A/N I don't own Twilight. I just borrow the characters

Hello my dear readers. I am so sorry to have you kept waiting for so long. I stumbled upon this tiny annoying thing called 'writer's block.' It's a nasty phenomenon, I can tell you.I didn't even dare to reply to reviews because I felt horrible for not being able to write. But yesterday, the words came back to me again, hurray!

My upcoming updates will most likely not be weekly anymore. Bear with me, I love to write this but I want to do it at my own pace. It's supposed to make me happy, not stressed ;)

Endless thanks to my beta Sherryola, who never urged me to write but reassured me time and again that inspiration would hit. She was right. Sherry, thank you so much!

Myth'lovin, this one is for you. I hope you remember why :)

Jasper excused himself to use the restroom almost immediately, thoroughly annoyed by our strong emotions that he couldn't tune out. Alice sat alone and relaxed a little after a while, telling us that we would make it until the bell rang, at least.

Or, that's what I thought she said, because it took several seconds for her words to sink in and actually gain a meaning in my head.

My universe, currently, was Edward, and Edward alone. Two seconds before the bell rang, we stood up simultaneously and walked from the classroom at a quick, but still human pace. We simply left our stuff behind and walked out of the school building, not noticing anything that happened around us. Hundreds of students filled the hallways, all bodies and breaths and warmths and pulses and heartbeats. I did not notice them. Although I was no longer looking at Edward, every fiber of my being was attuned to his and I knew exactly where he was beside me. The hallway could have been empty, as I was only aware of him.

We crossed the parking lot and as soon as we were out of human sight, broke into a fast run into the forest. Edward tackled me as soon as we were out of human hearing range and claimed me as his wife, albeit standing up against a tree to prevent getting our clothes too dirty.

He didn't waste time on sweet words or gentle caresses and was all business as he steadily rocked us through several rounds of mind-blowing fireworks. I closed my eyes in bliss and let my head rest back against the tree as his love washed over me, time after time after glorious time.

I was pulled out of my trance as I suddenly heard him grinning. I looked questioningly into his amused face.

"It's like I'm feeling you up as the adolescent I pretend to be," he chuckled, "taking you like this in the forest."

"Yeah, so much for foreplay," I breathed, and he showed his heart-stopping crooked smile as he pulled a piece of bark from my hair.

"You don't feel neglected, though, right?"

I groaned. "Edward, how can you still be insecure after all these years? I love everything you do, even if it's immature," I joked as I ruffled his hair.

He took it as a cue to treat me as the seventeen-year-old he just claimed to be. He put on a silly, lovesick face and covered my face with sloppy, wet kisses. As if that wasn't bad enough, he let his hands roam my body clumsily, positively groping and gripping where his caresses were always so careful and sweet.

I laughed out loud but he wouldn't relent. "Oh, Isabella," he groaned mockingly, "I finally have you to myself here in this forest. Let's give ourselves over to this magic before we have time to come to our senses."

"Oh no, darling," I wheezed with laughter as his tongue lapped — yes, lapped —at my neck. "You kind of fell out of your role there a little."

Edward chuckled once more and pulled back to look at me. "Then what should I say?"

"Hmm, a real seventeen-year-old might say something like, 'I want to fuck you senseless.'"

His eyes widened at my choice of words, but his body responded and he dutifully did as he was told.

~O~

We trailed back onto the drizzling parking lot before lunch hour had ended — thank the heavens for vampire speed. Alice came trailing out of the main school building to collect us and tutted as she saw the state of my hair.

"Had fun, guys?" She cocked an eyebrow as she pulled out yet another piece of tree bark out of my hair, before she tried to get it into style again. "Hopeless," she breathed, frowning. Then she reached into her backpack and handed me a jacket. "Put this on, your back is covered in green smudges."

"That's his fault," I deadpanned, pointing at my husband. "He wouldn't let me go on top."

"Silly," Alice smiled as I put on the denim jacket she gave me — I recognized it as being one of my own. "You don't let your husband let you go on top. You just go on top."

"Ah, so that's the secret," I mocked. "Thanks, I'll remember it for next time."

"You do that. And go wash your face. You really smell like Edward there. What on earth did he do to you?"

As if she didn't know that. I told her as much.

"I didn't see that. I've been focusing on Dana, and as far as I can tell, she won't try anything stupid during the auditions this afternoon."

"Thank you," Edward said sincerely.

"I'm sorry, Alice. It feels wrong to just bolt while all this is going on."

"Don't be," she admonished. "You were building a bond, which is something you can't help and something you shouldn't want to help. It's a very special thing that you have and I sometimes wish I had such a thing to share with Jasper."

"What you have with Jasper is just as special if nothing else, Alice, and you know that. At least you don't have to endure the risks that we do."

Alice shrugged, but conceded. "It's easier sometimes, I'll admit."

"Where is he, by the way?"

At that, Alice laughed her bell-like laugh, throwing her head back as she did so. "He's pissed at you, so he left into another part of the forest to hunt and ease his frustration somewhat. Then he called, seething, that he could still hear you from miles away…" — she ignored my embarrassed "Oh!" — so I told him I'd meet him once I'd intercepted you both here. Jacob and Ness are waiting in the lunchroom for you, if you hurry you can greet them before you have homeroom. Which I will miss, fortunately."

She pirouetted once before she set off for the forest herself. "Let's see if I can bring out the twenty-year-old in my man," she laughed, and we laughed in response. So she had been seeing what we'd been up to. Vixen.

However much I longed to tackle her and tickle her to death, I wanted to hug Renesmee more, so I took Edward's hand and led the way into the school building again.

My phone buzzed. A text from Emmett.

It's your turn to truth or dare. We're waiting. Em.

Was he still not finished with this? I texted, Emmett, TorD? back, hoping that he would take a dare.

He chose truth. Drat.

"Ask him why he likes bears so much," Edward whispered as we spotted Renesmee in the lunchroom and waved at her.

"Why?" I vaguely wondered if it would be weird if I hugged my 'sister' in the middle of this crowded place.

"Because they deserve a break, too, don't you think?"

Still not understanding, I did as Edward suggested and asked Emmett why he liked bears so much. The answer was as surprising to me as it was sweet.

If it wasn't for bears, I wouldn't have Rosalie.

A big smile almost split my face in half. Yes, as soon as Rosalie saw this message they would also spend the next hour someplace remote, I guessed. I was still grinning as I looked up from my phone, straight into Jacobs face.

"Jeez, Bells, so happy to see me?"

"Always," I breathed, batting my lashes mockingly, and his face screwed up in fake disgust. Before he could reply however, the bell rang. "All well?" I asked Renesmee quickly.

She nodded, grinning, her copper curls bouncing across her face. "You know," she whispered lowly, "as my parents you're not really giving me the good example, sneaking off and ditching whenever you can."

We laughed at her observation. "When you've been through your first high school cycle, I officially give you leave to do whatever you want. But for now, please do not follow our example."

"Will do. Besides, I'm having fun. D'you know what's up in Health? Sex education."

I laughed with Ness at the prospect, but Edward looked alarmed. "Aren't you too young for that? You have to be eighteen, legally, so perform any such type behavior."

Renesmee shrugged. "Apart from the fact that 'any such type behavior' is none of my concern as yet, I think it's a good thing they do this early, instead of ignoring it and leaving it too late. The rate of teenage pregnancies around here is staggering."

I loved it when she mocked her father with the ancient language he sometimes still used, I couldn't help it. I also loved it that she didn't push Edward's buttons by mentioning he was still 'seventeen' and as such would never be allowed to perform in, well, any such type behavior.

"Kids, please leave for your classes," a teacher requested, interrupting and effectively ending our conversation. As I looked around me I saw the canteen was empty. We were going to be late.

We said our quick goodbyes and I gave in to the temptation to hug Renesmee. To my surprise, she hugged me back fiercely.

Edward took my hand again as we walked towards our homeroom classroom together. He gave it a gentle squeeze before he spoke. "Do you think Renesmee is ready for this type of knowledge?"

I knew what he was referring to immediately. And I understood his worries. After all, although she looked and acted the part of a sixteen-year-old, she had been on this earth for only seven years.

"I honestly don't know," I admitted. "But she's going to find out one way or the other, and I'd much rather she learns about these things in a safe environment and before she really loses her innocence."

"You're right, as usual." He looked at me then, amber eyes intense. "Do you think I am too overprotective of her?"

I shook my head vigorously. "Yes and no. You are her father and she is your only daughter. Of course you are protective."

We'd reached the ladies' restroom and I paused. "I want to wash my face a bit, I do smell a lot like you."

Edward grinned and wagged his eyebrows at me. "Anything you don't like about that?"

I snorted and pushed open the door, surprised to see that he stepped in after me. He went to stand behind me and I laughed as I realized what he was doing. His hands snaked around my waist and he bent his body with mine as I bent forward to splash some water in my face.

I bumped my rear backwards a bit and he laughed, his face resting between my shoulder blades.

"This really is a very comfortable position," he mused, tightening his grip around me and nuzzling his cheek against my back. "I think I'll stay like this for a while."

Not understanding what he meant, I tried to get up. I didn't succeed. He was holding me in his iron grip, and I couldn't move an inch even if I tried. I shook with laughter as I to no avail tried to release myself from his hold.

"I think I'll take a nap," he murmured, and he tightened his grip a little more.

I leaned my elbows on the sink and gave in. Edward was so much stronger than me, it really was no use to try and fight him. If I would try, this feeble restroom would probably not survive, which would be hard to explain to unsuspecting humans.

As soon as I relaxed, Edward let me go. I raised my eyebrows in surprise and started to say, "Wow, you're done quick—" but he picked me up in one swift movement and shoved me into one of the toilets. He locked the door behind him and placed two long fingers over my lips, warning me with his eyes.

A second later, the door of the restroom banged open and I recognized Dana's scent immediately. I squeezed my eyes shut in frustration and bit back a groan. A very low, very faint warning rumble escaped from my chest, but I wasn't really worried about that as humans would never be able to hear it.

"Hey, Jodi, want to borrow my new lip gloss again? The color suits you."

"Yeah, okay," Jodi agreed. Some shuffling, rummaging through bags and the sound of a tube being unscrewed.

"Have you seen Edward at lunch?"

"No, I didn't see him, he wasn't at the table the sat on yesterday, but then again they also spent lunch elsewhere on Monday, didn't they?" Jodi asked in return.

"It was so weird," Dana gushed, "just as the bell rang he left the classroom with his sister, and he was looking… I don't know, tense."

I started to move from Edward's grip. I was going to put an end to this once and for all. Edward however would have none of it and he restrained me with a force that was way out of proportion to fulfill its goal.

Okay, point taken, I'll be quiet. I did roll my eyes though.

"Maybe he was fighting with his sister?" Jodi offered. "I mean, they are siblings, and you fight with Mark like, all the time."

I looked up at Edward in utter surprise at this and his eyes crinkled as he smiled. Mark? Jodi's comment about some of the students not even greeting their siblings suddenly made more sense.

As did Mark's comment about knowing what it is to change schools in the middle of the semester.

"Don't get me started on him," Dana snarled. "He's such an ass. But I'm not sure if Edward was fighting with his sister. He didn't look angry. Anyway, you have to lure that sister away from him sometime. I want to get him alone."

Jodi sighed so softly only we could hear it. "Tell me what I should do."

"I'll think of something. God, my hair is God-awful today. Have you seen Edward's hair, by the way? The way it was this morning… I don't know what he does with it, but damn!"

"Out-of-bed-hair," Jodi agreed.

"No, sex-hair," Dana countered, and Jodi giggled.

"Just-fucked-hair," I mouthed at Edward, and he showed his patented crooked smile.

"Everything about that guy just oozes sex," Dana said dreamily. "I'd love to get a feel of his hair," I laced my fingers through Edward's hair as she said it, "or his lips, maybe." I traced Edward's lips with my fingertips, and he surprised me by sucking my index finger into his mouth. My knees buckled and Edward snaked his arms around me to keep me upright.

This was one wicked, and dangerous, game.

Edward softly bit down on my finger and swirled his tongue around it and I had to bite my lip to keep quiet. He wagged his eyebrows at me suggestively and I shook my head, smiling still. Dana, in the meantime, just kept on going.

"And that body, oh my Lord, it was rock hard when I fell into him last Monday. I'd give a dear thing to see him without his clothes on."

I cocked my eyebrow at her comment and Edward rolled his eyes. "Horrible girl," he muttered under his breath after he'd reluctantly let go of my finger. I sucked it into my own mouth immediately, and his eyes got wide as he saw what I was doing.

His slender fingers closed around my wrist and slowly pulled my finger out from between my lips, before he softly pressed his lips on mine. He pressed his body flush against mine quietly, his fingers trailing in my hair and his kiss deepening with a silent, intense urge.

We were stone-cold creatures, but this was hot.

Edward pulled open his secret drawer of kissing techniques as Dana kept on gushing. It was a good thing he was holding me upright already. The only muscle that was still functioning in my body was my tongue.

It was such a shame he got distracted as Dana started to nag about me. Edward pulled back and, gaze locked with mine, stood frozen to listen.

"That sister of his gets on my nerves, though. Stupid bitch. She hovers around him like she has a claim on him or something."

Hmm, I do, I mused with lowered shield as I fluttered my ringed finger beside my face. Edward's eyes lit up, as they always did when I acknowledged the fact that we were married.

"There's something off with her though. I can't put my finger on it. It's the same with the blondie, whatsherface."

"Rosalie?"

"Rosalie. Weird name for a weird girl."

"You know," Jodi said hesitantly, "I think Edward is really fond of his sister, and she of him. If you want to get to him, maybe you should try to be nice to her."

The silence that followed was almost eerie. I could only imagine the look of horror that must be on Dana's face. I could also imagine this look would mirror mine.

"That will be hard, but you may be right. Come on, let's get moving or Patrick will have a fit."

They trailed out of the restroom, leaving me and Edward looking at each other.

"I'm sorely tempted to consider home schooling, do you know that?" I breathed.

Edward chuckled and kissed me lightly, then took my left hand and kissed my ringed finger. "Let's get moving, or Patrick will have a fit."

It was my turn to chuckle.

"Was it as bad for you when you were in high school before?" I asked as we walked to our homeroom class.

"Oh, no, it was worse."

"How so?"

"Well, you see, most of the students had the common sense to stay away, but there was this one girl that kept seeking us out. To make it worse, she was my singer…"

I slapped him in his arm, then met his gaze. "Do you miss it?"

He stopped in front of the door of the classroom, his hand on the door handle. "What?"

"My scent. Do you miss it?"

He didn't answer me, but opened the door and motioned for me to get in.

I looked at him, surprised, and a little concerned, but I did as he asked and walked into the classroom.

"Ah, so you've finally decided to join us!" Mr. O'Neil exclaimed over the voices of the talking students. Several of them looked up, including Jodi and Dana.

I just shrugged. I did not want to deal with this special case right now. I sat down at an empty desk and Edward sat down beside me, looking thoughtful.

Sure enough, Mr. O'Neil sought us out immediately. As he had done on our first day, he took a chair and straddled it, facing us. "Care to explain why you are so late?"

I looked at the teacher and tried to keep the glare from my eyes. I bit back about five snarky remarks before I settled for the truth. "I wanted to wash my face a bit before we came in, sir."

Of course he didn't ask further, so I could have fabricated a reason. Not Mr. Patrick O'Neil. He just looked at me, then at Edward.

"I fell over and got mud in my face, that's why," I added, chagrined now. I placed my hand on Edward's arm, in a loving gesture I hoped would clear this teacher's suspicions.

Mr. O'Neil looked at my hand and met my eyes for a long moment. I didn't look away.

"I would appreciate it if you come into my class on time."

"We're sorry, sir. It won't happen again," Edward said sincerely. How he pulled that off was a mystery to me.

Mr. O'Neil looked at him for a long moment before he spoke again. "Where are your other brother and sister?"

Outside in the forest, performing all kinds of unspeakable behavior I would dearly like to perform with my beloved husband right now.

"They had other obligations, obviously," Edward said, annoyed now. "I don't monitor their every breath."

I had to look away to not laugh at that.

"Fair enough," Mr. O'Neil conceded hesitantly. "If you see them again, please ask them to visit my office."

We both nodded, eager for this teacher to leave.

As soon as Mr. O'Neil got up, I turned to Edward. He looked at me from the corner of his eye. "He really wants to become your best friend," he scowled. "He wants you to share your secrets with him, and only him."

"That was not what I was going to ask, but it's nice to know," I replied, frowning.

"I always wondered how people could think what they think, but this is outrageous," he hissed. "He has vivid mental images about you breaking down with him so he can be your hero."

I frowned again — or maybe my frown had never left my face. "Has he done that before, with other girls?" The man would need some sort of benchmark for this, wouldn't he?

"It seems girls are easily drawn to him and they come to him with all their little worries, and he loves it when they trust him enough to tell him their story. With us, he thinks that something very serious is wrong."

Well, gah.

"But what does he do? Does he date them or something?" God forbid, but I knew such things happened.

"No, he just wants to be their equal."

Well, I that did reassure me a little. I looked up at the teacher, who was now squatting at a table with four girls, smiling indulgently. How did I ever think I would get along with this man? "Should I tell him how I cannot sleep because some annoying brunette is lusting after my husband?" I asked from the corner of my mouth.

It worked — he laughed. "It might just work. Now, about that little fantasy of yours—"

"Hi Edward."

Sweet mother of Jesus. I could barely hide the audible snap with which my jaws came together. Edward's warning hand on my leg let me know that I was probably growling just a bit too loudly as well.

"Dana," Edward nodded.

"Where were you during lunch? I couldn't find you anywhere and I wanted to introduce you to my friends."

Edward looked up at her, his face carefully expressionless. "I have no interest in meeting your friends, Dana," he said flatly. "In fact, I have no interest in getting to know you, at all."

Where were those pompons when you needed them? I wanted to cheer all right!

Dana looked at Edward, stunned. Her mouth fell open and her shoulders slumped a little. "You don't?"

Edward nodded solemnly. "I don't."

The expression on Dana's face shifted from disappointment to anger. "Why not?"

"Why would I?" Edward retorted.

Dana looked down at herself, gesturing up and down her body with her hands. "What's not to like?"

Did she really just do that?

"You, Dana. I don't like you. I am not interested in you."

I loved my husband. So much.

Dana cocked an eyebrow at Edward and I was starting to wonder how long he was going to drag this out. His hand on my leg, hidden under the table, warned me quite firmly to keep quiet though, so I did.

"You haven't even given me a chance," Dana pouted. "You should at least go out on a date with me, so I can change your opinion." The look on her face bordered on ridiculous, but I think she was going for seductive.

Just as I was about to inform our girlfriend that she didn't need to bother, my phone vibrated in my pocket. Alice.

Don't. Trust me.

Why, why, why would she not let me tell Dana that Edward was mine, and mine alone? Although Alice was out with Jasper and I wanted to give them their time alone, I was very tempted to call her right this moment and ask her what the hell was going on. However, I knew better than to bet against Alice, so I kept my mouth shut anyway.

Dana had seen me getting out my phone to read the text and with one last meaningful look at Edward, she turned for Mr., Patrick, O'Neil.

"Patrick?" she crooned.

Mr. O'Neil's head shot up when he heard his name and he smiled when he saw Dana.

"I thought telephones were not allowed inside the school?" Dana asked sweetly.

Did she really just do that?

"They are not, Dana. Why do you ask?" he asked, approaching our table and looking from me, to Edward, to Dana.

"Because I saw Bella with her phone just now," Dana whined. "Why would she get to use her phone in school?"

Note to self: lynch Alice as soon as she is within leaping reach.

"Did you use your phone, Bella?"

"No, sir," I said flatly.

"She is lying," Dana accused. "I saw her reading a text message just now."

Why was she doing this?

Mr. O'Neil sighed and held out his hand. "I'm afraid I will have to take it from you, Bella. You will get it back tomorrow."

This was not the normal procedure and I saw that Mr. O'Neil knew this as well. I looked at Edward from the corner of my eye. He was looking ahead, his eyes unfocused. I realized he must be having a silent conversation with Alice. Was she close by again? He was going to be no help now, anyway, and it would attract unwanted attention if I tried to get him focused again. Where was the man when you needed him?

"Mr. O'Neil," I started, holding my phone under the table in my lap still, "I believe you have to catch me in the act before you are allowed to confiscate my phone? And only then after a warning has been given?"

Finally, Edward seemed to become aware again of what was happening around him. Just then, my phone vibrated again in my hands. I was glad that Mr. O'Neil wouldn't be able to hear the buzzing sound over the noise in the class. Edward heard, though, and he jerked his head a little into the direction of the sound.

"Bella, hand me your phone or you'll have to explain yourself at the principal's office this afternoon."

What on earth was this man talking about? Why was he making the rules up as he went along? But then again, this afternoon? Ness would have her audition this afternoon! I would not miss that for the world, and certainly not for something as silly as a phone. I had to give in. I had to see Ness.

That didn't stop me from rolling my eyes as I brought the phone from my lap to above the table. My curiosity was roaring but I would not be able to read the received message now.

Mr. O'Neil held out his hand again and I looked at him. Then I turned off my phone, and what I saw in his eyes was exceptionally disturbing. I saw disappointment.

Even Edward frowned, probably at Mr. O'Neil's thoughts. Dana stood looking at us, an incredible smug smile on her face. A lot of other students had picked up on what was happening as well, so we had an audience.

I considered getting my SIM-card out, but I needed a special tool to open my phone and retrieve the small chip. I could try opening the phone without the tool, but I would probably smash the whole thing in the process. With a deep sigh, I placed my phone into Mr. O'Neil's waiting hand, all the while carefully avoiding skin contact.

"Thank you," he said. "You can come pick it up this afternoon."

This afternoon? Didn't he just say that he was going to keep it until tomorrow? I wouldn't be here this afternoon. I would be with Ness. Oh, well, I could do without the phone. I hoped Mr. O'Neil wasn't going to try and hack it to get my messages. I hadn't taken my time to delete them as yet. And Edward's paper planes I had saved purposefully. Those promises I wanted him to fulfill. Badly. Hmmm…

I frowned at Mr. O'Neil's back before I directed my glare at Dana, who was still standing at our table, looking expectantly at Edward. Then I looked at Mark, who was looking at us as well. I noticed for the first time that he and Dana had exactly the same eyes.

"Are you happy now?" I snarled, looking back at Dana.

"Exceptionally," Dana answered, before she turned on her heels and went back to the table with her — squealing — gang.

Oh, what my evil mind wanted to do to that girl…

I looked at Edward, who finally spoke. His eyes were flat black with anger, but I knew he wasn't angry with me. A rush of love washed over me as I saw him so protective, I couldn't help it. "O'Neil wants you alone, that's why he wants you to collect your phone this afternoon."

I shook my head in disbelief. "Figures. But I can do without that phone. I want to see Ness's audition."

Edward nodded, his hand back on my leg and rubbing soothing circles, although it was probably to reassure himself more than me.

"Why on earth did Dana tell on me?"

"She thinks I hate you, because she thinks she has seen us fighting. She thought I would appreciate it if she put you in a bad light with the teacher. It's what she often does with Mark."

"Does she, now? Maybe Mark will tell her about us?" I asked hopefully.

Edward harrumphed. "Mark and Dana have not had one civilized conversation in years. He's not going to share his knowledge with her because he sees we are happy. Alice was right, though. Dana really shouldn't know."

This made me angry and I turned to Edward to face him. "Why, Edward? Why can she not know about us? For heaven's sake, is it really worth all this anguish?"

He raised one eyebrow in warning, but I knew I was still talking quietly enough to not be overheard.

"Dana might attack you if she knows. It'll expose us when she tries to harm you." He winced when he spoke these words.

"I'm pretty sure I'll see such a thing coming, so I can prevent her hitting me," I hissed. "Damn it, Edward. I knew we wouldn't be shouting it off the rooftops that we are married, but I really don't see why Dana cannot know we are a couple. I'll just dodge her when she tries something."

Edward looked at me and his jaws snapped together audibly in his tension. "You wouldn't. Alice has seen it happen. It's a probable outcome."

My mouth fell open at his revelation. Would Dana really be able to get to me that way? If I said that this didn't offend me, I would lie. But if indeed I wouldn't be able to avoid her, and she would attack me, indeed it would risk exposure. I did not want to put my family into that risk. I couldn't. I had brought them so much trouble already, both before and after my change.

I scowled fiercely, swallowed thickly and balled my fists. "Okay. But if it ever comes to it, I will not deny you," I swore. "I won't ever deny you."

When I looked into Edward's eyes again, they were lightening up quickly, turning into blazing gold and radiating a love that was almost tangible. "I know. Nor I you. Never."

Blessing or curse, I'm not sure, but the bell rang and we were interrupted just in time before yet another bond could start to build.

I wondered how this could happen twice within hours. Usually, if we had one or two a week it was a lot. Plus it had never really happened in crowded places. Maybe we did need to speak to Carlisle about this.

I had smelled Alice and Jasper outside the classroom even before the door opened. She peeked in, wary, but grinned when she caught my glare.

"If it weren't virtually impossible, I would try to kill you right now," I hissed, softly enough to not be heard over the noise of the students, but loud enough so I was sure Alice would hear.

Alice grinned even wider.

I started to leave the classroom with Edward as Mr. O'Neil called. "Bella?" Noooooooo… "Yes." The man had got to learn when to let things go already. Behind me, Edward walked away as if he couldn't care less, but I knew he was listening.

"Come pick up your phone this afternoon."

"Mr. O'Neil, I won't be able to. My… sisters are trying out for cheerleader and I wouldn't miss that for the world."

"Are you really that close to your siblings?"

I didn't even try to hide my annoyance anymore. "Yes, Mr. O'Neil, we really are that close to each other. Is that so special?"

He was at least a little taken aback with my answer and he cleared his throat before he spoke again. "I guess not. You obviously don't think it's special."

That man was making my skin crawl. "I obviously don't. Can I go now?"

"You don't want your phone back?"

Well, I did, but my daughter was infinitely more important than a piece of technology that could be instantly replaced.

"Mr. O'Neil, I told you I won't be able to be here this afternoon. I can pick it up tomorrow at homeroom. That's fine."

"Wow, Bella, what's taking you so long! You're not trying to bribe the teacher for an A, are you?" Alice chirped behind me, knowing full well what she was doing and how grateful I would be for it.

"No, she isn't," Mr. O'Neil laughed humorlessly. "You go, before you are late for your next class."

Before I could reply, Alice was tugging me out of the room. "I think I hate the man," I muttered when we caught up with our men.

"He's seeking you out, he wants to get you alone," Alice replied.

"No shit," I cursed, shoving my hands into my pockets.

Edward came up beside me and slipped his arm comfortingly around my waist. "Do you want to leave?"

"I don't want to miss Ness." In the back of my mind however I knew full well that Edward wouldn't want that either.

"We'll be back in time. Come on, let's get out of here."

"Is it okay if we come?" Alice asked.

"Do you have to ask? You've seen the outcome, haven't you?" The smug look on her face bugged me especially right now.

Alice shrugged. "I thought you liked to have the illusion of choice now and then."

"God, I think I hate you too," I scowled, but I was grinning again. "So where are we going?"

"Doesn't matter," Edward said as he held me tighter. "But we're going away from this hell hole, that's for sure."

Alice and Jasper preceded us as we walked towards the exit of the school.

"It kind of sucks that I'm without my phone now," I said. "I hadn't deleted everything yet. Your paper planes are still on it."

Edward threw his head back and laughed. "Okay, now I'm almost hoping that O'Neil will succeed in hacking your phone."

"Will succeed? As in, he's going to try?"

"He will, but no worries, he won't get there," Alice said without looking back. "Catch, by the way," she added, and without looking threw a phone over her shoulder, which I deftly plucked out of the air.

"It's all set up and everybody has your new number."

"When did you do this?" I asked. "Wait, you knew…?"

"Yes, I knew," Alice finally looked back over her shoulder at me, "and it was more important that Dana didn't know about you than you having to go for maybe ten minutes without your phone. Stop sulking."

I just huffed. Stop sulking, indeed.

So, Mark and Dana seem to know each other... Will that have any consequences? And Edward has finally told Dana he isn't interested, huzzah!

What will happen with Patrick O'Neil? And why has Edward never sent me a paper plane?

I write as fast as I can. I do. But there are other things that want my attention; real life, 2 jobs and a boyfriend being some of them.

Please, press review and send me some love :)