Disclaimer: I don't own Twilight
Disclaimer: I don't own Twilight.
Bella POV—Sixteen
"Bella?" Marietta called from the bedroom. I had just gotten out of the shower. She had woken up a full hour before me so she could shower and blow dry her hair. "Is this too dressy for school?" she asked when I entered the bedroom. She was wearing a knee length skirt with a long sleeve sweater and flats, her hair cascading down her back in soft waves.
"No you look fine. Don't worry," I assured her. I pulled on my outfit, jeans and a polo, and turned back to her. Her eyes scraped over my outfit, not in a judging way, just in a curious way.
"But you look so much more casual," she said nervously. "Are you being honest with me?"
"Of course. Don't worry, Alice will probably be just as dressed up as you," I promised. And it was true. Alice always looked her best for school. She was somehow able to do her full hair, make-up and outfit in less than in hour. She was truly gifted.
"Okay. If you're sure." She bit her lip and looked at my outfit again. "I love your necklace! Molto bello!" she exclaimed. She came over and lifted the garnet stone with her fingers, running her finger over the smooth texture.
"Edward gave it to me," I said, somewhat smugly.
"Wow. He must really like you then," she noted. "This necklace looks expensive."
"It probably was." I grimaced. "The Cullen's and Hale's are always spending too much money on me."
"You don't like it?" she asked, cocking her head to one side in confusion.
"No I love it. It's just…too much." There was a beep outside and we both jumped. "Speaking of the Cullen's, that must be Edward."
"Un momento," she said quickly, holding up one long, delicate finger. She ran to the bathroom to check herself in the mirror, smoothing on some lip-gloss and patting her hair nervously. "Okay. Let's go." She took a deep breath and hurried down the stairs with me. I led her to the Volvo, before sliding into the passenger seat. She sat in the back with Alice.
"Buon giorno," Marietta said politely.
"Hey there," Edward answered, his voice alluring. I couldn't tell if he was doing it on purpose or not. "How are you today?"
"Bene," she answered instantly, a knee-jerk reaction. "Nervoso," she added.
"Don't worry, everyone will love you," Edward said sweetly. I pinched his arm and raised my eyebrows in a what-the-hell way. He just shrugged, biting back a smile.
"I hope so." She bit her lip and looked up at Edward, who gave her an encouraging smile. She smiled back, looking dazzled. Alice was watching my face carefully and she seemed pleased about my reaction for some reason.
"I was complimenting Bella on her necklace this morning," Marietta said after a short, slightly awkward silence. "She told me you gave it to her. You have magnificent taste. It's very pretty."
"Thanks," Edward said. "Garnet is Bella's favorite. And she is my best friend. She deserved it." I blushed, feeling pleased.
"I love your skirt," Alice gushed suddenly. "Gucci?"
"Si. Grazie," Marietta said. She blushed lightly. It wasn't as noticeable on her darker skin, but it was still there.
"Oh look!" Alice exclaimed excitedly, pointing at Marietta's cheeks. "She blushes just like Bella!"
"Are you clumsy too? Do you always fall down the stairs?" Edward asked eagerly. I made a face at him.
"Well…I used to," she admitted. "But I've been taking ballet for years and I've gotten over my clumsiness, thankfully," Marietta said, still blushing.
"Maybe you should try ballet Bella," Edward suggested shrewdly.
"Maybe you should try shutting up," I replied lamely. He laughed.
"Well I like your clumsiness. As long as I'm always there to catch you," he said, squeezing my hand gently, teasingly. His hand sent shivers up and down my spine.
"Yeah I would've cracked my head open a good ten times if it wasn't for you," I admitted. He smiled my favorite crooked grin. We pulled up to the school and the four of us climbed out.
"Um…where is the main office?" Marietta asked shyly.
"I'll take you there," Edward volunteered. I narrowed my eyes at him.
"Grazie, Edward," Marietta said, fluttering her eyelashes slightly. The two of them walked off towards the office, their shoulders almost touching. I turned to Alice, who was smirking at me, her face smug.
"Will you look at them? It's gross. They're all over each other," I burst. Alice giggled. "What?" I asked her, frustrated.
"I'm just excited," she said.
"About what?" I asked incredulously.
"About how you and Edward are this close to getting together," she said, holding her index finger and thumb less than a centimeter apart as proof. I rolled my eyes. "Look how jealous you are!" Of course, this triggered one of my easy blushes.
"I'm not jealous! I just think it's weird and awkward! I mean, what if she wants to talk to me about him, like gushing about him like you do about Jasper. It's like talking about my brother," I said instantly. But my voice sounded fake to my own ears.
"Sure Bella. But when you finally realize you love Edward, can you at least call me and tell me? Rose and I have a bet and the deadline is coming up soon," she asked. I rolled my eyes.
"Sure Alice," I said, my voice dripping sarcasm. "I'll call and tell you the moment I fall in love with Edward."
"No, you're already in love," Alice corrected, her voice completely serious, shaking her head slightly. "Just call me when you figure that out."
"Whatever Alice." I rolled my eyes again. Marietta and Edward were making their way back over to us. He was smiling my special crooked grin and she was giggling daintily. I wanted to punch them both in the face, but I held it back.
"Bella, Edward said we were in a lot of the same classes! He is too," Marietta exclaimed. She hugged me quickly and I felt immediately guilty about wanting to hit her earlier.
"That's great," I said, trying to sound enthusiastic.
"We'd better go. I don't want to be late on my first day," Marietta said.
"We're not in the same class, but do you want me to show you where your room is?" Edward asked her softly.
"Si," Marietta breathed. The two of them walked away, chattering about classes, leaving a furious me and a smug Alice behind.
"Remember to call me," Alice sang as I stalked off to class by myself. I growled under my breath and ignored her.
That afternoon, I got a ride home from Rosalie. I couldn't stand to be in the car with Marietta and Edward.
All throughout the day all they did was flirt. Flirt, flirt, flirt, flirt, flirt! It was ridiculous. Alice was still watching me with that same smug expression, like she expected me to throw myself at Edward's knees and declare my love for him. Not gonna happen. Because I don't love him. Well I do, but like a brother.
Everyone was going crazy about Marietta. Mike, Tyler and Eric all asked her out, but she politely declined. Boys were literally drooling over her, just because she was new. Even Jacob was eyeing her appreciatively, and he hardly ever dated.
"Thanks again Rosalie," I said, just to break through my torturous thoughts.
"No problem Bella." She smiled at me, then looked both ways before adding, "Can you wait to admit your love to Edward for another two weeks? Cause I really don't want to lose this bet with Alice."
"Goodbye Rose," I snapped. I climbed out of the car and into my house. The moment I was inside, my cell phone rang. Alice.
"What?" I answered.
"Someone's touchy," she said cheerfully. "I just wanted to let you know that Edward and I are coming over with Marietta."
"Why?" I groaned.
"Because. I'll talk to you when we get there. Which will be right…" There was a loud knock on the door. "Now."
"Goodbye Alice." I hung up quickly, rolling my eyes as I made my way to the door.
"Hello Bella!" Alice chirped when I opened the door. Marietta's eyes were filled with worry and concern and Edward's were filled with some unidentifiable emotion.
"Long time no see," I noted sourly. Alice smirked and danced into the room. I could practically feel the excitement bubbling off of her. The four of us walked into the living room. Marietta and Edward sat on the couch, Alice and I sat on the floor.
"Well Marietta invited us over. Where did you disappear to after school?" Edward asked. He sounded slightly annoyed, but there was something else. Something I couldn't quite place.
"I got a ride with Rosalie," I said coolly.
"Perche?" Marietta asked obliviously.
"Because…I don't know. I felt like the Volvo was getting a little…crowded," I said, my eyes narrowing slightly as I scowled at Edward. He raised his eyebrows, challenging me. Marietta's eyes widened.
"Mi dispiace. I can drive myself if it is overcrowded!" she exclaimed and a wave of guilt washed over me.
"No, no, it's okay," I assured her. "I was just kind of stressed today. I'll be fine, it's not overcrowded."
"Are you sure?" she asked.
"Positive. Don't worry about it Marietta," I said sincerely. I felt kind of guilty about my previous feeling towards her. She really was a nice girl, she had no idea how I felt about Edward. Not that I felt anything for him, that wasn't brotherly. Of course.
"Okay," she said uncertainly. Edward gave her an encouraging smile.
"Well we'd better get going," Alice said, giving Edward a meaningful look.
"Right. Well I guess I'll see you both later," he said, nodding towards me and Marietta. His eyes met mine and they were smoldering. A sudden, irresistible urge to kiss him overwhelmed me. I had to grip the rug on the floor to keep myself from jumping at him.
"Arrivederci!" Marietta sang, rolling her R's sexily.
"Bye," I breathed. Alice's face was suddenly overcome by a hundred watt smile.
"Bye!" she sang. "And don't forget to call me when your realize Bella!" She winked at me once before grabbing Edward's arm and pulling him from the house. I rolled my eyes and stood to make dinner. I cooked spaghetti while Marietta made a salad.
"So…what are your plans tonight?" she asked tentatively. Charlie had just called to say he would be home in five minutes. Marietta was lying the table settings on the kitchen table while I finished the spaghetti.
"Homework and stuff," I answered nonchalantly. "You?"
"Edward is taking me out to show me around Forks," she announced excitedly. "He's really sweet. Kind. A lot of boys here are." I couldn't answer her. I was crushed by a wave of jealousy so strong, I nearly fell to the ground. Just then, the door slammed open and Charlie came clomping in. I decided I'd deal with whatever this is later.
"Hey Dad. Dinner's ready," I said. I scooped spaghetti into three bowls, trying not to think too much.
"Thanks Bells," he said excitedly. He hung up his gun belt and plopped onto the chair. Marietta sat next to him and I sat next to her.
"Is this spaghetti as good as the pasta in Italy?" Charlie asked jokingly.
"Nowhere near as good," Marietta teased. "Just kidding. But Bella could give the Italian chefs a run for their money. It's very good." I forced a smile at her compliment, but I couldn't do much more than that. I stayed silent throughout dinner, not listening as Marietta and Charlie chatted. Then there was a beep outside, a sickeningly familiar beep.
"Mamma mia!" Marietta exclaimed, jumping up. "Mi dispiace Charlie. I forgot to tell you I'm going out with Edward tonight. I'll be back before eleven. Ciao, ciao!" She kissed Charlie's cheek and then mine, before grabbing her raincoat and hurrying outside. I didn't need to look and see the familiar silver Volvo. I knew it would hurt too much.
"That's nice, that Edward's being so kind to Marietta," Charlie said cautiously.
"Yeah," I said, my tone harsh. "Just peachy!" I stormed upstairs and into the bathroom. I turned on the water, to a scalding hot temperature. I didn't let myself think about Marietta or Edward or their…date. I just focused on the water on my skin, the shampoo in my hair. I must have been in the shower for hours. The water ran cold, my fingers were all pruney. When I walked out of the bathroom, I realized it was already ten. I was surprised to see Marietta was already in our bedroom, on her just-arrived-from-Italy bed.
"Ciao Bella," she said softly. She sounded sleepy.
"Hey," I replied. I didn't bother asking how her date was. I didn't want to know. I don't think I could handle it.
I pulled on my pajamas and climbed into bed.
"Buona notte Bella," Marietta yawned.
"Night Marietta," I replied.
I finally let myself think freely. And almost as soon as I did, the tears started flowing.
I had to admit to myself that I was jealous of Marietta and Edward. I didn't want Edward to get a girlfriend, especially not my cousin. My mind skimmed over the countless memories of Edward. Laughing and holding hands when we were kids. Our first kiss, our first dance. Everything with Edward was special. Even more recently, when he gave me my favorite necklace, when he let me sleep in the same bed as him and helped take care of me when I was drunk. Edward was always there for me. He was my best friend, my protector, my savior. No matter what.
My mind conjured up a magnificent picture of him. His bronze hair fluttering gently in the wind. His glowing green eyes, smoldering with love and care. His lips, curved into my special crooked smile. His perfectly muscular body and angular features. His hand, warm and strong in mine, his arm around my waist, the heat of his skin on mine. Even the way his lips felt against my cheeks, my forehead. He was so devastatingly handsome, caring and kind. I had to admit to myself something I had denied fervently for years.
I am in love with Edward Cullen.
I sighed loudly and stood up, grabbing my cell phone as I headed for the bathroom, to get privacy.
"Where are you going Bella?" Marietta asked groggily.
"I promised Alice I'd call her," I grumbled.
A/N: Yay! Bella realized she's in love with Edward! WOOO!! And for everyone that reviewed last chapter, I'm sorry I haven't replied, my e-mail wasn't getting them, but it's fixed now. But keep reviewing, I still love reading them! And sorry I didn't post this last night but I was at a Billy Joel concert till like 1 AM he was amazing!! Remember to REVIEW!!