A/N: I'm really bad at responding to reviews on this site, and for that I'm so sorry. But I read and appreciate every single one. Thank you all so much! I have one more chapter to post after this one, which means that after tomorrow, there will be a couple of days until the next update. I hope you'll have patience with me. I promise to keep the chapters coming as quickly as I can.

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EPOV

If I had been anxious the night before, I was pretty much a wreck in the morning. I kept hearing Emmett's words about Bella playing up, over and over again, and while I tried telling myself that he didn't know what he was talking about, a part of me couldn't help but wonder if he may have a point after all.

I was the school freak; the notorious outsider who - according to most people - was nothing more than a waste of space. Enter the new girl; nice, smart, beautiful. Perfect. And for some reason, she had decided to take my side against one of the most popular guys in school. It was only natural that people would wonder what kind of alternate universe they had ended up in.

Although I loathed the attention, I was used to people talking about me behind my back. While I didn't like it, I had learned to live with it over the years; the fucking gossip being a price I was willing to pay if it meant they would just stay the fuck out of my way.

"You think Bella feels the same way?"

Emmett's voice echoed in my head, and I forced back a frustrated growl. I wanted him to be wrong, but the more I thought about it, the more convinced I became that Bella wouldn't appreciate the attention any more than I did. And if she couldn't stand it - which I started to find more and more likely - surely the most natural thing would be for her to reconsider her desire to hang out with me.

Stop thinking like that! Bella told you she's not going anywhere, remember? She promised not to let go.

But that was before she became aware of the fact that being around me would affect her social life. She could change her mind.

Don't do this. Just trust her.

And I really fucking wanted to. However, doing so had seemed so much easier when Bella was sitting next to me, holding my hand. But now, my self-doubt and insecurities only seemed to grow stronger by the minute.

I took a deep breath before entering the kitchen, hoping that by some miracle, it would turn out to be empty. Because I was really not in a mood for talking to anyone. Of course, I had no such luck. Esme was standing by the coffee maker, about to pour herself a cup of coffee. And Alice was sitting by the kitchen table, chattering happily while munching on some toast.

It was with great relief that I noted that Carlisle was nowhere to be seen this morning. I didn't think I would be able to handle his concern about yesterday's events on top of everything else. Thankfully, Emmett was clearly absent as well. I figured both of them had left early.

"Good morning, Edward." Esme turned around with a smile, having obviously heard me enter the room. "There's toast and coffee if you're hungry. Help yourself."

In all honesty, right now, the mere thought of food made my stomach turn, but since I always skipped lunch at school, I knew I had to eat something if I wanted to make it through the day without getting into any unnecessary trouble. Because my temper would get about ten times worse when I was hungry; it wouldn't take much for me to explode. And that was just about the last thing I needed today.

So I went over to the kitchen counter and put two slices of white bread in the toaster, before picking up a clean cup from the dish stand and heading for the coffee. Then I slumped down on a chair and reached for the morning paper, hoping that would keep Alice and Esme from talking to me. Because I didn't want to start the morning by lashing out at one of them, when they had done nothing to deserve it.

And with the mood I was in right now, I could see something like that happen all too easily.

However, Alice had never been one for taking the hint. Or - which seemed more likely - she just didn't care. She quickly gulped down her orange juice and turned to me. "Hey Edward, would you mind giving me a ride today? I'm going to Jasper's house after school, so I can't take my own car."

I blinked in confusion, not really understanding why she couldn't just drive by herself to Jasper's, but then decided that trying to figure out how Alice's mind worked would only give me a headache. "Whatever," I mumbled in somewhat reluctant agreement, unable to come up with any good reason to say no.

That was until I suddenly remembered that I was supposed to pick up Bella. Fuck! And here I was hoping I could just let that particular arrangement pass without anyone noticing. I closed my eyes for a moment, silently debating with myself how to explain without making an unnecessarily big deal about the whole thing.

Unfortunately, I came up with nothing.

So, about twenty minutes later, I backed us out of the driveway and headed for the main road. When Alice noticed we were going in the opposite direction from school, she turned towards me in confusion. "Um, you know, school's back the other way."

As if I didn't know that. Or did she think I had developed a sudden case of dementia over night? I rolled my eyes. "Yes, I'm aware."

She frowned. "So, where are you going?"

I sighed, seeing no other option than simply telling her the truth. "I promised to pick up Bella." I kept looking through the windshield, stubbornly avoiding to face her, so I was totally unprepared for her reaction.

At first, there was only silence. Then Alice let out a high-pitched squeal that made me practically jump through the roof. I turned my head to glare at her, my heart beating wildly in my chest and my embarrassment forgotten. "Would you stop that?! You want us to end up in the fucking ditch?!"

Ignoring my outburst, Alice eagerly started clapping her hands together, bouncing up and down in her seat. "Oh my God, oh my God, oh my God! Edward, this is wonderful! I just knew the two of you would hit it off eventually! God, I'm so happy, I could just..."

She stopped, her smile faltering a little. "Wait a minute. Bella doesn't know I'm coming along, does she? Why didn't you say something sooner? I could've gone with Emmett; I didn't mean to impose on your date!"

I kind of felt like my head was spinning as I tried to keep up with Alice's - in my opinion - overwhelming enthusiasm. Then her last word registered in my brain, and my eyes widened. "Date?!" I spluttered, staring at her in shock. "This is not a fucking date, I'm just giving her a ride to school!"

Her face fell a little. Although she quickly covered up, waving her hand in dismissal. "Of course. Not a date, I understand. You guys are just friends, right?" I nodded and turned my attention back to the road, knowing that if she could see the yearning look in my eyes, she would be able to see right through me.

Alice was quiet for about ten seconds before she spoke up again, "So, when are you gonna take her out on a real date?"

"Alice. " My grip tightened around the steering wheel, and I wished she would just fucking drop it. She knew perfectly well that I didn't date; the mere idea was ridiculous.

"Fine." Alice let out a defeated sigh. "Forget that I brought it up. I'm sorry, I don't know what I was thinking." A pause. "So, I guess you wouldn't mind if Bella dated someone else, then."

My eyes shot to Alice, and this time, I nearly did end up in the ditch. "Who?!" I demanded, as fury - along with some unfamiliar feeling that I couldn't quite identify - welled up inside me.

I don't care who it is, I'll fucking kill him! Bella's mine!

Whoa! Where the fuck did that come from? Squeezing my eyes shut, I forced myself to take a deep breath. I knew I had no right thinking like that. Bella was no fucking object; she was a person. Of course she could date whoever she wanted to. And why wouldn't she? Prom was coming up, and while she - as far as I knew - hadn't agreed to go with anyone so far, it was probably just a matter of time.

I mean, it wasn't like I would ever offer to take her. The thought of so much as setting my foot in the crowded gym at prom night - or any night, for that matter - made me feel sick to my stomach. There would be people everywhere, pushing and pressing against each other. They would get way too close, and there would be nowhere to escape.

So, forget about the fucking prom. Surely you could take Bella someplace else. Somewhere quiet, where you don't have to worry about anyone invading your personal space.

Yeah, right! Like dinner and a fucking movie? That might be something a normal couple would do. But, for one thing, Bella and I were not a couple. And we were back to the fact that I didn't date. Because I couldn't stand the idea of anyone touching me. And even I realized that a real date would lead to some kind of physical contact sooner or later.

You don't seem to have a problem with Bella touching you anymore.

I tried to block the annoying voice out, knowing it didn't make any difference. I was too fucked up to ever date anyone, period. And even if I could, there was just no way Bella would want to go out with someone like me. For some unexplainable reason, she was willing to be my friend, which was way more than I deserved. But that was it. There was no point in dwelling on what I could never have.

"Edward? Hello?" Alice's worried voice caused me to snap out of it, and I gave her a startled look. For a moment, I had forgotten she was there. She suddenly looked remorseful. "I wasn't being serious before, you know. I'm sorry; I was just teasing you. I know for a fact that Bella has no interest in dating anyone else. Really."

I just looked at her, not sure what to think. She went on, a soft expression on her face. "Look, Edward, I think it's really great that you and Bella have become friends. She's the sweetest, kindest girl I've ever met, and I know she genuinely cares about you." She hesitated. "And you really care about her, too, don't you?"

Although her words made me feel both uncomfortable and exposed, I suddenly didn't have the heart to lie. Somehow, denying my feelings seemed like a betrayal towards Bella. Still, I couldn't bring myself to meet Alice's eyes as I finally responded, quietly, "Yes."

Having been half expecting another piercing scream of excitement, I was both relieved and a little surprised when Alice's only response was a simple "Okay." And I actually found myself able to relax a little, as the rest of the drive to Bella's house went by in merciful silence.

Bella was already out waiting on the front porch when we arrived, fidgeting with her school bag in a somewhat nervous manner, and I found myself wondering if she had actually expected me to stand her up. The way her face lit up when she spotted us made me feel strangely warm inside, and I was unable to suppress a longing sigh.

Ignoring the knowing grin on Alice's face, I jumped out without thinking, hurrying around the car to open the door for Bella. I was immediately rewarded with a smile that just about took my breath away. "Thank you," she said in a soft voice, looking deep into my eyes for a moment, before glancing into the car.

Following her gaze, I was once again reminded of Alice's presence, and suddenly felt a little anxious. "Um..." I swallowed. "Alice needed a ride as well. You don't mind, do you?"

"Edward, don't be silly; of course I don't mind." Bella waved briefly at Alice before turning back to me, lowering her voice, "Thanks for coming. Although I feel kinda bad for making you drive all the way here, just to pick me up."

I held back a snort. "Really, Bella, the town's not that big. It was nothing." Then I awkwardly lowered my eyes. "Sorry for making you sit in the back, though. The front seat's already occupied." I gestured towards Alice with an apologetic grimace.

Bella shook her head. "I don't mind sitting in the back." She hesitated for a moment, and I got the feeling she wanted to say something more. Instead she just gave me a wistful look. "I guess we should be going. Don't wanna be late." I nodded in agreement - although somewhat reluctantly - and waited for her to slip into the back seat before carefully closing the door behind her.

It was strange, how much something as simple as Bella's presence affected me. But as soon as I saw her standing outside the house, my troubled thoughts and apprehension seemed to just melt away, and all of the sudden, I was filled with the soothing feeling of peace that only came when Bella was around.

Unfortunately, the spell was broken the moment we reached the school parking lot and I was forced to step out of the car. Alice hurried off in search of Jasper, leaving me and Bella to slowly approach the school building. Of course, I couldn't be certain whether Bella shared my reluctance to head inside, or if she just followed my pace.

Clearly sensing my sudden wariness, Bella glanced at me in concern. "What's wrong?"

I shook my head, immediately tensing up as we passed a large group of girls, looking in our direction and whispering. "Nothing," I lied, desperately fighting the urge to punch something. I could tell by the look on her face that she didn't believe me, but thankfully, she didn't push.

As we walked through the corridor, heading for our lockers, I felt like everybody was staring at me. I held my breath, praying no one would be bold enough to say anything to my face, because I was already on edge and would most likely snap at the first comment. And I really didn't want Bella to have to witness another one of my violent explosions, which would probably scare her away for good.

But she promised to stay.

Luckily, we made it to Bella's locker without any incidents, however, I refused to let my guard down and relax. This was going to be a long day, and I couldn't wait for it to be over. As I waited for Bella to grab her books and slam the locker shut, my fingers kept itching for a smoke. Unfortunately, I was all out.

Did I mention that this would be a really long, fucking day?

"Look, I need to go if I don't wanna be late for class." Bella bit her lip - something I had come to learn she did quite often - and she gave me a hopeful look. "I'll see you at lunch, though, right? We'll sit together?"

I didn't think it was possible for my agitation to grow any stronger, but apparently, I was wrong. Lunch at school was a touchy subject for me, one that I wasn't looking forward to explain to Bella any time soon. How could I possibly tell her that the mere idea of entering the crowded cafeteria made me feel nauseous? If she didn't consider me a freak before...

"Um..." I swallowed and shoved my hands down in my pockets, not wanting Bella to see how much they were suddenly shaking. "Look, Bella... I - I don't..." I stuttered, once again furious at my inability to do any of the things a normal person would do. And what was even worse, I couldn't even find the words to explain why.

Lowering my eyes to the floor as I couldn't bear to see the disappointed - and most likely hurt - look on Bella's face, I quickly took a step back and mumbled, "I've gotta go, all right? I'm sorry. I'll see you later?" It took a moment before I realized that the last part had come out as a question, but I was too much of a coward to stick around and wait for her answer. So I turned around and left, although it made my entire body ache.

Somehow, I managed to get through the morning classes without drawing any unwanted attention to myself, although my mind was occupied with thoughts of Bella, and what she must be thinking about me for just taking off and leaving her in the middle of the hallway without much of an explanation.

By lunch time, I slowly made my way towards my locker to drop off my books, my steps heavy as I pictured Bella in the cafeteria, laughing and chattering with Alice and the others. Not that I actually wished I was there, too, but it was just another reminder of how I would never really fit into Bella's life. The more I thought about it, the more depressed I became.

Until I reached my locker and found Bella already standing there, her eyes searching through the crowd until she spotted me. Then she perked up, visibly, and hurried to meet me. "Hi."

"Hey." I hesitated a little. "Shouldn't you be in the cafeteria?"

She shook her head. "Nope. I came straight to find you. The way I see it, eating's highly over-rated." Her stomach suddenly made a growling sound, and she blushed.

I sighed. "Bella, this is ridiculous. You're not going around fucking starving because of me. Just go eat."

"I will." She rolled her eyes. "The whole 'eating's over-rated' thing was a joke, Edward. Of course I'm going to eat." I opened my mouth, but she wasn't finished. "And so are you."

My eyes widened in alarm, and I shook my head, firmly. "I'm not hungry. I'll eat when I get home."

"How can you not be hungry?" Bella gave me a doubtful look. "Alice told me you barely touched your breakfast this morning."

Fucking Alice, and her big mouth!

I closed my eyes for a moment, willing the panic to go away. "Bella-"

"Edward..." She cut me off, her voice suddenly soft, and my eyes immediately went to the hand she was holding out. "It's okay, just relax. We're not going to the cafeteria. Will you just trust me?"

Blinking in confusion, I was both astonished and horrified by the fact that she had somehow figured out the reason behind my unwillingness to eat at school. I kept staring at her hand, so close, but yet so far away. Because all of the sudden, I was frozen at the spot, unable to move.

Finally I realized that Bella had asked me a question, and was waiting for my answer. I managed to snap out of the stupor, and slowly reached out my own hand, hesitantly grasping hers. Not trusting my voice to hold, I just nodded, dumbfounded.

The relief on her face was obvious, and she gave me a small smile. "Good. Then come with me."