JPOV
"This is getting serious." I told Alice as I opened the car door for her.
"What is?" She asked innocently.
"You know what."
"The whole 'Edward seems to be falling in love with the most dangerous girl in the universe while risking exposing us and annoying the hell out of her boyfriend in the process' thing?"
"Yes."
"Oh, I'm not worried."
"And why would that be?"
"Edward's a strong guy. He made it through the first day. I'm just worried about my vision."
"The one about Edward and Mike Newton fighting?" I asked.
"The very one." Alice paused. "And a few others. I've been sure not to think about them around Edward lately. I don't think he'd like me very much afterwards if I told him."
"Please continue." I urged.
"Well, I'm worried about you."
"Me? Out of all the things to worry about, you worry about me?"
"It's a moot point. Forget it. But I have been having other visions."
She was as confusing as ever. I loved her too much to get angry though. I raised my eyebrows at her, waiting for her to continue.
"Such as?" I pressed.
"Bella is going to be a bigger part of our lives than we might think if Edward doesn't straighten up. I don't really mind. Apparently Rose will though. And Mike Newton is going to be a problem."
"How so?"
"I'm assuming you've been feeling hatred when you're around Edward?"
"You should have felt it the night he was ranting about how indecent humans were in this century. The way he talked about how Newton treated Bella…"
"Exactly."
"You don't think that's he'll do something stupid, do you?" I asked urgently.
"That's exactly what I think." She said. I stared.
"Know, or think."
"One leads to another, for me."
"What did you see, Alice?"
"I saw them fighting. I just really hope Edward followed my advice. Messing with this is trouble. How's he feeling lately?"
"He's an emotional wreck. Longing, hatred, passion, love, confusion, murderous…" I shrugged. "The list goes on really.
"Hmm." Alice frowned.
"What is it?" I asked.
"Love?" she raised her eyebrows.
"I know. I've been wondering too. It's great in the sense that he's finally felt something for someone after 110 years. It's rather ironic that he wants to kill her at the same time."
"I'm not sure whether to be happy of sad right now."
"I could have told you that."
"Well, I'm happy for Edward, upset for Mike because it seems that he does like her-,"
"Scratch that last part. You should hear Edward talk about him. Apparently he just wants to impress his friends."
"Lovely. I'm scared for Bella as well. But happy because maybe this means that we'll have a new member of the family!"
I gaped at her in horror. How could she think that?
"Alice? Honestly. Consider what you just said. Firstly, she's with Mike Newton. They're happy."
"For now, anyway." Alice muttered.
"For now." I agreed. "Carlisle would never allow that. I can't see Edward doing that either."
"I can." Alice protested.
"Seriously?"
"I would never lie."
"You're visions aren't always accurate."
"I never said that they were."
"Anyway, this is pointless. Edward will not let this go too far. Even if it does, Carlisle will stop it." I persisted.
"Sure, sure." Alice rolled her eyes and smiled.
I leaned in and kissed her. It was impossible to be annoyed right now. I loved her too much. I wondered if Edward felt that way too.
EPOV
I don't know why I did it. I just couldn't bear to see Bella Swan, innocent, beautiful Bella Swan, be interrogated by Newton. If she wanted to kiss him, I would leave them alone. It was none of my business to begin with. If he pushed her too far, if she said no but he was as much of a pig as his thoughts seemed, then I had to stop this. That was my promise. That was my deal as I followed Mike and Bella home. I stayed a distance away from them, just in case they saw me. After tonight, I wouldn't bother them again. Unless.
BPOV
Mike followed me home again. Charlie wasn't home yet, as usual. Mike stretched across the sofa beside me and reluctantly pulled out some textbooks. We worked for a while, and I was fairly happy. Mike put his arm around me. I didn't really mind. After a few minutes, Mike leaned towards me. Hadn't I made it clear last night? I really didn't want to be around him if he was going to be like this. I turned my face away.
"No, Mike." I said evenly.
He pulled his arm away.
"Why, Bella?" He asked.
"Can't you just respect things? Take it slow? I'm not ready. Please, Mike." I said.
"Fine." He said grudgingly.
When I turned to smile at him slightly, that's when he did it. He pushed his lips to mine so quickly and held me against him. The nerve! That was it. Whatever we had before, we were over. I tried to raise my hand to slap him or push him away… something. Then my saviour rang the doorbell.
EPOV
I watched through the window. He tried. I grounded my teeth together. I couldn't break through the window. Ringing the bell would have to do. Enough of a distraction. Enough to give her an escape. I was okay. I didn't lose my temper. But when he forcibly kissed her? When he pushed himself against her? When she tried to get away… I growled viciously. I ran to the door in half a second and rang it. I didn't have a plan. I really was a moron, wasn't I?
MPOV
Bella was seriously annoying me. I crushed my lips to hers. I felt her struggling. I didn't care. This whole thing was just to say that I had made out with her. Whether she liked it or not. Than the bell rang. I swear I could have screamed. I stormed over to the door and threw it open. Bella still was sitting on the couch, her eyes really wet. Her face hurt and angry. I didn't care.
And who was it but Cullen! He looked really angry, but controlled.
"What are you doing here?" I demanded.
Honestly… could he show up at a worse time? I got what I had wanted already, but still. Leave it to a Cullen to mess everything up.
BPOV
Who had stopped him? Who distracted Mike? I owed them forever. I looked up over the edge of the sofa and saw Edward Cullen. What could he want? I was really confused now. He hates me, he growls at Mike, he's perfectly friendly and a little persistent with small talk, and then he comes to my house. It didn't make any sense. I looked at him curiously. He really was the most handsome boy I had ever seen. And then he caught my eye.
I couldn't look away. His eyes were just so… mesmerising. The black eyes that had been there when I had first met him were replaced with a liquid gold. They were beautiful. And I couldn't look away. Mike snapped me out of it.
"What are you doing here?" Mike demanded.
I waited for the answer too.
EPOV
This was a very bad idea. I tried to come up with an excuse. What was a valid reason to knock on her door? Maybe she forgot something… but I didn't have anything to give her. Maybe I could say that I had something for her and then take her outside to my car. Then I could tell her that I thought Mike was hurting her so I came to get her out. But wouldn't that make me seem like a repulsive stalker? It was all that I had. And I had to do something.
"May I talk to Bella?" I tried to sound very calm.
"Humph." Mike almost growled.
He walked over Bella and practically dragged her over. This was getting exceedingly more difficult. While not breathing over Bella's scent, I was also trying not to kill Mike for even thinking about laying one finger on her.
Bella was suddenly right infront of me. She looked confused and slightly shaken. And the smell of her… It had my mouth watering with venom. I tried to focus on the purpose for being here.
"You left one of your textbooks in Biology. I thought that I'd bring it for you." I had to try something.
"Thank-you." Bella paused. "Where is it?"
"I left it in my car. Would you like to come get it?"
I let my eyes burn hers. She got the message, thankfully.
"Be right back." She murmured to Mike without looking at him.
He looked furious. We marched out the door. Mike tried to follow but I gave him a look. For the first time, I tried to look like a vampire. He jumped back in fright. I smiled.
"I'm guessing that there is no textbook?" Bella asked.
"Correct."
"Then what do you want?"
"I just wanted to make sure you were okay."
BPOV
How could he know what happened between me and Mike? Was he watching us? How could he come at the exact moment when I needed him to? I was far past trying to understand my emotions. I felt flattered. Odd.
"Why would I not be okay?" I asked.
EPOV
I really needed a plan now. I was moronic for coming tonight. Bella was a very capable woman who could take care of herself. For the most part, anyway. I took a deep breath. Big mistake. I choked back venom.
"I'm assuming that you want the truth?" I asked.
"Yes." She crossed her arms.
Well the truth is that I'm a vampire and I can read minds. I saw what Mike Newton was planning so I got worried and followed you home. I also want to eat you. I almost killed him and I'm about to kill you now. Do you mind not breathing? It makes it harder for me to not kill you.
Yes, the whole truth was out of the question. Partial truth was the only way.
"Well, I sort of overheard Newton talking to his friends at school. He said that he was going to kiss you tonight, no matter what you wanted. So I got a little worried about you. I debated telling you but I didn't want you to think of me as a stalker or anything along those lines. So I just wanted to check and make sure that you were okay."
Her mouth hung open.
BPOV
If that was true, then I had a question.
"Why do you even care? I was under the impression that you didn't like me."
"I'm sorry. I wasn't… myself that day. Please forgive me." Edward said.
"Well, thank-you." I paused. "You came at the right time. You were right."
"I thought so." He said smugly.
"I can handle this. But thanks. You're a real lifesaver."
"Anytime."
"Well, see you at school."
"Yes."
"Bye."
"Bye, Bella."
And he drove away, smiling slightly.
MPOV
That look that Cullen gave me… It was like he was a monster or something… I don't get it. I closed the door after Bella came in and pulled her back to the couch. She crossed her arms and sat far away from me. That just wasn't acceptable.
"Where's that textbook Cullen wanted to give you?" I demanded.
"It… uh… turned out that it was his textbook and not mine. Mine is at his house. He just mixed them up. I'm getting it back tomorrow." Bella stuttered.
Sure. I'll let that one slide. I grabbed her hand. She pulled away and edged further away.
"I think that you should go." She said coldly.
"Why?" I asked.
"Because."
"What a brilliant answer, that is."
"You seemed nice, Mike. But whatever we had before is over now. I don't want to see you again. Go home and leave me alone." Bella said.
Huh. And I thought I was doing her a favour. That's the way she wants it… fine.
"You're making a big mistake. Whatever, Bella."
I stood up and walked out the door, muttering about stupid women in the process.
BPOV
Mike closed the door. The tears started a bit. I was glad that was over. If he was a guy that didn't respect women, that he wasn't the guy for me. It was really nice of Edward to check on me. It was also rather creepy. Flattering too. I didn't understand anything anymore. I straightened myself out and headed to the kitchen to start supper for Charlie and I.
I just hoped that this whole thing wouldn't ruin my year at Forks High School. Mike really was a jerk. Jessica could have him for all I cared. The casserole was finished when Charlie walked through the door.
"Smells good, Bells." He said appreciatively.
"Thanks, Char-Dad. How was work?" I asked.
"Slow. Harry and I mostly played cards. How was school?"
"Slow as well."
Charlie and I ate in silence. I was ready to go to bed. This was just the longest day of my life.