Previously…

"Will you stay?"

He kissed my head softly. "I will, I'll be on the couch."

"Thanks." I said watching the way his lips moved when he spoke.

"You are welcome love, sleep. I'll be close."

He sat on the couch with a book that I am guessing was on the nearby table and began to read. I smiled watching him for only a moment before closing my eyes and giving in to sleep.

"Edward?" I tossed and turned restlessly. He moved to lie beside me and gently touched my face, "Bella, its ok. I'm here."

"My father." I said as I began to cry. He knew I must be reliving it. I could tell he wished he could take away my pain. He gently pulled me close, "I know love, I know."

I was glad he was letting express my feelings, it was healthy so they say and maybe with time they will be able to help me build some resemblance of a normal life. I cried until I could cry no more and finally drifted to sleep.

I awoke early and froze when I felt something hard under me. I felt a steady hand slowly caressing my back. I could stay like this forever because whatever it is feels exceptionally nice but the thing is, I wonder who exactly is touching me. Cautiously I looked up, "Edward?"

"Yes."

I gasped sitting up, "Why are you? What happened?" He smiled, "You were upset. It's ok Bella. I didn't touch you or anything. I'm not your typical male, you'd be surprised."

"I didn't mean…" I glanced at the clock, "I have to get ready so I won't be late." I stood running to the closet. I did not look to see if he followed, I figured he would have a clue what I was doing and stay on the bed but no! I felt a presence and looked over my shoulder. He had followed me and stopped in shock when he realized I already had my shirt off, luckily I was turned.

"Edward!"

"Sorry, sorry!" He said quickly retreating to the bed. He waited until I walked out, my face still flushed.

"I'm sorry I didn't realize you could dress so fast, but why are you dressing?"

"School."

"Bella, in this situation it would be perfectly acceptable to stay home."

"I'm not a coward." I huffed. He is really being bossy this morning. He stood moving closer, "I know how strong you are Bella that is not in question however your mental health is. Wait a few days."

My mental health? Ok now who is losing it? "I don't want to, really I feel fine. Don't you understand keeping me busy is the best thing right now?"

"As you wish, I'll change and meet you downstairs."

I brushed my teeth and hair. I felt like crap and finally gave up lifting her hair into a messy bun. I figured what the heck it's not as if I care what the stupid people at my school think anyway. I needed to be doing something, anything to keep my mind off of what had happened.

Finishing I slipped on a pair of shoes that Alice had gotten me, I am so glad she got me something other than the girly heels she and Rosalie always seem to cater to. She did know my style pretty well by now though. The tiger covered Ed Hardy's were too cute. I don't know who Ed Hardy is but I like him, especially after I found the purse that had a similar style to match. I finally decided to make an appearance and walked downstairs.

Alice turned hearing me, "Morning Bella, how are you feeling?" How is it humanly possible for her to look this good every morning? Especially this early.

"Tired but I can't sit here and just think all day. If I stay home that is what I will do." I sat down thanking Esme as she placed eggs and bacon in front of me. She is so sweet, I wish I had a mom like her. She actually has time to cook for me. Carlisle came in dressed for work, "Morning." He kissed Esme then Alice on the head and knelt to me, "How do you feel? How is your head?"

He smelt wonderful and it took me a minute to gather my thoughts. "I'm ok." I mentally slapped myself for thinking their dad smelt good. But, if we're being realistic most people I know would quickly call him a knockout. Their whole family is.

"Bella, I want you to listen to me." He began, "If it gets too much today, if you can't handle it call me or Esme. We will come and get you, understand?" He looks so young, how can he be their father and look so young? Some people just have good genes, I guess I missed out on those, Renee paid for hers.

"I don't want to be a bother." I said moving the eggs around with my fork.

"Bella, look at me." He said sternly. I glanced up and he smiled, "You are a part of this family now. We want you here, you are not a bother please understand that."

I felt the warm tears sliding down my cheeks before I could think. He smiled in understanding and pulled me in his arms for a hug. "We are always here for you. You can come to us for whatever you need and I know it's strange right now but hopefully you will come to think of us as your family."

I pulled back wiping my face, "Thank you." I don't think anyone has ever said anything so sweet to me. Why couldn't I be in this family?

"Your welcome." He stood, "I have to go." He kissed Esme again and walked out. I slid her plate away looking up to meet Esme's sad eyes.

"I'll eat lunch. I'm just not hungry now. I'm sorry." I felt bad for disappointing her. I knew they were all trying their best to make me comfortable. Esme took me plate, "Please make sure to eat, we want you to keep up your strength."

"I will. I promise." I slid from the chair to see Edward leaning on the doorframe looking perfect as usual, not a perfectly disarrayed hair out of place. He held out his hand, "Come on my little snow bunny time to hit the road."

"You know." I started following him, "It's not exactly snowing."

He laughed, "You are right. Perhaps I can think of another nick name for you." He opened the door of his car for me and smiled, "I know beautiful, how does that sound?"

I winced, "That sounds like I am going to get a million questions." Not that I mind hearing him say it cause WOW!

"Too bad, get in beautiful." Moving he allowed me in and shut the door. I watched his lithe body round the car and jump in starting to pull off. My eyes suddenly widened when I realized my coat was upstairs in the closet.

"Wait! My coat."

"No problem you can use mine, we'll be late." He replied turning on the radio. I didn't respond just turned looking out the window. Funny how it all seemed so unnecessary. You go to college and work to make a life that can be so easily taken away.

"The funeral is tomorrow." I said suddenly. I could tell by the flash of pain that crossed his face it took him off guard. He sighed, "Yes."

"Will you take me?" My voice masked my obvious pain.

"I would love to." Reaching over he took my hand, "If you'll hold me hand when we get there. I don't like funerals too much, they make me nervous." I nodded. I had no idea funerals didn't phase him. He just wanted me to feel that someone was there, someone cared and I was not alone.

Pulling into a parking spot he jumped out opening my door. I smiled sadly and stood shivering when I felt his cool jacket placed in my shoulders. I slid my arms inside pushing the long sleeves up then grabbed my bag.

"I'll carry it." He said taking it from me. I looked around nervous, not only did my father just die but now I was unexplainably living with the Cullen's, riding to school with Edward, not to mention wearing his jacket and he was carrying my books. I can hear the gossip now.

He slipped his arm around my shoulders instinctively. Surprisingly I didn't stiffen up, I simply turned to see his face. He leaned closer, "Don't mind anything people say love. I am always here for you. Me or one of my family will be waiting for you after each class." I shivered as his cool breath caressed my ear.

"You can't protect me forever." I said evenly. He only smiled, "Watch me." He looks entirely too good being protective. I have to say it made my heart swell at the thought someone wanted to protect me forever, even if I could only hope for love one day. I mean obviously he was only trying to be friendly as were the rest of the family but it was nice to have someone care all the same. I really liked this guy some girl would be very lucky one day.

Here I thought he was an arrogant prick and that's why he never dated. Who would have guessed he was a nice guy deep down and actually very intelligent. I was impressed. I felt all eyes continue to watch me but I ignore them. Stupid people.

He stopped at the door to my class. "I'll be back after class love." I cringed when I saw Mike walk past with two of his friends obviously they had heard what he said. They eyed him suspiciously. He lifted my chin, "Hey remember what I said."

"I will."

"If you need me…"

"I know, but I'll have to get another phone. Mine was…" I looked down saddened. He pulled me close. I felt his face against my neck. "Bella you are killing me here, please let me take you home."

I pulled away, "I'll be fine." I knew he was taking in my watery eyes but he nodded anyway and walked off to his class. I saw Jennifer and she immediately came over hugging me, "Oh Bella, I have called you so many times. I was so worried."

"I'm sorry, my phone was ruined and I didn't get a new one yet."

"Are you ok? I am coming tomorrow can I do anything? Do you need anything? You can always come stay with me. My mom and dad are worried too."

"Thanks but I am staying with the Cullen's. I am fine, there is really nothing you can do just be my friend."

She didn't ask why I was staying at the Cullen's she simply nodded. I figured she didn't want to grill me too much right now. She saw me with Edward I was sure but she didn't question that either.

"I'll always be your friend, just like I always have been." I smiled. Jen always was a sweetheart and a good friend.

I tried to focus in class but it wasn't working. I heard soft whispers around me but Jen was quick to cut them off and defend me. It was when I heard Lauren that I broke. I heard her whisper to a friend that I probably got rid of my father myself to get the Cullen's sympathy.

I felt the tears and grabbed my books tossing them recklessly in my bag and began to run out of class. The teacher was walking towards me worried when the door slammed open. I was quickly in Edward's arms. His left arm snuck around my waist and his right hand rested on my head holding it against his chest. I heard him tell my teacher he was taking me home and away from the disgusting people that were so uncaring and rude.

I could feel him trembling and I knew he was angry. His tone said it all. He grabbed my bag slipping it on his shoulder and lifting me in his strong arms. I didn't care at this moment what he did, what anyone did I just wanted to die.

I felt him sit down with me in his lap and the car start. I glanced up to see Alice peering over the seat worried and Jasper driving. I buried my face in his chest again. He said nothing, simply caressed my back lightly. It felt so good to be held in such a caring way. I have no idea how he knew what happened to me but right now I don't care just as long as he is here.

I assumed we were home when he carried me inside. I heard Esme gasp and quickly come over to check on me.

"You want to put her on the couch?" She asked worried. "I can call Carlisle."

"It's ok mom, I'll take her up to my room. Dad can check on her when he's home. If I need him before them I'll let you know."

"Ok." She replied weakly.

I was being laid on a soft bed but I refused to let him go. He tried to pull at my arms but I didn't respond. I wanted him here holding me and to never let me go.

"Bella, you must let me go, I won't leave you I just have to pull the covers up."

"You can't go, please." I begged. He caressed my cheek. "I promise, I'll be beside you just let me get the covers." True to his word he grabbed the covers and was in front of me again. I slid my arm around his waist as my head again found his hard chest. He was cold, he always was. I wonder if he's anemic of something? He is always pale, hmmm.

The fingers trailing my spine brought me out of my thoughts. I don't think he was thinking about what he was doing. I glanced up and his eyes were shut. He looked so peaceful. I took the moment to appraise him. His pale creamy skin, his dark tussled hair that always looked so sexy, his perfectly curved pink lips that beckoned to be kissed, the dark long lashes that I now realized were blinking occasionally as he looked back at me through radiant gold eyes. God, his eyes… It was then I felt his finger trace the planes of my lips.

I guess I wasn't the only one admiring the view. I fought a rush of desire but I could not pull away from his mesmerizing eyes. I moved my leg and too late realized it was now laying over his. His hand pressed my lower back pulling me closer. It wasn't far, we weren't that far apart to begin with.

My treacherous heart skipped at beat as I stared at him. My skin was prickling with unbridled heat. How could a man be any more beautiful than he was? I felt every hard muscle in his body, even a certain one I am sure he wished me not to feel yet he didn't pull away.

I decided to be bold, I wanted to feel alive and I didn't care how I accomplished that. I moved up and watched his surprised eyes as I kissed him quickly, I didn't pull away waiting to see his reaction. It was almost immediate. His right hand moved to rest on my jaw and his thumb caressing back and forth. I sighed turning my head to take him in deeper.

I felt his tongue pushing against my lips so I opened them allowing him entrance. Breathe I told myself, breathe as the oxygen quickly left my lungs and came in quick spurts. I felt his left hand grasp the back of my shirt tightly and decided maybe I could take this further.

My body was such a betrayer of my need, it wasn't like he didn't get the general idea I am sure. He moaned his tongue doing things with mine I never thought possible. I was vulnerable and I wanted him and unfortunately he knew it. I ran a shaky hand under his shirt and traced the waistband of his jeans. I felt him freeze and suddenly he pushed me back to see my face.

"S..Stop." I couldn't believe he was stuttering. "Bella, I'm sorry. That was inappropriate of me. You are in no condition…and I…" He pulled away sitting on the edge of the bed and running his long fingers through his hair.

"You aren't in any condition." He repeated nervously, "To make lifelong decisions here. I lost my head, I'm sorry."

"No, I wanted to. I mean I wanted to feel alive, to just feel something. It wasn't your fault. I started it."

"Hardly." He argued.

"I really didn't think you would kiss me back, I thought…" I trailed off looking down. His cool hand stroked my hair, "You thought what love?" I don't know why he keeps calling me that but I really like it.

"I mean it's not like I am your type or anything." I said cautiously. He raised an eyebrow, "Really? And just what is my type?"

"I don't know. Gorgeous, stunning, great body. What else can I say?"

I heard him laughing then looked up to see him lean close, "Guess what Bella, you are all of the above. I guess that would make you my type huh?"

My face heated and I turned red. He stood, "Let's get you something to eat."

"I'm not really…" he cut me off, "Nevertheless you will eat something." I sighed dragging myself out of bed. I didn't want to move but I knew he wanted things to cool off. He took my hand and we walked slowly downstairs. Jasper looked up from his book. "Everything ok?

He wasn't looking at me but at Edward for some odd reason. Edward nodded and continued to pull me into the kitchen. Esme smiled setting a plate in front of me. "I hoped you would eat something."

"Edward insisted."

"Good." She winked at him and sat down beside Rosalie as they continued their conversation making sure to include me. Edward leaned down, "I am going to do a few things. You relax and we'll talk later."

"Ok." I looked into his warm eyes and melted. When he looked at me like that it was like the world around us disappeared. I found myself unconsciously leaning towards him. He stopped me with a finger to my lips and the most sensuous look I have ever seen. He then stood and disappeared.

I turned back to my food and fortunately his family didn't seem to notice the exchange. I had no knowledge at that time that they were anything but human or that they always saw everything. I had a lot to learn about the Cullen's.