Disclaimer: I own nothing! (Not even Edward…)

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I'm back!

Sorry it's taken to long to update (again!), but school's been unbelievable!

Anyway, I'd like to dedicate this chapter to my two friends.

First, Bella (and yes that really is her name!). Well Bells, thank u so much for all your help with this chapter and all your support for my crazy story ideas in which I plan to write in future. Oh, and Homeroom wouldn't be the same without u!

Second, and lucky last, to Mikki, also known as FuzzyWuzzywithaBadHaircut on fanfiction (did I spell that right? Jeez, Mikki, why did u have to pick such a long username?!) . Thanks for listening to my crazy ideas, all the crazy and fun cards you made for me (in return for the weird ones I made for you) and most importantly your help.

BTW- U GUYS SHOULD REALLY READ MIKKI'S STORIES. THEY'RE HILAROUS AND SCARILY AWESOME. TRUST ME, YOU'LL LOVE THEM. SHE'S UNDER MY FAVOURITE AUTHORS…I THINK.

SO…This chapter starts where chapter 15 finished, only it's from Edwards POV. So here it is:

Chapter 16: Double the Trouble:

EDWARD'S POV:

I took Bella's face in my hands and whispered, "Bella do you know how much I care for you?"

Her expression was more than a little awed and I distinctly heard her heart skip a beat. Did that mean she felt the same way as I did? There was only one way to ensure that…

But before I could so much as lift my eyes to meet hers once again, Bella managed to gasp a pained, "What?"

My eyes instantly shot back to hers only to see them filled with such hurt and sudden anger that I could no longer think clearly. I was utterly confused. What did I do? What did I say?

"Bella, I-"I began, but she cut me off with one simple word. "-Don't."

I was still holding her face gently in my hands and I then released her. I slowly shook my head in confusion. I suppose Bella recognised my perplexity, as the next moment, she continued what she had begun saying, "Edward, just don't. You might think that it is funny, but I don't. I'm sick of your games. One minute you look like you want to kill me, and the next you're telling me you care for me?" she shook her head in incredulity, "Well, which one is it?"

"Games? Bella I know everything seems a little out of the ordinary with us, but I can promise you, I'm not playing any games. I-" but I stopped talking as Bella took a stiff step away from me, her jaw clenched in silent anger and her eyes filled with pain.

She uttered it so quietly that I could barely hear her. But hear her I did, and needless to say I wish I hadn't, "Us? What us Edward?" and then she turned and fled into the house, slamming the front door behind her.

I took a deep breathe. What was I thinking? My angel? My Bella?

Things were made this way for a reason, and I was stupid to think I could change them. I was made this monster and Bella was born a beautiful, funny, intelligent human. We were complete opposites…

And as far as I was concerned, we could never truly be.

BELLA'S POV:

Somehow I ended up in Edward's room.

It was kind of ironic actually. The one place I feel safest is when I'm in this room, and it belongs to the very person that I am currently infuriated with. Sometimes I really don't understand myself. Especially today.

To say that I've overreacted a little today would not only be the understatement of the year but the understatement of the century. But I suppose I have my mother to thank for that trait of my personality. I remember when I was young I was riding my bike up and down our street. By some miracle it didn't happen straight away, but I eventually fell of my bike, despite the fact that it had training wheels attached. My knees were scraped and bloodied and I begun to scream, not only at the pain but at the sight and smell of the horrible blood. I don't know what my mother expected, but when she finally caught up to me she was already pulling out her phone to call the ambulance. Any other mother would have soothed her child and bandaged her cuts, but mine? No, Rene's known for overreacting, just like me, and instead of calming me down, I think she only succeeded in making me more hysterical. I smiled softly at the memory and shook my head at the absurdness of it.

But, I can't completely blame my mum. I think I mostly overreacted today because my life has been one total mess lately and everything's seemed to build up inside of me until I exploded. And what a big explosion it was. Sure, it came in fractions, first with Jacob and now with Edward, but can they really blame me? Especially Edward. I am completely confused when it comes to him. He cares, he doesn't care. I sigh heavily. But the question is which one is the truth?

At that moment a rapid knock sounded on the bedroom door and I knew it was Alice. I didn't bother answering because I knew no matter what I said to her she would enter anyway.

Sure enough a second later the door opened a little and Alice stuck her head in.

"You're reasonable? Good." See. She didn't even pause to hear my response.

She entered the room, quietly shut the door behind her and then stood in front of me, hands on her hips and her eyes narrowed. She was wearing a short emerald green shirt which was lined with a material that looked like lace around the bottom of the blouse, the end of the sleeves and the neckline. It was tight under her bust and then flared out lightly and the colour complemented her pale skin well. Beneath the dress, Alice wore simple black tights and plain black heels on her feet, most likely a designer brand. She had straightened her hair, and rather than it sticking up in small, spiky tufts like it always did, it framed her face softly in dark waves. She wore a few green and silver bracelets on her wrists and her makeup matched her clothing; pale green eye shadow, which complemented her golden eyes, mascara, a little blush and some pale lip gloss. She looked as though she had prepared herself to go out for the night, and I suddenly realised that she hadn't come to console me, but rather to 'beautify me', as she liked to call it. I personally think 'torture' is a more fitting title.

As I looked up at her I became aware of the tears rolling down my cheeks. I hadn't even realised I was crying! I angrily wiped my eyes with the back of my sleeve and sat up on the bed, crossing my legs underneath me and staring back blankly at the glowering Alice.

Finally she gave up and with a frustrated sigh and roll of her eyes she said, "You better hurry or we're going to be late."

My eyes narrowed and I sat up straight, "Late? Late for what exactly?" but Alice didn't respond, instead she bit her lip, quite obviously trying not to smile, and looked away.

"Mary Alice Brandon…" I began, but I never got to finish, as at that moment her eyes shot back to lock with mine, an irritated glimmer in them.

"If you must know Isabella Marie Swan, You, Edward, Jasper and I are all going out tonight. So as I was saying you better hurry or we are going to be late." I grimaced at the use of my full name, and then what she said fully registered,

"Wait, Edwards going where with us? No. I'm sorry but no way. Definitely not. I am not going anywhere with him right now. Actually, come to think of it I really don't feel up to going anywhere at all tonight. Sorry!" throughout that whole little speech of mine the tone in my voice had steadily begun to turn into a tone of desperate hysteria, until I almost ended up yelling a apology to Alice and trying to run out of the room.

But of course I was too slow. Or Alice was to fast. Most likely the latter option, but either way by the time I reached the door Alice had already shut it and was standing in front of it with her arms crossed and eyes narrowed.

In that moment I swear she looked more like a scary, evil elf rather than a pretty, bubbly pixie. It scared me. It was so…so, well, un-Alicey.

Is that even a word? I thought. I'm pretty sure its not…

"If you value your life, do. Not. Move." Alice's low but deadly voice broke me out of my silent babble and I jumped, mostly at the tone of her voice. Jeez! It seems that everyone was in a bad mood today. I mean seriously…

I knew I should just give up. I knew I should just walk into Edward's private bathroom myself, sit on a chair and wait for Alice to transform me into an Albino Barbie look-alike. But I wasn't going to give in that easily…not this time. I would go out to dinner that night, fine. I mean, I wasn't stupid enough to possibly think I could truly get out of that horrible situation (though you can't blame me for trying). But there was one other characteristic that I had inherited from my mother, and perfected by watching Alice shop. And that very useful quality was bargaining.

I bit my lip and boldly looked Alice in the eye (seriously, you have no idea how scary she looked!).

"I'll come tonight." I said slowly and had the lucky pleasure of watching her eyes brighten with excitement and the old Alice return. You know, the pretty, bubbly pixie version? The corners of my mouth twitched as I held back a smile, "But…on one condition." I continued. Instantly the scary, never before seen, I can see into your soul, not the future Alice returned once more. I shuddered slightly. SCARY!!

"What condition?" she stage whispered, obviously trying to hold back her frustration.

I had never bargained with Alice before. I never realised how much fun it was! I finally gave in and let the smile I was holding back bloom across my face.

That's when she broke. "Bella?!" she yelled.

I laughed, "Ok, ok. Relax! I just want to dress myself. I know how much fun you have playing Barbie with me, but I think it's become pretty obvious how much I hate it by now. Don't get me wrong, the results are amazing, but I think I need a chance to be more…well, more me."

"Bella, I don't think…" she started, but I cut her off.

"Alice please. It's all I'm asking for…" I stopped thinking for a moment, and then decided upon something, "You can do my make-up and all the rest, if you simply allow me to just put together my own outfit for once. Please?". I finished, waiting for her reaction.

She sighed and stuck out her hand for a hand shake. "Deal. But don't even think of spitting on your hand before you shake mine." She said.

I giggled, took her hand and pulled her forward and kissed her on the cheek.

"Thank you!" I chirped, before running into the bathroom to have a hot, relaxing shower.

I had stripped down and was standing underneath the hot water before I completely realised the situation I had gotten myself into. A double date with Alice and Jasper. And Edward.

Wait, a date?! With Edward?!

Oh crap.

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After my shower, I stood in front of the steamy bathroom mirror, wrapped in a soft white towel.

Why was I feeling so horrible? Weren't showers meant to make you feel better? I wasn't just a little nervous. In fact I was very, very far from a little nervous. You know the supposed butterflies that are meant to fly around in a person's core when they are nervous? Well at this point, it felt like those pretty, gentle butterflies had morphed into disgusting black crows that bated and pecked at my insides. Similar to how Alice had turned from a pretty, bubbly pixie into an evil elf. But worse.

I think I'm going to be sick. I turned on the tap in front of me and cupped my hands to gather some of the water rushing from the tap. I splashed the water on my face and leaning on the basin, took a few deep, calming breathes.

I had absolutely no idea how Edward was going to react. I couldn't even be sure if he was going to turn up or stand me up. I couldn't blame him though. I had practically yelled in his face and I could tell that I had hurt his feelings horribly. It felt sadistically good at the time, but now I felt miserable because of it. I realised that what I did to him, was what he had been doing to me. Well, what he had been doing to me earlier on in the week. But lately he had been putting in a huge, obvious effort to treat me fairly, and instead of acknowledging that, I had turned a blind eye instead. It just took one huge, unfair mistake for me to realise that.

Nice one Bella, I thought to myself.

As I was in the shower Alice had opened the door a little and dropped a huge shopping bag with new clothes in it. Clothes we had bought together only yesterday. Yesterday? Wow, it felt a lot longer than that.

Still wrapped in my towel, I reluctantly walked over to the bag that Alice had left by the door for me and kneeling beside it, pulled out the clothes from the top of the pile. A dress. A dress. A silk shirt. Another dress. I smiled softly and shook my head. I sorted though some more of the clothes in the bag and this time I laughed out loud. Alice hadn't even tried to hide the fact that she had placed all the clothes that she wanted me to wear on the top of the massive pile of folded clothes in the bag.

I lifted the bag and tipped it upside down. The last thing that tumbled out of the bag was a pair of light blue jeans, that were faded to almost white on the upper thighs and knees and had a really pretty magenta and white embroided pattern on the two back pockets (A/N picture in profile).I put them to the side, instantly deciding that I was going to wear them out to dinner tonight.

Next, I sorted through the clothes looking for a specific t-shirt. Alice had almost refused to buy it for me, but I insisted continuously and she finally gave in. I had a top quite similar to it back in Phoenix but had forgotten to pack it when moving to Forks. Not to mention I had worn it so many times that it was faded and a little, well ok, a lot battered with age. So needless to say, I think it was just about time to find a new favourite t-shirt.

Finally I found the t-shirt and unfolded it to refresh my memory of what it looked like. It was a light shade of grey. Down the bottom right hand corner it had an iron on picture of magenta music headphones, and written underneath the headphones in black writing was the caption, life is too short to listen to bad music. It went perfectly with the jeans and was something that I would wear when going out for dinner. It was perfect and I placed it on top of the jeans, ready for me to put it on (A/N Picture in profile)

At the bottom of the bag I found a pair of plain, black ballet flats with a strip of black satin around the top and front edge (A/N Picture in profile). Alice had purchased them for me...of course. I distinctly remember her saying something along the lines of, "A girl can never have too many pairs of shoes, glamorous or simple." I rolled my eyes at the memory.

All my life I think I had only lived off about two pairs of shoes. One casual pair and one for special occasions. But when it came to shopping with Alice, she always insisted on buying me at least four different pairs of different styles in the one day. I don't think I ever will understand the theory and reason behind that one statement she made. Though I know I will never forget it. It was yet another Alice one-liner to go down in the history books.

I quickly threw on my new clothes, trying and failing hopelessly to ignore my nerves. I knew that the longer I took getting dressed, the longer and more horrible Alice's lecture would be.

But as it turns out no matter how quick I thought I was, it was always too slow for Alice. As I walked out of Edward's bathroom drying my long, curly hair she was standing there a black jacket in her hand and a sour look on her face.

I stoped drying my hair and looked up at her silently. Without saying anything to me she lifted her hand to collect my damp towel off me and I wordlessly obliged. In return for my towel she held the black jacket out to me and I curiously redeemed her of it, vaguely recognising it.

I held it at arms length. It was a plain, black leather jacket that was about hip length with a fold-down collar and a small zipper on my left collar bone (A/N I do have a photo of the jacket but I forgot to save the internet link, so I'll try to find it to post it in my profile so just make sure you guys keep checking for it. Sorry!)

I looked up at her sceptically, "You promised." I accused.

She sighed, "Bella can you really blame me? When I looked into the future and saw what you were going to wear. Well I kind of panicked. But I must admit, I like it…a little. And boy do I mean a little. But I still think it needed a little classing up. I know you liked this jacket when I bought it for you. It was one of the few things we both wholly agreed on purchasing. So please just wear it. It goes perfectly with your outfit."

I didn't say anything, and Alice must have understood my worried expression in the wrong way as she then said, "I promise that Edward has absolutely no idea what you are wearing...absolutely no idea. I entertained him by singing Bingo as loudly as I could in my head. You know? There was a farmer who had a dog and Bingo was his name, oh! B. I. N, G, O… B.I, N-"I desperately cut her off. (A/N I don't know if all of you know that song. I think it might be purely Aussie, but it was the first thing that popped into my head. And trust me, it's scarily catchy…If you don't know it, I'll post the lyrics in my profile)

"Alice please! I need my ears. Your voice is great but why that song? You do realise its going to be stuck in my head for the rest of the night now, don't you?"

"Yes. Edward will probably be singing it over and over in head tonight as well." She said with a wink.

That was when I knew that Alice was hiding something. She knew something that I didn't know. Come to think of it, Alice always new something I didn't know, but this time she had what seemed like quite a particular reason for her actions. I just didn't know what that reason was…yet.

As I opened my mouth to make yet another bargain with Alice, she stopped me dead as she held up a mascara brush in one hand and a hair drier in the other.

Where had those horrible tools come from?! I could have sworn there was nothing in her hands two seconds ago... I thought anxiously.

"On second thoughts Alice, I'm not feeling so well. I think I'll end up taking tonight a miss after all." I muttered desperately before turning on my heel to flee out of the room, cursing myself for making such a stupid, and needless to say easy bargain with Alice, when I suddenly felt myself being pulled backwards forcefully.

Before I knew it, I had stumbled into the room's private bathroom again and into a waiting chair that had been placed in front of the bathrooms mirror.

"Now it's your turn." Alice said quietly.

Now it's MY turn? What did she mean by MY turn? Who had she played 'Barbie' with before ME? But before I could expand on the vague thoughts running through my mind, the loud and bone chilling hum of the hair drier being turned on distracted me. I cussed.

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EDWARDS POV:

-Previously that Day-

I was in the midst of re-reading one of my favourite books, To Kill a Mocking Bird by Harper Lee, purely to distract myself of the fact that I was ready to kill Alice because she had let Bella go to that mongrels house, when I heard my sister herself heading down the hallway towards my bedroom.

I looked up just as she opened the door. Without saying a word to me she instantly walked towards my closet, flung open the doors and started sorting through my clothes.

I sighed, marked my page in my book, sat up straight and continued to look at Alice. Naturally she ignored me. She was hiding something. I knew her well enough to recognise that. So I tried to read her mind…and instantly regretted the decision.

There was a farmer who had a dog and Bingo was his name, oh! B.I.N.G.O, B.I.N.G-

I grit my teeth in anger and irritation and took a deep, calming breathe. Alice, now obvious to my anger, finally turned around to face me, an annoying smirk on her face. It was quite obvious that she had no intention of telling me about what she was planning. Why else would she be singing one of the most aggravating, and needless to say haunting children's nursery rhyme as loud as possible in her mind?

I looked up at Alice once more to see her holding up one of my sweaters, my favourite leather jacket and a pair of jeans.

"I'm not going to beat around the bush…for once." she began, "I do not and never have thought you to be stupid Edward and I think it's become obvious that I'm planning something, that you know. However, you'll just have to wait to discover what exactly that something is. Now, I want you to put these clothes to one side, go downstairs to greet Bella and then put these lovely garments on later this evening, anytime before six o'clock." She winked at me and as I heard the sound of Bella's truck turning off the highway towards our house, I jumped up and began making my way downstairs to greet her on the front porch.

As I reached the bottom of the stairs I felt a restraining hand on my shoulder and turned to see Alice glaring steadily at me.

"Edward, promise me you'll try not to kill her?" she asked.

I smirked at her and turning to leave I murmured, "It's not Bella I want to kill". I then laughed, knowing that she had heard me…

BELLA'S POV:

-Present Time-

I found myself staring at the mirror in wonder yet again. I was only wearing a pair of faded blue jeans , a t-shirt with a cool slogan on it, a leather jacket and simple black flats. That's all.

I was wearing clothes that Alice considered outdated and tacky, and yet it was Alice herself who somehow managed to make me look like a supermodel in them.

"How?" I whispered in wonder. "Alice, how did you do it? I wear clothes to these similar every day and yet I never seem to look as good in them as I do now." She simply laughed and straightened the necklace I was wearing. A simple crystal encrusted letter B on a plain silver chain. I also had some small black stud earrings on (A/N Pictures of Jewellery in Profile) , and Alice had only put a little makeup on me, some black eyeliner, smoky grey eye shadow and skin toned lip gloss.

I tilted my head to one side and bit my lip in confusion. "What I don't understand however is why you spent so long blow drying my hair, if you were only going to put it up in a ponytail. Not to mention my hair doesn't look any different. The way I see it? You put me thought all that pain for nothing!" I said crossly.

I continued to look at her reflection in the mirror as I spoke so I couldn't miss the annoyed and angry expression that crossed her face. "Oh Bella please" she snapped. Just because you don't have super good eyesight. And stop whining, haven't you ever heard the saying beauty is painful?."

I sighed heavily and turned to face her properly. "Thankyou" I said. " I really appreciate it… But-"

Alice held a finger up to silence me and said sternly "Don't even try bargaining" For a second, I got a glimpse of the evil elf Alice I had seen earlier that night, but it soon vanished, thank goodness!

"Well," I sighed "You can't blame a girl for trying!"

"I suppose… now you better hurry up and get downstairs, you don't want to be late." She said.

"What happened to being fashionably late?" I asked her smiling softly.

"That's overrated." Alice said. "NOW GO!!!!"

She beckoned me out of the room and I reluctantly obliged, slowly making my way downstairs and sitting heavily onto one of the big sofas.

As I was waiting for instructions on what to do next, Emmet came into the room.

"Hey squirt!" he laughed.

I took this opportunity to find a bit out about tonight. "Emmett," I asked him "do you know what we're meant to be doing tonight?"

"Well," Emmett replied with a straight face "No, but given your current attire, I'd say that your definitely going scuba diving."

I laughed at him. Leave it to Emmett to make me feel a hundred times better.

"Emmett," Edward called, walking into the room. "Do you know what's happening tonight?" He said, pretending not to notice my presence, as he was obviously still angry with me.

"No, but if you say hello to Bella, she might tell you. I hear she's very… wise. And clumsy too, but that's a different story. Maybe she'll know who you're going out with tonight"

I raised my eyebrows in surprise. So Edward didn't know that we were going out tonight? I smiled to myself, this was my chance to get one up on Edward and pay him back for all his cryptic signals.

"Thanks Emmett." I said. I then turned my attention to Edward once more.

"So you don't know what's happening tonight, huh?" I asked.

"No." he said slowly, eyes narrowing slightly.

"Well I do." I said.

I knew I was acting like a child, but I also knew that if I annoyed him enough there was a possibility that he would crack and apologise for his unfair behaviour towards me.

There was only one way to find out...

"Wow!" I feigned shock, "You actually don't know something for once. Who would have thought that possible? That big, strong, smart Edward doesn't have a clue…and I do?" I teased.

I was vaguely aware of Emmett laughing hysterically and I smirked. I took one glance at Edward and instantly knew my plan was working.

2 points for Bella, 1 for Edward.

Motivated my Emmet's laughter and my obvious success I took a breathe to continue, but was interrupted.

"Oh is that so?" Edward questioned, "Well judging by what Emmett said you're all set to go scuba diving. As for me? I'll have to wait and see…" he forced a smile.

"Oh will you two just forgive and forget already?!" Alice called as she walked down the stairs with Jasper trailing silently behind her. "And if one of you mentions scuba diving one more time, I swear I will rip you to shreds." She said menacingly.

The sound of Emmett's booming laugh filled the room once more, and I turned to look at him.

"Alice come on!" he said grinning. "The scuba diving was fun!"

But Alice simply winced and said, "There's nothing fun about Lycra swimsuits and cheap rubber flippers. To this day I still do not understand why they didn't let me wear my Prada set! I mean who's going to miss a few sea turtles and great white sharks anyway!?" (A/N I DON'T ACTUALLY MEAN THAT!)

No one answered her but I saw Emmett roll his eyes. She took a few deep breathes to calm herself and then after a few moments turned to Edward.

"You're coming with us." She said "Us being Jasper, Bella and I… Just in case you haven't figured it out already." She grinned at me over his shoulder and I just managed to suppress a giggle.

Edward turned to look at me, then in turn glanced at Jasper, Emmett and finally Alice. It was then that we all began laughing quietly and with a frustrated cry Edward turned on his heel and walked outside to wait in the car, leaving us all in his wake.

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The drive to the restaurant was needless to say very awkward.

Alice and Jasper were sitting in the front section of Alice's Porsche, and Edward and I were both in the back section. The ride was silent and uncomfortable with unspoken emotion.

As I stared out the window at the passing landscape, I became more and more aware of Edwards gaze being centred on me. I did not know what to do, and though my anger towards him was easing slightly, it was still present.

The time it took to reach the restaurant from the Cullen's house seemed to pass by slowly. Dreadfully slowly. And when we finally reached our destination, I released a sigh of great relief.

Before I knew it, we had entered the restaurant and were being lead to our seats. We had been placed on a small table in a pleasant corner of the large room.

We had been seated for a few minutes, each one of us lost in our own thoughts when Edward suddenly turned to me and said, "As an answer to the question you asked me earlier this evening, no, I did not know where I was meant to be going tonight. That was until Alice told me, and let me reassure you that I was a little disappointed. Spending my night with you was the last thing I wanted to do today."

I stared at him, lost in a short moment of utter disbelief. I heard Alice's sharp intake or breath, and was more than aware of Jasper shifting uncomfortably in his seat. But all I could see was Edward and his stupid smug smile.

My eyes suddenly began to fill with tears and I stood up abruptly. The anger that I had previously felt towards him began to return and I wanted to scream and cry and hit him more than anything in that moment, but I remained silent, more to maintain my own dignity than anything else.

Before I turned my back on him I whispered, "I knew you got angry easily, but I never once thought you'd turn out to be such a jerk…until now." I had meant for it to sound strong and intelligent, but instead my emotions got the better of me and my voice cracked multiple times.

I turned and hurried through the restaurant, half blinded by my tears. It was then that I noticed that the main wall of the restaurant was made entirely of glass. It led out to a porch which wrapped around the entire diner and overlooked a beautiful lake.

I made my way outside and stood silently on the veranda, captivated by the breathtaking beauty of the lake in the moonlight, and wondering how I had never heard of this restaurant before.

I don't know how long I had been standing there when I sensed someone's presence behind me. I turned to see no other than the great Edward Cullen himself. Still deeply hurt by his words I turned around and continued to stare at the lake. The silence between us, though full of unspoken questions and explanations, was also strangely comfortable.

I dare not speak in fear of ruining the first peaceful moment I had shared with him for the entire day. Edward broke the silence first.

Obviously trying to lighten the mood, he asked, "Do you know what song is currently playing itself over and over in my mind?"

I smiled slightly and as I began singing, Edward did too, "There was a farmer who had a dog and Bingo was his name, oh! B.I.N.G.O…B.I.N.G.O…B.I.N.G.O…And Bingo was his name, oh!"

W e both laughed and he then stepped forward to stand beside me and said quietly, "Bella, I'm sorry. I know it seems overconfident and stupid, but I've heard that the way to a girl's heart is through arrogance…" He paused, waiting for me to say something.

I let a small smile turn the corners of my lips up slightly and I turned to him and mumbled, "Actually it's chocolate. Arrogance isn't even close. Not to mention a few kind words and stolen kisses help a little…"

He threw his head back and chuckled and for the first time in a long time his whole face lit up with happiness. He looked beautiful. His skin was glowing in the moonlight and his eyes shone with silent bliss. It surprised me. How great the contrast was between who seemed to be the true Edward Cullen and the conceited Edward Cullen.

He took a slow step towards me and startled me by reaching behind me and untying my pony tail. He ran his hand gently through my hair and took yet another step towards me, whispering "Leave your hair out…I like it better that way."

My heart began to beat frantically and my breathing became more irregular. His cool, sweet scented breathe fanned my face in heavy, uneven patterns and he slowly moved his hand from my hair to caress my cheek tenderly.

"So beautiful…" he murmured. I couldn't hold back a short bewildered giggle, but other than that I kept my mouth shut and my eyes on the beautiful angel in front of me.

Speaking of angels, it seemed as thought that Edward was reading my mind as he then said, "There are 20 angels in heaven. 10 sit in the clouds, 9 watch over us, and one is standing before me at this moment."

I bit my lip, lifting my gaze so I could look into his eyes. I searched for any trace of a lie. Any evidence that would tell me that he didn't mean what he had just said and that he would erase in an instance if he was given the chance. But I found nothing of the sort in his gentle gaze. Instead I saw happiness and wonder and something that seemed a lot like love. I couldn't be sure…

I began to become nervous. I wasn't used to this; Edward standing so close. Caressing my cheek, staring into my eyes.

In a desperate and thoughtless attempt to somehow 'change the topic', if you like, I said, "Edward that has to be the-"but he cut me off. Not by placing his hand over my lips, or by beginning to talk himself. (A/N Drum Roll Please!) Instead he cupped my face affectionately in both of his hands and lifted my face to his, his lips finding mine.

He kissed me softly at first, and I kissed him back, our lips moving in perfect harmony. Then as he moved his hand from my face to wrap around my waist I lifted my hands and knotted them in his hair. That's when his lips began to move faster against mine, the kiss becoming more urgent, more fervent with an unspoken agony that I could not understand.

When we finally broke apart, neither of us moved. Instead Edward's arms seemed to tighten around me as he leant down to rest his forehead on mine. We stood like that for a while, simply comforted by each others presence.

I let my mind wander. I considered how it was a near miracle that I made it through that kiss without fainting, and how there wasn't anywhere else in the world I wanted to be in that moment, but in Edward's arms. However I mostly thought about the impression of guilt and unspoken agony that seemed to hover in the air around us. During our kiss it almost seemed as though Edward was…well…I'm not entirely sure what it was. Perhaps I sensed a hint of shame? Agony? To tell the truth, I was actually a little preoccupied in that moment to notice anything of significant detail, but all the same I knew there was something other than affection behind the moment we shared. I just don't know what.

Dismissing the though for the moment, I sighed and glanced up at Edward. He was looking down at me with such emotion conveyed in his eyes that it startled me. When my breathing finally returned to my normal pace, I decided to finish what I had begun saying before he kissed me.

I smiled slightly and said softly, "Edward that is the most corny pick-up line I have ever heard."

He laughed quietly and then lifted one hand to run it through his hair, suddenly serious. He stared down at me with such intensity that I dare not glance away.

"Bella," he began, "I think I-"He was cut short by a fast tapping that seemed to come from the glass wall beside us. I blushed beet red suddenly realising that everyone in the restaurant would have seen the moment that Edward and I had just shared, and as he turned towards the sound, I leant forward and buried my face in the nape of his neck, embarrassed.

"Alice, go away." I heard him murmur.

I lifted my face from his shoulder and turned to see Alice standing on the other side of the glass wall, smiling joyfully and jumping up in down in absolute glee. She gestured to Edward and I in turn and then gave us a thumbs up.

I raised my eyebrow and then turned to look at Edward. It was then that I noticed that yet again, Alice had dressed us to match. He was wearing light blue jeans, with a tight fitted grey cotton shirt and a black leather jacket. He also wore simple, black canvas shoes with laces. All in all he looked very attractive, despite the fact that he was only dressed in casual wear.

I couldn't help but laugh. It was typical Alice.

I then heard Edward laugh quietly and I looked up at him.

"Ok, thank you Alice." He said, quite obviously reading her thoughts.

Alice then took this as her queue to leave, and with a quick wink at me and a smile at Edward, she returned to Jasper.

When Edward then turned to look at me I asked him, "What did she say?"

The crooked, boyish smile I loved suddenly appeared and my heart accelerated. He leant forward and kissed me softly for a moment. When we broke apart he said, "She said it was about time!"

I laughed and blushed slightly. Leaning forward to kiss him on the cheek I whispered, "I couldn't agree more!"

XxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXx

Wow! I'm done! (FINALLY)

To tell you all the truth I was too scared to post this chapter because I don't know how long it will be until I update again…But, I'm on holidays now, so hopefully I'll update again soon!

Oh, hold on a sec, I think my friend wants to say something…?

A/N by FuzzyWuzzywithaBadHaircut: Having helped with this chapter, I feel it is my RIGHT, no my DUTY to give this A/N. And, you know, I'm bored. So… How are you? I really think that you should review! What did you have for breakfast? What are you, Team Edward or Jacob? Did I mention you should REVIEW???????? Anyway. If you don't, I will be the one who has to coax Heart of Diamonds out of the corner from foetal position, yet AGAIN. She really has issues. But you didn't hear that from me… ;) 10 reviews should do well, more is fine too… Lots of love. FWWBH (P.S my stories are good too. READ THEM)

Um…thank you?

:D But seriously, Miki's stories ARE really good so go check them out!

Also, a big thank you to everyone who has been reviewing to ALL the chapters of this story. (Even when I haven't been posting) I really appreciate it!

I would also like to thank anyone who voted for me on the 'Cullen Clan Awards' site. I didn't even know I was a nominee! Thanks for voting for me on your own accord. Again, I really appreciate it!

I'll shut up soon I promise! Just a couple more things.

There is a poll in my profile so please check it out.

REVIEW! REVIEW! REVIEW! If I don't get at least 10 (or more…?) reviews, I won't update, no matter if I've written the next chapter or not…AND PLEASE MAKE THEM DETAILED- I find them REALLY helpful! :P

Answer the riddle bellow for a special mention next chapter…and no, your review CAN NOT only be the answer to the riddle! (And multiple reviews from the same person DO NOT count either!)

Riddle:

Translate this:

YYURYYUBICURYY4ME

Love,

Krissy