Disclaimer: I don't own Twilight, Sbarro, McDonald's, Panda Express or Starbucks.

Previously:

All too soon, we arrived at the food court and Edward took his hand off my back. "So, what'll it be? Panda Express, Sbarro, McDonald's or Starbucks?"

I was instantly sad that he had removed his hand from my back. My feelings were probably written all over my face because Edward asked me if I was okay in a worried tone. I smiled at the fact that he was already so concerned with me although I'd only known him for an hour or two. I assured him I was fine and gave him a mega-watt smile to prove it. He relaxed and asked me what I wanted to eat again.

"Honestly, I'm kinda in the mood for everything. D'you ever get those times where you just want a bite of everything and that's all?"

He looked at me like I had suggested we eat dirt and I grew defensive. "What?! When I get presented with many different choices, I get greedy and just want all of 'em."

"Nononono! I didn't mean it like that! I was just really shocked because, well, I feel the same way," he said with a cheeky grin. Then it was my turn to put on the shocked expression.

"Ferreal?! That's so awesome! Holy shit, that's seriously coincidental. Look at that, we already have something in common," I said, feeling suddenly ecstatic that we had similar thoughts. But my thoughts turned to sadness when I thought of how little time we had left until we had to board the plane. I shook my head and decided to just relish in what time we had left.

Edward didn't notice anything wrong with me as he kept talking. "I know! Okay, so let's hit Sbarro first, I'm in the mood for a slice or two. Or three." He said the last part a bit reluctantly and I was confused. I frequently had two to three slices whenever Alice, Rose and I ordered pizza.

"I bet I can eat more slices than you!" I stuck my tongue out at him and waited for him to accept my challenge, like I knew he would.

"Hah! You're on! How about… if I win, you give me your number and if you win, I'll give you my number?" he said with a flirty smile, awaiting my response.

"Hmm, I think that's more than a fair trade. But you're paying, called it!" I ran to Sbarro before he could sweep me off my feet and do something to make me regret challenging him. He caught up to me in mere seconds and we laughed at our childishness together.

When we reached the counter, the boy behind the register gave us a warm smile and asked to take our order. I responded almost automatically, "Three plain slices, extra cheese. Please and thank you," I added on at the last minute, not wanting to come off as rude.

The boy shifted his gaze to Edward and I followed suit. He was staring intently at the menu above the cashier's head, as if this decision was the most important one he'd have to make in his life thus far. I burst out laughing at how intense his expression was. I couldn't help it.

Edward and the cashier snapped their heads to me and I quickly quieted down, feeling embarrassed yet again. I couldn't keep my laughter in and just as Edward opened his mouth to order, a short laugh escaped from my mouth and I covered it as if the action would cancel out the sound I made.

He looked at me blankly for a few moments, shook his head and turned his attention back to the cashier. "Four," he said pointedly in my direction, "mushroom slices, thanks."

The cashier pushed some buttons on the cash register and I took the time to look at his nametag. It said MIKE in big bold letters. Edward must've read it as well because he said, "So, Mike, how much will it be?"

"Your order and the lady's?"

"The very one," he replied and smiled at me. I couldn't help but smile back as Mike said the total was seventeen dollars and twenty-eight cents. I shook my head. Pizza shouldn't have to be over two bucks a slice, even if this was the airport 'cause the pizza's probably gonna suck. I mean come on. It's airport pizza.

Edward nudged me in the ribs with his elbows while putting the change back in his wallet. "You look pensive. A penny for your thoughts?"

I sighed. If I told him, I'd probably come off sounding dramatic, getting so worked up over the price of airport pizza. "It's nothing. Really. I was just thinking of airport pizza."

He narrowed his eyes at me, obviously not believing that was it but didn't push it and, thankfully, changed the topic. "If you say so, Bella. Anyways, let's go get our pizzas and some seats. I wanna learn all about you."

"Let's." He took our pizzas from Mike with a smile and waited while I grabbed some napkins. We walked over to an empty table for two and sat down. I realized how hungry I was and grabbed a slice. Edward, being the perfect gentleman I thought he'd be, waited for me to take the first bite before digging into his own slice.

I took a gigantic bite out of my slice and burned my tongue, spitting out the bite on my plate. I fanned my tongue and wished I had the sense to buy a drink. I looked over at Edward, noticing he was trying very hard not to laugh at me. Shooting him a look, I abruptly pushed my chair behind me and walked back over to Mike the Cashier.

His eyebrows went up a bit as I neared the cash register and I cut him off before he opened his mouth, "One coke, large. Extra large. The largest cup you have. Ice. Lots of ice. But not too much 'cause then I can't enjoy the taste of the coke for too long. Thanks. How much will it be?"

"Er. Three twenty four. I'll be right back with your drink."

When he walked away to fill up my drink, I fished in my pockets for some bills and the correct change. By the time he came back with my extra-large coke, I had three dollars and twenty-four cents on the counter. With a smile and a "thanks, have a nice day", I sauntered back over to Edward, sipping my drink along the way.

He, apparently, decided to ignore the fact that I left so fast without any warning and was eating his slice with ease. I blurted out, "Hey! Why isn't your tongue burning like mine?"

Wordlessly, he motioned to my seat and I complied, sitting down and placing my drink on the table. "I'm obviously a lot more careful than you, Isabella. Rashness isn't really my forte. As you can tell from watching me stare at the menu before," he said with a raised eyebrow, as if daring me to deny the fact that I was watching him.

I couldn't think of a witty comeback so I just stuck my tongue out at him again and he threw his head back in laughter. I was mezmorized by the sound of his laugh. It was wonderful; something I wanted to record and listen to over and over. Then I mentally scolded myself for obsessing over someone's freaking laugh.

He stopped laughing eventually and started asking me questions. At first they'd be easy to answer: my favorite color, what flowers I liked, which college I had in mind, what were Alice and Rose like, et cetera. Then they grew more and more deep, each one requiring more thought. Not that I minded. Talking to a guy about more than just sports was refreshing. There is so much more to the world than baseball and soccer.

Edward suddenly exclaimed, "WHOA!" I was startled, "WHAT! WHAT?" Then I realized we were being sort of loud and disrupting the tired travelers eating near us. I quieted down and asked again, "Seriously, Edward. What is it?"

"Well. It's just that we've been talking for like half an hour and I've asked you so many questions and I haven't asked about where you live! Speaking of half an hour, Bella, I think we have to board the plane soon," he frowned. "How about we get some Starbucks for the plane ride and I'll get you back to your mom. I'm sure she wants to hear all about our food run."

How right he was about my mom. Saddened again by the fact that he finally noticed how little time we had left, I answered his question which was met with a surprising reaction. "I live in Forks, Washington. It's about an hour or two away from Port Angeles which is an hour flight from Seattle."

"Bella, you never cease to amaze me. It really is as if fate struck me a thousand times today. Okay sorry for sounding so cheesy, but, I can't help but it when it comes to you," he said. Then he smiled as I blushed, again. I asked why he felt the need to be so cheesy. His answer made my breath hitch and my heart stop.

"I'm moving to Forks from Seattle. Actually, we're probably going to be on the same connecting flight." This time he smiled as if he were looking at a pin-up or a Playboy cover: dazed and very, very content. I assumed he was thinking about how this wouldn't be the first and last time we were going to see each other because that's exactly what I was thinking.

Without considering Edward's feelings towards me, I leapt out of my seat and launched myself at him, engulfing him in a bone-crushing hug. I squeezed him tightly and was pleasantly surprised when he hugged me back just as hard.

"This is so freaking awesome," I whispered in his ear. I felt him smile against my hair and hugged him even tighter before reluctantly letting go. Holding him at arm's length, I took a good look at his face, as if studying him. His green eyes were so bright and shining, so full of life. His pale skin looked very smooth and I was itching to stroke his cheek. His hair, though, was my favorite feature. Tangled, messy and all over the place, it was crazy but I felt like it fit Edward perfectly. I couldn't imagine him without his bronze-that was the only word to describe the color-mop. He seemed to be studying me the same way and I blushed, dropping my arms and tugging on his.

"A picture lasts longer," I said with a smirk. "C'mon, Romeo, we need to get drinks so I can get back to my madre."

"So why didn't you take one? To save you some embarrassment, I'm going to keep talking and respond to your second comment: your wish is my command," he said and mock saluted me while rising out of his seat ever so gracefully. How could a guy who was supposed to be going through puberty do everything with such grace? Mind blowing, if you ask me. But then again, I might be a little bit biased.

He gently took my hand off his arm and laced his fingers through mine. During the whole thirty second walk to the Starbucks stand, I was in complete bliss. We stopped in front of the cashier and I got a feeling of déjà vu as he looked at the menu. I recited my order to the woman behind the cash register: double chocolaty chip.

"What size, miss? Tall, grande or venti?"

I thought for a moment or two and ultimately decided on a venti since I adored this drink and was supposed to make it last the whole plane ride. Secretly, I knew I'd be lucky if it lasted until we took off.

The cashier turned her attention to Edward, who had apparently decided on a drink.

"And for you, sir?"

"I'd like a java chip frappuccino, thanks," he replied, polite as ever. "Venti, for me as well," he added before she could ask him.

"Uh, are you guys paying together or separately?"

For me, the question seemed to have a double meaning. Obviously, she meant it literally, but I thought of it as a reference to mine and Edward's relationship. Were we two separate people, just happening to be friends for an hour or two? Or were we together, as in boyfriend/girlfriend, or even potential boyfriend/girlfriend? I grinned wildly at the thought of being Edward's girlfriend. I hoped his answer (which was together, by the way) a reference to us in addition to who would be paying for the drinks.

"Okay, your total is $10.38 and your drinks will be ready shortly. Please wait over there and the barista will say your drink name when it's ready."

Edward fished out his wallet from his pocket and rifled through the bills until he found a ten and a one. The cashier gave him back the change and he promptly deposited it in a clear box marked TIPS. She thanked him and we strolled over to the little area where a man was blending our drinks.

"So are we going to deal with the 'this-isn't-the-last-time-we're-going-to-see-each-other' thing now or later?" He asked, shooting me a furtive glance.

"Later, please. I just really want to enjoy some stress free and bliss filled time with you before we have to deal with the bitch. Also known as reality," I responded with a sigh. We were both lost in our own thoughts, most likely thinking about the future. Our future.

My own thoughts were broken as the barista said my order in a loud and clear voice, "Double chocolaty chip with whipped cream."

"Woohoo! That venti cup of chocolaty goodness is all mine," I said gleefully. Sucking on the straw, all thoughts of Edward and my future disappeared as I tasted each chocolate chunk in my mouth and swallowing. I knew I had a stoner-look plastered on my face as I drank my frap. I couldn't help it; these expensive things were my weakness.

Interrupting my thoughts for a second time, the barista said Edward's order in the same tone: "Java chip frappuccino with whipped cream." At this point I was fairly annoyed at the stupid barista who had, it appeared, impeccable timing and a knack for ruining a girl's train of thought.

Somehow, during my stoner moment, I had spun around; my back facing Edward. I turned on my heels and saw Edward practically gulping his drink down. I put my hand on his arm, as if to say slow down, and he got the message. His mouth left the straw and he swallowed the fairly large mouthful of java and chocolate still in there.

"Mmmm, this is so amazingly good. Starbucks is like tasting heaven. Only I don't think heaven would be this expensive."

The loudspeaker above us cracked for a few seconds and then an male voice said, "Now boarding flight CA829 to Seattle, Washington. Please proceed to terminal four. Thank you and have a night day."

I got more and more depressed as the man in the box spoke another sentence. I didn't want to leave Australia, I didn't want to go back to my mom who probably wanted to ambush me with questions and I most certainly did not want to sit in a cramped space without Edward beside me.

I sighed, squared my shoulders and looked up at Edward. He was looking at me with the same glum face that I probably had too. He wordlessly offered his hand and I took it. His holding my hand made the walk just a tiny bit nicer. All too soon, we reached my mother and he reluctantly let go.

At this point, I knew there was something wrong with me. I'd barely known this guy for two hours and I was acting as if one of my best friends was moving away. Get a hold of yourself, Bella. He's just a guy. You'll have plenty of chances to see him again! You guys are taking the same plane and connecting flight. He's going to be living in Forks, for crying out loud. Get. A. Grip. Shaking my head, I put a wide smile on my face and practically forced myself to not seem so depressed.

"Okay! So! I'll see you on the plane, maybe? Well not maybe, 'cause you're definitely taking the same flight. Or else why would you be sitting in this terminal? Duh, Bella," I rambled and hit my head as if to say how could I not know that?

"Bella, Bella, Bella. What am I going to do with you?"

"You could hug me goodbye and give me your number so I can find out where you are when we're both on the plane? I did win that bet after all," I shot back with a grin.

He scoffed. "Oh please, Bella, I won that bet and you know it. You saw me shove four slices down my throat!"

"Edward, I seem to recall eating your last slice. Do you not remember?" I said triumphantly.

He rolled his eyes at me, and I took that as him admitting defeat.

"Give me your phone," I ordered suddenly. He shot me a confused look but pulled out a sleek iPhone from his pocket. I fumbled with the device, as I had never used one before. Alice had one but it looked too high-tech and I didn't want to break hers so I never touched it.

Finally, I figured out how to add a new contact in his phone book and typed in Bella Swan and my number. Handing the phone back to him, I took my Sidekick out of my butt pocket and gave it to him as well.

"Here, put your number and stuff in my phone book. The code's 094."

He seemed to be much more familiar with my phone than I was with his. As he was typing, I gently pushed him in the general direction of my mom's seat and situated him in front of her. I plopped down on the chair next to my mom and looked up at Edward. He was just flipping the screen down and passed it back to me. She raised an eyebrow at me and I shook my head, my way of telling her that I'd give her the 411 later.

"Okay, well thanks for walking me back to my seat. You'd better return to Emmett and Jasper, they probably want to hear all about our quote un-quote date. I'll call you when we're on the plane to see where you're sitting and we'll talk more later, yeah?"

He nodded swiftly and said goodbye to my mom politely. She grinned at him and waved, saying she better be seeing more of him in the future. He then picked up my hand and kissed the back of it, smiling that freaking crooked grin that sends me into cardiac arrest. I was dazzled by the time he walked away, looking over his shoulder and waving before jogging back to his friends.

I still had my stoner face on when I noticed my mom staring at me with a knowing look. "What?" I said.

"Nothing, nothing. Just tell me all about your date," she replied excitedly.

"Oh, mom, he is so awesome. He asked a lot about my life and about me in general. He actually listened to me babble too! We went to the food court and grabbed some pizza and Starbucks."

Of course my mom doesn't care about me babbling or going to the food court. She asks whether or not he paid in a very serious tone. Like my answer determined the outcome of our relationship.

I said yes, Edward paid for everything and my mom breathed out a sigh of relief. I took that to be a good sign and kept talking. "I know I'm young and I have the rest of my life to find boyfriends and true loves and husbands, but I don't think I need to. Is it weird that when I first bumped into Edward, quite literally, I felt like I knew him my whole life? Like I always knew someone like him existed, I was just waiting for him to come into my life. Is that how you felt with dad?"

Renee looked at me with her eyes shining and a wobbly smile. She took my hands in her and began her speech. "Hon, I know you're young. I know you have the rest of your life. Of course I don't want you to fall in love and find out he wasn't right for you or that he wasn't the man you thought he was. But to answer your question: no it's not strange at all. I felt the same way with your dad. He picked up my pencil during English, handed it to me and I knew it. All it took was him to pick something up for me to win my heart." She stopped for a moment to take a breath and then continued.

"Bella, just know that love like this doesn't happen all the time. It's very rare, actually. I don't want you to move so fast, okay? Your dad and I didn't and I think that's part of why we're still together after all these years. I'm assuming that part of why you fell for Edward so fast is his charm. He probably dropped a couple of amazing lines and you were like, "Oh yeah. This is it. This is what I want." But think about it. If a guy who doesn't know you can use these lines so easily, maybe he's more than meets the eye." I was shocked that she thought the exact same way I did.

"Then again, maybe he's just found the right girl to use them with. In any case, be careful. I don't want my only baby girl hurt over some stupid boy. Bottom line: keep your guard up. Besides, even if he is 'The One', play hard to get. Guys love that." She winked at me and I guessed that she was done with her speech.

Letting go of my hands, she left me swarming in my own thoughts and went back to her pictures.

Talking to Renee helped me, she was my best friend. I had Alice and Rose, but they weren't in love with guys and they certainly weren't married for over twenty years. My mom's advice was almost always right and she called it mother's intuition.

All I knew was that I had to be careful. I couldn't let myself get hurt and seem weak. And, like my mom pointed out, guys like girls that play hard to get. It was a win-win situation and I was proud of myself for taking care of my insecurities so quickly.

I sighed contently, turned my head to Renee, thanked her and folded my arms behind my head. Leaning back, I closed my eyes and waited for our seats to be called onto the plane.

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A/N: Whoops about updating slow. I'm a slow updater. Sorry folks. Oh, and you want music or outfits and whatnot, feel free to tell me. OH AND IF YOU HAVE IDEAS, PIPE UP! Generally, readers' ideas are wonderfully cool. :]