Chapter 9: You Drive Me Crazy

I went to the library, but decided not to go in. Edward was sitting at a table with some of his buddies. I didn't want to face him just yet. Of course I wouldn't avoid him forever, but I just needed some time. I'd have to find a way to avoid him in the classes we have together too. Just seeing his face reminded me of my Edward, and I was already going crazy enough. I had managed to avoid Edward for two whole weeks so far. I wasn't sure how long I would be avoiding him yet, nor was I aware whether Edward knew I was purposely avoiding him, but when the time came for me to talk to him again, I would.

I had requested seat changes in the classes Edward and I had together so I wouldn't have to sit by him and could leave as quickly as possible so he wouldn't have the chance to approach me. I could tell that he tried waiting for me in the school parking lot the first few days, but I started getting to school earlier and earlier.

It was strange how I was avoiding him. If it was Edward Cullen, I would be doing anything to be closer to him, but I had to avoid Edward. Something about him just made the hole in my chest larger ever since I found out about his relation to Edward Cullen. I just needed some time to clear my head. Two weeks was a pretty long time, but I needed more.

I was in Spanish and the class was going by so slowly that I felt as if the clock seemed to have stopped altogether. The last bell of the day finally rang, and I didn't realize that it was time to leave. I hurriedly put my books in my bag and tried to get out of the classroom as quickly as I could. Just as I was about to leave the room, Ms. Esperino called me to her desk.

"Yes, Ms. Esperino?" I said.

"Bella, did you hand in your paper that was due today? I went through a lot of them but I don't see yours," Ms. Esperino said.

Oh… I guess I forgot to hand in my paper.

"Sorry, Ms. Esperino. I almost forgot, I have it right here," I said, taking my essay out.

"Gracias, that would be all," she said when I handed it to her.

I turned to leave but waiting outside of the door was Edward Masen.

"Bella. Can we talk?" Edward asked.

I began to panic. I wasn't ready to talk to him yet. "Uh, I have to get to class," I said and turned the other way and ran away.

I was a coward.

Gym surprisingly went by quickly. It was another day of volleyball but I learned to stay in the back to the side and my teammates learned to quickly step in my way if the other team took advantage of my weakness. I changed quickly and was eager to get home. Today was the last day of school before our winter break. I hurriedly got to my car. I'm not sure when it began raining but I wanted to get home as soon as possible. I hated the rain and I hated driving in it, even if it was a light misty rain. I quickly drove home and remembered that Phil and Renee had a party today so they would not be home, but when I reached my driveway, there was a silver Volvo, a car no one in my family possessed. Then there he was, standing at my front door in the cold rain.

"Bella, we really need to talk," Edward said coming towards my car as soon as I got out of it. His eyes were deep and solemn and his hair already looked partially damp.

"Edward, I… I really can't talk right now, I need to go inside… I have some things to do," I said.

"Bella, you can spare a few minutes," Edward said.

"Edward, I really can't do this right now, please," I said as I shut my car door but staying close by it.

"I'm not taking no for an answer anymore Bella," Edward said as he came closer, and I reacted by putting my back to my car as his arms reached out, putting his hands on my car on both sides with me in between, trapping me.

"Bella, I just want to know… I just want to know why you're not talking to me," Edward says. "I just really want to know because you're driving me crazy here, and I can't stand it anymore. Tell me what I did wrong, tell me what I can do to fix it!"

"Edward…" Tears began to form and betray me. I didn't know what to say.

"Bella, you're probably not one of those girls who is into the whole romantic crap, but I honestly fell in love with you at first sight… And I know that you fell in love with me too and that's why you're running away and not talking to me because you're afraid to admit it… So tell me that you love me too, because I... I really think I love you… "

I was shocked. I was frozen in place and unable to utter a single word. I just looked at him. He looked almost angry but in an upset way and so serious, looking at me through his damp hair. I guess I couldn't blame him for being upset as I hadn't given him a reason as to why I began to ignore him. But love? Had I fallen in love with Edward Masen? Had I?

"Bella…" Edward said. His eyes softened. I still stared at him with wide eyes, stunned from what he had said. His words continued to run through my head and ring in my ears. "…but I honestly fell in love with you at first sight… And I know that you fell in love with me too and that's why you're running away and not talking to me because you're afraid to admit it! So tell me that you love me too… because I... I really think I love you… " Was that what I was feeling? Was I in love with Edward?

"Bella…" Edward said again softly, almost a whisper. His face then began to uneasily and slowly inch closer and closer to my face. He tilted his head and calmly closed his eyes. My eyes shut too as his lips gently touched mine… and the hole in my chest sealed up again.