A/N: thank you to all of those who reviewed. there werent many of you but thats why i appreciate the ones who did even more. i decided i would give you chatpter 26 and it is indeed my longest chapter yet so i hope you enjoy and review please :]

Chapter 26

*BEEP BEEP BEEP* I roll over and hit the snooze button on my alarm clock. I pry my eye open and read the time: 6:01. I moan and don't get up quite yet. I was much too comfortable on my bed, all warm in my sheets. I remember Edward had come in during the middle of the night so I rolled back over to find the space next to me empty. A frown appeared on my lips as I pushed the covers off of me. I guess Edward is still in a bad mood or something. He usually never leaves me in the morning.

My door creaks open and I sit up. Esme peaks her head around the corner and says, "Morning Bella. I was just making sure you were awake and that there were no boys in your bed. As long as you are under this roof, that will not be tolerated now that you have your own bed to sleep in."

I smiled at her and nodded, silently agreeing to her little lecture that I knew I would regret later. She closed the door after saying, "Breakfast is in 10 minutes so rise and shine."

Esme really is a wonderful person but she has got to be the only person I know who is this cheerful in the morning. She just about re-defines the definition of 'morning person'.

I slowly start to push the covers off of me, revealing the short-shorts I had slept in and the tiny camisole I was in. This was definitely not suitable to be seen by others in so I had to change. I threw my legs over the side of the bed, ready to get a pair of baggy sweats on and a shirt when the door once again creaked open. This time it definitely wasn't Esme.

Edward slowly tip-toed in, his finger to his lips, signaling that I shouldn't say anything, and turned around to ever so carefully shut the door again. Once it was shut, he let out a breath he must have been holding in and lightly placed one foot in front of the other, making his way over to me. Once he got right in front of me he stopped dead in his tracks. He looked me up and down and I blushed, suddenly becoming extremely self-conscious. I slid my legs back up on the bed and was about to put them under the covers when Edward finally spoke.

"Sorry, I didn't mean to make you uncomfortable. It's just that…well…wow. You look incredible."

I blushed a deeper shade of red as I stayed frozen in the position I was now. He continued walking towards the bed after his little confession and sat down next to me. He grabbed the hand closest to his and slowly kissed each knuckle before kissing up my arm. I stopped him in his tracks, silently telling him it was too early for this, so he lifted his head and kissed me once on the lips. I finally had the courage to ask him the question I was dying to know the answer to.

"Sooo…where did you disappear to this morning?"

I knew I probably should have just let it be but with the time from my past life continuously growing, I became more and more confident with each day, slowly healing old wounds.

"I'd prefer not to be grounded for more then a week and a half so I thought it would be a better idea to head out before Esme saw me in here. Sorry, I didn't mean to leave you."

He looked at me and he was instantly forgiven. Something about his eyes just had me feeling stupid that I could have thought anything else, that I could have doubted him. Those damn eyes.

I leaned in and kissed him gently on the nose, confirming that he was forgiven.

"So, were you wearing those clothes last night, or lack there of? Cause I'm pretty sure if I had noticed, things would have gone a little further then they did. You look damn sexy Isabella Swan."

For some reason, he seemed really cocky this morning, possibly even arrogant. I wasn't a big fan of compliments, even though he constantly gave them to me on a silver platter. I blushed again, causing my favorite crooked smile to appear on his face. He began to lean in for a kiss while I slowly parted my lips, waiting for the rockets to go off. As he inched his way closer and closer, I turned my cheek to him when he finally reached me so he ended up kissing that.

"Well thanks Romeo but we have to go to breakfast so I'll kiss you later." He let out a groan as I leaped off the bed with a cocky smile of my own on my face. I walked into the closet, pulled a pair of sweats over my shorts and went for the door. Edward was still sitting on the bed, looking slightly stunned, so I called out to him.

"You coming or what? We don't have all day."

He seemed to notice this new confidence about me and his mouth gapped open. He shut it once he realized what he was doing and practically jumped off the bed to appear by my side. He pinned me to the doorframe before I knew what was fully going on and leaned in to attack my lips. I let out a giggle as he inched closer and I parted my lips once more for him. This time he stopped when I could feel his minty breath cascading over my face and his nose grazing mine.

"Well game on Juliet."

He spun around on his heels and started making his way down the stairs, leaving me in shock and completely in the dust.

We arrived in school about 20 minutes before the bell rang when everything that happened yesterday came rushing back. Edward would have to leave at least 10 minutes before the bell so he wouldn't get in trouble. He wasn't even supposed to be on school grounds at all but he had some how managed to convince the principal to let him come in in the morning for 10 minutes to pick up any schoolwork. I was also suddenly nervous about seeing Bryce, afraid of what he would say to me.

Edward grabbed my hand when we were about to enter the front door. I always go to my locker in the morning and this day was no different so we headed over there. As we rounded the corner, there were a few people scattered around the hall. But the way the sun was, there was a shadowy silhouette leaned up against my locker. I knew who it was and I instantly felt Edward tense up next to me, a low growl emitting through his teeth. I stopped in my tracks, turned towards him and placed my hand on his chest.

"Edward, give it a break. Just let me talk to him and if he does anything fishy, he's all yours."

I saw the anger in his eyes but it was overcome with protection. All he wanted was for me to be safe but I really didn't think anything bad of Bryce. Sure, they got in a fight but I knew he was a good guy; he was just trying to find his place in this town.

Edward slowly nodded his head and I could see how hard it was for him. I leaned up and was about to kiss him before I remembered our 'game'. I got on my tip-toes and was about to push my lips to his when I leaned to the side and kissed his cheek instead. A smirk appeared on his face, lighting up his eyes, and he shook his head.

"I hope you can resist me long enough, Romeo."

"This will be easy." He replied cockily while watching me walk over to Bryce. I knew he would be mad with this but it had to be done.

I made my way up to Bryce and said, "Hey, how are you? Are you okay?"

He looked up at me and he had a black eye and a fat lip. His knuckles were all scratched up like Edwards were but he looked five times worse. I slowly inched closer and traced my finger along his bruise. He winced in pain but mumbled back, "I'm fine, really." He grabbed my hand and lowered it before dropping it.

"So can we talk…in private?" I turned my head, making sure he was looking also, to see Edward still standing there, looking pretty upset. Bryce nodded his head before I lead him further down the hall and into an empty classroom. I hopped up onto the teachers' desk and he leaned back against when of the students' desks, watching me carefully.

"I'm really sorry about what Edward did. I never knew he had it in him but you sort of brought it on yourself."

Bryce slowly nodded, understanding that this was partly his fault.

"I know. I shouldn't have messed with you but it was just innocent fun. I never meant for it to go as far as it did."

His voice sounded really tiny now, like he was unsure of himself. This big, buff guy was raw to the bone with guilt and he just seemed so vulnerable. I wanted to go over and comfort him, because that's what I do, it's who I am, but I didn't, for fear of what he might interpret it as. I instead looked down, feeling guilty myself, while I started to swing my legs back and forth.

"Again, I'm really sorry about what Edward did to you but I just want you to know, that if you want, we can still be friends. But Bryce, you have to understand, that might be as far as we ever get. I'm madly in love with Edward and if you accept that, I believe our friendship could turn into a strong one. So no more fights, no more 'innocent fun', it's not going to work with Edward watching my back."

I hopped of the desk and stretched out my hand.

"So friends?"

A smile appeared on his face and he didn't look quite so broken anymore. He looked like his cocky, arrogant self and it made a smile appear on my own face. He grabbed my hand, lifted it up to his lips, and said, "Friends" before placing a kiss on it. I slapped him playfully across the face and he dropped my hand.

"That is exactly what I'm talking about Bryce. Be careful what you do or else you might permanently look like this." I pointed to his face when I said this and he put on a fake expression of hurt. I put my hand on his face and shook it, causing him to smile again. I walked back out of the classroom, feeling quite confident with myself, as he followed behind, keeping a careful eye on Edward up ahead. I let my smile grow as I got closer to Edward and I could have sworn I say him heave a big sigh of relief. Why was he always so worried? He needs to lighten up a little every now and then. Bryce was still right behind me as I reached Edward and grabbed his hand. I smiled at him and waved before simply saying, "See you in History Bryce."

He nodded back, replying with "See you Bella" before walking past us and heading down the hall, which was becoming increasingly more crowded by the second.

Edward turned to me and said, "So I guess that went well."

"Indeed it did. I'm glad you're okay with all of this, I really appreciate it."

"I'm not okay with it but I'll deal with it. This kid does any funny business and he won't have that pretty little face of his."

I looked up at Edward with my mouth gapping open, surprised by what he said. He looked down at me at the same moment, bringing our faces inches apart. He mumbled something but I couldn't catch it with the load noise of the hallway. I shut my mouth and asked, "What was that?"

"All I said is that I'd do anything to keep you safe Isabella Swan."

I bite my lip, realizing just how hard it was going to be to not kiss Edward. I looked up at him, a little worried, and put my mouth centimeters from his ear.

"Acting like a tough guy is totally sexy."

I didn't look to see what expression was on his face because I headed right down the hallway to my first class, leaving him in awe as he stared at my back before heading back home.

My classes were lonely today without Edward there but it made this game we were playing a lot easier. I had seen Bryce in history but everything was fine. We talked like we were old friends and I was happy with the understanding between us.

As I walked out to the parking lot, a loud clap of thunder made me jump in fright right as a heavy downpour started, soaking me to the bone. I turned on my heels, ready to go back in the school to wait for Edward, when someone came up behind me and offered an umbrella over my hand.

"T-t-t-thanks." I managed to push out through my chattering teeth. With the cool breeze and my now soaked clothes, I was freezing. A flash of lightening lit up the parking lot for a split second, amplifying Bryce's fat lip before it was followed with a clap of thunder. I jumped again, scared out of my wits, as Bryce put his arm around my shoulders. He seemed a little tentative about it but I didn't mind because I was so scared and I knew he meant no harm after our discussion.

One thing I hate is thunder storms. They absolutely scare the shit out of me. Ever since I was little, I would compare Charlie's yelling to that of a boom of thunder and I found them not to different at all. The thunder would cause the whole house to shake and for the trees to shudder in fear so I was petrified.

Bryce looked at me worriedly as I shivered so I decided I should comfort him.

"It's Bryce, really. Edward s-s-s-should be here really s-soon."

He looked down at me with a frown on his face and he shrugged off his jacket. I was going to resist, I mean I should have but I just couldn't. I was so cold and the instant he wrapped his jacket around my shoulders, the warmth that was soaked into it emitted on to me. I looked up at him, thanking him with a smile as we just stood there in silence, his arm around my shoulders with his other hand preoccupied with holding the umbrella.

After what seemed like forever, Edward finally pulled up and I basically ran towards the car. I completely forgot that I had Bryce's jacket over my shoulders until I was in the car and Edward was driving out of the school lot.

"Oh shit, seriously?" I mumbled this to myself, feeling incredibly stupid that I had been so rude and just ran off.

"What's wrong Bella? Did you have a bad day at school?"

I could tell Edward was avoiding the questions he really wanted to know, like why was Bryce's arm around me and why I had his jacket on, but he seemed a little cautious to ask them straight out.

"Well, I totally forgot to give Bryce his jacket back and I feel so rude because right when I saw your car, I ran for it and I didn't even say thank you."

Edward looked at me and he was tense. I could tell he didn't like that I was within 10 feet of Bryce but he would have to deal with it and you would think it would be easier since he's not in school so he wouldn't have to see me talking to him.

"Well…that was ummm…nice of him." Edward slowly rubbed his hand on the back of his neck, as if soothing an ache, as he concentrated on the road ahead which had at least 4 inches of rain already on it.

"Yeah, it really was. I was freezing and he offered me his jacket so I hope you don't mind."

I didn't want Edward feeling uncomfortable so I tried as best I could to make it seem as nonchalant as possible.

"Its fine, Bella, really. I'm just happy someone was there for you. I'm really sorry I was a little late. I mean a little rain fall and suddenly everyone is going 20 miles under the speed limit, bumper to bumper."

The rain had picked up, if that was even possible and streaks of lightening were flashing across the sky. There was no tag along of its friend, thunder, but I knew it wouldn't b far behind.

"It's fine. I would prefer it if—" A loud boom of thunder shook the road and I jumped in my seat, holding on to the sides so tight that my knuckles were going white.

Edward instantly pulled the car over on the side of the road and was facing me, his gently fingers stroking my cheek.

"What's wrong Bella?" His voice was saturated with concern and his forehead was creasing with the worry. I let out a shaking smile and loosened my grip a little as I mumbled, "It's just the thunder. We're not the best of friends."

Edward chuckled at my dry attempt of lightening up the situation but he slowly pulled my grip from the seat and put my hand in his hand, rubbing soothing circles on the back of my hand. He expertly merged back in with the traffic with one hand and while barely being able to see within 5 feet all around.

"We're almost home, maybe about 10-15 more minutes. We would be there sooner but some people panic when a little rain gets on the road." He glared out in front of him, while honking his horn at the person who was literally going 10 miles an hour in a 45 zone.

I am darn right surprised that I didn't break Edwards hand off. Ever time there was lightening, I would prepare for the thunder by gripping on to his hand tighter and tighter while silently shaking. I darn right hate the fucking thunder.

We arrived home in about 20 minutes, a little longer then Edward said but that was just because there were police directing the traffic and I could have sworn I saw Charlie standing out there, acting like he was a honorable man that was worthy of authority. I wanted to spit in his face but I was a little preoccupied with Edwards soft humming in the background and his gentle circles on my hand.

We entered the house and tried to flick on the lights but nothing happened. He tried again with the switch next to it but yet again, nothing. He ran over to the phone and picked it up; no dial tone.

"Power's out. I can try to run out to the garage to see if it can be fixed with the breaker box if—"

"Please don't leave me Edward."

I looked at him with frightened eyes and he came back over to me with arms outstretched. I met up with him and he circled his arms around me. I leaned into his chest, listening to his steady heart beat as he rubbed up and down my back. I let out a breath I guess I was holding in and he loosened his grip on me. He bent his head down until his lips were at my ear.

"I will never leave you Bella."

I looked up at with a smile creeping its way across my face. I turned my head so we were now face to face, nose to nose, and forehead to forehead. I bit my lip out of nervous habit and quietly said, "I love you Edward Cullen."

A smile of his own appeared on his face as he said back, "Not as much as I love you."

I circled my arms around his neck, bringing him closer if that was possible, and was about to kiss him but I quietly whispered, "I don't think that's possible." He lowered his lips to mine and I was so happy to feel his soft lips on mine. It was a gentle kiss, a comforting one but I needed it so bad. I could feel him smile as I kissed him back, parting my lips for him. Before the kiss could get to deep, I pulled back and brought my lips to his ear, whispering as sexily as I could.

"Look's like I won the game."

He shook his head before crushing my lips back to his but not before he let something slip out.

"Then so be it."

I giggled against his mouth as he laughed with me, our lips still attached. A crash of thunder shot through the house but I wasn't as frightened anymore. I shook a little in fear but mostly I shook because of the shivers that Edward was sending down my spine. Now the thunder had a whole new meaning.