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"Bella?" It was Alice who had woken me up the next morning. When my eyes fluttered open I couldn't help but be aware of the throbbing pain in my head. I sat up straight but then fell back onto the bed. I opened my eyes to see Alice's mouth wide open.

"Bella are you okay?" She panicked a little. I nodded my head but the truth was, I wasn't. My head felt heavy and as if it were burried in flames. That wasn't good was it?

I felt the cold feeling when Alice's tiny hand came in contact with my head. It felt good but then turned warm soon after. "Ouch Bella!" she removed her hand. "You could fry some eggs on your head! Are you feeling well?"

I shook my head and layed back down. "Goodnight." My eyelids were taking control of me, fighting to close shut.

"Oh no!" she said worriedly. "Bella you have to get up! Your flight is today!" she reminded me over and over again but I wouldn't give in. I wasn't in the mood to go to Rome. I just wanted to sleep and make the pain go away.

"Alice! Make it stop!" I whined. I could hear my own heartbeart pick up everytime I squeezed my eyes shut hoping I wasn't sick.

"Bella just stay put!" Like I would go anywhere with this headache! "I'll be right back. Just don't move!" And with that she left my side.

I lifted my head off the pillow and banged it on my headboard. Why, why, why did I have to get sick or whatever it was? I had Rome today and here I was feeling like I was on my death bed! Argh! Life is not fair. But then again, who said it was?

Before I knew it, I was lost in the darkness.

"Bella?" the voice of an angel called. I grumbled and kicked the blanket off my feet. I was dying of heat and here I was wrapped up in a warm, thick comforter.

"Bella? Can you hear me?" I rolled over so I was lying on my back and opened my eyes seeing Edward and Alice huddled over me. Of course I can hear him. I didn't lose my hearing senses.

I nodded in response. I ran a hand through my hair noticing how sweaty I was. Oh grosse! "Guys I think I'm sick."

They looked at me like I was stupid or something. I felt offended. "Thank you captain obvious!" Alice smirked.

"Bella I don't think going on that plane is possible."

I shook my head. "No I have to go! I don't care if I have to walk around with a thick headache I need to go!"

"Bella look at you! You're hotter than Jessica Alba and you're sweating more than a fat kid running a marathon!" I had to giggle at Alice's comparison. She was just plain silly. Edward gave her a glare and the smile she had on suddenly wiped off.

"Thank you for the comparison Alice but it's not helping."

"Well what do you want me to do Edward?"

"Getting her some medication and a glass of water would be fine."

"Ugh whatever mr. know-it-all." I could hear her little feet stomping out of my room.

"I'm calling the school and informing them about your absense." Edward said calmly. I shook my head at him but his expression changed to anger.

"Bella you're not getting on that plane! You're sick. You can't go. They'll understand and I'm sure you'll get a refund." As if I cared about the refund.

"No Edward I want to go. I want to go to Rome! I'm going to be missing out on so many things because of one stupid headache!" My tone became louder after each word I said. Why must he be so stubborn?

"Bella there will be many opportunities and judging from the looks of it, it's not just a headache." I really hated when he was so overprotective. It was just a headache; no big deal right?

Alice walked in with a glass of water and an advil. I took- more like snapped- it from her hand, forcing it down my throat with the nice cold water.

"Bella I'm going to step out and grab a few things," Edward told me. "I'll be back." he waited for my nodd and dashed out the door. Alice sat down beside me.

"Bella please stop looking at me like that."

I composed my expression in a less angry way. "Better?"

"No," she frowned, playing with her fingers. "You still look like you want to murder me. I'll be sure to sleep with one eye open tonight."

"Sorry it's just I really want to go to Rome and it seems like you guys are doing whatever it takes to hold me back."

She slapped me on the back of my head. My hand jerked up to rub the aching spot. "Of course not silly!" I threw her a glare and she burst out laughing. What did she find so funny? "I'm going to go make you some soup. Is chicken noodle fine?"

I just nodded my head and watched as she gracefully danced her way out.

As soon as she shut the door closed I ran into my closet, pulled out my suitcase and threw on a fresh set of clothes.

Every minute or so I would look back at the door checking if Alice was coming in our not. I dug out my passport and shoved my wallet in my hoodie. I quickly brushed my teeth and pulled my hair back in a ponytail. When I was finished I ran over to the window carefully pulling it up. I looked at the door once more before throwing my suitcase on the roof and climbing out.

I had to be extremely sneaky. A window I had passed was one of the windows in the kitchen and luckily Alice had her back turned to me finding a few ingredients.

It didn't take much work to hit the ground. With the help of the pipe and veins I was on the grass in no time. It didn't hurt accept for the fact I had to jump off a few meters and nothing broke my fall. Funny, usually Edward would be handy in those situations.

And I ran straight to school with a horrible headache and a heavy suitcase in my hand.

"Bryans?"

"Present!"

"Smith?"

"Present!"

I waited in line with the others to get onto the bus we were taking to the airport. Unfortunately for me, I had gotten here a tad late and ended up all the way in the back. Turns out 4th period wasn't the only class going too.

I bounced on the balls of my feet, peaking through everyone's shoulder to see how close I was to the doors. I was sadly one of the few short students attending this trip. Actually, I was one of the few shortest in the school! How sad.

"Bella?"

I gulped and turned around to meet Emmett's curious eyes and Rose's disappointing face. I bit the bottom of my lip and looked down at the ground avoiding any contact with them.

"H-hi." my cheeks turned red.

"I thought you were sick?" I was afraid he would ask.

"I-I'm not sick. I feel incredible!" I cheered with fake enthusiasm. But because I was a horrible liar, they obviously didn't buy it. I continued looking down while I fidgeted with my hands.

"Does Edward know you're here?"

I shook my head shamelessly.

"Bella I won't let you get on that bus." Why were the Cullens so protective? Why?!

"It's a freaking headache!" I stomped my foot. "I'm not sick! I'm seventeen I think I can handle my own decisions!"

"...Swan!" my photography teacher yelled. I grinned at Emmett and Rose before skipping off onto the bus. Emmett was blocked by a few other people so he couldn't attempt to pull me out. Rose was one of the last students to come on. She sat down beside me but was quiet throughout the entire ride.

I was feeling very guilty about my behaviour. Yes it was wrong for me to sneak out of the house but it was Alice's fault for being so easy (just kidding). And, I was suppose to be going on this trip in the first place so that ought to bring down the fault.

I sat on the blue uncomfortable seat in the far corner away from everyone else. My head hung low and I felt dizzier than ever. I could hear the mumbles of the students animatedly speaking about the very near experience of Rome but the voices were becoming distanced.

It was easy to focus on my own thoughts since I was good at tuning unimportant voices out.

It was effortless for my mind to wander on purposeless thoughts. One minute I would be singing a chorus to one of my favourite songs, the next I'd be thinking about the weather and if Alice packed me the right clothes for the season.

I was so deep into my thoughts that I didn't hear or see when he sat beside me. It only took a few shoulder shakes and a light poke in the stomach for me to finally reply.

"Bella." When he spoke my name, it had no affection behind his melodic delivery. Not even a faint smile spread across his face. His eyes were gloomy and his jaw was tensed.

I gradually lifted my head to meet his colourless eyes. I glanced at the large circular clock hung on the east wall. The arrows claimed it was 8:23 in the morning, 37 minutes until my flight landed.

I couldn't understand why Edward and Alice, now including Emmett and Rose, made such a deal about one little problem in my head? So what if I had a headache, I'm pretty sure if I slept it off on the plane, it'd be gone the second I woke up in Rome.

Did they not want me to go to Rome?

"Bella?" the dull voice asked again.

"Hmm?" I couldn't even open my mouth to speak words. My thoughts were so broken and the rhythmic thudding I could hear loud and clear in my head, were becoming strong and deep; enough to drive me insane.

"Bella I spoke to the teachers and they have agreed to hold you back from the trip." He spoke the words slowly for me to sink in.

I couldn't believe Edward would do this. Over one little nuisance! It's like he didn't want me to be happy. He wanted to pull me away from an experience I have been waiting for. Talk about selfish.

I knew Alice was a tad jealous I was going to Rome when she desired to so part of me was acknowlodging her egocentric side.

They were both bringing me down and I hope they could see the meaningful look on my face. Whatever emotion it was masked with.

"Edward you know I want to go on this trip more than anything in the world right now," I tried to voice my feelings calmly, "so why are you holding me back?"

He turned his torso directly towards me. Even when he was sitting down, I wasn't close to his height. His head tilted down so he could he see me. "Bella, I'm not trying to hold you back. I understand that you want this but, I won't let you get onto that plane sick."

Here we go again with the 'sick' talk. "Edward honestly I'm fine."

He shook his head in disagreement. I was so offended and annoyed at how much he thought he knew me. His facial expression didn't change an inch. He still looked at me with dimmed eyes, his lips in a tight line.

"Edward," my tone was becoming outraged and I couldn't help it. I needed him to hear me out. "How many times do I have to let you know about how well I'm feeling?" It was a lie, I know but I knew I wasn't sick enough to miss out. "And I am so annoyed of with you right now. You think you can tell me how I feel. It's not your body Edward. You don't know what I'm feeling and yet here you are telling me I can't go on a trip I payed for. Tell me what's wrong with that."

He didn't look offended in anyway but the evidence of bitterness in his eyes told me enough to make my heart ache. The silence between us became loud and clear.

"You're right," I was surprised to his reaction. But I still felt so guilty. I felt horrible that I let him down in any way. I was expecting him to be angry with me and shout back. "I'm sorry I'm pulling you away. I didn't know what I was thinking." His voice faded into dead silence. I was curious to whether or not his sudden behaviour was my fault.

Suddenly the thudding accelerated. My hand moved to my forehead which was feeling hotter than usual. I wasn't sure if I was just feeling things but I definitely knew it was not normal.

I was feeling unsteady and my body started shaking uncontrallably like I was standing out in the artic with no jacket on but I was still feeling like I was in flames. What was going on with me?

"Edward." I whispered but apparently it was loud enough for him to hear.

His first reaction was what I expected. "Bella? Bella what's wrong?"

Before I could respond, my flight number was announced over the P.A. This was it, I thought. It was either I got on the plane or I go back home.

But nothing was going to stop me. I got up from my seat and tried to steady my balance so Edward would be convinced I was okay. I had no carry on luggage so all I had to do was seat myself in the plane.

My plan on looking down at the ground while I slowly walked away from Edward hoping to get by him didn't work. At all. He grabbed my elbow and spun me around.

"I won't force you to stay but all I'm asking is for you reassurance on this." His eyes hadn't lighten yet which was a bad sign. I knew he was against my decision.

"Edward I'm a big girl. I don't need you or anyone to make my own accomodations," he took a step back and studied my face. Seeing if I was serious or not, I assumed. "So why don't you stop babying me and realize I've grown out of taking small steps." I scowled at him and turned back around.

Ms. Coura, our photography teacher just about finished calling our names to double check our presence. I came to a hault when she stuck a hand in front of me, forbidding me to move forward to join the others.

"Ms. Swan, I was informed of your sickness and I'm afraid it's against the rules to let you board the plane." she frowned as she saw the upsetting look on my face.

"But Ms!" I grumbled and stomped my foot. I was aware of how it has grown to become a habit of mine. "I'm fine!"

She simply shook her head at me. "I'm sorry Bella. There will be more opportunities, I can assure you. And I will most definitely put you on top of all those lists so you may have a high possibility of being chosen." she smiled slightly at me trying to change my mood. But she failed miserably.

"Ugh!" I stomped my foot again. "It's not fair!" I nearly cried. The anger came upon me. I could feel the moisture building in my eyes.

"I'm sorry," she said again. "It's time to go. Edward has agreed to take you home. I'll see you in class next week Bella. I hope you take care and feel better soon." And with that, she left along with the other lucky students.

I glared at the doors she had gone through and then turned my back and walked away angirly. I sat back down on the blue seats and slouched onto it. I crossed my arms over my chest and muttered unpolite phrases under my breath.

I didn't miss the slight smile Edward's lips pulled up into when he sat down beside me. This only made me more furious. Why was he so damn happy?

"I'm sorry Bella." Not even the hurt emotion in his voice changed the way I felt right now. I was so angry with him and Ms. Coura and everyone!

Life was so unfair.

I hid my face with my long dull hair and cried out my anger. I didn't dare sob loudly. I just sat there letting the tears fall freely until I was tearless.

When Edward noticed I was dry he took the opportunity to speak. "Are you ready to go?"

"Not with you." I replied straight forward.

"Bella I know you're angry with me. I understand that but how else are you going to get home?"

"It's called friends Edward. You're not my only one." I mentally listed a few names in my head that I thought would come pick me up this early on a weekend morning. I couldn't call Jake or Embry. I haven't spoke to them in days and it would seem rude of me to ask for a favour. It would look like I was just using them.

Sam was of course no help this time. I forgot Jake once told me he went off to college then married a woman named Emily. So he had a family of his own and I wasn't noted of his location.

Emmett would obviously not pick me up. I didn't want to bug Jasper and I wasn't sure if he could drive. He never mentioned it nor have I seen him behind a wheel.

So it only left me one choice... Josh.

I ignored Edward's blabbering and excused myself. I quickly dialed his number and pressed the phone to my ear. He picked up after three rings.

"Hello?" he said groggily. I was definitely I aware I had woken him up.

"Hey I'm so sorry I woke you..." I trailed off.

"It's no problem. What can I do for you on this pleasant Sunday morning?" he asked happily. Not even his enthusiasm was contagious to my behaviour this morning.

"I was just wondering...if you could maybe pick me up?" I bit my bottom lip waiting for his response.

"Of course I would. Where are you? Wait, aren't you suppose to be on a plane right now?"

I nodded my head but then realized he couldn't see. "Well, long story and I don't feel like talking about it. I'm at the airport."

"Okay?" he stressed the word out. "I'll be there as soon as I can. See you then."

"Thanks, bye."

I smiled lightly and walked back to where Edward was sitting. He didn't look too happy but he didn't look angry either. Just confused.

"Josh is picking me up." I said casualy and his head shot up.

When my eyes met his, I suddenly just fell apart. His eyes were liquid which brought out the green more. But it wasn't just liquidy, it was damp. He looked like he was about to fall and breakdown into tears and immediately I felt blameworthy.

"Oh my gosh..." my hand uncontrolly lifted and caressed his cheek. "Edward..." I couldn't find my voice quite well enough to speak.

"What did I do wrong?" the sound of his voice killed me even more now. How could I be such a horrible person?

I pulled out my phone and dialed Josh's number. When he picked up I told him not to pick me up and he let me know he hadn't let his house yet so it was fine. I thanked him again and hung up. My attention was focused on Edward now.

I instantly felt so disgusted in myself. I had no intention of hurting Edward but I failed to keep the sun on his side. It was replaced with dark clouds and if I hurt him any more than I did, rain clouds would becomming involved. And that was the last thing I wanted.

"You didn't do anything wrong," I answered incredibly late. I began stroking his cheek again. They felt so warm. "It was me and I'm so sorry Edward." I could apologize to him every second if I had to just to hear his forgiveness.

It wasn't too silent for my liking and I understood how hurt he felt. I took his hand and intertwined it with mine, pulling him off the seat and walking towards his car.

It wasn't hard to find the shiny volvo in the middle of the parking lot. I reached into his front pockets and pulled out his keys when he didn't reply. I didn't speak to him, knowing he wanted to be silent. I would wait until he was ready to talk.

I strapped myself in and jabbed the key into the ignition, backing off the parking lot and headed back onto the road.

I felt the need to have at least some sort of distraction so I played around with the radio until I settled on a good station. I didn't pay attention to what song was playing.

It was hard to keep my focus onto the road with a lot going on in my head. And the painful headache I woke up with. But I shrugged it off and concentrated my hardest.

I dropped him off at home and informed him I had to make a trip to the store. He just nodded and walked right in without a word. I wasn't going to push it and I wasn't going to force more hate on myself.

I made it to the store in a matter of minutes and instantly made my way to the dairy section where I picked up 4 small tubs of Ben my comfort food. Along with a couple boxes of delicious popular brand chocolates and any other junk food my eyes could find.

I also threw in all the seaons of "The O.C" and "Friends" seeing I would need something to distract myself.

I payed for it and drove back home realizing I still had Edward's volvo. I sat inside and breathed in the scent idiotically. It smelled just like Edward.

When I got home Alice didn't say a word to me and I could tell she was going to wait to speak with me since Jasper was over. Emmett apparently was out and by the classical music coming from Edward's room, I knew he locked himself in there.

So, I locked myself in my room too with my comfort food and T.V guilty pleasures. Just what I needed.

Spunk crawled up beside me. The warmth and softnest of his fur was able to calm me down. He was just too adorable to ignore.

I opened up season one of The O.C and popped the disk into the DVD player. I made myself comfortable on the bed and opened my first container of Ben&Jerry's. I quickly ran downstairs to grab a spoon and ran back up, digging in.

And all I could think about was Edward. And how much I've hurt him. It would haunt me all night and every day until I finally got over it. I owed a lot to Edward, that much I knew. I would do whatever it takes to see him smile again.

I didn't talk to anyone since that aweful day. Except Christine who would come over and call me once in a while but other than that, I didn't let anyone in. Not even Edward who tried to speak to me or Josh.

My headache soon turned into a flaming fever. Soon I started coughing and had a sore throat along with a runny nose.

But today, when I woke up, I felt relieved. My coughing died down with the help of cough medicine- which taste absolutely horrible- and a lot of rest.

I wasn't able to go to school from Monday- Thursday. Carlisle had checked on me once a day and Esme stayed home from work a few times to help me heal.

Today, I had a lot of catching up to do and today was the last free Friday of the week before the bet started.

I hadn't spoke about the bet with anyone yet so I assumed it was still in play.

Edward didn't meet me at my locker like he usually did. Jake didn't speak to me in what seems like years and I hadn't seen him around lately.

Math was dreadful, so was music- for the first time- and here I was sitting at the lunchtable with Emmett, Alice, Jasper, Edward and Christine.

They were talking about an upcomming school football game Emmett and Edward would be competing in. I wasn't too focused on their conversation so I tuned them all out.

It's been a weird week for me and I wasn't this distant from the Cullens and Jasper or Christine.

I hardly spoke to them. Before school, after school or even at home. Not even at the dinner table. And I felt so much worse.

It wasn't that they were mad at me, they were just giving me time to think. Well, that was what Christine told me.

"Bella can I talk to you for a second?"

My head shot up to where the voice had come from. I nodded at Christine and followed her out of the caf. She lead me to one of the many hallways and stood against the wall.

I hadn't really spoken to her about personal things since Monday when we had a little discussion about Edward and the bet. I told her I had an idea of who the mystery girl was but what I didn't tell her was that it was her. I wanted the name to be anonymous and she kindly accepted without question. I told her how I felt. I felt invisible and I was incredibly jealous of her. And I let her know how hurt I was thinking that Edward liked her better than me. It totally came out of nowhere but that was the truth and I needed to let it out to at least someone. It was hard for me to let her know but I tried my best and it felt good after I let out my emotions.

"What's this about?"

"Well," she hesitated. "Edward sort of asked me out..."

My eyes widened and a pain in my heart appeared out of nowhere. "And?"

"I said no." she spoke quickly.

"Oh." Why was I feeling so relieved? "Why?"

"Firstly, I know about the bet and secondly, I have no interest in him. I told you that. I like someone else and I think he likes me too. If I went out with Edward to help him with the bet it would change things between me and the guy and well it would be pointless for our relationship to even exist if we didn't even like eachother."

She was wrong. I knew Edward liked her. And he was probably feeling crushed at this moment. I decided I would go talk to him.

"That was probably the right thing to do." Was all I said. I had nothing to say to her or about the issue other than that.

"Yeah but I feel kind of bad you know? He took out a small box and I knew there was something in there he bought for me but I couldn't accept it. I didn't open it 'cause I kind of wanted him to give it to someone who cared for him." she said thoughtfully. I knew Christine was always a warmhearted person and wanted things for the best. She was a true friend and I was kind of glad she rejected him.

"Yeah, I get what you mean." But I didn't get what I was saying. She nodded and we walked back to the caf.

"No hard feelings?" she managed to let out before we sat back down.

"Of course not." I smiled and took my seat next to Edward.

"... mozarella is so much better than cheddar!" I had to laugh at the 'cheese' arguement Emmett and Alice were having.

"No! Cheddar is better!" Alice growled. "You obviously have no taste!"

"Just because I don't know what's in and what's out doesn't mean I don't have taste!" Emmett shot back. I once again tuned them out and sat closer next to Edward.

"Hey." I whispered beside him. He turned his attention towards me which made me feel less awkward around him.

"Hello, Bella." the warmth of his voice was enough to leave me grinning stupidly. Ony he didn't know and I planned on keeping it that way for now, at least.

"I missed you." I randomly blurted out which lead him to chuckles. I honestly missed the sound of his voice. Not to mention his bell like laugh. Don't even get me started on his smile... his dazzling, crooked smile.

"That's nice to know," he smiled thoughtfully. "I missed you too you know. You just drifted away from us." his voice became sad.

"I know," I frowned. "I'm really sorry you know." I tried to make my voice sound convincing and I really was trying my best.

"I know Bella, I'll always forgive you no matter what. Just know that," he told me sweetly. "You're my best friend and I really do miss when you come running to me and voicing your problems. I miss when you'd run into my arms when you're confused or upset about something. And the way your eyes light up..." he trailed off right after those few last words.

And then it brought back memories... the first clue I recieved the night of my party. I love the way her eyes light up when she smiles.

"I-Uh, I... uh..." I was so speechless right now and I was so mad at myself for stuttering and trailing off not knowing what I wanted to say. I was so comforted of the fact that he missed me. Even if I was still living with him, he also noticed the emptiness around him. It was really sweet...

But I was so caught off guard on his last statement. Maybe I was just reacting dramatically... or... or... there ought to be a better explanation than my poor unreasonable one.

"Sorry." he muttered.

I just nodded and walked up to my locker as soon as the bell rang. This wasn't awkward at all...

But... I should probably ask him about it later though. What if I was just thinking things? I didn't want it to get any more awkward.

But it was too late for that.

I closed my eyes shut for a minute and pretended like I didn't hear what Edward had said. If I didn't let go of it, it would forever be on my mind and that was something I couldn't live with.

I shut my locker door and made my way to the car I had recieved for my birthday. I decided to spend the remaining period at home since my photography teacher wasn't present and classes were cancelled for the week. So I had an extra free period.

I plopped down on my bed and stuffed my face into my pillow. My thoughts were deep about Edward and what he had said. The conversation repeated in my mind over and over again. It was killing me and I had to know the truth.

So why did I run away? Technically I didn't. I was just caught off guard and the bell rung so I had an excuse to leave.

But if only he knew how happy he made me.

Invisible- Taylor Swift
(We thought it was appropriate to how Bella feels- even if she doesn't show it)

She can't see the way your eyes light up when you smile
She'll never notice how you stop and stare whenever she walks by
And you can't see me wantin you the way you want her
But you are everything to me

And I just wanna show you
She don't even know you
She's never gonna love you like I want to
You just see right through me but if you only knew me
We could be a beautiful miracle unbelievable instead of just invisible

So, what do you think?
Sorry for the beginning of the chap we thought E&B needed an excuse to be angry & then become closer to one another (:
What should happen next? Or what would you want to happen next? (Don't forget about Bella's date with Josh later on,
any ideas on what they should do or what could happen?)
&We have writer's block for Hollywood Here We Are... so the next update is unknown (sorry!)