10.

Bella kicked off her flip-flops then sat on the white sand. She hugged her knees to her chest then began contemplating. She was definitely surprised that Chris had feelings for her—even more than a friend. And she felt bad when all she felt towards him was just like a brother.

She closed her eyes tighter and listened intently at the ocean sounds: cascading waves, crying seagulls, laughing children, chattering adults, honking cars…

"Bella?" a smooth familiar voice said, a few feet away from her. Bella immediately blinked her eyes open. Edward?

She turned around to find Edward standing, looking at her with his piercing green eyes. His expression was dull and blank—surprised to find her. He was wearing a slim tee and cargo shorts. And like Bella, he was barefoot. "How did you know it was me?" she asked, squinting at him.

He grinned then shrugged. "Lucky guess" he said simply then sat beside her. Bella bit her bottom lip then nervously tugged a lock of her hair behind her ear.

"You're probably wondering why I look like crap..?" she joked, putting up a cheery front.

"I was getting to that," he joked back.

She looked at him with warm eyes. "I'm jealous of you," she said.

"What, because of my natural good looks" he teased.

She scowled. He really didn't take anything seriously… geez. "No" she huffed. Then she softened again. "Because you don't feel confused"

"Why are you opening up to me?" he asked. He rolled his eyes then he lay on his back, his hands behind his head. "Why not open up to your boyfriend?"

Bella widened her eyes in surprise. "Where did you hear that?" she asked him.

He just shrugged and didn't answer.

"It's not true" she said matter-of-factly.

He arched a brow. "Why should I care anyway?" he said. "It's not like I do."

This made her furious—and hurt. "You jerk" she spattered at him then prepared to storm off. But he stopped her from doing so by grabbing her arm. She furiously looked down at him, but all her anger melted away when she saw his face.

Her anger was replaced by more confusion.

"Do you seriously think I'm going to let you walk-out on me?" he asked sarcastically.

"Who told you I had a boyfriend?" Bella asked suddenly, surprising Edward and also her. Realizing what she just did, she looked away. "Uh, never mind."

"Do you have a boyfriend?" he asked.

"No," Bella rolled her eyes. "I'm not even looking for one"

"Then it was stupid of me to believe them," he said suddenly. Bella looked at him with skeptic eyes. He sighed. "I'm sorry"

She grinned at him. "Whoa. Didn't expect that to come out of your mouth" she teased.

He groaned then let her go. "Ah, you're back" he said in mock disappointment. "I kind of liked the pressured you"

She arched a brow then smacked him in the arm. "You cocky little jerk" she accused him good naturedly. "I can't believe I actually opened up to you"

He arched a brow back, challenging. She blushed.

"Okay, okay," she said in mock disgruntlement. "I am glad I opened up—to you, of all people"

"What are partners for" he joked, sitting up. Then he grinned wider. "You know me listening to your problem isn't free."

Bella scowled at him again. "What?" she asked. "There's a fee?"

"Hey, listening is not easy" he defended himself jokingly.

She rolled her eyes.

They were busy teasing and annoying each other when something hit Bella behind her head. It was a Frisbee.

"Ow," she mumbled, rubbing the back of her head.

"You okay?" Edward asked, genuinely concerned. This was a first.

"Nah, I'm used to getting into accidents" Bella mumbled, rolling her eyes. "This is no big deal."

"I guess you're alright," he said, grinning. "You still manage to be sarcastic after a hit like that."

"Ha-ha" she said then prepared to punch him on the arm. But he unfortunately had great reflexes and caught her arm with one quick motion. He let out a laugh when he saw her surprised expression.

He leaned closer playfully, laughing a little. Bella's reaction was to lean further back. Edward leaned closer. Bella leaned back. This went on until Bella was already lying on the soft sand, with Edward on top of her.

Slowly, Bella turned her head to look at him. Edward arched a brow then grinned. He knew he was winning so he leaned closer until their noses were touching. Bella could feel his warm breath on her face, making her a little dizzy.

"Edward," she breathed. "You're teasing me again"

"It's not like you're not used to it," he countered. Bella looked deeply into his now droopy green eyes then closed hers in response.

Edward let out a faint laugh before pressing his lips to hers. Bella instantly felt tingly with the contact of their mouths. It felt different than when Chris kissed her before. She felt excited with this one. Then she realized this was her second kiss with Edward. But she wondered why she liked this one better. Maybe because this wasn't just for work...This was somehow more real than the last one. He wasn't kissing her because he had to. He was kissing her because he wanted to..? Bella wasn't sure.

Their mouths moved in synchronization, exploring. Out of impulse, Bella put her arms around his neck and pulled him closer—like that was even possible with their position. She heard him groan through their lips, making her more excited.

Unfortunately, he pulled back. Bella sat up and bit her lip nervously. She peered at him and saw that he was surprised. "You actually kissed back..?" he was uncertain of what to say.

"I guess I did" she said, a little idiotically. "I don't know what came over me"

"Should I be happy or what..?" he teased.

She blushed. She wanted to admit she was excited about the kiss… but she couldn't seem to form words. Then something had hit her—hard.

And no, it wasn't another Frisbee.

She sat up straight then looked at him. He looked back wordlessly, waiting. "Edward, I think I…"

"Bella, Bella!" But, as fate would have it, someone had come to interrupt.

Bella knew who that was—and she was surprised she could hear it in California. She turned around to find Alice waving her hand from afar, her face obscured by big shades. "Alice..?"

0*0*0

This is a preview of the next chapter:

She walked through the hallways, trying to find the correct door. she didn't want to commit a mistake and embarrass herself. Now that she had realized what she truly felt, it was time to straighten things out.

Finally, she found the right door. She knocked on it three times then waited for someone to answer.

A few seconds later, he emerged. He was surprised to find her there, and he managed to gather himself. "B-Bella?" he stammered.

"We need to talk" she said urgently.

Bad news, guys. My next update's going to be on January 8 next year because I need to study for my exams. I crucially need to retain my place so I have to be serious and put off with story writing for awhile.

And, as a gift to me, you can up the numbers of my reviews… so REVIEW.

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Happy Holidays, everyone!

Mahal ko kayo! [I love you guys!]