Sorry for the delay, r/l got in my way but no worries i'm back on track. Thanks for all the reviews and your patience with my postings.

I don't own Twilight; just borrowing the characters, the story however is mine. This story is not beta'd so any mistakes are mine.

Chapter 25: ASSIGNMENTS (BPOV)

I'm still kinda freaked about what happened at work but I have to let it go and pray nothing happens like that again. I wonder if I should tell my dad, nah he might go crazy if he finds out but it's not like I can't handle myself. Maybe I'll tell Mr. Newton about the back door closing on me and see if we should have a buddy system when someone goes back there. I'll figure it out, I always do. I wish I had my phone so if something does happen then I have a way of reaching someone. I know that voice though; I just can't place it yet. I finish picking out my clothes, today it's just jeans and a blue tunic with my ballet flats. I still have community service to do after school so I'll just bring my hoodie and converse in a different bag.

I finished writing Edwards note and I'm blushing just thinking about what I wrote to him. I'm going to give it to him after first period so he has time to read it and write back. I think it was a great idea to do the 5 questions, only 3 of mine are real questions and the other 2 are sex questions, I hope he doesn't think they are too forward. Maybe I shouldn't give him the note but I'm just dying to know how he responds.

"Come on Bells, we gotta go. You didn't even eat breakfast today; you want a granola bar for the road?" Alice asks while shoving books in her bag and putting on her boots. She looks really cute; she's got on black skinny jeans with a red short sleeve shirt and vest over it with her black biker boots. I wish we wore the same size shoe; I would really like to borrow those boots. "Ya just grab me a bar and I'll be in the truck waiting for you" I tell her after checking myself out one more time in the mirror.

We pull into the parking lot and there is Edward and Jasper standing by his car talking to the skank Jessica. Does this chick not get that neither is interested? Oh good here comes Rose and Emmett, this should be fun but I want to say something this time. I just have to keep myself in check so I don't blow this deal with my dad. I get out of the truck, grab my bag and look at Alice, she doesn't look happy. I was about to say something when Alice slams her shoulder into Jessica to move her away from Jasper.

"Move Stanley, nobody wants whatever disease you might have this week." Alice says as she goes to kiss Jasper on the cheek, he and Edward just shake their heads and smirk.

"What the fuck Alice, I was just asking them if they liked our school. No need to get all hostel and shit." Jessica says picking up her bag from the ground.

"I'm only going to tell you this one time Stanley, stay the fuck away from Jasper. We are together and I don't want to see your skanky ass anywhere near him ever again." Alice has this really evil look on her face as she says this. Jessica looks at her about to say something but then just walks away.

"Damn Pix, remind me to not piss you off when it comes to Jasper." I say jokingly and push her shoulder.

"What's with you today Pix, you're always so nice to people no matter who they are." Emmett asks while holding Rosalie's hand. I don't say anything I'm just standing next to Edward laughing at Alice's expense.

"I just don't want another repeat of what happened at the movies again. It's time that bitch learns to leave someone else's guy alone. Next time I won't be so nice. Come on Jas let's head inside." Something is definitely up with Alice but I have no idea what. We all start to head to the building when Edward grabs my hand and pulls me back towards him, then lets go of my hand.

"Hi" he says to me.

"No I'm not but hi yourself" I say being a smart ass.

"Ha-ha real funny. I don't normally smoke up before school. Did you make it home in time last night?" he asks with concern in his eyes.

"Ya I did and my dad was on the steps waiting. I have some really good news. He's letting me off grounding for 1 day, well on my birthday and it falls on a Friday night, isn't that great." I tell him all excited as I touch his arm.

"That's great, um when is your birthday exactly? I mean I know it's like right around the corner but what if I want to get you something." He says with a smirk on his face.

"It's September 13…oooo Friday the 13th. Maybe that's why I'm such a hellion. Please don't get me anything, maybe just be available that night? That would be the best present anyways." I say to him.

"Shit are you serious, I'm not allowed to get you anything? What's the catch? I mean with your dad, why is he letting you off for your birthday?" He looks so cute with his eyebrow raised.

"I guess Sue convinced him that I deserve 1 night off. I'm not arguing but we definitely need to plan something where we can all get together. I'll talk to Alice, Ang and Rose about it later ok. Don't tell them, I want it to be a surprise ok?"

"I won't say anything, come on I gotta stop at my locker before we get to class and we got like 3 minutes until the bell rings." He says smiling and grabbed my hand again to pull me along with him.

I'm smiling so big that my cheeks are starting to hurt, I'm still thinking about his note in my pocket. I'm gonna slip it to him right when we walk outta class since my Econ class is just down the hall on the 2nd floor. The bell rang as we got to our seats, Mr. Medina said today we were going to read the 3 chapters if we hadn't already. The essay was due tomorrow and I hadn't even started it yet so it was good for me to get it done in class. I leaned over and asked Edward if he had finished it yet, he read the chapters but did not write the essay so he was gonna read the chapters again. I called him a nerd and Mr. Medina sh'ed me; damn ok I'll be quite. Since I was a fast reader, I finished both chapters and went to get my notebook to start my essay. Romeo & Juliet is a great love story but it's also sad when you think about it. The two families hating each other and the outcome is their children's deaths. As I started writing my thoughts about this, Edward slid his notebook over and pointed to what he wrote…

So I was thinking for your birthday, how about Port A? I heard there's a new place for karaoke, would you like to do that? Now that didn't sound like a bad idea, maybe eat something from the diner and then head there.

That sounds like fun but isn't that a bar? We don't have fake ids to get in and I can't afford anymore problems. Ya that would be good to get into trouble on my birthday; my father would send me to a convent school for sure.

Ya it's a bar but I saw a flyer that said Friday nights is 18 years and older. You'll be 18 so no problem right? Good point I will be 18 but Alice doesn't turn 18 until March. I'm sure she'll be ok to get in.

Ok sounds good. I'll talk to the others about it. Wait Rosalie isn't 18 yet and neither is Jake or Leah, maybe we should pick something else?

Oh, didn't know that but Jake is huge so it should work out. Don't worry we'll figure it all out, just talk to the others about it ok?

Ok, I will. I have something for you so don't split so fast after class ok?

Oh what is it?

You'll have to wait 15 more minutes to find out :P

I went back to working on my essay and was on page 3 just as the bell rang. Edward waited for me this time and we walked out of class together. I pulled the note from my pocket and slipped it into his back pocket. I said in his ear, "read that later" and kissed his cheek and walked away to Econ. I hope this doesn't backfire on me and by the look on his face I don't think it will.

(EPOV)

Bella amazes me more and more each day. I'm glad I thought of the karaoke thing, Jasper and I saw the flyer when we went to Port A to buy some new shoes for school. I told him that would be a cool place to check out with everyone and he agreed. I was happy when Bella told me the deal her dad worked out with her; at least I'd get a Friday night with her. Well it wouldn't be the date I wanted but it'll make due until she's not grounded anymore. When she kissed me on the cheek after class, I thought that was pretty bold since we weren't officially together. That was something I planned to change when the time was right. The note was burning a hole in my pocket; I had to know what it said. I pulled it out and was about to read it when someone rammed into my shoulder. "What the fuck?" I said, it was Emmett laughing at me, "Cullen you better hurry to class or you'll be late" and he took off running down the hall. That fucker can hit pretty hard even when he's just joking around. I put the note back in my pocket and took off down to the gym, I'll read the note later.

PE was ok, our team won in the volleyball game. Newton and Crowley were on the opposite team and I couldn't resist smashing the ball at them any time I got a chance. Jasper gave me that look to cool it but I just shrugged like I didn't do anything. I accidently hit Marcie in the face with the ball when I went to spike it; she was ok but had to sit out the rest of the game. I walked over to her and apologized, "Shit Marcie I'm really sorry that I hit you with the ball. Are you ok?" she didn't say anything at first; she just kinda stared at me and then said "Uh ya I'm ok, thank you for asking. Next time I'll make sure to block with my arms and not my face." She laughed a little and still feeling bad I helped her up and walked to the girl's locker room. Jane was standing there and gave me a dirty look. Marcie said thanks for walking to the locker room and then I headed back to the boys side.

I needed to take a quick shower since I worked up a good sweat. I grabbed the towel and Axe body wash and headed for the showers, Jasper was already headed that way too. It was weird showering at this school, at least at our old school had shower stalls; here it was just an open area with a bunch of shower heads. I washed up pretty fast and went back to my locker to get dressed; I towel dried my hair but it was all over the place. I told Jasper I would meet him out there and walked out of the locker room to read Bella's note. I was pretty anxious to read her answers; I pulled the note from my pocket,

Edward,

I'm sorry for being a bitch to you; I guess we're both even and sorry. I just don't like people talking shit about me but you're right. So you really want to spend more time with me? Why? I mean I had a great time at the cliffs that day and it's all I've been thinking about since I've been grounded. I get off grounding after Christmas so let's just say New Years Eve will be my first official free day. If you take up Jessica on anything, I will break your nose or worse! Ha-ha just kidding but I don't expect you to wait for me, it wouldn't be right and god knows I could probably fuck up again and get grounded longer. Yes I was shocked that you wrote me a note and yes the call was better. Ok so here are the answers to your questions and my questions to you.

My favorite color is also blue, hmm something else we have in common.

What is your favorite TV show? Mine is old reruns of Roseanne, that chick cracks me up.

My favorite alternative band is a tie between Pearl Jam and Creed.

What is the craziest thing you've ever done before? Mine was when my friend Bree and I stole her mom's car to go to Indiana, oh I was 12.

My favorite food is pizza! I love pepperoni w/bacon and sausage.

Have you ever had sex in a car before? Me that's easy NO but I'm willing to try it at least once.

My favorite movie has to be The Descent, have you seen it before? It's pretty crazy. Who is your favorite photographer? Annie Liebovitz is my favorite, her work is great, you should check her out.

If I could anywhere in the world it would have to be Italy. I'd love to see the coliseum and ride on a gondola. What is your favorite position? I don't have one…yet

Oh and the answer to your music question, the song is called King of Sorrow by Sade. I didn't know you liked jazz? Here's mine, I know you'll never figure it out. "Tied up in ancient history, I didn't believe in destiny, I look up and you're standing next to me. What a feeling"

Yours, Bella

And again I am amazed and this time shocked at her note and answers! Why would she ask me about sex when those idiots said she was just a tease. I have a funny feeling she's not as innocent as she led them to believe. That music question is a stumper, I'm gonna have to go thru all my stuff and see if I know who this is and what song. How the hell did she know that Sade song, I didn't think she liked that kind of music but I should've known better. Jasper walks up to me and asks "What are you reading that you're smiling so big?" "Uh nothing, come on let's go." I dodge his question just as the bell rings and we go our separate ways. I can't wait to see her at lunch but I'm not answering those questions until later when I'm at home and alone. She's all I can think about in my next 2 classes, I'm not even paying attention and just thinking about lunch and seeing Bella. I'm actually pretty hungry today; maybe they'll have something good. I get to the hot food line and they have these taco things, they look pretty good so I get that and extra fries with chocolate milk. I look for the others around the lunch room and finally see Emmett trying to steal something off Rose's plate. I don't see Bella yet but I'm sure she'll be here shortly. I sit down and start putting my food together, using the taco sauce on the bottom then the cheese, lettuce and tomato and then more taco sauce. Rosalie tries to take some of my fries and I give her my death look so she backs away. I'm halfway done eating when Bella finally comes to the table, she doesn't look happy either. She only has chocolate milk and some chips; she sits down next to me and takes a fry. I give her the same look as I did to my sister but she just keeps eating them anyways.

"Hey get your own Swan, these are for me, I'm a growing man you know." I say jokingly.

"Come on you know you got extra fries so you could share with me" she says while stealing a few more fries.

"What's wrong? You looked pissy before."

"Nothing, I just have a slight headache today."

"Oh great here comes Aunt Flo" Emmett says laughing.

"Shut your fuckin mouth Emmett" She says and gets up and walks away.

"Bells I was just kidding don't get pissed" Emmett says and goes after her. I have a funny feeling it wasn't that because she was fine earlier.

"Did Bella say anything was wrong in class to you?" I ask my sister.

"Nope but she did tell me about her dad letting her off for her birthday. We've got to make it a great birthday." My sister says all happy.

"Ya, did she tell you about the karaoke place? I think that would be perfect, maybe grab some food and then go there." I say while shoving the last of my taco in my mouth.

Emmett comes back without Bella and I ask if everything was ok. He said ya she really did just have a headache. That put my mind to rest, at least I didn't do anything wrong this time. The rest of the day went by really fast and in creative writing the teacher informed us those of us that didn't read yesterday would read today. Everyone laughed at my poem and I was stunned when I heard Bella's poem. "I see children run around and be free; I wish that could be me. Time goes by so fast we have no time to enjoy the things we once did at their age. How can we slow down time?" That was her poem and it didn't even rhyme. Mr. Whitman was impressed and told her that was very good writing. I just sat next to her and stared. "What?" she says with a blush on her face. "Nothing, you just seem to amaze me all the time." I tell her and listen to the others read their stuff. None of theirs was as deep as Bella's and some were actually funny. Eric wrote about panda bears and how he wished he was one. Class was over and we left headed to her truck. We get outside and I heard Jasper yell my name.

"Edward!" I turned around and saw him running towards me.

"What Jasper? Why are you running like your pants are on fire?" I ask my brother who looked a little out of breath.

"Dude I have to tell you something really important, hi Bells." He says after catching his breath.

"Hi Jasper, go ahead I'll wait over here. Where's Alice?" Bella asks.

"She'll be along in a minute; she had to grab something from her locker for her assignment tonight." Jasper says as he pulls me away from Bella.

"Dude did Bella tell you about anything that happened to her at work yesterday?"

"No why? I went there after she got done and she seemed fine."

"I heard Alistair tell Alec that he scared the shit out of her, he put a knife to Bella's throat. He was about to do more but some lady interrupted him so he pushed her down and kicked her in the stomach." What the fuck, I'm going to rip that assholes head off his body when I get done with him.

"Are you fucking serious? She never said anything to me, I'm gonna get to the bottom of this. You're sure he said that?" I ask shaking.

"Yes I was catching a buzz with Ben and we both heard him tell Alec. The dumbasses didn't even look to see who was in the bathroom. Of course we were in the stall, I was squatted on the toilet and Ben was standing. This isn't good man, you heard him threaten her yesterday." I was shaking and you could clearly see it, Jasper had to put a hand on my shoulder to calm me down.

"I'm gonna talk to Bella about this, maybe we should tell Emmett and the chief too. I just don't understand why she didn't say anything." I said to my brother a bit calmer.

I was about to ask her when I turned around and saw her smiling and Alice jumping up and down. She must've told her about the reprieve her dad was giving her for her birthday. I'm not going to do this now but I'm not going to let it go either, even if I have to go to her work every time she works.

"Edward, I have to get going. I have to do my community service tonight." Bella says to me.

"Where are you doing it?" I ask her wanting to make sure she won't be alone.

"At the station I think, why?" she asks me back looking confused.

"No reason, I just wanted to know that's all." I say smiling at her while pushing a strand of hair behind her ear.

"Ok, I'll see you tomorrow then. Alice how are you getting home today?"

"We'll give her a ride small fry, don't worry she's in good hands." Jasper says as he puts his arm around Alice.

"Ok guys see ya later." She gets in her truck and pulls away. I look around for Emmett so I can tell him what Jasper said but think better of it. If he finds out, he'll be furious and go after both Alec and Alistair; no I should probably talk to my dad first.

We stop of at Alice's to drop her off and I have to piss. I ask her if I can use the bathroom while they say goodbye. She says to use theirs so I head inside. I take a peek at Bella's area and see some pictures on her wall. Looks like some of her work because they are of children and trees, a few look like they are sunsets from the cliffs. I touch her pillow and smell it, ya not much of a stalker move huh? I use the bathroom and look for a piece of paper to leave her a little note as a surprise. I found what I needed on the table and write her.

Bella,

I wish I could see you tonight; I need to talk to you about something important. Have Alice text me so I know you got home ok. If I don't hear from you I'm going to call. I wish you had a damn phone. I'll be thinking about you and waiting…remember to be good

Edward

I really don't want to worry about her if what Jasper heard isn't true but I need her to tell me for herself. I head outside after I place the note on her pillow and Alice and Jasper are talking to Jake. I give him a nod and lean up against my car, they were talking about the karaoke place to go for Bella's birthday. Everyone is in agreement that it would be a great idea, Jake knows the guy who owns the place so getting everyone in shouldn't be a problem. It's only 2 weeks until her birthday so we plan a few extra surprises. Alice promises to keep her out of trouble so she can get the day and is working on the chief to see if she can get off grounding sooner than Christmas. If anyone can do it, it's Alice. She's pretty sly for a pixie; she and I have been talking about getting even with Jane and Alec. We want to do it out in public to humiliate them the way the both deserve. Jasper and Rose and even Emmett are not in agreement, they said that we should let it go and that karma will get them. Jake and Leah are on our side and said we should do something. We'll just have to see how things pan out after I talk to her about this incident she didn't tell me about.

**AN: So what did you think? Reviews are welcomed…I'm going to jump ahead in the next chapter to 2 weeks and Bella's Birthday. Until next time~jesigrl**