Author's Note: I don't really have much to say. Just thanks for all the reviews from last chapter. You guys are awesome! 14 reviews! I'm excited! Thanks again. So here's chapter 5.

Since I had a dedication in the last chapter, I would like to continue that here. This chapter, which is one I have been looking forward to, is going out to TheCoolerJackie. But don't let the screen name fool you; she's not the better Jackie. I'm kidding Jack. She has been there for me and my fanfiction for…well, a while now. She's given me support, compliments, and feedback; you name it, Jackie's supplied it. She's an awesome friend who I am going to miss so much when she's like four hours away from me at college. Leave it to her to go out of state. I love you so much and I can't wait until we reunite for Half Blood Prince. Oh, yeah, we're die-hard Harry Potter fans. We totally dressed up for the last book. (Jackie makes an amazing Tonks.)

Disclaimer: I do not own Twilight. It all belongs to Stephenie Meyer. I could never claim the world and characters she has created. I am just having a little bit of fun with them. However, should she like to hand over Edward and his silver Volvo, I would certainly not object.


Chapter V: An Already Acquainted Admirer

The rest of the week passed without much conversation between Isabella and Edward. Edward could tell that she had talked with her father about having him ride her home and it certainly was not approved of. They conversed only in Biology when he helped her to avoid thinking about the dissection. Newton was noticeablypleased with the return of their former relationship. It appeared to him that as long as Edward was out of the picture, he had a better chance of lassoing in the prize. Apparently not even the rejection that he faced could deter him. Mary Alice gave him some points on her creep scale for that one.

But despite the fact that they were no longer talking, Isabella continued to visit him from outside the music room. He would play for her without complaint, once again longing for that connection that they had through music. He was convinced that she knew that he knew that she was outside listening him almost every day but both were too embarrassed and unwilling for it to be put to an end to confront the matter.

Friday night came all too quickly and he was not looking forward to the event. He was once again in a tux with his bronze hair sticking up at every end and his green eyes looking rather dull. He was mad with himself for having accepted the offer to play when he could have faked an illness to get out of going if the circumstances were different.

His mother and father were attending as well. His mother looked ravishing in a blue gown and a white fox fur shawl. His father was in his best suit with a tie matching his wife's ensemble. The occasion was a little less elegant than the Swan affair but with Edward being the entertainment, he was expected to be wearing certain attire. He hated it.

Mr. Masen drove them to the outskirts of Naperville. The Blacks bought a huge chunk of land apart from most of the other homes and built what had been called "a lovely, yet modest house for their fortune" by Mrs. Stanley. It was no secret that the new residents of Naperville were not in want for anything. In reality, no one in Naperville really was. It was a high-class neighborhood that seemed to only accept the best and reject the rest. The Blacks, who were descendants of an Indian tribe out west, had previously been living in Chicago. There were only two of them: William, the father, and Jacob, his son. The rumor was that Mr. Black had made some serious money in Chicago, the means through which no one was sure but the gossips liked to take a venture. It was believed that they then ran into some trouble and their only way out was to move. Edward, however, was not sure what to believe. If the Blacks were really being hunted by someone in Chicago, they would have moved somewhere less conspicuous than Naperville. Mrs. Stanley loved to talk but she rarely thought before she did it.

They drove for sometime before they ended up on a dirt road surrounded by trees. They were only starting to bud and in the moonlight they looked like many skeleton hands stretching up into the sky. They passed a turn off on the road. It was just another dirt road but it snaked into the forest quickly, disappearing from sight.

"That's where Dr. Cullen lives," Mr. Masen said when he saw his son staring after the path.

Edward furrowed his eyebrows. "Why would he live all the way out here?" It was more of a voiced thought than an actual question. Neither of his parents answered him and he was left to ponder it on his own. It seemed strange that he would live deep in the woods, almost out of the limits of Naperville. Edward was beginning to believe that there was more to Dr. Carlisle Cullen than what met the eye. Either that or Mary Alice was really getting into his head.

They traveled a little further before the trees on the right hand side began to disperse and reveal a clearing. There was a wide dirt road that was lined with oak trees that led up to an extensive two story house. The yard around the house was devoid of trees until about fifty feet away from it where the forest resumed. It was a simple brown brick house with a large porch on the front with a ramp instead of steps. His mother laughed lightly at the rocking chair in the corner. They parked in a dirt lot off to the side of the house just in front of a detached garage built from what looked like scraps of wood. They walked up and into the house.

It was beautiful and certainly modest. While one could tell that a lot of money and effort when into creating the look, objects of wealth were not displayed at regular intervals like the Swan residence. The entrance way had a polished wooden floor. Across from the door was the central staircase. It was made of the same wood as the floor and just as polished. The banister seemed to have been hand carved for the detail on it was superb. To the left was a door to hang coats and shawls and a small waiting room with some bookshelves that held personal trophies such as animal skins opposed to books. A hallway next to the staircase lead to what would be the back of the house where Edward assumed the dining room and kitchen would be. And off to the right was main sitting room. It was just as big as the Swan's for most of Naperville currently resided in it. It too was furnished in wood and earth tones. There were windows at every interval around the room except for where the fire place sat on the far wall. The chairs and couches that were placed at intervals were browns, greens, and deep reds. In the back of the room was a chestnut piano with a matching bench. On the wall behind it was a vast bookcase that was filled to the brim with aged books. The spines were bent, some seemed to have covers missing, and the wording on the covers seemed to have peeled off due to excessive handling.

Edward moved to the back of the room towards the piano and stood in front of it. He ran his hand over the top and looked into the body of it. It was undoubtedly new and very possibly never played before. However, it was considered a major faux pas to not have a piano in the sitting room.

"You must be Edward Masen," a deep voice said behind him.

Edward turned around and was faced with a man an inch or two taller than him. He was about his age and very handsome. He had beautiful russet skin and long, dark hair that was pulled back at the nape of his neck with a ribbon. He was wearing a casual suit and no tie. He seemed very comfortable and self-assured. While Edward knew that he was eighteen, there was something in his face that made him look younger. He did not have boyish features like Michael Newton; his face was angular and well shaped. He even had a five o'clock shadow. But there was something that made him seem childish.

"Yes. I assume that you are Jacob Black?" Edward asked, holding out his hand.

Jacob grasped it firmly and shook it heartily. "You assume correctly."

"Welcome to Naperville," Edward said politely.

"Thank you," he said in reply. "And thank you for agreeing to play this evening. My father truly appreciates it."

Edward bowed his head. "Oh, it is my pleasure."

"Will you be needing anything?" Jacob asked playing the role of host perfectly.

He shook his head as he took a seat at the bench. "No. I believe that everything is fine."

Jacob nodded and looked down at him. "Well, if there is nothing, then I will let you get to it. If you need anything, just stop one of the keepers that will be walking around." Edward nodded as he turned to leave to greet more of his guests.

Just then, an older gentleman in a suit with the same color skin as Jacob rolled into the room. He was sitting in a wheelchair that was being pushed by what looked like one of the 

maids. He smiled at everyone as if he did not notice that they were staring. He made a slow turn about the room, greeting everyone, and began again with those that had just arrived.

Edward played on, stifling a yawn. Most of his classmates were already in attendance with the exceptions of Mary Alice and Isabella. Mary Alice always liked to arrive "fashionably late". The one that struck him as odd was Isabella. She had said, on more than one occasion, that she would be attending with her father because they were friends of the Blacks. He began to wonder if she had just been lying. If not, should not she and her father have arrived by now?

To his right, Jessica and Michael were talking with Jacob. He easily towered over both of them. Their heads were tilted back as they looked up at him. Michael stood there in his snobbish air surrounding him. He was dressed cleverly in a black and white suit. His right hand was holding onto a glass of champagne while his left was behind his back which was completely erect. About every five minutes, he would lift his left arm to look at the expensive gold watch on his wrist, frown at what he saw, and then take a sip from his glass. No one in the room looked more self-important or idiotic than Michael Newton. Jessica was doing what she usually did at parties; showing off as much skin as possible without being called an outright whore. Her black designer gown had no sleeves despite the fact that it was only March. It revealed a hint of cleavage; something that was practically unheard of in Naperville. There was a nice sized slit on the right side of the dress that when she moved, her calf would "accidently" slip out into the open, usually directed towards Jacob and, occasionally, Edward. Most of her back was exposed as well, showing off her pale complexion. Edward wanted to take off his jacket and throw it at her but he figured that it would not be appropriate. What a shame.

Just as Michael was checking his watch for the umpteenth time and Jessica let her leg slip out again, Isabella and her father walked through the door and into the room.

She looked stunning. She was wearing a short sleeved green gown that ended just before her feet. Her hair was up in yet another elegant bun with curls framing her delicate angel face. She smiled as she looked around the room. Her eyes landed on something a little off from Edward and her face broke into one the largest, most enchanting smiles he had ever seen.

The next thing he knew, she was in the arms of Jacob Black. He had her in a bear hug and she was laughing loudly. Although he was once again hearing the musical symphony that was her laugh, he could have sworn that his heart just lurched. Seeing her wrapped up in Jacob caused him to be…jealous. There was no other word for it. He wanted to jump up from the piano, charge at Jacob, and ring his neck. Chances are he would probably lose from the looks of Jacob's size and strong build but he was not thinking clearly. Never in his life had he felt jealousy before. Well, not since a girl a few years older than him got a standing ovation for her piece at a recital and he did not.

Jacob and Isabella finally pulled away from each other. They greeted the other's parent who soon started talking animatedly. Jacob offered Isabella his arm and he walked her over to a vacant chair and allowed her to sit down. He smiled down at her before engaging her in conversation.

"Oh, not again." Jessica stomped her foot and walked away.

Edward laughed but was quickly subdued when he saw Jacob grab Isabella's hand briefly. It was obvious that the two had been previously acquainted. What Edward did not understand was how they seemed to know each other so well or at least well enough to hang the rules of society and give each other the tightest hug he had ever seen. It did not make much sense to him. She only mentioned that their families were friends, not that she was close with the son. He was aggravated and certain that you could tell from his music.

"They used to live near each other," a soft but high pitched voice said in his ear. He jumped slightly but shook it off as Mary Alice took her seat on his right hand side. She smiled at him. She was wearing another bright gown, this time orange. She had emerald earrings dangling from her ears and there was a green clip in her hair. She was truly her own person.

"I thought I was the one that read people's thoughts," Edwards said quietly. He smirked at her as she laughed lightly.

"Yes, but I see things. I thought it was better for your pride if I answered before you asked." She smiled as she took a sip of the wine in her hand before offering some to Edward. He shook his head and looked back over at the couple. Isabella was laughing at something Jacob said as he smiled down at her.

"It was back in Pennsylvania," she continued. She whispered in his ear as he continued to play the piece he was currently on. "They grew up together. They were like best friends. He moved away a few years ago. They lost contact and haven't seen each other since. Now, Mr. Swan met Mr. Black a few times out in Chicago. That's how they're friends. Something about a love for fishing." She laughed as she took another sip. "That's all I know."

"Hm. How convenient that they should be reunited again," Edward observed, unable to take his eyes away from them.

"Yes, quite," Mary Alice agreed. "Especially after you've fallen in love with her."

Edward choked on the air he breathed. He coughed as he turned to look at her. He was sure that his eyes were bugging out of their sockets and that his mouth was hanging wide open. "W-w-what? Are you insane, Mary Alice? No, don't answer that; I already know that you are! Completely mad to suggest such a thing."

She laughed and set her glass down on the piano. "And yet you did not deny it. Overlooked that, did you, Junior?"

"That comment does not even warrant a response! How could you say that? It's preposterous!" Edward shook his head, unable to look his best friend in the eye.

"Oh, really?" she asked, a hint of disbelieve and laughter in her voice. "So, are you telling me that you don't look up every time she walks in the room? You don't want to play for her every time she's around? You don't get all nervous every time she speaks to you? You don't think her voice is the most beautiful sound you've ever heard? You don't think she looks like a fallen angel? You don't want to hold her in your arms? You don't want to go over there and rip out young Mr. Black's heart for just touching her? And it doesn't matter that she's looked over here at you 13 times just since I sat down?" She nodded her head and put her face right in front of his. "That's right. I'm calling you out, Junior. Go on, say no. Say she means nothing to you. But at least be honest with yourself. I could care less if you're honest with me." She then grabbed her drink off the piano and walked away into the crowd of people.

Edward growled inwardly as he moved on to the next song. He could not believe that Mary Alice would be so bold as to assume his feelings for Isabella…Miss Swan. She had some nerve to accuse him of falling in love with a woman he barely knew. And, on top of it all, to think that he felt all of those things, it was utterly absurd. He had never been so upset with Mary Alice in his life. She was so frustrating.

So, yes, he looked up whenever she walked into a room. Sure, he loved to play when he knew that she was around. He could get a little tongue tied around her and her laugh was stunning. And she was certainly gorgeous. True, when he was carrying her on Monday, he did not want to let her go. And he did want to hurt Jacob. Could she really have looked over at him that many times? He looked her way and, sure enough, she was staring right back. She shot him a shy smile before looking back up at Jacob. Alright, so she looked at him. Not a big deal.

Just because everything Mary Alice said was true did not mean that he was in love with Isabella Swan. Those traits were not the end all of love traits. They could mean something else. They could mean that he cared about her. He certainly did. That's why he wanted to rip Jacob to pieces. That's why he wanted to make her happy. That's why she was the most beautiful, stunning, alluring, captivating, enchanting….

He closed his eyes and sighed. He was in love with Isabella Swan. He was head over heels, half way to the moon, and every other cliché that had ever been used. He loved her.

There was only one slight problem; he father absolutely detested him. That was, after all, only a minor setback. Especially since her father was Police Chief Swan. Brilliant.

A glass of wine appeared in front of him and he picked it up without question. He downed it one gulp and set it back down on the piano. He looked up to see Mary Alice standing over him. He gave her a weak smile.

"Thanks, Brandon."

She smiled back at him. "Are you over your denial or do I need to use brute force to make you see it?"

He laughed and shook his head. "No, that won't be necessary."

She nodded and took his glass. "Oh, and we're up to 24 by the way." She walked away again.

He played for the rest of the night, doing his best to not look at Isabella and Jacob while trying to come to terms with his revelation. Both tasks proved to be equally difficult, particularly with Mary Alice coming up to raise the tally every ten minutes or so. But somehow he made it through, catching Isabella's eyes only 14 times in the course of an hour. Still, he wondered what that could possibly mean from her end. Did she feel the same way? Was there something on his face? Was she talking about him? He was officially obsessed.

When the party was over, he met his parents in the entrance hall. Mary Alice had already left with her mother and father and the only ones left were his family, the Swans, and, of course, the Blacks.

"Thank you for playing for us this evening, Edward," Mr. Black said, extending a hand upward to shake his hand.

Edward shook his hand back. "Thank you for asking me."

Jacob stepped forward. "Isabella was full of compliments for you tonight. I believe she is quite impressed with your abilities." As he said this, there seemed to be an odd look in his eyes but he hid it well with the bright, boyish smile on his face.

Edward looked over to Isabella who blushing under the scrutiny of six pairs of eyes. She smiled at him though but he noticed that it did not reach her eyes. "You play exquisitely, Edward."

"Well, we should be going," Mr. Swan said, taking hold of Isabella's arm. "It was a wonderful party, William. I'll stop by soon. Goodbye Jacob."

"Goodbye, sir. Isabella." Jacob smiled brightly at her.

She smiled back then looked over at Edward. Her chocolate eyes twinkled at him as she gave him another smile. She then walked out the door and into the night with her father.

The Masens said their goodbyes and walked out to their car. Edward climbed in back and lean against the seat. He let out an exhausted sigh as his father started back down the dirt covered road. He leaned his head against the window and watched the trees fly past. He did not miss the turn off to Dr. Cullen's. He would not have even if he had not been paying attention. The path leading into the forest was lined by lanterns that hung from the trees and lit up about a two foot radius in front of them. However, he still could not spot the house from the road and assumed that it was positioned far back in the forest, away from the prying eyes of the citizens of Naperville. While he thought that it was odd to have the path lit, he did not mention it to his parents. He was too tired, physically and emotionally, to communicate. Therefore, when they finally made it home, he did not bother to visit his baby. He automatically retreated upstairs, changed out of his tux, and fell on his bed.

Tired as he was, sleep would not come. His lullaby and Mary Alice's words played in his head over and over while flashes of Isabella danced around. When he finally did fall asleep, he was met with a dream that featured a wolf and a man encased in shadow in a forest. In the distance, the light of a lamp could be seen. The man was slowly accompanied by others but their faces were hidden in shadow. Isabella was in the middle of the two opponents and it appeared that she was being forced to choose sides. With every second, she moved closer to the hoard of men only to receive a growl from the wolf. She would give him a pitying glance but continue the path she was on. When she was within their grasp, one of the men grabbed her and pulled her to them. Isabella merely smiled and seemed contented with her choice. As the man that grabbed her lowered his mouth to her neck and his face was about to be revealed by a patch of moonlight, Edward woke up in a cold sweat. After a few minutes of heavy breathing, he was asleep again and when he woke in the morning, he had no recollection of the dream.


Yes, I know. It's quite a bit shorter than previous chapters but that's just the way it ended up. I apologize because I know how accustomed people become with how long the chapters are. But trust me, I'll make it up to you.

And before anyone leaves me a review saying that Jacob is too old, I am aware of that. Every change has a purpose. Believe me.

Well, I hope you enjoyed it. As I said, I had been looking forward to his chapter because, while I am Team Edward, I still love Jacob. He is just too funny. If you don't like Jacob, no worries. For now, it's all about Edward and Bella.

All that is left for me to say is…REVIEW! It would be awesome to get more than 14 reviews...just a hint. It may also take me a few days to post chapter 6 since I need WiFi.

Pumpkin.