A/N: The responses to last chapter were very…intense! My English teacher always said it is good to get emotions from your readers, so I think I accomplished the hate emotion. Woo! A lot of you were very upset about Edward, but I promise I won't make him with Tanya. I would feel bad if I didn't update sooner since you all did such a good reviewing, and since I did get some threatening reviews demanding I update, leaving me scared, so here is another speedy update! Seriously, if you guys keep reviewing like that, this story will be updated more frequently. So, I will stop blabbing and let you enjoy Edward's explanation!

***Haha wait, one more thing! I know I have been slacking off editing these last few chapters. If there are any betas out there that would like to handle this story, please review to let me know or send me a message. I am a little unpredictable when I update, so I need a flexible beta, if you know what I mean haha. Anyway, I think this story would be better if someone looked it over, so please don't hesitate to send me a message!

Previously:

"So Edward, are you dating anyone?" the reporter asked, looking between Edward and Tanya.

I gripped the couch with all my strength. Please say no, please say no, please say no… This would completely ruin everything I planned on telling Edward!

"Well," Tanya giggled, speaking for the first time. "I think I can answer that question."

She then latched her bony arms around Edward's neck and kissed him fiercely.

And you know what the worst part was?

He didn't pull back.

I sat on my couch, staring at the television in horror. Surely this was just a bad dream, and I would wake up any moment. What were the odds that right when I realized my feelings for Edward, he would get a gorgeous supermodel girlfriend?

Apparently, the odds were not in my favor. Of course they weren't.

I let out a strangled sob. "I was going to tell him," I whispered.

Rose and Alice ran over to comfort me. They still didn't know that I planned on telling Edward that I liked him. But they were still there for me when I was crying, even if they didn't know the reason.

"What were you going to tell him Bella?" Alice asked soothingly.

I let out another sob of pain. All I could think was it's over. All of my feelings have no use.

"How much I want to be with him," I choked out, bursting into more crying. "And now it will never happen. I lost my chance. Edward found happiness, and it's not with me."

"Don't say that!" Rose said fiercely. "Edward likes you! Alice and I can tell. I don't know why he is with this bimbo, but he will definitely be getting Alice and my's revenge if he stays with her!"

"Rose, don't," I pleaded. "I just want to speak as little to Edward as I can. It is too hard to face him now. Now that I have realized my feelings for him, and I know that he doesn't return them, I won't be able to talk to him."

"When did you realize you liked him?" Alice asked quietly.

"Last night," I whispered. "Right before I said goodbye to Edward this morning."

I then fell into a whole new fit of tears. I never thought it would be so hard to see someone you like with someone else. It was the cruelest of all tortures. Every time I pictured them kissing, my heart broke even more and more salty tears formed.

"It will all work out," Alice said. "I know it will."

I laughed humorously. "Alice, he can be with any girl he wants. Why would he want me? For a second I forgot that I was the toad and he was the prince. My feelings overtook my brain. We will never be together."

I absentmindly looked at the television, and my stomach immediately dropped.

On the screen, Edward was posing with Tanya on the red carpet. He had a smile plastered on his face. He was glowing. She was stunning. They were the perfect couple.

It was stupid that I felt betrayed. Edward and I weren't dating. He could go out with anyone he wanted to; he was not committed to me. Yet I felt like Edward cheated on me, which was ridiculous. Secretly, I was hoping that he did like me. That he didn't want to go out with any of the other girls. I guess I was wrong. So, so wrong.

"I would rather be alone," I said shakily. "I'm so sorry you guys, but could you just leave tonight?"

"Of course we will," Rose said. "You need time to think. And cry," she smiled weakly, attempting a joke.

"Thanks," I whispered.

"We will be back in the morning with breakfast," Alice said solemnly.

"Thanks. I really couldn't ask for better best friends."

Rosalie and Alice hugged me tightly and left. As much as I wanted to be by myself, I suddenly felt more alone and vulnerable than ever.

So I did what every teenage girl would do. I pulled out a pint of Ben and Jerry's and ate until I threw up.

I continued to watch the awards, which only made me cry harder. It was like I kept stabbing my heart with a knife over and over. Every time I saw Edward go up on stage to accept an award, stab. But I couldn't stop watching. It was like watching a car crash- you just couldn't take your eyes off of it. The pain was so intense that I eventually threw a heavy object at the television, effectively breaking the TV, but also getting rid of Edward's stupidly gorgeous face. Well, I better start saving up to buy Charlie a new TV. Throwing something at the television seemed like a good idea at the time, but I guess hitting the off button could've worked too.

This only made me cry harder.

Feeling even more miserable, I trudged up the stairs to my room. As soon as I reached my bed, I collapsed on my bed, only to cry again. At this point, my throat was so dry that every time I sobbed, not only did I mentally hurt, but I also did physically.

I curled into a little ball on my bed. There was no way I could talk to Edward after this. Maybe things would feel the same to him, but everything changed for me. He was coming back tomorrow night, and I found it funny how just this morning I couldn't wait for him to come back, and now I only hoped he would stay away.

Every time I looked at him, I only though of what we could have been. What we would never have. And it hurt more than anyone would ever know.

I fell asleep that night with constant nightmares about Tanya and Edward together, leaving me to wake up screaming and sobbing. And then when I woke up, I realized it was no nightmare. Because it was real.

***

"Bella, you have to eat," Rose pleaded.

"No," I said stubbornly.

Rose and Alice were back at my house with breakfast, trying to feed me, but I just couldn't bring myself to eat. The gnawing pain in my stomach had nothing on the pain in my heart.

"Open up for the choo-choo train," Alice cooed.

Right as I opened my mouth in protest, Alice smashed food in my mouth.

The taste of Honey Nut Cheerios only made me even more depressed. Cheerios were Edward's favorite cereal. I learned that when I watched him eat them at lunch every day.

But I did not cry. I was done with crying over Edward Cullen. He didn't do anything wrong, so I really couldn't blame him for my sudden depression. I had only known him for a week. It was plain silly to cry over him. But I had to stay strong. For me, for Rose and Alice, and for Emmett and Jasper.

And I could only do that by cutting Edward out of my life.

Yes, this was going to be hard. Yes, this was going to be painful. But it was much easier to erase Edward from my life then watch him date Tanya. That I couldn't handle. This was my only option.

I spent that whole day watching reruns of reality TV shows with my best friends. That was the only thing I could do without wanting to cry. When the Bachelor came on, I started to get really sensitive as I watched the bachelor eliminate all the girls. How could he just throw them away after knowing them one hour? Then I really started to yell when he got rid of my favorite contestant. She was perfect for him. What was he thinking? How did he not see what was right in front of him?

Somehow, this made me think of the scenario between Edward and me. Why did he pick Tanya, when he could have had me?

Oh, I am sure there were plenty of reasons.

Sadly, the day ticked by quickly. That meant the Cullens would be returning soon. Rose got a text from Emmett at seven o'clock saying that all three of them wanted to meet with us for dinner. Rose just replied, "We're at Bella's. Don't know if we can make it."

I definitely wasn't going to make it. And I probably wouldn't make it to any other group outings they had in the next five weeks.

At 9 o'clock, I just wanted to go to sleep. Well, that was a lie. I was really tired, but I was scared that when I went to sleep I would have more disturbing dreams about Edward and Tanya.

Rose and Alice still hadn't heard from the Cullens, so we figured they were really busy from the trip. I told them I was going to sleep, and they nodded their heads but didn't make any effort to leave.

"You guys can leave," I said. "I am not going to crumble the minute you walk out the door."

"We want to be here," Alice said simply. "You're our best friend. Just let Rose and I sleep over tonight, okay?"

"Alright," I said, feeling bad that I was basically kicking them out of my house after all they did for me.

I went to my bedroom to get ready, and I heard Alice and Rose pop in a movie downstairs.

I laid in my bed at 9:30, still thinking about Edward. I was seriously becoming obsessed with him. I needed to move on.

I suddenly heard the door from downstairs creak open.

"Jazzy!" I heard Alice squeal.

Holy crap. Why were the Cullens in my house?! How did they know we were here? Ugh! They knew from the text Rose sent Emmett! That must have been their plan to reunite us- show up at my house. Just dandy.

Jasper was here. Emmett was here; I could tell by a booming laugh. That meant Edward was here. Right now. I wasn't ready for this.

"Explain yourself," I thought I heard Rose growl.

Oh no! Rose better not be talking to Edward. But who else would she speak that harshly too? All I know is if she brought up that I liked Edward, I would never talk to her again.

I heard murmuring for a good two minutes.. Then, I heard, "She is a upstairs," from a voice that definitely belonged to Alice.

How could my best friends tell Edward where I am?! This was not going to help the 'stay away from Edward' speech I have been giving myself! Those betrayers!

I heard footsteps on the stairs, and my breathing grew ragged. I quickly turned on my side and closed my eyes, pretending to be asleep.

The door creaked open, and I just knew it was Edward there. I could sense his presence. For ten seconds, he just stood in my doorway. I had a hard time pretending to be asleep now that Edward was is my room, his eyes staring at me.

"You're horrible at pretending to be asleep," Edward commented lightly.

Argh! Just that voice made me want him! How was I going to get Edward out of my life when he was standing in my bedroom? Talking to me? I couldn't just suddenly ignore him or he might realize that I was upset by the kiss. And then he would know that I liked him.

So basically, I had no options. I was screwed.

I opened my eyes, preparing for the wounds in my heart to cut open again. They did.

Edward looked gorgeous standing in my doorway. He didn't belong with someone like me. I would hold him back. Of course he needed Tanya. Simply staring at Edward was so hard. How was I to survive another five weeks?

Things were so much easier when I hated Edward Cullen's guts. Oh what I would do to go back to those days.

I guess I didn't do a good job at concealing my emotions because Edward asked, "What's wrong?"

"Nothing," I said quickly. "What are you doing here?"

"You don't want me to visit you?" he asked, giving me the puppy dog pout and a wink.

No, I did not want him to visit me. And why did he think he could be all playful and flirty with me? He had a girlfriend now. Edward needed to stop being such a flirt. He just sent people the wrong signals… And left them heartbroken.

I said nothing.

His face dropped. "Really Bella, what is wrong?"

I ignored his question and asked, "Did you have a good trip?"

He looked sullen. "It was alright. But it would have been better if you were there. All of those famous people can be so conceited and stuck up."

"At least you have Tanya," I blurted before I could stop myself. Why did I say that?

"You saw that?" he whispered, pinching the bridge of his nose.

"Yes," I said curtly. "You are the one who told me to watch the awards right before you left."

In a pained voice he said, "It is all fake."

Woah, what? Am I making myself hear things I want to hear? Because I think I heard Edward just said something about being fake.

"What is fake?" I asked slowly, not wanting to get my hopes up.

"Everything about Hollywood!" he exclaimed louder. "The record label is making me go out with Tanya, and I can't do anything about it. They are already skeptical about me taking time off and going undercover, so if I don't do this, I will be dropped. I thought that they were alright with me going to Forks, but apparently they had ulterior motives like this that they could use against me to keep me in the news. This was my only option. Date Tanya and keep in the public eye or go back to Hollywood and never see Forks again. And I want to spend my time in Forks," his eyes smoldered. "With you."

My shattered heart felt whole in a matter of seconds. All of that crying and screaming seemed silly now. Edward didn't like Tanya. He didn't want to go out with her. I had to keep a smile off my face as those words repeated in my mind. I still had a chance with Edward!

"Bella," he continued. "The only reason I agreed to pretend date Tanya is to spend more time with you. I have only spent one week with you, and I need more time. Six weeks still probably won't be enough time, but I will take what I can get. I am trying to protect you from Hollywood, and this is the only way I can do it. I care too much about you to go back to Hollywood."

Edward cared about me. I still wasn't sure if he meant in a friendly or romantic way though. Well, I might as well lay all my cards on the table and hope for the best. This could change us forever in a good or bad way…

"Do you remember how when we met, I hated you? And then at the club we became civil towards each other. Then when you came here, we became friends. Well, I have a confession. What I feel for you now is more than friendliness. When I saw you kissing Tanya, it was the hardest moment of my life. I like you. I want to be more than friends. The feelings have developed so quickly and strongly for me, so I am sorry if you don't feel the same way. But I am not going to regret not telling you how I feel for the rest of my life."

I looked into his green eyes, scared shitless about what his response would be. What if I just ruined everything? I probably just scared Edward away.

But instead of laughing at me, he broke into a breathtaking smile that conveyed his happiness. I smiled back in return, relieved and ecstatic.

"You don't know how long I have wanted to hear you say that," he grinned.

My heart leaped. "So you feel the same way?" I asked, just wanting to clarify.

"No," he said simply.

I immediately felt hopelessly, irrevocably, miserable. No. He didn't feel the same way.

"I want so much more than being 'more than friends.' I feel so much more than that. Isabella Swan, will you be my girlfriend? Well, my real girlfriend, as Tanya is the fake girlfriend."

"Yes Edward Cullen, I will be your real girlfriend," I smiled.

He jumped onto my bed and kissed me on the cheek.

"What a gentlemen," I laughed.

"For now," he smirked. "Now, can we cut all this mushy crap? It is cute and all, but I can feel my manliness level disintegrating."

"Oh please! You are practically a walking fairytale book with your mushy lines!"

"But they did work," he said impishly.

I suddenly felt the want to kiss Edward. No, the need. And his mouth was so close to mine - just a few inches away. We both went quiet, staring into each other's eyes. He leaned into me, and I could feel excitement mixed with nervousness in my stomach. We both inched forward. This is it. Our first kiss…

But then Edward suddenly pulled away. "I don't kiss on first dates," he smirked.

"You kissed Tanya…" I muttered. "And this isn't a date."

"Yes I kissed her, but that was not a real kiss."

"I didn't know there was a difference between a real and fake kiss," I argued.

"Kissing Tanya was fake. I felt no emotions except dread. Now this…" he trailed off.

He then grabbed me to him and pressed his lips to mine. The emotions I felt couldn't even be described. It was a mixture of pure happiness and perfection. Kissing Edward left me stunned and speechless and wanting more. We just fit.

"Is a real kiss," he murmured.

We were a superstar and an average girl. But it didn't matter. Nothing mattered. It was just Edward and Bella. Two people hopelessly falling in love.

A/N: You guys have no idea how excited I am for this chapter! They are finally together! I am happy that I made Bella share her feelings first, since in books the guys always make the first move and that is so stereotypical. Anyway, I hope Edward has earned your forgiveness. You guys were really freaking out on him! I think this chapter has really moved things along, but I hope it wasn't too fast. I will update on the weekend if I get a lot of reviews! I got 38 REVIEWS last chapter, so I know you guys can do it! You obviously have a lot of time on your hands if you are still reading this ridiculously long author's note!