Author's Note: You guys are awesome! I loved each and every review. I believe that is why this chapter evolved into such a long one. I just couldn't find it in me to stop before we got to some Bella and Edward action! I hope you all enjoy.

Also, JTalk released a new article on Isabella Swan's disappearance. You should take a look:

facebook(dot)com /media/set/?set=a.246594372021943.81939.221537594527621

A Time to Mourn

Bart pulled me aside as I was leaving the isolation booth. "Let's get something perfectly straight. You are nothing without me. When I found you, you were just a silly little girl with a badly trained voice. You are lucky that I even gave you the time of day. All of this," he gestured wildly with his hands. "This is because of me. Your money, your fame, all of it belongs to me. You belong to me. So, when I give you a song to sing, you better believe you are going to fucking sing it. I don't give a damn if you like it or not. Understand?"

My anger spiked. My nerves had already been shot from the day. My chin rose defiantly and I pulled away from his grasp. "Oh, I understand," I growled. "Now you need to understand something. Nobody. Owns. Me. In fact, I don't have to sing any more of your stupid ass pop shit. I don't remember signing any new contracts." I scoffed as his eyes widened in shock. He hadn't expected me to remember. "Charlie says that we don't even have to sign anything. I don't need you. Hell, fuck you and your company! I'm done."

Before I could walk off, his hand shot out and pulled my arm back roughly. His pupils were dilated and he was breathing heavily now. He was livid. Bart grasped my other arm and forced me closer to him. "That man is only after your money and you're just too stupid to realize it. He doesn't want to be your father. He never wanted to be your father. You are seventeen years old and this is the first time you've met him. Doesn't that seem a little strange to you?"

When I didn't answer straight away he continued with his tirade. "Your mother kept you away from him for a reason." I rolled my eyes, trying to shrug out of his grip. He was getting desperate now and his fingers tightened around my shoulders possessively. "I guess I should have known you wouldn't care about what your mother thought. You never listened to her. When was the last time you even spoke to her?"

My head wiped back from the sting of his words. "Shut up. You don't know anything about my relationship with my mother!" I shouted furiously, ripping out of his grasp. Pain ricocheted through my chest, temporarily halting my attempt to get away. Bart just smirked and leaned back against the wall.

"I know that you didn't even have enough respect to go to her funeral. You haven't even been to her gravesite. That shows how much you loved her. You are just a selfish little bitch. You only care about yourself. Go ahead and get screwed over by your so-called father. See if I care. If you want to be done, then so be it. Just know I will slap your ass with such a huge lawsuit that your head will spin. Then you will see how long your daddy sticks around when he finds out you have no money."

Tears were flowing down my face from his accusations about not loving Renee. I loved Renee with all my heart. There was truth in his assessment though. I did not attend her funeral and I have not even seen where she was buried. I also can't recall the last time I had spoken to her. A sob built up in my throat as I realized what an awful daughter I had been. My hand clasped over my mouth to keep my cries at bay and Bart's leer grew more smug once he saw he had gotten to me.

"There are an awful lot of talented girls who would love to take your place, Isabella. Ones that can actually sing. I'm not even sure why I put up with your drama for this long. Yes," he agreed with himself, stroking his chin thoughtfully. "This is for the best. Tell your father to expect a call from my lawyers."

Bart turned on his heal and quickly walked out. I slid down the wall, hugging my knees to my body. My sobs took over and I was crying openly now. Soon after my breakdown a pair of tiny grey Converse shoes appeared in my blurry vision and I felt a soft touch on my shoulder.

Alice fell down beside me, threading her arm through mine. She sat with me until my tears slowed, humming the song I sang to her in the girl's bathroom at school. Once I could catch my breath, I wiped away the slick moisture that coated my cheeks. "Let's go home," I suggested in a hollow tone.

I stood, pulling Alice up with me. She hesitated, chewing on her lip. My tears threatened to fall again when she wrapped her tiny little arms around my body, trying to comfort me.

"I heard everything that man said to you, Bella. It's not true. None of it! I know Chief Swan and I know he loves you. I also know you and although I don't know what kind of relationship you had with your mother, I know that you loved her. There's no doubt about that. And as far as talent goes, he's just afraid you can do it without him. You really shouldn't listen to him."

Tanya barreled through the door huffing. "We need to get on the road, girls! We have to make curfew." Her eyes were glued to her Blackberry so she was oblivious to my turmoil. Alice patted my back and took my hand, guiding me to the exit of the building.

Mentally I was drained. Emotionally I was a wreck. Alice's words did little to console me because deep down I did feel guilty. I hadn't been there for my mother. Surely she must have hated me for that. I had no idea if I could I trust Charlie. Had there been truth in Bart's words. No. But still. It was a little suspicious that he has stayed out of the picture until now.

I barely registered Felix as he came to my side and wrapped his arm around Alice and me. Apparently, the paparazzi had been tipped off and a small horde of them were now waiting near the limousine. Their shouts and flashes went ignored by me as we were rushed to the car. As soon as the door was closed Tanya went back to her phone. Alice stayed right next to me, her hand never leaving mine.

Eventually the weight of my grief became too overwhelming so I pulled away from Alice and opened the mini bar. A bottle of chilled vodka sat unopened in the cooler of ice and I snatched it up. I didn't even pull out a glass.

"Bella, I'm not sure that's such a good idea," Alice stated, eying the bottle with disdain.

"Don't worry about me, Ali." My voice was void of emotion as I was practically numb already. I just wanted to forget.

I nursed the bottle of vodka as Alice watched with concern written all over her face. That only fueled more guilt and before I knew it, half the bottle was gone and I could barely sit up. My eyes fluttered closed and I slumped over the seat. I felt Alice pull me into her lap and stroke my hair softly.

"Do you think she'll be okay," I heard her ask Tanya.

"What? Oh yeah, she'll be fine. Just take the bottle out of her hands so she doesn't drink any more."

I felt the bottle being pried from my fingers but I was not capable of caring at that point. The motion of the vehicle started to make me nauseated and suddenly I was dry heaving.

"Crap. Grab that towel," I heard Tanya giving orders to Alice. "Bella, don't puke on my shoes alright. Can you - me? Bella. B-"

Tanya's voice faded in and out. The noise made me feel like I was floating in a pool of water. Everything was muffled and distorted.

"Stay awake, Bella." Alice patted my cheek gently. "We should call her dad."

I groaned as my stomach lurched once more. My vision blurred and doubled. I was having trouble concentrating on keeping my eyes open like Alice requested.

"What do we do? Tanya!"

"She should be fine," Tanya's voice wavered, unsure.

"And if she's not?" Alice's voice was sharp. I had never heard her speak to someone so vehemently before.

"We should call her dad. Use her phone." I felt Alice feel in my pockets for my cell as Tanya opened the window separating the back of the car from the front seat. Tanya told Felix what was going on and she barked out orders for the driver to go faster.

Alice swore. "He's not answering. I should call my dad. He's a doctor. He'll know what to do."

"No doctors," Tanya instructed, grabbing my face. "Stay awake, Bella. Here drink some water." She shoved a bottle against my lips, tilting my head back so the water would go down my throat. I gagged and ended up getting more on us than in my body.

"I'm going to call my dad," Alice insisted.

"I said no doctors. This can't go on record. We need to keep this under wraps, understand?"

Alice didn't say anything for awhile or it could have been that I passed out. I wasn't entirely sure. The next thing I remember is Tanya's frantic voice.

"He left a note. It said he had been called into the station for an emergency. Let's get her inside quickly and then we'll figure out what to do. I'm sure all she needs is water and a good rest. Felix, let her lean against you. Alice, walk closely in front of us. I don't want any pictures of this getting out."

I moaned as I was drug to my feet and shuffled across the lawn. I blacked out again. When I came too I sighed, finding relief in the cool tile floor of Charlie's bathroom. A damp wet rag was placed over my head.

"I need your help," I heard Alice whispering. "It's Bella. She – she had too much to drink. I thought maybe you would know what to do. No. Her dad's at work and Tanya says she'll be fine with rest but... I don't know. She looks real bad. Okay. Thanks. See you soon."

Paying homage to the Porcelain God was not the most glamorous moment of my life. At least I was no longer blacking out. Another wave of nausea hit and I dry heaved once more into the toilet. I felt like complete and total shit.

Alice had gone downstairs and Tanya took a shift sitting with me. She sat on the side of the bathtub with a disgusted look on her face. "I bet you're never gonna drink that much again."

All I could do was groan and flip her off. My throat was too raw for any sarcastic remarks. I slid to the floor and pressed my cheek back down on the cool tile.

Tanya left soon after, saying something about a commotion downstairs. I heard her arguing with someone in the hallway. "She's fine. Go home before Charlie gets back."

Alice's voice cut in. "Let him just look at her. I would feel better knowing she's okay."

"Are you a doctor," Tanya questioned. I heard a low mumble and then Tanya scoffed. "So what makes you qualified to say if she's okay or not?"

"She's in there, Edward. Just go and check on her. Ignore this woman."

Oh God, I thought. Not Edward! He can't see me like this. I tried to pull myself up but the familiar urge to vomit came back full force. I doubled over the toilet, heaving over the rim. I could hear his light footsteps as he enter the bathroom and I resigned to the fact that he would probably never look at me the same way after tonight. I let my hair fall over my face trying to cover the shame I felt as I succumbed to the never ending wave of nausea.

Edward stepped over my weak body and crouched down beside me. I felt him gather my hair in his hands and he held it back while my body tried to expel whatever was left in my stomach. He reached over to the abandoned cloth and wet it with his free hand. He placed it gently over my neck, occasionally wiping the hot tears that were streaking down my face. I hadn't realized I was crying until that point.

After what felt like hours he finally spoke. "When was the last time you ate something?"

"Lunch. Early." I croaked.

"I know you don't want to hear this right now but you should probably eat some crackers or at the very least, drink water. It helps."

I just groaned and fell back down to the floor. "Alright," he relinquished. "You leave me with only one option. I can guarantee you won't like it."

I winced against the light as I peaked up at him wondering what he was talking about. His expression was apologetic as he reached down and scooped me up in his arms, pulling me into the shower. I recoiled when I realized what he had intended. He stepped back out while holding me in place. Reaching down, he turned the knob to cold and I flinched as the freezing spray assaulted my body. My clothes were drenched and my teeth chattered terribly. I tried stepping out again but Edward held me firmly under the shower head.

"Trust me," he whispered, turning the knob so warm water joined the cold. I relented and stood still under the spray as he alternated back and forth between hot and cold. I must admit that I began to feel slightly better after my body adjusted.

Finally he took my hand, guiding me out of the shower. "Where are your towels?" I pointed to the hall closet and he nodded. "I'll ask Alice to get you some dry clothes."

Alice came back with a towel and some pajamas looking slightly relieved. She snapped the door closed and turned on me. "Bella," she said angrily, slamming my clothes down on the counter. "Don't you dare scare me like that again!"

"I'm sorry, Alice." My voice cracked. She sighed her anger dissolving. She grabbed the towel, draping it over my head and started to dry my soaked hair. She pulled me up and helped me out of my damp clothes. Once I was dressed she told me to sit while she brushed out the tangles in my hair.

"Do you want to talk about it," she asked quietly after several moments of silence.

I stared at her through the mirror contemplating whether I wanted to rehash everything tonight. She spoke again before I could get a word in.

"We're friends, right? Friends confide in each other." She hesitated, backtracking. "I'm sorry, that sounded like I was begging you to tell me. Let me rephrase. I'm here if you want to talk or if you don't. It's your call." She smiled and continued combing through my now tangle free hair.

The burden of my grief still weighed heavily on my heart. I found I wanted to confide in Alice hoping it would relieve some of the pressure. "I-I don't remember the last time I told Renee that I loved her." I choked out, tears instantly rolling down my raw cheeks.

Alice looked stricken. "Oh, Bella. I'm sure she knew how much you loved her."

"What if she didn't," I asked sadly. "She died without knowing... I just wish I could talk to her again, you know? I really m-miss her," I hiccuped.

Alice wrapped her tiny little arms around me, giving me the only comfort she knew how to give in this moment. She held me as I cried, mourning the loss of my mother.

…

Edward checked on me one last time before he left. He brought a bottle of water and an Alka-Seltzer Plus and set them on my bedside table. "Drink plenty of water and get lots of rest," he ordered. "And stay away from the alcohol, alright?"

"You don't have to worry about that," I groaned, rolling over so I could see him. "Thanks. For everything."

"No problem. I was happy to help. Alice says she's sleeping over."

"Yeah, she sort of demanded it. She says I owe her." I chuckled, recalling the conversation. "I suppose I do."

He grinned and headed for the door, hesitating. "You're her first real friend, Bella. You're practically her adopted sister now. Alice is very passionate about family. She'd do anything for you now. Letting her help you, hell, just letting her be there for you means a lot to her."

I nodded my head in understanding. "You know, she's my first real friend too." I admitted. "It's nice."

He looked thoughtful. "It must get lonely at the top," he observed.

I shrugged. "Yeah, something like that."

"Well, do you have enough room for another friend?"

Smiling, I teased. "What? Are you offering?"

The lighting was dim, but I could have sworn I saw his face flush. "Are you blushing, Edward?"

He rolled his eyes, dragging his hand through his hair. "Goodnight, Bella. Tell Alice I'll pick her up in the morning."

"Okay. 'night, Edward," I mumbled drowsily. As soon as he left the room I was asleep, basking in the depths of his emerald green eyes. I woke up once more when Alice came back in the room from taking a shower.

"Sorry," she muttered, making a palette on the floor with the extra blankets I had set out for her. "I didn't mean to wake you up."

"S'ok. 'night, Ali."

"See you in the morning, Bella."

…

Sunlight filtered through the blinds making me cringe. I had a raging headache and today of all days, the sun decided to make an appearance. "Motherfucker!"

I heard a giggle coming from the floor. "Are you laughing at me?" I asked her in disbelief. That only made her laugh harder. I threw my pillow at her head and sat up gingerly. I grabbed the bottle of water Edward had left and chugged it down. Forcing myself up I wobbled to the bathroom, filling the bottle with more water and dropping the tablets in. I waited for the sizzling to settle and downed the second bottle.

When I entered my bedroom I saw Alice standing by the door, her head sticking out in the hall. She motioned for me to hush and she pointed to her ear. I stopped and listened carefully. Loud voices floated up the stairs and I recognized my father's tone as well as Tanya's. They were arguing.

"How could you let her drink that much?" Charlie questioned angrily.

"I'm not a babysitter, Charlie. I'm her manager. We were done for the day. That's normal behavior for all my clients and I'm not paid for my opinion on their drinking habits!"

"She's seventeen years old," he roared. "Why was there even alcohol in that car? Those girls are underage."

"Relax. She's okay."

"Relax? I'm sorry but I can't allow you to take my daughter out and bring her home plastered."

"I shouldn't have even told you. Jeez. Shit happens. Move on."

"Do you even know what I was doing last night," he asked.

"You said you were working." She replied nonchalantly.

"Yeah, I had to go to the scene of a crash. An underage kid was driving intoxicated and he ran his car into a Suburban and killed a couple of teenagers. I had to go tell their parents that their children were dead. That could have been my daughter!"

"Bella wasn't driving."

"Jesus! That's not the point."

"What do you want me to do, Charlie? I said I was sorry."

"I don't think you're an appropriate manager for my daughter."

Alice and I gaped at each other. Their voices faded as they moved into the living room. We tiptoed to the stairwell so we could hear more accurately.

Tanya scoffed. "Good luck finding another one who will take this salary."

"What does that mean?" Charlie asked, annoyed.

"It means that with the pay cut, you and your daughter are practically screwed. There's barely any money left in her accounts. That's why Bart let her go so easily last night. She's not making money like she used to. There's no delicate way to put this, but she's what this business would call a has-been." She whispered the last word like it was a curse.

"Why can't she sell that condo she was living in?"

"That condo is Bart's. He just let her live there. Since you no longer honor his contract, I don't see you or Isabella having any legal right to it."

I froze. This is the part where Charlie realizes I'm not worth the hassle and he'll regret ever taking me in. I held my breath as I waited for Charlie's response. Alice squeezed my hand in reassurance.

"Listen, Charlie. I'm not trying to be rude or difficult. I think Isabella is a great girl and I would love to continue working for her but if she's not making money, I just can't stick around and drown with a sinking ship. I have a reputation and a very good career. Bart has already lined up a reassignment for me."

"Well what the hell are you still doing here?" He spat. "My daughter and I can manage on our own."

Neither one said anything until Tanya officially ended the argument. "I'm sorry it had to end like this," she offered sincerely.

Alice and I darted back into my room before Tanya could meet us on the stairs. I sat on my bed and dropped my head in my hands. I could feel Alice watching me. I blushed, embarrassed that she heard everything. I tried to laugh it off but my chuckle came out more like a strangled cough. "So this is what being a has-been feels like..."

I felt the bed dip as she plopped down next to me. She draped an arm over my slumped shoulders. "You're not a has-been," she said with more confidence than I was feeling.

I glanced up at her incredulously. "We did just listen in on the same conversation, didn't we?"

"Yup." She jumped up and made an attempt to open the blinds. I stood up quickly, making my head pound in the process.

"Stop," I reached out to hold the cord in place. "I don't want those assholes taking pictures of me today."

Alice just smiled deviously. "If you were truly a has-been, then why would those lunatics be camped out on the sidewalk every day, just to get a picture of you?"

I thought about it and smiled. She had a point.

I let Alice borrow some clothes to change into. As we made our way down the stairs to wait on Edward, Charlie intercepted our escape.

"Girls, I need to speak with you."

We exchanged worried glances. His tone was serious and in full out dad mode. Alice's words exactly.

When we entered the kitchen, he motioned for us to take a seat. He snapped his paper shut and rubbed his mustache as he took turns assessing the pair of us. "I am very disappointed in you girls," he began. Alice and I dropped our heads simultaneously. "Drinking can be extremely dangerous. Bella, what went through your mind when you drank all that alcohol? Are you rebelling against my authority or is it because you're not happy here?"

My head snapped up in surprise. "No ch-dad. I like it here and I don't have a problem with your rules! Honest," I added after seeing a doubtful look cross his face. "I had a tough day at the studio. When Bart showed up and wanted me to record another lame ass song -"

"He did what," Charlie interrupted. "You didn't have to do that, Bella. We haven't signed the contract yet."

"I know that. I just forgot. I have worked with him for years and he has always done that. I wasn't thinking. I'm sorry."

"This is not your fault." He stated firmly. "That man took advantage yesterday."

"And he said all those mean things to Bella, Chief Swan," Alice cut in.

"What mean things," Charlie asked glancing back and forth between Alice and me.

"It's not important," I stressed, giving Alice a pointed look.

"It is too," Alice insisted, ignoring me. "He told her that she didn't love her mother enough and that you only wanted her for her money. He also said she wasn't worth anything. He was obviously lying but it upset her and that's why she drank last night."

Charlie's mustache twitched and his face turned murderous. He shoved away from the table startling us. "That man had no right." He paced, finally whirling around and looking at me with desperation. "Bella, I love you. The money has nothing to do with it. If you wanted to walk away from everything today I would support you one hundred percent. The only thing I want is my daughter. Just you. All the other stuff doesn't matter."

The stress I was feeling over not knowing what Charlie actually wanted from me finally faded away. His confession had been sincere, of that I was positive. I started to cry and laugh at the same time and he pulled me into a comforting hug.

As soon as I calmed down he sighed. "So, what do you want to do?"

"Bart probably told Tanya that I was broke. It wouldn't take much for her to believe him I don't think."

He blushed. "You heard that conversation?"

"Yeah, we were kind of eavesdropping," I confessed.

Alice giggled nervously and Charlie attempted to look disapproving but failed.

"Bart controls everything. My accounts, how much I get paid each month and not to mention my royalties. I don't know why but I've always just trusted him to give me what I earned. It sounds so stupid now. Renee used to keep up with my account. She usually discussed those things with him."

"It sounds like we may need a lawyer," Charlie thought aloud.

"My dad knows someone," Alice offered. "I can get his number for you."

"Bella, this is your decision."

"Hell yeah we're fighting this. He's not taking everything I worked for."

"Okay then. I guess we will be needing that number, Alice." Charlie chuckled.

…

"Ali, you won't believe what I've got for us toda-" I stopped short when I noticed my best friend wasn't in our normal spot for lunch on Monday. I started to worry when a voice broke through my thoughts.

"She's not here today," Jasper informed me from the back of the bleachers. I found it odd that he would know that she wasn't here when my eyes narrowed suspiciously as I put two and two together. He was always here at lunch, watching Alice. He knew she was in trouble the other day and he was concerned. My mouth formed an "O" as it dawned on me. I sidled back towards him and teased in a sing-song voice, " You like her, don't you!"

He choked on his sandwich and mumbled. "I don't know what you're talking about." Unfortunately for Jasper, his blush gave everything away.

"Aw, you do! That's so cute. When are you going to ask her out?"

Jasper looked nervous and abandoned his half eaten lunch. "Do you think she would be interested?"

"Why don't you ask her and find out," I offered, taking a seat next to him and pulling out my own lunch.

"I don't know..."

"How long have you been pining away for her, Jasper?"

His blush deepened and he shrugged. I noticed his fingers trembling as he thought about it, finally turning to me desperately. "You can't tell her! I mean it."

"Well if you aren't going to make your move soon, I will make it for you. Alice is the sweetest person I know and if anyone deserves happiness it's her." Thinking about Alice dating anyone concerned me. What if she got her heart broken? I sighed. I had recently just met Jasper and granted, I believed he was an honest guy, I still hadn't known him all that long. He had an important question to answer. "Will you make her happy?" I asked seriously.

"I want to," he whispered.

"You aren't some man whore who likes playing games are you? There's no one on the side? Because if you end up hurting her, I swear-"

He cut me off. "I would never intentionally hurt her. Ever." He answered with finality holding my gaze.

Nodding my head, I gave my consent. "Well then, what is holding you back?"

He sighed and rolled his eyes. "Isn't it obvious?" I just stared at him until he explained. "We don't exactly mesh... She... Her family is rich. I'm considered trash in their world."

I was shaking my head before he even finished voicing his concern. "The Cullens don't think that way, Jasper. Alice especially would never judge you on how much your family may or may not be worth."

Jasper leaned back deep in thought. "She makes me nervous. I'm scared I won't be good enough for her."

"Why don't you let her make that decision?"

Jasper picked up his sandwich and said nothing more about Alice. Not wanting to push I left the matter alone and changed the subject. We talked about practice and I let him vent about the douchebag that canceled our gig at the last minute.

"Can you believe that shit," he growled, stabbing at his peaches with a spork. "He just sent me a text that said, 'sorry, a better band came in.' What the hell is that?"

"Anyway, Jane and Alec are bummed too. I guess I had better look for new places. There's not much in Forks. I may have to expand to Port Angeles. That shit's gonna cost us in gas too." He griped.

As he spoke I was absorbed in my own fantasies of the band playing at some low key bar. The thrill of being back on stage gave me chills and I shivered with anticipation. I could practically feel the lights illuminating my skin, the heat creating a light sheen of sweat over my brow. My fingers and toes would fidget until finally the band was introduced. My daydream suddenly fell apart when I couldn't recall the band's name.

"Hey," I interrupted his rant. "Do we- I mean does the band even have a name?"

He smiled sheepishly. "We haven't come up with anything that fits yet and you can say 'us'. You are part of the team now."

"Well then we should probably get started brainstorming. What's a band without a name?" I taunted playfully. When he didn't respond I looked up.

Jasper's peach fell off his spork as something captured his attention over my shoulder. I heard a throat clear. "Am I interrupting anything," Edward asked politely.

"Naw, man." Jasper answered in a deep voice. I snorted at his altered tone. "We were just talking about music."

"Do you mind if I borrow, Bella for a minute," he asked Jasper.

"Sure," Jasper shrugged, watching Edward turn quickly and head towards the exit. Jasper smirked at me and flexed his eyebrows up and down suggestively.

"Shut up," I hissed, putting away my lunch hastily and waving goodbye.

"Practice at my house tonight," Jasper shouted as I ran out the door.

I caught up with Edward behind the gym. He had lit a cigarette and was in the process of taking a long drag.

"May I have one?" I asked sweetly, my eyes ogling the way his lips wrapped around the thin paper cylinder. How could he make smoking so erotic, I wondered.

"Don't you know smoking is bad for your health," he questioned absently. "Surely it can't be good for your voice."

"Please," I tried again.

He finally looked at me and I could see the resolve in his eyes before he handed me one. The lighter sparked to life and he held it against the tip while I inhaled deeply. I had stopped smoking a few months ago but I still had terrible cravings. One wouldn't hurt me.

"So," I started. "What did you need me for?" I blew out a puff of smoke and immediately remembered why I had given up the addicting habit. The stale taste it left in my mouth was anything but appealing.

He finished his cigarette and flicked it on the ground, dragging his foot over it for good measure. "I just wanted to tell you that Alice was out sick today. She wanted me to let you know so you wouldn't have to eat lunch alone but I see you had that covered. You and Whitlock, huh?"

"Is she okay? Wait, me and Whitlock, what?" My stomach ignited with heat and I barely had time to compose myself. I allowed my inner self a victory dance. Edward appeared to be jealous of the fact that I was having lunch with another guy.

Edward rolled his eyes. "She just has a cold. She'll be fine by tomorrow. He's a cool dude," he shrugged trying to act nonchalant about Jasper.

I pulled out my phone and quickly texted Alice.

Missed u at lunch. Hope u feel better soon! -B

Then it was my turn to roll my eyes. "Yeah, Jasper is a great friend."

My emphasis on the word 'friend' made him smirk. The fire in my stomach roared back to life. Even his smirk was adorable. "So I guess you filled that position after all. Was I not good enough to be your next best friend?"

Edward had turned so that he was in front of me. He placed both hands on the brick wall behind my head and gazed down at me with his beautiful green eyes. His grin was cocky and I gulped audibly, willing my feet to keep me upright. A twinge of desire made me cross my legs subtly, needing any kind of friction. If he can make my body respond like this with just a look then surely I would lose it completely if he ever laid his hands on me. I shivered. Just thinking about his hands on my body worsened the situation.

However, being pleased with the fact that Edward Cullen was blatantly flirting with me, I leaned in eagerly towards him with a renewed confidence. Okay, Bella. Be brave. Be bold. My inner monologue pep talk helped as I smiled seductively back at him.

"What if I don't want to be friends with you, Edward Cullen?"

His eyes darted down to my mouth and he licked his lips. I bit mine in response but instead of kissing me, he broke eye contact and stifled a groan. Falling back against the brick wall he squeezed his eyes shut tightly. "Rosalie stopped me before I came to talk to you. She told me to tell you that you need to find another ride home. She got detention for painting her nails in class again."

"Are you offering?" I asked coyly, still a bit miffed that he didn't respond the way I had wanted him to.

Edward's dazzling smile returned as he pushed away from the wall when the bell rang. He spun around walking backwards, watching me like I was his prey. "Fuck yeah," he sang. "You accepting?"

I laughed following after him. "How could I ever say no?" I asked dramatically.

Seriously, I thought to myself. How could I ever say no to Edward Fucking Cullen.