EPOV

The morning light beamed through the window, though it was surprisingly dull. Groaning, I sat up, slouching against the wall. I yawned and stretched out before heading into my bathroom. After a quick shower, I threw on some clothes and I began to pick up around my room.

I knew I was keeping myself busy because I had never cleaned my dorm room so thoroughly.. It's not that I didn't want to talk to Bella at all, just that I wasn't ready to feel the rejection that would surely come my way once Bella realized that I wasn't worth forgiving.

I sighed to myself, knowing that sooner or later I would have to see her. I noticed that I felt a strange loss, or emptiness, when she wasn't around. I sighed once again; I was losing it.

At that moment, my stomach rumbled and I was thankful for the small distraction. I ran a hand through my hair, not even bothering to brush the messy mop, and stepped out of my room. I glanced at the clock, realizing how early it was; just after six-fifty.

I knew of only one place within walking distance that was open already: Fae's Café, which was a small secret that I had just recently discovered on a little trip alone while giving Rosalie and Emmett some time together.

After locking my door, I started for the elevators. Right as I rounded the corner, I knocked into someone else and something hot spilled across my upper body. I don't usually lose my temper easily, but the hot liquid was now seeping through my cotton shirt and burning my skin. I opened my mouth to yell something, until I heard someone speak.

"Oh god! I'm so sorry, Edward. I wasn't looking where I was going…," It was Bella and she was beginning to pat down my shirt, which didn't help the burn, but only intensified the sensation..

Slowly closing my eyes, I grabbed her thin wrists in my hands and pulled her arms away. "Its fine, Bella, you didn't hurt me." She did the exact opposite; proved what my mind had been subconsciously telling me.

When she had finally stopped her apologies, I noticed that she now had only one cup of coffee. The other was now dripping down my shirt. I looked at her wide eyes and saw that there were minimal dark circles beneath the brown pools, but they weren't enough to need that much caffeine this early.

Confused, I tried to read her, but failed and decided to ask, "Tired?"

She bit her lip, as if in a deep debate with herself. "Not really. I didn't get much sleep last night, but I really didn't mind; I got to think."

When she said this, her face pinked, as if she had said some secret, but I had no idea why.

"So the two coffees were for…?" I questioned lightly. Her face was now on the verge of becoming a deep red.

"Well, um, I was going to see if you were up and if you wanted some coffee… with me." She turned away now, and I was stuck between confusion, shock, and total happiness. I was confused because I wasn't sure if she had meant this as a friendly gesture, or something more.

Shock, because that part of me that was brimming with hope might be right.

And happiness, because, well that one was obvious.

"Oh, well I was actually heading out right now… for breakfast." She turned back to me as I spoke.

Her face fell. "Oh. Then I guess I'll see you later."

I smiled, "Yes, unless you'd like to join me?"

Her eyes flashed and she quickly agreed. "The café is only a small walk from here, if you don't mind?"

Her smile dimmed, "Walking? No, I don't mind. Well, unless there are a lot of things to fall over?" I raised an eyebrow in question. "If you haven't noticed, I seem to fall. A lot."

I stepped closer, giving her space so that if she wanted to turn away, she'd barely have to touch me, but if she wanted to move closer, nothing was in her way. I dipped my head so that we were almost eye-level with each other.

"I promise I won't let you fall," I whispered, then smiled brightly. I heard her gasp quietly, and her eyes went wide. Bringing my head up so that I would have to look down, I asked, "Bella, are you alright?"

She slowly looked up to me, "Y-yes, I'm fine," and shook her head like she was clearing her mind.

"Ready, then?" I asked.

Now more focused, she nodded, "Mhm. Let's go."

The walk to the café was quiet, but surprisingly, not awkward. It was actually more comfortable than I thought possible. The day was fresh with minimal winds. Bella's hair swirled around her face, which somehow framed her soft features more than I had thought possible.

On more than one occasion, she had caught me staring and blushed, but I found it hard to stop. I was mesmerized. I wasn't the only one who couldn't look away; continuously I saw that men were staring at her like she was something to eat. I didn't like it.

BPOV

My heart hadn't stopped thundering since I had poured the coffee onto Edward, an accident I still felt guilty for.. But, I guess he found it in himself to forgive me and where was I now? Going on an, I'm-not-sure-if-this-is-a-date-but-I-don't-want-to-ask-or-I-might-ruin-it date with Edward. What have I done to deserve this?

I still don't know if he wants what I want, though. Something I've never wanted before. And I've never really been in tune with my "female intuition" when it came to things such as this. My flirting skills were about as attractive as death, though until now, I hadn't ever wanted to use them. As for kissing and such, if it isn't obvious by now, Edward stole my first kiss, but I didn't want it back.

Romance was something I read about in books, but if I've read enough, it may seem that Edward…likes me. Either way, I knew I was hooked, I was taken with him, fallen for him, whatever you want to call it. Either way, I knew I wouldn't soon get enough of him. Maybe never…

But I was getting to ahead of myself; Over-analyzing things. For now, though. I wouldn't let my thoughts get in the way of spending this morning with Edward.

We soon arrived at the small café. Without Edward's help, I probably would never have seen the small restaurant. Surrounding the entrance to the café were light blue stucco walls, with a rose color that covered until only strips of blue were seen..

Two-seater rusted tables were scattered around the cement patio and little trinkets were dropped off here-and-there. To a passerby, the café seemed cluttered, uncomfortable. But to someone actually inside, the café oozed familiarity, with a bunch of big purple cushions and antique tables. All of the seats were outside, and through a large glass window, you were able to see into the bustling kitchen. Still, the café had an almost magical feel to it and I was easily able to see why Edward loved it.

I was silent until Edward asked, "What do you think?"

I smiled. "It's so pretty," was my oh-so-informative answer. Edward nodded in agreement.

"How did you find it?" I asked.

"I was walking around one day, and just happened to see it."

"Hmm. So, what do you like to have here?" I was honestly curious to know his likes and dislikes. As I spoke, he guided me to one of the more secluded tables in the corner.

"Why don't we take a look at the menu?" As if on cue, a waitress walked over to us with two menus in her hands. For a second, her eyes narrowed as if checking out the status between Edward and I.

Within that moment, I felt my heart plummet somewhat, as I really took in how pretty she was. Long legs, wild blonde, could probably have any guy she wanted. She looked to be every guy's type. Well, hopefully not Edward's.

But when I looked to him, his green eyes were deeply focused on…me? I blushed and quickly turned back to the waitress. "What can I get you to drink?" she asked, mostly focusing on Edward. Edward smiled at the waitress politely, before asking me what I wanted.

Reluctantly, the waitress looked at me. "Um, I'll have iced tea."

"I'll have the same. And if you wouldn't mind, we're ready to order." Edward said. I loved how that 'we' sounded.

"Of course I don't mind, what would you like?" As she asked this, she dipped her head lower so that she wasn't so far away from Edward. A small seed of jealousy bloomed largely within my chest, something that had never before happened.

Edward didn't seem to notice how close his head was to her chest, or at least, he pretended not to. Through the entire exchange, I hardly heard a word he said. Not that I wasn't listening, but it's hard to focus when jealousy is clogging every one of your senses.

Finally, the waitress was gone and I found it easier to focus. Edward seemed to notice. "Are you alright? You seem distracted?" he asked.

I bit my lip, debating whether to lie or not. I decided somewhere within the middle ground. "I guess I'm just feeling how tired I really am."

He seemed intent to listen, "Sleeping problems?"

"I guess you could call it that. I had a lot on my mind. Plus, Jasper and

Alice were, um…well, you know." I could feel my face's temperature rising.

Realization slowly hit Edward's face, and when it did, he grimaced, matching my own facial expression. "That's doesn't sound like fun," he said, trying to give a small smile.

I shook my head, "Not at all. Alice kept giggling and I could have sworn Jasper growled," I admitted, shivering involuntarily.

"Even better," he responded, looking like he had once went through something similar. "But you said you were also thinking…about what?"

Once again, I debated whether or not to spill. Edward slowly grinned, his mouth curving into that crooked smile of his. Blushing, I answered,

"Just these past few days really; thinking about how I felt about coming to this school, auditioning, getting accepted…meeting you… simple things like that…," His smiled dimmed somewhat at the end.

He swallowed, "Good things I hope."

I made the mistake of looking into his eyes and once again spoke the truth,

"Confusing things, but mostly good," I said shrugging.

He laughed briefly. "Care to share?"

Now was the moment of truth. It was now or never. Boy was I scared. "Honestly?" I asked.

Edward nodded slowly, responding, "Honestly."

"Well, if I hadn't come to this school, I wouldn't have ended up falling of the stage," I laughed while said that, "But I don't regret that, because then I wouldn't have needed to go into that practice room, ask for a second audition, and end up being accepted. If I hadn't done any of that, I wouldn't have met you." It was silent for a moment, and I had a few seconds to think. I had just confessed to liking him. No harm there, well, at least not for him.

was expecting him to slyly turn around my wants. I was expecting him to turn me down. I was expecting him to convince me it was better if we were just friends. What I wasn't expecting was for his lips to curve up into one of the biggest smiles I had ever witnessed. I wasn't expecting him to ask me if I was only joking; my second answer convinced him.

Edward went silent. "Say something please," I begged, wanting to know what he thought.

"Since I met you, I have been so interested to know what it is about you that made me want to know you..

Every time I saw you, I thought I did something to make feel more and more negative about me. But…I was wrong. I was wrong, wasn't I?"

I smiled brightly and nodded, "Very wrong." We laughed together then, and then I sobered up, "So does this mean that you…like me?" Why did this sound so childish?

Edward's smile only grew. "Yes. I like you very much."

When the waitress brought our food, I no longer felt threatened. She left without either of us having noticed her, which I'm, sure, ticked her off, but I was much to happy to care.

Throughout the meal, Edward and I talked. He told me more about Rosalie and her boyfriend, Emmett. I talked about Alice and Jasper. There were jokes and much more talking, but all of that passed in a blur; I was much more focused on how tingly I would feel all over whenever he entwined our fingers together, or when he idly drew random patterns all over my hands and arms. Every glance at each other made me feel warm inside, and for once, I felt…whole.

I knew nothing had yet happened, but I felt that I was closer to Edward than anyone, maybe even everyone else. This was very stupid; I was falling for him and I didn't know just how much he liked me. Only time would tell. But until then, I would gratefully take every second with him.

No relationship status was defined during then, but I didn't need one. Whether he would take me as his friend, or something more romantic, I would stay by his side until he wanted me gone. This was something that pained me physically to think about, but I pushed that to the way back of my mind; I was over-analyzing again.

Once we had finished, I reached deep inside my pocket to gather my share of the bill, when I realized that I hadn't thought to bring any money. "Edward?"

Edward looked up from his wallet, "Yes?"

"Sorry, but I didn't bring any money with me and I don't want you to have to pay-"

Edward shushed my rambling, "Bella, even if you had brought your money, I wouldn't let you pay."

I frowned, "Can I at least pay you back?"

He answered quickly, "Nope."

A thought then fluttered into my mind. "Well, if I can't pay you back with money…"

Edward listened closely, "What?"

"Can I pay you back some other way?"

Edward raised his eyebrow, "And what way would that be?"

I smirked, and then raised myself over the table, not having to wait for Edward to meet me. Lightly, our lips gently brushed together, but then he pulled away.

I settled back into my chair, feeling an electric jolt all over my body. "Bella?"

I smiled, "Yes, Edward?"

He smirked, "Remember to forget your wallet all the time."

I laughed, "Alright, but only when I forget it? I can't kiss you at any other times?"

Now it was Edward's turn to laugh, "Oh, why not? How about from the time you wake up until you sleep? Good enough?" –wake up until u sleep? Can you rephrase this. It confuses me. :D

I smiled even more brightly, "For now."

Once everything was paid, we left the small café. The walk was just like the one coming here, except everything felt more open and comfortable. Plus, I didn't let go of Edward's hand once.

When we arrived back to the campus, it was only then that I checked my phone for the time. It was approaching eight-fourty-five. "Wow. We just wasted about an hour and a half," I said.

"Was it really such a waste?" Edward questioned.

I sighed dramatically, "I guess not." Edward laughed.

"Oh really? Then I guess I'm going to have to take back all of your kissing time," he threatened, teasing.

"Then who will you be kissing?" I teased back.

His smirk decreased, "Oh, um, I hadn't thought of that….never mind."

I laughed, more at him than with him, and he seemed too noticed.

Space.

"And what are you laughing at?" He asked. Raising an eyebrow.

"That adorable little frown you have," I answered honestly.

"Want to make it into a smile?"

"As a matter of fact, I do." With that, I reached up, while he bent down. Our lips connected and that same spark once again fluttered throughout me. This time the kiss was much more heated, and I didn't know if I wanted to slow down or speed up.

In the end, Alice decided for me. I heard someone clearing their throat, and when Edward and I broke apart, I spun around to see Alice and Jasper outside my dorm. Alice was grinning like a fool, while Jasper looked ready to hurt someone. "Oh, sorry, did we interrupt?" Alice asked.

Edward grumbled next to me, "Yes."

Then Jasper intervened, "Actually, Alice , I think we came out exactly at the right time." His tone was angry, but I didn't know why.

Irritated, I responded, "Jasper, stop." He looked ready to say something and I stopped him again, " Alice , could you handle this, please?"

Alice sighed, "Sure, but I want details!"

"Fine," I said, turning back to Edward, "I'm sorry, this might take a while." It annoyed, and pained me to have to separate from him right now.

Edward smiled gently, "Its fine. I'll see you in a while." With that, he gave me a small kiss, and then left. I frowned after his retreating figure.

"Oh don't be sad. You'll see him in a minute. Now come on!" Alice 's small hand tugged on my arms and led the way back to my room. Jasper followed in silently. Once the door was closed, she began. "Tell me everything. What happened? I thought you weren't talking?

And you were kissing him? Spill!"

Right as I opened my mouth, she spoke again.. "Jasper, you know I love you, but you have to go." Jasper began to argue, but she silenced him again, "Go talk with Edward, but don't think you can start fights, okay? He's with Bella, or at least he will be, and you will treat him kindly. Now, go on."

Jasper glared for a minute, not so much at Alice but more in the doors general direction, then left.

Once the door slammed shut, I told Alice everything, gushing and spilling, and squealing, completely

forgetting how thin the walls were.

Soon as I finished, Alice gave her commentary on everything. For a minute we were quiet, and then we turned to each other and laughed.

Space. And, I got rid of some words in the first sentence.

"That's all, I guess. I don't really know where we are, but…I really don't care, as long as he'll have me."

Alice smiled knowingly, "Don't worry, he'll have you," she stated, and then winked. "Now, I think you and Jasper need to have a little talk about this whole thing before he tries to attack, or something."

Alice was right of course, so I got up and stretched out. I pulled the door open too see Jasper standing outside, stoic and silent. "Come on, Jasper," I said.

I got rid of the "was", in the 2nd sentence.

He glared at me for a minute, and then followed me inside. "I'm going to go get some food for us, Jasper, since Bella probably isn't hungry," Alice said. She giggled, and then left.

I sighed and then turned to Jasper, who was staring the opposite way.

"Jasper?" I asked.

"What?" he answered without turning.

"Edward means something to me, and it would make both Alice and I very happy to see that you both are getting along."

"And…?" He questioned, still mad, "Bella, you're like a little sister to me. I'll try, but I can't guarantee I'll

always agree."

"That's all I ask," I said, then reached up to hug him, which he returned.

"Maybe you could talk to him. Like right now?"

"Bella- I don't think so-" Jasper started.

"Please… for me?" That wasn't enough, so I added, "For Alice?" Jasper sighed and I knew he had given in.

"Come on." I stood up, excited to know I would soon see Edward. I reached down for Jasper's hand and he obediently stood. I rapidly knocked on Edward's door. "Edward, it's me. Can I come in?"

His door flew open and he quickly grabbed me into his arms, obviously not realizing Jasper was right behind me. Once he did, however, he loosened his grip at once. "Do you mind if Jasper comes in as well?"

"Not at all, come in." Edward opened the door more, ushering us inside.

It was surprisingly easy to just come into Edward's room and make myself comfortable. I had expected Edward to sit with me on his bed, but instead he took the wall opposite to where Jasper was standing.

I sighed, knowing this was going to be one of the most uncomfortable conversations…ever.

A/N: Thoughts?

~Vanity~