A/N: A little short chapter this time but I had to end it here. Enjoy and don't forget to review!

Chapter Nine

When we reached to his house, as soon as he parked the car, I got out of it and walked towards the door. I waited as he unlocked the door and quickly went upstairs and into my room. I grabbed my pyjamas and tank-top and quickly went into the bathroom to change. I went back to my room and lied down, snuggling into the comforter.

I closed my eyes and tried to calm myself. To tell myself that it isn't as bad as I was making it out to be. I heard a soft knock on my door and then the door opened with a click and I opened my eyes. It was Edward of course. He walked up to the side I was lying on, sat on the edge and sighed. I sat up and rested my head against the head-board.

"Look Bella, I'm sorry for coming at you like that. I shouldn't have taken out my anger at you. But you don't know how it felt to see someone taking advantage of your dignity like that. I did what I had to. To protect you." He said, an apologetic tone in his voice as he looked at me with pleading eyes. I looked into his eyes and smiled.

"It's okay Edward. I over-reacted and I'm sorry too. But why?" I asked.

"Why what?" his expression showed that he knew what I was talking about but was trying to ditch it.

"Why do you want to protect me?" I asked and just after I completed my sentence, his cell-phone rang. Stupid cell-phones always ring at the wrong time. He received the call and put it on hold.

"Bella, I'm sorry but I have to take this one. I'll see you in morning. You should sleep for now you look tired. Goodnight." He said softly and squeezed my hand before getting up from where he sat. He turned off the lamp and made his way out.

"Goodnight." I said and while smiling at me, he stepped out and closed the door with a click. I lied back down and fell asleep right after.

The next few days passed in a normal routine. From that entire 'mike incident' I had learnt that no one gets on the bad side of Edward Cullen. We also spent time shopping and this way got to know each other better. Whenever Edward went to work, I would cook behind his back and keep everything ready. He would like it when he came back, but also used to protest against me cooking. Today, we were sitting at breakfast which of course I had made after many arguments.

"Bella, don't cook tonight. We'll be going out for dinner." Edward said while we had breakfast.

"Okay. But where?" I asked and he just shrugged.

"Well, you'll see. I'm getting late for now. See you in the evening." He said and left as I watched him drive away. I got back to eating, finished the breakfast and washed the dishes. I quickly went upstairs and decided on the dress I was to wear. Though it was really early, and since I had nothing to do. I sat 

down at the couch downstairs and watched TV and after a few hours, read a novel that I had brought with me. While reading the novel, I fell asleep on the couch.

I was awoken by the edge of the couch pressing downward under some weight. I flicked my eyes open and saw that it was Edward sitting there.

"Oh it's you." I said as I sat up. "What time is it?" I asked and he checked his watch.

"Almost eight." He said.

"Oh no. When are we supposed to leave?" I asked getting up and stretching.

"Well, at nine maybe so you have an hour to get ready." He said, a hint of mischief in his voice. I rolled my eyes.

"Yeah, yeah. I guess I'll go get ready now." I said and made my way to my room. I took all my essential stuff and left my dress in the room so that it wouldn't get wet in the bathroom. I quickly showered and wrapped the towel securely around me before getting out of the bathroom. I walked out and closed the door. I just got outside and was about to take my first step to go back to my room, I saw Edward standing right outside. I involuntarily stood still as if I didn't know how to walk. He slowly walked up to me and all the while our eyes were locked at each other. He raised one hand and brought it to my cheek, touching it softly and leaving a trail. The sensation was enough to send me over the clouds. But I quickly snapped back to reality as the clock downstairs chimed, showing that it was Nine already. I blushed as he stepped back.

I made my way to my room and as soon as I shut the door I went over and sat at the edge of my bed. What was happening? Was what Alice and Jasper mentioned to me really true? Sure, I loved him but did he love me? I had my own hunches but I couldn't be sure until he admitted it or did something that would confirm my thoughts.

I shook my head and got up to get dressed. After getting ready, I checked my reflection in the mirror, as always. I was wearing a knee-length, a-line, black, strapless, and waist-high fitted dress. I had my hair cascaded down my back with a side parting and I was wearing a pair of black high-heeled shoes. I wasn't wearing any jewellery except a silver bracelet in my left hand. I had put on a very light cherry gloss and nothing besides that.

I took a deep breath and made my way outside the room. Edward was leaning against the railing on the stairs, his eyes closed and arms folded across his chest. He looked at me as the click of my heels announced that I was out of the room.

"Shall we?" he asked smiling at me and I nodded. I took the house keys from him and he went to start the car while I locked the entrance door. I went, sat into the passenger seat and handed him the keys. All the way I kept asking him where he was taking me but all he said was that we were having dinner and I eventually gave in. does it matter where we went as long as Edward was with me? No. so why should it now?



We stopped in front of a restaurant and by the looks of it, it looked very expensive. He went over to the reception counter and told his name. He had made a reservation already? The lady told him 'that the hall is ready'. Hall? Did this mean that we were having dinner all alone in a separate hall? Let's see what happens.

Edward took my hand into his casually and led me into the restaurant. He led me to the left side of it, where I could see the door that probably led to a hall but it had tinted glasses.

"Bella, I want you to close your eyes." He said and I looked at him suspiciously.

"Why?" I asked narrowing my eyes.

"Just close them. Please." He urged. I sighed and did as I was told. "And no peeking." He warned.

"Yes sir." I said as he led me somewhere I didn't know as I couldn't see. But I did hear a door open in front of me and after stepping in, close behind me.

"Open them." He said and I opened my eyes.

"Happy Birthday!" there was a roar of a few people. As I looked around the room, I noticed that it was elegantly decorated and every inch of floor was covered with balloons. A wide smile spread across my face as Tanya, Nick and Chris made their way towards me. They each took turns to hug me, wishing me, and then went away to bring the cake. I turned to Edward. I stood on my tip toes, put one of my hands on his shoulder and kissed him on the cheek.

"Thanks. I'd almost forgotten." I said, looking down at the floor. He chuckled to my surprise.

"That's the reason I did it. Well, partly the reason." He added. And just then, the other three walked in with the cake. I cut it and made everyone eat a little piece of it, going to Edward the last. And we all sat down for dinner. It didn't take it long for the dinner to arrive and soon we had all finished. We were having another round of drinks when Edward stood up and asked me for a dance. I agreed and put my hand in his outstretched one, following him o the clear corner.

I noticed that the music was really melodic and not so slow and not too fast. We danced, staring into each other's eyes as I heard someone call from behind me.

"Hey Edward! I think we should leave. Our time is about to be over and the other people must be arriving soon for the next booking." I heard Nick say and he smiled at me and led me back to the group. I didn't know if it was just me or if there was something really strange in Tanya's eyes.

We all bid goodbye to each other and Edward and I made our way slowly out of the restaurant and we took a stroll while walking towards the car. The alley was a little darker and quieter than the rest of the streets and shivered as the cold wind hit me, making me rub my forearms.

"Here," said Edward as he put his jacket around me.

"Thanks." I said and I was still shivering slightly as my legs were bare. And apparently he noticed it.



"Now, we can't do anything about your legs. Next time I'll take care to bring an extra pair of pants." He teased and I playfully hit him on the arm.

"It was really sweet of Nick, Tanya and Chris to come over. I really enjoyed myself. And I'll always remember this day." I said for reason that I got to spend it with you. I thought. He shrugged.

"It's okay really. I wanted to do something for you so I did. Plus, I don't know where you are always lost. I mean how can someone forget their own birthday?" he said. We reached the car and drove off toward his house. All the way, he told me how he met all the three of his best friends and what it was like to have them as friends and said that he knew that I felt the same way about Alice and Jasper.

We reached home and he parked the car. We got out of the car and Edward was deep in thought while opening the door. What was he thinking? Just now he had been okay. He held open the door for me and I stepped inside. I took of my shoes and held them in my hand before making my way towards the stairs.

"Bella?" I heard him call my name when I was just two steps away from the first stair step.