Bloodtrance

Chapter Twelve

Disclaimer: I don't own the Twilight Series cos I am not Stephanie Meyer…you get the point. Except that in the last chapter in my disclaimer I said I was Stephanie Meyer, which was clearly a typo because I'm not.

A/N: Hallo! I guess you all didn't expect Edward to enjoy pink lemonade as a way of calming himself down did you, hell- I bet you didn't expect him to like pink lemonade at all. I've never tried the stuff but apparently, it's disgusting. Like plastic a friend of mine said. Anyways, Edward's been left in a really awkward position as you all know and this chapter leads on straight after the last event from chapter eleven. Enjoy, wow that's the least amount I've written in the author's notes.

EPOV

Have you ever felt so stupid, that you're left completely speechless and crap, and everyone's staring at you, which only makes you feel even more stupid than before? Words cannot describe how crap and stupid I had felt as I stared over at Bella Swan across the kitchen of my house, holding a glass of pink lemonade-my secret craving and delight if you like. I hadn't even noticed at first that my Emmett was swarming above her, his arms outstretched towards her, till I risked a glance sideways. I wish I hadn't; my family were all holding back peals of laughter; I could almost hear the laughter traveling back down their throats. I had gulped slowly, trying hard to resist screaming and running out of the room, realising that the consequences would have been far worse. Ah hell, what must she think of me now?

Okay I have to admit, pink lemonade to me is like drinking a whole can of liquidized ecstasy so to speak. It's the drink most people dislike, but I adore. Hell, I'd choose pink lemonade over the cookie dough 'Ben & Jerry's' ice cream! There's something about it that calms me down, and the pinkness of the drink is kinda cute as well. But at the moment, nothing could have calmed me down.

I didn't break eye contact with Bella at all, with fear it would start her laughing. Even from where I was, I could the intensity of her eyes, bemused and curious. I was tempted to look her up and down to see what she was wearing, but was too anxious to make even the slightest move.

And this was all because of that bastard again. Was he always to ruin my chances from now on? He turned up at the party when I was going to meet Bella and tried to rape and kill her outside her own home, and now he's after her again. The shithole. I swear to God, I'm not stopping till I get his head on a platter.

Just thinking about him, made my hand tighten around the glass in my hand, my vision covered completely by a red fog, stimulated by my anger. So now, he'd pissed me off, and gotten me in trouble with Bella again. She probably thinks I'm a grumpy freak now. I breathed in through my nose, slowly and silently, trying my best not to break the gaze between us. All I had to do was distract her, then run.

You're gonna back out again?!

I froze at the voice in my head. I couldn't back out again. She'd never forgive me for running away again. Hell, Alice would kill me! I felt the cold chill of my anxiety flow through my body, sending ripples of a ghostly breeze up my arms that made my hairs stand on end. I couldn't run away, but I couldn't stay either. I felt like complete and utter shit. If only I had the power to hear what Bella was thinking

"Well shit Edward, did someone piss you off?" Emmett's voice broke into my head like a knife in the dark. My eyes diverted away from Bella in shock of his voice. Emmett was staring at me in utter confusion, still probably the only person not understanding the situation that had aroused when I entered the room. He was asking about why I had entered the room so pissed, instead of asking what the hell was wrong with me, acting like I was in front of Bella. That was totally Emmett as well. Just at the wrong time and place.

Then it hit. An eruption of laughter broke from both my family and the beautiful Bella across from me. I could distinctively hear Bella's laugh over my family's soft and mellow, like a flute. Her gorgeous hair rippled about behind her as she launched her head back with amusement, her shoulders shaking with her laughter. Emmett was the only one who wasn't laughing, still at me with such confusion, that I soon started laughing as well. Emmett will be Emmett I suppose.

Bella looked over at me, as the laughter began to die down, but then took one look at the glass of pink lemonade in my hand, and started to laugh harder than ever. I sighed and drained the remaining contents, Waste not, want not as they say. Now I suppose, I had a lot of explaining to do.

BPOV

I don't think I have laughed so much in my entire life. Just seeing Edward at the other end of the kitchen, looking utterly horrified at my presence, with pink lemonade in his hands- who could ask for more? I hadn't meant to laugh right at him, but it was too much. He had looked so cute and vulnerable. I'd never seen anything look so…pitiful.

Even now with Edward sitting beside me in the living room amongst his family, I was finding it incredibly difficult to compose myself at all. I let out a little squeal of amusement, which somehow managed to escape through a tiny between my lips. Edward sighed as his family broke into harmonised laughter around us.

"Bella," Edward groaned urgently, although I could his the strain in his voice to stop himself from joining in. "It really honestly wasn't that funny."

"Yes it darn right was!" I yelled, falling backwards onto the sofa, laughing uncontrollably. Emmett, whom was standing directly behind me, leaning on the sofa, rumpled my hair gently. I pouted and leaned forwards again. Edward chuckled softly.

"Okay, maybe I didn't realise for a second or two that you were all in there," Edward explained. "But I was really pissed off. I needed-"

"Pink lemonade?" I finished for him. Rosalie and Alice's tinkling laughs were clearly audible as they clapped their hands with approval.

Edward gritted his teeth, a slight irritated frown appearing on his forehead. "Yeah, my pink lemonade," he said reluctantly. So I guess, he always had a bad temper, not just with me. I sighed loudly, drained of all energy, and flopped my head onto his shoulder. He tensed slightly, but then after a while, I felt him gradually relax under my head.

"Don't tease me about my pink lemonade," Edward said defensively. "It's a personal thing." I laughed softly.

"I think it's adorable!" I told him, looking up at him from his shoulder. We were so very very close. If I had leaned in a little more, our noses would have been touching. And a little more…

"Well adorable Eddie's had that trait since he was about five years old," Emmett pointed out cruelly, poking at my head. "And it still hasn't left him!" Jasper laughed loudly at the memory.

"Hit it bro!" he yelled and the two of them high-fived above my head. Edward actually growled softly underneath me. Temper, temper.

"Leave your brother alone boys," Esme scolded them. "He's got Bella for that now. You're going to have to leave the humiliating to her." I laughed at that one and pushed back up to look at Esme.

"Thank you," I told her. She nodded curtly, her acting hilarious, like a schoolteacher about to give out a detention to a quivering sixth grade, her smile amused. "My pleasure."

Edward sighed and I jumped as I felt an arm wrap around my waist, pulling me closer. He smelled so deliciously sweet, it made my mouth water. It was like inhaling scents from a florist shop.

"Hey Eddie, why were you pissed off anyway?" Emmett suddenly asked, leaning forwards on the back of the sofa. I looked straight over at Edward. Actually I had been quite curious to know too. I mean he had looked seriously pissed off when he came in. I had thought he was going to break something. Edward grimaced and frowned at his brother.

"Please don't call me that," he said softly, his voice aggravated. Obviously, it was something Emmett said quite a lot.

"Whatever you say Eddie!" Emmett teased. Jasper laughed beside him in response. Edward's frown deepened. It was my turn to intervene.

"Edward," I started, trying out my new captivation I seemed to have had on him. He turned straight away, his eyes irritated. Then they bore into my own, and it was almost as though I could feel him reading my thoughts, my expression, knowing full well, that I really wanted to know what had happened. He sighed, closing his eyes for a moment. When they finally opened again, they were cold and furious, looking through me, as though I were a mirror to the past. I quivered slightly beside him. The room fell silent as everyone took in his expression. Clearly that look said more to them than I could tell myself.

"What happened son?" Carlisle asked urgently, suddenly beside us, placing a hand on the arm of the sofa beside Edward. Alice and Rosalie had taken their places at the sofa on my side, and Jasper and Emmett behind us. Even Esme had moved in front of us to get a clear view of her son.

"What is it baby?" Esme cooed, her voice incredibly soft. Clearly, there was something the family knew about Edward's temper and emotions that I didn't know. I would have to ask Edward myself one day; asking his family would be too unjust on his behalf. Edward looked straight at me, and I saw within those beautiful green eyes, a glimpse of worry, aggravation-fear. Fear for me maybe? Oh God, what had happened?

"He found me again," Edward suddenly whispered so soft, even I had to strain my ears to hear, and I was right beside him.

"Who?" Alice asked gravely beside me, leaning over and touching her brother's shoulder. Edward's frown deepened, and I felt a shudder gush through me as I saw the pure hatred in his eyes.

"Karl," was all he said. And that was all he had to say. Even for me. I understood at once; Karl had come again. He hadn't even been able to wait that long. Alice hissed softly and Emmett growled under his breath. They must have all known his nature by now. Edward and I had both explained what he nearly did to me. I didn't even have to listen to Edward, to know whom he was looking for.

"Who was he after?" Alice asked urgently, shaking Edward's arm, pushing off the sofa to kneel down beside him. She had so much love and care for her brother, it was clear in all the actions she made. Edward shuddered, and looked at me, telling me all just by his gaze, his eyes so full of fear for me, it made me want to cry. Esme gasped with sudden realisation.

"Bella," Edward croaked softly. I closed my eyes, allowing the fear to gush over me. Why oh why had the world in less than a month turned into a world of monsters? Karl had been out there, hunting me, probably whilst I was out there this morning, tracking me down from my scent. I probably had been so close to death this morning as I had been that night at the party.

"Did you get him?" Carlisle asked him firmly, also taking hold of Edward's shoulder. Edward shook his head, and my heart sank. Just, what I needed to hear. I was being hunted by a vampire.

"I started to chase him," Edward explained, his voice hoarse and contorted. "He must have some sort of power; he was making the ground sink beneath me. I had to run the other way, and he used that chance to escape." Edward looked so frustrated; it was far too pitiful a look to tolerate. I leaned forwards and touched his cheek lightly with my right hand. He looked startled by my sudden act of affection, but then looked over at me, almost at the verge of tears. I couldn't bear it.

"Edward, I know how fast Karl was," I told him softly, looking right into his glowing green eyes. "I was there remember?"

Edward laughed softly. "How could I forget?!" He rolled his eyes at me disbelievingly. I smiled as his sarcasm returned.

"Yeah well I can still distinctively remember how fast he had been," I continued. "I don't know how you managed to follow him with your gun, he was just a blur to me." Edward frowned slightly at that and I could almost hear Rosalie frowning at him from behind me as he gazed over my shoulder. I chose to ignore them both, not wanting to know any more secrets at the moment.

"Edward, the point is, he's not going to find me easily," I reassured him. "I'll make sure of that." I pressed on his cheek, urgently trying to win back his attention. His gaze darted back to me, looking somewhat incredulous now, as though I had lost my mind.

"Bella," Alice suddenly said at Edward's side. "He's a vampire, no ordinary human. He could easily track you down within a few days, maybe less." She looked just as worried as Edward for my safety. It was beginning to frustrate me that they didn't think I could look after myself. Sure, Karl was a nasty, bloodsucking vampire, but I had learnt my lesson before, and was never going out by myself again.

I shook my head at her misunderstanding. "That's not what I meant," I clarified. "I know Karl's a vampire, but he doesn't know where I am at this moment, and I definitely won't let him track me any time soon." I turned to Esme, smiling softly. She looked as though she were about to cry.

"Do you think traveling by vehicle only could stop my scent from being so easily tracked?" I asked her. She had written the novel about them, so I assumed she knew how they caught their prey. She considered it, her eyes narrowing with concentration.

"It's quite possible," she mumbled, her frown creasing with worry. "But Bella, now you have to be extra cautious. That vampire has you on his list. He won't stop till he has you for good." I nodded grimly, understanding, perfectly, the situation I was now in. Hell, I would have to have personal bodyguards if I was to get around unharmed.

As though she could hear my thoughts, Rosalie spoke behind me. "Well we'll just have to protect her then," she said firmly, placing a gentle hand on my shoulder. "Like her own personal bodyguards as it were." Jasper and Emmett nodded in synchronisation, and Alice beamed with approval, high-fiving her over my head.

Edward seemed more reluctant to agree. "But he's different to the others," he told her urgently. "He has a gift. I am no match for him at all. I…" His voice slowly drifted into nothingness, and he became completely silent bowing his head. I waited patiently, for a signal that he agreed. Then Edward looked up and sighed loudly, looking straight at me.

"Well I guess it's the only way possible to make sure you're safe," he mumbled. I smiled and stroked at his cheek gently. He closed his eyes under my touch. His skin was cold, yet soft and smooth under my hand, and as I caressed his cheek gently, I could feel his breath tickling at my fingertips.

"Well," Esme suddenly said, her voice somewhat amused. "We'll er…leave you two alone for a while then shall we?" I turned to look at her, and blushed at her meaningful expression. I wanted more than anything in the world to be alone with my beautiful angel. I nodded once, and with a soft chuckle, she and Carlisle got up and made to leave, Jasper and Rosalie not far behind them. I didn't take my eyes away from Edward's face as Emmett turned to leave the room, blowing a low whistle. I restrained rolling my eyes. Always ruining sensitive moments. Alice didn't leave straight away, she was looking at her brother with so much concern and worry that I almost felt like crying for her.

"I'll leave you to it then," she told me, looking up to smile at me. I nodded in encouragement. She leaned forwards to kiss my forehead, then hauled herself up and walked out of the living room, closing the door softly behind her. She smiled gently though the glass, turned away, and was out of sight. I sighed and turned back to my saviour. He had his eyes closed, his chest heaving in and out, his lips quivering ever so slightly with every breath. I waited patiently for him to recollect himself, watching his eyes slowly open with uncertainty, then stare right into my own. They were so dazzling; I wondered whether I would ever ever get over them. I smiled at him encouragingly, pressing down at his cheek. His lips creased into a slight smile at the corner of his mouth, his eyes staring at me intently, wondering. He was so gorgeous. He was wearing this plain but sexy sky blue polo shirt, with khaki shorts and consoles. Simple but sexy. But then again, he could probably look hot in a rag if he wanted to.

"You okay?" I asked him gently, resuming my stroking at his cheek. Edward smiled weakly again, then exhaled loudly through his nose.

"Yeah, m'okay," he mumbled, and then pushed up from the cushions so he was leaning towards me. The closeness made my heart jolt. He looked apologetic all of a sudden, his eyes meaningful as he looked at me. "I'm sorry Bella, you're probably even more worried than me, and no one's really paying that much credit to you." I shook my head frantically.

"Oh no…I mean I am scared," I stumbled over my words. "But seriously I don't really want all of you worry too much. I know it's your job and all to keep us safe, but don't be so hard on yourself that you missed him. Like I said before, I don't plan on letting him catch me any time now." I gently pushed his head back so I could look into his eyes again. They were worried, anxious. I hated seeing him like that. Damn, being a vampire hunter sounded tough.

Edward smiled, his expression warming as he looked at me. I hoped I was pulling a confident face. I wasn't going to let some pervy psycho vampire ruin our 'brewing' relationship. Slowly, and very hesitantly, he leaned forwards and touched my cheek with a smooth, gentle hand. It was cold against my skin, and I shuddered slightly at his touch. I reached up and held his hand at my face.

"Your hands are freezing," I told him softly. He chuckled under his breath, closing his eyes.

"They always are," he admitted. "Poor circulation I guess." A smile broke across my face again as I leaned ever so slightly closer to him. I was so close, I could feel his breath tickling my cheek. Edward inched closer, so our foreheads were touching. Hell, I had never felt so ecstatic. One more lean in, and we would be there. Edward's eyes slowly opened to look into my own. They looked even more dazzling close up, the green inner layer, with darker shades as it spread out. So beautiful. I jumped as I felt Edward's other hand grasp at my shoulder, pulling me closer, so I was just underneath. I felt my heart flutter as he slowly leaned forwards, pushing me back into the sofa so he was directly on top of me. Our chests were touching, my chest heaving higher than ever as I looked up into his sincere eyes, as they drew me in, closer and closer, hypnotising me. All I could in hear my head was Oh my God, oh my God, oh my God, and the temptation to break the distance between was becoming more and more unbearable. Edward smiled, his eyes closed as he slowly broke the distance.

"Bella…" he moaned softly, and I felt so seduced, that my eyes closed too and I pulled him closer…

"Awww DANG!" Emmett roared with laughter. Edward and I broke apart faster than lightening. Emmett was standing by the doors, a large bowl of popcorn in his hands, and he was in mid action of stuffing a handful into his mouth. Of all the rotten luck. We had been so close!!

"Bella and bro are at it in da living room!" Emmett yelled, his beaming smile stretching right across his face. "WOOO! GO SMOOCH HER EDDIE! RIDE THE BUS!" I felt my cheeks burn wildly as Emmett choked with laughter, throwing popcorn at me from the doors. Rosalie and Alice came running from the kitchen, their expressions flabbergasted.

"Em! You weren't supposed to interrupt them!" Rosalie scolded him, looking over at us with anticipation. All it took was a small shake of my head, for her to know that we had been interrupted a little bit too early. She groaned with despair at Emmett's lack of judgement. Alice was looking back and forth from Edward to me, with a look of disbelief.

"But they were smooching on the chair!" Emmett said to her, his expression like a confused child. "I had to stop them before it got too far! Mom wouldn't be pleased if they did it on her sofa." My eyes widened at Emmett's logic and it took all my effort not to burst out laughing.

Alice groaned. "Emmett they hadn't kissed yet," she told him slowly, his frustration evident in her voice, although I could tell she was trying not to laugh as well. "They were literally just about before you butted in!"

How the heck did she know that, when she was in the kitchen? I suddenly had this terrible feeling that the entire family had been watching us the whole time and we hadn't noticed. My cheeks were on fire. I leaned back away from Emmett and into Edward's chest. His arms automatically went around me, I felt extremely comfortable straight away. I was already starting to feel like his girlfriend, heck we had just been about to kiss before Emmett came in like that!

"Oh," Emmett said softly with sudden realisation. I looked up at him with an eyebrow raised. I was pretty sure Edward was doing something similar. Emmett gulped nervously. "Crap, well…sorry guys…my bad." Rosalie and Alice groaned in unison, shaking their heads in dismay. That did it for me. I burst into a spasm of giggles, my shoulders shaking wildly as I tried to compose myself. I could feel Edward laughing softly underneath me. Rosalie and Alice soon joined in afterwards. Emmett looked back and forth between us, then beamed widely, stuffing popcorn into his mouth. I shook my head in disbelief and turned my head so it was resting on Edward's chest. His heart was beating steadily, but really slowly. I'd never heard a human's heart beat so slow before. Edward jolted and pushed us both from the sofa, forcing me sit up properly. I looked up and him curiously. He didn't look worried or anything, so maybe I was hearing things. He looked really calm actually as he looked over at his sisters laughing at Emmett. He looked at me, and smiled softly, looking so innocent, that I just let it go.

"Hey y'all," I heard Jasper suddenly call out from behind Alice. He came from a room directly opposite us, which looked quite bright and spacious from where I was. "Mom says dinner will be ready in about twenty minutes, so y'all better get ready before I eat it all." He laughed as Emmett looked over at him with a menacing look. Don't mess with Emmett and food.

"What is it?" Emmett asked suspiciously, ready to assess the menu. I smiled softly. He looked so serious, like it actually meant a lot to him. Hell, it does mean a lot to him, what am I talking about?!

"Mom decided to go with lasagne actually," Jasper announced. Emmett let out a cry and threw the almost empty bowl of popcorn into the air. Alice and Rosalie screamed as popcorn showered all over their hair. I yelped and darted forwards- thankfully Edward understood what I was going to do and let go- and leapt for the bowl. It was pottery after all, and I didn't fancy picking up the remnants of bowl as well as popcorn from the floor. I caught it, just, but then felt myself falling down to the ground myself. I closed my eyes, hoping my face would land on something soft, I didn't fancy bruising myself. Then I stopped falling. I opened my eyes in shock and found myself inches from the carpeted floor, my nose almost brushing its surface. Someone had caught me under my armpits just in time. I was slowly hauled and was soon leaning back into someone's chest. I expected it to be Jasper behind me, but then saw him standing opposite, beaming really wide. Alice had her hands over her head, but she too was smiling uncontrollably. Rosalie had her hands to her mouth, to hide the smile that was gradually creeping into view. I peered up slowly, and found myself looking right into Edward's gorgeous green eyes. My own eyes widened as he smiled down at me. He caught me. It was like what should have happened the first time round. It was perfectly sweet. I blushed as Edward leaned down and kissed me lightly on the forehead. The spot burned where he kissed me.

"Second time lucky I guess," he said softly, and I could tell he meant that for more than one implication. I blushed and smiled up at him.

"Awwwwwwwww!" Alice squealed. She sounded as though she were about to cry. "That is so sweet!"

"Dang Edward," Jasper laughed, shaking his head. "Didn't know you had it in you mate!" Edward laughed and leaned over to mock punch his brother on the shoulder. Oh I felt sooo good.

"Silly Emmett," Rosalie sighed. "Although this time he helped out a bit." I laughed in agreement at her logic. I guess she was right with that one. For once, Emmett's mistakes had lead to better things.

"Hey, you guys!" Esme suddenly called, and we all looked up just as she came walking out from the corridor under the stairs, holding a large tray of lasagne. It looked really really delicious. She looked back and forth between all her children and myself to read what was going on.

"Did I miss something important again?!" she asked incredulously. For the benefit of her doubt, we all automatically shook our heads in unison. She didn't look convinced. Her eyes narrowed as she took in the position of myself and Edward, assessing our closeness.

I decided to divert her attention. "That's looks lovely Mom," I said to her, smiling warmly. She beamed widely at the way I addressed her. I thought maybe she'd be alarmed that I called her that so early in the relationship, but she seemed perfectly fine with it all. It just felt right.

"Thank you!" she said pleasantly. Then addressed her children as well she said "Come on you lot, let's eat!"

I allowed Edward to guide me towards the dining room, his lips at my hair. I felt so safe and secure in his arms. Like I belonged there. Like I had always belonged there. I had my Edward, and I was satisfied.

The dining room was large and bright as I had seen from the living room, and it was similar to my own at home, in the sense that there was a long wooden table in the centre, surrounded by at least eight chairs on each side and two on the ends, except however the table was a bright creamy colour, matching with the brightness of the room. Lights were situated in the corners of the room, and the light pooled down over the table surface, giving it a warm glow. The ceiling was relatively high, just like the living room, and had really intricate, defined patterns painted onto it in gold. I looked up at Edward behind me.

"Did you do that?" I asked him nodded my head towards the ceiling. Edward looked up at the ceiling, smiling at to himself.

"With a little help yeah," he told me, nodding over at Jasper, whom was helping his mother with the lasagne tray, placing it right in the centre of the end half of the table, after Rosalie threw a white sheet across the wooden surface. Alice came up from her seat at the far end of the table, and tugged at my sleeve.

"Come on Bella," she sang excitedly. "Have a seat!" I smiled and allowed her to guide me to a seat, pulling Edward along with me. I wasn't letting him go from now on. Esme came dancing towards us, balancing a wad of plates in her hands. Edward and I sat down in adjacent seats. The food looked extremely mouthwatering, and I was finding it very difficult to restrain myself from digging in before everyone got their portions. Esme placed a thick piece of the lasagne on my plate, and the delicious smell of oregano and margarita cheese wafted up my nostrils. I salivated as I stared down at the food on my plate, the stringy cheese running over the top of the mince sauce and pasta layers. I greedily looked aside and Edward's plate to compare sizes of portions. He had hardly anything at all, in fact most of his plate composed of salad, with a tiny square of lasagne in the middle. It made me feel like such a pig. Wasn't it usually the girls that hardly ate anything in front of boys?

I was going to have to consider reducing my portions if were going to be together. There was no way I was eating so much more than him whenever we ate together. I mean, I'm the girl!

It felt so sudden that Edward was now more than a friend to me, and we had been so close before. Damn that Emmett. All I keep thinking to myself was… is it too soon? Should I fully let him in, trust him fully? But all these questions flooding into my head were overtaken by the sheer power of his eyes. So bright and determined, the green shades so complex and beautiful, I could melt on the spot every time. I had really wanted to kiss him then, we had been so close, his breath at my cheeks, his arms around me, his scent so strong… I had wanted nothing more than to let the chemistry finish its work, to let his smooth lips touch mine…

But the time will come soon. Soon. I can feel it. Soon.

EPOV

There are times, when I could honestly feel like killing my elder brother, and at that moment, I could have easily done so. Bella and I…we had been so close. I had just been about to make my final move, when my idiot of a brother came storming right in. Obviously, being a girl, Bella pushed me away and it was over. That one chance I had was blown away.

Sitting at the dining table, I felt extremely anxious to even talk to Bella after what had happened. Sure I had caught her when she fell, which was a bonus, but what were suppose to say to a girl when you were so close to kissing her? She had looked a little pissed off herself at Emmett, but immediately seen the embarrassment through her eyes, they were smaller and more anxious, the pupils dilated as though she were high. Alice and Jasper sat across from us, laughing together as they played thumb wars. Jasper seemed to be winning them all. Honestly, I think that is the most pointless game ever. Obviously the stronger person is going to win because they can grip your hand harder, and force your thumb to go down.

Emmett sat beside Jasper, Rosalie on his other side, staring down at his plate of food longingly. I restrained rolling my eyes at him. He could act so childish sometimes. I wouldn't be surprised if Bella was shocked at him being a vampire hunter. But then again, it was like we all transformed into different human beings when we hunted for vampires…

Emmett looked up from his plate and our eyes met. Mine instinctively narrowed, although I could feel my mouth stretching into a smile. Emmett pulled an apologetic look, and then chose to help Rosalie with the sorting out of glasses. Silly nut, sometimes, he could be really thick. He looked so ashamed. I stifled a laugh as Mom came forwards with the slices of lasagne, placing a portion on my plate. I didn't have to look down to know that she had put a whole load of salad on the plate for me. It was a daily thing to happen.

I followed Mom with my eyes as she went to sit down beside Dad, placing down portions of their own. I was far too preoccupied about Bella to notice them fall silent at the end of the table. Then I looked up, and Mom and Dad were actually looking straight over at me, to my surprise, their expressions worried. I raised an eyebrow questioningly. Neither of them noticed at all. I frowned, completely confused. Then I realised who they were looking at. I glanced down at Bella beside me, whom was looking back and forth at our plates and their contents, acting completely weird and unusual.

I cleared my throat politely, and she looked up at once, her cheeks flushing at my questioning expression.

"Comparing your portion with others is rude you know?" I told her matter-of-factly, raising a skeptical eyebrow. She smiled ever so slightly in reply, her cheeks bright red. She looked awfully cute.

"The hell with that rule!" Emmett shouted, standing right behind us. I stiffened, turning to stare and him challengingly. But he wasn't looking at me; I followed his gaze, and realised he was staring right down at Bella's plate. Uh Oh.

"I'm comparing Bella's piece to mine now, and hers is bigger!" Emmett said, with a somewhat sad tone. "Therefore, I'm having hers, it's only fair." And he lunged forwards and grabbed Bella's plate from the table. Before I could even jump up to grab it off him, Bella was up in a flash, her hands reaching up towards the plate above Emmett's head as she leapt into the air. Emmett laughed and leapt back, and Bella was down at the same moment. I yelped and jumped for her but had no chance of catching her that time. Third time lucky my ass. But Bella was up again, and running right after Emmett, her face full of determination to reclaim her food. It was extraordinarily entertaining to watch. I smiled as Bella cried out after another failed attempt at leaping into the air. She looked so unbelievably hot, I was more tempted than ever to just run up and kiss her there and then in front of everybody, but knew she would feel too embarrassed afterwards, and I probably would too. Rosalie squealed with laughter as Emmett started dancing on the spot, Bella's plate high above his head, with Bella leaping at it with pure determination and drive. Hell, in a way, I wanted Emmett to keep the bowl up as long as possible, because Bella's jumper seemed to rise higher and higher up her front with every jump, her torso unbelievably toned. She must be as sporty as Jasper says. But then Mom came over with her tray of lasagne and scolding face. I could see her desperately fighting back the laughter and trying to act like a mother should. She took a large piece of lasagne from the tray and placed it on Emmett's plate beside the other large one. Now it looked like he had half the lasagne to himself. Bella was still reached up longingly for her plate above Emmett's head, actually grabbing hold of his arms and trying climb up him to reach it. My heart knotted with envy of Emmett having her hands all over him.

"There you are young man," Mom said reproachfully. "Now give poor Bella back her plate so we can begin to eat." Emmett hesitated, to my complete and utter disbelief, actually having to compare Bella's portion to his own again, before handing it back to her with a beaming smile.

"No harm done Bella?" he said innocently as she turned away with plate close to her chest. Bella narrowed her eyes at him and stuck her tongue out before returning back to her seat and looking over at me. At first, I though she was going to tell me off for not catching her, but then her expression lightened and her smile became warmer than the sun. My heart fluttered. Then she turned and began to eat, and I had never someone eat so passionately in my whole life. She had her eyes closed, and I could tell she absorbing every flavour, from the cheese layer on top, to the mince sauce with olives in the middle, her smile the most adorable thing I had ever seen. I took a bite out of my piece, watching her the whole time, worried I would miss an important expression. Her eyes opened to look into my own and she stopped chewing. I should have looked away, but I didn't. I was too engrossed in her features to look away from them. She was surely the most beautiful creature I had ever seen. Bella stared at me for a while, her eyes curious, the reddish shade blending with the dark brown around the pupil. The tension between us was becoming immense. Her chewing soon began to resume though, and she finally turned away so I could breathe again.

I heard someone stifle laughter and looked up frowning. Jasper and Alice were both looking over at me; their mouths squeezed shut in firm lines. Clearly the expression I had been pulling when Bella had looked at me had been funny to watch. I rolled my eyes at them, although now I was fighting a smile myself. The things women do to you.

When everyone had finally finished, Bella helped Mom take the plates into the kitchen, and the others filed into the living room, for a match on the Nintendo Wii, Alice against Jasper. I waited in the corridor for Bella while they set up, leaning against the railing of the stairs. Dad walked past me, wagging his eyebrows and grinning like a frickin Cheshire cat. I rolled my eyes and looked down at the floor, grinning to myself. I felt like a retarded hero from a comic or something the way my family were looking at me, like I'd just got the most gorgeous girl in the world. Well, in fairness, she is the most beautiful girl in the world, but seriously, I was going to have to stop grinning like this or Bella would question me. I suddenly heard a soft, tinkling laugh from the kitchen, and my head snapped up just as Bella appeared from the kitchen, shaking her head in wonder, my mother not far behind her. They looked thick as thieves already. I just hoped my mother didn't tell Bella about some embarrassing childhood secrets. Actually knowing my mother, what the hell am I talking about? She's probably already told her all that shit.

Bella eyes diverted to me as she neared the end of the corridor where I was standing. Jesus Christ, her eyes are amazing. I could feel myself grinning at her like an idiot, and wished someone would just kill me there and then. Her laugh erupted with joy as she took in my expression. Did I look that ridiculous?

"I see what you mean now," she said turning to Mom. Huh? I looked back and forth between my mother and Bella, no doubt pulling another ridiculous face as I watched them grinning at each other. Mom laughed and patted Bella's shoulder.

"Ever since he was young," she said, smiling over at me. I smiled back, raising an eyebrow questioningly. At that Mom shook her head and Bella burst out laughing again, covering her mouth with both hands. Well what the fuck?

"I'd best depart before I die of embarrassment for you, Edward," Mom sighed before turning away from us and fleeing off to the kitchen, Dad standing by the door waiting for her. I turned to Bella, my eyebrow rising higher. She stifled a giggle and stepped forwards to take my hand. The warmth of her touch shot up my arm like poison.

"Well what was that all about?" I asked her as she pulled me towards the living room.

Bella's tinkling laugh filled my ears. "Your mother told me of one of your childhood traits." Well shit.

"Which one?" I asked miserably. That only made her laugh harder. I restrained a frown with great difficulty.

"The one that you pull lots of funny faces whenever you're confused," she told me, stopping at the living doors. I looked down at her with confusion, and without realising, corresponded with what she had just said. I received another burst of laughter for that. Somehow I knew this was only the beginning with my mother and Bella, and it was going to a hell of a lot worse. I rolled my eyes and held the door open for her. She was still laughing as she went to sit down beside Emmett.

"Shhhhhh!" Emmett hissed desperately. Bella bit her lip automatically, her shoulders shaking. Alice and Jasper were staring at each other menacingly on opposite ends of the coffee table, the chessboard set right in between them. Not one single chess piece had been moved yet; Alice had her hand on a white knight, but she remained completely still, glaring over at Jasper with pure determination. It was an extremely amusing atmosphere. Well, for me anyway. Bella on the other hand, looked extremely uncomfortable watching the two of them sitting in silence. It was my turn to restrain the laughter as I went to sit down beside her. She turned to me, her forehead creased with confusion.

"What the hell's going on here?" she whispered softly. Emmett growled beside her and she jumped, frowning over her shoulder at him. I shook my head, indicating I would explain later. I wonder how long this game will last?

Just as I began to lean back into the sofa, Jasper groaned, and Alice yelled with triumph, swiping her hand across the board, sending the chess pieces flying everywhere. Bella dived to the ground to grab the chess pieces as Alice leapt into the air, singing at the top her voice 'we are the champions'. I laughed in harmony with Emmett and Rosalie, bending down to help Bella. She was completely submerged underneath the coffee table, reaching for the chess pieces. I had to look away from her cute butt before I did something stupid. Instead I stood up and went round the coffee table to face her, bending down on one knee. She was leaning forwards to grab the white knight by the table leg, her chest pressed against the floor so her…sweet Jesus no. Talk about tempting.

"Here take these," she told me reaching forwards with her hands full of chess pieces. I tried to keep my eyes on her face as she I took them from her, and then began setting them back up on the chessboard. She emerged from underneath the table, her face flushed pink, frowning slightly as she helped me reassemble the chess pieces.

"What the hell was that?" Bella asked, turning to Alice whom was bounding up and down on the spot, clapping her hands together like a five year old. Alice bent down and kissed her cheek with passion, leaving Bella flustered and shocked. I had to laugh at that, she looked too darn cute.

"It's more like a staring competition chess we play Bella," I explained to her, looking over at Jasper, whom had his head stooped with sorrow. "Way to go for losing for the guys Jasper."

Jasper looked up scowling. "You try playing against Bella and see how long you can keep yourself blinking or looking down!" Everyone laughed and I grimaced. Bella blushed and ducked under the table again. That was kinda true actually; I would probably be able to look at her for two seconds before blinking at the wonder of her beauty.

"Ah shit!" Bella yelled and rose from the ground in a flash, taking me by surprise. Alice automatically ran for the living room doors, slamming them shut. Bella darted for them anyway, and began wrestling with Alice's hands, laughing loudly at Alice's desperation. I rose from the ground, raising an eyebrow skeptically.

"Alice I have to go now, seriously!" Bella cried, yanking at Alice's arm. "I have so much work to do! And it's six o'clock!" Six o'clock? Already? Time sure passes when you're having fun. As much as I didn't want her to leave, I knew she had to go at some point, so I went over to the door and lightly touched Alice's hand.

"S'okay Alice, come on," I told her. "Let her go." Alice pouted but released her grip on the handle anyway. I smiled and turned to Bella, pouting myself. Bella smiled apologetically.

"I'll come and see you guys tomorrow without fail I promise," Bella said, looking straight at me, as though she were promising me especially. My heart raced.

"You'd better," Alice warned her. "You don't want Emmett coming to kidnap you again." Bella shuddered as she reached forwards to give Alice a hug, and then stepped out of the living room. I followed after her, hearing my family not far behind me. She reached the door and adjusted her leather jacket that I didn't even realise had been by the door all this time. She looked behind me, reaching out with her hand.

"Can I have my car keys Jasper?" she said, bending down for her school shoulder bag. It was my turn to intervene.

"I'll drop you off home," I told her, stopping Jasper in his tracks. Bella frowned, still reaching for the keys. I rolled my eyes.

"In my car Bella," I informed her slowly. Her eyes lit up, but then she composed herself and raised an eyebrow. Man, I could really kiss her.

"How am I supposed to get to yours tomorrow then?" she asked me, folding her arms. I smiled at her pleasantly.

"Well that's simple, I'll pick you up of course." I waited patiently as Bella took my words in, her eyes scanning me up and down. I prayed inside for her answer to be merciful.

"Ah what the hell! Fine!" Bella yelled and I smiled triumphantly as Alice squealed with delight behind me. I wondered if she was thinking the same as me. Bella pulled her bag over her shoulder, and then looked over at me patiently, swinging her hair behind her. I then realised that I hadn't moved. I went to her side, taking her hand and reaching for my keys in the cabinet by the door.

"Mom, Bella's leaving!" Alice yelled behind us. I felt Bella stiffen beside me. Oh boy.

"NOOOOOOO!" Mom yelled from the kitchen. "WAIT WAIT WAIT!" We all tensed and waited in silence as we heard the crashing of metal and Mom sprinting of the kitchen. Dad was right behind her as she turned the corner of the corridor. Bella sighed and bounded forwards, allowing my mother to swarm over her, squeezing her tightly. Dad laughed and wrapped his arms around them both, kissing Bella on the head.

"Make sure you do come tomorrow Bella," my Dad warned as he pulled Mom off her. "Or you'll never hear the end of it." Bella nodded frantically then allowed herself to be picked up by Emmett, high fived Jasper, kissed Rosalie's cheek, patted Alice on the head, before bounding back to me again. It was like she was already part of the family. She was definitely special. I took her hand in my own, and opened the door for her. She gave me this gorgeous take-your-breath-away smile before stepping out of the door, waving back to my family. It was quite shocking as to how dark it could get so quickly. The sky had gone purple with the setting sun, which was peeking out of the horizon, almost totally disappeared. I watched as Bella went forwards to pat a shiny black Aston Martin and stroked its unblemished surface. How the hell had I not noticed that before?

"Nice car," I told her when I caught up with her, guiding her to my Ferrari. She smiled and nodded over to my own ride.

"Yours isn't so bad either," she said coolly. "Mmm, a Ferrari!" I nodded, smiling at her knowledge of cars. I'd picked the right girl. The full fucking package.

I pressed the button on my keys and the car lights lit up just as we heard the locks click. I reached forwards and opened the passenger seat door. She nodded at me curtly, before sliding into the seat. I laughed and closed the door, rushing over to my own side and climbing in. Now, a little showing off never hurt anyone, right?. I revved the engine and let her purr for a while, then slowly steered her forwards, towards the gates. I reached forwards and pressed the button underneath my CD player twice. Emmett voice answered the mic. Bella jumped at the sound of his voice and looked over at me incredulously. I raised an eyebrow and carried on.

"Open the gates please Emmett," I asked him calmly, watching Bella at the corner of my eye.

"Sure thang bro," Emmett chimed. "Later Bella," he added before releasing the call. I peered over at Bella questioningly. She pursed her lips and rolled her eyes.

"Do all Cullens have to show off?" she asked me simply. I laughed loudly.

"It's in our blood." She smiled as I drove out through the gates and into the night. Every now and then, I peered over at her to see how she was doing; my fast driving didn't seem to affect her, and she didn't look too uncomfortable either.

"You want me to turn the radio on?" I suggested softly. She shook her head, grimacing.

"I'll have enough of that when I get home," she told me. "I have a performance rehearsal."

"Something I get to see?" I asked her, smiling over at her. Her lips twitched as she stared ahead at the road.

"You could come to the performance in a week's time," she offered. "And then perhaps you could take me out to eat? Is that how it works?" She looked over at me for advice. I was just as new to this as she was.

"Not a clue," I told her. "But it's a date." She laughed and reached for my hand at the gear stick. I felt my heart flutter inside me at her touch.

"Thanks for today Edward," she said to me softly and I swear to you it was the first time I had ever got a bit turned on by someone just saying my name. "You were great. Your family are amazing, just like you." I turned to her, looking right into her gorgeous auburn eyes, wondering whether I was ever going to get over their beauty, when she laughed softly, shaking her head.

"Edward, for now could you just focus your eyes on the road?" she asked me innocently. "I'd like to get home in one piece."

"Right," I said softly, hastily turning back to the road ahead, and realised I hadn't been driving in a straight line; any longer and I would have hit a tree. The things women do to you.

I could feel her hand in mine as I changed the gears, and it felt just right, like she made me complete; I felt warm, home. I wanted more than anything to make her the happiest woman alive.

"I hope this lasts," I somehow said out loud. I peered over at her nervously, to check her expression. Her eyes warmed and she smiled softy, closing her eyes. I felt her squeeze my hand lightly.

"Me too," she said, before lazily closing her eyes, her head drooping against the window.

Love had only just begun, and like her, I didn't want it to end.

Ever.

And that is chapter 12! Wahay! Hope you liked it, and enjoy the rest of your Sunday, or whatever day it is for you! The secrets will soon unfold. I'll give you a hint; chapter 15 is gonna be good. Oh the power of knowing what happens next.