A/N: Thank you so much guys for all for your reviews and support! to answer you question, FreakyLittlePixie, Bella's secret will be out to the Edward soon enough. You'll just have to wait, and that goes for everyone else!!

This chapter is titled, 'Bella the Vampire Slayer' for a reason, but it's really literal. As if she could, let alone want, to slay the Cullens. They're like family to her! :D.

Disclaimer: I don't own anything, so all you lawyers out there, don't sue!

Bella Montana – Chapter Twenty-One

"Answer me Bella!"

"Dad," I shouted, "please calm down. How am I supposed to answer you when you're talking so loud and not even giving me time to insert a 'hi' or a 'hello'? I'm fine Dad. I was just hanging out with a friend. No biggie."

"'No biggie'," my dad repeated, "'No biggie'? Bella, its thirty minutes past six, school ended hours ago! I want you home right now, do you hear me? And what's this text I received from Agnes? She worked hard in scoring you that invite and you hang up on her? I thought I raised you better than that."

"I'm sorry Dad. I was a bit...preoccupied…when she called." I stood up from the ground, dusting my clothes off in the process, and began pacing. I tried to keep my mind off from Edward, who was watching my every move mind you, and concentrated on my phone conversation.

"Okay, I'll accept your excuse. I don't really mind you not going to that party with all the booze, music and boys. Not to mention that I don't want Paris rubbing off on you. I'm still waiting for the time that you'll realize that you can party without a care in the world…"

I blushed. Was my dad going all mushy on me?

"Err, Dad…just keep on waiting. You know I don't like stuff like that."

"Yes, Bells. I know…" he paused and we entered a comfortable silence. It was broken though, by him saying, "but that doesn't stop me from worrying. You're seventeen Bella, a teenager, and I want you back home right now."

"Yes Dad, I'm on my way now. Bye," I snapped the screen, effectively ending the call and turned around. Edward was already up, wearing his jacket and holding mine in his hands. He handed it to me and I smiled in thanks. We ran back to the parking lot in silence…well, he ran back in silence while I sat on his back in silence. Either way, we were both quiet.

When we arrived at the parking lot, I noticed that my scooter and my bag were gone, leaving Edward's Volvo the only vehicle in the lot. I climbed into it, Edward opening the door for me, and he drove me home.

"Edward, can you not drop me off in the driveway?" I asked in a whisper, "I just don't want my dad to be angrier than he already is."

He nodded and said, "I am curious…" I looked at him in question, signaling for him to proceed. "Who is this Agnes person that your dad keeps talking about?"

I looked out of the window, thinking over my response. I can't tell him the truth because then, he'll definitely know that I'm Yasmin, and I don't want him to know. He makes it perfectly clear that he doesn't like the girl so maybe, if he knows that it's me, he won't like me either. I don't want him to not like me. In fact, I want him to do the exact opposite. I want him to like me, as in like me, like me. More than friends kind of like… Thinking of no other way to explain who Agnes is, I said instead, "You know, you can call my dad Charlie, right?"

"Yes," he smiled tightly, "but I want to know who this Agnes is. Is she your dad's girlfriend?"

"Oh, heavens no," I laughed. How did he get to that conclusion? "Didn't you hear in the parking lot? My dad can not stand the way she talks!"

"I'm sorry, it was the first plausible thing that came to my mind. Is she one of your aunts? A god mother, maybe?"

"No, both my parents were only children." I looked away. I sometimes dream that I have aunts and uncles, and that they have children who can be my cousins. I missed that in my life. As I grew up, I missed the love of a family. I know Agnes loves me but not like in a daughter kind of way, so that only leaves my dad as my only blood relative.

"Bella, I'm sorry for making you uncomfortable," Edward said from my left. I smiled at him, silently telling him that it's fine. "You don't have to tell me who Agnes is; it's just that I was curious."

I can't stand him looking all disappointed. I silently made my decision.

"Agnes is just a family friend, Edward. I've known her since I was thirteen," I said in a rushed voice. I wasn't exactly lying to him. Agnes is a family friend and I have known her since I was thirteen. What I did leave out was that Agnes is my agent since I became Yasmin.

"Oh, well then, here we are." I looked out the window and saw my house a few feet away. Just like I asked him to, Edward did not drop me off in the driveway. I can see that my dad's in the living room watching a game on TV. The kitchen light was on meaning that he had cooked dinner for himself. I wondered worriedly if he had burned something in the process. He's an okay cook but that doesn't mean he doesn't slip up every once in a while.

"Thank you, Edward," I stepped out of the car, Edward holding the door open for me. "I guess I'll see you tomorrow then." Walking towards my house, I tried my best to hide my smile. I was only a few steps away from the car when Edward called my name. I stopped and turned around.

"Would you –" he looked away from my curious eyes and continued his sentence staring at the forest across the road. "Would you mind terribly if I pick you up in the morning?"

I blushed. I wouldn't voice this out loud but I loved it when he talks like that. 'Would I mind terribly?' I don't think so. In fact, I think it would be fun to go to school in a car for once, and for the car to not be ostentatious like Alice's Porsche.

"I would love that Edward," I flashed him a wide smile and turned on my feet, "Just pick me up whenever. I wake up a few hours before school starts. Goodnight Edward."

"Goodnight Bella." I listened to him enter his car as I made my way up to the house. Straining my ears, I noticed that he did not drive away until I was safely in the porch. I sighed. I just acquired a worry wart of a vampire friend.

Opening the door, I heard the TV turn off and I saw my dad looking at me sternly from the living room.

"Hi dad," I waved my hand feebly. He did not acknowledge it.

"It's seven o'clock. Where have you been?"

"I was just hanging out with a friend," I racked my brain for a name, but the only name that I could think of other than Alice were useless. My dad said he had called Angela, Lauren and Jessica, so they're out. Edward is definitely out, and I couldn't say Alice because my dad would've seen her bring my scooter and bag home.

"And who is this friend of yours?" he asked. I gulped.

"Just a friend from school…"

"Oh, did this friend give you that flower?"

"What flower?" I asked, knowing full well that a flower was in my hair. I am so not going to throw it away.

"So, what's his name?"

"Did I say he was a boy?" I asked, bewildered. How could he jump to conclusions like that? I mean, he's correct and all but doesn't he trust me anymore? Don't I deserve some privacy? I was happy to note that my dad blushed under my piercing gaze.

"I'm sorry for assuming. I'm a father princess; I can't help but worry my socks off over you." He walked over to me, his arms open for a hug, and I met him halfway.

"Oh dad, it's ok." I broke away from the hug, "I'm pretty hungry. I think I'll get something to eat and then work on my homework."

"Go on ahead." I was making myself a sandwich when I heard Charlie's voice shout over the blaring of the TV, "Bella, your bag is upstairs. Alice dropped it off this afternoon. Thought you should know…"

"Thanks Dad!" I took a bit of my sandwich and made my way upstairs. I think I've got a couple of homework assignments due tomorrow…

As I was updating my planner, I thought over my life at the moment. Edward seems to be taking up most of my thoughts somehow. Let it be his vampirism or just the way he looks, I always think about him day and night, like now for instance… I sighed and closed my planner.

About three things I was absolutely positive. First, Edward was a vampire. Second, there's a part of him, and I don't know how dominant that part may be, that thirsted for my blood. Third, I am unconditionally and irrevocably in love with him, vampire or not.

I fell asleep that night with a huge smile on my face. I don't recall dreaming at all so when I woke up the next day, I was fully rested. The stress from yesterday was all gone, replaced by the euphoria of knowing Edward's secret.

Stumbling off of my bed, I quickly made it before taking a shower. I dressed in my normal clothes, which are just a pair of jeans, a long sleeved shirt and my black converse shoes. On some days, I wear something over the long sleeved shirt like a blouse or t-shirt. Today, I picked a dark blue cotton shirt to wear as well.

I quickly made myself some breakfast and turned on the TV. I've still got time before school starts and I guess a little bit of television wouldn't hurt. It's been a long time since I watched something on the TV. Flicking through the channels, I settled for MTV. One of my songs was playing and I idly mouthed the words as I ate my breakfast.

Not a whole second after I just popped a spoonful of cereal in my mouth, I heard the doorbell ring. Rising from my seat, I opened the door, revealing Edward Cullen. His eyes were golden today, I noted.

"Good morning Edward," I greeted him. I stepped aside from the doorways and motioned for him to enter, "come on in. My dad's already at work so he's not here right now."

"I know," he said, smiling his crooked smile. I blushed at the thought that it was me whom he's smiling at. No one else, but me, how great is that?

"H-how do you know?" I stuttered to ask, settling back on my seat.

"There was only one heartbeat coming from this house," he stated simply. I stared at him in shock, my full spoon dripping milk and hovering a few centimeters from my slightly open mouth.

"Come again?" I asked.

"I could hear your heartbeat, Bella. Vampires have got advanced hearing you know."

Settling my spoon down, I sipped my water before saying, "I knew that. But, hearing heartbeats? That's just…whoa." I watched as his eyebrows knitted. At times like these, I wonder what it would be like to hear Edward's thoughts. Why does he look confused? Was it something I said?

"You knew about our hearing?" he finally asked. I sighed in relief. Was that all?

"Oh, that. Yes, I knew. Actually, I suspected that for a few weeks now. I always wondered how Emmett always laughs whenever I say something funny, or something sarcastic that can be considered as funny."

"What else did you 'suspect'?" he asked, leaning on the kitchen counter.

"I suspected a lot of things," I answered cryptically.

"You know Bella, you never did tell me how you knew I was a vampire – how everyone in my family were vampires."

"So?" I shrugged and drank some more of my water, anything for an excuse to stop talking.

"What were your… proofs that we were vampires? How did you know that we were what we are?"

His eyes were on me, making me nervous and, well, nervous.

"Well, for one, I know about your hearing. That's already covered. Ever since you saved me from Mr. Banner, I suspected that you have super speed. Also, there was a time after my trip to DC, I remember slamming Alice's car door on you and you did not flinch –"

"I had to pay for that to get fixed. Rosalie refused to fix it for me and Alice insisted that it was my fault it was broken so I had to pay."

"Oh, I'm sorry for causing you trouble. I think –"

"It's okay Bella. Just continue telling me your suspicions."

"Oh, fine." I took a deep breath. I thought I had found an escape that time. "We have super speed and super strength down. Umm, every time you catch me from falling or tripping, I noticed that your arms were cold. Also, Alice hugged me once and her arms were also cold. Your eyes changes color every few days or so…" I drifted off as I remembered how I tricked them all into revealing all of this yesterday. Was it really yesterday? It seemed like a whole lifetime ago –

"Bella," Edward was right in front of me, waving his hand in front of my face. I moved to swipe it away but he was back to his position by the counter so I didn't bother. "You spaced out for a moment," he said. I could tell that he's frustrated, not being able to read my mind. I felt somehow guilty for that. Well, might as well tell him about yesterday.

"Sorry, I was just remembering something from yesterday."

"Care to expand on that?"

"Well, did you know that Angela and I weren't really quarreling?"

"You weren't?" he asked, the fold between his eyebrows was more dominant than before. It took some effort for me to not walk over to him and smooth it out. "So…it was all an act?" at my nod, he asked, "Why?"

"I needed a reason to sit next to you guys."

"Again, why, may I ask?"

I smirked, "Why, to test your strength of course! I knew that there was a strong possibility that you would just deny me when I tell you that you're a vampire – that all your family are. Throughout all day yesterday, I was testing things…like your speed…and stuff. I just needed solid proof…" I trailed off, feeling embarrassed. I swear, I probably look like a tomato right now.

"And how does that lead you to having a reason to sit with my family?" he asked. I rolled my eyes in a 'duh' manner.

"I did poke Alice with a metal fork, didn't I? She didn't cry out, and I felt my fork buckle under me, meaning you were strong."

"Excuse me?"

I sighed, getting a little bit annoyed, "I said –"

"No, I heard what you said. So you purposely egged on Emmett, who is a vampire, to argue with you?"

"It wasn't really fighting. All I did was shout at him and dramatically exited the cafeteria."

"But you shouted at a vampire…"

"…er, I guess so?" I looked at him. His face bore no emotions and my heart twisted. Is he angry at me? I hope not. Oh, stupid Bella! I probably broke the tentative friendship that we have. Oh, stupid, stupid, stupid!

"Emmett was really afraid of you, you know. He wasn't faking it when he found out that he angered you." He looked out of the window and said wistfully, "Never mind the sun, vampires are afraid of Bella Swan."

Hesitantly, I said, "Bella the Vampire Slayer?"

Suddenly, he faced me again and smiled. Then that smile grew bigger and bigger and bigger. Finally, that smile turned into a laugh. He was laughing! Edward was laughing! I giggled at that. And then I laughed. We both laughed until I noticed the clock. If we don't go now we'll be late for school.

"Ed-Edward…we need to go to school now."

We both piled into his silver Volvo, him opening the door for me and me thanking him silently. The drive to school was quiet, but in a peaceful kind. It wasn't uncomfortable or awkward at all, I was glad of that because I have a feeling that he will pick me up for school more often.

When I climbed out of the car, Edward opening the door for me (of course), the first thing that I noticed was that everyone was staring at us, or more specifically, me. I sent a bewildered look to Edward. He just smirked at me. What? Have I got something on my face?

I cleared my throat and secured my bag over my shoulder. About halfway through the parking lot, I can't keep it in anymore. I said, "Y'know everybody's staring."

"No, not that guy," Edward responded, "oh, no he just looked."

I desperately wanted to hit him, but refrained. I know I'll be the one who'll get bruised, not him.

"You don't know how much I want to smack your head right now."

"Actually, I do…" he smiled sheepishly at me.

"Huh? I thought you can't read my mind."

"No, I can't," he stated simply, "but I can read Jasper's mind, and Jasper can feel emotions."

"An empath," I stated. "How cool is that?!" I stopped dead on my tracks, hands out in front of me, showing how cool I think Jasper's power was.

He laughed. He laughed his gorgeously heavenly laugh. I swear from the corner of my eyes that a few people swooned, most of them girls. "You should tell him that next time you see him, I know he'll appreciate that."

"Oh don't worry," I drawled, acting conceited, "I will. I do aim to please." After a while, I said, "people are still staring." I don't really mind them staring, but don't they have something else to do?

"Just let them stare Bella," he wrapped his arm around my shoulders, making my heart skip a beat. His arm was around me! And I don't care if it is cold, his arm was around me! "I'm already going to hell, so I might as well do it thoroughly." The last part he directed where the rest of his siblings were parked. So they took Rosalie's car instead of Edward's Volvo, that figures.

Edward and I parted for our first lesson. I have English and he has Algebra. When I sat on my seat, I pretended to not notice all the stares and hushed whispers that I can hear around me. I mean, can they be more obvious? I took out my brand new copy of Pride and Prejudice and read it. The teacher didn't see me reading it under the table and I was glad of that.

The next period was bearable, like the first one, but a little bit worse. Even the teacher, who was a female, was staring at me for the first five minutes of class. I began thinking that the inhabitants of Forks are a bit deranged, except for Angela who was also reading a book beside me. Third period was better. It was Algebra and the teacher was a stern one. So no 'gawking like a goldfish' in his classroom is allowed, quoted directly from him.

If the first three periods were bearable, then the fourth one was torture. The lesson was art so everyone was free to talk and move around as long as they finish the assigned work. We were all supposed to draw a mythical creature, and I briefly thought of drawing a vampire. I did not of course, since the classical vampire is so wrong compared to Edward. I settled instead in drawing a mermaid.

The beginning of the lesson was fine, I was concentrating hard on perfecting the head of the mermaid but then, I heard someone whisper to her friend, "I heard she threatened him to go out with her. Why else would go out with her? She's not pretty enough to be with him. He should've chosen me."

More comments about me and Edward were heard throughout the class. They seem to think that when someone is refraining from eye contact and is seemingly concentrating on her work, means they can't hear. Oh, how wrong they were. My mermaid picture did not end up like one at all, by the end she had turned into a mutated fish with a human head. I like to think that the face was someone I hated.

I was grateful when the lunch bell rang. I packed away my things and escaped the classroom as fast as possible without breaking into a run. Sighing as I bought two sandwiches from the counter and a chocolate muffin, plus a bottle of water, I settled myself in Angela's table.

The guys joined me a few minutes later, and then Lauren, Jessica and Angela. I greeted them good day and they greeted me back. I was relieved that they at least treated me the same. I mean, nothing happened between Edward and me. We just talked about me and he showed me his meadow.

"So you two made up already?" asked Lauren, pointing her fork at Angela and then me.

Smiling at her try to drag me into a conversation, I said, "Yes, I talked to her last night and we settled our differences." I glanced at Angela and saw her nodding, a genuine smile on her face. In a hushed whisper, I said to her, "Thanks Angela for yesterday…"

"Don't worry. It's no problem." She took out the video camera that I got her for her birthday and began fiddling with it. Finally, when she got it to her hearts content, she focused it on me. "This is Bella Swan, the newest student here in Forks High and is seventeen years old, a junior. This is Lauren Mallory," she focused on Lauren and did the same as she did with me. She then proceeded to do it with Jessica, and then herself.

"Angela, what are you doing?" asked Lauren afterwards.

"Oh, nothing, just a spur of the moment thing," she shrugged and scanned the whole cafeteria with her cam.

I settled back on my food and by chance, saw Edward looking at me. There was a faint hint of a smile his face. I grinned at him for I know he knows what I was just thanking Angela about. Looking at Emmett and the others however, I can see that they were confused, especially Alice.

"Hey Bella, what are you smiling at?" Jessica waved a hand in front of my face, effectively ruining my staring contest with Edward. Feeling a little bit annoyed, I raised one eyebrow in question. "I asked you a question Bella and you weren't responding. What are you looking at – oh." She stopped speaking when she realized that I was staring at Edward. I blushed to my roots.

"You were so staring at Edward."

I faked a snort of disbelief, "Yeah right, and someone famous will sing live here in Forks High." I shared a look with Angela, who was looking at me in curiosity. I told her with my eyes that it will never happen…I hope. Not wanting to sound vain or anything, but I don't think the school can afford Yasmin…

"Oh really, that's fantastic news!" Jessica shouted excitedly. I sighed, her enthusiasm was blatantly unrealistic. She dropped her acting and said seriously, "I know what I saw Bella. You totally dig him!"

My eyes widened and my face flushed, I quickly hid my face behind a curtain of my hair and pretending to look at my watch. Of course, I wasn't wearing a watch today. "Oh, look at that. Silly me, it's time for my dentist's appointment. I gotta jet –" I stood up from my seat and was only a in the process of securing my bag when I heard Lauren and Angela snicker.

"Quit it Bella," Jessica admonished, "and you two," she glared at the two girls. If I wasn't the brunt of their amusement, I would've felt sorry for them. "Stop laughing. This is serious matter."

"Jess relax, it's just a guy," said Angela through her laughter. I sat back down on my seat, a pout on my face.

"No Angela, Edward Cullen is not 'just a guy'."

I dropped my head in my hands. I bet I'm beet red now. Great, just great, someone please, anyone, kill me now. I peeked through my fingers and saw Edward and Emmett sniggering. Man, they're listening to the conversation. They have no right to do that! I sat up straight, trying to regain what's left of my dignity. It's time for payback.

Reaching deep within my bag, I took out my phone and began texting.

"Bella, listen for a sec, this is very important," I heard Jessica say. My only response was a grunt of acknowledgment and nudge on the ribs. She was sitting beside me while Lauren was on the other side of the table. Angela, as always, was seated on my right.

In my text, I said, "Alice, can you please hit Edward and Emmet on the head – hard. Thanks."

A few seconds later, I was rewarded by having a front seat view of Alice physically abusing the two boys. Revenge is sweet! I giggled under my breath and said what I though out loud in a hushed whisper so that neither Jessica nor Angela could hear me, but I know they could.

"Mess with me and I'll set Alice on you…"

"Guys, did you see that?" asked Tyler. "Alice Cullen just beat up Edward and Emmett!"

"No," I said sarcastically. He just nodded. I rolled my eyes.

"What?" Lauren wheeled around and faced the Cullens' table. They were all back to normal, except Edward and Emmett were nursing bruises, at least, pretending to nurse them. I could tell from Edward's expression that it did not hurt much. They didn't bruise physically, just emotionally. Me, Bella Swan (actually, it was all Alice's work) just bruised the guys' dignity. Now the whole school will know that they've been beaten by a girl.

"Uh, anyway, Bella, listen to what I'm saying."

I groaned. This will be a long lunch.

A/N: I'm LOLing right here, I like the end part, where Alice smacks Edward and Emmett on the head. There's a little Charlie/Bella bonding, and I guess Edward's going to be tad bit curious as o why Bella would be invited to Ms. Hilton's party, who is then mentioned by Charlie as Paris. Whooo...!

Please review, they're like air to me!

=]