I know...it's been a while...RL is sticky for me and FFn is having trouble so I'm having problem with updates.

Thank you for your patience :) I hope this chapter is worth to wait.

This is chapter 16.

Chapter 16

The Three Words

I went home exactly at midnight after saying goodbye to Edward. Since the next day is Sunday, I had planned to spend my day in my dorm. I've had a busy week and I really need time to take a break. Alice already fell asleep when I came in into my room. I smiled slightly, grabbed my toiletries bag and headed to the bathroom. I stopped momentarily when I looked at my reflection in the mirror. Brown hair, brown eyes, pale skin...I still couldn't imagine how Edward could find me beautiful. I shivered slightly when I remember the first word he said to me...You're beautiful.

My lips felt tingle when I remember our kiss. It was gentle, but also passionate and dare I say...it's kinda hot too.

I blushed.

And the way he offered our relationship as more than friend...

I admitted I was attracted to him too, but I need to make sure about it first. I was the first person who could get close to him after he got in to Our Hearts. His opinion could be blurred and a little biased. But, he is perceptive and smart. Surely, he knew our relationship is special. I do care for him, not only as an observer to her subject, but also as her friend and perhaps a little bit more. At least, that was Edward asking earlier.

I sat on toilet lid and ran my hand through my hair. I knew I shouldn't get involved with my subject in the first place. It's dangerous to me. But, as much as it's forbidden, but I can't help myself. I see something in Edward and I want to help him.

Surely, I supposed to help him in professional way, not in intimate way.

"Bella?"

I raised my head and saw Alice looked at me with sleepy eyes. I smiled. "Sorry, if I woke you up. I just want to brush my teeth and wash my face, but I think I get a little distraction."

Alice smiled tenderly and yawned. "No, it's alright. It's been a while since the last time I talk to you. So, how was it?"

I sighed. "Everything is good. My project is almost done and I only have two weeks left in Our Hearts."

Alice blinked. "Oh." She got in into the bathroom and sat on the bathroom floor. "And this makes you sad?"

I shrugged. "In a way, yes. I will miss those kids and the place. I've learned so much from them."

My best friend nodded. "How about him?"

I looked at her. Alice's blue eyes stared at me intently and my stomach clenched.

"Him?"

"Edward."

My heart skipped a beat.

I swallowed hard and I looked away from her eyes. "I will miss him too," I answered her in low voice.

I heard Alice sigh. "That's not what I meant, silly. I was asking how do you feel about him," she said to me.

I twisted my hands nervously. "Well...he's a nice guy...and..."

Alice chuckled. "See? You can't even answer my question properly."

I could feel my cheeks getting warmer.

"Bella?"

I raised my head and looked at Alice. She smiled and held my hand. "Do you like him?"

I took a deep breath and nodded slowly. "More than like, I think. I care about him and this thing really confused me."

Alice furrowed her eyebrows. "Why?"

"Because I'm not supposed to get involved with my subject."

"Well, Bella...as long as I remember, you're subject is Margaret, not Edward. And do you feel getting involved with her personally?"

"That's not the case, Alice."

"Then, what is it?"

"Because it's wrong!" I snapped at her and rose from where I sat. My breathing was getting shallow while Alice looking at me from the floor. "I care about her. I care about Edward. But, it's wrong because I shouldn't be like this. I supposed to treat them professionally, not personally. My project could be ruined."

She didn't answer me.

The bathroom went silent and the only sound echoed in the room was our breathing.

"And what was your lecturer said to you the last time you saw him?" Alice asked me calmly.

I closed my eyes and leaned to the wall. I opened my eyes again and looked at her. "He said it was good."

Alice shrugged. "So, it's not wrong."

"But-"

My words are cut because suddenly I saw Alice stood from where she sat and held my hands. "Bella, I know I'm not a Psychology student, but I learned so much from you. I think in your case, black and white doesn't apply. Sometimes you can live in grey world." And then, Alice gave me the meaningful look.

The grey world.

I know what she meant and I know it was actually didn't apply in my world.

But, just like Alice said the world is not exactly black and white. Sometimes we need to step into the grey world. And maybe that was what happening to me. I was stepping into the grey world the moment I saw Edward from the window. And I realized I could not turning back now.

"I don't know if I could do this, Alice," Suddenly I let the words came out.

Alice smiled. "You won't know if you don't try."

"But, what if I failed?" I asked her in desperation. I couldn't hurt Edward or Margaret again after what they had been through.

Alice sighed. "I don't think you're going to fail. If you do, they won't survive until this moment."

I smiled weakly. "You have so much faith in me."

Alice smiled back. "Not just me. But, they do too."

I was alone in Sunday because Alice had a date with Jasper. I didn't know how many times they were out for a date, but I think their relationship is getting more serious. Wow, who would have thought you could find a boyfriend by shopping at the mall? Maybe I could start shopping soon.

My phone was vibrated on my desk when I just finished my lunch at the cafe near my campus. I furrowed my eyebrows when I looked at the numbers. It was not register on my phone. I held my vibrating phone until suddenly it stopped. I erased the number and prepared to go home when my phone vibrated again. I rolled my eyes and looked at the screen. I had one message. I opened it, guessing it was from Alice telling me what time she will come home. But, instead of Alice, I received a message from someone I didn't expect at all.

Hey, Bella...
Um...it's Edward. I was the one who called you earlier, but I think you didn't recognize my number. If you're not busy, can you let me know when I could call you today? I miss you.

Edward

I blinked several times.

How did he get my number?

Oh well...it wasn't surprise me. He could ask Kate or maybe Carlisle for my number. I smiled slightly and replied his text.

I'm on my way home. Call me 10 minutes later

Bella

I smiled again and put my phone on my pocket. I grabbed my bag and walked back to my dorm.

My phone vibrated again when I just put my bag on my desk. I glanced at the digital clock on Alice's desk and shook my head when I realized it was already 10 minutes passed. I sat on my bed and smiled. I pulled out my phone and pressed the answer button.

"Hello?"

"Hello. Hey, Bella," I heard the velvety voice on the other line and my heart skipped a beat. I heard Edward's voice so many times, but why his voice sounded so sexy on the phone? I shook my head slightly.

Focus, Bella!

"Um...hey," I answered him. I didn't know why, but I could feel myself blushing.

"You're not busy, aren't you?" Edward asked me. He sounded unsure.

I smiled and lay on my back on the bed. "No, it's Sunday. I usually just stay inside my room, listening to music or maybe fiddling around on the internet. Nothing much."

"Well, it's good, then. I don't want to disturb you."

I chuckled. "No, you're not." I pursed my lips. I wonder how did he get my number. "Can I ask you something?"

"Yeah."

"How did you get my number?"

There was a pause for a moment before I heard him laugh nervously.

I raised my eyebrows. "Oh, so you think it's funny?"

Edward cleared his throat. "No, Bella. It's not. I'm sorry. I just...surprised."

"Surprised?"

"Uh...I already had your number for a while, but I wasn't sure to call you before because I know our...relationship were just...well, a friend. But, I can't lie to myself, Bella. I want to hear your voice. I miss you every time it comes to weekend because you're not here. So...let's just say I was gathering my bravery to call you now."

Honestly, my heart felt warm when I heard his confession and mostly his confession. No one ever did that to me before. But, I know it's risky too. If this didn't work, not only I who could get hurt, but him too.

"Bella? Are you angry with me?"

I took a deep breath. "No, Edward. I'm not angry. I just feel...so special."

I could hear him sigh. "You are special to me, Bella."

I nodded slowly and traced random pattern on the sheet. "But, it's also risky."

He sighed again. "Yes, I know, but I need you."

I closed my eyes briefly and opened it again. "Why?"

"Huh?"

"Why do you need me, Edward? Am I someone you need to help you survive or what?"

"What?" His voice was hurt.

I looked over to the ceiling. "You need to make sure, Edward. You need to-"

"I'm capable to sort out my feelings, Bella," his voice turned hard and cold.

I shivered.

"What is exactly your intention asking me that question?" Edward asked me coldly.

Hearing his cold voice reminded me to the early days when I just met him. Cold, distant, unsure...and my eyes brimmed with tears. This is exactly what I fear. I don't want to hurt him.

"Because I don't want to hurt you," I answered him with shaky voice. I fought hard for my tears not to fall, but I failed.

"Oh...Bella-"

"I can't hurt you, Edward," I answered him while wiping away my tears.

"Are you crying?" He asked in alarm.

I sniffed. "A little." GOD, I even couldn't remember the last time I cried.

He cursed under his breath. "I'm sorry, Bella. I didn't mean to...Damn it! Really, I'm sorry. Please..."

I took deep breaths. "I know. I understand. Don't worry."

Silence.

"I'm sorry. Really, I am," Edward said again.

I tried to smile. "It's okay. I just...feel sad when I remember the first time we met. You were so cold and distant."

Edward laughed lightly. "Not a best impression, eh? But, I'm improved."

I laughed back. "Yeah, I know." I pursed my lips. "So, what did you do in your spare time?"

Edward took a deep breath. "Well, nothing much. Just stay in my room all day. Boring."

I giggled.

"See? It's so much better to hear you giggle or laugh. I love it when you do that. Your eyes are sparkling."

My heart swelled again. My, this man really knows how to make someone feels special.

"Thank you," I smiled. "I bet you said that to another girl too."

Edward chuckled. "Sorry to disappoint you, Bella, but...no. I've never complimented someone until now."

I blinked. Seriously?

"You're the first one."

"Really?" I couldn't resist asking.

"Yes."

I smiled. "Thank you, Edward."

"Anytime, Bella. Uh...I think I should let you rest now. Enjoy your Sunday, dear," he said again.

I laughed lightly. "You too, Edward. Bye."

"Bye. And, Bella..."

"Yes?"

"I love you."

I gasped and the line went dead.

Any normal girls will feel elated if someone confessed his love to her, but I think it doesn't apply to me. Edward's words still echoed in my mind and I was afraid to talk in my sleep so I couldn't sleep either. I was sure I didn't look good when I arrived at Our Hearts in Monday morning.

"Hey, Bella. Are you alright?" Margaret asked me when I met her in the main hall.

I nodded and rubbed my eyes. "I just didn't get any sleep last night."

Margaret frowned. "You should get some sleep, Bella. You look exhausted."

I stifled a yawn. "No, I will be fine." And then, I looked at her. "How are you, by the way? You and Edward seem close. What did I miss during my absence?"

The young girl smiled. "Didn't Edward tell you anything?"

And now it was my turn to frown. "No. He said I should ask you and answer the question, please."

Margaret giggled. "You are cute when you're angry."

I rolled my eyes. "Oh, please."

"It's not a big deal. Bella. He helped me."

I raised my eyebrows. "Helped you?"

Margaret nodded and looked to the window. Several kids were playing soccer outside. "He helped me with Jeremy."

I furrowed my eyebrows. "Jeremy?" An image of a boy with James crossed in my mind and I shivered. Yes, I remember him. "What happened with you and Jeremy?"

Margaret pursed her lips and looked back at me. "He was...trying to offer...things...to me."

"Things? What things?"

She shrugged. "You know...the illegal stuff."

I blinked several times. Illegal stuff? I tried to remember what Margaret told me about Jeremy and then I realized Jeremy was using drugs before he got in. My eyes widened.

"He offered you...drugs?" I asked her in disbelief.

Margaret nodded slowly.

"But...how? This place is supposed to be safe."

Margaret chuckled. "Yes, but this place is also fragile. I know that now."

"Oh, I'm sorry. I wish I was here at that time," I said apologetically.

She smiled timidly. "No, it's alright. Edward accompanied me all the time when you were not here."

I blinked again. "He did?"

She nodded again. "He really likes you, Bella. He is."

I took a deep breath. Wow, this is news. I rubbed my face tiredly. "Yeah, I guess you're right."

Margaret frowned again. "I think you should trying to sleep, Bella. Besides I have my therapy session today. I'm sure Kate or Garrett has a nice couch in their office for you to sleep in."

I nodded slowly. "I think so." I looked at her and smiled. "Thank you, Margaret. I'm so proud of you."

She grinned.

I smiled and got up from my chair to walk back to the main building. Kate and Garrett were not in the office when I got there, but I spotted a nice couch to sleep in. Margaret was right, though.

I yawned again and suddenly I felt so exhausted. I put my bag on the floor and curled on the couch. I thought I was asleep when my head hit the comfortable couch.

I didn't know how long I was sleeping when I felt somebody stroked my hair gently. Hmm...I like it so I snuggled back to my sleep. Between my consciousness, I heard velvety voice murmured in my ear, "Sleep, my Bella. I love you."

Well...finally, he said it ^_^

Oh, did you guys know about BD leaked pics? So HOT, right? :P Also, there are pictures from BD wrap party and Kristen's birthday celebration. Seriously, April 9 should become national holiday because it seems all the world is celebrating Kristen's birthday :)

And, I just updated my Robsten story, 'What Hurts The Most', the link is on my profile.

As always, please, kindly to leave your review.

Thank you ^_^