A/N: reviews were awesome! Keep them up! Hope you enjoy the chapter and of course tell me what you think.

All mistakes are mine, but hopefully you'll enjoy it anyway :)

CHAPTER TEN

Bella

I woke up alone, in my own bed wearing the exact same clothes I had on yesterday.

The last thing I remembered was quietly sitting curled up next to Edward as we both listened to Debussy's other musical composure's. I recalled thinking it was soothing, though I hadn't planned on falling asleep on him like I clearly had.

Did he bring me home?

God, I mentally cursed myself for probably seeming like a right bitch for not at least saying thank you to both Carlisle and Esme for having me, and for being so kind as to cook. That thought made me wonder just what happened to the Italiano they cooked, a large part of me hoping that they hadn't simply thrown it away since I was curious to just how it would taste.

I had every prediction that it would taste excellent, Esme not seeming like the type of woman to do things half assed, but if they couldn't taste the food I was curious to what the outcome would have been.

It had sure smelled good.

Rolling onto my side, wincing at the reminder of the bruises which probably covered my side, I felt myself smile at the reminder. Throwing myself onto my back I sighed loudly, closing my eyes as I recalled how his lips had felt on mine, the sight of him hovering over me as his muscles rolled under his tight shirt.

Feeling my hand lightly caressing my chest my head rolled to the right at the sensation, it reminding me of how Edward's every touch resembled a caress.

It was so easy to imagine it was him.

All too soon I felt it slip down the front of my stomach. Frustrated with the ruffled and creased shirt I was wearing I had it unbuttoned in no time, sighing in relief as my fingers touched the bare skin before skimming down to the seam of my jeans.

I jumped at the sound of my alarm going off, not even having remembered setting it in the first place.

"Edward," I smiled as I shook my head. Of course.

Pulling my fingers out of the waist band of my jeans I stiffly slipped off the bed, not hesitating to rid myself of my uncomfortable jeans and shirt before grabbing some clean underwear, a pea green sweater and a pair of black skinny jeans.

After a quick shower I slipped on my clothes before running a brush through my hair. Deciding to pull it up into a messy ponytail I jumped when I met Charlie on the stairs, his arms crossed and his expression screaming disapproval.

"Morning Charlie," I forced a smile.

He frowned. "Where were you last night?"

He had actually noticed? I thought he would be out all night.

"I was around the Cullen's, you know with Carlisle's children," I admitted. I knew Charlie approved of Carlisle, what with his technical skills being more than impressive. I doubted he knew just how much, considering he was a blood drinking vampire, even if they were on a vegetarian diet of animals.

The sheer amount of free will required for him to do that…it was incredible to say the least.

"Hum…and were you with that Edward boy?" he demanded, eyes narrowing.

"How'd you…? Yes I was with Edward, Charlie-"

"I don't like you being around that boy so late."

I stared at him, fighting the urge to snap that he probably didn't realise I hadn't been home until he arrived home at god knows what hour. I managed to control myself thankfully, knowing it wasn't his fault. He was clearly worried and he didn't know how to probably cope with it, so he got protective.

At least he cared.

"Nothing happened, Charlie. We talked, listened to some Debussy and I must have fallen asleep."

He turned his nose up, scowling. "Debussy? What's that?" he demanded, as if it was something dirty.

I snorted. What did he think it was, porn?

"It's classical music," I rolled my eyes.

Looking at me as if gaging whether or not I was telling the truth I jumped when I heard the sound of a horn outside.

"That for you?"

Shrugging at his question I walked back into my room before glancing out the window, a smile lighting up my features when I caught sight of a familiar Volvo parked in the driveway.

"Hey," I whispered shyly, knowing he would hear me perfectly. I fought back a giggle when I saw his flashlights flash in reply.

Spinning around I jumped when I came face to face with Charlie who had been leaning over my shoulder. "That Edward?"

I nodded.

"I thought you liked the Cullen's."

"And I didn't think you liked any of the boys in town," I rolled my eyes.

"Edward doesn't in town, technically. He's right outside…"

"He is?" Charlie didn't look impressed in the slightest. I sighed.

He sighed, scratching the back of his neck before telling me, or basically ordering me to "bring him inside, I want to know what kind of boy is hanging out with my little girl."

I didn't tell him that I was no longer the little girl he remembered, but nearly legally old enough to be considered a young adult. I also didn't bother to argue, knowing it would just result in either him attempting to ground me or me saying something I would end up regretting once we had both calmed down.

I made a move to leave before pausing, looking back at him. "Could you be nice? He's-he's important," that being the understatement of the century.

I ignored him as he made a sigh of a halo over the top of his head, hoping that he was going to take this seriously.

Sighing, I grabbed my black coat before jogging down the stairs. Walking past the kitchen I wasn't surprised when I saw Edward was already out of the car and walking towards me.

"Hey," I reached up to brush my hair behind my ear only to bluish when I realised I had put it up. Talk about getting into a habit of things.

Edward smiled charmingly. "I missed this," his thumb caressed my cheek.

"Did I really fall asleep around your place?" I winced.

He nodded.

"Why didn't you wake me?"

I could tell by his flat look that the idea hadn't even crossed his mind, as if the idea of waking me up didn't register to him. It was sweet, but to be honest I was kind of bummed I had been knocked out when he carried me back home, because that was something I did not want to miss.

"I like watching you sleep, it's…fascinating, to me" his lips curved.

I winced. "I don't talk in my sleep, do I?" remembering a comment Renee had made once.

"You do," he nodded with amusement.

I winced.

"Charlie, uh, wants to meet you…" I trailed off.

Feeling him step closer, his tall form towering over me in his simple jeans and long black woollen coat, I sighed in pleasure at feeling his hesitant arms wrap around me. It felt nice, more than nice in fact.

"He just feels protective over you, Bella. It is understandable. I did not date before you, my sudden interest in you has him concerned."

I looked up at him. "We're dating?" I felt myself grin.

He rolled his eyes. "I am over a hundred years old, and while I prefer the term courting, modern terms do not allow me to use it without gaining strange looks."

Wow, and I was just once again reminded on how old he really was.

"Is it hard for you, to change your attitude towards change?" I asked interested.

He shrugged. "My attitude does not change, but our behaviour adapts as not to cause suspicion."

I guess that made sense, but it had to be hard to be born when certain things were unspeakable, and yet a few years down the line you are having to reteach yourself what it acceptable and what isn't.

"Come on," his arm moved to wrap around my shoulders. "If I am meeting your father, I do not wish to already made a bad impression by keeping you to myself outside."

Sighing, knowing Charlie wouldn't change his mind, I allowed Edward to pull me towards the front door. I just hoped that Charlie meant what he said when he told me he would behave, even though I knew even if he didn't approve it wouldn't stop me from seeing Edward.

You can't just leave a soul-mate. You didn't want to.

Moving my hand down his arm to grab his hand I linked our fingers together, my grip tight while his remained loose. I smiled, shaking my head at how he always seemed to have my well-being in his mind.

It was a constant reminder of just how wanted I was.

Walking into the house I muttered "oh my god" when I saw Charlie sitting on the dining room table, gun in hand as he 'cleaned' it.

Yea, like he used a shot gun for work.

I would have been worried about it scaring Edward away had it not been for the fact I knew even if Charlie did shoot him, which wouldn't be happening in any case since Charlie liked his job too much to risk losing it, Edward probably wouldn't even be able to feel it.

Edward's low chuckles also told me as much.

"Chief Swan," he nodded. "I want to formally introduce myself, I'm Edward Cullen" he quickly shook Charlie's hand.

I could tell he was taken aback by Edward's use of wording and respectful attitude, it clearly not being a common occurrence with the type of boys my age he knew of in Forks. I didn't doubt that for a second.

"Hi Edward," he nodded.

"Bella won't be out too late tonight, we're just going to play baseball with the rest of my family."

Baseball?

Charlie seemed to have the same train of thought and I tried not to let my surprise for Edward's plans show. Was he trying to surprise me? "Baseball?"

"Yes sir, that's the plan."

Sir? Wow, Edward was going all out to make my father approve it seemed. I smiled at the effort.

"Bella's going to play baseball?" he asked, staring at me with an amused expression. I scowled in reply. "Well, good luck with that."

"I'll take good care of her, I promise" Edward told him with more seriousness than I thought possible. I smiled, turning to hide my face in his woollen coat to try and hide the love sick look I probably had displayed on my face.

As Edward once again nodded respectfully, he made a move to leave only for Charlie to call me back. My face was flushed by the time I bowed my head as I walked past an extremely amused Edward as he held the door open for me.

It was quiet for a few minutes as he walked towards his car before he finally commented like I knew he would.

"So…do I need watch my eyes?" he chuckled.

I pushed my hand against him in a shove, but as expected he didn't move a millimetre.

"Careful, I forgot to bring it" I answered flatly, still not believing that Charlie had asked whether I still had the pepper-spray with me.

What did he think Edward was? Like those disgusting animals at Port Angeles?

I waited until we were on the road before turning to face Edward. "So, what's this about baseball?" I raised a brow.

He had the decency to look a little sheepish at the fact he had already made plans for us with asking me first. I wasn't angry, far from it, I was just surprised.

"Alice saw that there will be lightening tonight. It is the perfect excuse for us to be able to not hold back while playing," he looked at me.

I frowned. "Alice saw?"

His lips quirked, "you didn't think I was the only one with a gift did you, Bella?"

"I hadn't really thought about it," I shrugged. Though now he said it I couldn't deny that I was curious.

"Alice can see the future while Jasper is an empath, and of course I am a mind-reader."

Oh, that was just…wow.

"What about the rest of your family?"

"Not every vampire has a gift; in fact it is rare for more than a few vampires in a coven to all have one. But Carlisle believes his control is due to sheer strength of will, and Emmett has been gifted with slightly enhanced strength as he still has the amount of strength as a newborn."

"A newborn?"

He nodded. "Another term for it would be newly changed I suppose."

As the car filled with the familiar sense of classical music, Edward not seeming so shy about playing his own tastes now I knew that we were similar in that department, I couldn't resist smiling at the thought of our plans after school.

I couldn't help but think, was it a date?

Not bold enough to ask outright I didn't comment, simply melting into the soft seats of his Volvo and both dreading and anticipating the school day. Edward was in the majority of my classes after all.

Arriving at Forks High I had already braced myself mentally for the stares we were going to be on the receiving end of, and as Edward yet again helped me out of the car I proved myself right.

Everyone, and I mean everyone had their eyes on us. It was uncomfortable to say the least.

"They will get over it soon enough, Bella" I heard Edward whisper in my ear, amused.

I shivered, unknowingly leaning closer. "I'm not so sure about that," I muttered.

I felt him shrug as he his arm wrapped itself around my shoulders, his lips pressing against my cheek as I felt him smile against my equally pale skin.

"Trust me," he breathed.

And I did.

Thankfully we didn't have to separate for English, both of us walking into the room only for the teacher to do a double take when he saw Edward was no longer 'single' as he always had been.

I rolled my eyes, not knowing whether to be annoyed or amused.

Taking the seats towards the back it didn't take long for the rest of the students to filer into the room, the two of us getting the exact same looks as they stared at us in shock, as if they still couldn't believe what they were seeing.

It wasn't that much of a gossip topic, was it?

"Did Carlisle or Esme mind that I didn't say goodbye last night?" I couldn't help it, I just had to ask.

Edward tilted his head to the side before turning to look at me, the teacher switching off the lights for the movie of Romeo and Juliet we were studying. Personally I thought it was a cop out, that instead of properly studying one of Shakespeare's most famous tragedy's, that we were simply watching it instead.

"You worry too much, Bella" his lips twitched. "They understand you need to sleep, and Carlisle in particular found you to…unique in your slumber to be offended."

I stared at him, "huh?"

Lowering his voice to just over a whisper he gave me that delicious crooked grin which always made me want to swoon like a young maiden meeting her master.

"The fact as far as his history does, never has he come across a mating like ours, Bella. Before you came along, he believed that we as a race could only mate with one of our own, but you just had to prove him wrong," he winked. "No, he is intrigued."

"Oh," was my smart reply.

To be honest I didn't know what to think of that, part of me pleased that neither of the hosts were offended by my less than polite leaving, and another part of me both fascinated and curious of what we had.

"He is constantly asking me questions, so do not be alarmed if he soon starts to question you as well" he continued to chuckle.

I grinned. "Do you think he will answer mine if I answer his?" he shot me a confused look. "I'm curious about his level of control. I find it incredible that while having a constant thirst for blood he is actually capable of doing the job he does."

"Ah, I do not see why not. Carlisle does love to talk about his work."

I hadn't realised how focused we were on one another until the background sounds of the film cut off abruptly, along with the turning on of the lights.

"Care to repeat the last few lines of film, Mr Cullen" the teacher crossed his arms over his chest in disapproval. "Just to show the class you were in fact listening."

It took Edward mere seconds to prove he was in fact wrong.

"Oh hear, will I set up my everlasting rest and shake the yolk of inauspicious stars from this world-wearried flesh. Eyes, look your last. Arms, take your last embrace! And lips, Oh you, the doors of breath, seal with a righteous kiss a dateless bargain to engrossing death!"

The entire room was speechless, eyes captured on Edward's moving lips and it was hard not to notice that every single female in the room was practically swooning at him resisting Shakespeare.

It was incredible.

"Eyes on the screen, people" the gough demanded before turning the film back on.

I would have rolled my eyes had it not been for the fact I was completely captured by Edward's moving piece, my gaze remaining firmly on him as felt my breathing grow heavy.

Who knew I liked him quoting Shakespeare that much?

It was exhilarating.

"Could you get any more perfect?" I found myself muttering under my breath, groaning in embarrassment a few moments later at the realisation that I couldn't whisper things under my breath when it came to Edward. Not when he could clearly hear every word as clearly as if I were shouting them out loud.

"You are too kind," his tone tainted with amusement. I rolled my eyes.

After English I clasped my hand around Edward's, it seeming as if neither one of us could hope without touching, I enjoyed the addicting sensation I felt when we touched, when our equally pale skin connected in such a intimate sense.

Government and Trigonometry were both uncomfortable, the fact Edward was sitting a few doors down in a separate classroom seemingly on my mind constantly. I didn't like it, but I wasn't about to risk coming across as too clingy by mentioning it to Edward.

Although, if he asked on the other hand…

I was out of my seat the moment the bell signalling the end of class hit my hearing. Not wanting to stay another second I hurriedly packed away my books, relieved that my last two lessons after lunch were in the same room as Edward.

The realisation that I may finally be able to pay attention was a relief, but the thought of finally having Edward by my side once again was a feeling of pure bliss.

A large part of me wasn't surprised in the least when I immediately caught sight of Edward leaning against the wall outside of my class, his expression blank until he caught sight of me pushing my way out of the rest of the students who seemed just as eager to get away.

His whole expression seemed to light up, eyes sparkling and lips curving into a smile.

"Hey," I smiled shyly.

He grinned. "We need to get our schedules changed," he commented before I had the chance to even think about asking what the separation was doing to him. Clearly he was just as affected as I was, if not more so.

"Whatever for?" I teased as his chilled hands cupped my cheeks.

The gentle slap on my behind was utterly unexpected. I jumped, yelping in surprise. I must have flushed ten shades of red at the action, but it was just so unlike him I found myself utterly speechless.

"Don't be cheeky," he smirked before wrapping an arm around my waist and pulling me towards the cafeteria. I followed, still too stunned to either comment or protest.

Did-did Edward seriously just spank me?

And more importantly, did I like it?

I let out a shuddering breath, trying to control my breathing. Jesus, how could one rough touch on his part have me practically panting for him?

I was brought out of my less than innocent thoughts when Edward's arm slipped frown around my waist. Fighting back the urge not to whine out is disapproval I laughed in delight when I caught sight of Edward playfully bowing in an extravagant manner, a shiny red apple balanced in the palm of his hand.

"For you my lady," his eyes twinkled.

"It should be illegal how charming you are," I reached out to take the shiny red fruit.

"Would you get your father to arrest me, or perhaps the pepper-spray?" he stepped closer. "I doubt it would work, but I would allow you to try."

"How generous," I rolled my eyes.

Wrapping my lips around the red fruit I stared intently as his gaze grew more intense and piecing, amber blending into black before he seemed to visibly shake himself out of it. "Delicious," I found myself whispering, not a hundred percent positive I was talking about the apple.

Winking, he gently reached for my hand before raising his arm up, gesturing for me to turn. I flushed, but found I couldn't refuse him such a simple request and turned in a circle before literally falling into his arms.

He laughed, eyes sparkling and he didn't seem disappointed in the slightest that I had fallen in his arms.

Bending down his lips brushed against my cheek. "You never did agree that you would accompany me to baseball with my family later, so does the lady protest?"

I shook my head, "no, the lady does not" I played along.

"Come eat with my family," he murmured.

I was flattered by his offer, if not a little nervous. "Are you sure?"

He hummed, his lips close enough to my neck that I could feel his cool breath caressing my skin.

"Ok," I found myself agreeing.

His bright smile made it worth it as he tugged me eagerly towards where the rest of the Cullen's sat, my eyes taking in a cheerful looking Alice, a completely confused Jasper, a grinning Emmett and a disgusted Rosaline.

I tried not to let it get to me.

"Bella," Alice jumped to her feet to pull me into a hug. I felt Edward hovering close behind me as I cautiously hugged Alice back. "I knew you would agree. He was worried bless him that you wouldn't, but he needs to remember to trust me," she rolled her eyes.

Pulling away I looked up to an awkward looking Edward. "You thought I'd say no?"

He shrugged.

"So Bells," Emmett spoke up as Edward gestured for me to take a seat between him and Alice. I was relieved it was opposite Rosaline since I didn't think she'd take well to me being any closer than I already was to her. "I heard Edward finally got his first kiss, huh?" he wiggled his brows.

"Emmett!" Edward warned while I sat there in shock.

"First kiss?" I looked at him. "I was your first?"

His jaw twitched.

"Oh yea," Emmett sniggered. "Our Eddie is completely old-fashioned, aren't ya mate?" he winked.

Edward's upper lips twitched in the beginnings of a silent snarl.

"Do not call me Eddie!"

I licked my lips nervously, wanting to calm the tension. "If it makes you feel any better, Edward. Urm…we're kind of in a similar boat."

He stared at me, blinking before glaring when Emmett let out a whoop. "Looks like fate had your virginity in mind when it gave you this one, huh Ed?" he smirked.

"Bugger off, Emmett!" Edward clipped out, but his attention remained completely on me. "Are you being serious, not just trying to make me feel less awkward?" I nodded. "Oh," he breathed.

The next thing I knew I had Edward's nose brushing against the side of my neck, breathing in deeply while his fingers played with the loose strands of my ponytail. I shivered, fighting back a gasp before flushing when I noticed the whole table looking in our direction.

"Ignore us, Bella" Alice chirped. "You are just bringing out a whole new side of Edward we have yet to experience."

I frowned. "What do you mean?"

"She's saying Edward's no longer such a prude but a touchy feeling bastard who has sickening displays of affection!" Rosalie scowled like the bitch she clearly was.

"Pack it in, Rose!" Edward snapped. "And don't talk to her like that, just because you're a bitch doesn't mean you have the right to act like one to my mate. Back off!"

"Or what?" she snapped back. "You're risking exposing us all, and for what? Some mousey haired brunette who-"

Edward cut her off. "Don't even think about it!" he threatened.

"Perhaps we should all just calm down, we do not want to make a scene" Jasper drawled in a lazy tone.

"Well, our lives are all at stake now aren't they?" Rosalie didn't relent, her narrowed eyes focused purely on me. "You have no idea how bad things can get if-"

"Rose, pack it in" Alice frowned. "You have Emmett, so why can't Edward have Bella? Don't be a hypocrite."

Rose huffed but didn't comment further, my eyes seeking out Alice's as I shot her a thankful look.

"Don't worry, Bella" she beamed. "You're family, in more ways than one" she winked causing me to give her a confused look.

Huh?

"Alice," Jasper warned causing her to make a show of zipping up her lips before throwing away the imaginary key. I smiled at her childish actions.

Perhaps Alice was right when she said we would end up being the best of friends.

Wow, that was a long chapter. Over 4,000 words, I may have gotten carried away it seems. :)

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