A/N: hi everyone! I sincerely thank each and every one of you for showing so much love towards the story. I'm so so so glad you guys are enjoying it! Leave a review :)

Disclaimer: I own copies of the Twilight books, that's it…. Not the plot…. Especially Edward…. Don't remind me.

EPOV

I waited at the front door, staring longingly out the window for Bella to arrive to work on the project. I was excited to see her, especially after yesterday.

We had sent text messages back and forth all day long. The conversations flowed as if we have known each other for years. It was never awkward or uncomfortable. I was starting to grow very fond of her and the strong connection we seemed to have was impossible to ignore at this point.

I still couldn't shake the feeling that something was wrong with Bella. Well, not with Bella, but in her life. I simply couldn't ignore the thoughts that haunted me at night and made me wonder why she was so introverted and fearful of the world. It confused me and made me upset all at once. I was really beginning to care for her and I hated seeing the ones I care for to be in any type of pain. I needed to, somehow, figure out a way to let her now that I would be there for her if she needed me.

I opened the door as soon as I saw her truck chug up my driveway. She waved before parking it and getting out. It was adorable how tiny she was compared to the huge thing, and how she had to literally jump out of it.

"Hey, Edward," her sweet voice rang as she walked closer and closer to me. She looked so happy, which made her look so beautiful. Her eyes were bright and warm, her smile radiant.

"Hey, you ready to work?"

"Of course! We're finally almost done," she reminded me. This was the first time in my life that I didn't want to finish a project.

We made our way up to my room as Bella asked where my family was.

"My parents are in Port Angeles and Alice is over at Rosalie and Jasper's."

She nodded in understanding as we plopped onto my bed and I put on the usual mixtape. This was becoming routine for me. A routine that I thoroughly enjoyed and dreaded seeing the end of. I plopped down next to her on the bed, sitting far enough to give her some space, but close enough to satisfy myself. I didn't understand why I loved being near her. I just did.

Bella and I finished the project, even though it wasn't due for five days. After I shut my laptop, she scrambled her stuff together, getting ready to leave.

"Do you wanna stay for a little and talk again, like last time?" I asked. I really didn't want her to leave. My attachment for her was starting to actually freak me out because I couldn't explain it, but I figured I didn't need an explanation right now. I would let myself be happy.

"Sure, but I have to be home in time to do chores."

"Do you always do chores?"

"Um, well, yeah."

"That's actually pretty cool, I bet your dad likes that."

She frowned, a clouded look appearing in her eyes. I immediately wished I took back what I said. What did I say wrong?

"Yeah, for the most part," her voice was quiet.

"Tell me about your dad," I insisted. I wanted to know everything about her.

"Um, there's uh, not much t-to know, really…" she trailed off, gazing out my window. I wondered why she wasn't looking me in the eye and why she seemed to fold into herself.

"Well, he's your step father, right?"

"Yeah, he is, b-but, he and I don't always get along s-so, I'd rather talk, um, about something else, if you don't mind."

Okay, so he was definitely a sore subject. I made a mental note to not bring him up next time we hung out.

That was when I realized, the project was finished. Bella and I wouldn't hangout anymore after today.

That upset me. I didn't want this to come to an end. The one friend I've ever made besides Emmett, Rosalie and Jasper that doesn't royally annoy me. I could still talk to her in school, but that wasn't enough for me. Should I ask her to hangout? That wouldn't hurt anything, right? I'll talk to her a little more today and then right before she leaves, I'll ask.

"Okay," I agreed.

She looked around my bedroom and sighed before popping a random question. "So, what are your plans for the future? Ya know, after we graduate."

"I really want to follow in my father's footsteps and become a doctor."

Her eyes widened, she was clearly impressed. My ego really liked that. "Wow, that's amazing. Where are you planning on going to school?"

I shrugged. "Not sure yet. Definitely somewhere in Washington. I don't want to be too far from my family." I felt like such a nerd, but I wasn't going to lie to her.

She smiled so beautifully that my skin broke out in goosebumps. "You would be a good doctor. I'll contact you in a decade and ask which hospital you're at so you can treat me every time my clumsy-ass falls and breaks a bone."

I laughed loudly. "I'll make sure to nurse you back to health, always."

"Good, I have faith in you," she chuckled.

"Well, thank you. Are you going to college?"

She looked down at her hands and sighed lowly, seeming frustrated.

"Um, I'm not sure yet," she whispered.

"Why not?"

"Well, uh, there's the whole, um, money thing. It's really expensive. And, I'm just, um, not sure if I would be happy in college." She sounded truly confused and upset. I grabbed her hand. Her face whipped up and she looked me in the eye. I still didn't let go of her hand, wanting her to listen to me.

"Bella, there's financial aid, scholarships, and state grants that you could take advantage of. And, you're a great person. You would have no trouble finding friends or being happy in college, or anywhere for that matter, you just have to try." My voice was intense, pleading almost. I just couldn't stand Bella being so upset, lonely and confused.

"It's not that easy."

"Yes it is, trust me. Why do you think so lowly of yourself, Bella? I can tell that you do."

She shook her head, casting her eyes down again. I gently crooked my finger under her chin, forcing her to look at me.

Tears pooled in her brown orbs. I instantly wiped them away, not giving a single fuck about how intimate this moment was. I fucking hated the sight of tears in her eyes.

"You're worth more than you think you are," I whispered.

"No," she uttered sadly, my heart breaking at the sound of her pain-stricken voice.

"Yes," I argued. "I'm here for you, Bella, I need you to understand that."

"Thank you, Edward," she breathed before ducking her head again, hiding from me. I wrapped her up into my arms and kissed her forehead in a friendly gesture while she rested her head lightly on my chest. I could have sat like that forever, I didn't want to let her go.

We sat like that for a few minutes, just finding peace in each other.

I can't believe it took me this long to realize it.

I was growing feelings for Bella. Feelings past friendship. It was just an innocent crush, but it was something.

How could this all have happened in five days?

This was why I never wanted her to leave after we were finished working, and why I was at a crazy party, but only wanted to talk to her, and why I loved texting her all day yesterday, and why I defended her so fiercely when Tanya was being a bitch, and why I was so concerned when she seemed scared of her father.

How was I to approach this, though? Bella is not the typical girl. It takes a lot for her to open up. Would I wait until she was ready? And ready for what? What did I want? How strong were my feelings? Was I even ready for a relationship, or anything related to that? I built my walls back up after she tore my heart out of my chest. Was I willing to give myself the chance to get hurt all over again? I definitely needed a blunt. But, I figured that my emotions were less important than making Bella feel better at the moment.

I let her go and slowly inched away so I could look at her face.

"Are you okay?" I asked.

"Yes, thanks to you," she smiled sincerely, placing her hand on top of mine in a silent thanks.

"I just don't want to see you upset, Bella."

"You know, your kindness throughout this whole project meant more to me than you think," she admitted, blushing profusely.

"Well, why does it have to stop now that we finished the project? We could still hangout just like this. What about tomorrow after school? We could do homework together or something?" I silently prayed that she would agree. I didn't want this to be the last time I experienced that fuzzy feeling from her.

Her eyes grew wide and she looked around the room frantically before looking down and keeping her head there.

"I'm not sure, Edward."

"Why not?"

"Because, I, uh have to cook dinner for m-my dad and do chores, um, and stuff…" she trailed off. I wasn't 100% convinced.

"Every day?" I challenged. There was no way she was busy all day, every day. She had to have some extra time, right?

"Yes, I'm sorry," she whispered before heaving herself off my bed and getting her things together in a hurry, running out the door before I even had the chance to say anything.

I woke up the next day in a bad mood, and the only reason why was Bella.

After she left, I walked to the meadow and smoked a blunt, lying in the damp grass and staring at the clouds, wondering why she ran out on me like that. I definitely did something to offend her, but I wasn't sure what. I truly didn't believe I did anything wrong.

While I laid in the meadow – and didn't spend the time worrying about whether or not Bella hated me – I imagined her face in my head. God, I was fucking high. I saw images of her every time I closed my eyes. She was so fucking beautiful. And it was a beauty I've never witnessed before. It wasn't the type of beauty that was displayed with makeup or skimpy outfits. It was subtle, yet overwhelming at the same time, somehow. It was a warm, radiant beauty. The kind that took you by surprise and burned you to the very core of your existence.

Shit.

I decided against sitting next to her at lunch, I didn't want to crowd her or bother her. Clearly she needed space, and I was willing to give that.

When I saw her in the cafeteria or in history, she looked sad. So fucking sad. I hated it. What was stopping her eyes from glowing? I wanted to sprint up to her, lift her into my arms, and take her away from whatever was hurting her. I knew I couldn't do that, though. She needed to be alone.

It still bothered me and hurt me. I missed her. I spent the next couple of days ignoring her. I was just trying to do what I felt was best, what she clearly wanted. I knew, however, that I wouldn't be able to focus on anything until I at least knew why Bella was against spending time with me. It was like a cloud that constantly remained over my head. The storm wouldn't clear until I talked to her again.

"Edward, are you sure you don't want to go to the homecoming dance?" My Mom asked outside my bedroom door after school Friday.

"Yes, Mom. It's too late to buy a ticket."

"Alice told me you can pay at the door to get in."

I groaned. "Really, I don't want to go. It's just gonna be a shitshow."

"Watch your mouth, Edward." I knew she wasn't actually mad. I swore all the time.

I heard her footsteps descend down the stairs as I all but screamed into my pillow. I was so fucking pissed off. I couldn't stop thinking about Bella.

I gave her enough space, right? It's been five fucking days. Sending her a text wouldn't hurt, right?

I was already unlocking my phone and typing a message before I changed my mind. I wouldn't allow my brain to interfere with what my heart wanted. Not right now. I couldn't fucking take it anymore.

Hey, how have you been?

Her reply was almost instant.

Okay. You?

I've been better. To be honest, I miss you.

I miss you, too.

I smiled like a smug bastard.

We don't have to keep missing each other, you know.

Her reply took about a half hour. An agonizing, annoyingly-long half hour.

Are you busy at all this weekend?

I typed back so quickly that I was afraid my thumbs would fall off.

Nope, why?

My Dad is going out of town for the whole weekend, so I don't have to cook dinner or do chores. We can hangout, if you would like.

I swear my fucking smile was so big, my face was about to split in half.

Would you like to come over tonight?

Aren't you going to the homecoming dance?

Definitely not. You can come over anytime.

Okay, I'll be there at 6.

I showered and shaved around 5, wanting to look presentable for Bella. It took me a pretty long time to decide on what to wear, but I settled for a pair of dark jeans and a Beatles T-shirt. Too casual? This wasn't even a date, why was I so in over my head?

I was so fucking excited, though. Her agreeing to see me allowed so much stress to immediately exit my body, leaving a warm feeling in its place. I was beyond glad to be able to spend time with her again. Jesus fucking Christ, this was becoming too much. I was getting attached to another girl, something I promised myself not to do until my heart was completely healed.

But I couldn't fucking stop myself.

"Hey, Mom, Bella's coming over at 6," I called downstairs.

"I thought you handed in the project today?"

"I did, she's coming over to just hangout."

I heard the smile in her voice. "Is that why you didn't want go to the dance?"

I rolled my eyes. "No, Mom, I didn't want to go to the dance because I literally didn't want to."

"Okay," she sang teasingly.

I waited impatiently downstairs for Bella, eating pizza and watching TV to pass the time. Finally, a little after 6, I heard the doorbell ring.

I all but ran to the door, too excited to see her. I opened the door and was met with the beautiful smile and eyes that I haven't see all week, the one that causes my heart to race and my smile to brighten. The one that froze time and made me stand still in awe. She was happy.

So, I was happy.

"Bella," I breathed before pulling her in for a hug, her body fitting so perfectly in my arms.

There was no way this was healthy. I couldn't even go a full week without her? Whatever, I would be happy while it lasted.

"Hi," she giggled shyly.

"Bella, how are you, dear?" Mom called and gave Bella a hug, causing her to blush, but smile nonetheless. Watching her and my Mom interact made me happy. Maybe a little too happy.

"Good, how about you?"

"I'm good! There's some pizza in the kitchen that Carlisle and I ordered, help yourself," she suggested before heading into her bedroom to get ready for her night out with Dad.

"She's too sweet," Bella admired.

I nodded. "Well there's a large pizza in there, and us two are the only ones home for the night, so take as much as you want," I gestured towards the kitchen.

She and I each brought two pieces of pizza and some juice up to my room. Once situated in the bed next to each other, I turned the TV on and searched for a good movie.

"Anything you want to watch?" I asked.

"Nothing in particular."

"So, where'd your Dad go for the weekend?"

"Some type of police training in Seattle."

I settled on Step Brothers, number one because it was funny, number two because I wanted to see her laugh.

"It's really nice to actually hangout and not have to worry about the project, ya know? We can actually spend real time together," I said.

"Yeah, I know. It does feel nice," she smiled sheepishly. I resisted the urge to put my arm around her like a thirteen year old in a movie theater on his first date.

"Bella, I don't mean to be a bother, but it's been annoying me all week. What did I say on Sunday that made you so upset?"

She frowned and looked down, playing absentmindedly with a loose string on my bedspread.

"It's complicated…" she trailed off.

"I'm sure I can keep up."

"My Dad is… overprotective. Since he's, um, a cop, all he sees is the bad stuff that happens in the world. He, um, pretty much forces me to stay inside and just spend time to myself. I won't get… hurt that way."

"Oh, please, what could honestly happen to you in Forks, Washington?" I scoffed.

"You'd be surprised."

I frowned at her serious tone. "Well, you have me to ward off all the bad guys. Call me 'Superman' from now on. Your Dad can't get mad at you for hanging out with someone as protective and strong as Superman!"

She laughed, her perfect smile almost blinding my vision. In a good way. Definitely a good way.

"We don't live in a comic book, though, Edward. This is the real world."

"It doesn't have to be. Everybody has fantasies they want to experience, who says they can't?"

"What's your fantasy?" She asked, her voice husky. I wasn't sure if it was on purpose or not.

"Well, I'm not gonna say any names, but there's this girl that I've recently became friends with. She has a hard time spending time with me, but I really wanna spend time with her. More often than she wants to. My fantasy is to have more time with her."

She sighed and rested her head on my shoulder, hugging my waist.

"At least I'm here now," she reassured.

"And tomorrow?" I asked, wrapping an arm comfortably around her.

"If you would like," her smile was kind.

"Of course," I breathed, lying my cheek against the top of her head. She smelled like strawberries. Intoxicating, mouthwatering, delicious strawberries.

"What's your fantasy, Bella?" I whispered into her hair.

She looked up at me with serious eyes. "To be happy."

"Why aren't you happy?"

She shook her head, gazing softly out the window. Her eyes traveled all over the trees, observing them all. Or, when phrased differently, hiding from me.

"You can trust me," I uttered, which seemed to shock her. Her body froze, but a smile played on her lips nonetheless.

"Well, as I said earlier, my dad doesn't let me do anything and we don't, um, always get along, and I'm not exactly cool in school…"

"Who gives a fuck about what those idiots at school think? Seriously, none of them are worth it. All the girls are clones of each other, and same with the guys. The girls are thirsty for attention and will do anything to get it, and the guys are complete toolbags. That's just one of the many reasons why I value our friendship so much, Bella, because you're so much different."

"Thanks," she laughed. "What are the other reasons?"

"Because we get along so well and have great conversations. It's never awkward or uncomfortable, it's just natural. And you don't walk around with a bitchy attitude or shiny heels. Everything about you is beautiful. Oh, and let's not forget your kickass taste in music," I playfully fluffed her hair.

She swatted my hand away, acting as though she was a ferocious beast, but she was actually just a little kitten. The rosy color that stained her cheeks, however, told me she was not all that mad.

"Thank you, Edward. That really means a lot to me. And, I feel the same way. You have so much more substance than all the other guys at school. I'm really glad we're friends."

"Me, too," I was definitely beaming. "I want to be here for you, Bella. I can sense that something is troubling you, and I'm not going to push you to tell me or anything. But I'm not going anywhere."

Her eyes widened, and – for a second – she looked like she was about to protest, but instead she smiled and grabbed my hand, squeezing it in a silent thanks.

Bella snuggled nicely into my side, and we stayed quiet throughout the rest of the movie. We would laugh together, and I would watch her beautiful wavy hair bounce as her whole body shook with laughter, how her nose scrunched up when she chuckled.

Boy, was I in too deep.