Chapter 7:

Outside the Newton's store Saturday morning, the sky was dim and wasn't looking like any sun would be coming out anytime soon. But at least it wasn't raining, one plus.

Most of Bella's friends were already there when I turned up. I parked further away from them all. I turned off the engine and rested my hands on the steering wheel, taking a deep breath.

Something was gnawing at my insides. I groaned and tipped my head back on the head rest, staring up at the cloudy sky. What was I doing here? I didn't know these people, they didn't know me.

What was I supposed to do? Bella wasn't here yet. Should I just get out and go introduce myself into these people that don't even know I exist. What it really came down to was why am I doing this?

The answer is simple: for Bella.

I know what I wanted, and I know that Bella wants me around. I just have to get over my nerves. I was invited, nothing to worry about. It sounded so simple. It should be simple, but it wasn't. My stomach twisted but I ignored it. I just had to stop over thinking everything.

With a new bout of determination I cracked the door open and stepped out into the light breeze. I looked towards where the kids from school were, talking in their circles of friends. Before my eyes they seemed to look bigger than I knew they actually were, like walls, blocking everyone else out.

God, I was pathetic.

I slammed the door shut, annoyed at myself. Why was I so intimidated already?

Jessica and Angela, who were talking to each other in front of Jessica's car, heard my door slam and spun round at the sound.

Okay, stupid-er.

Both of them stared at me for a second, each trying to figure out where they had probably seen me before. I looked away quickly, pretending to scratch the side of face so I could hide from their curious eyes.

From the corner of my eye I saw Jessica give me a once over, before turning back round, loosing interest quickly. But Angela lingered on me, still trying to place me. As soon as she turned back to Jessica I sighed.

Putting my hands in my pockets to keep them warm, I leant back onto the car, glaring at the Newton's hiking goods store. Bella, pleased get here soon, I prayed silently.

"You're Bella's friend, right?"

I jumped at the unexpected voice at my side, accidentally hitting my knuckles against the car. I spun to the source of the sound. Angela Webber was there, smiling politely.

I smiled back awkwardly. "Ah, yeah; how'd you know?" I tried my best to rub my knuckles as conspicuously as possible.

"Oh, she told me you were coming."

I couldn't keep the confusion from clouding my face. Bella talks about me?

"Why don't you come over with the rest of us?" Angela continued, already starting to edge backwards.

I cleared my throat, glancing once more where everyone stood. "Um sure".

As we approached, Angela keeping pace with me as I dawdled along, Jessica looked at me again in a weird way. Lauren, who seemed to be trying to keep Tyler's attention on her, stared at me a second before talking about some CD.

I could already tell I wasn't going to like her.

"Hey," Jessica said, bringing my attention away from assessing the other people that were there, who smiled or nodded in greeting.

I stared just a moment before grinning a little. "Hi,"

"So," she began, stepping closer. "I've seen you before…What's your name again?"

I didn't say anything for a moment, stopped short at Jessica's bluntness. "Um…It's Edward. Edward Cullen"

Jessica smiled big at me, "Got it."

The next person to arrive was Mike; he practically strutted towards us, sucking up attention.

Bella was next to arrive. Seeing her here, I stepped forward, a smile automatically creeping onto my face.

"Bella!" Mike yelled. "You made it!"

Bella smiled a little, heading straight towards where Angela and I stood. "I told you I would, Mike." Then she looked at me and both her and my own smile seemed to get bigger. "You came," was the first thing Bella said to me, sounding pleased.

"Of course," I answered simply. A movement from Angela caught my eye. She had her hand over her mouth and was looking between Bella and me with mischievous eyes.

I was about to ask what it was that was making her look at us like that when Jessica jumped in. "So Edward, how do you know Bella here exactly?"

As the numbers got bigger, the need for cars did too. Mike was going to be taking people in his Suburban, and Lee brought his mums minivan. But since people had invited others, it was clear we weren't all going to fit. Jessica volunteered to drive the people left over.

Jessica grabbed hold of my arm and pulled me over to her car. Bella followed behind trying not to laugh at my face and being so…forcefully removed.

We sat in the backseat together, and Conner sat in the passenger side next to Jess. Bella and I were quiet most of the way. I mostly watched the green forestry blur by as we drove. Jessica just babbled on about something, seeming to be talking Conner's ear off.

Ever so slowly, I turned to glance at the angel beside me, only to be met with a dark flowing curtain of hair. I wish she wasn't hiding her face from me.

Seeming to feel me looking at her she hesitantly slid her eyes over to me. I looked down immediately, trying not to smile.

When I looked up again, she was just turning her head away. This time I couldn't help it, I smiled wide. This was too funny.

When she glanced at me from the corner of her eye again I didn't turn away, instead staring right into her deep brown eyes. She looked away again, this time shaking with silent laughter. I kept watching her, watched her look again and this time laugh not so silently, causing me to break out in breathy chuckling. I finally let it stop, looking to Conner's seat in front of me.

I calmed down a little, so I checked to see if Bella had as well. When I looked she was doing the same checking up, as soon as we saw each other we both couldn't help but break out in giggles.

First Beach was a stone beach, bordered by thick forest. Mike was leading the way as we picked our way towards a ring of driftwood logs.

Some of the other guys started scrubbing around for drier piles of driftwood to start a fire, while Bella sat me down on one of the logs next to her. My heart seemed to thud when she pulled me down with her.

We chatted animatedly for what must have been half an hour. Not long enough when it came to Bella. The way she talked about even the simplest things enthralled me, her mind was so deep and every word that came from her mouth had something to it.

Mike and a few of the other guys and girls started gathering people up, getting ready to go look at the rock pools. My ears peaked at 'rock pool'. I always loved them, the different strange marine life.

Bella peered at me, assessing. "Do you want to go have a look?" Before I could answer she was standing up and waiting for me to follow.

I grinned, "Sure."

The others were ahead, chasing and pushing each other teasingly. Bella and I were taking our time over the colourful stones, willing to just enjoy the time to relax and not hurry.

The rocks were slippery as we got closer and I had to watch how I stepped. I kept with Bella's pace, standing just behind her, my hands spread towards her at the ready.

"So Edward," Bella began, stepping over a piece of drift wood. "Seen anyone you liked?" A sly look came onto her face, but there was a probing curiosity.

I laughed awkwardly, surprised at the sudden topic. I tried not to stare at her to much and let her know I was all about her, and instead opted for focusing on the rock under my feet. "Not any of those ones." I murmured thoughtfully. I tried to lighten my tone, "Besides, I doubt anyone would want to be with me anyway."

Bella frowned, staring straight into my eyes. "I don't see why anyone wouldn't want to be with you, Edward."

I breathed in deep. If she was thinking that then why wasn't she with me? I banished the thought from my head. That was selfish and stupid to think. I shook my head to clear it.

"Ha, yeah right." Bella opened her mouth to object but I asked a question to stop her. "What about you? Why are you here with me rather than some other amazingly lucky guy?"

Bella giggled, stopping to face me. "Are you saying you're amazingly lucky to be in my presence? I'm flattered." She put her hand to her heart and rolled her eyes then became serious again. "Most of the guys around here…They're nice enough and all. But I just really…Ugh, it's too hard to explain."

"No, no, go on, I don't mind if you ramble." I said lightly, while really my mind was reeling at getting into Bella's mind when it comes to guys…I was a guy.

"Thanks," she took a moment to sort through her words. "My parents split after their first year married, school sweethearts. They don't last long- early relationships I mean. So I just think that it's better to wait until the right guys comes along," she met my eyes then. "I'm not in any rush to have a boyfriend. I'd rather it be the right one's that are worth it…"

I averted my eyes to the stony ground beneath, breaking away from the warm eyes that had had me trapped; processing what she had told me. Curiosity surged with in me, matching the twisting and clenching at hearing about her view on guys…I was most definitely not in that 'right guy' category…I hoped beyond belief I was, but what I hoped meant nothing.

Before I could stop myself, the question slipped out. "Have you come across the 'right guy' yet?" I couldn't stop the bitterness from dripping from my words.

Bella glanced at me surprised by sudden change in mood, before looking straight forward again. Crap, I thought, please say I didn't scare her! I tried to rid the clouds of turmoil on my face. She glanced at me quickly again, and I honestly tried to look as un …intense as possible.

Bella seemed to notice the change and continued on, looking almost relieved. "Across…I think maybe. He just doesn't seem to be returning the feelings," Bella's eyes bore into my own and I found myself unable to pull away. She seemed to be searching for something. "…and I'm to shy to do anything about it." She got out after a long pause.

My forehead creased. As much as I wished this guy was me, I had to do the unselfish thing…As long as Bella was happy…I was…somewhat happy. "You should just say something. I'm sure this guy wouldn't be able to say no."

Bella frowned, like that wasn't what she wanted to hear. "How would you feel about that?" Bella pressed, confusing me. What do I have to do with this?

I thought carefully about my answer, going through everything in my head first. "I'd- I'd," I stuttered nervously. "I would miss you," I admitted, my cheeks warming up. "You would probably spend all your time with this guy and I wouldn't see you as much as I do." I met Bella's intense gaze with just as much force, feeling and meaning everything I said, like it was already happening. I could see it in my head and didn't like it one bit. It all shone through and seemed to make my words more strong. "I really do love having you around, Bella."

Bella's face seemed to get brighter; one corner of her mouth lifted slightly and her face was clear and almost…dazed.

And then she slipped.

My outstretched arms that were still at the ready- luckily caught hold of her jacket. I tried to get a better grip on her as her back was leaning awkwardly against my knee and she couldn't get her feet right.

Serious moment breaker, that's for sure.

I reached my arm around her, supporting her from her waist.

Her waist…

I shook my head, getting rid of the feelings that single thought produced. I pulled her up and Bella clutched onto my arms, helping herself up as well.

"Bella, are you okay?"

I searched her face for any sign on pain, but all there was a very red hot blood boiling beneath her skin as she smiled sheepishly, hiding embarrassment as much as possible. "I'm fine," she breathed, not letting go of my arms.

"You're sure? No scratches, bruises, any numbness? My dad's a doctor- in training."

"I'm fine, really. Just moss covered rock plus my uncoordinated feet. No big deal."

Bella smiled at me reassuringly, still an amazing shade of red. I sighed, relieved, before grinning back slightly starting to see the humour in the situation.

"Edward? You know what you said before I embarrassingly decided to say hello to the ground?"

I became serious again, feeling as though something important was about to be said. Something I needed to listen to. It made me nervous…yet there was underlying excitement.

"Edward, I really love sharing my time with you too. I've only known you what- a week and a bit? But you must be one of the people I'm closest with…" My heart rammed inside my chest and a rush of happiness made me smile.

"Same here,"

Bella grinned at my agreement, but seemed jittery and…scared? What was I oblivious to here? I nodded for her to continue, keeping my expression reassuring. Bella licked her lips, swallowing hard. Lost as to what she had to say, I almost forgot her hands that were still secure on my forearms…almost.

"Edward, that guy…He's-"

"Bella! Long time no see!" A male voice shouted, cutting Bella short. Her hands tightened on my arms and she glanced to the direction the voice had come from reflexively.

I looked too, frowning. What had she's been going to say about that 'guy'? The way she started the sentence was almost like that 'guy' was me…but fate had a sick way of making it sound that way and then ruining it…which I guess the interruption had done.

There was a guy I didn't recognising making his way across the beach towards us, a huge smile plastered on his face, waving enthusiastically. Judging by the little roundness on his face and his lanky build he looked about fifteen.

Bella turned back to me, frowning and exasperated at being interrupted, before forming a perfectly polite smile on her face and pulling away from me to greet the intruder.

"Hey Jake, it's been too long."

I sighed, closing my eyes tight in frustration. When would things ever be easy?

An hour later a light sheet of rain was falling and Bella and I were again in the backseat of Jessica's car. Jessica had some boppy music playing and was humming along with in, occasionally singing the words. Conner was ready to start banging his head against the window; I think when the song had said something about an albatross he gave up being tolerant. Now he and Jess were bickering about what station to change it to.

"I don't think your friend Jacob liked me very much." I whispered to Bella, who was staring out the window.

She turned in her seat towards me and leant her temple on the head rest, watching me. "Don't worry about him. He's always been," she struggled to find a word to describe him. "…demanding, I guess, of my attention. Charlie always teases me about it." She smiled wryly thinking about it.

I thought back to when Jacob had shown up. It was true…demanding of attention would be correct. He talked to Bella, very rarely to me, but Bella kept trying to pull me into conversation which was encouraging.

I actually liked Jacob, he seemed nice, funny. The jokes he made were hilarious and he naturally had a good nature about him. It was just the whole defensiveness he had round me and the 'have Bella to myself' bit that put me on edge.

Bella continued on, "He's sometimes like the older brother I never had…that happens to be two years younger than me. Other times he's…a bit more admiring than I'd like."

I nodded in understanding. I definitely got the admiring bit…I didn't blame him, Bella was just…Wow.

"You can't blame him for the admiration though." I said softly, before I could stop myself.

Bella looked at me with wide eyes, and I worried if I had said too much. Her face softened, relieving me. She glanced downwards, an impish smile lingering on her face as warm colour tinted her cheeks. She met my gaze once more, embarrassed but clearly pleased at the comment. I grinned at her.

Edward is so clueless…It's almost painful…Darn Jacob…Don't worry though, that's the only Jacob interference there will be. And the good stuff will be very soon. XD I just re-read some of it…my gosh…I just realised there was some flirting going on…LOL, I think I'M the clueless one now…

Bad news: I won't be able to update probably for the next 2-3 weeks- hence long chapter. I have all my half yearly's in the next few weeks. I'm in year 10 and doing my School Certificate this year and so it's the first time I've had anything like the way these Half Yearly's are being done. We get our own Time table for that full week of testing, and the tests are longer or something. The way it's done is kind of exciting…but at the same time…TESTS! Ewww, not looking forward to it.

I got The Host! FINALLY being in Australia has paid off for something Stephenie Meyer related. OH! AND THERE MAY BE A RELEASE PARTY THING HERE IN AUSSIE TOO! I FREAKED! I'M SO HAPPY! I AM DEFINITELY GOING TO GO IF THERE ENDS UP BEING ENOUGH NUMBERS...I already have it all planned out…