A/N: I know I know. I'm the worst updater in the history of bad updaters and I deserve to die a slow, painful death. If you want, you can call the police on me (don't). I'm reallly sorry. School is starting. And I have a feeling that updating won't be too good. But I promise you, that my upates will be at the most once every two weeks. For sure this time.

Disclaimer: I don't own the twilight characters and the plot. I just applied them to this. :

Bella's POV:

Boing…Boing…Boing…

Someone was bouncing on my bed and, even in my sleep, I had a really good guess of who it was.

"BELLABELLABELLABELLABELLA!" She sang.

I groaned and put the fluffy pillow over my head to try muffling out the high pitched voice. "Go away, Alice." I muttered into the pillow.

"BUT BELLA! YOU HAVE TO GET UP SO WE CAN GET READY FOR THE PICNIC TODAY! WE'RE ALL GOING TO THE PARK! CAN YOU BELIEVE IT? MY DAD RENTED A PARK FOR ALLLLL OF US TO STAY IN! NOW GET YOUR BUTT OUT OF BED SO I CAN GET YOU READY! WE'RE LEAVING IN TWO HOURS!"

I groaned and threw my pillow towards the noise. I heard the soft thump of something hitting the ground and grimaced when I found out that not only did I miss, but I also lost my pillow. So I begrudgingly sat up and rubbed the sleep from my eyes.

"Alice, you can get off my bed, I'm up." I grumbled.

She laughed. "Good. Now get showered. We don't have much time."

I rolled my eyes. Two hours. Not much time??

I trudged towards the restroom with my bag of toiletries and prepared my self for the day. I swiftly, but thoroughly, brushed my teeth and stripped my clothes before I stepped into the shower. It was when the ice cool water hit me when I remembered the events of last night.

Alice crying…

The love letters…

Going to Tyler's house with Edward…

Running from a vicious dog…

In the shower with Edward…

Edward beating the hell out of Tyler…

Edward holding me in his arms…

Bang! Bang! Bang!

"BELLA! HURRY UP!"

I jumped and realized that I had frozen in the shower. The cold water was still running. I shivered uncontrollably and turned the water all the way warm to relax my tense muscles. It helped and I reveled in the warmth that helped me think clearly.

Maybe Edward wasn't as bad as he seemed. Maybe there was another side to him that was hiding and needed to be brought out. Maybe if he was given a second chance, he could be a better person. Like the person who protected me last night.

I realized that it must have been him to carry me home and put me in bed.

I smiled dreamily. What a gentleman…

"ISABELLA MARIE SWAN! I WILL GIVE YOU TWO MORE MINUTES IN THERE. THEN I WILL COME IN MYSELF! Oh, and your dress is on the door hook!"

I sighed and turned off the water. I grabbed the towel and dried myself off before putting the dress on. I looked over at the door and saw a cute sundress with spaghetti straps and layers. I slipped the dress on and checked the mirror before I stepped out into my room to meet a very annoyed Alice.

"Bella! What took you so long? We only have one and a half hours left! That's not nearly enough time." She pushed down on the chair and immediately went to my hair.

I rolled my eyes. "Alice, we're going to the park. Why would I need overdone makeup for the park??"

She shrugged. "Because." Was the only answer I got. I took it without any questions, knowing there was no way I'd get a reasonable answer out of her.

She curled my hair slightly so it was soft waves and tied them into lose ponytails that cascaded down either side of my shoulders. She applied some lip gloss, mascara, eye liner, and eye shadow. She gave me hoop earrings, a silver necklace and a bracelet, but I quickly put it away before she looked. I didn't want another bracelet incident to occur. After a good forty-five minutes, she put the finishing touches and let me go. I didn't bother looking in the mirror, knowing Alice did a good job as usual. I learned to trust her over the years.

I walked down the hallway, maneuvering threw the swarm of Brandon's and Whitlock's. It was almost impossible to get through them! I felt like I couldn't breathe in this mob. After twenty-five minutes, I finally made it downstairs and outside. I straightened my dress that had gotten ruffled in the crowd and let out a deep breath.

"Bella?"

I whirled around at the sound of that soft, velvety voice and saw Edward standing in front of me with his hands in his pockets and a small, crooked smile. I stopped myself before he caught me staring at him like and idiot and smiled back at him.

"Hello, Edward."

His smile grew more pronounced and he took a step towards me. "I like that dress." He complimented with a wink.

I blushed and looked down.

"Edward." I murmured and looked up. "I wanted to um…thank you. For last night. It was really…kind of you. And I was wondering if we could be…friends?" It came out as a question and I stuck my hand out in front of me for him to shake.

He looked down at me hand in shock and pointed to himself. "Me?!" His face showed the enthusiasm of a five year old and I could only imagine his little victory dance in his head.

I chuckled and nodded.

He eagerly placed his hand on mine and held it with his strong grasp. My cheeks flooded when I felt the warm electricity that radiated between us and I internally cursed my blushing habits.

When his hand left mine, I smiled at him and was about to tell him something when we heard something that sounded like a cat dying.

"EDDIE!!"

I winced and hid a smile at Edward's face. He mouthed 'Help me, dammit!' at me and I had to laugh at that.

"Eddie, come on! You can come in my car!" Tanya squealed.

Edward looked at me with pleading eyes and there was also a glare under that pleading look. I smirked.

"Actually, Tanya. Since Edward and Alice haven't seen each other in such a long time, they wanted to take the same car and talk for some time. It might be awhile before they see each other again." I smiled sweetly at her and she returned my smile with a fierce glare.

"Then I'll come with him!" She protested. So stubborn…

I opened my mouth to tell her she couldn't come so but the hell out, when Edward looked at me with a look that said 'I got this.' So I closed my mouth and watched him deal with Tanya.

"Actually Tanya, there's no more room in the car. We already decided who would ride with us."

"Oh yeah? Who?" She yelled, indignantly.

"Me, Alice, Mike, and Bella." He looked at me and winked. I smiled and looked down to hide my blush.

Tanya snorted. "That's not a big deal…I'll sit on your lap." I think she went for a seductive voice, but it only made me and Edward shudder.

"I'm driving." He replied immediately.

She pouted, glared at me, and walked away, in all her strawberry blonde glory.

"Ugh." Edward shuddered.

I laughed and walked over to the drive way, where a few cars were parked. Alice was sitting in her Porsche. I gave her a confused glance when I saw she was sitting in the driver's seat.

"I thought you said you were driving…" I looked at Edward who grinned widely.

"I only said that to get Tanya's tail off me. Actually, I would have loved to drive." He stroked the fender affectionately and Alice laughed at him. "But she won't let me."

"Maybe some other day, Eddie boy." She laughed at Edward's annoyed look.

I laughed and sat in the back seat with Edward. A few minutes later, Mike came and jumped into the passenger seat. He looked around with panicked eyes and then sighed.

"Hey, Mike. What has you all frightened?" I asked.

He turned around and looked at me with wide, serious eyes. "The bitchy witch."

I narrowed my eyes, confused. "Who?"

"Tanya." They all replied at the same time. Okay, that was pretty creepy.

-

We got to the park in a matter of ten minutes. Actually, we were the first ones there, because of Alice's maniac high-speed driving. I was glad I hadn't eaten before I left. I don't think my stomach could have taken all the movement.

We were lounging on the grass, soaking up the rare sun, while waiting for everyone else to arrive. Actually, there wasn't another soul in the park. It was just me, Edward, Alice, and Mike.

I was sitting between Alice and Edward. The gap between Edward and me was no more than five inches. The close proximity set me on hyperaware mode, and I tried to ignore it and concentrate on Alice's inane chatter. Tried, being the key word.

After about eight minutes or so, everyone else arrived and the park was filled in a matter of minutes. I helped with setting up the food and cloths with most of the girls. The rest of the girls and guys were playing Frisbee, baseball, football, etc. Actually, only the guys were doing the sports. The girls were doing the ogling and cheerleading. It was pretty pathetic. I tried to ignore the crazy angry feeling that coursed through me when Tanya threw herself on Edward when he won a game.

"See something you like, Bella?"

I jumped and turned to see Alice smirking at me. I notice that she had the same smirk as Edward.

"Huh? N-no." I stuttered. I blushed. Why oh why did I have to be cursed with the prospect of being a terrible liar and blushing for everything?!

"Yeah, ok. Whatever you say Bells." She shrugged and then leaned up to whisper in my ears. "But he is totally into you, too." She leaned away with a smug grin while I blushed and looked up at Edward through my eyelashes.

Soon, the guys got tired and came for snacks and drinks. I helped with distributing them and looked down when Edward's electric green eyes shot right through mine.

After eating and stuffing ourselves, we all walked around and played some games. We ended up playing baseball…a sport that was highly embarrassing for me. I tried to convince them to let me sit out and they finally let me just be a referee.

I couldn't help but stare at Edward's muscles as they seemed to involuntarily flex every five seconds. I could tell why all the girls were throwing themselves at him. But I know I would never be like that. Never would I become one of Edward Masen's pathetic, slutty girlfriends.

Being referee was harder than they made it seem on TV. Every time I made a judgment, they would all start arguing that I was wrong and the other team committed a foul. I just stood there and said to continue the game from where we left off. So basically, there were absolutely no rules in the game. I'm sure they loved to keep me as the ref.

I was deeply relieved when they game was over. I walked over to the food to get a drink of water. The cool rush felt great against my sun-dry lips. I sighed and closed my eyes in contentment.

"BELLA!"

I gasped and my eyes went wide at the sudden outburst. The water bottle I was holding splashed allover my dress and caused me to shiver slightly. I turned around and narrowed my eyes at Miss. Pixie.

She smiled impishly back at me. "Sorry?" She hunched her shoulders lightly, trying to give an innocent look. The sad thing was…it worked.

I sighed. "That's ok. It'll dry in the sun." I mumbled and shrugged it off.

"I know a perfect way for that." A velvety voice suggested. The smirk was so apparent in his voice.

I turned to my left and saw him walking over.

"And how is that?" I challenged.

Edward's smirk grew wider as he walked closer. I couldn't help but stare at his breathtaking crooked grin. He stood next to me for two seconds before tapping me on the shoulder and whispering, "Tag. You're it." And then he ran off.

It took me a few seconds to register what happened. I shook my cloudy head and grinned hugely. My feet went quickly as I pushed them with all my strength. Even if I was trying to go fast, Edward was faster. Suddenly, an idea hit me. I was going to cheat…old school way.

I stopped and hunched over while placing my hands on my knees. I gasped loudly as if I were extremely exhausted. When I looked up, I saw Edward walking toward me with an anxious expression.

"Bella, are you ok?" His expression was clearly concerned.

I nodded some broken nods and grabbed his arm as in support. The same electric waves shot through us. I don't know if he felt it, but if he did, then he did a pretty good job of not showing it.

"Just…catching my breath." I gasped.

He just nodded.

"Oh, and Edward?" I said, still wheezing slightly. Then I pulled myself up and smiled mischievously. "You're it." And with that, I took off.

I think it took him a few seconds to register into the fact that someone had tricked him by the oldest possible way. I just kept running off while Edward was no more than two yards behind me. I pushed myself faster, but only saw that he was able to keep pace. After a while, I felt myself slowing down and Edward immediately filled in the space between us. Two strong arms captured me by the waist and pulled me to the ground.

I gasped through my laughs. "Edward! Let go."

He held me closer so that my back was pressed tightly to his chest. "But don't you know the rules?"

"Umm…one person touches another person and then they're it?" Did that ever change?

"Yes…" He said. "But there is one other thing. Winner get's to choose punishment for the loser."

I sighed. Of course. That is so typical of Edward Masen. "Ok, great winner. What is my punishment?"

He didn't say anything. For a few seconds, I sat there, thinking he had changed his mind.

Boy was I wrong.

To pairs of hands began attacking my sides with fierce tickles and I couldn't hold back my gasps of laughter.

"Edward! Edward…please…stop! I surrender! Anything…but…but this!" I gasped.

His hands stopped tickling me and I held my sides as my hysterical laughs slowly turned into gasps, then became a sigh. I turned around and pushed him playfully.

"That wasn't very nice, Edward."

He chuckled and pulled the end of my ponytail lightly.

"I'm sorry….Pippi Longstocking." He grinned at his own joke and I stuck my tongue out at him.

Out of the corner of my eye, I noticed Tanya glaring hatefully at us. Actually, glaring hatefully at me. I wonder what was biting her butt.

Edward and I sat down on the grass next to each other and began talking. Talking about anything and everything. I found out his mother and father were the heads of the biggest franchise company in the United States.

"The funny thing is, my mom is the only serious one about it." He told me. "My dad is more of the playful type. It sometimes gets him in trouble." His eyes gleamed and he chuckled, probably thinking of the last time his father had goofed off for work.

"You love him." I guessed.

He looked down and began ripping the grass blades. "Yeah." He sighed. "He's my best friend."

I smiled, thinking about how lucky he was.

"What about your mother and father?" He asked.

I sighed and smiled weakly. "I don't know who my real mother and father are. But Carlisle and Esme are like a mother and father to me. I couldn't imagine better parents. Esme can't have children, so she thinks of us as her children."

His eyes were filled with sympathy as they bore right into mine. "And your brother?"

My smile grew wider, thinking about my brother. "There's so much about him. I can go for a whole day, telling you everything I love about him. He's the best biggest brother in the whole world. When he smiles, it makes you feel a thousand times happier. His hugs are warm and strong. He's always there for me when I'm hurt. I wouldn't trade him for anything."

Edward smiled at me and ruffled my hair. "You sound like those little girls who threaten people with heir big brothers."

I laughed. "Yeah, it feels like that."

He laughed with me.

We continued talking through the evening until it was time to go. I noticed that I actually enjoyed my time with him. He was already like one of my best friends.

When we got home, I showered because of all the grass and mud that had stuck to me. After finishing up my shower, I threw on some pajamas and tossed the dress into the washing machine.

For some reason, I felt giddy. I found myself humming an unknown tune to myself. I skipped down the hall back to my room.

And that was when my good mood vanished.

Tanya's POV:

Who was that whore, stealing my man? She wasn't even pretty! I am so much hotter than her. And I was richer than her. She was a farm girl! I bet she lived on welfare. I have no idea what Edward does around her. He spends more time with her than me! That's when I know there's something wrong. She's a seducer, that's what it is. Bitch.

As soon as I got home, I stormed upstairs, unable to watch Edward and Bella laugh together like a married couple. Like I said: bitch.

On the way to my room, I passed by Bella's. She wasn't in there, so I went in. My eyes fell onto a sign that had big capital letters:

DO NOT TOUCH!

I smirked and grabbed the wooden horse that was on the table, right behind the sign.

"Bye-bye horsey." I whispered, evilly. Then I crashed it down on the ground. It broke apart into several wooden chips.

Somehow, it felt good to do that. Knowing I trashed on of Bella's "prized possessions." Even though it was just a cheap, old, wooden horse.

Bella's POV:

My eyes went wide as they began to fill with fresh tears. I couldn't even move for a second. I just stared down at the wooden chips as the tears began to fall.

Then I ran forward and fell to my knees in front of my broken jewel. My hands scrambled across the pieces as I furiously tried to put them together, hoping for a miracle to happen.

But no such miracle came.

I let out a loud frustrated sob that broke out from my chest. Who would do this? Why would anyone do this? What had I ever done to them?

"Bella?!"

I didn't turn to her voice. I just buried my face in my hands and continued to let the sobs out. Suddenly, two tiny arms wrapped around me, trying to soothe me. But I knew it wasn't the arms that I wanted.

It was Emmett's.

The only thing that kept his presence with me was the horse. I never went anywhere without it. I took care of this with my life. And now I had let it die like this. I couldn't believe this.

"Shh, Bella, it's ok. I'll try to find a new one. It's fine. It's fine."

I shook my head. "No, Alice. It won't be the same. This was made from Emmett's hands. It won't be the same. I really miss my brother, Alice." I cried harder into her shoulder.

She whispered soothing words to me, and pulled me to my bed to put me to sleep. It took me awhile, but the sobs quieted down, as the darkness slowly took me in.

Edward's POV:

I walked quickly down the hall, whistling some tune of my own. I felt lighthearted, and I knew it was in reaction to Bella. She wasn't like any other girl I have met. She's kind, smart, funny, cute, and loving. She truly is beautiful on the inside and the outside.

On the way to my room, I heard quiet sobs. I walked faster down the hall to investigate. On my way, I saw Tanya walking by with a smug smile. I completely ignored all the implications of that.

"Bella?!" That was Alice's voice.

What was wrong with Bella? I began running towards the noise and stopped at Bella's door. My eyes widened.

I watched through the door as Bella cried into Alice's shoulder. My heart squeezed tightly at the scene before me. I wanted to be the one to hold her and soothe her. But I knew that she didn't need to be around too many people right now. It was late and she needed to sleep.

In front of Bella was several wooden chips. I realized with shock that these were the pieces of the horse that Bella's brother had given to her. Then one that she didn't want anyone to touch since it was so special to her.

"Shh, Bella." Alice murmured. "It's ok. I'll try to find a new one. It's fine. It's fine."

"No, Alice." She sobbed. "It won't be the same. This was made from Emmett's hands. It won't be the same. I really miss my brother, Alice." She turned her head and sobbed into Alice's shoulder.

I grabbed the door tightly and watched as Alice pulled Bella towards her bed and tucked her in. She sat beside for a few minutes, stroking her hair. I smiled slightly at her. The bond between Bella and Alice was truly a sisterly love.

After a few minutes, Alice sighed and brushed up the wooden chips and placed them back onto the table. She stared at the pieces for a few moments, and then walked out of the room. She paused and looked at me for a few moments.

"This is your chance, Edward." She murmured. And then walked away.

I stared at her in confusion and shrugged. Alice was always the one for making strange remarks.

I quietly walked into Bella's room. I heard her whisper the name "Emmett" every few minutes. It was really sad. Her brother seemed to be the person who held her together.

I sighed and turned towards the broken horse. Suddenly, I realized what Alice had said.

I grabbed the pieces and walked to my room.

Now all needed was some glue, decorations, and luck.

A/N: Ok, I know not much happened. But the next chapter is where things will actually go somewhere. Promise!!

Review please please please!!