It had been almost a week since I had decided to try and get to know Edward Cullen. Working up the nerve was harder than I thought. Every day I walked into class, my heart would skip several beats as I took in his presence. How was I going to do this? Would I just walk up and go, "Hi, my name is Bella and I'm a friendless freak, want to have lunch?" If no other person in this school had the courage to approach him or any of his family, what made me think he would even give me the chance? The guy barely knew I existed, he would probably think I was some crazy stalker.

Monday morning was here, the day I decided I would open my mouth and try my best to put together a coherent sentence in front of Edward Cullen. I had the weekend to put together some sort of conversation starter; I had settled on something neutral. I would ask him about a homework assignment in English. Yes, I knew the assignment, in fact, I had already completed it, but he didn't have to know that!

When I pulled into the parking lot, I saw his car- OK, he's here. That's a good sign. I had three hours to prepare myself mentally for what I was about to attempt. God, why does class always go so slow any other day? Time flew by, and my heart literally fell into my stomach as the bell ending third hour rung.

I walked a little faster than usual; I didn't want an audience when I tried to talk to Edward. Before I knew it, I was entering the classroom. Whew, no one here. I even beat Edward to class. I pulled out my notebook and pretended to read something in my notes.

When he walked through the door, I felt that electrical shock go through my body again. God, he had a great affect on my hormones. He took his seat, and I slowly drew in a ragged breath and began my attempt at a conversation.

"Edward?"

There, done. I made the first sentence…or word.

He seemed a little alarmed; you could tell he wasn't used to being talked to by others. He turned around and met my gaze. Damn, what genetic duo made this living, walking perfection?

"Umm, I- I had a question about an assignment that's due Thursday. Wh- What was the, umm, the name of the outline we have to follow for the paper?" That wasn't so bad.

"I believe it's called a flow outline." This voice was divine, and the smile to follow could melt iron.

"Oh yeah, thank you." Small talk accomplished. I initiated the conversation, now lets see how far I can ride this out.

"So, how do you like Forks so far?"

"It's not bad. I haven't really been out much." Oh really?

"Yeah, there isn't much to do. We have some pretty nice trails when the weather cooperates."

He nodded. "Sounds nice, does it ever stop raining long enough to go?" He's talking back, this is good.

"Ha, good question, maybe twice a month. But it's worth it. When the sun is out, its a nice occasion." Just then, Edward started laughing.

"What?" I was confused.

He was still smiling, "Nothing, you wouldn't understand." His face was covered in humor, I had a feeling he hadn't smiled like that in a while. I was wondering if this was my outlet to ask if he would like to take a hiking trip soon, but the bell rung and class started.

Mrs. Blount talked about our next book assignment, and I couldn't help but think about Edward the whole time. I was so proud of myself for taking a chance. I felt on top of the world, like I conquered a fear. Edward seemed to appreciate my conversation. Maybe I can do this. His face was ingrained in my mind, and I couldn't help but turn around and steal a glance, but as I did, he was already staring at me. When I met his eyes, I couldn't move. He never broke the gaze. Not till the loud bell sounded, reminding us the period was over. Whatever confidence I had went out the window, and embarrassment rushed over my face. I was positive he thought I was crazy now. I immediately got out of my seat, and rushed to the door, and catching my foot on the door stop. As I was preparing to embrace the hard floor, I felt a cold hand grab my arm and winced at the sudden chill I got. When I looked up to see the ice cold hero, it was none other than Edward himself.

"I'm starting to think hiking isn't the best hobby for you." Oh, he was funny too?

"Umm, yeah, it's an issue, but I'm pretty ambitious." Please don't think I'm as inept as I seem.

The next words out of my mouth shocked even me.

"Hey, would you like to have lunch with me, I mean, in the cafeteria?" Oh my god, did that just come from my mouth?

He seemed to be fighting with something internally, and he looked around like he was being watched.

"Yeah, I don't see how that would be a matter of concern." What? I'm not even going to ask what he meant by that.

As we walked to the cafeteria, I noticed how he kept a distance between us, as if we were not even walking together. He probably doesn't want anyone to think you're with him.

We got our food and sat down at my usual table far away from the rest of the others.

He looked at me concerned, "This is where you usually sit?"

"Yeah, I like to keep to myself, makes things quiet and not so complicated." I suddenly realized how easy it was becoming to talk with him.

"I understand, I come from a private family, it's quite normal for me."

"Really? I noticed you and your family keep to yourselves." He looked up at me then, and opened his mouth to say something, but stopped.

I poked at my food and noticed he hadn't touched his at all. "You're not hungry?"

His face shot up, "Can I ask you something, Bella?"

Huh? "Sure."

"Why are you speaking to me?" When he said this, his face was sincere, as if he was trying to ask why I would want to talk to him. Now I knew something was strange.

"W- Well, I thought you might need some company, you looked so…lonely." Oh god, there you go.

He didn't say anything, so I apologized.

"No, Bella, it's fine. I can see how you thought that. I'm not the happiest looking person here, you interpreted me well." I did?

"Oh, I mean, I'm not saying you're depressed or anything, I just felt like you needed company."

He looked torn, like he was doing something he shouldn't be doing. "What about you Bella? Do you need company?" He was turning this around; I could see where this was going.

"No- I mean, yeah, I suppose I do." Oh, you're so pitiful. "So, where is your family at, do they eat lunch?"

He smiled, "They like to spend lunch outside."

"Do you think they're looking for you?" He shook his head.

"No, I'm not really the life of the lunch party." I laughed- so did he. He was so cunning.

A few minutes passed, but they weren't awkward, just silent. I was eager to ask him to if he wanted to do something during the weekend, and I was waiting for the right moment.

I looked at the time and it was five minutes till lunch was over. Just ask Bella, the least he can say is no. Not a big deal.

I looked up at him, "Do you think you would like to go out and explore Forks this weekend. That is, if the weather permits." He gave me a half smile. He didn't answer right away; instead, he stared at his hands. The seconds felt like hours and the fear of rejection was starting to creep up into my gut. Just as I was about to tell him to forget it, he looked up from his hands.

"What day would you like to go?" My heart leaped. The electric shock started to send waves through my body. Cool it, you're just hanging out.

I took in a deep breath, "I was thinking Sunday, if you're not busy." He flashed his grin, oh, that grin was godly.

"Yeah, that sounds ideal." Yes it does.

The bell sounded, and we took our tray to the disposal.

"Well, have a nice day. It was great to talk to you, thanks for having lunch with me." I was rambling.

"No problem Bella, I look forward to Sunday." Oh, you have no idea.

"Yeah, umm- ok, bye." He nodded and walked away.

Was I in a dream? I couldn't believe what just happened. I pulled some nerve out of nowhere and asked Edward on an outing. Today had been a huge step in a good direction. My usual gloom was now replaced with excitement and I was red with happiness. The rest of the day was now looking up.

I had six days to prepare myself for my day with Edward. Six days. That seemed like a lifetime from now.

After school, I went home and laid in my bed. I felt surreal, I felt…fantastic. The pit of my stomach seemed to almost be purring. It would send flares up to my heart in a rhythmic pattern. I couldn't help but grin from ear to ear. I had never felt so amused before. What was this? All I did was ask a guy to roam around Forks for Christ sake. Whatever this feeling was, I didn't want it to stop. I wanted to feel like this all the time. Whatever this is- whatever I'm feeling.