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Disclaimer: I do not own Twilight.

Chapter 3: Camping with the Cullens.

Bpov

When I finally arrived home last night, Charlie was there waiting for me. It seems he was able to get home earlier than planned. Jet lag eventually started taking it's toll and I went upstairs to bed. As soon my head hit the pillow I was dead to the world.

Alice came round early this morning before she had to work. I swear I was going to kill her. There was no need to come and wake me up at seven in the morning on a Saturday. Besides I was trying to recover from the jet lag. She told me there had been a change of plans and instead of sleeping inside, her dad had allowed us to camp out in the woods beside their house tonight. I was too tired that it was only later that I actually realized what she had said and it was too late to protest. So I guess I'm sleeping in a tent in the middle of the woods tonight. Oh joy! It's not so much the camping out bit I'm afraid of, it's the journey through the woods that I'm scared of. I'm a major klutz. It's not possible for me to walk over a flat surface without finding something to trip over. Sometimes I amaze even myself and trip over air.

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Damn that Alice wan! (wan is how I pronounce one. I thought i would write some words like how I'd pronounce them to really give the idea that's she Irish) She came round here after her work screaming "Bella Barbie time." I thought or rather hoped that since we were camping out I wouldn't have to go through the torture that Alice calls a make-over.

"Alice why exactly do I need a make-over? We're camping outside in the wood, who's going to be seeing us apart from the fellas."

"Exactly Bella, the guys are going to be there. Thank goodness Jessica couldn't make it." She practically spat out her name. Who the hell is Jessica and why doesn't Alice like her.

"Alice who's Jessica?"

"I suppose you could call her Edward's girlfriend." Again she spat out the word girlfriend. "He's been on a few dates with her but I know it's not going to be anything serious. He has a new girl every week. I wouldn't really call him a player. He just treats them nice and makes them feel good about themselves. I think the most he's ever done is kiss the girl's hand, in fact I don't think he's ever been kissed. Eighteen and never been kissed.2 she chuckled to herself while I squirmed in my chair suddenly feeling very uncomfortable. I'd never been kissed either.

"I think all Edward needs is to find the right girl. What do you think Bella?" She stared at me then and I felt there was a meaning behind her look like she was trying to tell me something.

"Eh yeah sure. Whatever you say Al! Do you mind me calling me you Al?"

"No I love it. I don't think anyone ever even thought about calling me Al. I like it. What can I call you? Bells is Emmett's name for you so I can't use that." Hmm I thought about it and then the perfect name came into my head.

"What about Lally? When cousins were only wee (small/younger)they couldn't say Isabella right so I told them to just call me Lally, now that they're older they just call me Bella. I used to love them calling me it too."

Alice started to laugh, "Lally it is then." I was surprised at myself that I was actually enjoying Bella Barbie time and I thought it was great that Alice and I get along great. I could really see us becoming great friends. That reminds me I must e-mail Renee and the gang back home. I was already missing them but being around my new friends helped numb the pain.

"Alright Bella time to head over to my house. Grab your stuff and let's go. I have a sleeping bag for you there."

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"Hey Bells" Emmett said and came over to wrap me in one of his bear hugs. "Tonight is going to be so much fun. Especially for those who haven't seen Clumsy Bella yet. Honestly guys watching Bella trying to force her way through the trees without tripping could be the best entertainment tonight." I narrowed my eyes at him.

"Watch yoursel (yes I don't bother pronouncing the "f" in yourself because I am extremely lazy lol.) Emmett Swan or I might spill the beans about a certain holiday in Ireland and a certain trouser ripping incident. I'm sure you'll remember having to walk to Aunt Eibhlín's in said trousers .... or what was left of them. I can only describe the remnants as a mini skirt." Emmett blushed bright red while everyone else was rolling on the ground pissing themselves laughing.

"You know Bella I could always tell everyone about your dear Franklin." He wouldn't dare. Franklin was my beloved teddy bear that I can't bare to be without. I even stuffed him in my bag for tonight.

"You do that and I'll tell everyone you're realname. The one on your birth cert. Did you all know that Emmett is actually my dear brother's middle name? Only our granny calls him Gi..." A hand shot across my mouth before I could finish.

"Don't even think about it." Emmett growled, glaring at me.

"It's alright Emmett, we'll find out eventually." Rose said and kissed him on the cheek. "Bella can't keep it secret forever."

"Alright you guys are we going to stand here all day or are we going camping. From what Emmett says about Bella it might take us a while to get to the clearing," Jasper said while picking up a rucksack. Emmett, Rose and Edward started laughing then. What exactly had Emmett been saying before I had arrived. I hope to all that is good and mighty he hadn't mentioned the time at WaterWorld.

"So Bella," Edward said slyly, "been to WaterWorld recently." He didn't! He actually told them.

"Emmett Swan it is war." I growled menacingly at him. "You're gonna wish you've never been born."

"Aw Bells if you're attempts at trying to get revenge are what they were two years ago, then I can safely say I'll be alright."

"Oh brother dearest a lot can change in two years." I stressed the a lot, "and beside I've got Alice." I laughed then because he actually looked scared when I mentioned Alice. "I'm sure Rose wouldn't mind helping too. It can give us a chance to get to know each other better. What do you say Rose?" Rose looked thrilled and bounced over to me. Emmett looked absolutely petrified.

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I got off to a good start trying not to trip in the woods but that could only last for so long. Edward was walking behind me and for some reason it made me feel extremely self conscious. I tripped over a tree root and braced myself for the crash and pain but none came. Instead I felt strong arms wrap around me and settle me on the ground.

"Are you alright Bella?" Edward asked, his arms still around my waist, his conceren-filled, emerald eyes gazing into mine. I had to remind myself to keep breathing. He was so close I could smell his aftershave and another musky scent mixed in with it. He smelled so good. What the hell am I thinking? I couldn't possiby fancy one of Emmett's best friend, Alice's brother ... could I?

"Eh ... yeah, I'm eh grand ... thanks," I finally managed to say. After that he removed his arm from my waist and continued to walk beside me. i was all too aware of him and found it even harder to concentrate on not falling. Finally we burst into a clearing and I was able to move away from him, I was able to breathe again.

The fellas set up the tent. It was a huge eight-man tent. It had three rooms. A main area that branched of into two seperate bedrooms. The sleeping arrangements were sorted. Alice and Jasper and Emmett and Rosalie called dips on the bedrooms. that meant I was stuck in the main area with Edward ... alone. Uh-oh! This was going to be a long night.

A/N So the second part of the camping trip will be the next chapter. Things could get interesting between Edward and Bella ... if you know what I mean. I think my two older brother are the two different side of Emmett's personality. One of them gives me bear hugs and is the mors caring and serious side while the other is the fun and goofy side. Also what could Emmett's real name be? You will find out, don't worry. So my pretties read and review.

Helen x