I found Jessica waiting for me in front of my last class before lunch. She looked just as anxious to talk to me as she had the day before.
I sighed. I decided to cut her off before she could interrogate me about Edward again.
"Are you going to go to First Beach?" I asked as soon as I was within hearing range.
She seemed slightly taken aback by my question. "Yeah. Are you?"
"I was thinking about it."
"It will be fun. You should come." She began telling me all the activities they were planning and listing all the names of people who would be attending. I was not thrilled to find out that Lauren would be there, but I was satisfied that I had successfully distracted her.
The class seemed to go on forever. I anxiously jumped from my seat as soon as the bell rang and headed out of the classroom. Just as I walked over the threshold of the classroom door my toe caught. I closed my eyes tightly preparing to meet the floor. I felt something cold and strong wrap around me and looked up to find Edward smiling down at me. I blushed as he set me back on my feet. He grabbed my book bag that had fallen onto the floor and slung it over his shoulder.
He smirked.
"Thanks." I mumbled embarrassed.
"Shall we?" He asked.
I nodded in reply following him into the lunchroom. All eyes were on us as I trailed after him into the lunch line. I kept my head down avoiding all the curious looks that people were giving us. I didn't bother objecting as he reached for a tray and began to fill it with food. I watched as he paid for the food, and quietly led us to a table off in a corner.
"Eat." He commanded pushing the tray towards me as soon as I had taken a seat.
"Aren't you going to eat anything?"
He shrugged and then smiled. "I had a big breakfast."
I frowned and reached forward grabbing a blueberry bagel tearing a piece off and chewing slowly. He was watching me eat intently. It made me feel uncomfortable. I looked away and noticed Edward's family sitting across the room. The small pixie one, I recognized as Alice, was looking our way with a small smile across her lips. I wondered what she was smiling at. It was amazing how her smile seemed to make her even more beautiful just like her brother, if that were even possible. They were all so beautiful—too beautiful.
"Tell me what you're thinking?" Edward asked suddenly.
I looked back and locked eyes with him. Mesmerized by the intensity of his stare I blurted out what was on my mind before thinking. "I was wondering what made you all so beautiful."
I instantly turned deep red and looked down at the table. Stupid!
"I could ask you the same question." He responded after a few minutes. I could plainly hear the smile in his voice.
I could feel my cheeks heat up, the blush on my face only intensifying at his words. I rolled my eyes. I was not ugly, but I was far from beautiful. I choose to ignore him and tore off another piece of bagel.
"I think your friends are angry with me for stealing you." He smiled.
"They'll live."
"Will you be going then?"
I raised my eyebrows in confusion at him. "Going?"
He chuckled. "To First Beach." He clarified.
"I'm not sure." I hesitated briefly wondering if I was brave enough to ask my next question. "Will you be going?" We were friends now I reasoned. Friends invited other friends to things.
"I don't think I was invited." His lips twitched at the ends as he fought a smile. "But I'll be going out of town with my brothers anyway."
"Oh." I said trying to hide my disappointment. "Where will you be going?"
"Camping. We like to camp."
"Well, have fun."
"We'll try." He smiled with a twinkle in his eye. I felt as though I were missing something—maybe an inside joke of some sort, I wasn't sure.
I took a sip of my apple juice and took a few more bites of my bagel. I tried to hide a yawn, but saw Edward frown at me. Not sleeping well was catching up to me. I was ready for a nap. I rubbed my eyes tiredly trying to make myself more alert.
"You're exhausted." He stated. There was no question in his voice.
I smiled. "I'm ok. There are only two more periods. I can make it."
He raised his eyebrows incredulously. "Bella you need to rest more and take care of yourself."
"I do." I insisted.
He raised an eyebrow at me skeptically. "They are blood typing in biology and you only study during gym. I think you can afford to go home early."
Wait how did he know what I did during gym? "How did you know…" I shook my head deciding to leave it for another day. I had a point I would not be missing much. The smell of blood made me ill, and Charlie would not mind picking me up…
"Fine. I'll go home after lunch."
He smiled victoriously getting out of his seat and coming to my side.
"What are you doing?" I asked perplexed.
"Taking you home." He muttered as if it were obvious. "I'm your ride remember?"
"No. You can't skip. I'll call Charlie. He won't mind."
He shook his head before I was even done speaking. "I was planning on skipping anyway. You just gave me a valid reason." He smiled the crooked smile I loved so much stunning me, making me speechless.
He quickly emptied my tray of food and I followed him outside. I went to the front desk to excuse myself while he got his car.
The nurse new of my condition and there was no problem with getting myself excused. I yawned again as I walked to his car. A nap would defiantly be good, though I hated that he always seemed to be right.
As soon as I was strapped in he took off. I closed my eyes resting my head back against the seat. He had classical music playing but I was not familiar with whoever it was. But I couldn't help relax further as it flowed throughout the car.
I must have fallen asleep because the next thing I remember is feeling weightless. I opened my eyes with a start looking all around. I was in Edward's arms being carried up the stairs to my bedroom. I turned red as I squirmed trying to free myself from his hold, but he held tighter.
He set me down on my bed very gently and smiled. "You fell asleep and I didn't want to wake you." He explained. His eyes were liquid gold, and so tender. "You looked so peaceful." He muttered as he reached out and softly ran his thumb along my jaw. Though his skin was ice cold, my skin burned red hot where he had touched me. I could feel my heart accelerate as he looked deep into my eyes.
"I should leave." He announced backing away from my bed.
I frowned. I wanted him to stay. I wanted to talk more. I opened my mouth to protest but he raised one hand to stop me.
"You need to rest." He insisted. "I'll pick you up again tomorrow if that's alright."
"That's fine." I verified turning a soft shade of pink.
He grinned. "Sleep well Bella. 'Till tomorrow."
I watched him turn and leave my room shutting the door behind him. I flung myself back on my bed taking a few deep breaths. I didn't know how long him picking me up for school was going to last, but I never wanted it to end. I tuned on my side with a wide smile on my face and closed my eyes.
