EmPOV-
Needless to say, my weekend blew. First off, Bella didn't listen to me and went off with that asshole, and he tried to rape her. (Alice filled me in.) And apparently caring about Bella…as a friend, is a major no-no in Rose's book. She said that as far as she's concerned we were on a "break" and that when I got my shit together; maybe she'd take me back. To top it all off, I've had a hangover all weekend. Super.
Basically, I'm fucked in the ass, no soap-on-a-rope option. Damn. I ran my fingers through my curly hair trying to make myself not look like a homeless dude. No such luck. There were deep purple marks under my eyes. I missed Rose so much. She just didn't understand. Bella…is so important to me. I mean, not in a romantic way—I don't think. Dude my fucking head needs to stop being so damn confusing.
I threw on a wife-beater and a plaid button up, shuffled into some jeans and random tennis shoes and sulked out the front door into my jeep. I was going to be late to school, but I really didn't care. I needed to see Bella…shit, I mean Rose. Hell, I don't know what I mean. I love Rose. I know that, but seeing Bella go off with Jacob…killed me. And finding out from Alice that he forced himself on her. I was ready to kill him. But apparently I was beaten to the punch. God damn pun intended.
I pulled into the parking lot and crazily, I had enough time to get into school. I jogged lazily toward the front doors. I smirked at the office ladies and made my way to my locker. That's when I saw them.
Well I saw her. Bella, looking like some old-fashioned movie star, giggling over some James Dean wannabe. I sauntered up to them, forgetting my locker and first period class completely.
"Bells."
She turned her head, and her smile faded, "Emmett? You look like hell."
I laughed humorlessly, "I wish I could say the same about you, but I can't. You look fine."
She smiled warily, "Thanks. What's up?"
"Who's this joker?" I said, jerking a thumb to the back of Lames Dean's head.
He turned around, "You're brother."
"Whoa, Eddie?"
He smiled, "Yup."
"What are you doing with Bella?" I asked, suddenly nervous.
"Talking to her."
I frowned, "Is that all?"
He nodded, "Am I no longer allowed to speak with my friends?"
Bella's smile was gone when he said friends.
"Yeah, Emmett, he's allowed to talk to me." She glanced at her watch.
She smiled at Edward, "I'll see you in bio, alright?"
He smiled crookedly, "Sure."
"Bye Em, you really do look like hell." She said sincerely.
I chuckled, "Thanks Bells see ya later."
She waved to us both and sauntered off. I stared at her ass, wondering when she learned to dress like that.
"You shouldn't treat her that way." Edward said, staring after her as well.
I glared, "And what way is that, brother dear? You barely know her. Just because you ditched your dork attire, and are no longer tied down does not make you Professor Bullshit."
He laughed darkly, "I know enough Emmett. I know that you really hurt her, and she's done with you."
I raised an eyebrow, "Is that so?"
He crossed his arms over his chest, "It is."
I thought on his words for a second. "Care to make a wager?"
Edward frowned, "What about Emmett?"
"Bella."
He snarled at me, "You have no claim on her anymore Emmett. You threw her away. And you have Rosalie. Stick to what you know best."
I frowned at him, "First off, Rosalie and I are no longer together. She thinks that I'm immature, and that I shouldn't care about my friends."
He interrupted me, "Friends? Meaning Bella."
"Maybe. Secondly, I am sticking to what I know best. I know Bella."
"You used to know her. You have no idea what your actions have done to her. I don't even know the full extent. The only person she talks to about you is Alice."
"Look, do you want to make a bet or not?" I asked, annoyed at his little tirade.
Edward huffed a sigh, "Fine. What are the terms of this 'bet'?"
"We're going to see who Bella wants, it'll be a contest…bet…thinger. Whoever knows Bella best will be the one she chooses. And whoever wins…well obviously gets Bella."
"So we're going to tell Bella?" He asked skeptically.
"Ugh, fuck no. Dude, that would be stupid, and we'd both be in major pain."
He nodded his head, "Well you said that whomever Bella was to choose would be declared the winner. How will we know who she definitely chooses?"
He had me there; I had never had to compete with anyone over Bella. I got it.
"Prom." I said, hella proud of myself.
"Prom?"
"Yeah, we'll be extra super awesome around her, and after a while we'll each ask her to prom. Whoever she says yes to, wins."
He shook his head, "I don't think so. We can't take turns asking. That isn't fair to her. Besides, Alice says she doesn't like to dance."
"Well…let's put it this way. We'll seduce her, not sexually. Been there done that, not that I wouldn't do it again. Bella…is…amazing." I smiled goofily, and Edward snarled again. "Anyway, we'll both ask her to be our girlfriends. And whoever she says yes to, wins."
He nodded thoughtfully, "I can see how that could work."
"Are you chicken Eddo?" I teased.
"Nope. Deal."
We shook on it and I headed to my first class. Let the games begin brother. Let the games begin.
EPOV-
The second after shaking hands with Emmett, I regretted my actions. If Bella were to find out…she'd be furious. Emmett had hurt her once already. I should've told him how desperately in love with her I was. I don't even know when I'd fallen for her. It just…happened. I guess that's what love is. There isn't an in between.
To quote O*Town, "I want it all, or nothing at all." Gah! My insides are such pussies. I may look…well…as Bella put it, delicious, but I'm such a dork on the inside.
Limp dick. That's what Emmett would say. My inner voice growled when I thought of Emmett. He was my brother, and I loved him. But he had already had his chance. I wanted to make Bella mine.
And I had just gone and fucked it up. Emmett does not like to lose. I would have to work so much harder. He was right about somethings. He did know her inside and out. Literally.
They had a past…but we have a future.
My morning passed quickly. I soon found myself stalking quickly to Biology. My hands were clammy and there was a lump of fear in my throat. I picked my balls off the floor and marched to my seat and waited for Bella.
Moments before the bell rang; my personal Sophia Lauren waltzed in and sat next to me.
"Hi." She said sheepishly.
"Hello, love." I smiled.
"How's your day going?" She asked lamely, clearing her throat. She was nervous. And deep down it thrilled me to know that I was the cause of her nervousness.
"It was slow in your absence."
The most beautiful blush crept across her face. I quickly put my hand to her cheek.
"Don't be embarrassed Bella. I missed you. It's nothing to be ashamed of."
She smiled sweetly, "I missed you too Edward." Her voice was quiet, as if she were telling me a deep dark secret.
I was slightly aware that our teacher had started class. But we were practically whispering anyway.
I leaned close, so that my lips almost touched her ear, "Are you busy this evening?"
She shuddered, "No."
"Would you be interested in accompanying me to dinner?"
"Um…that sounds lovely. But I have to cook for my father."
"We'll order him a pizza, and it'll be waiting for him when he gets home."
She giggled softly, "You've thought of everything haven't you?"
I smiled against her earlobe, "Yes, and everything will be perfect…as long as you say yes."
She shuddered again, this time slightly more noticeably. "How could I say no?"
"So then it's a date."
"Yes, a date."
"I cannot wait."
"Uh…me neither."
I leaned back, and began to write notes, trying to calm my hormones. I snuck glances at her. That glorious blush never left her face and she was breathing heavily.
I smiled to myself. Maybe Emmett wouldn't have a chance. Not when she was reacting to me this way. Maybe…she felt the same.
The class went by extraordinarily fast. I was particularly disappointed. Because even though we were off to lunch, I would have to deal with my family and friends…and although I hoped not, Tanya.
Hopefully she had gotten the message about the whole, you're a whore, I don't want you deal.
"Hungry?" I murmured to Bella, as we walked into the cafeteria.
"A little, "She admitted, "but not for anything huge. Maybe just some hash browns or a small salad."
I nodded, "Sounds good." I walked towards the lunch line and Bella followed.
We quickly got our lunches and made our way to a bouncing Alice and smiling Jasper.
"Hey Al, Jazz." I greeted.
"Hi Edward, Bella, will you sit next to me?" Alice spat.
Bella looked at me, asking for my approval, I nodded. I wanted her to know, that I wouldn't force her hand on any matter. Plus she'd be sitting across from me.
"So, Edward. You look good." Alice hedged.
I smiled appreciatively, "Thanks Alice." I knew full well that she was just bringing up my new look for Bella's sake.
"What do you think of the brand new Edward, Bells?" Alice asked, sneaky little elf.
Bella blushed, "He…uh…looks great. He's a whole new person."
I began to pick at my food, this was awkward and pointless. I needed to talk to Bella alone more. But that's what our date is for anyway.
I looked up and saw Bella glaring, not at me, but next to me. I turned, curiously. Tanya.
"Hey baby," she purred, "you look so hot. Did you do that for me?"
"Tanya." I growled, "I told you the other night that this relationship was over."
I looked at Bella; her eyes were wide, no longer with fury, but with excitement.
Tanya pouted, "Babe, I thought we could talk about that. If you're willing to make love to me, then I can drop Laurent."
I laughed humorlessly, "What do you take me for?"
"WH—what?" she spluttered.
"To make love to you Tanya, would imply that I was in love with you in the first place. Which I never was. I cared for you, but never once did I say I loved you. That would've been a lie. You broke my trust fully, and we're finished. End. Of. Story."
Tanya's face turned dark, "You couldn't fuck me if you tried McCarty. I'm not even sure you have a dick. I think I was your cover, maybe you're gay."
I opened my mouth to say something but Bella beat me to it, "I can personally assure you that he's not gay. He's been ever so satisfying Tanya. It's a shame that he's never found you worthy to show you his...natural talents."
I sat there dumbfounded, I mean…sure I wanted to make love to Bella. But we hadn't yet; we hadn't even gone a date yet. Why would she say those things?
"You…whore." Tanya spat, "You boyfriend stealing whore! First you fuck Emmett, and when dumps you for someone whose worthy of a McCarty, you move on to the next brother. I'm surprised you haven't fucked Alice. She'd gladly take you."
Jasper stood up, his face, absolutely lethal. "Tanya, I have never in my life hit a woman." He closed his eyes, trying to gather his wits, "But if you ever even speak of Alice, I will gladly slap the taste of semen you so seem to enjoy, out of your mouth."
Tanya spluttered wordlessly and stomped off. Alice had tears in her eyes, not from sadness; she leapt into Jasper's arms, kissing him passionately.
I looked at Bella, whose eyes were shining from excitement.
"Why'd you say that?"
She looked confused, "Because she's a bitch, and I didn't want her spreading rumors about you. Plus…if we're going on a date tonight, I don't want people thinking that I was dating someone that Tanya could rip apart so easily."
I beamed. Dating. She said DATING.
Alice removed herself from Jasper's lap, and stared open mouth at both of us.
"Date?!?!" She screeched.
I laughed.
"Bella…"she murmured, her face turning tragic, "How could you not tell me?"
Bella giggled, "Alice, he just asked me out last period. I hadn't had the chance to."
"You must let me help you get ready!"
Bella smiled, "Sure Alice, you and James can help."
James. This must be the man I saw at her house. Now was the time to ask her about it. I had to gather my balls and just do it.
"James? Who is he?" I asked, trying to sound merely curious.
"He's her best friend from Phoenix." Alice said, before Bella could answer.
I looked at her.
"Friend?" I asked…now obviously I was a little jealous.
Bella giggled, "Yes, friend. We could never be more than just friends. I'm not his type."
Alice laughed loudly, "No, but Edward you are!"
I was baffled, "I'm not a girl." I said, offended that they were still making fun of me.
"No you're not and that's the point." Alice said, grinning like the Cheshire cat.
"I'm…confused."
Bella shook her head, "He's gay Edward. And even so, he has a boyfriend."
"Oh. I feel stupid."
"Don't. Alice is convoluted."
I expected Alice to take offense, but she didn't. She just smiled. Okay…so Bella wasn't taken. I should've never made that bet…or whatever it is with Emmett. She'd be purely mine.
"I'm gonna go smoke." I said, trying to get Bella's attention, to make her think I was cool.
"Edward, you don't smoke." Jasper said, annoyingly.
"I do now."
"I'll go with you." Bella offered.
I smiled and lead her outside.
I pulled out the pack of cigarettes I had in my jacket and put one in my mouth. It took me forever to light it.
"I never knew you smoked." Bella said cautiously.
I opened my mouth to speak, forgetting the mouth of smoke I had just inhaled and I began to cough. I sounded deathly.
"I guess that answers your question. I don't."
I threw the pack of cigarettes away. And looked at the ground.
"Why did you try to smoke Edward?"
I sighed, "You don't want to know."
"Yes I do."
"I was trying to impress you."
She giggled.
"What?" I asked, embarrassed.
"You don't need to impress me. Never did. You've dazzled me from day one Edward."
I was speechless. I was going to win her. She would be mine.
"I…I did?"
"Yup. And F.Y.I., I hate kissing an ashtray." She said seductively.
"Why would kiss an ashtray?"
She smiled leaned into me for a small hug. My heart thumped unevenly. She glanced up at my face and stood on her tip toes, so that we were face to face. Then, before I had anytime to react, she pressed her lips to mine. Gently. Softly.
She broke away, and even though the kiss was short. We were both panting. It was like our lips were electrically charged. Her lips felt like home.
The wondrous blush washed over her face again. I put my hand to her cheek and reveled in the warmth.
"What are you doing?" She asked quietly.
"I love that blush."
"You do?"
"Yep. It's mine." Uh-oh…too much. She's going to freak and run away.
Instead she smiled, "Yup. All yours."
I bent down and kissed her gently. The bell rang and she groaned.
"I better get to class."
"Wanna skip?" I asked hopefully.
She smiled devilishly, "Sounds good. Your car or mine?"
"Yours if you'd like…but I'd need to drive. I have something to show you."
She thought about it for a minute. "Cool. I trust you with her."
"Good." We headed to our car. This was slowly turning into the best day ever. Whoops, Spongebob moment. But it really was. I could see myself with this girl, forever.
