THREE

Friday evening

Edward arrives at the library an hour before it closes and pulls his Volkswagen Golf into a staff space in front of the building. He enjoys the end of an old rock song he doesn't know the name of before switching the engine off, grabbing his backpack from the passenger seat. He likes finding solace at the back of the building, near the history section. It is on the second floor, so it tends to stay empty, and he spends the hour drawing.

There was no way that Edward would let anyone know that he liked to draw. He could practically hear Emmett's voice in his head. You're a footballer, not a nerd.

Edward greets Esme at the entrance, and she wraps an arm around him; the other one is filled with books.

She sniffs his blazer suspiciously. "Have you been smoking?"

"Just one fag, Jess gave it to me."

"I thought Jessica Stanley would know better than that."

"We're seventeen, Mum. We're just having fun."

She brushes away a strand of hair that has fallen in front of Edward's eyes. "I know. I'm just thinking of your health."

"Well, I'm still breathing, and I don't plan on stopping soon. See you in an hour."

With another smile, Edward takes the stairs up to the second floor. It is quiet, which does not surprise him on a Friday night. He looks forward to the awaiting solitude.

Except when he arrives, a familiar brunette braid greets him instead.

"Hello," Edward says and it makes Isabella jump, her eyes widening as she glances in his direction. Her hair is still slightly crusty from Emmett's milk.

"Hi," She replies meekly; Edward notices that she is reading the same book as earlier. "How are you?"

"I am okay. I didn't expect to see you here."

"Neither did I," She blushes as their eyes meet. "Just fancied a change of scenery."

"Thought so, I've never seen you in the history section before."

"I'm usually live in the fiction section but I fancied somewhere different tonight."

A silence falls between them.

"I don't mean to sound rude," Isabella says. "But why are you talking to me?"

"Do you want me to stop?"

"No, it's just that you're Emmett's friend. And Emmett hates me."

"He doesn't hate you."

"He doesn't exactly enjoy my company."

"Emmett just likes to pick on people smaller than him. He used to do it to me when we were younger, he'll get bored soon."

"Really?"

"Yeah, you just need to let him get it out of his system."

"Thank you. I'll remember that as I'm scrubbing milk out of my blazer tonight."

Edward grimaces awkwardly, cursing at himself for not helping her earlier, and takes a seat at her table. The two enjoy one another's silent company for the next hour and he catches her peeking over at him quite often. Up close, he can truly appreciate her pixie-like nose, with its slightly upturned tip, and pink flushed cheeks. He wonders whether it is from the heat in the building or the sensation between them.

As the closing bell rings, Edward packs his sketch pad into his backpack and Isabella does the same. They smile at each other.

"It was nice to see you," She murmurs.

"Are you free tomorrow?"

The girl looks like she is about to puke. "Uhm, yes, I am. Why?"

"I'm playing at Beverly Field tomorrow, behind the school, it's a cup match. I was just wondering if you wanted to come? If you stand at the back, in the bushes, you can't really be seen."

"Y- y- you want me to come to your football game?"

"I just feel bad for earlier, with the milk. It's at one in the afternoon. Will I see you?"

"Sure, I'll be there."

"Can I take your number? Just in case you get lost."

"O-of course." The girl tears a piece of paper out of her notebook and scribbles down a series of numbers.

"Thanks. See you tomorrow." He nods his head and feels the sudden urge to pull her into a hug. He fights against the desire.

"Goodbye."

As he walks away, Edward does not quite know why he asked Isabella Swan to the football game. He hopes that when he sees her again, he'll start to understand.

Another update tonight because I love these two and I'm feeling kind. I have also had a little bit too much prosecco, celebrating the end of essay deadlines!

I feel like doing a FicRec today as I have spent my free time devouring Toxic Waste by Lozz . of . London (no spaces) - it's a saucy read, I won't lie, but check it out if you're interested!

See you tomorrow!