BONJOUR!!!! OMG!!! I'm so sorry i took so long...i have been a combination of busy and lazy and then more busy and lazy! Please find it in ur heart to forgive me :( Please note that i wrote this in three parts and three different times (and it still isn't done!!!!) then i put them all together...i'm apologizing ahead of time if something doesn't make sense. i read over it and it seemed ok but my eyes are crossing at the moment so i'm not sure how helpful that is.

thank u so much to everyone who writes reviews and sends me comments. i really appreciate ur encouragement! a special hi to my friend Sibii (sorry i didn't finish the whole thing :( and to .breathe who inspired my edward and tanya fic

STEPH OWNS ALL...damn it!

The alarm did not wake me up. Instead, I was startled awake by thunderous knocking on my door. My glazed eyes sluggishly moved to the bed-side table, blinking rapidly when the bright red "6:30" came into view.

"What the hell?" I groaned, sitting up and placing my feet on the chilled, wooden floor. BAM! BAM! BAM! BAM! The knocking started again. I hoisted myself from the bed and shuffled towards the door. This time, they had gone too far.

"Seriously. What the hell is your problem? It's 6:30 in the freaking morning, man." I mumbled to smiley-faced Mike.

"Huh? You weren't awake? I thought I heard you moving around in there. Oh well, come to the kitchen. We've got breakfast!" I stared at him blankly as he walked away. Were they serious? Did they really wake me up at the ass-crack of dawn just to get some information? I shook my head in disbelief as I followed his path down the hall and into the kitchen. There was no way I would get back to sleep, so I might as well get it over with now.

"Good morning, Rumplestiltskin, how did we sleep?" Anthony called as I entered the kitchen. I glared at him with narrowed eyes as I took a seat at the counter.

"Oh, come on, don't be such a sour puss."

"Dude, its 6.30; 6.30! My first class doesn't start until nine. I should be staring at the back of my eyelids right now." I complained.

"Stop your whining and eat some pancakes." Mike suggested, placing a hand on my shoulder. I quickly shook it off.

"No man, you guys are so inconsiderate! You couldn't wait an hour and a half for me to get up? Seriously! I should punch one of you in the face."

"My, my, I guess our evening didn't go so well, did it?" Anthony smirked, placing a stack of pancakes in front of me. I was angry, but the look and scent of those pancakes had my stomach stirring. This was the only reason I had agreed to be roommates with Anthony; if nothing else, he was a descent cook.

"Don't think that because I'm going to eat this stack of pancakes, that it somehow entitles you to some information." I remarked, placing a forkful in my mouth. They were delicious, as usual.

"Of course it does, now start talking. Well, swallow that first and then start."

I ignored his remark and stuffed in a large bite. I had to give it to him; he was a pain in the ass, but his culinary skills were pretty good for a guy. All of his exes agreed that this was the only reason they put up with him as long as they did. I chuckled at the memory as I gulped down half a glass of orange juice.

"Listen, I hate to interrupt your reverie, but some of us don't have an hour and a half until our next class." Mike informed me.

"Well, some of you should have thought about that before waking me up. You know, this really could have waited until tonight."

"Moving on," Anthony interjected before I could protest further. "So tell us, what's she like? Did you eat dinner or run screaming from the table?"

"Hey man, that happened one time…one time! And I didn't scream, I was calling for help. Didn't we agree not to bring that up?" I rubbed the back of my neck as I recalled the date from, well, I don't know where, but she was scary. Although I had to admit, there were a few things about Bella that were alarming as well.

"Right, well, at least your story has maintained its consistency." Anthony smirked as he refilled my glass with juice.

"Yeah well, I keep telling…"

"Oh cut the shit, Edward. You know we don't wanna hear about that again. Get to the point of this breakfast, would you?" Mike interrupted.

"Ok, ok, ok! There isn't really much to tell. I got lost, she found me, we had dinner, she dropped me off. I woke up to find that my roommates were as rude and inconsiderate as they've always been. End of story." I rushed, quickly stuffing my mouth with a large bite of pancakes.

"Oh, come on! Details, we need details! What did you talk about? I'm sure it wasn't much seeing as how your conversational skills leave something to be desired but hey, maybe she didn't mind." Anthony joked.

"I will not dignify that comment with a response."

"Isn't that a response?"

"Shut up, Anthony or he's never gonna give us anything. Ok, Edward, lets try yes or no questions."

I nodded in agreement.

"Did you kiss her?"

I swallowed hard before answering though I was sure he could by the hand that was now running through my hair, the answer was no.

"I see…well, did you hold hands, get a hug?"

Again, the hand remained buried in my tosseled hair.

"Oh hell, this chick is playing hard to get. She's hot but I don't know if she's worth all that." Anthony smirked. I caught Mike's head swivel in his direction just as mine did. He couldn't possibly think we were that dumb.

"Yeah, you're right…she is worth it." He finally admitted.

"Is she some sort of...weirdo? No offense but, she seems a little…strange." He mused. I wasn't sure how to answer the question as I was pretty positive that a mind-reading vampire was beyond being a weirdo. I settled for a shrug of the shoulders and took a sip of juice.

"Oh for Pete's sake, this is all like pulling teeth. I only want to know one thing, do you like her and is this going anywhere."

"That's two things."

"Shut up, Mike."

The first question was a no-brainer; of course I liked her. I couldn't think of a reason not to like her; actually, I could think of a few but they weren't reasons for me. They only made her more interesting; more appealing. As to where all this was going, I wasn't certain, but I had a strange feeling that I couldn't stay away from her and the even more bizarre inkling that she felt the same way about me.

"I don't know." I answered honestly, as the blood slowly began its rush to my face.

******************************************

An hourly later, I felt the familiarsense of déjà vu as I awoke to my beeping alarm clock. It took a few moments to remember that I'd taken a quick shower and nap after the breakfast interrogation squad had their fill with my vague answers. That was the strategy I'd often used to avoid their queries; they were always too impatient to pry the real truth from me. I shut the alarm off and pushed myself from the bed. I glanced out the window, smiling at the clouds that covered the morning sky. If what she'd said was true, there would be no reason for Bella not to be in class today. Again I smiled, still unable to believe that last nights events had really taken place.

I threw on my usual uniform, a navy blue polo, jeans and sneakers, grabbed my books and headed for the door. It was unusually foggy as I descended the stairs outside my apartment, but I didn't mind all that much. My mind was so caught up in wondering how things would go with Bella today, I was halfway down the walkway before I noticed the car parked in front; a red car. I whipped my head from side to side, searching for her as my heart drummed in my throat.

"Looking for me?" I whipped around quickly to see Bella standing at the foot of the stairs. I stared dumbfounded, as her lips curled into that perfect, crooked smile. I let my eyes slide swiftly over body, admiring the deep v of her knee-length, burgundy dress. The fabric seemed a little flimsy for this weather but I didn't mind. My brain was in shambles as I searched for words to say. She took two steps forward and then disappeared. I blinked rapidly, stunned by what had just happened.

"Do you want to ride with me today?" I nearly jumped out of shoes, as she now stood directly next to me. Her delicious scent rolled off in waves, causing my heart to stutter with each breath I took. It continued to hammer away as I mumbled something incoherent. Her brows crinkled slightly in the middle before she shrugged it off and smiled.

"Uhh...nice weather, eh?" Lame yes, but those were the only words I could pull from the slosh that was now my brain. She giggled softly as her smile widened, illuminating the space around us.

"Yes, but that is not an answer to my question." I stared blankly, overwhelmed by both her intoxicating scent and beauty.

"Ed-ward?" she waved her hand in front of my face, trying to snap me out of it.

"Yeah, uh, what was that?" I rubbed my neck, embarrassed.

"Do you want to ride with me today?"

"Yes." I answered before she barely had the sentence out. The sound of her soft laughter hung in the air as she flitted down the walkway at a non-human speed. I stopped short as she slowed behind the car and walked to the passenger door. I was beginning to think she was a little hard at hearing.

"Bella, I thought I was clear the last time you…"

"I know, Edward, you don't want me opening doors for you. I get it." she smiled, placing her pale arms on top of the car and resting her chin on them. The contrast of her milky skin against its deep red tint caused a slight hitch to my breathing.

"Soo…why are you on the passenger's side?"

"Because you're driving, silly."

I'm not sure it's possible for your lungs to collapse without warning, but that's exactly what mine did, leaving me doubled over, hand to throat, choking on the last breath lodged in my throat.

"Edward, are you alright?" I jumped at the sound of her silken voice, now inches away from my face. I tried to breathe deeply as the sweet scent of her breath blanketed me. I was going to have to get used to this.

"Err…yeah, just…the asthma thing." I waved the incident off as I straightened up.

"Really Edward, you've got to come up with a better excuse than that." she called as she made her way back to the passenger's side.

"Umm…are you sure you want…me…to drive…this?" I spoke as I walked along the side of the car, carefully running my fingers along the contoured body.

"I've been told that I'm a little…uptight…so..."

"So you decided to let me drive your car into a ditch. Great way to loosen up." I laughed, stopping by her side. I pulled the door open and motioned for her to get in. My pulse quickened as my brain finally grasped the situation. Truthfully, I wanted nothing more than to jump in the front seat and floor it; I didn't care were we went, as long as my foot was on the gas. Back on Earth, I realized this wouldn't be possible as I was barely able to control my breathing in her presence, let alone the controls of a 450 horse-powered, 4.7 liter V-8 engine.

I took one last deep breath before opening the door and sliding in. I sat there for a while, taking in the elements of the interior. I knew enough about cars to know this wasn't your average production model. Just about everything had been custom built. I ran my fingers around the wood-grained wheel, unable to hold off the smile that broke out.

"Nice, huh?"

"What?" I jerked my head in her direction. I had forgotten she was there.

"Guess it's safe to say you like it." She giggled, crossing her pale legs.

"Err…yeah." I mumbled, averting my eyes.

"Well, go ahead. Start her up." She motioned to the keys in the ignition. "Just be careful, a light foot is always best to start." She smiled sheepishly.

I buckled my seat belt, "And you're sure you want to do this; want me to do this?" I wasn't sure she would be able to get me from behind the wheel. Well, she probably could but…it would take a lot.

"Just drive, Edward."

And drive I did.

The engine purred to life as I turned the key. I was suddenly glad that Charlie had forced me to learn to drive a stick-shift. At the time, I protested vehemently of its uselessness however, I would not be so quick to judge next time.

I was quiet as I eased the car out into traffic. I was almost sure she could hear my heart beating through my ears. At least this time, it had nothing to do with her close proximity. I hummed quietly, in tune with the engine. This was the smoothest ride I had ever known; I could drive this car forever.

"What, no 20 questions today?" Once again her voice startled me back to Earth.

"Do my questions bother you?" I wondered for the first time. It had never occurred to me that maybe I talked too much.

"Honestly, I'm more bothered by your reactions." Her brow wrinkled as she turned her gaze to the street.

"So, I react badly?"

"Not that's its bad, its just…not what I expect. You seem to take things a little too smoothly."

"O..k…that's a bad thing?"

"Absolutely." Her eyes were hard when she turned to me, as if she were trying to burn something into my brain. I had obviously struck a nerve, which didn't seem that hard to do with her.

"So…what's a girl like you doing driving a car like this?"

"And what exactly would a boy like you know about a car like this?"

"Are you kidding, I've been following this company since it was known as Anonima Lombarda Fabbrica Automobili" My Italian wasn't very good and I hoped I hadn't butchered the pronunciation. I turned to look at Bella who was staring at me fixedly.

"What?"

"You speak Car and Driver!"

"Don't all males?"

"Most males wouldn't know the original acronym for A.L.F.A."

"Neither do most women." I laughed nervously, running my fingers through my messy hair. She couldn't have been more perfect if I'd made her myself. I glanced out the window and was almost shocked that we had reached the campus parking garage. I couldn't remember the first red light, stop sign, turn signal; nothing.

"What's wrong?" the concern in her voice was undeniable.

"Oh umm, nothing. Hey, where's your family? Don't you guys usually come together?" I changed the subject.

"Oh, they took Emmett's car." She shrugged her shoulders, pointing to a sleek, black SUV to our right. "Ostentatious, isn't it?"

"Look who's talking!" I smiled, pulling into the nearest parking space.

"Don't even think about it!" I breathed just as she reached to open her door.

"Oh, right, sorry." I could only shake my head as I exited the car.

"Ok, now you can move." I smiled, holding the door open.

"Thank you." For the first time this morning, I noticed the lightness of her eyes. Would I ever get used to such a face? It didn't seem likely. She was very close to me as we walked on campus, a fact that did not go unoticed. I wished I had the courage to the close the distance and place her hand in mine, but alas, I was yellow through and through. Plus, I wasn't sure how she would react.

I couldn't help but the notice the numerous students who stopped and stared, or sometimes glowered, as we slowly crossed the small courtyard between the parking garage and the English building. She seemed to be oblivious to this fact as I watched her. The look on her face was both serene and excited; as if she had some juicy secret she was squirming to share.

"Your friend is anxious to see you." she breathed, her lips barely moving. I quickly turned my head to see Mike waiting, arms crossed, beneath the large oak tree at the southern corner of the building.

"Damn, what now?" I groaned.

"Would you really like to know?" her lips turned into a sly smile.

"You know?" Her smile widened and she nodded, tapping the side of her head.

"Right, so…help me out."

"Well, he's thinking he wants to…harm you, for lying this morning. He thinks you lied about your…feelings for me." She said all this with a straight face but I couldn't help but feel she wanted to burst out laughing. "He also wants to know if we're secretly dating." I shook my head, wishing I had gone ahead and spilled the beans at breakfast. Instead, I now had to stand here with her knowing everything that had transpired this morning. I was more than positive he was unknowingly giving her a play by play.

"So, what are you going to tell him?" She stopped in front of me, just as she reached the sidewalk nearest to Mike. I was stunned momentarily.

"I really don't know…a little help wouldn't hurt." I mumbled, rubbing the back of my neck.

"Well, it would make things easier if you went along with the secret dating. That is, if you don't mind." I wondered briefly if my face looked as shocked as I felt.

"Uhh, no, I don't…mind if, you don't." I averted my eyes, afraid that she would see the hope rising in them.

"Ok well, he's waiting to bombard you so, I'm heading to class."

"Right, see ya." I breathed, forcing my feet to move away from her.

"Oh and Edward," I turned quickly, my heart thumping in my chest, "I'll be listening. See you at lunch." My favorite smile illuminated her face as she turned swiftly and walked away. It was a moment before my breathing came under control, but finally, I mustered enough strength to move along.

"Dude, what the hell! So, you're lying to me, now? Me, your best friend in the whole world? Damn, I never thought I'd see the day." I guess Mike wasn't going to wait until we reached the classroom.

"Good morning again, Mike." I walked past him and up the short flight of steps to the English building.

"Oh, it's like that now? You can't even stop and speak to a friend? Wow, what did she do to you?"

"Mike, what are you…wait, why are you even out here? Isn't your first class on the opposite side of campus?"

"Yeah, but word is out that you were seen driving Bella to campus in that fancy car of hers." I couldn't believe how fast the gossip mill was running. I guess in a town this small, any news was worthy of being spread.

"Yeah well, big deal." My heart was stuttering erratically, contradicting the nonchalance of my tone.

"Yeah well, you're gonna give up the details of this little…well, whatever it is or else I'm going to, well, I don't know what I'll do but it'll be something." He threatened, poking me in the shoulder. I sighed heavily, realizing he just wasn't going to let this go.

"Fine…what do you wan to know?" I waved the white flag. His face lit up as he through his arm over my shoulder.

"Now that's the spirit! I knew you wouldn't leave me hanging like that! So…what really happened last night? Did you plan to meet her there along?" I squirmed from under his arm before pushing open the old wooden door of the building. I was debating whether or not I should just make something up when I remembered Bella would be "listening". This little gift of hers was turning out to be a little inconvenient.

"No, it wasn't planned, I just…ran into her, when I was walking around."

"O..K…so…what did you guys talk about? Wait…" he jumped in front of me, holding his arms out dramatically, "did you kiss her, the truth this time!"

"No, I told you. It's not…like that. We're, just friends."

"But you wanted to kiss her, right?"

I sighed, "Right."

"Good. Ok, so what's she like? Is she a bitch? She seems like a bitch; don't get me wrong, she's hot…but…" He shrugged his shoulders as we started to walk again. For some reason, the narrow hallway seemed a lot longer this morning.

"Do you think that by saying she's hot, it negates the vulgarity of calling her a bitch?" I wondered aloud.

"Of course I do!"

Of course he did.

"No, she's not a bitch, she's actually…well," I couldn't think of the right words to describe her; goddess, angelic lifesaver, beauty incarnate. The possibilities were endless.

"I can't describe it but, she's more than just a pretty face, and body…" I tried to mask the forlorn expression I new had appeared but, wait…had I really said "and body"? Shit!

"Ummhmm…I see. You like her, don't you?" he grinned from ear to ear, nodding his head knowingly.

"Yeah." I breathed, blowing air in exasperation.

"How much do you like her?"

"More than she likes me, I'm sure, but hey, what can I do?" Well, if it hadn't been already, the cat was certainly out of the bag now. I felt my face redden as I imagined what Bella would be thinking after hearing this little conversation. It really didn't matter now. The more I thought, the more I warmed to the idea of her knowing how I felt. At least now, we would have to address the issue and I would finally know where I stood with her.

"Hey man, don't look so sullen. You went on a date with arguably the hottest chick ever! You're pretty much set for life. Later dude!" He slapped my shoulder and headed the way we had come, leaving me with a red face and a heavy heart.

ok so now u have it! i hope u guys like this half chapter! I was trying to make it a little different but still keep the basic principles. please review or message me and tell me what you think! i'll do my best to have the next section up soon but i can't promise my eyes will cooperate!

love u all!

oh. i added pictures of bella's car to my profile!!! she's a little more "out there" than Edward but hey, this is my fic!!! :)

Peace&PositivEnergy