Chapter 12

BPOV

I took Bella out to La Bella in Port Angeles, our first date and I think it went rather well. We talked and got a feel for each other; we already knew so much. She was a lot more open than I thought she would be; I don't know why she is so shy.

I cannot find the right words to explain how happy it made me when she told me she didn't want to be friends, she wanted more. The look on her face when she thought that was what I wanted said all that I needed to know. The way she looked at me whenever I said her name, or the way she seemed so at ease around me was almost more than I could bear.

Bella liked me, loved me maybe, and I felt the same way. What a relief it was to know I wasn't the only one.

Saturday came around and I was taking Bella to my meadow, I never took anyone there; it was just for me and now it was for her, too. She warned me that her father wanted to chat with me; this ought to be good. The good old chief was going to get all big bad wolf on me over his daughter. I would expect nothing less.

She was sitting on her stairs once again when I pulled up. Her face light up when our eyes met and it warmed my entire body. I wasn't sure if it did the same thing for her but I knew I wanted to feel it every day forever.

"Hi Edward," she greeted me, walking in my direction as I stepped out of the car. I grabbed her into my arms and hugged her tightly to me. I didn't bother with greeting her properly because I assumed she didn't want me to do that in front of her parents who were now standing on the porch watching our embrace.

"I missed you my Bella," I said into her ear so her parents couldn't hear. I released her and she held my hand as she walked me to the porch.

"Dad, mom, this is Edward Cullen," I had never heard her say my full name out loud and I had never heard it said so alluringly before. I had the urge to pull her closer to me but I stopped myself because that would not be appropriate in front of Chief Swan and the misses.

So instead I turned on my parental authority charm, "It's nice to finally meet you formally."

"It's nice to meet you as well," Mrs. Swan replied with a voice almost identical to Bella's. They had a lot of the same features, which is to be expected, but Bella also had features of her fathers. The hair and the eyes were definitely the same between them.

"So where are you taking Bella?" Chief Swan asked quizzically.

"We are going to the walking path right off of highway 101. The scenery is beautiful out there and Bella told me she has never been. I hope that is alright with you? If not we can find something else to do." I added that last part because I know parents like to have options to choose from, rather than playing the bad guy and making up the options on their own.

"No, that sounds just fine," he looked to Bella and continued. "Make sure your phone is on and be sure to check in with us."

"Okay dad," Bella replied sardonically.

The drive was a quiet one, she seemed to like the silence when we drove and I didn't mind at all. I held her hand on the shifter like I did before and it was a relief that she was close enough for me to touch her. She didn't mind the hike to get there which only further attracted me to her. She definitely wasn't the normal 17 year old girl and that was the most captivating thing about her. The day wasn't a supposed to be a nice one, but luckily it wasn't raining. I knew it would be cold so I brought things to make Bella more comfortable.

"You really brought hot chocolate?" she asked in the sweetest voice. "That is so…sweet." She giggled and it did fascinating things to my insides.

"I didn't want you to freeze to death out here; that would be the furthest thing from what I want." I laid out a blanket up under a tree; just in case it started to rain we would be covered, and we settled into it covering up with another blanket. I had no intentions of taking our relationship to a physical level, and I think Bella knew that. I hope she did; I wouldn't want her to think that was all I wanted or that's what I was in it for, that would never be the case.

I won't lie and say the kissing wasn't nice though, she was soft against me, her lips fit perfectly against mine. The smell of the damp flowers around us went wonderfully with her alluring..what was it today? Jasmine and lilac maybe…whatever it was they matched perfectly. The hot chocolate was a hit, like I figured it would be, and the natural beauty surrounding us was the best setting imaginable.

When we left it started to rain and she looked so enchanting sopping wet. We sat in front of her house, lips locked and panting and as close as we could get to each other. It was a great ending to the already fantastic day we had together.`

The drive home was too quiet without her melodic voice filling the car; it was almost eerie without it. The road to my home seemed darker than it has ever been without Bella to light up my way.

Alice was waiting up for me in the front room, her legs pulled up and fully engrossed in a fashion 101 magazine. When the door shut behind me her attention was on me, "How was your night?" She asked in a quizzical tone. She and Tanya were good friends and I haven't gone out like this since she left; I should've known she would be curious.

"Great how was yours?" I hung my jacket on the post and joined her, flopping onto the sofa and shaking my wet hair all over her.

"Oh come on," she complained scooting away from me, practically climbing onto the arm of the couch. "You look like a wet dog Edward Cullen, go take a shower."

"I'm seeing someone," I smiled and her face light up. Yes she was friends with Tanya but she is fully aware of what happened between us and she agrees with my decision.

"Who, spill now," she perked up on her knees and gave me her undivided attention.

"I am supposed to keep it quiet but I don't know how much longer I can, I have to tell someone."

"Me, me. Tell me, I can keep a secret," she feigned like she was zipping her mouth shut. She unzipped it, "Not even Jazz," the zipped it back up and put her hands in her lap.

"Okay Ali, but I'm serious, no one." She ushered me to continue, "Its Isabella Swan."

She gaped at me wide eyes and all, "Bella? You mean Bella from school Bella?" She stumbled over her question.

"Yes, Bella; we were talking online for over two months and didn't even know we were each other. We both figured it out before we met, but we still waited until then to say anything about it." I knew she would get a kick out of the way we came about.

"Wow, Isabella Swan. I never would have guessed." She huffed and fully sat on the couch. "What's she like?"

"Alice, you do not know how truly interesting that girl is. She plays the piano, did you know that?"

"No I didn't," she had a look of concentration and I could only image what was going on in her pretty little head. "Do I get to talk to her?"

"Yes, but not yet. She's very shy and nervous about this getting out because she isn't used to the attention. I promised her I would keep it quiet until she was ready.

"Am I the only one in on this little secret?" She was excited, she loves being in on the latest gossip and this was sure to be it when it gets out.

"Yes, and you have given me your word that it will stay that way." I said it more as an order not a reminder. I know she will keep it between us but I just had to be sure.

"Yes, of course brother, who do you think I am?"

"Thank you."

"Is she going to come here? Can you ask her when we can start being friends because I know we will," let the badgering and persistence commence. I knew I should have kept my mouth shut but I was chomping at the bit to let it out in any way possible.

I told Bella on Sunday first thing that I had told Alice. She wasn't entirely happy about it, as I knew she wouldn't be; but she got over it quickly which was the part I wasn't expecting. We talked all day about whatever; I even helped her with her homework. Well, she was really testing me, but I did all the work.

I couldn't wait until Monday to see her; I knew being at school was going to be tough after all the time we spent together over the weekend. I had high hopes that I would be able to do as she asked, to act like nothing was going on. Thankfully sense she was assigned as my tutor we have gotten closer as friends so us talking was a recent normality.

When I woke up Monday morning I sent her a good morning beautiful IM because I know it made her feel good and what better way to start the day then feeling good about yourself. I left for school earlier than normal because I wanted a chance to see her before the long wait between classes and our study session. I was not disappointed, rather surprised actually.

I saw the cruiser pull up in my rearview mirror, which was cue to get out. I leaned against my car trying to act nonchalant and sneaking glances at her unopened car door. No one was paying me any attention so my glances started to linger, wondering what was taking her so long to get out.

When the door finally opened my heart sped, the anticipation of seeing her was insufferable. Then I was totally caught off guard because when she stepped out she didn't look at all like I was expecting her to look. Her hair was down. I smiled stupidly at her and she smiled back but quickly lifted her hood to cover the beauty that is her hair and hurried off to class.

The minutes could not go by fast enough.

I was ready and back in my day clothes before the bell sounded signifying it was time for my study session. I hurried to meet Bella outside of her Trig class and she emerged as I was about to pass it. She stepped out of the door way and matched my pace like she had been walking next to me the whole time. My hand mechanically found hers and I squeezed it lightly to let her know I was happy to finally be beside her. To my surprise she didn't pull away but I knew better; so I released her hand quickly and continued to walk with her.

When I asked about her hair and that hoodie she blew my mind when she actually let all her hair out for the world to see. I felt like she let out some big secret, just laid it out and flaunted it; completely out of her character. My reaction sent her for a loop and she instantly took it as a rejection and tried to cover it up. I talked her out of it though and we made our way to the library.

Tyler greeted me when we got there and completely disregarded Bella like she was a nobody and that made my anger rage. Obviously he could see that we were at least friends if nothing else. I felt even more animosity towards him when she noticed and took her leave. I tried to stop her before thinking it completely through and kicked myself mentally because that was exactly what she asked me not to do.

"Bro, did you know Tanya's back in town?" Tyler said under his breath.

"What… why?" Why in god's name would she be back here? When she left, the fact that I wouldn't have to see her everyday at school and be reminded of how much she disrespected me, was the biggest relief.

"Don't know I just heard Stanley talking about it in English." I knew exactly why she was here. My parents have been bringing this up ever since she left. They wanted me to attend the glorious LA Tech and they were using the fact that I wouldn't be alone as leverage. I always talked them out of it by telling them I didn't want to be alone, when really I just wanted to stay in Forks.

"Alright, I'll see you at lunch." I made my way back to Bella; I decided I wouldn't tell her, at least not now. No need to worry her when I'm not even sure what's happening yet. She had all her books out and was waiting for me, I couldn't imagine leaving Forks now: Now more than ever I wanted to stay.

I apologized to her and she confirmed what I already knew, she didn't want me to follow after her. She said I handled the situation like she wanted me to. I know I told her that I could keep this between us but it was really killing me not being able to touch her or be close to her even though she was right in front of me. I wasn't sure how long I would be able to keep myself contained but I would sure give it my best, for her.

We didn't speak much during our study; she kept all conversations vital to the problems at hand. I could tell she was really bothered by the way Tyler treated her and I wanted to tell her not to worry about it but I kept my mouth shut. It was very unlike me to do that but it was all for her so I made do with it.

I half expected her to ask me what Tyler said but like I knew she wouldn't, she didn't. Bella is so unlike any girl I have ever met, sometimes I don't even know what to do because she was so new to me, yet I have known her forever.

She didn't want to walk with me to lunch so I left before her. I didn't want to but I did, and my heart knew she was getting further and further away with every step I took. It ached to be near her, to see her, to be inundated by her tantalizing aroma and to look into her deep chocolate brown eyes.

I sat at the table with my brother, my sister and their other halves. I wanted so much to be here with Bella, to have her laugh and smile with all of us. Someday I would make that happen; Isabella Swan was going to be a part of my life that much I knew for certain.

I heard a loud echoing noise and when I looked in its general direction I saw Bella standing in the door way rubbing her head and scolding daggers at the door frame. When she looked at the scene in front of her everyone was looking including me. Her cheeks turned that luscious pink and she made her way to her table without anymore foul ups.

I made due with watching her from a distance, I didn't watch her per say; I merely glanced at her every few seconds. Until I heard a familiar voice, a voice that now sent my mind to a darker place.

"Eddy, oh my god you look great," Tanya shrilled, bouncing and putting on a very believable act of faux excitement.

"Tanya," was all I said. She stood in front of me, her lip pouted outward in a very unattractive way.

"Why so glum Eddy… missed me?" she asked in a mocking tone.

"Not even close," I seethed under my breath. She knew I would not miss her and vice versa, but she is the type to try and put others down to make herself look and or feel better. In that moment I knew what happened between her and James, happened for a reason. If not for that, I might not have ever started talking to Bella. I thanked her mentally for being such an awful person.

"I need you to meet me after school so I can ride with you to your place. Daddy will be there and he and Dr. Cullen have some things to discuss." She turned away from me before I could agree or disagree. That was so like her, a snooty little princess, daddy would be so proud.

After she left my line of sight I found Bella sitting with her back facing me. I hoped she didn't see that, who knows what would be running through her head if she did. I decided then and there that I would tell her about Tanya being here.

I told her everything, the plans my parents have always been trying to push on me and the plans that were going to be discussed after school today. She did not take it well. I didn't even have a chance to explain that I wasn't going to agree to anything. I would be 18 in three months and if they made me go, I would be back.

Bella had embedded herself into my life's fabric and there was no chance at retrieving the stitches. It was permanent and everlasting; nothing was going to come between us now.

I tried to reassure her that everything would be fine, I had already thought out every scenario and all of them ended with us together. I knew she wouldn't want me to, but I put my hand lightly on her arm in hopes that my touch would calm her.

I believe it would have worked if Jessica wouldn't have walked in. For some reason her eyes fell right on us and Bella jerked her arm away from me. I was expecting it but I was hoping no one would see. Jessica definitely saw.

When she walked by she was eyeing us skeptically, the way we were seated, the way Bella was trying everything to look normal. Everything about us was screaming attraction and Jessica knew it. But she didn't say anything as she passed and she took her seat next to Angela. This was going to be a long month.

Class ended and Jessica hurried out of the room, probably to go spread the gossip that she wasn't even sure was true.

I said bye to Bella quickly and told her I would IM her to let her know what was going on. She tried to act like she didn't care but I could see the anguish in her eyes and hear it in her nearly silent parting. She was dying inside, the same way I was and we weren't going to recover until we knew the outcome of the situation.

The last two periods went by in a blur, I couldn't think of anything else except what I was going to do about Tanya and School in LA. I definitely didn't want to go and I really think my parents wouldn't make me go against my will. I would just have to make it known and certain that I wanted to stay here.

Tanya was waiting for me when I walked to my car. She was leaning against it like she had a right to it.

"You ready?" she said pushing herself away from the driver's side door and sauntering towards me in her model like ways. It didn't interest me in the least, if anything it made me sick that she was really trying to seduce me or whatever it was she was trying to do.

"As ready as I'll ever be," I walked around her and got in. She probably expected me to open her door for her, but she was no lady in my book, not anymore.

She was quiet at first and I didn't mind at all, the aura between us was awkward regardless. Then she had to open her mouth, "Edward, why does it have to be this way?" She was looking over at me leaning against the head rest. I wasn't going to give her the satisfaction. She knew exactly why it had to be this way. "Oh, you're ignoring me now?" Yes, yes I am, I shouted in my head. But of course I answered her.

"Tanya, you know why; don't play your 'play stupid game' with me, I can see right through it." I was calm, no need to get all irrational. That is probably what she wanted anyways.

"I thought you forgave me for that, I thought we had moved past it. Why can't you just let it go?"

I pulled up to the house and once the car was in park, turned off and keys in my hand I turned to look at her for the first time since we got in the car.

"I may have forgiven you but I haven't forgotten. I can't just let something like that go Tanya. You took advantage of my trust and that isn't something you re-obtain so easily." I got out of the car and walked straight into the house, not looking back or waiting for her, she could manage herself.

Alice and Em hadn't made it home yet but Tanya's parents were there talking to my parents in the front room.

"Edward, good your home," my dad greeted me. I greeted everyone properly and took a seat across from my mother.

"Where is Tanya," Mrs. Denali asked looking around the room for her even though she obviously wasn't present. Tanya takes after her mother when it comes to the smarts department.

"I thought she was right behind me," I snickered to myself. I heard her come in then and she stormed up the stairs, probably to Alice's room.

"What is wrong with her?" Mr. Denali asked.

"We had an argument, she'll be fine," I replied with distaste.

"Well Edward. How would you like to come and stay with us and attend LA Tech for the remainder of the academic year?" He sounded so please with his offer; I hated to be the bearer of bad news.

"I would really…rather stay here, there are… things here that hold my interest and I would like to see them through." I was as polite as I could be in declining their offer, but I was ready to be downright rebellious if they attempted to make me go.

"This is a very good opportunity Edward," my father said, "I think you should think it through before you dismiss it completely."

I sat forward, portraying the seriousness of what I was about to say; that I had thought this all through to the point I could write a book about what the future held. I wasn't taking no for an answer. "I realize that, I have looked over all the brochures and read up on it online. I know how good of an opportunity it is. But without… the things that mean the most to me, it won't add up. I want to be here with you, my friends and the place I know. I truly do not want to go to LA, especially when Tanya and I are not on the greatest of terms."

So what did y'all think of M&Mward?? I just love how deep and in love he is with our Bella.

Please leave me your thoughts

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