A/N: Ughh, I'm so sorry I haven't updated in MONTHS AND MONTHS. I kind of lost interest in the story for a while, and then I was super busy with school and the such. At one point, I was writing this story a sentence at a time, and it wasn't even a sentence a day. It was more like a sentence whenever I decided to open it. I'm pretty happy with the way this chapter ended up, though, even if it's a little choppy in parts. Anyway, I hope you like the chapter, and the little fun at the end (no peeking!). I would really appreciate some reviews, so I know that someone, somewhere hasn't given up on this story. Ideas are welcome, too! Now, read and enjoy!

Chapter 11: Why Can't I Put Plastic in the Microwave?

"Why would he be so weird about mentioning she was his ex-girlfriend's sister?" Angela asked me puzzled.

I sipped my coffee, "I don't know. It's kind of weird, but I get not wanting to talk about exes. He was probably just afraid that I'd want to know all about her or something."

It wasn't that Angela didn't trust Edward; she just didn't know him at all. So she was the only one of my friends that was really skeptical about what was going on. I was happy to have her on my Edward-is-hiding-something-and-I'm-not-crazy side, but I wished she was around earlier when I was going nuts about it. Now, I saw no reason not to believe Edward has told me the whole truth. I wanted to steer the conversation away from Sketchy Edward and go back to Romantic, Perfect Edward, so I dove into the story about the lily, and Ange swooned right along with me.

"But tell me about your day," I said, realizing we had been talking about me this whole time. It was weird being on this end of a friendship. Usually I'm the one who listens; I don't like talking about myself incessantly. But talking about Edward? That I could do all day.

"Oh, nothing exciting really. I don't know anyone in any of my other classes, so that kind of sucks. Oh, but my roommate told me that she got invited to a party at this guy Sam's place on Saturday. It would be cool if you could make it."

"Yeah I'd love to. Let me run it by Alice and Rose just to make sure they didn't have other plans for us already," I said. "It wouldn't surprise me if Saturday afternoon they threw me into a dress and told me we were leaving for a party," I continued, rolling my eyes.

"At least they have great style. It's not like they're throwing you into hideous clothes. You always look great."

"I know. And it beats having to think about what to wear every day. I'm just not used to being so dressed up all the time. I mean the things Alice buys can be so expensive! I feel like most outfits she puts me in are worth more than my house. Well, except right now. These are all mine." I gestured to my clothes. I was still wearing the long-sleeved shirt Alice had put me in, but she allowed me to put my old jeans on before I left. I complained to her that I would get too cold at night in a skirt and thankfully, she agreed I could wear jeans.

"Can I be Alice's roommate next year?" she joked.

"Maybe," I chuckled.

We finished our coffees and made our way back to the apartments. It seemed that most students who lived on-campus lived here, which I liked because it made meeting up with my new friends a lot easier. I walked back to my door thinking about how much I really liked Angela. She was so much like me, and so easy to talk to. Already after my first day of college, I was fitting in so much better than I ever did in Phoenix. I obviously missed my friends from home, but it wasn't nearly as bad as I had expected.

My phone buzzed in my pocket. "Hello?" I answered.

"Bella, we have a slight problem. Emmett may or may not have microwaved your Tupperware," Jasper's voice told me.

"Why?! I told him not to!" I was shrieking into the phone.

"Precisely," he half-chuckled, "but we kind of need you to help get this cleaned up. There's melted plastic everywhere."

"I'll be there in one minute." I raced to their apartment door and flung it open. "Emmett! You are in so much trouble!" I screamed. He poked his head up from behind the kitchen counter, looking like a guilty child. "Why? Why would you put my Tupperware in the microwave after I specifically told you not to?" I guess I didn't realize how ridiculous I sounded, or how much like a mother I sounded, for that matter. But kitchen crimes always get me upset. And plastic in the microwave is high treason!

"I just wanted to know why I wasn't supposed to. I didn't think that it would catch fire and melt though!" Emmett looked down at the ground, like a child who knew he was in trouble.

"You couldn't ask me? Or Google it?"

"I'm sorry, Bella. I'm just curious."

At that point, I had started to calm down and realized that when dealing with Emmett, it's best to really treat him like a kid. "It's okay, Em. Next time though, don't do something when I tell you not to. Let's get this cleaned up. Do you have an iron?"

"Why?" Emmett looked like he didn't even know what an iron was.

"I have one," Jasper said as he walked into his bedroom. He emerged a minute later, iron in hand. I took it from him and thanked him, and then plugged it in, in the kitchen.

"Emmett, what you're about to see will shock and amaze you," I giggled, "however, I don't trust you to do this on your own. In fact, I think I'm going to just make a list of things to not put in the microwave and why, and stick it on the fridge."

"That's a good idea," my favorite, velvet-smooth voice said from the couch.

"You should come over here, too. This'll probably be good for you to see." Honestly, I just wanted him closer to me. I hated that we were on opposite sides of the apartment. What this boy did to me just wasn't healthy. He looked at me, and I had to remind myself that I was standing next to a hot iron and needed to clean up all the melted plastic, thanks to Emmett. "Okay Emmett, watch this." I put a paper towel on the plastic and ran the iron over it. The plastic melted back onto the paper towel and I placed it on the counter. "Don't touch it," I swatted at Emmett's hand, "It's really hot." I successfully removed all the melted plastic from the microwave and surrounding countertop, amidst many oohs and ahhs from all the boys.

"Bella, you're amazing!" Emmett stared at the now clean countertop. "How did you know how to do that?"

"Growing up with Rene, I learned how to clean up most messes. She's probably the only person in the world almost as clumsy as me."

"How did you not burn the house down?" Edward teased, raising one eyebrow. I stuck my tongue out at him. I was still amazed how child-like and carefree I could be around Edward.

"So what are you kids up to tonight?" I asked them all.

"We're going to watch Wanted!" Emmett exclaimed. The other two looked a little confused; like they were unaware that was the plan for the night. "Will you stay and watch it with us?"

I chuckled at how excited Emmett was at the prospect of an action movie. "Sure, Em. Let me call the girls and see if they want to come over." I quickly dialed Alice and informed her of the plan. She assured me that they would be right over, and would bring some popcorn. Seconds after I hung up, I heard another phone ring. Edward read the front screen and looked a little upset.

"Excuse me for a moment," he said, shaking his head slightly, "I need to take this." He walked into his room and shut the door. I wondered who he was talking to that he would want privacy from all of us. Scratch that, he was closer to Emmett and Jasper than anyone else in the world. He didn't want privacy from them, he wanted privacy from me. I couldn't help but feel that something was off. Relax, Bella. I told myself. It's not like you're dating, and he still has only known you for a few days. It's probably no big deal. I always forgot that I hadn't known Edward for years and years; I just felt so comfortable around him all the time. Without even realizing it, I was straining to hear any of Edward's secret conversation. I was a woman obsessed.

With a "whoosh" all the air in my lungs was expelled and something large and heavy was on top of me, obstructing my view and my breathing. I soon realized this obstruction to be Emmett.

"Emmett! What the hell?!" I choked out. Why was he jumping on me when I was clearly trying to spy on Edward's strange behavior?

"Well, my dear Bellisima, you were so caught up in your own world, you didn't notice any of us in here begging you to make us popcorn!" Emmett adjusted himself so that he was now only crushing my legs, lying in my lap like an infant.

"Alice and Rose are bringing the popcorn. We have to wait for them—wait what did you mean any of us?" Just then I looked past his massive body and noticed Alice and Rosalie waving to me, cracking up along with Emmett and Jasper.

"Who knew that she would go brain dead whenever Edward left a room?" Rose let out between laughs and threw a bag of popcorn at me, waiting to be popped.

I blushed tomato red. "No, I was thinking about how different everything is from my life in Phoenix already." It was almost true—enough that I wouldn't falter over the lie. "I'm so happy I lucked out meeting you guys," I managed to say with a genuine smile. That wasn't a lie. I couldn't ask for better friends coming to college.

"Oh, Bellisima! We love you so much!" Emmett squeezed the life out of me, and before I knew it, there was a dog pile on Bella. Even Jasper jumped on, although I think it was more to please Alice than anything. Not that I felt Jasper and I didn't get along, I just hadn't bonded the way I had with the others. I hoped to be able to get to know him better—he seemed like such an awesome person. And anyone who could calm down Alice like he could, deserved my respect.

"What is going on in here?" I heard what was quickly becoming my favorite sound: Edward's voice.

"We're having a Bella pile!" Alice squealed, "Come on brotha! Jump on!" Through a crack in the pile, one eye could see Edward turn around and walk away slowly. Thank God, I thought. I could not handle Edward jumping on this pile. It was already impossible to breathe. His close proximity would not help. But then, he turned around with an evil look on his face and ran at our pile, jumping on top and causing all of us to come crashing down on the floor, amidst giggles from everyone—even the boys. I felt like this was some sort of initiation, like now I was really a part of their group. It felt nice. I hadn't had to make new friends in a long time. I think I did a good job picking ones now.

"Bellisima!" I smiled at Emmett's new nickname for me. "That little romp made me HUNGRY! I think we need popcorn!"

"Yes!" Alice and Rose agreed. "And we need to see some James McAvoy ass!" Rose added.

"And Angelina!" Emmett interjected, to which everyone laughed.

I walked over to the kitchen, still giggling about my new friends. I could only imagine what sort of crazy antics would ensue with this group. After I put the popcorn in the microwave, I reached for a glass out of the cabinet to get some water. However, it seemed that there was a lack of cups in the kitchen. I opened every cabinet, but couldn't seem to find one cup. After I had just about given up my search, Edward placed a black coffee mug on the counter.

"You know, you're pretty adorable when you're focused."

"Where do you keep your mugs? I searched this whole kitchen, and nothing!" I asked, ignoring his little double-edged compliment. I was a little peeved with the slightly smug look on his face.

"We don't keep them anywhere. This one was in my room. I thought I'd let you use it. You looked so frantic, and I sort of figured out what it is you were searching for.

"Well, thanks. I'll be sure next time to look in your room for any of my kitchen needs." The timer on the microwave went off. Bowls?"

"Doesn't it come in a bag?" Edward smirked.

"Oh, Lord. We're going to need to buy you some kitchen essentials." I set the popcorn bag on the counter, and it hadn't left my hand for more than a second before Emmett snatched it off and ran to the couch. I chuckled. "Is he ever not hungry?"

"When he's sleeping. Although, if he could, he would probably eat and sleep at the same time."

"That would be a feat. But if anyone were to accomplish that, it would be Emmett. Thanks for rescuing me earlier, by the way," I gestured to the couch where our friends were crammed, watching the movie intently.

"Yeah, well Alice and Emmett used to dog pile on Jasper all the time. One time they actually forced me to join in, and when they threw me on top, the whole pile toppled over. I learned that's how to stop their craziness," Edward smiled that crooked smile that made me knees weak. So that was why Jasper was so willing to join in. He was just happy to be on top of the pile instead of the bottom.

"You know," I managed to catch my breath, and regain my composure; "sometimes craziness is a good thing."

"I agree, Miss Strawberry Fight," Edward teased, remembering our picnic yesterday.

"Hey, if you don't cut that out, I won't cook for you anymore," I jokingly warned, raising one eyebrow.

"Oh no!" He threw his hand over his forehead dramatically, "Anything but that! Isabella, did I tell you that you are the most wonderful, least-crazy, best chef I know?"

"I guess I'll let it slide…this time," I smiled warmly at him. "But only because you're so great at compliments."

My mind wandered toward the lily sitting on my table at home. That was probably the best compliment I could ever get. I wondered if Edward truly though of me as the most beautiful girl in the world. He sure made me feel like it sometimes when he looked at me with those dark green eyes. I couldn't imagine him returning the feelings I had developed for him so quickly though. But could he? I thought about all the things that everyone around me was saying. I knew that he at least liked me, and genuinely enjoyed spending time with me. I was having a hard time believing that I took his breath away the way he did mine, but that was because I couldn't believe I could take anyone's breath away. Up until a few days ago, I didn't think that people actually did that, and now I refused to believe that I have that sort of power.

All this thinking about Edward and his feelings made me wonder again about that phone call. I would have to think about how to ask him—my curiosity was driving me insane. This wasn't like asking him about Kate; the phone call had nothing to do with me. Friends could ask friends who they were talking to though, right? Oh, I sound crazy. Stop talking to yourself, Swan!

"Don't hurt yourself, now," Edward looked at me, feigning concern.

"What are you talking about?"

"You looked like you were thinking so hard, steam was going to start blowing out of your ears."

It was now or never to ask him. I knew I had to be honest. I'm not a good liar to begin with, and it only got worse around Edward.

"Um, well, I was just thinking about you, actually." Smooth.

"Oh, really?" He looked intrigued.

Just spit it out already.

"Well, really about your phone call earlier. I was just curious because you left the room and you shut your door and I was worried that something might be wrong or something." I spit out, way too fast. "Oh, my God. I sound like an idiot. I'm sorry," I blushed scarlet, hanging my head in shame. What was I thinking? And could I have sounded more spastic?

"Bella, don't worry about it. I realize that it probably seems like I didn't want you to hear my conversation, since I'm so close to Emmett and Jasper, but it's just that I have this weird thing about talking on the phone in front of other people. I feel like it's rude, and I don't like having to fight over background noise. Please don't think that it has to do with you. Now, let's go join our friends. They've watched half the movie without us," Edward smiled that crooked smile at me, and I melted into a puddle right where I stood.

I walked over and made myself comfortable on the floor, but Edward continued to his room. He emerged, seconds later, holding a blanket and threw a pillow at me. I noticed a few excited looks shot at me from the couch where Emmett, Rosalie, Alice, and Jasper were crammed. I propped myself up on the pillow while he placed the blanket over the two of us. We watched the rest of the movie with "our friends" as Edward had put it.

After what seemed like just a minute, I felt someone gently shaking me. My eyes unwillingly fluttered open, at first seeing nothing but darkness. Once I adjusted to the dark room, I noticed Edward, only about a foot away from my face. He was the one waking me from my apparent sleep.

"Bella, I don't think you want to sleep on our floor tonight. Wake up," he gently whispered into my ear.

"Whaa?" I mumbled, not fully coherent after being woken from my slumber.

"You fell asleep during the movie. Everyone's gone to bed already, so I thought that you might want to head back home and sleep in your bed," Edward said and I could just make out a smile in the darkness.

"Mmm, I suppose, but this floor is just so comfortable," I smiled back. "What time is it?"

"A little after one. You've been out for a while. I didn't have the heart to wake you at first though; you looked so peaceful."

I was still hyperaware of how close Edward was to me, but then I realized that it was probably an hour after the movie finished, and I could only assume that everyone decided to go to bed shortly after it was over.

"So, what are you still doing up?" I questioned.

"Someone needed to wake you up, so I offered to do it. But then I decided to let you sleep. Now, though, I'm getting tired, so I figured that I should wake you up now."

"You could have just left me here and gone to bed Edward. Really, I've slept on my share of floors. My mom went through a camping phase," I thought to myself how Rene would complain that the ground was so uncomfortable; couldn't we have a bed here? And why did our tent have to be in dirt? That phase only lasted about 2 weekends. Rene needed modern luxuries.

"You're pretty entertaining when you sleep." Oh, God. I forgot that I talk in my sleep. I was beet red.

"Oh, no. What did I say?" I was terrified it was something about Edward.

"Well, you didn't want Jen to take the green Jell-o. I asked you why, and you said that without it you were unprotected from Mike. Then you said, 'Edward! Save me! He's going to make me eat Brussels sprouts! I need more Jell-o!' I can only hope that I rescued you from Newton's Brussels sprouts clutches."

"Oh, my God." If it was possible, I turned redder. At least it wasn't something like Edward, I love you. "I sure hope you did, too," I started, trying to regain my composure, "I hate Brussels sprouts."

"I wish my imagination was one-tenth of yours," Edward smirked.

"I'm only that inventive in my dreams, I guess. I'm not nearly that interesting in real life."

"That's true. Our classmates tend not to be vegetable-wielding villains in real life. You can cook though, and you've got pretty good taste in music. So I guess I can keep you around for a little while."

"Gee, thanks. Plus I guess you can always listen in on my dreams when you're bored. Creeper."

"All right. I'm tired of your sass. Let's get you to bed." He stood up and then scooped me so I was standing with him. God, he's so strong.

"I guess. I'll head back home now. I'll see you tomorrow, okay?" I leaned in for a hug, but Edward caught my arm and stopped me.

"You don't really think I'm going to let you walk back to your apartment by yourself, do you?" I should have known better than to think Edward would let me walk anywhere alone, especially at night. I smiled at him; I was perfectly capable of walking myself home, but God forbid I walk 30 feet by myself.

"Of course not. Let's go."

Edward opened the door and led me out. He grabbed my hand and walked me to my door. We walked basically in silence; both of us were getting pretty tired. It wasn't awkward like I might have expected, though. Quite the contrary, it was really comfortable. I was happy just to be walking through the night with Edward. When we got back to my apartment, it was too soon. He turned to me at my doorstep, "I'll call you tomorrow, okay?"

"Sure."

"Thanks again for dinner. And popcorn. And cleaning up after Emmett."

"No prob. Thanks for making sure I made it back to my room."

"No thanks needed."

"I'll see you tomorrow, Bella."

"Bye, Edward."

What happened next was kind of out of control. We both went to kiss each other's cheeks, but we went the same direction and ended up kind of smashing our lips into one another. I, of course, blushed and pulled back a little bit, but Edward kept his hands on my waist, keeping us only inches apart.

"Sorry," I muttered, still embarrassed.

"You don't have to apologize, Isabella."

We stood for a moment, just staring into each other's eyes, before I felt mine start to close and my head lean closer to Edward. My heart was racing and I suddenly wanted to escape, afraid that he might reject me, when I felt his lips against mine. I was lightheaded and could feel the butterflies in my stomach as I snaked my arms around his neck. All too soon, we pulled away, ending the kiss.

"So, I can see you tomorrow?"

"Of course."

"Good night, Bella."

"Good night, Edward."

I went inside and closed the door quickly behind me. I then broke out into a little victory dance, assuming I was alone. What I didn't realize, though, was that the light was on, and Alice and Rose were sitting on the couch, TV on.

"Bella got kissed!" Alice squealed.

Oh, Lord. Now I'm going to have to tell them everything.