Hey everyone! I hope you like this chapter; I have been slow in updating because I had to work out where to go from the last one. Anyway, so let me know what you think k? I get such a little giddy thrill when I get reviews, haha. Sad, I know.

I added some notes for the story in my profile. If you wanna know what I'm listening to while I write this chapter, check out Tokyo Police Club.

Disclaimer: Stephenie Meyer owns these characters. I just put tattoos on them and better music in their ears. (Linkin Park? I mean, c'mon. Lame.)

EPOV

We were hanging out in front of a venue down in Louisiana when I felt my phone vibrate in my pocket. I took it out and looked at the display. I felt excitement jump in my stomach as I saw the name of the guy from the record label. I hoped this would be The Call.

I quickly flipped my phone open and greeted him. "Hey, Paul. What's up?" I said.

"Hey Edward, do you have a minute?" he asked.

I looked up and saw Emmett staring at me with lively interest, I just shook my head and walked a few feet away. "Sure, man, what's up?"

"Well we've been getting a really awesome response since you guys went on tour and we'd like to see if you could come back to Seattle for us to record your next album," he said with a smile in his voice. I bet he loved delivering good news to hopeful band geeks. My palms went sweaty as the excitement in my veins went up a notch (or a thousand).

"Really? Heck yes, man! When?" I could barely breathe. I wanted to do a little girl dance, I wanted to jump and pump my fists in the air like Rocky Balboa. I had to concentrate on what Paul was saying to me.

"Well, we really want to jump on this while you're hot so we are actually going to pull you from the last few weeks of the tour and bring you back here to work with some of our best guys. We'll send out one of our other bands to replace you for the rest of the dates and you guys will be able to take as long as you want on your album. I know you want to do that vampire idea, but we'll put out an EP of your current popular stuff right now and then work off that once we have a big fan base. We'd like to get you into a few indie mag spreads and go from there."

I think I died. It's okay, because I was a happy man. I could see my dream finally coming together in front of my very eyes. I couldn't believe my insane luck. I felt the biggest grin ever spread across my face.

"That sounds amazing to me. Thanks so much, Paul. I can't wait to get back to Seattle and get to work! I can't wait to tell everyone else!" I tried to keep from stuttering in my haste to get off the phone and once I did, I ran back over to Emmett and Jasper.

"Hey guys, guess what!"

BPOV

I was hanging out with Alice and Rose at yet another mall, this time in Louisiana, when Alice's phone rang from her purse. She answered it and I could tell by her sudden squealing and jumping up and down that she must be hearing something amazing. She quickly closed her phone and threw it back in her purse before looking up at us with the biggest smile I'd ever seen on her face.

"We are getting signed by the label! We are going back to Washington to record in three days, after the next show!" She continued to jump up and down, twirling in circles as Rose wrapped her arms around her and joined in the excitement. People were staring, but I couldn't really care as I told them how happy I was for both of them. I knew they deserved it because they were a great band.

Once their jumping and squeals quieted down, Alice turned to me and grabbed my hands. "Bella, you must come back with us! You'll be able to see your dad and you can stay with us! We'll have so much fun! Please say you'll come with us!" Alice's eyes were pleading with me as she begged.

I just shook my head. "Alice, what about Jake and the rest of the guys?"

"Oh Bella, it'll just be for a few weeks. I'm sure Jake would be cool with it," Alice said.

"Well, I'll ask him and think about it. I'm so used to being on tour with him that I don't know what I'd do with myself for that long," I grumbled. I really wanted to hang out with Alice and Rose more but I didn't know what Jake would think about us being separated for that long.

We made our way back to the venue and Alice and Rose ran to find the guys. I went and found Jake and we talked about how happy we were for our friends in Volterra.

"Hey Jake, Alice and Rose wanted to know if I would come back with them while they record. It would only be a few weeks and you'd be home from tour in a month anyway. What do you think?" I asked nervously.

He had a little frown between his eyebrows, so I braced myself for him to be set against the idea but he surprised me when he said, "I think you should go back with them. It would be good for you to have a break from touring. I wish I could come back with you and relax for a while. You should totally go."

I threw my arms around his neck and gave him a happy kiss. I would be going back to Washington in a couple days and I was really looking forward to having a bed and a shower at my constant disposal. I also wanted to see Charlie and some of my old high school friends again.

EPOV

I was in the van getting some things together in anticipation for going back to Seattle when Alice and Emmett found me.

"Hey Eddie, better make some more room in the van 'cuz we're bringing Bella back with us," Emmett said.

I looked at him with a shocked expression. "Why is Bella coming with us?" I didn't think I could take a week in the close confines of the van with the object of my recently hot sweaty fantasies. She wasn't mine to dream about, but try telling that to my dick. He didn't get the memo.

"Edward, don't be rude. She's my friend and I want her to come back with us so I can hang out with her more!" Alice pouted.

I reached over and ruffled her hair. "Sorry, Alice. Of course she can come with us. We'll just have to mail more of your stuff back so there will be more room in the van," I said.

Alice's face perked right up and I looked over at Emmett. He was giving me a speculative look so I quickly averted my gaze, trying to avoid communicating my thoughts. Emmett was the last person who needed to know about my feelings for Bella. I turned back to my bag, shoving more crap into it so I could get out of there quickly.

BPOV

We were finally headed back to Washington and I was really happy. I figured it would be good for Jake and me to have a little time apart. Absence makes the heart grow fonder, and all that. I just hoped it was true because I was seriously dying a million deaths being so close to Edward and his physical perfection.

Already in the two days we'd been on the road, I had seen him shirtless at least three more times. I couldn't help but notice the tattoos that I hadn't been able to see in the dim club the first time he graced my vision with his naked chest. He had a lion tattooed over his left pectoral and what looked to be a family crest on the inside crook of his left arm.

Boys with tattoos always made my heart speed up, but then Edward's body would have made my heart go into overdrive no matter what. I tried really hard not to notice him during the drive; I really did. Unfortunately, my best intentions were soon replaced by shamelessly embarrassing ogling whenever I knew he wasn't looking.

We spent the majority of the trip home listening to music and talking about movies. I tried to read occasionally because I was one of those rare people who didn't get car sick, but Alice always kept me entertained. I just enjoyed getting to know everyone better.

Emmett was quickly endearing himself to me more every day. It seemed like everyone thought he was just a big dumb oaf, but I could see he had his moments of intuition. He was also just such a happy person that you couldn't help but feel great when you were with him. He always made me laugh and I felt like he was the big brother I'd always wanted.

Jasper was still quiet and reserved for the most part, but I could still tell that he was very intelligent and empathetic. He always had a kind word and tried to cheer people up whenever they were down. I thought he was very sweet, especially with Alice.

I was also getting to know a lot about Edward. I drank in every little detail I learned about him as if I was dying of thirst. I'd found out he was physically incapable of letting anyone else touch the stereo in the van. He always had his iPod plugged in and he kept the music suited to the drive and the mood inside the van perfectly. I was learning so much about music from him.

I also found out that Edward could play a ton of instruments. Emmett and Alice were teasing him about wanting to play all the instruments on the next album. My mind was boggled at the thought of how much time and talent it must have taken to learn so many instruments; I couldn't even play one!

We were going through Nevada when I started to feel sick. I woke up from sleeping with my head in Alice's lap when I realized my head felt congested. I groaned; I hated being sick. I was already clumsy enough to see the doctor in excess. I groaned and put a hand up to hold my head, wishing the headache would disappear soon.

Edward was in the seat in front of us and he turned at the sound of my miserable groan. "Are you okay?" he asked with concern on his face.

I looked over at Alice and Jasper, who were dead asleep on the seat next to me. I turned back to Edward and said, "I don't know. I think I might have a cold coming on," I whined. I tried to keep my whining to a minimum when I was sick, but when I felt crummy it just had a way of shining through in my behavior.

Edward turned his body slightly toward me and reached his hand up to lay his cool palm against my forehead. I closed my eyes at his touch; it felt like thousands of tiny needles were pushing through my skin and I didn't mind it one bit. I opened my eyes and tried to act unaffected as his hand rested against my heated skin. My cheeks must have been scarlet at this point.

He finally pulled his hand back after brushing it down the side of my face and laying it against my neck for a moment. I gasped as my eyes widened and I tried not to make eye contact with him.

"Well I think you may have a little fever, too. I wouldn't be surprised if you're getting the flu," he said.

If only he knew that I always get a fever when he's around, the voice inside my head said. I quickly stomped on my internal dialogue's sassy little self and tried to focus on him while still reminding myself to breathe. "Oh, no! I hate being sick so much," I whined again. I decided I should keep my mouth shut because nobody likes whiners. I didn't even like myself when I was sick; I was a bit of a brat.

I took advantage of the mini break we took at the next rest stop to stock up on cold and flu medicine, along with some juice and water. I seriously wanted to nip this in the bud before I ended up getting everyone else sick.

When we got back into the van, I ended up next to Edward in the front. He was driving and I was in the passenger seat diligently drinking my orange juice when he looked over at me. "Do you want to pick the next song?" he asked.

Everyone went quiet and I just looked at Edward with a question in my eyes.

"Edward, you never let anyone have a say in the music!" Alice whined.

"Alice, that's because I don't want to sit here and listen to your crap taste in music," he replied good-naturedly. She threw herself back into her seat and crossed her arms over her chest before turning her eyes towards mine.

"Well, I guess Bella passes Edward's impossible musical taste standards!" she said.

I blushed, my eyes snapping away from hers to look out the windshield. I was uncomfortable and I didn't want anybody to read anything into it. I looked down at Edward's hand as he handed me his iPod.

I scanned through the music before settling on one of my favorite bands from the southwest: Calexico. I couldn't be surprised to find every band I'd ever heard of (and a lot I never knew existed) on Edward's iPod. We listened to the Calexico-Iron and Wine compilation and I closed my eyes, trying to fall asleep.

EPOV

I was driving while Bella was fast asleep in the seat across from me. Her beautiful face was relaxed in sleep, as I'd never seen it before. I realized then that she always looked either tense or nervous, and I instantly wondered why.

I had to struggle to keep my eyes on the road because all I really wanted to do was stare at her while I had the chance. I knew she'd been looking at me over the last few days when she thought I wasn't looking. Little did Bella know, I was constantly aware of her. I had felt her presence pulling me like a magnetic field ever since the night she'd watched us play in Florida.

I constantly relived that moment we'd shared while I was onstage. I couldn't forget how her eyes had roved over me as if she were hungry for me. I felt my body respond at the memory and I quickly tried to push it back into my head for later. Being in a van for a week straight with her would certainly cause some definite problems.

Two days later, we were pulling up in front of our house and I couldn't be happier to see my mother waiting on the front porch with my father. They both looked beautiful and happy, as usual. I felt myself relax as I got out of the van and walked swiftly toward them, eager for a warm homecoming.

"Edward!" my mom exclaimed with delight in her voice. I jumped up on the porch and wrapped my arms around her in a bear hug, burying my face in her soft hair and inhaling the scent that had always calmed me since my childhood. I loved my parents; they were just so loving and warm and I tried never to take them for granted.

The van emptied out and excited voices surrounded me as I turned to watch Bella standing next to the tree in the front yard. Her flu had gotten increasingly worse over the last few days so I wasn't surprised that she looked rundown and exhausted. She also looked awkward and unsure, and I realized why she must be feeling that way, so I hopped down and made my way over to her so I could introduce her to my parents.

"Hey Bella, these are my parents, Carlisle and Esme," I said. I watched as they shook hands with her and I was surprised to feel like she belonged here with all of us. I tried to push that thought away as I walked back into the house and up to my bedroom to take a shower.

BPOV

We were all milling around the front yard, excited to be free from the van while I tried to absorb my surroundings. The Cullens lived in a big, beautiful house. It was breathtaking. It reminded me of an old southern plantation house, but not quite as grand. I think the real reason it was so wonderful probably had to do with the wonderful family who lived inside.

Carlisle and Esme were just as great as their kids. Jasper and Rosalie may not be their children, but they treated them as if they were. I had known them for a grand total of ten minutes and already I felt like their long-lost daughter come home to stay.

Esme quickly ushered me into the house as soon as she heard from Alice that I'd been sick. Carlisle followed her and asked if he could examine me. I groaned internally but I gave him my consent. He finished quickly.

"Yes, I think Edward was right. You just have a nasty bout of the flu. I recommend a lot of rest and fluids," he said.

I looked at him, confused. Edward was right? About what?

"Edward called me when you were in Nevada and asked about your symptoms to make sure you were alright." He said this as if he thought I should already know that and I just shook my head at him, baffled. I felt myself blush as I realized I probably looked really dumb right now.

A week had passed since we got back to Forks, and I still wasn't allowed out of bed by my caretakers. Alice and the rest of the band had been going to Seattle every day to record, but I was stuck here laid up in bed like an invalid while they got to have all the fun. I was bored out of my mind and trying to keep a rein on my temper. I felt petty, but I really wanted to get up!

Today was Sunday and the recording studio was closed, so everyone was off doing their own thing while I continued to grow moss while watching endless romantic comedies supplied by Alice. Rose and Alice were out shopping, saying that I needed more clothes because my meager wardrobe was, and I quote, "disgraceful!"

I knew Jasper and Emmett were at the local music store, probably with Edward. Carlisle was working at the hospital and Esme was at a book club meeting. She'd offered to bring me back some soup. She was amazing.

I couldn't take anymore, I had to get up. I was feeling fine. I perked my ears to see if I could hear anyone coming, but all I could hear were the birds chirping outside the window. It was a beautiful day for the winter, and I wanted to go outside and bask in the cold sunshine.

I quickly threw the covers back and tiptoed to the bathroom, feeling like I was doing something incredibly naughty. I snuck inside and closed the door quietly, heaving a sigh of relief. I stripped off my pajamas and started running the shower.

Once I was under the spray, I felt my sore muscles relax and I groaned in appreciation. I took my time in the shower, enjoying the feeling of washing the sickbed off my skin. Once, I thought I heard a creak outside the bathroom door but I quickly forgot it in the pleasure of washing my greasy hair.

After I was showered and dressed for the day, I decided to check my email and see if I had gotten a reply from Jake. We tried to write to each other but he was pretty bad about it, so I didn't really expect anything.

Just then, I heard a quiet knock on the door before it cracked open very slightly. "May I come in?" a soft velvet voice inquired.

Edward. He must have come home while I was in the shower. "Sure," I said, trying to act nonchalant.

He pushed the door open but remained in the hallway, looking at me with critical eyes. "You look like you're feeling much better," he said.

"Yeah, I've been feeling better for a few days now but nobody will let me get up. I want to go outside or something!" I replied.

He just grinned as he crossed the floor toward the desk where I was sitting. He sat down on the end of the bed and said, "Well, I think I can spring you. Want to take a walk?"

My heart sped up and I felt my palms grow sweaty. I just pushed the reaction away and got up, ready to stretch my sore bed muscles. "Yes, I definitely want to take a walk!" I exclaimed. Edward smiled, his beautiful lips shifting up on one side as I felt myself melt. He walked back across the hall and grabbed something before we walked out through the back door in the kitchen.

He led me across the large backyard and through a field that became wild behind their house. I didn't know where we were going, but I would have gladly followed Edward anywhere. I felt horrible for the way my feelings for him were growing, but I just couldn't control it anymore. He was too perfect and wonderful and beautiful…

I snapped my thoughts back to the present as I shivered in the cold air. I huddled into my sweatshirt and reminded myself to bring a coat next time I left the house. Finally, we stopped in front of a pretty little brook that was running through a small copse of trees deep in the field.

Edward gestured for me to sit down on the blanket he'd brought and I sank down, keeping my eyes on the water. It bubbled around, making a musical sound as I watched it flow. Edward sat next to me on the blanket and we both stayed quiet for a few minutes.

Finally, he asked awkwardly, "So… how are things?"

I looked up at him. "Er… great, I guess. Your family is exceptionally welcoming. I have felt really comfortable being here," I answered back just as awkwardly.

"Good, that's good," he replied.

We lapsed back into silence again, both of us hunching our shoulders against the brisk wind and trying desperately not to say anything wrong. I decided I needed to break the tension, so I cleared my throat.

"Hey, so I just realized I never really thanked you for the mix you made me."

He golden eyes met mine and I blushed, trying hard not to drool. "Good, I'm glad you liked it. I was going to make you another one when we got to the south, but I thought maybe it was a little too silly of me," he said.

"No, no! I loved it, honestly. I think I could learn a ton about music from you," I replied. "As a matter of fact, I already learned a bunch of new music just on the trip home!"

With that, we started a comfortable conversation about music and our favorite bands. I was so relieved to be able to talk to him like this that I even forgot about my intensely embarrassing sex dream starring him. Well, almost forgot, I should say.

Eventually, we lay back on the blanket and watched as the sun started to set. Since it was winter, the sun set fairly early in Forks. Edward pulled his trusty iPod out of his coat pocket and said, "I think I have the perfect song for this sunset."

He handed me one of the earbuds and I stuck it in my ear while he stuck the other one in his. I listened as the music started and the woman's voice filled my ears:

"We've seen how sick we were,
But I've got you for my life.
And I'll love you like I'll love you when I die."

I just kept listening, hoping that I could keep my racing pulse to myself. I wanted so badly to look at Edward and see if he realized what the woman was singing, but I held myself back. I may have given in to my crush on Edward, but I couldn't push myself further than that. I still had Jake to consider. Just then, the lyrics struck me in the gut when she sang, "I believed he is the one but now I do wonder…"

I gasped and pulled the earbud out of my ear. I felt burned as I turned to Edward, finding him already looking down at me with a sad expression on his face. We both spoke at the same time. "Edward, I…"

"Bella…"

My phone vibrated in my pocket. Grateful for the distraction from what was sure to be an intensely awkward exchange; I pulled it out and looked at the screen.

It was Jake.

A/N Okay, sorry for the cliffhanger but it's almost 2:30 in the morning and I MUSTTTTTTTTTT go to bed! I will update again soon, I promise. If you liked the new chapter, please let me know. I just get so fired up when I get reviews! Thanks everyone!:)