A week after his arrival, Edward found a part time summer job in the coffee shop Emmett was working. That's when our daily routines formed. To save our world, Alice had convinced me to be driven by Edward in the mornings that we needed to work. Every now and then, Alice and I would have lunch together. More often, Jasper and Alice would be waiting for us when we were off duty at dusk. The nights often ended with a film in Port Angeles or an extravagant meal at places recommended by our great eaters. To my great surprise, Edward and I become best friends in no time. His weird behavior on his first date of arrival aside, he was an attentive and humorous guy to be with. He liked reading books, though not as much as I do, and his real passion lied with his music. He shared with me his favorite songs and music and sometimes, his inspirations and ambitions. I loved watching him talking about them - his jade eyes shining with confidence, his voice full of passion, and his gestures energetic yet graceful. You could literally see his passion to embrace the world. He had a small leather book which he would write down the jaded pieces of melody or lyrics that came to his mind. He allowed no one to touch it, saying that those materials were yet to be baked and were too raw and premature to share. I hope one day he would share it with me. I also told him about my secret wish to become a writer. He was all supportive but objectively pointed out that I had to put my thoughts into action, just like he did.

The only black cloud hanging above was that sometimes, I couldn't help remembering Jacob when I was with Edward. While they were both the "IT" among my friends and both so strikingly good-looking, these were their similarities ended. Jacob was the sunlight-beach-boy type – skin with healthy tan, strong muscles with a smile that could melt the coldest heart in town. He was well aware of his own charms and would put them to good use when needed. He would dazzle the waitress to get us a table, persuade the coach to let him off for an afternoon or convince my mum to allow me a late night outside. Also with an athletic built and height, Edward was more reserved and refined in his character and actions. His sincerity and good-manner, coupled with his classical beauty, won his way to the hearts of people surrounding him. He made you feel safe and comfortable. Unlike Jacob, Edward was quite unaware of his own charm.

"His eyes never left you." Angela whispered.

"Don't exaggerate! He just comes in now and then to visit a friend." The coffee shop Edward worked was conveniently located a few blocks away from the bookstore. Whenever he had a break, he would drop by and brought us the much need caffeine.

"OK! I shall prove it to you." She then carried a pile of books and disappeared in the last aisle. I looked at her and pondered what she would come up to.

After the lunch rush, I decided to go to the restroom to grasp something to eat. As I walked along the aisle, my legs hit something and the next moment they were on the air. I tried to grip the bookshelf nearby but they were too far away. I prepared for the inevitable fall. Once again, it did not materialize. Edward caught me in time and cushioned my fall, just like the first time.

"Seems that I have to work here instead of the coffee shop. You're ok?"

"Of course she is fine. Now, you can put her down to earth." Angela helped me up and looked at me with laughing eyes.

"You see what I mean?" she mouthed the words and then left with trying to snuffle her laughter.

"Hey, what happened?" Another pair of laughing eyes was looking at me. The sunlight shining from behind highlighted his angular face even more. Unlike the Greek statue, this one standing next to me emitted warmth and humanity. His eyes were full of warmth and laughters, so much so that I could mistake them for something much deeper if I wanted to. Not even Jacob looked at me in this way then. I couldn't help smiling back to him with my heart hammering madly.

"Hey beautiful" Edward whispered. He hesitantly touched my cheek and slowing put my errand hairs behind my ears.

The world started tumbled down. Those were the endearment Jacob had used when we were together. Along with the memory came the painful realization that I was making the same mistake twice. What could someone as plain as me offer to him. For reasons only known to him, he found me good enough to be his best friend. If I try my luck further, there was a good chance that I would lose that as well. Nothing good would come out of it. If I wanted to keep my friendship with Edward, I could not let it be spoilt by my unwanted feelings. Anguish tears filled my eyes for the endless possibilities that I had to give up.

"What's the matter? Are you ok?" Startled by my sudden change of mood, Edward anxiously gathered me in his arms. My silent tears turned into sobs when I smelled the faint cologne Edward had used.

"Don't cry, everything will be fine." He rested his chin on my head and I was not sure whether he had planted a kiss before doing so. I tried to stop the flow but somehow I felt so safe and nestled that I could let out the hurt and anguish feelings that I had buried almost a year ago.

"I am so sorry, I am fine now, sorry to spoil your shirt." I was aghast to note the wet patch in front of his T-shirt, lucky that he wore black today. People would not notice unless they looked real close.

"Bella?"

"Yes?" I must look a mess and dare not raise my tear-ridden eyes to him. I glued my eyes to the floor, suddenly fascinated by the tile patterns that I walked on almost every day.

"Bella, look at me." A finger gently lifted up my chin. Not wanting to appear more childish than I already did, I reluctantly raised my eyes, with a sarcastic retort ready to defuse the situation. However, the word stuck when I looked at him. While his eyes were shining with some undefined emotions, they were adored with a determination that I had never seen before. The only time that I had seen a similar expression was when he talked about his music but even then, he was not as serious as now.

"Bella, I would never allow anyone to hurt you like this, I promise. Trust me." Fresh tears rushed to my eyes and blurred my vision. I was so tempted to let myself rest on his shoulder but I knew nothing good would come out of it. Trying to control the damage done, I gently moved out of his embrace and planted a smile as natural as I could be.

"Nothing to worry about, it's just hormone working a bit too strongly. That's the trouble for having a female best friend. I am starving, l need to go outside to buy a burger." Without waiting for his reaction, I rushed out of the rest room and the bookstore, trying to forget and remember every detail of what had happened.