I thought my cheeks were permanently stained cherry red. My mind was still cloudy, and I was about as confused as ever.

So, it is my understanding that Edward was not only a paperboy, but a male model for figure drawing lessons? The information was almost too much for me to swallow. Questions buzzed through my head at full speed, wanting to know more about him. But there was no way he would ever talk to me after that awkward reunion.

I had planned on confronting him as soon as class had ended, but he booked it half undressed. My only explanation for his actions were that he was embarrassed by his nude… ness in front of the new girl. Perfect.

I pressed my fingertips to my temples, trying desperately to clear my thoughts. Unfortunately, images of Edward's nicely cut body were still strong. Him stripping off his clothes… Him posing virtually still and waiting…

"Bella!" a voice sliced through my thoughts, causing me to jump. I hadn't been expecting company in the café across the road, but it wasn't unwelcome.

Alice strolled over to me, pulling out the chair directly across the table; eyes shinning. How could she always be so cheerful?

"Some lessons today, huh?" Alice raised her eyebrows suggestively. "You and Eddie seem to have a thing, or what? The guy seemed pretty shy to let his horse outta the—"

"Whoa, hold it," I said sternly, wanting nothing more than to imprint it on her brain. "I barely know him. He's my paperboy—nothing more."

She seemed almost disappointed. "No cool secret romance? How sad. Eddie's been looking for a mate for some time now, and you're just his type."

First of all, I had no idea what type I was, so that data helped me none. Second, it freaked me out when she used the word "mate" instead of something normal like, "girlfriend" or even "lover." Anything but "mate." I decided playing with the ends of my hair was the wisest thing to do while I dropped the bam.

"So, who was his last chick?" I tried to make it sound like a casual question, but Alice was way smarter than how she looked.

"You want to know about Victoria?"

I nodded and leaned in a little closer. I was curious, and didn't want to miss a word.

"Around a year ago, Eddie-boy fell for this redhead. Personally, I thought she looked too much like Jasper, my orange cat, but whatever," her voice was barely above a whisper now. "Anyways, he fell for her fast and hard. He was a good boyfriend, and always made her happy. Little did he know that he was being cruelly used. Edward may be an extreme hottie—duh—but Victoria didn't want him for some odd reason. Instead, she set her eyes on his best pal—James." Alice's eyes scanned the café, checking to make sure no one was in earshot of his.

"On their six month anniversary, she said she was at her grandfather, Laurent's, house. That way, she could easily get away with—"she paused and locked eyes with me. "Cheating."

I already knew the rest from there, but I was yearning for more details. It was like Alice was reading me and exciting story. I had to know exactly what happened and why.

"How'd Edward find out?" I urged, growing more interested as she waited to continue.

"Poor boy decided to surprise her, and show up at his house with roses. Of course, Vicky wasn't there. When Eddie asked where she really was, Laurent gave him directions to the party being held at James' house. Eddie was confused and worried, and drove over to see his best friend slobbering all over his girl." Alice shook her head slowly, tears welling up in her eyes. I knew I was probably leaking too, but I didn't care. All I cared about, was Edward.

"After that," she continued, sorrow evident in her voice. "Victoria never came to school again. Eddie looked like Hell and back half the time, and threw himself into his studies in till he got accepted in a high up University. Now he works odd jobs to help pay."

I gasped lightly, all the pieces coming together—slowly, but evenly. That's why he was a paperboy. He needed it to go to school.