Quick update despite my rotten cold! (sniff) Author's note at the bottom as usual.

Edit: I've added some links on my profile of how I imagine Bella and Edward looking, here's a teaser for Edward: http : // thinkingofrob . files . wordpress . com / 2009 /1 0 / caps081 . jpg (Remove spaces.) Enjoy!! He's so adorable!! I'm in love.

That's Why You're Beautiful

Chapter Fourteen

"I don't believe it," I breathed, staring ahead at Edward. "He... he... It doesn't make sense!"

"Who is it, Bella?" he asked, holding onto my arm. "Bella?"

I slipped my phone back into my pocket, still in disbelief. "It was Jasper. He's..." I shook my head, trying to clear my thoughts. "He's just told me that... that Alice has shaved off all of her hair."

His eyes visibly widened and we quickly rushed over to his car. "W-Why would she do that?"

We both sat inside and he started up the engine. I pondered this, thinking through Alice's reasoning.

"Maybe..."

Edward spoke but trailed off, shaking her head. "No. S-Sorry ignore me."

I didn't say anything, just kept thinking. After a while, I managed to come up with something fairly plausible. "I think I might have a theory, actually."

Edward looked interested. "What's that?"

"Well, maybe she's done it to make it easier for herself," I said slowly. "It must be difficult seeing all your hair gradually falling out, especially for Alice because she's so body conscious. Maybe she shaved it off in one go to save on the pain."

"That would m-make sense," Edward replied. "It seems like you know her w-well."

"Imagine what it was like for Jasper, though," I pondered.

"He's had a lot to deal with lately. So have you."

I nodded absently, still feeling surprised. Now that I was beginning to accept what Alice had done, it did seem quite reasonable. Maybe she'd made a wise decision.

After a few moments' silence, I glanced over at Edward who was concentrating intently on the road. "Thanks again for today, Edward. It means a lot to me."

I saw the corner of his lips lift upwards. "No problem."

I vaguely thought through everything he had said earlier, sifting through all the information. My mind was on overdrive and, all of a sudden, one problem jumped out towards me. Before I could even consider what I was saying, my mouth was already opening and words were spilling out.

"Edward, you know you said you... well, you were an alcoholic?" I paused, quickly adding, "Sorry to bring this up again."

"It's alright," he murmured, and there was a little fear in his voice. "C-Carry on."

"Well I, erm, I can't help wondering... how were you a teacher during that time?"

He winced before sighing heavily. "I... I'm sorry, Bella."

I didn't say anything, just waited patiently.

"I had to g-give up my job because of it. I haven't been teaching for months, now."

I frowned. "But you told me-"

"I k-know... I didn't want to admit the t-truth... I wanted to sound impressive. I'm sorry."

I genuinely understood, which was a surprise to me. "It's alright. I can see your reasoning." After a pause, I asked, "So, what have you been doing with yourself with all your spare time?"

He shrugged. "Nothing m-much, apart from seeing you." A smile crept onto his face but soon disappeared. "I don't really feel r-ready to go back into work yet."

"Well, you could teach me some Physics," I joked, causing him to laugh. "Do you think you'll ever go back to teaching, then?"

"I'd like to... I just don't know if anybody would w-want me."

"Ah, of course they will, Edward."

We were at the hospital before I knew it and the thought of seeing Alice without any hair did fill me with a little bit of fear. I think Edward noticed this because, after he had cut off the car's engine, he turned towards me, smiling reassuringly.

"D-Do you want me to come in with you?" he asked.

"If it's not too much trouble..." I trailed off.

"It's not."

We walked into the hospital together and soon reached Alice's room. I sighed, feeling my life travelling around in some kind of cruel circle once again.

"Ready?" Edward asked.

"Yeah. Yeah, I am."

I opened the door and almost gasped in surprise. I managed to just about keep myself together, though, and stared ahead at the unfamiliar person sitting on the bed in front of me.

"Hi," I murmured.

I sat down by Alice while Edward hovered over by the door. I couldn't believe how calm she was and I could see from Jasper's dazed expression that he was still in shock. I couldn't blame him.

Alice looked almost completely normal by her facial expression, but the lack of hair on her head was a little distracting. It was painful to see this happening to my best friend.

"Alice... wh-"

She interrupted me. "I know what you're thinking, Bells, but doing this was easier for me, I need you to understand that. I... I couldn't bear watching my hair slowly fall out..." She broke off, obviously a little choked.

"It's OK, Alice," I said. "It was just a bit of a surprise, that's all."

She smiled. "I'm always full of surprises."

I let out a long breath. "When did you do it?"

I saw her peek at Jasper somewhat nervously. "I asked Jasper to get me some food from the vending machine and did it while he was down there."

"But, Alice, didn't you think of how-"

She interrupted me again. "I knew that he'd protest or something so I just did it."

"I wouldn't have protested," Jasper said quietly. "I would have supported your decision."

She smiled briefly. "I'm sorry. It... it must have been horrible for you."

He shook his head. "I'm OK with it. I think. You still look beautiful, anyway."

"Ah well, I'm like Britney Spears now, so it must be cool," she joked.

"Don't say that, Al," I frowned, a little alarmed at her casual attitude.

Alice glanced over at Edward and gestured for him to join us. "Why don't you come in?"

He looked surprised but walked over, tentatively taking a seat next to me.

"So, how did the interview go?" Alice asked, keen to make conversation.

A smile broke onto my face, despite the circumstances. "Fantastic. They said he's probably going to be charged and held in prison for a long time."

"Thank goodness for that," she sighed. "He was a right tw-"

"Yeah, I get the picture," I laughed.

We spent a long time talking and Edward happily joined in. The subject soon moved towards Alice and Jasper's wedding.

"It's only a few weeks away now," Alice squealed. "We've got so much to plan... we need to get the invitations out."

"How many people were you thinking of inviting?" I asked.

"Not too many," Jasper answered. "We want it to be a small occasion."

"That's a change for you, Al," I grinned.

"Your parents could come, Bells," she offered.

"Oh... well, um... if you're sure," I stammered, very aware of the fact that Alice still didn't know everything.

"Yeah, I'd love to meet them," she smiled. Her gaze turned towards Edward who was looking at the floor, feeling a little awkward. "You could come too if you like, Edward."

His head snapped up and his eyes widened in surprise behind his glasses. "Uh... I-"

"You're Bella's friend now, aren't you? That makes you a friend of mine." I could tell she was probably intending to say something else but stopped herself just in time, and I was very grateful for this. She was likely to be thinking about commenting on his clothing or something along those lines.

We all waited for his response and I was hoping he would agree. He briefly looked at me and I nodded slowly in encouragement.

"Well... thank you," he managed. "I'd b-be honoured."

Alice smiled warmly. "It'll be nice having you there as a couple."

My breath caught and I prayed that nobody had noticed.

"Anyway, I'd better get h-home now," Edward suddenly said, standing up. "Thanks again."

"Oh, OK," I frowned, feeling a little disappointed. "Will I see you again soon?"

"Of course," he smiled, giving me a small wave.

"Bye," I called, watching him walk down the corridor. When I turned back towards Alice and Jasper they were both looking mischievious again. "What?"

"Nothing, nothing," Alice said, picking at her nails.

"Riiight... Well I'm gonna go home for a bit now too, if that's alright?"

Alice nodded. "I won't do anything crazy this time."

I eyed her carefully before wishing them goodbye and leaving out the door.

***

"It's only me!" I called, shutting the door behind me. "Mom?"

"In the kitchen!" she replied.

"How's your day been?" Dad asked when I walked in, kissing them both on the cheek.

"Um, quite crazy, to be honest. But what else can you expect from me these days?"

Mom's expression stayed serious. "Is that asshole Emmett going down?"

I scoffed at Mom's language. "Yes. Yes he is."

"Too right," Dad grumbled. "How dare he even lay a finger on my daughter. He's just scum. Filth."

"How's Alice?" Mom questioned and I was grateful for the change of topic.

"She's good," I said, getting myself some orange juice. "Actually she was wondering if you'd like to go to her and Jasper's wedding?"

"Ooh, she sounds like a lovely girl," Mom smiled. "Of course we'll go. Any opportunity to dig out my hat."

Dad snorted. "You've only ever worn it twice."

"Three times actually. I wore it at Bella's we-" She trailed off and I bit my lip at the sudden reminder.

"Sorry, love," she said quietly. "I didn't mean to-"

"It's alright," I murmured in a rush. "I'll tell her that you can come when I see her later."

"When is it?"

"Three or four weeks' time, I think."

"Not wasting any time, then," Dad commented.

"Yeah, well," I said, standing up. "Life's too short to waste time."

***

I was sat on the sofa, absently watching some television, when my phone suddenly buzzed in my pocket. I immediately felt a wave of fear, remembering my previous experience. I took a deep breath and looked on the screen. It was actually a phone call and the caller ID told me that it was Edward.

"Sorry, excuse me a sec," I said to my parents, walking out the room and into the hall. I held the phone up to my ear and answered. "Edward?"

"Bella," he said, a little breathlessly. "I'm r-really sorry to bother you but... there's been a bit of a disaster."

My body froze and I turned cold. I tried my hardest to speak. "What is it?"

"It's my f-flat, there was a fire." He sounded shaken and my eyes widened at the news.

"Oh my goodness, were you in it? Are you OK?"

"No, I c-came back and the fire crew were putting out the flames. It w-was a bit of a shock."

"Gosh," I sighed. "Edward, I really am so sorry to hear that. How bad was the damage?"

"Well l-luckily most of my valuables were salvaged but it's unusable for at least a few w-weeks."

I rubbed at my eyes, feeling awful for him. "I really am so sorry. Do you have any idea how it happened?"

"They've been s-saying that somebody left something cooking while they were out," he told me.

I sighed. "That's awful."

We were silent for a moment, the only sound being the irritating crackle of the line. I had a sudden idea and chewed on my lip, wondering if it would work.

"Hang on, Edward," I told him, placing the phone on the desk. I walked back into the living room and stood in the doorway.

"Mom, Dad, I have a problem."

They both looked up immediately. "Oh no, it's not Alice, is it?"

"No," I said. "No, it's my friend Edward."

"Who?" Dad frowned.

"He's a friend," I answered quickly, the same time as Mom said, "Her friend."

It sounded dodgy but I carried on regardless. "His flat's just been destroyed in a fire and I don't think he has anywhere to stay. I was thinking that, maybe for a few weeks, I could live back in my old flat with him. It would only be temporary, of course, and I'd come to see you everyday..."

I trailed off in time for Mom and Dad to exchange a glance.

After a long pause, Dad spoke. "If you're sure that you trust him, then who are we to say no?"

I smiled. "Yes, I do trust him. A lot, actually."

"Then do it," Mom said softly.

"Thanks." I sighed with relief and quickly picked up the phone. "Edward? Are you still there?"

"Yes, h-hi Bella."

"I've had an idea. Do you have anywhere to live at the moment?"

He was hesitant. "Um, n-no. My parents don't have any room at their house and they're going off on holiday in a f-few days anyway."

"Well," I smiled, happy that he was free, "I was wondering if you wanted to stay at my flat with me for a few weeks? Just until your own flat is fixed up."

There was silence for a long time and I was worried the line had disconnected. "Edward? Edward?"

"Sorry, I am h-here," he said. "I'm just... surprised. That's v-very kind of you."

"Would you like to?" I asked.

"If it's alright with you. I mean... I thought you were staying w-with your parents, though?"

"I'll stay at the flat with you until everything's sorted."

He sighed. "T-Thank you so much Bella. I... I can't show how grateful I am. I didn't mean to b-bother you in the f-first place, I just p-panicked."

"It really is no problem," I replied, and my words were completely true. In fact, I was strangely looking forward to it.

"And besides," I added, realising another bonus to my plan. "I've had enough of sleeping in the hospital chairs all the time. I know it's selfish of me, but my flat's closer to the hospital anyway, so if anything goes wrong, I'm always near. Jasper could always phone me in any emergencies."

"You're f-far from selfish, Bella," Edward replied. "You're one of the m-most caring people I've ever met."

I felt myself blushing with pride. "Shall I meet you at the hospital in about an hour?"

"S-Sure. Thanks again, you're b-brilliant."

I laughed. "Thank you. That's the greatest compliment I've had in a long time."

"See you later," he said with a chuckle.

"Will do."

I already couldn't wait.

Very sorry for it being so short but I'm a bit bleh at the moment. However, things are moving along with Edward and Bella, so that's all good!

The question seemed to go down well last time so here's another one: If you were in Alice's position, would you rather watch your hair gradually falling out or would you cut if off to save on the pain?

Just thought I'd say, I'm planning around 20/21 chapters for this story. I just wanted to inform you so that you know what to expect.

Anyway please leave your thoughts if you can, they're all appreciated!