Guess what kids, I am in ESCROW!!!!

I had to take a few days off from writing cause life is a

bit hectic and as if life is not enough on its own,

the last chapter really knocked me on

my ass!!!

I wrote and re-wrote the last chapter 3 times!!! As I started

on my 4th attempt I decided inspiration was in

order!!!

So, to bring "Bad Bella" out to play I made a playlist

of old Red Hot Chili Peppers CD's

Funky Monks, Out in LA, Mothers Milk,

Blood Sugar Sex Magic and

all of a sudden BAM

Bad Bella in the house!!!!

The Chili's were really raunchy in their younger years

I know that a young woman in search

of her sexual confidence would find it

listening to Sexy Mexican Maid and

Apache Rose Peacock because

well, I did!!!

Anyway, I have already completed the outline for

my next story, it's looking pretty good but, I have not

decided if it will be all human or if the Cullen's

will be Vampires but I am sure the story will lead

me in the right direction, one thing that is certain is my vision

of Edward the bad boy will come to fruition!

First I need to get Edward and Bella to

their happy place but sorry my friends

Bella has been badly scarred by the loss however temporary

of her one true love and irregardless of how much

she loves him and wants him in her life progress will be hard work and

made at sacrifice to them both.

Anyway, on with the show!

******

Chapter 8

Ohhhh Emmmmm Geeeeeee

I woke up with a HUGE smile on my face, I peeked up through my lashes to see what kind of mood Edward was in to find him gazing at me lovingly, and my smile grew! "Hi," I said shyly his eyebrow raised in amusement his lips twitching, "Hi yourself!" he said with mock brooding. I scooted up higher in bed so I could kiss him; he cradled my cheek and kissed me back but ended the kiss all to quickly. "Time for you to take a shower Miss Swan", "Will you be joining me in said shower Mr. Cullen" I giggled. He swatted me gently on my bare ass, "Get in the shower Bella!" I scowled at him trying my best to make it impressive but he laughed and threw me the tee shirt he was wearing last night, I slipped it on and breathed in his scent, "I'm keeping it. . . and get my clothes!" "Yes ma'am," he murmured

When I got out of the shower my bag was sitting on the bathroom counter. I took out my bag of toiletries; I forgot my hairbrush and that really pissed me off. I rummaged through my bag until I found my phone and started taking pictures of all the items in my bag, toothbrush, toothpaste, floss, face cleanser, toner, moisturizer, lip balm, eyeliner, mascara, hair ties and several other items and sent them via text with the msg, "And a hair brush!" and smiled to myself.

After dressing I made my way downstairs smelling bacon, my stomach began to snarl and I moved faster towards the smell, as I turned the corner into the kitchen I suddenly wished I had taken my time. I sat down at the counter and started counting silently in my head 10, 9, 8, 7, Emmett set a jar of jam down by my toast, "Rosalie?" Rosalie looked up from the magazine she was reading, "Could you open that jar please it must be glued on or something!" Rosalie's eyebrow lifted as she smiled at me and answered "Man up and do it yourself Emmett!" I felt the flush begin to spread, I looked sideways and met Edwards amused gaze, I would be getting no help from him, he warned me.

Esme set a plate of pancakes and bacon in front of me winked "We left to hunt last night dear, I have no idea what they are talking about!" she was sweet but we both knew exactly why they went hunting! "Alice!!!" Edward looked really irritated, Alice looked at me sheepishly "I'm sorry Bella, I tried to distract myself as much as possible but some of it came through!" Jasper walked by and kissed me on the cheek, "Thanks for that by the way Bella, it was uhhhh different, inspirational!" His eyes danced mischievously. I looked at Alice in exasperation, "Sorry Bella!" I took a deep breath "Don't worry about it Alice, I can't say with certainty that I wouldn't peek if I had the chance." I had seen Jasper without a shirt on and he had amazing abs, I knew I would peek just a little if I had a chance and blushed thankful again that Edward could not read my thoughts!

"So what are we doing today?" Alice chirped, Edward rolled his eyes, "Looks like I have a little shopping to do," Alice closed her eyes for a moment and giggled, "Good one Bella!" I laughed with her, "Thanks!"

"So Bella," Edward started tentatively, "I was also thinking of maybe putting another dresser in my room for you. . . I mean as long as you are going to leave a toothbrush here you might as well have a few changes of clothes, if you'd like. . . . ." I took a bite of bacon to busy my mouth for a moment and hedged a little, "Ummm Edward, isn't it customary to start with a drawer?" He scowled a little and it was so adorable I almost wanted to push him a little further to see the look again! "If you prefer of course you may have a drawer I just thought you would want to be comfortable when you spend time here."

I thought about it a moment, I knew he wanted to do something for me, he was trying to show me that he was here to stay and a drawer just wasn't enough. "Fine!" I acquiesced, "Don't let Tinkerbell pick out the damn dresser, I will never have enough clothes to fill any dresser she picks out!" Alice gave me a dirty look and I stuck my tongue out at her in response.

"Well actually" he continued, I thought maybe me and Emmett would just make one if that's ok?" I shrugged my shoulders, "Ummm, ok." As I thought about it a little more I could see this easily spiraling out of control, "Edward, keep it simple ok!" I snapped. "Don't worry Jelly Belly, I'll keep him in check!" Emmett laughed deeply, "Thanks Pooh" I answered shoveling a fork full of pancakes in my mouth. I was suddenly aware that it had become quiet, I looked up and everyone was staring at me except for Alice who had her hand over her mouth like she was trying to stifle a giggle. "What did you call him?" Rosalie asked, I swallowed hard trying not to choke on my pancakes, "Ummm, Pooh. . . .", I could see Edward studying Alice out of the corner of my eye, he would hear the whole story, how I could not even bare to think their names it hurt so much. I became still waiting for his reaction; he walked over to me circling his arms around my waist and leaning into my back "Tinkerbell and Pooh?" His eyebrow cocked in amusement, "Bella, maybe you should take a break from the kiddie movies," Emmett growled grimacing at me. "Must I remind you of the 10,000 nick names you have for me Em? Jelly Belly, Bellini, Belly Boo, Hells Bells, I mean come on Em, hypocrite much?"

The next thing I knew I was in Emmett staggering bearhug his laughter echoing through the house, "Thanks for the nick name Belly Boo Boo, you make me feel special!" I swatted at him and he put me down, as I turned and walked back to Edward I muttered under my breath, "Your special alright, Special Ed!" "I heard that Belly!" I really needed to get some friends that didn't have supersonic hearing!

I wrapped my arms around Edwards waist and looked up at him, "I need to get home," he looked so sad that I wanted to take it back immediately but I knew that I had been completely immersed in the Cullen bubble to long and I desperately needed some interaction with the outside world. "Would you like me to drive you? Edward asked hopefully "Umm, I think it would be better if Alice dropped me off, just in case Charlie decides to come out. I want to talk to him before the two of you see each other again ok?" He nodded his agreement but said nothing and I knew he was disappointed. "Will I see you tonight?" Carefully Bella I reminded myself, "I don't think so Edward, I have a ton of homework to do and school tomorrow," his face feel ever so slightly and I wanted to push his lips up into a smile with my fingers, "If I get done early enough I will call you and maybe we can talk for a while ok?" He smiled at my compromise; he was not fooled but did not push me for further explanation, "Call me whenever you are ready Bella," My breath came faster as the pain in his eyes registered, "I will Edward, I promise!"

Several hours later after a long and unpleasant conversation with Charlie, hours of homework and 2 aspirin I needed get out of my house and talk to someone so I drove myself over to Angela's for a visit. Mrs. Webber told me that Angela was a Ben's studying; I rolled my eyes a little as I walked down the path back to my truck. Angela and Ben were studying each other's lips!!!

I drove down Main Street and stopped at the ice cream shop, I sat at a table outside the shop when my company finally showed up. "You rang!" Alice chimed

"I need to talk, can you keep it to yourself?" Alice thought it over for a moment, "I will do my best Bella but I can't promise, I wont give it up on purpose however, I can promise you that!"

I took a deep breath and thought about what I was about to say, I did not realize how much time had passed but it must have been a long time because Alice was pushing at me, my ice cream was melting all over my hand. I sighed and chucked it into the trashcan.

"Alice, I am afraid that I can't trust my decisions right now, as fun as last night was I know it was way to soon and I am not sure what it all means!" Alice's face became thoughtful and serene as she digested my words, "Bella, you have been going on dates and kissing guys while we have been gone," it was neither a question nor an accusation, it was a statement. I nodded in affirmation, she stayed silent several minutes longer before she continued. "I was glad that you decided you wanted to start going out but I was very disappointed with your choices for suitable dates!" I sighed in frustration, "I knew you would bring this up at some point but I am not sure why now is the time Alice!" "Well, I have a point, I promise!" "Ok well let's get to the point quickly, this makes me a little uncomfortable!"

Alice studies my face for a moment and went on, "When you and Edward were first getting to know each other he told you he was dangerous and bad, you never agreed with his self analysis, in fact you disagreed with him in the extreme! You always considered him as sort of a guardian angel placed here on this earth, just for you!" I still could not figure out where she was going with this so I just nodded, as everything she said was true. "Edward is a gentleman, he always put you first, he was always respectful and courteous to you, he treated you the way all woman want to be treated and on top of that he loves you in a way that a human cannot even begin to understand!" "Yes" I said, all true but?" "I know, the point is why is it that you were choosing to date guys who would be seen as Edward's human counterpart? Guys who are rude and use woman, lead them to believe they feel strongly to get what they want and than leave them high and dry once they get it. Why were you drawn to that type of guy, was it because there was no fear of them reminding you of Edward or was it because they actually did remind you of Edward because you saw them as Edward saw himself?"

I had spent a lot of time thinking about this myself, "There is no simple answer to this question Alice, the answer is confusing even to me but I will do my best to try and explain as it has several reasons, not just one." I took a few moments to organize my thoughts and than started, "Well, I guess the first is the obvious, yes I did prefer to be around guys who were the least likely to remind me of Edward but at the same time they were dangerous in a different way which was a little exciting in familiar way. As far as them being rude, obnoxious and frankly inappropriate I wanted it that way; I knew that there would never be a chance of sending mixed signals by accident. Last, they were a little inspirational to me!" I said with a small smile, Alice grimaced at my choice of words "Really Bella? Inspirational?" I laughed at the face she made, "Yes, inspirational, I mean these guys had no interest in falling in love or even in like! They are complete in themselves at this time in their lives and I needed some of that. Being around them made me feel stronger, like I could take care of myself and protect myself! I mean Greg spread rumors about me that were not true but before that happened when he found out that the police chief's daughter couldn't throw a punch he took me down to the gym and practiced with me for hours until he felt satisfied that I could hold my own long enough to escape if anything ever happened and that ended up coming in handy later!" "Yeah I saw that too," Alice laughed I am surprised that Emmett hasn't said anything about that yet, he is VERY proud of you for decking Justin!"

"So, I guess I understand your thinking however convoluted Bella, but that doesn't explain the kissing!" I laughed, "Well Alice, I am a teenage girl with hormones and desires, I want to be kissed and wanted and lusted after!" Alice giggled "Oh Bella, you are more womanly and seductive than you will ever realize, there is no shortage of guys AND men in the city of Forks with inappropriate thoughts about you, more so even than Rosalie!" I scoffed at her, "Now who's thinking is convoluted!"

Alice's face turned serious again, "Bella, can you even begin to imagine a future without Edward?" I let my gaze wander as I tried to imagine a future without Edward, moving away for college, parties, graduation, getting a job, Charlie walking me down the isle in a poofy white dress I would hate and eventually holding a sleeping baby in my arms, all without Edward, the enormity of the loneliness felt as if it might crush me. My answer was barely a whisper, "No", "Well than" Alice said, "I guess you better start working a little harder at putting this thing back together again!" I nodded as I thought to myself about what that might entail and more importantly am I even ready when Alice interrupted.

"Ok Bella, I already know this is completely inappropriate and kinda of gross seeing as we are talking about my brother here but Ohhhhh Emmmmm Geeeeee if you don't dish about last night I might EXPLODE!!!" The girl was actually bouncing, bouncing in her chair. Despite myself I grinned and leaned closer filling her in on all the details.