made our legs touch. I know I should move my leg away from hers and that it's very inappropriate but I just couldn't find it in me to move. If Bella was at all bothered by it she would have moved. At least I would think she would.

I could care less about the movie. Then again I'm grateful it's on, its letting me be near Bella and to allow me to look at her. Yeah she can see me looking at her but once again if she's at all bothered by it she would tell me.

Next thing I know Bella's gaze lifted to mine for a fraction of a second before she turned her attention back to the screen. A few moments later she reached into her pocket and pulled out her phone glancing at it briefly. "You know you're not supposed to have your phone out in class." I leaned towards her.

"I'm well aware." She replied still looking at the movie screen.

"So why is it out?" I leant my arms on the table in front of me but kept my eyes on her face.

"Because I wanted to see what the time was."

I motioned my head to the clock that was above the whiteboard. "Is the clock there not good enough for you?"

"It is plenty good enough. I just don't like looking at clock that doesn't work." Really? Doesn't work?

I looked back towards the clock and realised that she was right in the clock wasn't working, "I guess that you're right. But I still need to talk to you about it later. So stay after class."

"Fine."

"Good." I smirked at her.

Turning my head back to the screen a stayed with my arms resting on the desk for the next five or so minutes and asked Kathy and Brittany to take the DVD back to the library. The bell went a few minutes after that and the class shuffled out. Alice, Layliee and Rosalie all shouted out together, "Good luck Bella." And left. Weird.

Leaning back against the desk with my ankles and arms crossed I watched Bella who was still sitting in her seat. "So do you know why I asked you stay back."

"Yeah, my phone." She picked up her phone of the desk and waved it around.

"Yeah, but there's another reason."

"And what would that be?" she smiled at me. God that smile makes me feel so elated.

Standing up properly I took a few steps towards Bella. We seem to have this weird banter going may as well see if I can keep it going. "Well you see there was this girl that I had to help when she was hurt last week. And you know what I just can't stand to think about her not having someone she can turn to."

She gawked at me. "Really? And who says that she needs anyone?" I could tell she was a little annoyed at my statement.

Watching her intently I took more steps toward her. "Well she probably doesn't, but it would make her rescuer feel a lot better if he gave her a way to contact him in case she needed anything."

Bella leaned forward placing her head on her closed hand and looked at me. She pulled her bottom lip into her mouth biting it. Why she would want to cause damage to such an amazing feature on her body is beyond me. That then leads me to wanting to remove that lip from between her pearly whites. "Well since he put it so nicely I don't see why not."

"Can I have your phone?" I placed my hand out in invitation.

"Sure." She placed her phone in my hand, our hands grazing one another sending my heart into a fast irregular rhythm. I typed my number in and my name. Well not really my name because if this goes where it may I don't want people to get suspicious if they see the name Edward so why not my middle name ANTHONY, but I was too lazy to write all that out so I just settled for ANT. She glanced at the number and what I assume the name causing confusion to distort her beautiful face. "Ant?"

"Yeah it's my middle name, well Anthony is my middle name and Ant is short for Anthony you see."

"Well I most defiantly see." She wobbled her phone around once again.

May as well keep the facade going. The smile that my mother says will make anyone do anything I put on my face. "Would my damsel like to put her number into her rescuers phone to help with putting the constant worry he has away."

That annoyed look was back on her face. I guess she really doesn't like being seen as a damsel. "She is not a damsel, and it was only once." She was clearly pissed off at this point.

"Not according to the damsel's brother." She doesn't need to know that I never spoke to Jake about her. I mean wouldn't that be a little sus?

"I'm going to kill him even more now." She bared her teeth as.

No, maybe that was the wrong thing to say. I swear if he hurt her in any way I will make his life hell. "What did he do?" I was almost too afraid for the answer.

Her eyes rolled. "Just being his usual sexiest bastard self."

"I see . . ." Really I didn't see.

She pressed a button on her phone and it glowed. "Can I go now?" she asked looking at me.

"Not until I have a way to contact my damsel."

She shook her head in defiance. "Well this damsel isn't as easy going on giving out her private information. When I see fit you shall receive the way to contact me without a worry."

"I shall be counting the seconds till that happens."

"You may be waiting a long time." She teased me with her bright smile and a sparkle in her eyes.

"That may be the case, but I think it'll be worth the wait."

(*)(*)(*)(*)(*)(*)(*)(*)

The next two days I had Bella's class and everything seemed alright between us. There where the sly looks that were exchanged and as pathetic as it sound I would always smile when I caught her eye. She makes me so happy and why would I want to stop that?

Thursday went by without trouble as well. I also spoke to Jake about another day that we can practise his footy skills. He suggested that we get together Sunday afternoon if I wasn't busy. Considering Zach sent me another e-mail about him and Brad not going to be back till the end of next week, I wasn't going to be busy causing me to agree with no hesitation. Also secretly hopping that Bella would accompany him to the field.

Yet during all these days I made sure my phone was charged and was on me at all times, not wanting to miss Bella is she called. It sounds a little pathetic but I mopped around my flat at night and wondered what she was doing, was she thinking of me? Bella is my kryptonite and drug all at the same time. I'm sort of glad that both Zach and Brad are on their trip because they would of thought I was insane checking my phone making sure I didn't miss her call. Yet that call never came, no matter how many times I wished it, it just didn't happen.

Friday started off like any day. I woke up had my cereal and got dressed in my sports gear, glancing at my phone once again trying with all my might to make it ring. I grabbed my ham and salad sandwich that I made last night out of the fridge with my bottle of water. I grabbed my laptop and headed for work. I got there just after 8 in the morning. As I parked the car and noticed that there were a lot of students hanging around the gym area in free dress.

Entering my office/staffroom area Natalie was there on her laptop already. "Hey Nat." I placed my things on my desk.

"Hey Edward."

"What's going on at the gym."

"It's year 11 sports day."

"Ohhhh cool."

I placed all my stuff into my locker and walked over to the main office to check my pigeon hole. I grabbed the few notices that I need so I can address my classes about some issues that school is facing. I entered the courtyard continuing to flick through the contents of my pigeon hole. "Sir?" I heard that familiar voice ask.

I swivelled my head to Bella. That sense of calmness once again filled me, causing a smile to form on my face. "Hey Bella, what's up?" I really wanted to ask her why she hasn't called me.

"Are you aware that you're our baseball coach today?" she asked nervously.

Did I miss a memo or something? I don't remember anyone telling me that I was the coach of the year 11 baseball. "No I was not aware."

Her face dropped in disappointment. Fix this Edward. "Well I just spoke to Ms. Hathaway and she informed me that you're going to be our coach for today."

I sighed and pinched the bridge of my nose in frustration. "Okay, I need to go and talk to the office ladies and see what's happening."

"Yeah that's cool. I'm going to be in the gym with the team. And you need to sort of hurry because we are supposed to be leaving like now."

Gosh I could never deny her anything. "Yeah I'll be there in a second." With that he went into the office and I cantered my way back over to the gym.

I made my way back into the office and up to the desk where Pauline was on the computer I imagine doing some sort of admin stuff. She noticed me, "Hold on a second Edward I will be right with you."

I waited no more than 20 seconds and she was in front of me, "What can I do for you?"

"Well I was wondering if you have a memo on me being the year 11 baseball coach today?"

"Hold on I'll just check." She went back to her desk and grabbed a piece of paper. "Well it says here that you are on sport all day. I'm not sure what sport you would be on but you are going somewhere today."

"Thank you Pauline."

"You're welcome."

"Sir, we sort of have to go right now." I looked over to Bella and quickly excused myself.

"Yeah, I'm coming I just have to go and get my bag."

"Yeah, cool. But please hurry." She pleaded.

"I will." I grabbed her hand and gave it a gentle squeeze in reassurance. I quickly let go noticing my mistake. I turned around and jogged over to my office and grabbed all my stuff except for my laptop that I placed into my locker for safe keeping. How stupid could I be, grabbing her hand like that, I did it where my boss is and where a lot of my colleagues walk through. If someone had of seen what I did I don't know if I would still have a job. I was back at Bella's side as fast as I could manage. "I'm back."

"I can see that." She took a few steps in the direction of the gym where the bus was located. "Let's go." We both started running towards the bus. Bella entered first, I noticed that there was only a spare seat next to Bella. And there was no way I was going to give up an opportunity to be close to her.

We didn't speak to each other for most of the trip, but I was curious on who was running this show. "So Bella, who's the captain of this wonderful team?"

"That would be me."

Really? I mean Bella is a gorgeous person but she also is curvier then the rest of the team, the rest of the team looks like they all need to eat a big-mac. "Really and what's the game plan for today?"

"To have fun and that no matter what happens we never forget how privileged we are to be able to have an experience like this. Win or lose we're in it together."

"Very inspiring." Who would of thought that someone that young could come up with something that a lot of adults come up with as there years tick by.

"Why thank you." She giggled, it was light and carefree.

The bus driver cleared his throat. "We're here." He didn't seem to happy I may as well get these girls out of the bus as quickly as I can.

I stood to face the bus full of girls, well young women really. "So we're here and I want your best behaviour and most of all just have fun."

Everyone exited the bus I was well aware that Bella couldn't leave because I was blocking her way. "You ready?" I asked once the last girl had excited.

"I was born ready." And with that she walked past me.

I faced the bus driver, "Thanks for bringing us here."

"No problem."

Leaving the bus I was faced with a large group of girls ready to play baseball. God I hope they're not very competitive. But boy was I wrong they are so competitive and then they won because Layliee was able to hit a homerun bringing the team to a victory. I also noticed that Bella took charge of every aspect of the team and that the girls trusted her judgement on the strategies they where to play. Most of all they respected her.

We made our way back to school I took the team photo that would most likely end up in the school newsletter. All the girls left, but I noticed that Bella didn't leave with the others but headed over to the equipment. I assume to put it away. I watched her for a minute struggling to pick the bag up until she just shrugged and started dragging the bag along the floor towards the storage shed.

I came up behind her. "Do you need some help?"

She nodded. "Yeah." I could start to see the starts of a red tint colouring her cheeks as she dropped the bags handles.

I picked the bag up. Fuck it was heavy. But this is the chance I get to show off in front of Bella and show her how strong I am, hopefully she's impressed. I figured the bag had to belong where there was an empty spot I heaved the bag up to the shelf, my muscles straining in the process. I could feel the bottom of my shirt rise up and I was secretly hopping that Bella was checking me out. "Thanks." She said softly.

"You're welcome."

She waited to I could lock up the shed and we walked out together in silence. I had a few things that I needed to take care of before I left. I watched as Bella got to the door to exit the gym. "Bella?" Why? Why did I just call out to her?

"Yeah?" she seemed almost happy that I was calling out to her.

My hand came up to my hair tugging on it. Some trait I have when I have no idea what to do and I am baffled beyond anything. "Can you come here. I need to talk to you."

"Sure." She shut the door quietly and walked over to me leaving about an arms length of space.

Her brown orbs kept me hostage, I couldn't look away. "I was wondering. . . " I faced to stare outside at the students that were on their way home. What was I wondering anyway? I mean there are so many questions that I want answered, but the question is will she be able to give me the answers that I'm after?

She took two little steps forward. "Talk to me." she raised her hand to my face, but thought better of it and took it away. Why Bella? Why would you take the one thing I need to keep me grounded and that's your touch.

I looked back at her, may as well start with what's been bugging me for days. "Okay, you know how I gave you my number right?"

"Yes."

God, why can't I act like a normal person? And just tell her what I want. "I was curious as to why you haven't called me yet."

"Well there hasn't been a need to yet." She looked at the ground.

Why does she think that I need a reason or her to call? "Why should that stop you?"

"But isn't that a good thing that I haven't called you? Because as far as I was aware the only reason you gave me your number was so that if I was in trouble I could call you. But I haven't been in trouble, so there really hasn't been a need."

She's right. I gave her that number to reach me if she needed my help, not to have in-depth conversations. "You're right that is why I gave you my number. I'm sorry for being all over bearing."

Her face lit up a little. "Don't worry about being over bearing. I think it's cute." We were stuck just standing there. There was no way that I was going to make the first move, it needs to be on her grounds. "I've been looking at your number very frequently and have contemplated many times on whether I should press the dial button. But then I always come up blank on why I would even be calling in the first place." She blurted out.

"Seriously call me. Even if it is to say hi. It won't bother me in the slightest." God I just want to embrace her and bury my face in her brown wavy locks.

"Okay I shall. But I got to go." she took a few steps backwards towards the only exit. "Bye Mr. Cullen have a good night."

"I shall." She turned around and I felt the panic start to set in. She was getting further and further away. I need to alleviate this anxiousness I feel consuming me. "Ohhhh and Bella when you call it's Edward." She never looked back at me, like I wanted her too. She left with a bounce of her head.

Seriously Edward what have you done? You can't just lead her on and then nothing, this is your job and future we are talking about. Why does my subconscious always have to be right.

My pocket vibrating alerted me to having a phone call. I looked at the number and didn't recognise it at all. "Hello?" I asked a little unsure.

"Edward?" It's Bella.

"Bella?" I said out loud. Gosh 'Bella?' that's the best you could come up with?

"Yeah, I just . . . I just wanted to make sure the number works."

"It's okay. Now I have your number to." Now I'm going to be able to call her now, this is so exciting.

Sound like a girl much Edward?

"I guess you do." There was a slight pause. "I have to go."

"Bella . . ." I really didn't want to stop talking to her. "Can I call you later?" please let me.

"Yeah. I would like that."

"Good. Talk to you soon. Bye." Now I have something to look forward to now.

"Bye."

(*)(*)(*)(*)(*)(*)(*)(*)

The rest of the afternoon went by great. Several times I have had Bella's number on display wondering if I should press the dial button. The night drew on and I kept finding things that would distract me, keeping me away from calling. I watched the footy and wondered if Bella likes the footy and if she does who does she support. The game was nearly finished and it was a one sided game so I didn't really need to stay till the final siren went. I picked my phone up and pressed the connect button.

"Hello?" Bella answered. All the worry I had just melted away right at that moment.

"Bella?" Seriously Edward not again with the 'Bella' shit, you know it's her.

"Hey, what's up?" Well I know something that could be up (A/N: imatwin247 I put that in for you, don't worry there will be more of this in future chapters.) but that is way too far ahead in this complicated relationship.

"Nothing just wanted to talk to you." I glanced at the clock and it was nearly 11. I could of woken her, gosh you are a dick Edward fix it. "I didn't wake you did I?"

"No you didn't wake me."

I didn't realise I was holding my breath until the words left her mouth. "That's good."

"What did you want to talk about?"

That's a good question Bella. I have no idea what I want to talk about, but I'm sure you could talk about absolutely anything and I would listen, but only because it's you. "I have no idea. All I know is that I just needed to hear your voice." She I told her the honest truth.

"Okay . . ." God now I've made her awkward, may as well give up. "How about 20 questions?" she asked before I decided to hang up on her. I know what a jerk move but I wasn't going to humiliate myself even further.

"20 questions sounds good."

"Do you want me to go first?" she questioned. She seems to be asking all the questions and trying to keep the conversation flowing.

"Whatever doesn't bother me." Because nothing she could ever do would bother me ever.

"Okay you go first then."

I have to agree with her. "Sure. What's your favourite colour and why?"

"You do realise that's two questions right?" she teased me.

"Yeah well . . ." Could you be any more of an idiot or are you really just this bad when you're trying to impress women. "Just answer the questions."

"Green. I like green because it's thought to cure homesickness. It's a calming colour that each shade can have a different tone or emotion associated with it."

"WOW! And I thought you just liked green because of my eyes." I laughed at the end to make it seem as if I was kidding, but I was being as serious as anything.

"And there's that." She said it so softly.

"Yeah . . ." way to go DICKWARD.

"My turn. Family? Like brothers, sisters, mum, dad that sort of thing."

Safe topic. "My dad is a surgeon at Monash. My mother stays at home and cooks the most amazing food I have ever tasted and every now and then she helps with her Interior designing business. I have an older sister named Gianna who just found out that she was pregnant. So that's exciting. I have no brothers . . . And that's my family."

"Are you excited to be an uncle?"

Just thinking of my little blob is making me very happy. "Very much so."

"Okay your turn."

I may as well ask, get it out of the way. "Please be totally honest here." Sounding really desperate.

"That's the point of the game."

"Do you like me?"

A beat went by before she answered with. "Of course I like you, who wouldn't?"

"That's not what I was asking." She doesn't get what I'm asking.

"Okay, then what were you asking?" she sounded puzzled.

He mumbled a few things under his breath, "Do you have feelings for me?"

"I know I shouldn't but I do and I know I can't act on them. But Edward I do have feelings for you." I said sadly, realising that I've just opened myself up to heart ache.

"Really?" I needed to hear her say it.

"Yeah really." Not exactly what I was expecting as an answer, but it was better than the alternative. "What about you? What do you feel towards me?" Why does she sound so insecure?

I need to erase the feeling of self-doubting from her. "I feel as if I can't breathe when you're not around. That seeing you makes me feel whole. You make me feel alive."

"I like you." She muttered.

That's what you've been asking for is to hear her say that she likes you. Now man up and say it too Edward. "I like you too."

We sat in silence for a while trying to come to terms with what had just been said to each other. "Edward . . . ?"

"Yeah." I didn't recognise the sound of my own voice.

"What do we do?"

"I'm not sure."

(*)(*)(*)(*)(*)(*)(*)(*)

Bella and I got off the phone. We didn't discuss what we had discovered about our mutual feelings for each other, we sort of just pushed it to the side. I think the reality that she returns my feelings finally crashed down on me. My career as being a teacher and one of the oaths that come with that is to not have relations with one of the students at the school you work at.

I feel into a fitful sleep at some god awful time on Saturday morning. I woke up to the sun shining outside and my bedside clock flashing with 10:13am. I grabbed my phone off my stand and sent a quick text.

Morning beautiful, hope you slept well. – E

Hopefully she won't see this as weird. I mean I want to make her happy and this is the way I'm going to make her happy.

My phone chirped in my hand. Bella replied.

I slept very well. Thank you. –B

I quickly typed back.

That's good to hear, well . . . see in this case. What do you have planned for today? – E

Well, I was just going to chill at home. Why do you have plans for me? – B

My heart was beating so fast. Does she possibly want to spend time with me?

I possibly could . . . – E

I decided it was best to just keep it simple, all of this has to be on her terms. I never wanted to make her feel as if she had to do something.

Well what are they? I need to know when I have to be ready by. – B

I thought I would cry. She just confirmed the one thing I wanted most and that was her. It's nice to know that she really wants to spend time with me. But crap I have nothing planned that we could do. I was mealy joking with her, gosh now she's going to think I'm boring as anything and to be honest I can't be bothered leaving the house and doing something outside. But then again we can't exactly go out in public, if someone were to see us that would be the end. We've haven't even started exploring the possibility of us as a couple and I don't want it to end before it's even started.

I guess she is just going to have to deal with being boring with me.

Seriously? You want to spend the day at my flat? – E

Why not I have nothing better to do. And I would like to see you. – B

I would like to see you too. We would just be chilling at my flat and I could pick you up at 11:30? and we could have lunch. – E

That sounds perfect. You can't come here to pick me up but I can meet you at the park. – B

You mean the park that started it all? – E

I love that park. Without it I would haven't of been given the opportunity to coax her into having my number.

Yeah that park. I'll see you soon. – B

I didn't bother replying. I saw that I have one hour to get there and its going to take me at least 20 – 25 minutes to get there. I had a quick shower and scarfed down my breakfast in record time and headed out the door. It took me 23 minutes to reach the car park of the park. I saw Bella already sitting there, her head down. I made my way out of the car and approached her hesitantly. As I made my way closer her head snapped up to me and her eyes were rimmed red and there were tears tracks running down her cheeks. "What's wrong?" I bent down in front of her placing my hands on her face, catching the tears at her eyes.

She shook her head, smiling weakly at me, "I'm fine. I'm just being silly."

"Okay." She stood up and I took her hand and we walked to the car.

Whatever is bothering her I hope she opens up to me.

A/N: You probably hate that I just left it there but there would have been more had I not broken my glasses.