I'm starting to dislike myself a lot for not updating frequently. But I just haven't been allowed on the computer that often!

"We don't have that CD in stock, sir, but I can—"

"How do you mean? Look, I haven't got all day, now where is it?"

"It's not physically in the store but I can order it for you."

"You do that, I'll be back in an hour for it." I watched from the sidelines as the aging—aging as in I was doubting he actually knew what a CD was—man stormed out of the store. I turned when I heard Edward groan and slump down on the counter at the register he was stationed at. He rested his head in his arms so only his pained eyes were peeking over them.

"I'm sorry," he mumbled through his arm. I was surprised I heard him over the sound of Knights of Cydonia loudly coming from the overhead speakers. Though I wasn't minding the music selection; I loved how employees had the privilege of picking the music.

"What for?" I laughed softly at the sight of him and continued perusing the aisles of CD's, picking up one every so often to look at it closer.

Edward lifted his head slightly so his mouth was visible. "For putting you through this. You must be so bored."

I caught myself from rolling my eyes, though that made it look more like an eye spasm. "Edward, you're not 'putting me through' anything. I wanted to come and it's not your fault they had to call you in today to work a different shift."

"I know, but…" he tried.

"Edward, stop. Just trust me on this one," I grinned.

Edward narrowed his eyes with a speculative look on his face. "Fine, but I'm taking you somewhere afterward to make up for this."

I sighed dramatically, "If you must."

It suddenly got a lot quieter in the store as Falling Away with You began to play. Hm, it must be a random mixture of Muse songs on the CD, I thought absently. I looked over to Edward. He had straightened up and he was watching me with what I could only call a content look on his face.

Walking over to the counter, I set the three CD's I wanted to buy on the counter in front of Edward. He eyed the pile of plastic for a moment with a look I couldn't quite fathom before turning to ring up the total.

I raised a questioning eyebrow. "Something wrong with my musical selections?"

"No, no. Perfect as always," he mumbled, still looking troubled. He snapped out of 'it' and a mischievous grin returned to his face. "Though this is questionable," he stated, holding up a CD case.

I shoved the money at him and grabbed my CD's. "There is nothing wrong with them," I sniffed. Edward raised his eyebrows and smirked as he gestured to the CD case with the two… unusual dressed guys. I glowered. "It's artistic." I heard Edward snort as I headed to the music player that was now playing Bliss. Even I had to hold in a snort I think.

"What are you doing, Bella?" Edward asked.

"I think they deserve to be played now that you have laughed at them," I said as I tore the plastic off the CD case. "Sorry, Muse," I muttered as I took that CD out and replaced it with the one I was holding. A giggle escaped my lips as the first track began to play and the beginning notes were heard over the speakers. Did I mention I love the store Edward worked at?

Edward rolled his eyes dramatically but there was a grin still plastered on his face. It was very uncharacteristic of me, I usually avoid it, but I couldn't help but start to dance a bit, moving my hips; however horrible it may have looked to onlookers—then again it's hard to do much else with the given song. The corners of my lips turned up as I moved closer to Edward and I sang quietly to myself, "I'm feeling rough, I'm feeling raw, I'm in the prime of my life."

I bit my lip as I blushed but I couldn't really care at that moment how ridiculous I must have looked. I was feeling completely carefree and I loved it.

From the corner of my eye I could see Edward come out from behind the counter and walk over to me. My grin widened. He's so caving.

It's cheesy, I'll be the first to admit it, but our eyes locked and it just felt like the store, the world, everything melted away—not literally, because that would be kind of worrisome but… you know. After a moment, Edward gingerly placed his hands on my hips. Edward's apprehensive eyes looked to mine and unconsciously I bit my lip, keeping back the full-blown smile I was trying to sport. Our dancing was definitely not matching the song, we had slowed substantially to almost a slow dance, but we didn't care.

Resting my hands on his shoulders, I continued to move as I sang, "We've got the vision, now let's have some fun."

I looked back up at Edward who was still looking down at me. I was just thanking anybody that no one was walking into the store right then. Suddenly Edward's lips were by my ear, close enough that I could feel his breath.

"Bella, may I kiss you?" he whispered, slowly bringing his head back to gauge my reaction. My eyes were wide as he asked. I hadn't been expecting it; I had wanted him to kiss me before but I still wasn't anticipating getting kissed by him. I didn't want to get my hopes up.

"Yes," I breathed non-too smoothly. My bout of confidence, I guess, had taken off for the hills. With that one word, Edward's lips connected with mine.

I'd like to say my knees almost gave out just then but no. No force of gravity was about to detach my lips from Edward's if I had anything to do with it. But I can say that my entire body was lit on fire in the best way as the blood pounded in my ears to the point where I could barely hear the song that was still playing overhead. And the electric shock, though I had felt it when we were merely touching, became more prominent.

It was a simple kiss and it was perfect.

We separated for air as the song ended. I started to pull away, afraid that things would start to get awkward. But Edward had a different idea. His hold on me stayed strong on my hips, not letting me move an inch. I looked up at him finally to see that ghost of a crooked grin apparent on him.

Oh, surely I had died and gone to some kind of heaven because, looking up at Edward, it was hard to believe that anyone could look so perfect in reality.

Lee eventually came to take over Edward's shift, much to both of our happiness, at around two so he was off for the rest of the day. At least I hoped he was. I was half wondering when he worked his other job and if he would skip it but he wouldn't miss something as important as work for me, right?

As we walked out of the music store it felt like something had definitely changed. Not in a bad way. But there something different in the air between us that made me feel like what Edward and I had was now more… meaningful. There was a definite change that had my heart racing, anxious about what I had found in Edward.

Because already I knew I was feeling an important emotion for Edward, something strong that had my emotions buzzing around in me like a tornado.

"Are you hungry?" Edward suddenly asked as we aimlessly walked along the sidewalk. Looking at him, I saw his piercing eyes squint a bit at me, as if he was in thought.

"Um, I am, actually," I replied. Remembering that I hadn't eaten since this morning. I hadn't really been hungry when Edward had his lunch break but it was catching up to me now.

"Excellent," he grinned to a confused me. Tugging on my hand to urge me along faster, Edward led us to—

"The grocery store?" I asked confusedly as we approached the building. I had been expecting to go to, I don't know, a café or something; grocery store being a bit further down on my list.

I noticed Edward's bronze hair glint in the rare rays of sunshine that were--keeping to it's name--shining down on us as he turned to me. "Something wrong?" Amusement was evident in his voice.

"Oh, uh, no. I just… never mind," I ended in a mumble as a blush crept up my neck again.

I watched on as Edward perused the aisles with the basket in his free hand, not coming across anything to his liking until we reached the bakery. His eyes lit up and he was once again tugging on my hand like an anxious five year old, which only amused me greatly.

He picked up a small pound cake that had my mouth watering at the sight of it. I arched a brow at Edward.

"It's the best cake in town," he shrugged.

Enough said.

"For lunch, though?" I asked playfully.

"Oh, that."

Two already made sandwiches, a delicious looking cake, and two Pepsi's in hand later and we were off to wherever Edward was leading me to. I could tell he felt the need to be secretive and surprise me as much as possible today… I hate surprises… and surprises usually proceed secrets.

"Where are we going?" I broke down and asked.

"To my car," he answered smartly. I rolled my eyes in response.

We returned quickly to his work's parking lot and after we were both in his car I asked again, sweetly, "Where are we going?"

Edward chuckled. "I'm getting the impression you don't like surprises."

"This is true," I replied as I raised my eyebrows, waiting for him to finally tell me.

"Sucks to be you, then," he smirked. My jaw fell open a fraction as I glared at him. I 'hmph'ed and slouched in my seat, crossing my arms.

We were heading back to Forks, that much I was sure of, but as we got closer I realized Edward was not driving towards my house. He turned onto a street that was unfamiliar to me and I was even more confused when the road ended so that we were surrounded by forest on three sides.

"What are…?" I was twisting around in my seat, trying to find the reason we could be there but to no avail.

"I told you I would take you somewhere to make up for you having to sit through my shift." He held up a hand before I could disagree. "Bella, just trust me on this one," he quoted my earlier words with a cheeky grin and got out of my car, grabbing our purchases from the grocery store that were laying in the backseat. Edward opened my door and immediately looked at my footwear. "Good," he muttered.

"Edward," I all but growled. "What are we doing?"

"Are you opposed to some hiking?" he asked innocently.

I raised my eyebrows incredulously. "Have you seen me walk?" Just that morning at the record store I tripped over my loose shoelace and knocked down a tower of on sale CD's. We spent a half hour putting them back in their rightful places.

Edward smirked, obviously remembering. "I won't let you fall."

My resolve softened at his words. I eventually conceded with a nod of my head. Edward's face lit up and he immediately took my hand in his and began steering me into the forest.

"Wai—the path's over there," I pointed to a small path leading into the woods… that we were near.

"I know," Edward said simply. I grumbled under my breath as I let him continue leading me. I don't know how it began, but I never liked surprises. I didn't like not knowing. Walking through the woods kept me distracted, though, from my dislike.

I stumbled a few times over tree roots—naturally—but Edward kept a firm hold on my hand the entire way and kept to his word by catching me every time I stumbled.

Some time later—I'm not sure when—we came upon a break in the trees where I could see the sun, that was still hanging on to stay seen through the clouds, streaming through.

"We're here," Edward stated.

Curiosity got the better of me and I walked ahead until I was through the trees. I was standing in front of a clearing. A meadow would better describe it.

"Whoa…" I breathed. It was difficult to produce any words when I was standing in front of one of the most beautiful views I had ever seen.

"Do you like it?" Edward walked up behind me, so quietly that I almost jumped.

"I—I love it. Edward, how did you ever find this place?"

He shrugged nonchalantly. "I came across it last year when I had to get away for a bit. It's where I come to think."

I laced my fingers in his and smiled reassuringly.

Edward grinned, "Let's eat." He didn't have to ask me twice.

Little was said between us as we ate our sandwiches, there was no need. We just enjoyed the warmth of the sun.

Eventually the cake was brought out.

"Oh my goodness," I sighed as I ate a piece of the pound cake. "You know the way to a girl's heart," I joked.

"Just yours," Edward replied with my favourite crooked grin as he also took a bite of the cake. I blushed in reply.

We laid in the middle of Edward's meadow for the rest of the afternoon, lazily talking back and forth as the sun beat down on us.

"Okay, I have a question," I said, stopping Edward's next question. We were inches apart and I turned my head to narrow my eyes as I asked, "Was there a reason you decided to drive me up the wall the first day we met?"

"Heh," Edward smiled sheepishly as his eyes flickered to mine and then back to the sky. "I was… having a bad day."

"Mhm," I smirked.

He rolled his eyes. "Blame Newton's parents," he grumbled. "I had just gotten word that I had to work that evening and… wasn't happy. Plus," he turned his head to look at me with a grin, "you looked really cute when you were irritated… kind of like now…" I was glaring at him.

I sighed a heavy sigh and rolled my eyes but the corners of my mouth wouldn't stay down. And then I felt a ghost of a presence on the back of my hand. I looked down to see Edward's hand resting on mine. Slowly, I turned my hand over so that our palms were touching. I watched his face to see his reaction and Edward, feeling my eyes on him, looked away from our now connected hands to look at me. I was once again blown away by the sheer brilliance of his green orbs.

Edward's tongue came out to lick his bottom lip, causing my eyes to become glued to those lips. Both thinking the same thing, we leaned in to share another kiss, this one charged with just as much, if not more, electrical currency.

After we broke apart, there was another lapse of silence shared where we both just watched the clouds roll by. But there was a question that was gnawing at me, my curiosity growing by the second.

"Edward," I started, the sound of my voice seemingly loud as it broke through the deafening quiet, "why do you work two jobs?"

"I have to," he said it so obviously.

"But—" I was cut off by Edward's lips on mine. This kiss was different. This kiss was filled with urgency. Edward pulled back and stared long and hard at me.

"Do you have to be home soon?"

"N-no… Charlie's away for the weekend so I really don't—" I cut myself off as I watched Edward stand up abruptly.

He picked up our bag and held a hand out for me. "Come on."

Edward led us back through the woods at a brisk pace and nothing was said. I decided not to question. Edward's brow was creased the entire way, he was obviously in deep thought. It didn't stop him from catching me every time I stumbled, though.

Once we back in Edward's car, he sat for a moment not moving.

"Bella, these past few days I've… I've grown to trust you. I've never really been able to do that with—with a classmate or…" he was struggling for words. I touched my hand to his cheek so that he was looking at me instead of the steering wheel.

"What is it, Edward?" I asked.

Placing a kiss on my lips, he said, "I think it's time you met my family."

I paled. I wasn't ready for this. What if they didn't like me? "Oh," I said nervously.

Edward took as a sign of reluctance and leaned back with a pained expression. "Oh," he murmured. "You don't have to, Bella. I thought—"

"No, Edward," I sort of whined. "What if they don't like me?" I voiced my worry.

His facial expression changed in a nanosecond to relief and slight amusement. "Bella, Bella," Edward smiled. "She'll love you."

And at that, he started his car and we drove until we pulled into Edward's trailer park.

I'll probably fix this when I'm not dead on my feet... the ending is bothering me because I had it in my mind but I couldn't find the right words. But i had to post this tonight.

This was friggin' hard. It aggravated me. I'm not a master of words to begin with… but when I go about trying to sound all mushy like Bella tends to be… it just pisses me off. Sadly, this was the best I could do.

Ugh, I know you guys probably hate me by now but I'd love it if you would review! Please?