Enjoy, kids. Oh, and review! It makes my day.

BPOV

I turned the note over in my hands, contemplating what to do. Should I stay? Should I go? I wanted to go, but I didn't want Edward to think I could be won back so easily. But was he even trying to win me back? God, what the hell do I do?

I decided to take a bath and mull it over. I took my cell phone with me and placed it on the side of the tub while I turned on the hot water. I decided to go with bubbles, just because. I pulled my hair up and clipped it into place, and slipped into the warm bath water. When I was finally settled, I sighed and picked up my phone.

EPOV

I left school after lunch to go forward with my plan. I thought about it this morning over breakfast with Alice. I asked her what she liked when Jasper pissed her off. I had no clue, as I've never really done anything sappy for any girl I've dated. I just never really had to.

"Flowers. Definitely flowers. Oh, and chocolate. And a romantic date. Any girl who says she doesn't like that is a fucking liar."

"Well, what kind of flowers?"

"I don't know! Whatever her favorite flower is."

"So, um, Alice. Do you happen to know what Bella's favorite flower is?"

She laughed," It hasn't exactly come up, Edward. But I trust you can figure it out for yourself."

The only time I had seen Bella near any kind of flowers, we were in the meadow. The meadow. I had my 'aha' moment. When I started walking the path, I had a little bit of trouble finding the place again, but I eventually stumbled upon it. I scooped up a huge bushel of all the colors I could find. I drove back home, stole one of Esme's vases, and put them in water. My hand shook as I pulled out a pen and paper to write her a note. Alice mentioned something about a romantic date, so that's exactly what I would ask for, knowing full well she would probably say no.

Bella,

I need to talk to you. Please meet me for dinner tonight. I'm sorry for everything.

Edward

I pulled up to her house, and thankfully the chief wasn't there. I prayed that damn window was open, because I definitely didn't want to leave the flowers and my sappy little note for the chief to possibly find. He didn't sound too happy the second time he had to answer my call to Bella yesterday. He told me to leave her alone, or he was going to be forced to press charges for harassment.

I scaled the tree and held my breath as I pushed the window open. It slid open with ease. There is a God. I climbed through and placed the flowers and note on the desk, and was bombarded my Bella's scent everywhere. I wanted to pick up a pillow and bury my face in it, just to smell a hint of her strawberry shampoo, but decided it was too stalkerish.

I made it home and paced back and forth in front of my desk looking over my shoulder every pass, staring at the phone that lay there. I knew she was home from school by now and had gotten my flowers. Why hadn't she called? Because you're an asshole, idiot. I gave in to the thought that she wasn't going to call, so I sat on my bed and put my head in my hands. Now what?

I jumped when the phone buzzed. I ran to it and almost tripped.

New message from: Bella.

My heart raced as I hit 'view.'

Where?

Where? I hadn't thought about where. I had to come up with something fast. I quickly typed back.

What about the little Italian place in downtown Forks? I remember you liking the mushroom ravioli there.

See, I could be thoughtful. She took a while to respond and I couldn't breathe.

Time?

Shit. This was not a well thought out plan. I decided to be bold.

Can I pick you up at 7?

No thanks. I can drive myself.

My asking to pick her up may have been a little too much too soon.

Alright. See you at 7.

I took my time, took a long hot shower, and ripped my closet apart trying to find the perfect 'I'm sorry' ensemble. I pulled on my tight grey, long sleeve shirt and the jeans Bella metioned she liked on me. I was feeling a twinge of nervousness as I raced the streets in the Volvo.

Fuckfuckfuck. The closer I got to the restaurant the worse my nervousness got. My stomach began doing backflips. I hadn't really thought of what to say to Bella, only that I was deeply sorry and that I loved the shit out of her.

BPOV

I decided I wanted to hear what he had to say to me. I was very curious. Even though I was still so broken by this man, he was making an effort. I contemplated standing him up for a moment, but I decided there was no way I could do that. I had to be the bigger person.

I got out of the bath when my hands and feet turned to prunes. I pulled my hair into a loose bun, and rifled through my closet trying to find an outfit. I threw on some ratty jeans and a tee shirt, and a black hoodie. It was out of character for me, but I wasn't in the mood to put forth any effort with my looks tonight.

I hopped in my old truck and drove toward the downtown Forks. I started to feel a plethora of emotions. Hurt, fear, nervousness, and mostly anger. I pulled into the restaurant and spotted Edward's silver Volvo already there. When I got out, I purposely swung the door open a bit too far and made a nice little ding in the door.

I was beginning to feel nauseated when I entered the restaurant and stepped to the hostess stand.

"I'm meeting Edward Cullen. Can you point me to his table, please?"

She looked me up and down with distaste.

"Um, right this way." Whatever, bitch.

As we neared a table in the back of the restaurant, I spotted him. He had his hands crossed over the table, mumbling to himself. His eyes drew upward and locked with mine in surprise. He stood up quickly, and damn it if he wasn't looking absolutely perfect.

"Here you are," the hostess said, as she raked her eyes over Edward, and then looked back at me.

"Thank you," he said never taking his eyes off of mine.

"Anytime," she said and walked away.

"Bella," he said as he motioned to the chair next to him out for me to sit. Fuck that. I took the chair directly across from him, sat, and crossed my arms. He cleared his throat and sat back down in his chair.

He looked at me and sighed,"Bella. Thank you for agreeing to meet me here so we can talk."

I raised an eyebrow and said snarkily," So talk."

He took a deep breath. "You look beautiful tonight."

I rolled my eyes.

" Listen, I just wanted to tell you how sorry I am about everything that has happened between the two of us. I feel like our relationship has been a series of misunderstandings. I just want to clear things up."

Aint that the truth. I thought for a moment and kept my voice low.

"Well then help me understand, Edward. Why do you feel like you can treat every girl you go out with like some piece of trash? You use us up and throw us away like we're nothing. You have perfected it actually. If anyone should get the grand fucking prize for being an asshole, it should definitely be you."

I expected him to say something smart, or call me a name, but surprisingly, he didn't.

"I deserve that. I…honestly don't know why I treat girls that way. I guess I'm just so worried about what other people will think. And my reputation. I know it's wrong…I should never make anyone feel that way. You've helped me realize that, Bella. I should have never taken advantage of you, ever. Because now that I don't have you, I don't know what to do with myself."

He did want me back. But I wasn't giving in.

"Well, Edward, don't you think you are just a little too late? I mean, you can't just bring me flowers and take me to dinner and expect me to just come back to you. It doesn't work like that. Your actions the other night were inexcusable. You fucked me in some fucking hallway and left me there after I told you how I felt about you. That was your fucking chance. You didn't take it."

He looked down at his lap like a scolded puppy.

The waitress sauntered over with two entrees and two cokes. He ordered for me. God, he is presumptuous. But I guess it was still kind of sweet.

"Two mushroom raviolis. Can I get you anything else?" She said as she eyed Edward, not even looking at me. She laid down the check and I could see a name and phone number written on the back. Bitch.

He looked up at her, and then at me."Yes actually. Could you convince her to forgive me?"

My heart began to flutter and I was struggling to keep my game face on.

She looked down at me quirked an eyebrow, and laughed," Sorry, I don't think I can help you with that. She looks pretty pissed."

I laughed," Yeah, and you look desperate. If he calls you, run in the other direction. He'll break your heart into a million little pieces."

Her mouth hung open as she walked away. I realized that was harsh, but I think he needed to hear it. Edward looked down at his food and was silent for a moment.

"I didn't mean to break your heart….you must hate me….I'm so sorry," he said quietly. I actually believed him and decided not to be such a bitch.

"Listen, Edward, I know you didn't mean to, ok? I just think that we didn't know what we were doing. I coukd never hate you.

He still didn't look up."I should apologize as well. I overreacted at Jake's party and I should have never touched your car."

"It's just a car, Bella," he said as he cheered up a bit, " I'm sorry for everything I said to you at the party. I didn't mean it. I'm never drinking like that again."

"I didn't mean what I said to you, either. I'm sorry."

"Well, apology accepted."

"And..I forgive you, Eddie."

He laughed.

We were both silent for a moment as we looked at each other. I could feel the electricity coursing through me as he stared into my eyes. I broke his gaze and looked down at the table. I wasn't ready to take him back. Even with all the pleasantries and apologies.

He spoke first.

"Bella. Would you be opposed to doing this again? I mean, letting me take you out on a date and all. We wouldn't have to come here of course. We could go anywh-"

I cut him off, "I honestly think it would be best if we were just friends for now, Edward."

"I don't know if I can go back to being just friends with you."

"I still need some time, Edward, and that's what I can offer you right now ."

Without hesitation he said," Then I'll take whatever you'll give me."

God, I wanted to cry. Eddie was really trying to turn over a new leaf, and now I was the one resisting. I was just so mentally and emotionally exhausted, though. I couldn't just jump right back into something with him without sufficient time to heal. He could change his mind at any time, that fickle fucker. But through all of this, I never stopped loving him, not one little bit.

He cleared his throat an motioned to my plate,"Aren't you going to eat?"

"I'm not really hungry right now," I lied.

"Well, suit yourself. I'm starving. I've been hardly able to eat all day. I didn't think you would agree to this."

I gave him a small smile and sipped my coke. He got halfway through his meal when my stomach growled like a tiger.

He looked up at me mid-chew in surprise. We both busted out in laughter. It felt good. It felt really good to just laugh with him. I picked up my fork and dug in, not being able to stand it anymore. We managed to make small talk without it being too awkward. We talked about prom and my distaste for being nominated for prom queen. He told me I had it in the bag.

"Oh, whatever. I hope I don't win."

"Bella, please. You're every girl's hero right now."

"And for good reason."

"Exactly. Plus you're the most beautiful girl in the school." He paused. "So you really aren't taking a date?"

"Um, no. I'm not."

There was a long pause.

"So, um, who are you going with?" I asked.

He shrugged his shoulders. "I don't know. Lauren kind of assumes we're going together," he said and waited for my response.

Oh no, Eddie. I'm not playing this little game.

"Oh, that's great. You guys will look perfect together."

His face fell," Uh, yeah…"

He slapped a fifty on the table and walked me out to my car. I kind of feel bad for dinging the Volvo now, but not too bad, I guess.

"Well, thank you for tonight. I'm really glad we got to talk," I said.

He smiled down at me, and I instantly wanted to hold his hand. But I stopped myself.

"Thanks for meeting me. So, uh, do you think you girls can come back to the lunch table tomorrow? It's getting really boring with just Em and Jas."

"Only if Jake can come."

He was about to say something snide, but stopped himself and smiled. "Of course he can."

"Good," I said as I opened my truck door.

"Oh, and Bella," he called from the Volvo, "thank you for not moving away."

Damnit, Alice! "Oh, that traitorous bitch. Tell her she's gonna get it at school tomorrow."

He smiled. "Bye Isabella."

Then he got in his car and peeled out of the parking lot. I couldn't drive yet because of the tears that blurred my vision.

EPOV

I left the restaurant one morose motherfucker. I couldn't help it. Every time I was away from her lately, my chest ached. She just wanted to be friends for now. Fuck, that was going to be a task. She also said she needed time. I would give her all the time in the world. I was dangerously close to telling her I was desperately in love with her, but I didn't when she said I broke her heart into a million pieces. I didn't know if that's what she wanted to hear.

When I got home, I found Alice and Jasper sitting on the couch in the den watching a movie. I took out a bottle of vodka and took a shot.

"Sup, bro?"

"And where have you been, brother?"

"Actually, I was just having dinner with Bella."

His mouth hung open and she squealed,"Holy shit! She went?"

"Yeah."

"So…what happened, man?" Jasper asked.

" We just said some things that needed to be said."

"And?! What did she say?" Alice squeaked.

"Well, she said I'm an asshole and I broke her heart into a million little pieces, so she just wants to be friends."

"Rough, she said that? "Jasper asked.

"Yeah, she did. I don't care though, I want to be with her. She said she needs time, but I need her to feel right. What the hell do I do?"

"You be her friend, Edward," Alice said sternly.

"I don't know how."

"Well, figure it out. Definitely don't force yourself on her. Respect her and giver her some space, and she'll come around."

"Yeah, dude. She'll come around. They always do, don't they honey?"

"That's right."

"I asked if she really wasn't bringing a date to prom she said she wasn't. It's like she wants to go alone. Then she said that Lauren and I would look perfect together at prom. What the fuck does that mean? She hates Lauren."

"Edward, she didn't mean it. She just wasn't going to buy into your little jealousy game. Just stop with it already."

"Then should I still take Lauren?"

"Of course you should," Jasper said, "maybe Bella wants to keep her options open. Doesn't mean you have to."

"Over my dead body."

"Shut up. You aren't together."

"I don't care. No one better touch her."

"Ohhh, you got it bad kid."

Alice rolled her eyes, " Edward, it's up to you if you want to bring Lauren or not. Don't listen to him. Anyhow, I'd love to stay and chat, but I have a phone call to make."

"Alice are you calling her? You better tell me everything."

"Maybe. I'll tell you if I feel like you need to know. Now leave me alone."

I got another shot glass out of the cupboard, poured two shots and handed one to Jasper.

"Cheers," he said.

"Yeah, to friends…" I said as I drowned my sorrows.

A/n: This is going to be an interesting week for our little couple. Go ahead, make my day.