Disclaimer: Not mine…nor do I own lyrics to "Wicked" or "Phantom of the Opera"

A/N: Thank you for reading & reviewing! I hope I do this chapter justice because it was my favorite from Bella's POV. :-D Are any other authors out there having issues trying to post chapters??

Chapter 5

Friday, Morning

I woke even earlier than usual. Scrambling to throw on some jeans and a white button down Bella had given me for my birthday, I nearly broke my face when I tripped on the pile of designer clothes Tanya had given me. Ugh! Thirft store, ASAP!

Bella's roses, necklace, and note were ready on my desk and I quietly tiptoed out of my room and downstairs. It was so early that even my mother & father weren't up yet. I figured I'd just go grab breakfast at the diner before school or something. Heading out to my car I saw Chief Swan pulling out of his driveway in the cruiser. He stuck a hand out and waved as he headed down the street. I could've sworn Emmett said he had Friday off. I shrugged it off and threw my bag in the car before I headed back to the door and grabbed Bella's gifts from where I had left them right inside the door. I didn't even want to imagine what Chief Swan would've thought if he saw me.

Emmett's Jeep was home, but knowing him he would never be up this early ever. It was a bit of a hassle climbing the lattice on the side of the house with my arms full of a bunch or roses, but I managed. Even after our talk last night, half of me was scared that Bella would have locked the window again. I never got the chance to tell her again that I loved her. I would make it up to her today though, and I would let her know just how much I loved her tonight.

Thankfully her window was still open and Bella was fast asleep. She was curled up in a little ball and hugging a pillow tightly, a small smile on her face. I felt my own lips twitch at the corners as I lay her gifts on her desk. My Bell Bell…

"I love you Bella…" I whispered, before I folded my frame out the window and prayed that Bella would love me in return…that she still loved me.

Friday, lunch

Even though it was Homecoming tonight, that didn't stop anyone from steering clear of me in the halls just as they had every day this week. I didn't make much effort to communicate with anyone either. At least I wore my letterman jacket. Truth be told, I was more nervous than anything else. What I was about to do was considered to be a "big deal" in terms of high school hierarchy…which was really stupid when I thought about it, but I didn't care. I needed a grand gesture to show Bella that I loved her, that I didn't care what anyone else thought about she and I, and this would be it.

Just as I was heading into the cafeteria, Alice came dancing up to my side.

"It's a great idea Edward! Totally going to work!" She chirped before she danced on in through the doors. I heard Jasper's low laugh.

"You have no idea how excited she's been all day."

I smirked, "I can't imagine why."

Jasper chuckled but his faced turned serious after a few seconds. "Edward, I have to thank you for never saying anything bad about Alice. I know it's freaky, the stuff she knows, and everyone spreads rumors about her and calls her names, but I want to thank you for never participating in all of that. Especially when she's given you reason to do so."

I shook my head and clapped my friend on the shoulder, "Alice is a great girl Jasper. What she can do is amazing…and she hasn't proven me wrong so far."

"I wouldn't bet against Alice," Jasper chuckled. Just as he said this, Emmett and Rosalie came walking up. Rosalie glared at me and then rolled her eyes before detaching herself from Emmett and heading inside.

"Well, well, well…look who's decided to grace up with his presence again."

I wasn't quite sure what to say to Emmett. I had always been friends with him, and I knew that friendship wouldn't spare me any just because of my feelings for Bella. Jasper just stood kind of awkwardly between us, like he was trying to feel out what we were both feeling and seeing if punches were going to be thrown.

"Can I talk to you a minute?" Emmett said gruffly.

"Uh…sure…" I muttered.

Jasper stopped both of us with a hand on each of our shoulders, "You two aren't going to try and kill each other or anything right?"

"No," Emmett said quickly, "I just need to talk to him."

"Same here."

"All right then, you two behave. I'll see you at the table," Jasper drawled out, his Southern accent coming out thick. When he disappeared through the double doors Emmett jerked his head in the universal motion for "this way." I followed him a little way down the halls so we were away from prying eyes and ears. He sighed heavily when he turned and looked at me.

"Do you really love her?"

I was stunned. I definitely wasn't expecting that.

"Tell me right now Edward…I need to know or I will go back on what I just told Jasper."

"I love her," I said firmly, "Em, I love Bella."

"God, it's about fucking time fucker!" Emmett shouted, his body sagging to lean against the wall behind him.

COME AGAIN, WHAT!?!

Emmett Swan was standing here and telling me that it was about time that I love his sister? After everything he said yesterday about not "seeing it sooner" that Bella was in love with me…WAIT…did he even say anything yesterday about me being in love with her?

"But yesterday…" I said, completely confused.

Emmett sighed, "I know what I said yesterday. I was just so upset that Bella was hurting. I know everyone doesn't think the two of us are even related, let alone twins, but we know each other better than everyone thinks."

He looked me dead in the eyes, "I can tell when Bella is hurting. Even when she won't admit it to anyone else. I tried to ignore it for years, telling myself that she'd get over it, that she'd be fine if she just sat with her band friends and that they'd take care of her. It always drove me nuts that you two were best friends and did everything together. I never said anything about you and her being friends because I figured you were happy with Tanya and she was happy doing whatever."

"I have to say that you two weren't very sneaky the last year or so. Always thinking you were staring at each other and no one else would notice. I'm not surprised I guess in the long run…You and Bella were meant to be together and God am I tired of having that skank bitch Tanya around."

"Why didn't you say anything before? Why didn't you ever say anything to me or stick up for Bella?"

"I thought you two were fine! I figured you were happy and I didn't want to ruin that for you, and I didn't want to cramp her style by having her brother defending her and shit. I figured she'd be embarrassed if I did that in school for her."

We were both silent for a few moments as we both took in what he was saying. Emmett had known all this time…and he wasn't playing the overprotective big brother.

"Look Edward," he sighed, "You're one of my best friends, and Bella is my sister. I just want you two to be happy and I know that you'll be happy together. Just…just, if you ever hurt her again for any reason, I won't hesitate to castrate you this time. No more dragging her along."

"I won't Emmett," I said quietly, but seriously, "I'm sorry it's taken me so long to realize everything. I'll do whatever it takes to get back into Bella's good graces. She knows me better than anyone else…she's like my other half."

Emmett chuckled, "yeah well, you better have something grand in mind planned. She was really upset last night."

"Don't worry Em, I got it covered."

"Yeah…now I just need to apologize to her. How're your ribs by the way? Both of those hits I laid on you this week were uncalled for and I'm really sorry for those too."

I chuckled, "I'll be fine Em. Nothing that won't heal or hasn't happened before."

"Yeah, but I mean like, your game and all is fine right? You can throw and all?"

"Yeah. I'll probably need just some extra padding around my ribs just in case, but nothing that will affect my arm."

"Good…I want to pummel that Jacob Black's ass into the ground tonight."

We headed back towards the cafeteria, "He's not such a bad guy Em."

"Whatever," He mumbled, pushing open the doors and heading towards the line for food.

I was left standing alone for a minute. All the usual cliques and groups were dispersed amongst the cafeteria. I saw Jasper sitting in our usual game day spots with the rest of the team. I rolled my eyes when I saw Tanya sitting with all of the cheerleaders save for Rosalie. I let my eyes scan the room a little more before locking on to the table on the opposite side from where the team sat. Rosalie was glaring daggers at me still. Alice was bouncing in her seat. Angela was talking to Ben Cheney and Bella was looking down playing with her food.

The moment I started walking in the direction of her table, the cafeteria was starting to get quieter and quieter with each step I took that brought be closer to Bella. When I was a couple of feet away I saw Alice lean across the table and hiss something and Bella jumped, her head snapping up and looking at Alice before slowly turning to see me coming towards her. I couldn't stop my crooked smile from spreading across my face and she blushed beautifully and looked back down at her plate as I took a seat next to her. She was still looking down when I leaned in closer and whispered in her ear.

"Hi Bell Bell."

I saw her cheeks flush a deep red as she managed to squeak out a soft "hi" before I stood up and smiled. I looked at all of Bella's friends at the table. Rosalie's mouth was hanging open, Alice was beaming, and Angela & Ben were both staring at me in shock. I smiled and shrugged.

"See you guys at the game tonight," I said before turning and heading back towards the table where Jasper and Emmett were sitting. I could tell that all eyes were on me and I could here the whispers starting. I didn't care though. My Bell Bell meant more to me than anything or anyone in this school. I didn't give a damn what anyone else said.

I completely ignored Tanya's table. I knew they were talking loud enough for me to hear, but I really didn't hear anything they said. I could care less what a bunch of fake, skanky, morons thought. I loved Isabella Swan, and soon everyone would know that for sure. As soon as I sat down across from Jasper and Emmett, the cafeteria erupted in murmurs and whispers. The three of us just looked at each other and started to laugh. I was glad they were on board with me and the feelings I had for Bella. Especially Emmett. This would bode well for the plan I had tonight.

Friday, Homecoming Game

"2 minutes Masen!" Coach yelled at me as I ran back on the field.

That meant we had time for at least another play. We were out of time outs so I couldn't stop the clock if I wanted to. We were up 14-7 against the Wolf Pack, but they weren't making it easy. Jacob Black had come close to tackling me several times now. I was moving a little slower due to the extra padding I had wrapped around my ribs. It wasn't affecting my throwing too much though and I had thrown two touchdowns already.

As I got ready to start the play I saw that the band was on the sidelines. I didn't search out Bella, but it was nice knowing that she was there. The play we were going for would hopefully put Jasper down the field wide open.

"Down…set…hike!" I yelled, putting our team into motion.

I was running and the crowd was screaming and then I saw him wide open. Half a second after I released the ball I was being crushed to the ground and the wind was knocked out of my lungs. I was only weighed down for a second but I couldn't breathe. I gasping, desperate to get air into my lungs. All I could see was the sky above me and the lights for the field. I could hear the whistles and I could hear shouting, but I couldn't make anything out.

"Masen! Masen! Man, I'm sorry!" I heard the voice of Jacob Black, but saw him get pushed away as my vision began clearing back up and I know saw Coach Clapp and Carlisle standing above me.

"Edward, Edward can you hear me?" Carlisle asked, completely serious.

I blinked my eyes tightly and opened them again. Coach Clapp looked concerned and I turned my head to look at the field.

"Whoa whoa boy," Carlisle said, patting my arm, "Hang on there. That was quite the hit you took there. How many fingers am I holding up?"

"Two," I said, accepting that this was all procedure.

"Move your legs for me…good…fingers…okay arms… Can you sit up Edward?"

I nodded and slowly started to roll myself up. Carlisle helped me off the ground and took off my helmet. I heard the stadium erupt in cheers and I saw the stands going crazy. I glanced at the scoreboard, relieved that Jasper had scored since it was now 21-7 and halftime.

My gaze then darted towards the sidelines where the marching band was lining up and I found her easily. She was huddled between Alice and Angela and I saw her shoulders heave like she let out a deep sigh as our gazes locked. I couldn't help but smile and mouth "Bell Bell" to her as I walked off the field.

"Let's check the padding," Carlisle said when we were back in the locker rooms.

As Coach Clapp was giving the rest of the team a rousing pep talk for the second half, Carlisle was checking the padding wrapped around my ribs.

"Well…Edward, seems as though you were very lucky. The padding did it's job and it doesn't look like there will be any bruising. How do you feel?"

"They ache a little, but I think I'll be fine. I think the ache is just lingering from the beginning of this week."

Carlisle chuckled, "I heard. Alice said Emmett tackled you on the grass in front of our house?"

"Something like that," I muttered. Was he really laughing at me right now?

"Say old man, I heard from a certain florist that you and Esme weren't always the perfect couple…."

Carlisle momentarily froze as he re-wrapped my ribs before continuing. "Meadow's Flowers? The small store in the strip mall?"

I laughed loudly, "So she was telling the truth?"

Carlisle nodded while muttering under his breath about the nosy lady. I couldn't help but smile. Carlisle Cullen…who knew I would have so much in common with the man?

When halftime was over I led the team back out with Jasper and Emmett on either side of me. The crowd was screaming and I could hear the band playing loudly. I turned as we ran past and saw that Bella was looking straight at me. I knew she couldn't see me from under the helmet, but I smiled anyways and raised my hand up to wave at her. I saw her stick her arm up back in the air and scream, "Go Edward". It made me feel even better seeing her cheering for me.

The second half was not going nearly as well as I had hoped. I threw an interception which resulted in La Push getting a touchdown. I guess that Embry Call was right…but I had only thrown one interception…though it bothered me that the defensive end who caught it was that guy Paul and Embry was the one who scored the touchdown.

There was 27 seconds left in the game and the score was still tied. We were able to get the ball back and get a first down, but we were still 23 yards from the endzone. I knew Coach would rather us try to win it with a touchdown rather than a field goal so we were going for it. The roar of the crowd was ridiculously loud in my ears as we took the field after the time out. I took a deep breath before starting the play.

Here goes. "DOWN! SET! HIKE!"

It was almost as if everything started going in slow motion like you see in all those sports movies when it's the big, important moment in the game. I could see the linemen clashing, hear the people screaming, I was looking desperately for an open man down the field but they were all covered. The opening to my left was there and I didn't hesitate to take it, darting towards it. The roar of the crowd got even louder, but I kept my gaze focused on the endzone as I pushed my legs to get me there quicker. There was no one in front of me, but I knew they had to be coming.

Look out to the right Edward!

I was less than 10 yards to the endzone when I turned to my right and saw Jacob Black coming straight at me.

Not this time Black. Not in front of my Bell Bell.

I slowed and stutter stepped as Black lunged for me but went flying past me. As soon as his legs passed I took off again for the endzone. As soon as I crossed that line the stadium exploded in sound and I turned around, seeing my team coming running at me, each and every one of them yelling and cheering. Fans began running down from the stands as well and I ripped my helmet off, looking straight at where I saw Bella, jumping up and down in the stands next to Angela and an empty space which I assumed was Alice. My smile was huge as I saw her smile back at me.

Do it now Edward! NOW?? Yes…NOW!!

I was surprised at where my thoughts had taken me just now and I had planned on waiting until after the game and asking Bella to come with me to the diner. I figured that was a grand gesture…but everyone said I needed to do more. I grinned as Emmett and Jasper reached me first, a plan forming in my head and the fact that I had just scored the winning touchdown, forgotten.

"DUDE!" Emmett shouted as he wrapped his arms around me and flung me around in a circle before putting me back down.

"All right man!" Jasper shouted slapping me on the back.

I suddenly found myself airborne and sitting on Emmett and Jasper's shoulders as the rest of the team and the fans reached us. People were shouting and screaming at me, everyone cheering and trying to high five me or pat me on the back. Hanging on for dear life, I leaned down to Jasper.

"Hey, take me over to the bleachers by the band please."

Jasper nodded and repeated the same thing to Emmett and soon I was gliding above the crowd towards the stand where the band was still playing our school fight song. The local newsmen were yelling at me as Jasper and Emmett carried me by, but I didn't care. I had a plan forming in my head and if this wouldn't tell everyone that I loved Bella Swan, then I don't know how I else I could make it any clearer.

Emmett and Jasper set me down at the stairs of the bleachers and started running up them, seeing Alice push Bella out into the aisle in her marching band uniform still clutching to her saxophone. I knew people were trying to reach out and congratulate me, but my only focus was on the stair below where Bella was standing, where I came to a stop panting slightly. Perfect, I was staring at her eye to eye.

"Bell Bell," I panted, "I never answered your question last night."

I saw her brows furrow in confusion, "What are you talking about Edward?"

"Isabella," I whispered as I trailed a finger down her cheek. I tried to regulate my breathing so she wouldn't know I was so nervous. "Last night, you asked me what I said. I said that I love you Bell Bell. I love you Isabella Marie Swan. And I'm sorry it's taken me this long to realize it."

Her body froze so solid that I could feel it from where I was standing. She wasn't moving at all. Her mouth was hanging open and her saxophone fell out of her hands and onto one of the bleacher seats. I cringed slightly at the sound but Bella still hadn't moved or said a word. I saw Alice laughing out of the corner of my eye and I noticed that the band had stopped playing. I moved my hand to cup Bella's cheek and her glassy eyes were still staring at me in shock. I took a deep breath. I had planned to do this at a later date and time for her, but I would make it up to her. I leaned forward so I could sing softly just for her.

"Say you'll share with me one love, one lifetime. Let me lead you from your solitude. Say you'll need me with you here beside you. Anywhere you go, let me go too. Isabella, that's all I ask of you…"

Our faces were so close that our noses were almost touching. When she blinked, tears started to fall down her cheeks and her mouth closed into a faint smile. I leaned forward and kissed away the tears that continued to fall down her face. The last thing I wanted was to make her cry…I hoped that she would forgive me. Oh God, was she upset? Were these tears of anger? No…No…they couldn't be…I was about to say something but she beat me to it.

"Promise me that all you say is true. Love me, that's all I ask of you…"

Her voice cracked as she sang back softly to me and my heart soared. Did that mean…did she…? I pulled back to look at her and she was smiling up at me now, her eyes still glassy, but her face smiling. Were the words from our favorite musical true? She wanted me to love her? Did she love me?

"I love you Edward…I've always loved you," She whispered, her voice quivering, but I saw the truth in her eyes. My heart soared. She loves me. My Bell Bell loves me!

"Oh Bella…" I sighed, the girl I loved, my best friend, she loved me.

"My Bell Bell…" She was mine, the girl I would spend the rest of my life worshipping if she would let me.

"My love…" I whispered, moving my hand that cupped her cheek to the back of her head.

I leaned forward and pressed my lips to her, kissing her deeply. Her little hands found their way into my hair and were awkwardly resting on my bulky shoulder pads. My hand buried itself into her hair and my other arm wrapped around her waist, pulling her body to me. God…she felt so perfect in my arms.

The screams of the crowd brought me back to reality and Bella pulled back, breaking our kiss. Her cheeks blushed beautifully but I wasn't ready to let her go and smashed my lips back against hers. She tasted so good and I didn't want to stop kissing her…ever. Then she had to go and moan. My body reacted to her little noises and I moaned in return. Her lips were so soft and I brushed my tongue against her bottom lip, sucking between my own. God…she tastes so good. When I couldn't breathe anymore I slowly broke our kiss and I leaned my forehead against hers.

Bella giggled, "Everyone's looking."

"I don't care…this is better than winning any football game," I whispered.

"MASEN!"

I groaned. It was Coach Clapp. I guess it was time to face the music. I turned to look at him, keeping my arm wrapped around Bella's waist. Everyone around us was cheering and I saw Emmett, Jasper, and surprisingly, a smiling Rosalie standing at the bottom of the stairs behind Coach Clapp.

"Masen!" Coach Clapp shouted again, "If you're finished with your girlfriend, there are some reporters here who want to talk to you!"

Girlfriend. GIRLFRIEND. I loved the sound of that. I glanced down at Bella and saw her blushing beautifully and looking down at the ground. I placed a finger under her chin and guided her face back to look at me.

"Your blush is so beautiful. Wait for me outside the locker rooms with Alice and Rosalie?" I whispered.

Bella simply nodded. I couldn't help but grin. I pressed my lips to hers one more time chastely.

"My Bell Bell," I whispered before grinning and turning and running back down the stairs.

My Bell Bell….she was really mine. She was my girlfriend…and she said she loved me.

Friday night, Swan residence

"Hey! Stop stealing my onion rings!" Bella yelled, as I stole yet another one off her plate.

I just smiled as I bit into the large ring and happily munched away on it. Bella rolled her eyes at me.

"You know, if you want, we can get a double order of onion rings next time we go. Then we'll have more than enough and you can stop stealing from me."

I grinned, "Where's the fun in that? Plus, that's not how our usual order goes."

"We can change it."

"Nope…too late…it's committed to my memory."

"Fine…but don't expect me to give you anymore tonight."

"Not even if I beg and pout," I said, jutting my bottom lip out and giving her the best pouty look I could.

"Dream on Tony."

"C'mon Bell Bell…just one more."

"No."

"Please?"

"No."

"I'll take you to see that sequel to that silly vampire romance movie that you liked so much last year."

"You'd sit through that for an onion ring?" Bella said, raising an eyebrow and looking at me skeptically.

"As long as I'm sitting next to you, I'll watch anything."

Bella chuckled, "Okay…but you have to come with me at midnight on opening day, and put up with all the screaming girls."

My conscious growled at the idea, but my stomach must've growled louder because I reached for the onion ring.

"We have a deal."

My Bell Bell laughed loudly, "Okay Tony. Remember, November 19th, we're going."

"Sure, love. Anything you want."

Bella put her plate down on the table and leaned her head against my shoulder. I shifted so that I could wrap my arm around her shoulders and her head was now resting on my chest.

She sighed heavily, "Can you believe what Esme said? That she used to be a band geek and all?"

I chuckled, "Why is that so surprising Bell Bell?"

She squirmed a little next to me, "Well…look at her and look at Carlisle. They're both such good looking people and I was so certain that they must've been a part of the In Crowd of their generation. I mean Esme, she always looks so beautiful every ti-"

"I think Esme was right."

Bella turned and looked up at me. "Right about what?"

"You don't see yourself very clearly."

"I…you…what?"

I chuckled and I raised my hand and began to slowly trace Bella's cheeks and lips. Her breathing quickened and I smiled.

"You're so beautiful Bella. You have the most gorgeous blush, the kind where other women slather on make-up trying in vain to duplicate. Your lips…the bottom one so much fuller than the top, and makes me want to kiss you all the time. Your hair is a variety of colors in the sunlight, blending together to create this color that I love. And your eyes…Bell Bell…your chocolate brown eyes…I could get lost staring into them for days."

"Edward…" Bella whispered.

"You're beautiful Bella…and don't let anyone, and I mean anyone, tell you otherwise."

"Okay…" she whispered, her voice quiet.

We sat in silence for a few more minutes, "The Tonight Show" playing in the background. I couldn't believe everything that had happened tonight. I told Bella that I loved her and she told me she loved me too. Oh lord and our kisses…I don't think that anyone could EVER kiss better than Bella. One thing I didn't expect to talk about tonight was my relationship with Tanya and admitting to Bella that I had seen her naked through her window. I swear I almost crashed the car.

Oh lord, and her telling me that she thought of me in a sexual way? I had to think of the most disgusting things in the world to get rid of the boner she caused me on the way to the diner. The thought of Tanya's touch or lips on mine ever again killed it quickly.

"So what color is your dress for tomorrow night?" I finally asked, breaking our comfortable silence

"It's blue…and no you can't see it!"

"Easy tiger, I just wanted to know so I could match with you."

"Oh..." Bella bit her lip, "Sorry…I'm under strict orders from Alice to not let you see what my dress looks like until it is time to go."

I smiled remembering Alice's words from the other day, "I'm sure you'll look absolutely stunning in it."

"You don't have to flatter me so much. I do love you, you know…"

I laughed and wrapped my arms around her tighter, "I know…I love you too Bell Bell."

Jasper was right. I was never betting against Alice Cullen ever again.

Well? Yes? No? Added something new in there for you all. I hope you liked it. :-D I think I have three more chapters left and then the epilogue. I'm going to skip over the following Monday at school from Edward's POV unless for some reason there's dire demand for it. I have two other chapters full of NEW stuff I'd like to include from Edward's POV. I think you all will likey. Okay, let me know what you thought, good or bad, pretty please? :-D