Hello readers! Sorry I've taken so long to update. Soccer and school have kept me occupied. I know that's no excuse. But again, I apologize. So here's Chapter 11. I don't know when I'll update next, but hopefully sooner than last time.

Chapter 11

"No, Alice."

"Come on, Bella," she whines.

"No way. I don't want to."

"But it'll be fun. We don't even have to stay at my house all night. We can go back to yours."

"Nope."

"Edward?" she looks at him pleadingly.

"I'm going to have to go with Bella on this one. She already has two vampires as friends and we all know what a danger magnet she is…" I stick my tongue out at him. "I'd prefer it if five more vampires weren't part of her life."

If you haven't figured out the issue, Alice is trying to get me to meet her family. She's the only one in favor of the plan. Edward is strongly against it, considering that he's a monster, danger, blah, blah, blah. He should get over it. I, on the other hand, am against it for different reasons. Sure, I'm supposed to be scared of these "blood-sucking fiends"—Edward's words, not mine—but I'm not. I'm more scared of actually meeting her family…Edward's family. What if they don't like me? What if they're all angry that I know their secret? And I hate to even think this, but…what if they're thirsty? Rosalie especially. I'm sure she won't mind killing me off.

"What's wrong?" Edward asks worriedly.

"Nothing." I look up to see both Alice and Edward looking at me.

"Tell me Bella. I know something's bothering you." Damn him. Why does he have to be so good at reading people? Can't he just be oblivious to me for once?

I blush and look down. "What if they don't like me?"

"Alice wants you to meet five vampires and that's what you're worried about?" he asks in disbelief.

"Um…yes."

"Unbelievable," he says exasperated.

Alice, on the other hand, gets excited. "Of course they'll like you. In fact, they'll love you. How could they not? We love you, don't we?"

"Well, yes, but you two are different."

"How?"

In the way that I'm practically in lust with your brother. "Um, I don't know. You just are. No one else wanted me to know your secret."

"Oh please. It's really only Rose that's upset. Esme can't wait to meet you and you've already met Carlisle. Emmett will love you. I can see it. Jasper already loves you because I do. And who really cares about Rose's opinion?"

Edward snorts. "I'm sure Rose does. And Emmett. He won't be…satisfied if he doesn't."

"Who cares about those needs? He's just pretending to not like Bella. He's actually very impatient to meet her."

"I'm sure Rose will love that."

"Oh shut up, Edward. You're dissuading Bella. We all know that she's going to listen to whatever you say. She always goes along with you."

I guess that is true.

"Good because apparently I'm the only one trying to protect her mortality."

Alice rolls her eyes and turns to me. "Bella, I promise nothing will happen to you and I promise Rose will be nowhere near the vicinity. She and Emmett will be gone for the weekend. It'll give her enough time to calm down." I'm still wary. Why risk my life with Rose? "Bella, I know everything will go perfectly. Unless someone changes their mind last minute, I'm 99.9% sure that no harm will come to you."

"What about the other .1%?"

She glares at Edward and says something so fast I don't catch a word. Edward looks away and catches my eyes. "Do whatever you want. If you want to meet my family, then so be it."

"But you still don't want me to," I say.

"You're right. I would prefer you didn't. But if it means so much to you to meet them, and if the only reason you're worried is because you're afraid they won't like you, spend the weekend at my house. I'm done arguing with Alice. I'm giving up."

What if I don't want you to give up?! What if I want you to fight to protect my mortality?!

I don't say this. I wish I would, but I don't. Instead I say, "Sure, Alice, I'll sleepover, but you have to convince Charlie."

"Yes!" she squeals, jumping up and down clapping her hands. "So just leave your stuff in Edward's car Friday morning so we can go straight to our house after school and get started on the fun."

"Alice, Charlie hasn't said yes yet."

"He has. I already asked him."

"You what?" both Edward and I yell.

"I saw that you would say yes so I took it upon myself to ask him ahead of time."

"If you knew, what was the point of that whole conversation?"

"In case you changed your mind. I told you my visions aren't always set in stone."

Stupid vampire.

"On second thought, don't bring anything. We'll go shopping and get you everything you need. You can keep it at our house."

Let me rephrase that: Stupid shopaholic vampire.

"I refuse to go shopping, Alice."

"But you went with Edward," she pouts.

"That's because she likes me better," Edward pipes in.

"No, it's because I actually needed those things."

"Not all of them. I bought them for you."

"Are you trying to make the situation worse?" I snap at him. He grins. I roll my eyes.

"Al, I really don't need a new wardrobe."

"You just don't want to go shopping."

I hesitate. "I have clothes I can bring to your house."

"Will you at least let me go shopping for you? You don't even have to come. You can spend the day with Edward."

I pause to think. "I suppose you can, but don't overdo it."

She's smiling again. "I won't, Bella. I can't wait!"

What have I gotten myself into?

I look over at Edward and he grins, knowing fully well what I got myself into.

----------------------

Friday morning comes quickly. I wake up and get dressed in a navy baby doll top and dark skinny jeans, one of the many outfits Edward picked out on our shopping excursion. I go into the bathroom and take the time to curl my hair and to perfect my makeup. Apparently I'm running a little late because, when I look out the window, Nancy's in the driveway. I finish getting ready and go back to my room to grab my things.

"Oh my god!" I say, clutching at my chest.

"Sorry. I didn't mean to startle you," the bronze-haired Greek god says from his place on my bed.

"How did you get in here?"

"Spare key."

"How do you know where that is?"

He looks guilty. "I've…been watching you."

My eyes widen. "For how long?"

"Since I came back to Forks."

"That was months ago!"

"I know. I'm sorry. It was wrong."

"Damn right it was wrong! Ever heard of a little thing called privacy?"

"I'm sorry." I turn around so I'm not looking at him. "Are you angry?" he whispers in my ear as I feel his arms wrap around my waist.

I sigh and lean back against him. "No, I'm more embarrassed than anything."

"What is there to be embarrassed about?" he asks, sweeping my hair behind my shoulder.

"I tend to talk in my sleep."

He chuckles. "You do."

"Oh no. What did you hear?"

"You worry about Renée and Charlie. Sometimes you complain about Mike," I laugh, "Sometimes the wetness and the greenness of Forks. Sometimes you say my name."

I blush. "Oh no."

"No!" he says quickly. "It's nothing embarrassing. You yell at Mike for being rude to me and at Jessica and other women for lusting after me. I believe your exact words were 'Stop having mental sex with him. Don't you know he doesn't want to be sexually assaulted'?"

"This can't be happening."

He turns me around so I'm facing him and lifts my chin. "It's fine. Didn't we agree to protect one another's mental virginity?"

I laugh. "Yes, I suppose we did."

"Now come on, we have to get to school." I grab my bag and a pillow and head for the door. "You won't need that," he says, taking the pillow from me. "Alice has everything covered."

"Oh boy, that doesn't sound good."

He shrugs and we head out to Nancy. He hands me my breakfast and I eat in silence as he drives us to FHS.

The morning passes by quickly and I'm kind of nervous for lunch. I haven't talked to Edward since the incident in my bedroom. And it also might be my anxiety from spending the upcoming weekend with the Cullens.

Edward and Alice are sitting at what has become 'our' table when I enter the cafeteria. I gulp and walk over. They both laugh as I sit down. "What?"

"You'd be having a heart attack if your heart was beating any faster," Alice says.

I blush and look down.

"Don't tell me the fear of meeting vampires has finally kicked in," Edward says. It's in a joking tone, but I can tell he's actually hoping it's true.

"Nope. I'm not scared at all. Well…except for maybe Rose."

"Don't worry about her. Emmett is taking her out hunting. They'll be gone all weekend."

"Good, although I would like to meet Emmett."

"We'll save that for after this weekend. We don't want Rose getting angry before we can get her out of the house. If she smells you on him, she'll go ballistic."

I nod.

"So here's the plan: We'll go to our house directly after school. You can ride with Edward. I'll allow it for now since I have to finish getting things set up, but the rest of the weekend, you're mine." I gulp. "When I'm done, we'll watch some movies and eat popcorn and ice cream. Or you will at least, but enjoy some for me too. Then we can do each other's hair and makeup and have girl talk. How's that sound?"

"It sounds like you've been watching too many movies."

"You don't like it?"

"It's fine, Alice."

"Because you know I've never had a slumber party. I'm not human, you know. I missed out on that experience."

"It's good, Ali. Your plan sounds fine."

"Good, but I'm serious about the Edward thing." She stares pointedly at the two of us. "You two are together enough. I want a turn. And he didn't even want you over in the first place. I invited you."

"We understand, Alice," Edward says.

"But I don't think you do. I can see that you don't."

"Then I don't know what to tell you. All we can do is try to let you have your way. But if I hear screaming, I'm not leaving you alone with her. No harm is to come to her because of your silly plans."

"Silly plans? They're not silly. Do you know how many movies I had to watch and magazines I had to read to come up with this plan? I want everything to be perfect for Bella's first night at our house. Is that too much to ask? She's had human experiences and I want to make this the best one she's had. And there will be no screaming. She'll be fine. She'll have fun."

"She's right here," I mutter.

"And, so help me God, Edward, if you come anywhere near my room, I'll tear you apart."

"Is that a threat, Alice?" he smirks.

"No, it's a promise!"

I let out a laugh and they both look at me, Edward amused, Alice furious. I hold my hands up in surrender. "I will be with you the entire weekend, Alice. By the time Sunday comes around, you'll want to hand me over to Rose."

"Let's not get drastic," Edward says.

"Fine then. You'll want to hand me over to Edward."

"I'm sure you won't mind," Alice says, causing my face to redden.

"Mike wants your attention," Edward interrupts.

I glance over at my old table and, sure enough, Mike is looking at me. As soon as he notices my gaze, he starts flirting with Jessica, who is immediately swooning. He's trying to make me jealous. I can tell because he keeps taking quick glimpses to see if I'm watching. I glare. Two can play that game.

I turn to Edward, who is sitting next to me, and run my fingers up and down his bicep, which is rock hard by the way. He looks at me surprised. "Just play along, okay? Mike's trying to make me jealous and I can't let him get away with it."

He rolls his eyes and puts a smile on his face. "Pretend I said something amusing."

I smile and giggle in a way that I hope is flirtatious. I lean towards him and 'hit' his arm. A strand of hair falls into my eyes and Edward brushes it away, his hand caressing my cheek. He leans in and puts his mouth close to my ear. "Did I mention how beautiful you look today?" His breath causes me to shiver and I shake my head while I blush. There's no need to pretend I'm attracted to him now.

I barely notice Mike storming out of the cafeteria. Edward moves away, chuckling. "I guess that worked." I can only nod. I'm still dazzled by his very presence.

"Ugh, you two gross me out," Alice says. We both smile at her.

The bell rings and she stands up. "See you tonight."

"I guess we're off to Biology," I say as we both stand up. He nods and takes my books as we begin walking.

"You really do look stunning today. I wasn't just saying that for the act."

I look away as that familiar redness overtakes my cheeks. "Thanks."

"I like that blush of yours too," he says, causing my face to get even redder.

"Jeez Edward Cullen, are you trying to keep my face this color permanently?"

"It wouldn't be so bad." I glare. "Or maybe it would."

"My thoughts exactly," I say as we walk into the classroom.

Once we sit down, Mike obviously starts flirting with Jessica—big surprise there—until Mr. Banner comes in and shuts off the lights after putting in a video. Good, a class to relax in.

Wrong. It definitely isn't good. As the movie continues, static forms between me and Edward and strengthens. I fold my arms and clench my fists. I'm trying so hard not to reach over and touch him. I glance over at him, only to catch him in the same position and returning my glance. A slight smile appears on his face and I return it with a weak one of my own. I face forward and try to concentrate on the movie in an attempt to keep my hands under control. It's just barely working when the bell rings and I let out a huge breath. I notice Edward start to loosen up too.

"Well, that was interesting," he says as we stand up and stretch.

"That is was."

We stare at each other for a moment before I even bother to look around. Once I tear my eyes away from him, I notice that we're the only ones left in the room. "Maybe we should go," I say.

He looks around. "Yes, Alice won't be happy if we just sit here all day."

"She'll never know. You could just help me skip gym and we'll go to our meadow again. She won't be able to find us."

"One, you do remember that she knows everything. Once we make a decision, she knows just where to find us. And, two, did you say our meadow?"

"Oh my god. I'm so sorry. I didn't mean to just take over your meadow. It's totally all yours."

"Bells, it's fine. It is our meadow. There is no one else I'd rather share it with."

I smile at him as he takes my books and heads out of the room. I follow him all the way to my locker. He puts my books away and grabs the ones that I'll need for homework. He closes it and he leads the way out of the building.

We're at Nancy before I even realize what's going on. "What're we doing?"

"You wanted to go to our meadow, didn't you?"

I smile and nod excitedly. He laughs and opens the door for me. I sit back in my seat and close my eyes as we take the short ride to the 'path.'

Once we reach our destination, he steps out of the car and opens the door for me. I smile at him in thanks. I'm really fond of all his gentlemanly gestures.

He lifts me in his arms and I bury my face in his chest. One experience of running with him is enough to weaken my stubbornness. All I have to do is lose myself in his scent and the muscles beneath his shirt and I'm good to go.

With me distracted, it seems like we reach our meadow in no time. He puts me down and I close my eyes, reveling in the warmth of the sun and the silence of the woods. I turn and face Edward who is standing right behind me. His skin is sparkling from the sunlight. I smile at this. It's just like last time, only now he's fully dressed.

I sit down on the grass, leaning back on my hands, and silently beckon him over. That famous crooked grin brightens his face and he joins me in the grass.

"Hanging around you is becoming very dangerous for me," I say.

He looks alarmed. "How's that?"

"You are jeopardizing my academics." He relaxes at this answer. "This is the second time you've made me skip gym."

"Excuse me. Made you?"

I ignore his comment and continue. "Who's to say that there won't be a third time? Or a fourth time? What if you make me miss this entire year of gym?"

"I'm not making you do anything."

"But you are. You and this meadow are far too tempting for me to refuse."

"I believe you were the one who suggested skipping and coming to this meadow."

"Minor detail. You could've said no. Shouldn't you be discouraging my rebelliousness? Any other 107 year old would be punishing me for ditching. What's your excuse?"

"Skipping is healthy every once in a while."

I snort. "I'll remember to tell Charlie that if I ever get caught. 'I didn't want to, but Edward Cullen said it was good for my health.'"

"Thanks a lot, Bells. Way to sic Chief Swan on me. That'll be a great first impression on your dad."

"Hey, you're the one that started all this trouble."

"The only trouble I see around here is you."

"Me? You're far more trouble than I am."

"Me? Trouble?" he asks in disbelief.

"Yes."

"I'll show you trouble."

And then he pounces.

I'm rolling around on the ground, laughing so hard I can barely breathe. I struggle to remove his hands from my ticklish sides, but obviously my efforts are futile. A human trying to move a vampire? Pssh. You can't be serious.

Once he notices the lack of oxygen I'm taking in, he stops the torture. He looks down at me grinning as I say, "See? Told you that you were more trouble."

After we calm down we end up lying in the grass, Edward on his back, one arm behind his head, with my head resting on his chest and my hand drawing patterns on his stomach, while he runs his fingers through my hair.

"Edward?"

"Hm?"

"I'm breaking up with Mike."

"I know."

I look up at him. "You know? I thought you couldn't read my mind."

"I can't, but I can read Alice's."

"Oh." I lay my head back down and close my eyes for a moment.

"Edward?"

He chuckles and opens his eyes. "You're just full of conversation today, aren't you?"

I grin sheepishly. "I guess."

We're both silent for a moment. "You can go on, you know."

"Oh yeah. Um, I was wondering if you wanted to try something."

He props himself up on his elbows and nods.

I lift myself up on my arms and lightly press my lips to his.

The kiss doesn't last long, nor is it very passionate, but it's the best kiss I've ever had. Neither one of us tried to deepen the kiss nor make it into anything we didn't want. We just pressed our lips together in a soft kiss.

I pull away and just look into his eyes. "Thank you," he says.

I laugh. "I just give you an amazing kiss and that's all you have to say." He turns his face as if going to blush. I take his chin in my hand and make him face me. "I was only joking. That was the best kiss anyone's ever given me."

He gets a cocky grin on his face. "Really? Well, that just shows my great kissing skills."

"Puh-lease. You're good at everything. Who would even doubt that you'd be good at this too?"

"I don't know, but I'm all for improving."

"Well I'm all for helping you improve."

He grins and puts his hand on the back of my head, pulling me down to meet his lips. This one's a little more forceful than the last but I don't mind in the least.

My arms start to get sore so I let myself fall on top of him. Of course, no pain came to him and our kiss remained unbroken. All was good.

That is until he pulled away sighing in frustration.

"What?" I ask.

"Alice."

"What about her?"

"She's standing near Nancy, calling—more like yelling—to me in her head to get my butt back to the house with you. Apparently I've had you long enough."

"What does Alice know anyways? She clearly has no sense of time, since she has eternity."

He chuckles as I press my lips to his once more. "Come on before she makes good on her threats."

I pout and cross my arms as he stands up and starts running with me in his arms all in one movement. We stop moving shortly after we start. He chuckles and kisses my forehead. "No frowning. There will be plenty of time to do that while you're with Alice."

I smile and lean up to kiss him again. There is no way that I will ever get enough of his kisses.

He opens the door for me and goes around to the driver's side. Once he starts Nancy, he takes my hand in his and brushes his lips across my knuckles. I suppress the happy sigh that wants to come out. Instead I look out the window as he rubs his thumb over the places his lips had just touched on the way to his house.


Up next, meeting the Cullens. About time, don't you think? =]