~~Chapter IV: Feeling~~

Bella's POV

Mike drove me home using my Chevy. I was resting my head on the windshield while Mike glanced at me every once in a while just to check if I wasn't crying no more. I was silent throughout the trip.

"Thanks Mike, you're the best." I said. He really was the best.

"Sure thing, Bella. You've always been the best." He flashed the widest grin. That made my face turn pink, heat was flooding through my cheeks. I looked away.

"Okay, bye." He said, getting out of the car.

"Um, Mike?" I said, grabbing his arm.

"Hmm?" he said, staring at my hand in his arm.

"Well, I was wondering if. . . maybe. . . you should come inside and take a rest first." That sounded like a question. "You don't have any car. I'll call Charlie to drive you home, okay? It's getting pretty dark." I thought of this idea because I want to repay him for what he had done. I was very thankful to have a friend like him.

"Would that be okay?" Mike said, his eyes were the most adorable kind of blue I've ever seen. I want to look at it even closer

"Um... Bella?" Mike called. I realized that I've been staring at his eyes for so long that I lost train of thought.

"Er… sure Mike, no problem. Charlie would be glad to help," I announced. Then he flashed a gleaming smile, that–I don't know where it came from–caused me to smile enthusiastically.

"Cool," he answered simply as we walked inside the house.

I grabbed the key under the rug and unlocked the door. Mike didn't need to look around because he went here several times already with his father. Mr. Newton and Charlie are friends here in the neighborhood. They used to go fishing during the weekends, but since Charlie was busy off doing some duties, Mr. Newton spent his weekends watching baseball in the Sports Channel.

"The place is small, sorry." I apologized, just to be polite. I also wanted to start a conversation.

"No need to apologize Bella. I think the place looks great." He said. He sat on the couch and looked around.

"Seen anything you like?" I asked, sitting on the next couch beside him.

"Just looking around. Really Bella, your place looks great."

"Uh, hey Mike, thank you for what you did… a while ago. Thanks for being such a friend." I said, patting his hand gently.

"That's nothing Bella. You should've seen the look on your face. I wonder who would ignore your face. They must've been stupid enough." He joked and laughed. I laughed weakly with him. He squeezed my hand.

"Do I really look that bad?" I asked. I was wondering if I look like a lunatic a while ago. I must've been crying my guts out.

"Not bad, I was afraid seeing you like that," Mike said. "It was scary Bella, like someone died or someone was murdered."

"Yeah, I know." And tears are swelling down my eyes.

"Oh crap, stop crying Bella. I'm sorry. C'mon get up." He reached my hand and held me up. Hugging me gently. I was sobbing in his chest. His hands wrapped around my waist, his face on my hair. His sweet scent lingering on every part of my body.

We stayed like that for a few minutes, until I realized that his shirt was soaked up with my tears.

I pulled back and stared at his shirt.

"Oh my gosh! I'm sorry Mike! You want me to lend you a shirt? Charlie has plenty," I said, while wiping my tears with the back of my right hand.

"'S okay Bella, I'm quite used to it now," he chuckled. I laughed with him. Being with Mike makes me happy.

We talked about unnecessary things for a while, until we heard Charlie's Cruiser pulling up the front porch.

"Hey Bel––well hello to you, Mike. What brought you here?" Charlie asked, face all confused. He shut the door loudly and hanged his coat with his belt and gun.

"Good evening Chief Swan, well–er, um.." Mike said, looking all embarrassed.

"He helped me get home Dad. He doesn't have a car to drive, so I let him stay for a while. Could you drive him home Dad?" I asked. I was batting my eyelashes on Charlie. It always worked.

"Sure, Bells. I'll do it in the morning. Mike, you stay here for the night." Charlie announced, "Dinner's ready Bella?"

"Not yet Dad, I'm running a little late."

"Well don't forget to cook food for Mike too, okay?"

"Yeah, sure Dad."

"What was that about?" Mike asked, stunned by my father's order.

"Don't worry about it. He's just tired from work and needed a break" I explained in a low voice, "Don't worry, I'll give you some spare clothes and some puffy pillows before you sleep, okay?" I turned to him and raised my eyebrows.

"Uh, sure?" He said, looking embarrassed.

"Good boy," I said, smiling wide.

We ate dinner and talked about things from school He was careful not to mention the part where I cried like a baby. I owe him for that.

After dinner, he helped me tidy things up and wash the dishes. We had an agreement that I'll wash and he'll dry. It was fun doing it with Mike.

I got him the spare clothes––a purple shirt and beige shorts––and the fluffy pillows I promised.

He changed, and he was set for bed in the couch. His hair was messy, but I liked it. His eyes were adorable as ever.

Before going to bed, I wished him a good night.

"Bella," He called out silently, afraid to wake Charlie up.

I turned to him, "Hmm?"

What he did made my heart jump.

He caught my arm and pulled me gently closer, then planted a kiss on my cheek.

My cheek burned and turned deep red.

"Good night Bella," he released me and smiled a huge grin.

It was the very first time my heart faltered and jumped again.

I have to admit, I liked it.