Previously…

"I'll see you in the morning Bella."

"But you didn't answer me."

"No I didn't."

"You will though right?" He seemed to be upset with this and shook his head, "No I won't." I figured there was no reason to push it technically we didn't really know much about each other. He seems nice… different I think that's why I am thinking maybe I can have a male friend for once. I guess time will tell. He seems a little cryptic though. I know in his own twisted way he's trying to tell me something and maybe at some point he will trust me enough to tell me what that is.

Charlie was extremely happy when I told him the news about the trip. He wanted me to get out and experience new things. He told me all of the time how I stayed home too much. Yeah, yeah I was used to it. I loved my dad but please, lay off a little. I'll get out…..eventually. I hardly slept worried about this stupid trip I got myself into. I woke up early, packed and then sat on my bed anxious. It wasn't long before I heard a car slip into my driveway and sighed looking out my window. A Mercedes nice, why am I not surprised?

Alice was at my door soon and I heard my dad yelling for me. So much for hoping they would forget me. Grabbing my bag I walked downstairs hearing Alice and my father talking. He seemed to approve of her and kissed my head, "You have fun sweetheart."

"I will dad."

She giggled grabbing my hand and pulling me to the car. The trunk opened, I suppose by remote and she placed my bag in.

"I have options for you." She said with her usual smile and bell like voice. How can anyone be so chipper? This girl was like the energizer bunny. She must have an investment in Starbucks.

"What options?" I asked trying to read her expression. She gestured with her small hands, "Well, Emmett is driving this car he and his girlfriend Rosalie are with me and Jasper. Edward is driving his car and is all alone so the question is do you want to ride with Edward or Emmett? If you are uncomfortable then I'll ride with you, Jazzy can live without me temporarily." I thought a minute about the situation I didn't want to separate her from her boyfriend but a long trip with Edward alone?

"I don't bite, not on the first trip at least." I turned to see Edward leaning on his car looking like he was doing a modeling shoot for Volvo. Does this guy ever have a bad day? Alice scowled, "Ignore him, what do you think?"

"I guess…" I had a feeling this was not really my decision, she wanted me to ride with Edward and this was easy for me to pick up on, after all I make a habit of reading people so I know what to expect.

Alice smirked, "Edward is all alone you know, he loves to talk on trips. Think of all you could ask him." I didn't see the look he shot Alice. I shrugged, "I guess I'll ride with Edward."

"Yeah!" She bounced up and down clapping happily. "You will enjoy it. I promise." Alice led me to the car ignoring the evil glare on Edward's face, I glanced at him but his face had changed to one of indifference. She opened the door for me and smiled, "If you get bored call me, we can always change seating arrangements."

"I will."

I got in realizing Edward was already inside. He ignored me starting the car and turning up the radio a little. I fastened my seatbelt as he sped out onto the street with Emmett close behind. It was peaceful and I relaxed as the sounds of classical music drifted lightly in the air. I found myself drifting off and decided it was a long trip, probably wouldn't hurt to take a nap.

"Bella?" I heard my name but it was as if it were through a thick fog. "Bella?" I heard again and felt a cool hand on my leg. I jumped and Edward jerked his hand back. "Sorry, are you hungry?"

"I could eat." I didn't know how long I had slept but I realized my stomach did feel empty.

"What sounds good? We'll grab something and continue, wait do I need to stop for you to…" His brow was furrowed as if he were at a loss on what to say.

"Go to the bathroom?" I finished for him although the look on his face was so worth it. He nodded and I shrugged, "Probably wouldn't hurt." I saw a Burger King sign and pointed, "Burger King will work." He agreed and pulled in following me inside, "What do you usually order?"

"Whopper with cheese, french fries and a sprite." I answered looking at him over my shoulder as I headed to the bathroom, "I'll order when I come back." I returned to find him leaning on the wall and smiled heading to the counter. He grabbed my arm, "I got your lunch."

Noticing it there was only one drink and one bag I frowned, "What about you?"

"Not hungry, I had an extremely large breakfast." I sighed, "I could have gotten it, but thank you."

"No problem, want to eat on the way?"

"Sure." I answered because it was apparent that's what he wanted to do. I followed him out and got into the car taking the bag as he handed it to me. He slid my drink into the drink holder beside me and we headed back out. I occasionally felt his gaze on me but I didn't look back.

"Is it sufficient?" He asked as I placed half of the burger back in the bag. He had the oddest way of asking things, you'd think he was from the nineteen hundreds or something.

"Yeah, its fine I am just getting full."

He nodded and returned his eyes to the road. I took a minute to look him over; it didn't take a rocket scientist to acknowledge he was extremely handsome. I don't know why I never paid attention before, but I didn't. His hair was in its usual state of disarray. He was wearing a pair of black boots and jeans that looked like they were custom made to fit his body. His sweater was tan and clung to him in all the right places. I didn't realize until now he had removed his black jacket and tossed it in the back seat. I guess he felt my appraisal and he turned looking at me silently. His eyes were so intense I looked away.

"Do you like classical music?" He asked as he flipped through songs on his CD player.

"I like all kinds of music, but I do have an appreciation for classical as well. It always relaxes me." He nodded, "You choose a station, or CD. My CD carrier is in the back seat." I reached back and looked through it but decided I didn't want to listen to something specific and settled with just changing the channel to a pop station that was playing Paramore. He smiled at me, "You never did text me back last night. Did I run you off?"

I bit my lip for a moment then took a deep breath looking out the window, "I had homework." Not to mention I can never figure out his moods. He was worse than a female when it was that time of month, talk about your mood swings. One minute he is ignoring me and the next he wants to talk about texting? I am so confused. "Besides you sounded as if you didn't want to talk anymore." I continued.

"Bella, it's not that I don't want to. This is more about you and what would be best for you, though I am not doing what I should be anyway."

"What ignoring me?"

"Pretty much." He answered honestly though I was shocked he said it. Wow talk about making a girl feel like crap. He chuckled, "Nothing personal of course. I just don't like to get involved with females too much."

"Why are you gay?" I slipped and then blushed when I realize what I just asked him. He really laughed then, "Not last time I checked. You see I find myself in the same predicament you do. I don't want to deal with the hassles that come along with a girlfriend or having female friends for that matter. It always gets complicated."

"It doesn't have to." I meant it, it really didn't have to. I can be friends with a guy without developing feelings for him. In fact it would be nice to have a male opinion on some things.

"Really?" He glanced at me raising an eyebrow. "You think it can be simple?"

"If two people agree on it in the beginning then yeah." At least that is what I keep telling myself anyway. He looked back at the road, "How do you keep feelings from evolving then?"

"If you are only friends then what is to evolve?"

"I guess." He sighed running his hand through his hair. "Do you want to be my friend?"

I was stunned that he asked me like that, who asks you to be their friend? It just happens and you just are. I fumbled with my fingers, "Do you want me to?" He watched me a moment then I was sure I heard him curse as he looked out the window. He never answered me and suddenly there was unspoken tension in the air.

"I guess I have my answer." I mumbled. He sighed taping on the steering wheel then responded. "I didn't say anything."

"Exactly." I responded looking at him through my certain of hair, "You asked me and I asked you and you didn't respond." Wow that was a mouthful and I am not sure if I confused him but I sure did confuse myself.

"What do you want me to say?" He asked watching me curious. I shook my head irritated, "You are so infuriating! I want you to say the truth, no use in candy coating it you know? I'm a big girl I can handle it." He fought against a smile which made me angrier. I took out my phone.

"What are you doing?"

"Calling Alice so I can change rides or something." He grabbed it hanging up and slipping it in his pocket, "I like the company."

"You are trying to make my life hell aren't you? I don't understand why." He didn't laugh he just looked at me with the most beautiful tortured look I have ever seen, he should be in movies I mean women would be swooning left and right.

"I am sorry Bella. I like to tease you too much I guess. I just like to see your face flush when you get angry. You look extremely beautiful when you blush." Did he really just say I looked beautiful? Not only beautiful but extremely beautiful? I really blushed then. He grinned, "Lovely."

"Stop." I managed turning away. He reached over and patted my hand. His hand was ice cold but what caught my attention was the spark that went through me, it was electric, I wasn't prepared for it and I don't think he was either. Our eyes immediately met and I can't explain the intensity I felt, well I think that both of us felt. He turned away and pulled his hand into his lap. His face held an expression I cannot identify. I tried to calm my now pounding heart and looked away.

We were silent until we arrived at our destination. It was extremely beautiful although I am not the biggest fan of the cold, I do appreciate scenery and it was breathtaking. I got out immediately grabbing my coat from the back seat and slipping it on. I saw the Mercedes was already there, they had continued when we stopped to eat. I heard the trunk close and felt his hand on my back, "Let's go inside." I would have followed him but he seemed content to let me lead.

I opened the door and looked inside, now mind you I have never been in a cabin but this was beyond a cabin, this was more like a mansion or something, It was log yes but the vaulted ceilings were lined with huge wood beams. It had a rustic charm and I could tell the decorator had a knack for this sort of thing. The furniture was all brown leather and a huge cream colored rug adorned the middle of the wooden floor. It matched perfectly with the plaid blankets folded neatly on the back of the couch and the large oversized chairs. My eyes finally drifted to the fireplace which was roaring, the sound of the wood softly crackling making me immediately want to curl up in front of it and take a long nap.

"What do you think?" Edward asked as he passed me grinning.

"It's wonderful, it's like a private winter wonderland I expect Santa to pop in." I had to laugh at myself, I was totally blowing any chance I had of seeming cool and collected. I moved in front of the fireplace warming my hands and sighed, "Can I just stay here?"

I felt the hair on my neck stand up as his cool breath floated across my neck, "If you want to." I shivered and turned and being typical clumsy Bella ran right into him. His bag fell off his shoulder as he reached to keep me from falling back. I never realized he was so hard, ouch he must work out or something. His grip was strong on my upper arms and I looked up to meet his impossibly gorgeous eyes. He was extremely still. I didn't move either not that I could have the way he was holding me against him. Wait, against him? I was against him. Did I mention he smells wonderful? I couldn't break free from his eyes, it was as if I could drown in them and I didn't care. I heard the door slam and suddenly he pushed me away and grabbed his bag. Alice danced happily in, "You're finally here! Come on I'll show you where you will be staying, you will love it!" I had no choice but to follow her as her cold hand grabbed mine and pulled me along. I glanced at him one last time and as I expected his eyes were following me.

"Our bedrooms are apart from each other that way we all have privacy. Yours is right here." I walked in seeing my bag already on the huge bed. "It's beautiful Alice."

"Thank my mom, she loves to decorate." I felt something and turned to see Edward who had stopped in the doorway. He smiled slightly and continued to his room. Alice turned to look behind her and then back to me smiling knowingly. "You should get to know my parents they really want to meet you."

"Meet me why?" What had she possibly told them? I was scared to guess.

"Why not? I've told them all about you." She sat on my bed. "I think we'll be really good friends Bell. I need a best friend I mean I have Jasper but it's just not the same and since I came to Forks I, well…we don't fit in so much." As she spoke I felt like she was repeating my story, I felt exactly the same way only I didn't verbalize it.

"I know what you mean."

She giggled leaning closer and whispered. "Besides I think you cheer up our depressed Edward." I was shocked by that statement.

"He's depressed?" I asked uncertain of her words. She nodded, "Well…he is the only one of us that is single so he tends to keep to himself, not to mention the girls all fawn over him. He doesn't like that he just wants to be accepted for who he is you know? They all want him because they think he's this Adonis or something."

"He does look like a male model Alice." I responded starting to unload my bag. She shrugged, "Yeah but what do you see?"

"What do you mean?" I wasn't sure what she was asking specifically. "I mean when you look at Edward what do you see?"

"I don't know he seems deep in thought a lot. He sometimes looks at me and his eyes hold so many different emotions it's hard to tell what exactly is going on in his head. I was surprised when we spoke the other day at just how intelligent he is. I guess I was guilty of characterizing him as shallow. There is something tortured about him, like he's hiding something and is afraid for the world to find out."

Alice smiled squealing, "You read him well Bella, no one else would have seen that." I sighed, "Well I was ignoring the issue of his severe mood swings and asking you if he was on medication." She laughed hard, "Oh Bella, you are too funny!" I looked up to see Rosalie leaning on the doorframe. She smiled, "Hi Bella, I'm Rosalie." I waved and noticed she was dressed in an all white ski suit with a fluffy hat and looked extremely beautiful as always. I wondered how long it took her to get ready to go anywhere. Alice stood, "I have your ski suit, and it's in the closet. You change and we'll get going."

I frowned, this should be interesting. I'll never make it off of the lift or whatever they used here. Dressing in a dark blue suit she had for me I looked in the mirror amazed at how well it fit. It's now or never I told myself as I opened the door and met them downstairs.

"Hola Bella." Emmett stood pulling me into his arms like he'd known me forever. I giggled, "Hi Emmett." I waved at Jasper and he winked slipping his arm around Alice. "To the slopes!" Emmett yelled excited and they all started out. I sat by the door looking at the large boots Alice had given me. This will be a job I thought trying to figure them out.

"Let me help you." I knew who it was, his voice was unmistakable. He kneeled taking my foot in his hands our eyes met a moment and I swear if I could spontaneously combust I would. He smiled lopsidedly and slipped the boot on having it all fastened up in no time. He then followed the same motions with the other side.

"All done." He patted my knee and stood. "You ready for this?"

"I just hope they have a hospital close, I can see it now." He laughed and started walking. I followed him. "So you wonder if I am on medication huh?"

I immediately jumped and turned red. He smirked at me again this was getting to be a habit.

"Lovely." He said just like he had said earlier in the car. I frowned, "Won't be when my nose is all runny and red."

"I'll bet you are still cute even when you are sick." He responded sweetly. I glared, "You are just trying to trick me and pretend you are my friend or something then you'll just ignore me again." He looked down, "I'm not pretending."

"So you are my friend?" I asked watching his face. Dressed in his cream colored outfit he looked like an angel who fell to earth, it brought out his dark eyes and hair making them even browner if that is possible. He stopped and turned to me, "What do you want me to say?" He was reversing the roles on me.

"Does it matter?" I asked gauging his reaction. He looked at me sadly, "Yes it does, because I tend to do what I shouldn't when it comes to you."

"What does that mean?" I moved a step closer as his eyes fell to the ground. "What do you want me to say?" He said again. I groaned turning and stomping off, I was met by a warm chuckle and his hands grabbing my waist and lifting me quickly to face the other direction.

"Wrong way love." Did he just call me love? Did I imagine how wonderful it sounded coming from his lips? No I didn't, it did. I began to walk off but I was pinned in place by his hands that were still on my waist. I felt him against my back and I know my temperature just jumped a hundred degrees. I closed my eyes involuntarily as my heart did little flip flops, not to mention my stomach was twisting so bad I wanted to throw up.

I felt his breath tickling my neck, "Ah Bella, Bella." He said leaning close to my ear. "You truly have no idea what I want to be to you." It was a statement not a question. I turned to look over my shoulder at him and he froze his eyes never leaving mine. I felt his cool hand against my jaw and unconsciously leaned into it. He suddenly groaned and jumped back leaving me cold and momentarily stunned.

He slid his hands into his pockets and began to walk, "Come on we'll miss all the fun." I followed him and fell into place beside him. We walked in a comfortable silence. I didn't want to question what had just happened. I figure it will play itself out eventually. We came upon the others who were skiing happily and I shook my head, "Hospital here I come."

"How much are you against being close to me?" He asked as he slipped onto his snowboard. I had no clue where this line of questioning was going.

"Why?"

"You can come with me."

"What?" I asked curious. He smiled widely, "Come here and put your feet on the board."

"How can you move it if I am on it too, it will be too heavy."

"I have strong legs." He said grinning, "Come on my little snow bunny. Trust me."

I sighed stepping on the board facing him. He looked down amused, "Bella, there are many things we can do in this position, boarding isn't one of them, turn around love." I felt the crimson on my face now. I turned quickly but I still heard his faint laugh. His hands slipped around my waist and he leaned down, "Relax and let me lead, I won't let you fall." I had no idea how he planned on doing this but whatever. I placed my arms over his and held onto his wrists as he shoved off. I was totally and utterly scared out of my wits but the longer we moved the more comfortable I got with his movements and anticipating which way the board needed to turn. Suddenly it was fun. I relaxed into him and looked out at the beautiful snow covered trees. I wish I had brought my camera.

I don't know how long we did this before he led us back to where the others were. Alice ran over smiling, "Did you like it?"

"It was wonderful!" I said excited. She flashed her white teeth, "You look so cute, like Rudolph." She touched my nose and giggled. I felt like I was moving and looked down as I was set in front of her. He must seriously work out with weights because he is unusually strong.

"Would you like soup for dinner?" She asked waiting for me to answer. "It's nice and warm."

I nodded then realized Edward was still behind me, his hands still resting on my hips and we were not on the board. Funny thing was no one acted like this was out of the ordinary. It was as if I had been there all along. Unless he treated all of Alice's guests this way, which from what she said was out of the question. Not that I minded he could stay like this as long as he wanted.

She turned and began to walk inside and again he held me still leaning to my ear, "I want to show you something."

"Ok."

Releasing my waist he took my arm and led me a good distance away where the small lake was frozen, the ice sparkling beautifully. I gasped moving closer, "Look how it sparkles." He said nothing as I looked around just stood back letting me do as I pleased.

"I have a theory." I said not turning towards him. "What is the theory?" He asked me from behind.

"I think snow is an angel spreading its wings, I think they open their beautifully iridescent wings and then beautiful snowflakes fall like glitter cast away from a Christmas ornament and it falls to the earth spreading unparalleled beauty."

"You have quite the imagination."

"So I've been told." I said turning to see him. He smiled and it was genuine. "I think it is a beautiful theory none the less."

"I am glad you enjoyed it." I kneeled and picked up some snow, "When I was little I always loved making snow angels, did you do that?"

"I don't recall." He answered kneeling beside me.

"I did, snow angels and snow ice cream, sounds bad I know but you mix it with vanilla and condensed milk. It was really quite good. My mom always made sugar cookies in Christmas shapes. I got to add the sparkles. I loved the yellow stars and green Christmas trees. That was before she and my father split up though, she wasn't the same after and we stopped doing it." He touched my chin and I noticed his eyes held a sudden sadness, "Show me."

"Show you what?"

"How to make snow angels, I want to try it."

I know my face brightened and I stood walking past him and plopping in the cold snow demonstrating. I stood and pointed, "See snow angel." He chuckled and sat down making his own. He stood and smiled, "Interesting."

"You forgot the horns." I said watching his face. He turned to me with a wild look in his eyes and I screamed and took off. I knew he would catch me but I didn't care, I have not been this free in a long time and it felt good. I felt myself being tackled and braced for a hard fall but it never came. We landed in the snow and his hand around my waist kept me from landing painfully, not to mention he turned me onto my side so I landed more on him than the ground not that he was any softer. Again, hard as a rock but I did have an advantage. I was almost straddling him and since I was so close I took advantage of it and moved to sit up and straddle his slim waist.

"So I was thinking Mr. Cullen now that I have you pinned you are at my mercy." I grinned down at him. I felt him shift and his hands rest on my thighs, "Really what will you do with me Miss. Swan?"

"I don't know. Make you answer a few questions maybe." I really didn't know what to do but questions sounded good.

"Ask away snow bunny."

"What do you want to be to me?" I asked and could see by his immediate frown he didn't want to answer this question. Hey, he did say ask away and guess what? I wanted an answer and he was going to give it to me.