Chapter 12: Incessant News

BPOV

I opened my eyes to someone throwing something right on my face. I immediately growled.

"Bella, we have school today. Wake up already, honey," a high-pitched voice coaxed. Even in my sleep, I know who it was.

"Alice, iishhtop it. Need to shhhleep more," I mumbled and closed my eyes again, cuddling a pillow tighter between my legs.

"She's still not waking up?" Another voice – a booming one – inquired.

"Nope," a bell-like voice said. "She's usually an early riser though."

"Must be because of your loud snores, Emmett," a deep voice said. "Not one of us slept well."

"Yes, Emmett. Your snores were so loud and disturbing, I had to put cotton buds in my ears," the high-pitched voice spoke again.

"Huh," grunted the booming-voiced. "As if someone's not tossing so much yesterday night."

I heard something smacked followed by a booming laughter. I stirred, annoyed at the noises they create. "Emmett McCarty, I shhpent my whole night thhrying to tune out your shhnores. Just shut up now!" I groaned, throwing my pillow on his voice's direction. I didn't hear a collision so I think he easily dodged away.

"But Belly, we want to taste your cooking."

"Ugh," I groaned again, eyes still closed.

"If you're not waking up, I would have to carry you to the kitchen," the booming-voiced threatened.

In a flash, I was on my feet, eyes opened wide. It was an instant reaction. The memory of yesterday's "dance" was still very much etched on my mind.

The first thing I saw was Emmett's devious smile coupled by the others' laughter. I stomped away from the grinning Emmett, dragging my feet as I walk. They continue with their laughing moods. So energetic in the morning. Haiissst.

Then I noticed a lump on the guys' make-shift bed, covered by blankets.

"Is Edward still asleep?" I inferred, eyeing the lump.

"Yes. He was harder to wake up than you are," Alice answered. I widened my eyes in disbelief, hearing something different in what she told me.

"Then why did you wake me up first than him? That's so unfair!"

I guess it's normal for me to get cranky in the morning.

"As I said, harder to wake up."

"He sleeps like the dead," Emmett commented.

"Ugh," I groaned.

Rosalie smiled at me. The others started heading out, unconcerned by my outbursts.

"Bella, just wake him up for us, okay? We'll all wait for you at the kitchen. Emmett was kidding earlier – Esme already cooked for us," she told me as she lingered by the door, a few steps behind the others. Mid-step out of the room, she added "and by the way, brush your hair, okay? It's very chaotic." And she finally closed the door, leaving me still disoriented.

O…kay? How do I do this waking up?

I carefully walked near Edward's sleeping form and plopped myself on the cushions beside him. Even his hair was covered in blanket, as well as his whole body. I could make out, though, that he was facing the wall.

Do I poke him?

"Edward," I softly called as I poke his shoulder. "Edward, wake up. Everyone's waiting at the kitchen."

He didn't make any movements. I poked him harder and raised my voice a little.

"Edward, wake up now, okay? We've got school."

Nothing.

I craned my neck closer to him and whispered in his ear, as I continuously poke him.

"Edward. Edward. Wake-up."

I didn't see it coming at all so, of course, it came as a shock to me. In one swift unseen movement, I was on the other side of him, my back against the wall, cradled in his arm.

How the heck did he do that?

"Gah," I gasped in shock and instinctively covered my mouth. It was embarrassing enough that my heartbeat became quicker than usual. I hope he doesn't feel it under his arm.

I carefully looked at his face. His eyes were still closed; his purplish weird eyelids hiding his emerald eyes, and he smells unbelievably sweeter in the morning.

"Edward, what are you doing? Let go of me." I tried to move beneath his stone-clad arm but he was stronger than me of course. He just tightened his hold of me.

"Bella, don't move too much. Just sleep, okay?" he ordered; eyes still closed.

"Edward, what are you doing?" I repeated.

He adjusted the way his head was on the pillow and came closer to me. My heartbeat was erratic.

"Revenge," he said.

"Revenge for what?"

I saw his lips turned at the sides while his eyes were still closed. "For not letting me sleep yesterday night."

Uh-oh. I was actually afraid of what happened last night.

"What did I say?"

His smile grew but his eyes remained closed. "Someone's name, as usual. Someone with a name of 'Edward', over and over. And something along the lines of 'sexy' and 'hair'."

Super major heck. I felt my face heating up.

"So, the others heard it as well?" I asked in a small, embarrassed voice.

"Apparently not. They were into deep; sleeping. It was sometime when Emmett's snores finally came in more quiet heaves – when all of you found a better way to sleep."

Except for you, of course. Why do you always need to be an exception?

"And you didn't sleep at all?"

"No, I waited for your mumblings. It was very entertaining for me. Another way to solve you."

His smile returned. I sighed. That jigsaw-puzzle again.

"At least they didn't hear me. That'd be way too embarrassing when they misinterpret it."

His eyes flashed opened. "'Misinterpret?'"

"Yes. When I dream, I usually dream of the person who I last saw or heard, like yesterday, so they'd probably misinterpret it." Lies. Lies. And lies.

"How about the other things you said in your dreams?"

Uhm… what could be a sound excuse? "Robert Pattinson. I dreamt of Robert Pattinson's sexy hair."

To my surprise, he chuckled and closed his eyes again.

"What?"

"Well, I didn't know that Robert Pattinson's name changed to 'Edward'."

Uh-oh. What now?

"What did I exactly say?"

"You said something like, well this is after you said the name over and over – 'Edward, your sexy, wet hair'." He smiled crookedly at what he said, enjoying my embarrassment. My blush was probably similar to that of the traffic light.

"You're enjoying this, aren't you?"

"Who wouldn't?"

I huffed, resolving on another excuse. "Fine. You're my crush. Crushes are normal, if you don't know that Mr Cullen. Every teenager has their crushes."

His smile grew wider. "Then I crush you too," he said.

Ugh. One with the flirt again. That one dangerous side of Mr Cullen.

I thought of something to change the topic.

"You said something earlier about revenge. How do you plan to work on that, Mr Cullen? Clearly, this doesn't seem to be revenge at all."

He tightened his hold on me, pulling me closer to him. My heart stopped for a moment.

"Making you blush, I guess. It's revenge in its sweetest form."

And the infamous blush deepened.

"You are one little freaky-" but I was cut short by the door being opened. I stiffened. I suddenly felt like those characters in suspense films who forget to lock the deadbolt. Edward snapped his head to the door's direction but didn't release his hold on me.

Esme carefully opened the door and spied us cuddling together – or Edward making me his instant pillow. I was afraid she'll get mad at us but she simply smiled – wide, actually. It didn't calm me enough, though. "We were curious what's keeping you two from coming down. But I guess you're busy. Just go down when you two are finally done, okay?"

"Esme, I-" I tried to explain the situation but she just waved her hand in dismissal, smiled, and closed the door. Edward doesn't seem to be embarrassed at all.

"Ugh, this is terrible – your mom seeing me like this," I groaned as I hid my face in Edward's blanket – he finally loosened his hold on me.

"There's nothing embarrassing in that."

Yeah, right.

"Bella, come on now. I think it's time for us to head down there." I felt him standing up, yanking the blanket away from me in the process. I glared at him.

"One day, Cullen, you'll see. One day, I will have my revenge on you."

Edward merely chuckled.


EPOV

If I could list down the best days of my life, these past two days would surely have made it top. I was getting to know Bella well, and I liked the things I discover about her. She seems to get more intriguing every hour. It was my absolute entertainment to always tease her with things that brings the adorable blush on her face. Whenever she gets irritated, I only find her amusing. I think our new found friends can also see her charm that's why they also love to tease her and only laughs at her when she gets mad, like this morning. And of course, this morning, I was only pretending to be still asleep to surprise her.

I observed how Esme would glance in our way throughout the breakfast and every time she does, her face lights up. I'm sure she could already sense how I feel towards Bella, as it was obvious to anyone who would chance to see me watch her. Even our friends could see that and they use that opportunity to always tease us about it throughout our two days bonding time. It amuses me how only Bella doesn't seem to notice it. Does she think it normal for a guy to be overbearingly protective of her, to the point of insisting on sleeping with her in the same room just to guard her from an unsure danger? Does she think I always get too close with the girls I befriend that I always almost get on their personal spaces, like I do with her? I was dropping signals now and then about my intentions towards her but she doesn't seem to read them at all. It only makes me smile.

And of course, I am also aware of how I affect her, though if she only knows how she affects me by needing only to do unconscious behaviors, like flipping her wet hair, or simply hiding her flushed face on the crook of my shoulder, or even by just calling out my name, or even the most simple thing – waking up with her hair still a haystack…

We were waiting for the others at the living room. Emmett and Jasper were doing God-knows what, taking their time to get ready for school much longer than a normal guy our age would. I have a hunch they were trying to leave an impression for Rosalie and Alice and wanted to look better than usual. On the other hand, Bella told me that Alice and Rose's "rituals" before going to school usually consumes a lot of time, so it is nothing to be surprised about. She also told me how she pleaded her case to be excused from the "torture" Alice and Rose do to her and how she claimed that her pretend injury should spare her. I think Alice only receded with her request because she senses she doesn't need to "beautify" Bella anymore, now that my eyes were already very captured by her. I like Bella whichever way she looks – whether dressed simply, or just woken up with hair still looking like a haystack. And Alice knows that.

Alice is the most insightful of the three of them. I think she could see through every action we do. Jasper is as observant as her, though I think it's more how we feel that he senses better. Emmett… is a goofball, always bringing laughter with him though never insightful. And Rosalie stops things from getting too out of hand. And with me almost knowing and seeing whatever everyone thinks, and Bella being very unpredictable but never fully outing herself – always holding back something, never totally letting lose – I could say that we pretty much is a great group, a great set of friends.

And I'm really glad we have more time now to get to know each other.

I helped Bella put her fake brace and sling at the living room with Carlisle watching us from the corner of his eyes as he reads the daily paper, trying to be inconspicuous about it, but not entirely succeeding. Bella could sense his stares and was slightly blushing because of it.

"Does your father know about this entire act? It's so embarrassing that he's a doctor and I'm faking illness in going to school, and he knows that."

I smiled. "Carlisle and Esme lets me do whatever I want. They never question it because they know that there's always a reason why I do things, however juvenile some of those things seemed to be. They know I wouldn't purposefully do these just to have fun. And, at least, you're not using this for skipping school."

"But it does seem juvenile."

I chuckled.

Exactly when I was done, Esme entered the living room, stopping in front of Bella and me to sit across us. Carlisle watched her and strode towards her, taking the seat beside her. Bella eyed me warily but I just took the seat next to her, trying to understand where Esme's thoughts were leading. I noticed that Carlisle doesn't look confused at all so I knew that he already knows whatever Esme is about to say – they have probably talked about it before.

"Bella, Edward, we have something to say."

I sensed Bella stiffen. Esme chortled.

"Why do you seem so afraid, dear?"

"Uhm…" Bella hesitated. "You look so thoughtful so I was thinking it's probably something serious, so…" she trailed off. Esme chortled again and Carlisle smiled.

"It's not really serious, dear," Esme continued, "but since you will be spending time here, I think it's perfect to tell you both goodbyes at once."

"'Goodbyes'?" I noted.

"Yes Edward. Do you remember a week ago how I told you your dad will attend a seminar in Italy about the new technologies to be used to treat heart diseases?"

I nodded, remembering her telling that to me in passing.

Carlisle spoke this time. "Well, I was originally planning to bring you along, but I reckon that you wouldn't want to go?" he eyed Bella for a brief part of a second. I nodded again, knowing what he meant. "And since they said I could bring someone along, I thought of bringing your mom instead."

Esme smiled. "Yes, and I think that's great. I only went to Italy once. I wanted to go back there and view the sceneries again. I haven't met Aro and Didyme for a while. So we wanted to at least say goodbye to you before we go."

I noticed how Esme kept glancing at Bella and me, and instantly knew the reason for her sudden urge to come along. She wanted to speed things up between Bella and I, just like how she told me to do the day before. She approved of Bella so entirely that she wanted me to make my move, now that they were leaving us alone. I could use their absence to make progress with Bella and they both trust me completely not to mess things up or to do inappropriate actions that normal teenage guys my age would do.

I snapped out of my analysis when Bella sighed.

"When are you leaving?" she asked with a frown.

"Today, actually. I'm sorry I forgot to mention it to Edward beforehand. You just got here and we're already leaving… don't worry dear, we'll only be out for a week."

Bella sighed again. "It's okay. It's just that… I think it's too early to say this, but I feel like I will already be missing you. You two are like the parents I never had. And I feel like your house wouldn't seem the same without you here."

Esme was visibly moved by what Bella said. She rose from her seat to hug Bella, with Carlisle trailing behind her.

"Oh Bella, honey," she sobbed. "Do you want me to stay instead? Do you think it's a wrong idea to leave you here? I could change plans if…" but Bella cut her off.

"No, don't change your plans just because of me. I know you need time to relax as well."

Esme kissed her forehead. "I'll bring you souvenirs." Bella chuckled.

Carlisle eyed me knowingly and I understand what he wanted to say – that he also knows how I feel about Bella, and that he wants me to be happy, and that he could see what has drawn me towards Bella. I nodded, acknowledging all of it.

"What time will you be leaving today?" Bella asked, still hugging Esme with her free hand – the one not on the fake sling.

"This afternoon. We think it rude not to say goodbye to the both of you before going."

Bella looked at her seriously. "It is," she said. Esme laughed at Bella's humor.

And then we heard footsteps coming down from the staircase, and we all shifted our eyes to our friends. Emmett was the first one to notice the different mood we have at the living room.

"What's with all the drama? Did we miss something big here?"

Esme passed it off as a joke. "Can't I hug Bella without any reason, Emmett?"

Emmett shrugged. "Guess you could. Just weird, is all."

The others seemed to sense that something different is taking place but didn't comment on it.

"Do you want me to hug you too?"

Emmett smirked. "Sure, Mrs C." And he swiftly walked towards Esme and hugged her in his choke-bear hug, throwing my mother in circles much like how he did with Bella yesterday night. My mother giggled like a teenager and we all laughed. I saw my dad looking at my mom with so much adoration and amusement. I wondered idly if that is how I looked like when I watch Bella.

When Emmett set my mom on her feet, I was ready to assist her like I did with Bella, but she didn't need my assistance. She easily found her balance.

"That was fun, Emmy-bear," my mother commented with a smile.

"I like your nickname on me, Mrs C," Emmett said with a huge grin. We all laughed.

"But don't you look dashing today, Emmy-bear? As well as you, Jasper. And both the girls, of course. Is there some occasion?"

Bella and I looked at each other knowingly and we both smiled when our eyes met.

"Why, don't I seem to be the type to look good every day?" Emmett pretended to get hurt.

"Of course you do. There is just something different today."

Rosalie joined in the banter. "He just wanted to look extra good for me today." She smiled confidently. And Emmett, of course, easily fell for it.

"Shoot. Jasper, they realized our hidden agenda."

Jasper smacked his forehead, frustrated that Emmett fell for Rosalie's simple trick. We all laughed.

Alice came to stand in front of the two guys and assessed their looks.

"Hmm," she said thoughtfully. "Nice choice of clothes, I think. Tight turtle neck shirt suits you, Emmett. It showcases your features nicely. And Jasper… you look good on checkered. I also like how you both styled your hairs. Very nice."

"I agree," Rosalie seconded. The two guys looked down and seemed to blush.

Bella cleared her throat. "Uhm, guys, I'm sorry to break your fun, and I know how you like to show off towards each other, but we've got school. We don't want to be late and be barred from entering the school gate."

Esme went to stand next to Carlisle and put her arm around his waist. "Bella's right. You all don't want to be late. It's time to go."

And the way Esme said that resurfaced Bella's emotions on parting with my parents.

Before we left the house, Bella hugged Esme and Carlisle tighter. I smiled, admiring her more. It only took her one day to seem inseparable from my parents. Esme looked at me in the eye while she was hugging Bella and in that instant, I knew how she feels.

She would kill me if I didn't end up with Bella.


BPOV

Edward and I decided to go to school with his ride, since we'll only be going back on the same house after school. Our friends drove their individual rides.

I was quiet towards the whole ride to school, still thinking about Esme and Carlisle's trip. Maybe I'm just being paranoid but I feel there's some other reason for Esme suddenly coming with the doctor, though I couldn't put my finger on it. However, my suspicion was clouded by my sadness at their sudden departure. I really wanted to get to know them better and I really liked how it feels to be near such great parents, but they needed to go, so of course I should just deal with it. And it's not like I'm their daughter, so I shouldn't overreact. Even their son doesn't seem sad by their departure.

And then, I belatedly realized that I am to spend a whole week with their son – the two of us alone in the house… Holy crow.

Edward opened my door and I snapped out of my thoughts. I mechanically get out of his car, trying to straighten out my disoriented mind. Only when I got out of the car did I notice the students carrying papers as they walk.

"Oh, I forgot its Friday. The day to release the weekly school paper. I wonder what's on the front news now."

Edward helped me get my bag. "I bet my monthly allowance that there's something written there about all of us."

"I wouldn't bet against you," I muttered.

Our friends arrived shortly after we did. When Alice got out of her car, she went to acquire a copy of the paper from one of the students handing them out.

She was skimming the contents as she approached us.

"What's in the paper, Alice?" Rosalie asked.

She didn't remove her eyes to the paper as she answered. "Achievements of the school quiz bee participants… Tennis club winning…" I remembered when the baseball team won. It was front page, and there were features of every popular guy from the team, especially that of Emmett, Jasper and Edward. "Edwella love team – lame name for the both of you. But you've got nice picture when Edward pecked you on the cheek."

"I already expected that to happen sooner or later," I muttered and glanced at the paper to look at the picture. I am not usually vain and it doesn't normally concern me what's written in the paper but when I saw Edward and I's picture, I noticed how I look like an idiot with mouth agape and eyes enlarged.

And then, Alice suddenly chuckled. "You would get a kick out of this article title about us."

"What?" Rose asked curiously. I looked at the paper again to see the picture of all of us laughing at the canteen table. Thankfully, Edward and I were the ones whose backs were showing. The other's reactions were clearly visible in the picture.

"Greek Goddesses groups with Gorgeous Gods," Alice read with a laugh.

I snickered. "'Gorgeous Gods'?"

"Nice," Emmett commented. "They found a name for us," he guffawed. "I'll be Zeus. He's the King."

"Then I'll definitely be Hera," Alice chimed in, going along with Emmett's fun. "Sorry Rose, but I want to be queen, and I love marriage and such."

Rose chuckled at this and declared her choice as well. "It's okay, Alice. I want to be Aphrodite all along, anyway. Love, beauty, sensuality – totally me. How about you Jasper?"

Jasper thought about it for a moment. "I think I like Ares. I've always liked the civil war."

I chuckled at that. "How about you Edward?"

"I like Apollo. I think he suits me best. Medicine… Music… Poetry… Prophesy… "

I nodded. "You all chose the Gods and Goddesses best suited for you. I'm amazed."

"You, Belly?" Emmett asked.

I shrugged. "Obviously…"

"Obviously, Athena," Edward answered for me and gazed at me with his crooked smile. "I knew you'd say her."

I shrugged again. "It's so obvious."

"Yes, of course. The virgin patron of the Athens," Alice teased.

"Alice, when will you ever let that topic drop?" I hissed. "And I chose Athena because of her wisdom and justness and courage, not because of her Parthenon."

She only laughed. Then I realized I was being too geeky because Emmett looked at me like I spoke pig Latin… or Greek.

"What other topics are in there?" Rose asked Alice again as she eyed the paper.

"Oh, there's a poll between who the people like better – Team Edwella or Team Tanward. Really lame names for pairings."

I laughed but didn't look at the pictures this time. I'm sure that whatever picture was in there about Edward and Tanya together will only dampen my energy. "I'm sure Tanya will win that one. All the girls in Meyer High hate me, and usually, only the girls vote on those stuffs."

I thought they would laugh or go along with me but instead, they eyed me disapprovingly.

"What?"

"Bella," Rose said. "Don't you ever think about those stuffs. I hate it when you get self-deprecating."

"But it's the truth," I muttered.

They pretended they didn't hear me. Alice skimmed the rest of the news.

"Isabella's Slipping Disorder… and slipping, as in S-L-I-P-P-I-N-G."

We all tittered.

"Stomach flu – epidemic gets students absent," Alice continued.

"I heard even Tyler had it that's why he will be absent today," Rose said with a flip of her hair.

"When did you learn that?" I asked.

She shrugged. "I have my means."

O…kay?

"And the others are plain boring. Seriously, most of the articles are just about us," Alice concluded, prying her eyes away from the news.

"Then just throw that. You know how stupid the rumours in this school can get," I suggested.

She shrugged and threw it to the garbage. Emmett and Jasper eyed us curiously but didn't ask why I told her to do that.

If only they know how the rumours have ruined my life.


BPOV

Unlike before, Rosalie and Emmett walked together to their classes. But same as before, Edward walked Alice and I to our English class. And like yesterday, Edward gave me a swift peck on the cheeks before leaving. Alice clicked her tongue at what Edward did. The passers-by pretended they didn't see us though I could feel their stabbing stares as I walk inside the room.

So it was one of those days. I like it more than the gawking ones.

I noticed the numbers of my classmates in my morning classes seemed to be lesser than usual. Must be because of the stomach flu, I decided.

When lunch time arrived, Edward was already waiting for me outside my last morning class. He was, probably unconsciously, running his hand through his hair. I have already noticed him doing that before whenever he's anxious, frustrated, or thinking of some things. When I came to a stop in front of him, he broke out of his thoughtful gesture and smiled at me. My classmates pretended again that we were non-entities.

The both of us walked towards the canteen and stopped by the counter to buy food. I noticed that the rest of our friends were already seated at our "new" spot. I also noticed how the sitting arrangement was a bit different today – Alice was beside Jasper, who was beside Rosalie and Emmett on Rose's other side. They were chatting happily – I could see that even from afar. And I noticed as well that the onlookers were not staring much today. I guess they've gotten past the hype about the newly formed group in Meyer High.

I bought pizza and milk. Edward insisted on buying me my food by I stood firm in saying "no". He even tried to will me with his eye-compelling thingy but I didn't give in – only because I didn't look at him.

As we were approaching our friends, Angela came to us with a sudden flash of her camera, catching us off guard. I hope I didn't look stupid again next to Edward.

"I'm sorry guys. I just need pictures for my future school articles. You see, you two are the hottest subjects of gossip for now, and I really need to put something eye-catching in the paper," she apologized as she put her camera down.

"It's fine Angela," I said. "It's your job. And besides, I'm used to it."

She smiled.

"Oh, before I forgot-" she pulled out something from her school bag. "Here," she handed me a white envelope. "It was in my desk yesterday. It was addressed to you, and there was a note for me, asking me to give it to you. The sender wrote that he is a secret admirer and doesn't have the courage to give it to you personally."

I eyed the envelope critically.

"I didn't look at it," Angela continued. "So don't worry that I peeked on what's inside or something."

"Thanks Angela," I said, eyes still trained on the envelope.

"You're welcome," she smiled. She then looked at something behind us. "Oh, Ben's already at our table. See you guys."

"See you," Edward said. I just smiled at her.

Angela nodded and went off. I followed her with my eyes as she sat next to Ben Chiney, who hugged and kissed her on the cheek when she approached him. I also saw Tanya and her gang a table next to Angela's. Lauren was texting under the table; Jessica was chatting animatedly with Mike, who seemed bored; and Tanya was eyeing us with venom. I guess the hostilities have resurfaced now.

"What's inside?" Edward suddenly asked. I snapped out of my trance, looked back at him and shifted my gaze again to the envelope I was holding. "Wouldn't you open it?"

I shrugged. "It's probably something too cheesy or stupid. Or a prank, most likely."

"What if it's not?"

I shrugged again. "I'll open it when we get to our table," I said. He nodded and we both ambled our way towards our table.

We hadn't reached the table yet but Alice's chirping, high-pitched voice was already filling up the noises.

"…and since then, I have become a fan of fashion. My mom works as a fashion designer. My dad's engineer. If only I have a baby brother, he'd probably follow the footsteps of my dad. But since I take in more from my mom, I want to be a fashion designer someday as well…"

Edward and I took the empty seats – Edward holding the chair for me after placing our tray of food on the table. Alice stopped shortly with her bubble to greet us with a "hi guys," and lapsed back to her stories. The others merely glanced in our direction.

Edward eyed the envelope again so I decided to finally open it. With the others still distracted from Alice's bubbles, I unfolded the paper inside of it to read its contents without them noticing. I glanced at the type-written message. When I saw what's inside, I immediately become still.

Edward noticed my alarm and snapped the paper from my unmoving hands. When he got a read at what's written there, he gritted his teeth.

Knowing what upset him, I spool back the words in my mind.

New found friends. New reason to smile. All the new reasons to make sure it'll only last a short while.

It was another death threat – only with no 'death' really implied this time, but I'm not too obtuse not to know that it was from the same threat-sender.

Apparently, Edward and I's reactions drew attention to our friends. They focused their stares on us. Even Alice stopped talking.

"What's wrong?"

I immediately controlled the emotions playing in my face to hide my alarm. My smile felt forced so I made my voice passive to at least pass it off as nonchalance. "Just a prank. Things that I get all the time."

"What does it say?" Rose asked, eyeing the paper that Edward was holding too tight. He has a really angered expression on his face and he looks like he would tear the paper into crumbs. I took the paper from him, crumpling it.

"Nothing too interesting. Just someone envious that I have found new friends."

"Why did you crumple it?"

"I just don't like it."

The others don't seem convinced with what I said, seeing the overreaction from Edward. Alice picked the paper that I placed on the table. She unfolded it and read the contents, furrowing her brows.

"New found friends. New reason to smile. All the new reasons to make sure it'll only last a short while."

The others cringed.

"Shouldn't you report it to the principal?" Jasper advocated, looking peeved. "You also received something like this before. It doesn't seem like a prank anymore."

"Yeah, Belly," Emmett agreed, for once sounding and looking serious. "Sending you dead animals-"

"Only one animal," I corrected.

"-and smashing your car doesn't look like a prank in the least," he continued like I didn't speak at all. "If we find out who do this, we could smash him like what he did to your expensive car." He wracked his fingers in anticipation of what he said, probably visualizing how he would do the 'smashing.'

"Emmett's right, Bella," Rose said, looking alarmed. "We should do something about this. We shouldn't let this just keep happening."

I shook my head. They don't need to do anything at all. I hate it when the people I love – and beginning to love – grow worried about me. Though I agree that these threatening are not a prank, I can't let them waste their time about it.

And I don't want to give whoever it was the fun of drawing out a reaction from me.

So, naturally, I presented my stubborn self.

"No. Alice, Rose, Emmett, Jasper, you wouldn't do anything at all about this," I ordered gravely, looking each of them distinctly in their eyes to convey the seriousness of my words. "This is just a prank. I get this a lot of times. And telling the principal about this wouldn't make things any better – I'm sure the principal doesn't have any idea of who this is from more than any of us do. And seriously, it's not like something have happened to me yet. And besides, we shouldn't let this hurdle ruin our day. With all of you five now with me, I don't think anyone would be able to go through you just to reach me and hurt me. Please, don't make this thing a big deal."

Edward finally looked at me with evident censure on his face. "Bella, this is a big deal. I can't believe how it slipped my mind before but these threats you receive should not be taken lightly. A prank-maker wouldn't get through all the trouble of doing these things just to have a good laugh. Someone behind this is seriously ill. And if you don't want us to tell the principal, we should tell the police, at the very least."

I sighed and retrieved the paper from Alice. I tore it to pieces in front of them. They were all eyeing me like I've gone insane.

Once I was done, I patted Edward's back and smiled – this time, it wasn't forced. It was genuine.

"I know you all are worried. And thank you, really. But you don't need to worry. You don't need to exaggerate this by going through the motions of calling the cops or protecting me every minute of the everyday – I know Edward, you were thinking of that," I tucked in, glancing in his way. "I promise to tell you if another more comes up. And I wouldn't even complain if any of you guys – and I mean guys, not girls – always walk with me if I need to go somewhere not crowded, if that will make you all feel better." I shook my head imagining being tagged along everywhere I go. "But I would really appreciate it if we just forget all about this like it didn't happen. I really don't want my day ruined. So please, do this… for me."

The four looked at each other's eyes, communing silently how they will proceed. Edward only looked at me and I looked back. He wore an unreadable expression; I was pleading at him with my eyes.

Finally, after a minute of this silent discussion, the four seemed to resolve on something. Emmett broke the silence.

"Man, Bella is so classic-martyr. No wonder your girlfriends like to baby you."

I snorted. "Did you really call me 'Bella,' not 'Belly'? And what does martyrdom had anything to do with Alice and Rose babying me?"

Emmett shrugged. "It makes sense for me."

I felt Edward finally relax beside me with a sigh. He shifted his head towards the others.

"Bella," Alice said, "remember this: we will let you have your way. We won't 'exaggerate', as you worded it, but do your part of the bargain, okay? Let Emmett, or Jasper, or Edward always accompany you wherever you go. Don't walk alone, especially here in school. And if you receive anything like this again, please, don't keep it to yourself, okay? Tell us. And if that were to happen again, don't prohibit us to 'exaggerate'. We will tell it to the principal, or the police, to provide protection for you. Remember that."

The three others nodded in agreement with the conditions Alice had set. I sighed but nodded as well, wanting to finally drop the topic.

"Who do you think would do this?" Jasper asked.

"Angela gave it to Bella, saying she received it anonymously at her table," Edward told them.

"Angela Weber? The editor-in-chief of the school paper?" Rose probed.

"Yes," Edward confirmed with a crunch of his brows. He relaxed to the chair's spine as he spoke, running his fingers on his hair at the same time. "Tanya would be a probable suspect, seeing as she totally loathes Bella. And after what she did the last time…" he trailed off; both of us knowing that it's best to keep that certain incident from our friends. "But Tanya doesn't seem to be the type to approach her subject of hatred in a mystifying way. She's usually very straightforward."

"Then her minions?" Alice suggested, picking a piece of fries and plopping it to her mouth.

"Probable. Lauren more likely than Jessica. Jessica seemed like someone who wouldn't do things too grandly for a threat. But Lauren… I always sense that Lauren is not as authentic as she seems with other people." He reached for his coke on the table. I went to pick up my slice of pizza.

"But there are also those other girls who hate Bella," Emmett said. Maybe when things are serious, Emmett wouldn't use his nicknames on others. "She's too popular. I'm sure a lot of people envy her." He took a big bite of his burger.

"Yes, girls tend to do that," Rose said after taking a swig of her diet soda. "Most girls love to harbor hostility to the pretty, popular girls. It is a tough job to narrow the suspects."

"What if it's someone who's two-faced? What if it's someone who pretends to be good but is actually a psycho inside?" Alice provided.

"That could be," Jasper responded.

I sighed and took a bite on my pizza. Their conversations of 'who could be' carried on throughout the lunch time. I stayed quiet all the time, trying to tune them out. Though getting death threats doesn't make me feel comfortable, digging through the incident doesn't appeal to me in any way. I don't want my secret enemy to rejoice that he or she has succeeded to, even at the least, ruin my day.

I just ate while the others ate and deduce things. I wonder how they will react if I told them that the last time I have received a death threat was only three days ago?

I guess there would be another exaggeration.


BPOV

Edward I went to our Biology class together. He was still not passed his sour mood but I didn't go on distracting him. As long as he was being quiet about his musings, I was fine with that. More than once did he put his hand on his chin or ran his fingers through his hair. It was a bit unnerving… but only a bit. Maybe because I was wondering if I could ever do that to his hair.

Once inside the room and on our seats, I noticed Tanya watching us precariously. When Edward glanced in her way, she easily assembled her expression into a smile. Edward probably didn't return it because I saw Tanya flinch.

"Just let her off the hook already," I told Edward.

"Bella, she almost made those vile, repulsive men harass you," he retorted with venom in his voice. His eyes were hard.

I sighed. "But nothing happened. And she already said sorry to me yesterday. Though I haven't forgiven her yet, I know she was sincere when she apologized. It was what I only needed. Tanya – I don't like her. I even hate her. But I don't hate her so much as to blame everything on her on what she did to me. She was only desperate. And she… she loves you," my voice dropped at the end.

Okay. I shouldn't have confessed on behalf of Tanya. But it was reasonable for me. When you love someone – especially someone perfect like Edward – you tend to make things improperly. You tend to get irrational. I can relate to Tanya in that way.

"She told you that?" Edward said dubiously.

"Yeah, she did. So, stop hating her… much. I can understand what she's going through."

"So what? I just pretend those things never happened? I just talk to her like we're good friends? And if she loves me as she claims, that'll be more reason for me to avoid her."

"Ahm, I didn't tell you to approach her again. I just said don't hate her much."

He sighed. "And it doesn't bother you that she 'loves' me?" I could hear the quotation marks on the way he spoke the word 'love'.

I blinked, confused. "You're easy to love," I stated. "I don't blame her on that."

He sighed again. For some reason, I felt that there was something he was trying to hide from me.

Mr Barner entered the room then, carrying stacks of paper. Without further greetings, he started passing the papers to every student.

"We'll be having a surprise quiz today. Thirty items only."

There were groans and complains coming from the students. Some even tried to coax the teacher to postpone the exam. Some shrugged like it doesn't matter to them. The very few quiz-loving students smiled excitedly. I looked at Edward with a smirk. He looked back, smiling crookedly. We both remember the deal.

"Ice cream and book and music," I murmured.

He flexed his fingers, humoring me.

"Mr Cullen, Ms Swan, could you please save the prattle for later?" Mr Barner said, placing our test papers in front of us. "Unlike the two of you, some of my students would need to concentrate because they want to pass the exam."

I was shocked. Mr Barner reprimanded us from talking? I thought he'd long given up on that.

"Mr Barner," I responded, "Edward has excellent grades. You talk as if he doesn't care about your subject. And you talk as if I don't pass on your exams."

The way Mr Barner looked at me conveys that he knows Edward does doesn't care about the subject matter – that only his intellect makes him excel on every quiz. But instead of saying the truth, he said, "Ms Swan, maybe it is finally the time for you to copy the example of Mr Cullen, since you're having more time with him now."

I crunched my brows.

"And not because you two are lovers now doesn't mean you are free to interact in my class whenever you please."

Oh. He read the paper.

My classmates whispered things to each other.

"Mr Barner, instead of looking at the gossip column of the newspaper, isn't it better to work on upgrading your lesson plan? You're worse than grandmothers…" I wanted to say. Instead I only said, "Sorry sir."

Mr Barner was taken aback of what I've said. I never regard him respectfully that way ever before since Isabella Marie was born and replaced dull, geeky Bella. Being with Edward makes me do things I thought I already forgotten.

He cleared his throat. "Okay. Work on your exam now."

I did as was told. I looked at the paper, assessing the difficulty of the questions.

Easy.

After twenty minutes of answering and rechecking the exam, I was already done. I was confident in my valuation to my work.

I rose from my seat, about to pass the paper. Edward observed me and smiled. I have a feeling he was done before I was but just waited for me to finish it. He also rose from his seat and followed me towards Mr Barner's table

When we approached the teacher's table, he looked up from the book he was reading, looked at both of us and landed his eyes to my paper.

"I'm done sir. Can you mark it?" I asked.

He furrowed his brows but nodded. I gave him my paper with a sweet smile on my face.

Mr Barner checked my paper for only two minutes. When he was done and put A plus on top of it, I smiled hugely. I was surprised to see him smiling as well.

"Finally got back on your senses I see, Ms Swan. Finally gave your best," he remarked, piling my paper on his desk. "Wonder what's changed

I smiled as I answer, "I made a bet, sir." I glanced at Edward who was reading between the lines of my and Mr Barner's conversation. "And maybe, I finally listened to your sermons."

The teacher's smile never left his face. My classmates were sneaking glances in our direction, probably trying to eavesdrop.

"So you knew," Edward deduced, needing not to elaborate on what he meant.

"Of course I do Mr Cullen," answered Mr Barner. "I'm not that unwise."

Edward smiled and handed him his paper.

"Do I need to mark this as well?" Mr Barner asked.

"No sir. It's fine," he said.

Mr Barner nodded. "I guess good thing came out when you two become together."

Edward and I looked at each other. I'm sure our minds were in sync again. Do we need to correct him? We both shook our head at the same time, then both smiled. Mr Barner noticed this exchange and chuckled.

"You two are dismissed now. I hope Ms Swan that this will continue on."

For a moment, I wondered if he meant my grade or my rumored relationship with Mr Cullen. "It will, sir," I assured him, deciding on the former.

Once outside the classroom, I smiled at Edward, triumphant, anticipant.

"I know," he said with a chuckle, needing not to spell out what my smile meant – the prices of my bet.

Since Edward and I have more spare time before Gym class, we decided to spend our time on the Music Theater, playing the piano and singing. He announced that he finally paid one of my demands, but of course, I whined.

"That's not fair. I didn't request on the song that you will play, and you didn't play on your piano," I said and pouted.

He thought about it for a moment, but when he settled his eyes on my face, he sighed and promised me to play again after class. I smiled, triumphant for the second time.

Gym class passed in blur. We weren't engaging on the tortures and only listened to the rules of playing basketball, so of course, I was more attentive.

After the class, I went to place my things on my locker. I saw Edward talking to Tanya immediately after class so I decided not to interrupt. Edward saw me heading first, and I waved and smiled, letting him see my stuffs that I have in my hands. He nodded, understanding where to meet me.

I remembered our agreement this afternoon – which I not walk alone. Huh. Guess that was just broken.

But I shouldn't blame Tanya, I argued with myself. And I didn't let Edward say anything before I walked away. Maybe he would want to walk with me after all.

But on second thought, shouldn't Edward think my safety weighs more than chatting with some blond girl? Shouldn't he have run after me?

Okay. That was egotistical. And besides, I was the one who told him to talk to Tanya. I guess you become irrational when you are jealous.

As I closed my locker, thinking those things, I sensed someone approach me.

"You and Cullen, huh?" that someone said.

I sighed irately.

"That's none of your business, Mike," I said, not facing him.

"I don't like it," Mike said

When I did face him, I narrowed my eyes. "There's no reason for you not to like it."

I noticed then that he seemed paler than usual. His face even seemed ragged. He also has bruises under his eyes.

"There is. I haven't kissed you yet."

I huffed. "As if I would ever allow that."

"I don't need your permission."

I was about to shriek on him to tell him of his absurdness and idiocy and blunt obnoxiousness but I was caught off guard by what he did next. He leaned fast on me and secured my lips with his own.

Holy crow.

His lips felt all wrong. Aside from the fact that he was hotter than usual – and by that, I meant his temperature – it didn't get me to feel anything aside from the shocked lividness from me.

I felt him trying to force a response from me and that's when I snap back to my senses. I pushed him hard. He doesn't seem to have the strength to fight me off.

Once I managed to get him away from me, I immediately flew my hand towards his stupid, obnoxious face.

"How dare you!" I shrieked. "How dare you kiss me like that? What has gotten into you, stupid dog?"

He patted the part where my hand made collision to his face. "I warned you," he mumbled, seeming flushed. I tried to hit him the second time, but this time, he dodged away.

"Don't you ever do that to me, stupid dog. I hate you!"

He eyed me angrily. The nerve!

"I thought your hand was hurt?" he accused.

Oh. I used my 'injured' hand.

"None of your business," I responded, with a bit lower voice now.

I was shocked again by his next move – but this time, it was pure shock.

He stormed away from me, almost running, without any words. He also covered his mouth with his hand. I watched him with wide eyes, wiping his stupid saliva off of my mouth.

About ten paces though, he bumped into Edward and staggered away, running faster now. Edward watched him with a confused expression. His confusion grew when he saw me furiously wiping my mouth.

Once he reached me, he immediately asked "what happened?"

"I don't know why the stupid dog suddenly ran away," I answered. He looked back at the now gone figure of Mike Newton.

"He looked like he was sick and was about to vomit. I bet he has stomach flu."

"What?" I screeched panicky. Edward looked back at me.

"What's wrong?"

I wiped my mouth more furiously than before. "The stupid dog kissed me!"

"What?" this time, Edward was the one shocked… or rather, furious. He looked like he could kill someone. Not quite similar to his reaction this afternoon to the anonymous letter, but something similar to that. I wonder what made the difference.

"I already slapped his obnoxious face," I said.

"Want me to arrange it? I could make more damage than you did," he suggested darkly. His eyes seemed greener than usual.

Although the idea is appealing, that wasn't my concern at the moment. "Forget about that for now. I need to go to the ladies' room," I said, walking fast opposite the way Mike went, with Edward tagging along behind me. "I need to scrub the germs he inflicted on me as soon as I could." I wonder if I could gurgle disinfectant.

Edward waited for me outside the ladies' room. I was proud of him; he was not bothered by the many girls eyeing him when he positioned himself across the wall on the ladies' room.

When I was done – and I think I rinsed my mouth with a fountain of water – I finally went out. Edward instantly set his eyes on me. His lips turned at the corners, fighting a smile.

"Yeah I know," I said. "My mouth's too red."

He chuckled. "It's not that bad. It's just a bit funny."

"Glad your back on your old self. Seemed like a red mouth's all it took," I teased. He chuckled again.

We started walking towards our next class.

"I really could harm Mike Newton better, you know," he offered again. Though he sounded joking, I was sure he wasn't.

"It's fine. I avenged myself pretty well. Besides, we don't need to make Mike sicker than he already is."

He sighed. Maybe the idea was appealing to him as well.

"I was surprised though," I prattled, "that you didn't look uncomfortable with the stares you got back there," I said, motioning with my hand his previous spot.

He laughed.

"My mind was rather… preoccupied."

"But really, it doesn't bother you?"

He shrugged. "I don't see any reason why it should."

"I mean, most guys would be."

He shrugged again. "I guess I'm not most guys."

I laughed. "I've heard that before."

He smiled, remembering it as well. "May I know why you were crying back then?" he asked casually, probably trying not to upset me by bringing back the reason to my crying jag.

I frowned. "My dad phoned me that he'll be away for a month. I was being overly dramatic."

He nodded, not needing to hear more.

Then I remembered something.

"By the way, what were you and Tanya discussing earlier?" Though I was the one to suggest he cool it off with Tanya, the idea of them talking again was a bit disturbing. There was a lurch in my stomach.

Okay. A bit was an understatement.

"Her just saying sorry and me trying to be chivalrous by accepting it. I also told her some things."

"What things?" I inquired. My interest was piqued.

"Just telling her I would be spending more time with my new friends now."

"Uhm," I muttered. That's not too aggravating then.

We arrived at the Music Theater then so we fell silent. We met Alice and Rose there and come to sit together, chatting about random things as we wait for the teacher. The girls didn't notice my reddened mouth so I figured it probably already went back to its original color. I used my phone's camera to check – using it like a mirror. I was right. It wasn't red anymore.

When the class was over, we met with Emmett and Jasper at the parking lot. We said our goodbyes to each other and rode on our vehicles. I grinned as soon as Edward was on the driving seat – he obviously opened my door for me again. Edward saw my smile and laughed.

"Yeah, I know," he repeated his answer before.

We passed on the convenient store on the way home. Edward bought me my gallon of strawberry ice cream and I giggled like a kid. Edward chuckled at my immaturity.

We also stopped at a bookstore across the street. I didn't spend a long time there – I already have a book in mind that I wanted to buy. Once we've done that, I happily went back to the Aston Martin and admired the items I've acquired. Edward chuckled again at my immaturity.

"I didn't think that those things could make you so giddy," he remarked, starting the engine of his car.

"Now you know," I said. I placed my book on my lap. My ice cream was placed at car's floor, near my feet.

I then reached across Edward. He eyed me curiously for a moment, wondering what I might be doing. And then, I wrapped my arms around his waist and hugged him swiftly, feeling him stiffen at my unexpected gesture.

"Thanks," I said when I released him. It took him two seconds to chuckle.

"You're welcome," he said.

And then he drove faster towards our empty home.


A/N: I just randomly inserted the topic about the Greek Gods and Goddesses in one of the conversations here. I've always liked that topic. And personally, I like Pallas Athena, just like Bella, and also for the same reasons Bella has chosen her. I wonder who's yours…