It's Just A Game

Disclaimer: Stephanie Meyer owns the world of Twilight

Chapter 12

EPoV

I am officially confused.

Bella has got me, and she's got me good. Not only am I beyond attracted to her but she's also confused me so much I don't even know where we stand.

I want her so bad, and I would do anything to get her. Maybe I should ask Emmett for advice, I mean it is his sister after all, and he should know what to do with her. But he will probably kill me for showing an interest in her. No guy would ever be good enough for Bella in his eyes, and to be honest I feel the same way. Bella is too perfect, and no guy will ever be good enough for her. Myself included.

Since she moved in here on Monday it has been so awkward. We live right across the hall from each other. When we walk past each other it's so hard to ignore her, sometimes I just want to say something to her, but I never know what because she is just too perfect. And it's been so long since we've actually spoken. Like had a real conversation. Why didn't I just phone her after we moved, instead of trying to be romantic and write to her!

This morning when Alice was trying to wake Bella, she woke me in the process. I wanted to throttle the little pixie but when Bella opened that door all my anger rushed from my body, and all I could see and hear was Bella. She was absolutely stunning. I could see that she just woke up, but that didn't make her beauty less, if anything it increased her beauty. And the clothes she was wearing should be her standard dress. She looked delectable. Actually only I should be allowed to see her dressed like that. I didn't realise I was staring at her until Alice brought it to my attention by saying something about a shower. Then Bella turned around and walked away, it was quite a hypnotic sight. Alice then shoved me towards my room. I decided to follow her advice and take a shower. Let's just say Bella and I didn't have to fight for warm water…

Soon after, I left for school. On my way there I drove past Laurens house. She immediately started waving at me and giving me this smile that is probably meant to be sexy but it was actually quite disturbing. I ignored her and just sped up. I loved my new car. The speed was exhilarating. Carlisle recently got me the new Volvo xs80, and can I just say, Damn its hot! I really didn't want anything to do with Lauren though, because the whole of last night she bugged me.

She phoned me quite early on and invited me to her house. She said her parents were away, and that she had their whole house to herself and that I was welcome to go over. I decided not to. There is nothing I could possible want from her. When I kept refusing her she eventually asked me if I'm gay. She obviously thought that was the only reason why I didn't want to sleep with her. But in all honesty it was because I didn't want to pick up some funky disease like syphilis. But I had to protect my honour, so when she accused me off being gay I told her that is so far from the truth, and that I didn't need any from her, because I get enough from the sexiest girl alive. Obviously the sexiest girl is Bella, but she isn't a slut like Lauren so she doesn't just put out for any guy.

But last night was special. Bella might not realise it but she wasn't quite so isolated last night. After dinner I decided to check my email, and I was quite surprised to see a message in my inbox from Bella. As I read it, I felt a smile creep onto my face. It was almost as if she was jealous. Like she didn't want me and Tanya to get together. The last part of the message was disturbing though.

Dear EnigmaticComposer

I hoped you picked up a copy of today's newspaper, because you're composition was supplied with the paper as a separate supplement.

It has really been a big hit under the female populace of our school. I've received about 47 messages telling me how amazing it is, and they all want to know who you are. I've even been asked by some boys as well…

I feel it is my civilian duty to warn you that Tanya the editor is after your blood. She really wants to know who you are, so if you are interested in her you should maybe tell her that you feel the same way, then she would at least stop harassing me.

Well have a nice day!!

Bella

P,s: If you want, I'll forward some of the fan mail to you.

In all honesty it was flattering the amount of fan mail I've received. It is a clear indication that most of the guys in our school are jerks, and that's why the girls are so eager for any sort of romantic gesture. I quickly checked to see if Bella was online before I replied. I was in luck, because she was online. I decided to type a quick reply.

Hey Bella!

So glad to see you're talking to me again. I was so scared after the last message that I was too personal. But hopefully it wasn't and you were able to forgive me.

I am surprised by the amount of 'fan mail' that I've received. But I'd rather that you don't forward any to me. The girl it is meant for should know its for her. And as for Tanya. She never stands a chance compared to my dream girl though I would appreciate it if you would not give her my email address.

Thanks!

EC

I thought signing the email 'EC' would pretty much be a dead give away as to who EnigmaticComposer is, but apparently Bella didn't pick up on that because her reply was almost instantaneous.

EC,

No, I wasn't mad at you I just didn't know what else to say, so I chose not to answer. Are you sure you don't want any of the fan mail though, because it is really killing my inbox. I've got about 117 messages for you now. That is a lot considering we have such a small school. There is one message though, that I think is from a teacher because the address looks like it is from the schools domain. I think it is Mrs O'Hara, the crazy IT teacher.

Have a nice night!

Bella

What! She can't just leave me like that! I craved her company, and if she was going to lock herself up in her room to avoid speaking to me then I would just speak to her via computers. Genius, I know.

No Bella! Don't leave. Let's talk. I want to get to know you better. Please?

-

Get to know me better? What do you want to know about me? You at least know my name, and I don't even know yours. All I know about you is that you play piano,

-

Exactly! So lets use this time to get to know each other better! Let's play 20 questions. Wait! I have an idea. Do you have MXIT, then I can add you on MXIT and then we can chat.

-

Yes, I do have MXIT, but I'm never online and I don't feel like explaining to Alice and Rosalie why I'm suddenly online. We can play 20 questions under 1 condition. No personal questions. By that I mean nothing like where do you live, or first kiss or who's your crush or anything like that. If the question is too personal I will ignore it… and you. So lets play. You can start since it was your idea.

-

Ok. Got it. Nothing personal, and no MXIT. Fine by me.

So for question number 1. If you could visit any country in the world which would it be?

-

Gee that's hard, to be honest I don't really know, but I think probably a Bohemian place like the Czech Republic. And you?

-

Don't vampires live in Bohemian castles?

I would have to choose New Zealand.

Ok now your turn, Hit me with question 2.

-

New Zealand is an interesting choice…

Question 2: Favourite book

-

Saturday by Ian McEwan. Have you read it?

Your favourite book?

-

No I haven't. I've read Atonement though. Brilliant book.

I'd have to say my favourite book is Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen. I love the classics.

Now your turn with question 3.

-

If you could kill one person, and not feel guilty or get arrested who would it be?

-

Quite a violent question there EC, but I'd have to say Robert Mugabe. I hate what he is doing to the people if Zimbabwe.

Who would you kill?

-

Wow, I was going to say Mike Newton because he really irritates me, but you chosing Robert Mugabe is so noble. Thus I've decided to change my mind.

But I just want to check with you before I answer. Can I go back in time to kill this person before he dies?

-

Sure, I have nothing against time travel.

Mike Newton eh? I have to agree he is irritating, especially since he is my ex. But can I just tell you something? It's not worth killing him. You will just spill blood unnecessarily. Save it for someone who deserves it.

-

Ok so time travel is allowed.

So I choose to kill Isaac Newton then. (I've decided to stick with a Newton despite your warning). Why do I want to kill him? Because if the apple never fell on his head we wouldn't have to struggle with his laws in school and struggle with calculus. I know you're going to say without his discoveries we wouldn't know about gravity but still…

Now your turn. Question 4.

We continued to ask each other questions till quite late when Bella decided it was time for bed. It was really fun talking to her. I haven't spoken to her like that in years, since we moved away actually. I regret ever allowing Carlisle to let us move. If I never moved then I would've never lost my Bella. I miss her so much, but I'm going to do everything in my power to get her back.

When I got to school I was immediately overrun by girls all wanting attention from me. But in all honesty I wanted nothing to do with any of them. I just pushed them away and made my way through the crowds towards my first class, Accounting. I saw Jasper sitting by himself, so I decided to go join him. I realised that he wasn't actually such a bad guy. Plus it would give me the competitive advantage if I get to know him better. Oh my word Cullen you are so low. You shouldn't just be nice to the guy to ensure that you get the girl. Whitlock is actually a decent guy.

"Howzit Jasper" I greeted

He looked surprised. "Mind if I sit here?" I asked. What if he doesn't want me here?

He looked at me for a moment before he conceded, "Sure."

"So… how are you?" I was trying to make polite conversation but it was hard.

"Nah I'm good and you? Sleep well?" Good at least he is trying as well. See nice guy.

"I wish I slept well. Alice woke me at like five thirty this morning."

"Shame man. I feel for you. Alice is really energetic."

"I can cope with the energy, it's just the abundance of energy she has in the mornings that scares me."

"I can imagine. So why did she wake you?"

"She wanted to help Bella get dressed."

"Why? It's just school."

"Exactly what I said, and Bella. But Alice insisted that Bella had to look hot for the other guys."

"Why? It's not like Bella wants any of them."

"How sure are you about that?"

"Oh come on Edward man. It's pretty obvious. Even I've noticed it. Don't tell me you haven't."

Noticed what? I am so confused. Am I really that oblivious? Does Bella really like Jasper? Does she really make it that obvious? Just as I was about to ask him what he was talking about Mrs Van Der Berg, the accounting teacher walked in. To say this lesson was boring would be an understatement.

After that excruciatingly boring accounting lesson I had Maths. None of my family and friends were in my class. I was unfortunately stuck with Lauren. I ignored her when she waved me over to come sit with her, and went to go sit in the corner. But that clearly didn't stop her, as she came and sat next to me. Joy.

Luckily the class started just as she opened her mouth. At least I was spared her annoying voice, but that didn't completely stop her when she started to pass notes to me. I decided to humour her because we were doing differential calculus and I actually understood the work.

So Eddie. Bella told me EVERYTHING!!

What are you talking about?

You know… your little agreement

What agreement?

Come on! Everyone knows you and Bella are friends with benefits.

Her reply shocked me. Friends with benefits? I doubt Bella would ever stoop that low, and in any case I could never be just friends with benefits with Bella. I want so much more from her.

What exactly did she tell you?

That you guys 'entertain' each other outside of school, like last night, and then at school you have different 'friends'

What the hell?! Did Bella really say this? Lauren was probably making this up to get a rise out of me. Unless Bella really did say those things, but why would she?

Look Edward don't get mad. I haven't told anyone. It will be just between the 3 of us. Bella told me that Rose and Alice don't even know.

Ok this just keeps getting weirder. But maybe Bella did say those things.

Yeah ok Lauren. Just don't tell anyone else. I wouldn't want to ruin our reps you know? Anyways why did she tell you?

Well I was talking to my girlfriends about our night last night and then Bella must've overheard and gotten jealous or something because the next minute she is like telling us how good you are and stuff.

Ok so many things about that note were wrong. There was no 'last night' for Lauren and I. Bella and I definitely had 'something' last night but definitely not that. And I'm pretty sure Bella doesn't know that I'm EnigmaticComposer.

Oh yeah. Well look Lolly, just don't tell anyone. It will totally cramp my style.

As the bell rang I quickly snatched the note from Laurens paws so that she couldn't keep it as proof or anything for blackmail. I desperately needed to find Bella. We had some things we needed to sort out. As I ran towards my next class I saw her. My eyes nearly popped out of my head. She looked so HOT! I noticed the stares and wolf whistles from the other male students at our school. I felt a wave of anger sear through my body like lightning through the sky. I wanted to scratch out all their eyes and braai (barbeque) them like marshmallows over a fire. Unfortunately I didn't have class with her till after break so I would have to wait till then to talk to her.

As the bell rang for break I just thought to myself, about bloody time!

I quickly made my way over the Bella, Alice and Rosalie's tree where they always sat. As I approached them I saw Emmett there as well. Good. At least I'll have back-up. I decided to act cool. Bella didn't know that I knew about her little lie, so I was going to use it to my advantage. As I got there Emmett greeted me, "Yo Dude!" I just pumped fists with him before looking towards Bella. When I caught her eye, I winked at her and it got the required result. She blushed a lovely shade of red.

I decided to go sit next to her to let her know that I know about her little white lie. But just sitting next to her wasn't enough. I needed to be closer. So I shifted my body weight a bit closer to her, leaned back and stretched my arms out behind me so that I could be closer to her.

"Do you need to sit so close?" She whispered angrily to me.

"Well Bells, I'm just keeping up with the pretence." I replied smoothly.

The look on Bella's face was priceless. I don't think she bargained on me finding out so soon about her lie. Well let's see how she deals with it…

It was really hard for me to focus on but I knew I had to if I wanted to keep Bella on her toes. So I decided to catch up with Emmett about the tri-nations.

"So dude do you think Francois Steyn will play in the upcoming match?" Emmett asked me. Emmett totally worshipped Francois Steyn. And I must admit that he is a good player because he totally won the world cup for us last year. (AN: I must admit I LUV Francois Steyn… he is soooo hot)

"Well I hope he does, because he is really good and a consistent player."

"Who are they playing next?"

"Australia mate." I replied in a mock Aussie accent. Emmett just laughed in response.

I looked over to Bella and noticed she had a far-off look in her eyes. I then looked up. The sight that I saw did not please me very much. I looked up to see Lauren and her dumb friends glaring at us from across the quad. They were checking us out to see if we acted like a couple would. But they forgot we're not a couple. They think were just friends with benefits. Which obviously we'll never be. It's all or nothing for me. Then I had an idea come to me.

I silently leaned over to Bella and whispered in her ear, "Bells, Lauren and her friends are watching us, so do as I tell you. I need you to look away shyly and blush." I felt her stiffen next to me at the sudden unexpectedness of my closeness. I must admit it was nice having her react to me this way.

Bella obeyed my command perfectly. As I leaned away I saw the beautiful red blush spread across her cheeks. I leaned back in to remind her to turn away to complete the 'effect'. To end it off, I picked up her left hand and grazed my lips gently across her knuckles. I heard the cries of outrage from Lauren and her little friends. I think Bella felt the need to 'keep up the pretence' because she playfully pushed me away.

I think Bella was a bit flustered by what happened, because soon after she started talking to Rose probably about some nonsense, but she didn't look up once. Instead she kept pulling out tufts of grass. I heard her beautiful voice as I decided to emerge back into reality.

"So Rose, have you received any feedback from your previous outreach project to help AIDS orphans?"

"Nope, but I think I'm going to run another campaign to just create more awareness and maybe do a fundraising project so that we can collect money to buy the kids some food or something."

Suddenly I realised I didn't compliment Bella on her brilliant acting. I leaned in once again and whispered "Perfect" in her ear. But secretly I wasn't just referring to her acting, I was more referring to her, everything about her is perfect.

While I watched the emotions play on Bella's face, I processed what she and Rosalie said to each other. Then it hit me! Another brilliant idea! Today must be like my genius idea day or something.

"Rose maybe we can plan a fundraiser together, you know the team and outreach committee working together." I asked Rosalie. I could see Emmett wasn't paying attention as he was mindlessly playing with a strand of Rosalie's hair.

"Like how?"

"I don't know, like maybe we do a fundraising project to collect money for sports equipment and then the rugby team go with you guys and then we can teach the kids to play rugby and just have a fun day with them."

I could see that Rosalie liked the idea. I was hoping Bella liked the idea too, because ultimately I was doing it to impress her.

"Oh my word Edward! Who knew you were such a genius! That is a perfect plan! I'm going to ask the principal right now!" and with that Rosalie was off. She didn't even say goodbye to anyone.

Emmett just sat there with a confused look on his face till the bell rang signalling the end of break.

"How about I escort you to class Ms Swan?" My head snapped around as I heard someone talking to Bella. Who the hell does Eric Yorkie think he is? Doesn't he realise Bella is mine? That idiot short boy! But I couldn't help wondering if maybe Bella preferred Eric over me? But my worries were soon made obsolete as Bella replied to Eric.

"Um, it's fine Eric. I think I'll just walk with Edward." She replied softly with a slight blush.

"Wouldn't have it any other way." I immediately replied with a huge smile on my face. I grabbed her hand and marched off to our next class. I was eager to get her away from everyone else, but especially Eric.

As we were walking to class I could hear the hushed whispers everywhere around us. So they obviously heard the story as well…

I decided to tune everyone else out and just focus on this moment. I thought back to the song we danced to on Friday night, and realised that I just want to get lost in the moment like the song says. Her hand felt so right in mine. A perfect fit.

As we got to the biology class I unwillingly let go of her hand. As soon as we sat down I saw her take her phone out and read a message. She blushed before she put the phone away.

I didn't see Bella for the rest of the school day. After school I saw Lauren heading towards me but I decided to just make a run for it. I really didn't feel like talking to her. As I got in my car I sped out of the parking lot. I didn't want to go home just yet, so I decided to go buy some lunch from Woolies. I parked my car, and made my way towards the store when my phone rang. The caller ID read Rosalie. I wondered what she wanted so instead of ignoring it like I would've if it was someone like Lauren.

"Hey Rose." I answered dejectedly. Secretly I was hoping it would be Bella.

"Listen Edward. We have a little problem. Bella needs your help." My heart started racing at the mention of those words.

"Is she okay?" I stuttered

"She's fine at the moment but I don't think she's going to be so fine for long. We're at the Spar and the cashier is harassing her. He is telling her he is your friend which I highly doubt."

"I'm on my way."

Without second thought I turned around and sprinted back to my car. I pushed the petrol as hard as possible so that I could get to Bella sooner. In my review mirror I saw a light flash. But I didn't care. Bella's safety was worth getting a few speeding fines over. Within 4 minutes I had my car parked in the Spar parking lot. I jumped out and ran towards the entrance of the store. I quickly scanned the rows of tills as I entered the store. Finally my eyes landed on my Bella. I could see she was uncomfortable in the situation that she was in.

I ran over to Bella. As soon as I got to her, I wrapped my arm protectively around her waist and placed a soft kiss in her neck. I looked up at the cashier shooting him an angry look as if to say mess with my girl and I will make sure you won't be able to reproduce.

I felt Bella tense up in my arms again, but that was until she looked up and noticed who was holding her. She immediately relaxed as our eyes connected. She leaned closer to me and said in a soft sweet voice, "Hey honey" and leaned up to place a kiss on my cheek. I increased my grip on her, not wanting to ever let her go.

I looked back at the cashier before snapping at him, "I think you should let the girls pay for their shopping now idiot. And never lie to my girlfriend again. You are NOT my friend and keep your eyes to yourself. She is too good for scum like you."

I hated the way this worm was looking at my Bella. I just wanted to get her out of here as soon as possible. I didn't let go of Bella once while the cashier was adding up their shopping. Finally we were able to leave. I grabbed all the bags in one hand, not letting go of Bella.

"Edward will you take the shopping home?" Alice asked, "The girls and I have to go look for a DVD."

"Alice I really don't feel like going with." Bella moaned.

I quickly glanced at Bella before answering. "Alice I'll take Bella and the shopping home."

"Thank you Edward. I'm so tired because I was woken so early this morning." Bella gave Alice a very pointed look while saying the last part.

"Don't worry Bells I know the feeling." I said.

"Fine. You two are sooooooo boring." Alice replied before getting into Rose's car.

"Finally." I could hear Rose cry as Alice got into the car.

I was still holding on to Bella as I put their shopping in the boot. I then walked to the passenger side and opened the door for Bella. I gently guided her in before going over to my side and getting in.

"Thank you Edward." She softly replied

"For what?" I asked perplexed

"For helping me"

"I'd do anything for you Bella. Surely you must know that."

She looked up at me with surprise written all over her face. "Oh" was all she could say. I immediately felt guilty. I know that I've treated her so badly over the past year. And she really didn't deserve it, it was all my fault.

"Why Edward?" She whispered with tears in her eyes.

Does she want to know why I would do anything for her? It's pretty obvious. I love her that's why. But I can't exactly say that to her.

"Because… gee Bella I really don't know. How could I not want to help you in any way possible?"

"No Edward. That's not what I mean."

I was confused. Then what do you mean?

"Then what do you mean Bells?" I asked gently

"Edward why didn't you ever contact me after you moved?"

Wow. That was the last thing I ever expected. I didn't know how to answer this one either.

"Bells can we please talk about this at home?" I gently brushed my fingers across her cheek before focussing on the road again. We just drove through the estate gate so we should be home soon. 3 minutes tops.

"I waited you know." She whispered. I'm not sure I was meant to hear that, but I did. And what I heard broke my heart. Her voice sounded so broken… almost hurt.

Finally we drove up the driveway. As we stopped I jumped out and ran to her side to open the door for her. She briefly glanced up at me and smiled, but the smile didn't reach her eyes. Instead, it looked forced.

I got the groceries from the back and carried it inside. I just left it on the kitchen counter. Someone else could put it away. I silently grabbed Bella's hand and led her upstairs to my room.

"Bells, I think we need to talk." Was all I said as she sat down on my black leather couch next to me.

AN: Hey guys!

Thanks soooo much for all the reviews I've been getting. They make me so happy! You guys are the BEST!!

I'm not going to be able to update for a while because I've got really important emas for the nest 3 weeks so bare with me please… and wish me luck because I'm seriously going to need it!

But don't forget to review and tell me what you think. What do you think Edward will say to Bella??