Friends

We drove to school that day without Edward. He had never returned home last night. I, of course, knew he was coming to school. I knew what he had being doing the previous night. In fact, he was waiting behind the trees after running to school. Nobody else seemed to notice, we all continued on our ways.

Jasper walked me to my first class.

"Where's Edward?" He asked.

"He's here," I stated, matter-of-factly.

"Where?" He looked around himself.

"No, not here here," I clarified. "But he's on the premises."

"Oh," Jasper said. "Where was he all night?"

I shrugged, "I don't know."

He laughed quietly, "Oh yes, you do. Fine, you don't have to tell me. I don't even care."

"Mmhmm," I smirked.

Before he could protest further, we reached my first period class.

"Thank you for walking me to class," I hugged him goodbye and took my place in the classroom. I was rather early, so I decided to see what Edward was up to. I closed my eyes, and as I watched, a huge smile crossed my face.

…

I walked to lunch with Jasper, beaming. Edward had talked to Bella. They had plans. Almost like a date…

A vision halted me to a stop. I saw Edward sitting alone at a usually deserted table.

When I snapped out of my trance, Emmett and Rosalie were standing behind me.

"So…Edward won't be joining us for lunch this afternoon," I tried to suppress my grin.

"And why would that be?" Jasper asked.

"He's going to sit with…" I hesitated. "Bella. Swan."

"That human girl?" Rosalie spat. "He's dooming us all, I hope he knows that."

"It's his funeral," Emmett commented.

"That ignorant, unthinking, moronic, selfish…"

She continued on as we walked to the lunchroom. All I could think about was how I would be able to speak to Bella soon. Actually talk to her. Besides that, Edward would be happy. Finally. His whining was growing very annoying.

We entered the cafeteria and spotted him seated alone at a different table, everyone around him stealing curious peeks.

The rest of us walked towards our usual table. Rosalie looked forward as she passed. Jasper gave Edward a small, encouraging smile. Emmett rolled his eyes and shook his head. I wore a huge, open lipped smile.

Can I talk to Bella now? I asked him excitedly.

"Keep out of it." He grumbled.

My face fell, but I refused to lose hope. Fine. Be stubborn. It's only a matter of time.

He sighed.

Don't forget about today's biology lab I cautioned.

He nodded. He hadn't forgotten.

They would be blood typing today. I had already skipped out on my class that morning. Edward may be strong, but he was no Carlisle.

I hurried to our table and plopped down eagerly, anxiously watching for Bella so I could eavesdrop on the conversation her and Edward were bound to have.

I saw her enter the cafeteria with Jessica Stanley and immediately look over at our table. I quickly fixed my glance on the ceiling and counted the square pattern that repeated across its entire surface.

I glanced back. She was looking at the ground, disappointed.

I grinned. They both clearly cared for each other. Now all I had to do was watch them realize it for themselves.

The two girls walked through the lunch line while Jessica blathered. Bella purchased a bottle of lemonade. I guess she wasn't hungry.

Jessica spotted Edward sitting alone.

"Edward Cullen is staring at you again," she said to Bella. "I wonder why he's sitting alone today?"

Bella scanned the room and locked eyes with Edward.

He motioned with his finger for her to join him. She seemed confused as to what he meant, so he winked at her.

I tried to stifle my laughter, letting out a small squeak.

This caught Jasper's attention. He raised a questioning eyebrow.

"Spying, are we?"

"It could be we," I whispered in a rush. "If you would join me."

"I don't usually condone such activities," he looked just as Bella stumbled over to Edward. "But that sounds…fun."

"Yay!" I clapped excitedly. "Now hush."

"Why don't you sit with me today?" Edward asked Bella.

She pulled out the chair skeptically, watching Edward carefully as she sat down.

They sat for a while in silence, each waiting for the other to speak.

"This is different," Bella finally spoke.

"Well…I decided as long as I was going to hell, I might as well do it thoroughly." Edward replied cryptically.

Jasper and I looked at each other.

"Nice," He commented.

I rolled my eyes and looked back to the pair.

"You know I don't have any idea what you mean," Bella replied.

Edward grinned, "I know. I think your friends are angry with me for stealing you."

"They'll survive," Bella would rather sit with Edward than her usual group.

"I may not give you back, though," he continued.

Bella gulped.

Edward chuckled, "You look worried."

"No," her voice broke. "Surprised, actually…what brought this on?"

"Love," I accidentally spoke aloud.

"You don't honestly think he loves her already, do you?" Jasper asked incredulously.

"No," I replied. "I know he does."

I tuned back into Edward and Bella's conversation.

"…so I'm giving up." Edward was saying.

"Ugh, you made me miss something!" I complained.

"I…" He tried to say.

"Shh!" I interrupted him.

"Giving up?" Bella asked, confused.

"Yes – giving up trying to be good. I'm just going to do what I want now, and let the chips fall where they may."

Victory!

"You lost me again," Bella said.

"I always say too much when I'm talking to you – that's one of the problems."

"Don't worry," she assured him. "I don't understand any or it."

"I'm counting on that."

"As am I," Jasper mumbled.

"Oh, hush, you." I shoved him

"So, in plain English, are we friends now?" Bella asked.

"Friends…" He played with the idea.

"Or not," she muttered awkwardly.

Edward smiled. "Well, we can try, I suppose," he held the smile, but modified his tone, making it more serious. "But I'm warning you now that I'm not a good friend for you."

"You say that a lot," she observed.

"Yes, because you're not listening to me. I'm still waiting for you to believe it. If you're smart, you'll avoid me."

Bella narrowed her brown eyes, "I think you've made your opinion on the subject of my intelligence clear, too."

What could that mean? Edward was messing their relationship up before it began.

"He's confused, too," Jasper whispered in my ear.

"Oh!" I almost jumped. "Sorry, Jazz, I forgot you were there." I analyzed his face. "You're still listening?" I cocked my head to the side. "Interesting, right?"

"I'm just terribly bored," he justified.

I smirked and turned my head to look at Edward and Bella.

"What are you thinking?" Edward wondered aloud.

Bella looked into Edward's eyes, the blood rushing to her cheeks.

"I'm trying to figure out what you are."

I felt Jasper tense beside me. I was growing a bit nervous too. I didn't really take her seriously. To her, Edward must have been some boy that seemed too perfect and even more mysterious. How was that normal? That was exactly it, he wasn't.

"Are you having any luck with that?" He inquired.

"Not too much."

Edward chuckled. "What are your theories?"

Bella blushed and kept her silence.

"Won't you tell me?" He urged her.

She just shook her head. "Too embarrassing."

"That's really frustrating, you know."

"No, I can't imagine why that would be frustrating at all – just because someone refuses to tell you what they're thinking, even if all the while they're making cryptic little remarks specifically designed to keep you up at night wondering what they could mean," she paused. "Now, why would that be frustrating?"

Edward frowned in response. Bella continued.

"Or better, say that person also did a wide range of bizarre things – from saving your life under impossible circumstances one day to treating you like pariah the next, and he never explained any of that, either, even after he promised. That, also, would be very non-frustrating."

"You've got a bit of a temper, don't you?" Edward observed.

"I don't like double standards," she retorted.

They stared at one another in silence.

"He promised to explain?" Jasper asked between clenched teeth.

"He never intended on keeping his word," I assured him, slightly annoyed. He should tell her. She may be one of us, someday.

Edward glanced over Bella's shoulder at Mike Newton and laughed.

"What?" Bella asked.

"Your boyfriend seems to think I'm being unpleasant to you – he's debating whether or not to come break up our fight." Another chuckle.

"I don't know who you're talking about," she replied coldly. "But I'm sure you're wrong, anyway."

"I'm not," Edward said certainly. "I told you, most people are easy to read."

"Except me, of course."

"Yes," he agreed. "Except for you." Edward focused his attention. "I wonder why that is."

Bella looked away. She started to intently unscrew the lid of her lemonade. She kept her focus on the table top as she took a sip.

"Aren't you hungry?" Edward asked.

"No. You?" She analyzed the table, food free, before her.

"No, I'm not hungry."

I should hope not, after all the hunting he had been doing.

Bella hesitated. "Can you do me a favor?"

"That depends on what you want," Edward said suspiciously.

"It's not much," she ensured.

Edward waited for her request.

"I just wondered…if you could warn me beforehand the next time you decide to ignore me for my own good." She was looking at her lemonade bottle, tracing the rim with her pinky finger. "Just so I'm prepared."

"That sounds fair," Edward agreed, relieved.

"Thanks," she looked back up again.

"Then can I have one answer in return?" He asked, trying not to appear overly eager.

"One," she allowed.

"Tell me one theory."

Her cheeks reddened. "Not that one."

"You didn't qualify," he pointed out. "You just promised one answer."

"And you've broken promises yourself," She reminded him.

"Just on theory – I won't laugh," Edward promised.

"Yes," she guaranteed. "You will."

He stared straight at her, "Please?" He whispered.

Bella blinked, "Er, what?" She asked distantly.

Maybe I should try that sometime.

"Please tell me just one little theory," he pressed.

She finally conceded, "Um, well, bitten by a radioactive spider?"

"That's not very creative."

"I'm sorry," she falsely apologized, annoyed. "That's all I've got."

I turned to see if Jasper was still listening. He was talking with Emmett under his breath without moving his lips.

"Chess tonight?" He asked.

"You're on," Emmett replied eagerly.

"I'm sure to win. I have a secret weapon," he winked at me.

I smiled coyly before turning back over to watch Edward and Bella.

"And no radioactivity?" Bella was asking.

"None," Edward replied.

"Dang."

"Kryptonite doesn't bother me, either," He teased, laughing.

"You're not supposed to laugh," Bella called him out. "Remember?"

Edward tried to compose his features.

"I'll figure it out eventually," she threatened.

"I wish you wouldn't try."

"Because…?" She asked.

"What if I'm not the hero? What if I'm the bad guy?"

"Oh," she paused for a moment. "I see."

"Do you?"

"You're dangerous?" She guessed.

Edward didn't reply.

"But not bad," she continued quietly. "No, I don't believe that you're bad."

Bella was right, once again. Despite everything that indicated otherwise, she knew that Edward was good. No other human would react that way. She was special. Different, like us.

"You're wrong," Edward almost mouthed. He reached over and grabbed the lid of Bella's drink. He twirled it on the table.

The minutes ticked by. The cafeteria was almost empty.

"Walk you to class?" Jasper asked.

I took one last look at Edward and Bella before nodding, "Alright."

He offered his hand and I accepted it.

We walked together in silence. I thought things between Edward and Bella were improving, but he seemed to be pushing her away. I knew he would never be willing to actually leave her again. I was almost positive she reciprocated these feelings. I walked slower, trying to see Edward and Bella's intertwined futures with no luck. I sighed as we reached my class.

I went up on my tippy toes as Jasper leaned his head down for me. I kissed him on the forehead and walked into the classroom.

Emmett was already seated and gave me a small wave as I approached.

"What's up?" He asked.

"Not much."

Before either of us could say anything more, Mr. Flener started his lecture.

…

I was the last one to the Volvo that afternoon. I skipped over to the driver's side and held out my palm.

"I only saw that I was," I informed him. "You'll have to tell me the whys."

"This doesn't mean -"

"I know, I know," I interrupted. "I'll wait. It won't be long."

Edward sighed and dropped Bella's keys into my hand. I clutched them in my palm as I walked to Bella's truck. I climbed in and analyzed my surroundings. Interesting piece of machinery, to say the least. The engine roared to life when I turned the key. If I were human, I would have just experienced a heart attack. I pulled into reverse and drove to Bella's house. I'd never been there before, but it wasn't hard to locate from all the visions it was featured in. I had to drive at the speed limit, something that I rarely did and hated doing.

I parked and left the keys in the ignition. Nobody would want to steal this car.

I walked out into the downpour, used to the everlasting rain. Edward was waiting in the Volvo; I climbed into the passenger seat. The roads were damp and deserted, so we made it home quickly.

Upon arrival at the house, I burst out of the car and entered the house. Emmett and Jasper were already situated, playing extreme chess. I passed them on my way to the laptop.

Rosalie was sulking on the couch, flipping rapidly through the TV channels. I turned on the computer. I pressed my finger on the folder labeled "Fashion Project." I chose "Rosalie's Closet" and looked over the progress. Two sweaters, three sleeveless top, two skirts and one pair of jeans.

I leaned around the corner I was seated behind and looked at Jasper. Once we made eye contact, I mouthed Emmett's next move. Jasper cut off Emmett's knight and I mouthed another move.

Jasper was far enough ahead to continue on his own, so I returned to my project. I selected a camisole. It started off as a white; I changed it to a baby blue. I pursed my lips. How else could I alter it?

I made a few minor edits and added some of my own style. When I was about to save my creation, I heard something that made me freeze. It was a very rare sound these days. I peered over at Edward sitting at the piano. We all listened as he worked through a new composition.

Esme walked to the staircase and smiled. As Edward continued to play, she sighed and sat down on the top step, leaning against the banister.

I continued to listen. What a beautiful song. I wondered why he was playing again. He must have found some inspiration.

Suddenly, the music ceased. Before he could restrain himself, Edward laughed loudly. He quickly threw his hand over his mouth. The laughter cut off.

We all looked at Rosalie, who had turned to glare at Edward.

Esme hurried down the stairs. After an awkward moment of silence passed, she said, "Don't stop, Edward."

He continued, still amused by what he had found in Rosalie's thoughts.

She stomped angrily out of the room, while Edward tried to conceal another laugh.

"What's wrong, Rose?" Emmett called after her. She didn't respond. "What's that about?" He asked Edward.

"I don't have the faintest idea," Edward had paused his piano playing again.

"Keep playing, Edward," Esme encouraged.

As he started up again, Esme came to stand behind him. She placed her hands contently on his shoulders.

He experimented some more as I listened in awe. Maybe I should take up an instrument. I knew a little piano, but I couldn't imagine writing a song. Not like Edward.

"It's charming," Esme commented. "Does it have a name?"

"Not yet," he admitted.

"Is there a story to it?" She asked with genuine interest.

"It's…a lullaby, I suppose."

"A lullaby," Esme echoed.

I skipped over to Edward and sat beside him on the piano bench. I sang along, but I didn't want to add actual words to his piece. I couldn't convey his intended meeting in my own words. Only he could do that.

"I like it," Edward said. "But how about this?"

He changed it so my notes were part of the melody. I adjusted my voice accordingly.

"Yes," he said. "Perfect."

As he ended the song, the tempo slowed. The octave lowered. I followed his lead. We finished on a sad note, which I was not very excited about. Edward bowed his head over the piano keys.

The air was a little tense as the once joyous song ended solemnly.

"Thanks," Edward whispered to Esme, who was complacently stroking his hair.

A moment later he laughed sarcastically and sighed. I looked behind me to see Jasper barely leading over Emmett. He really needed my help. Honestly, shouldn't he have won by now?

"Stop it, Mom, you're making me blush," Edward joked.

I laughed despite my confusion at their silent conversation. I started to play "Heart and Soul." Edward joined me with a grin. He ended the performance with "Chopsticks."

When we finished, I giggled before I could catch myself. I let out a sigh, "So I wish you'd tell me what you were laughing at Rose about, but I see that you won't."

"Nope," he confirmed.

I flicked his ear.

"Be nice, Alice," Esme scolded lightly. "Edward is being a gentleman."

"But I want to know," I complained.

Edward laughed and started playing Esme's favorite song, "Here, Esme."

"Thank you, dear," she smiled, squeezing Edward's shoulders.

I listened for a while longer contently before I was distracted by a vision. "Oh! Jasper, guess what?"

Edward stopped playing as he saw what I saw.

"What, Alice?" Jasper asked in response, looking up from his chess game.

"Peter and Charlotte are coming to visit next week!" I exclaimed. "They're going to be in the neighborhood, isn't that nice?"

"What's wrong, Edward?" Esme asked, finding that Edward has tensed up.

"Peter and Charlotte are coming to Forks?" Edward sputtered.

I rolled my eyes in annoyance, "Calm down, Edward. It's not their first visit."

Nonetheless, Edward clenched his teeth together angrily.

I frowned. "They never hunt here," I reminded him. "You know that."

"When?" Edward asked.

Monday morning I replied mentally. No one is going to hurt Bella.

"No," he agreed, now turning to face Emmett. "You ready, Emmett?"

"I thought we were leaving in the morning?" He asked, confused.

"We're coming back by midnight Sunday," Edward clarified. "I guess it's up to you when you want to leave."

"Okay, fine. Let me say goodbye to Rose first," Emmett headed for the garage.

As Emmett left the room, I heard Edward mutter something under his breath that I couldn't quite make out.

"Play the new song for me," Esme asked. "One more time."

"If you'd like that," Edward started playing again. He paused near the ending, taking a moment to think. He reached into his pocket and pulled out a bottle cap. He set in on the music stand and nodded. He began to play again.

Esme and I exchanged a curious glance, but we held our tongues.

…

I sat on the couch that night beside Jasper. A movie was on, though neither of us was paying much attention to it. Rosalie was still working in the garage. Emmett was gone and she was still upset about the previous incident that night.

Jasper had his arm around my shoulders. I leaned my head against him. He squeezed my shoulders gently. I lifted my head to look at him and he met my eyes. I smiled; he returned the favor.

"Are you exited for Peter and Charlotte to visit?" I asked him.

"I wouldn't say 'excited' is the correct word," he replied. "I am glad they care enough about me to visit. I look forward to seeing Peter after so long."

"So…you're excited?" I mocked.

"Yes," he sighed in defeat. "I suppose so."

"Well, if that's not enthusiasm," I said sarcastically.

"I would be a bit more enthusiastic is Edward were not overreacting so much."

"Overreacting?" I said, starting to get defensive. "He is protective over Bella. This is his first love. She is a human. You have no idea what that is like, so I'd prefer you not make such catty comments."

"Me stay out of it?" Jasper said, he himself growing defensive. "I am trying to stay the hell away from it. There is no telling how badly this could turn out for all of us, not just Edward. He is being extremely selfish."

"Selfish?" I yelled back in disbelief. "I cannot believe you, Jasper. He is your brother!" And with that, I stomped up the spiral staircase and into my room.

I sat down on the small white couch and crossed my arms. Jasper and I had never fought so much. I would never blame Bella, but it was hard to believe what had been happening to my family lately. That wasn't how it was supposed to be. That wasn't my life.

There was a light knock on the door to my room.

"Yes?" I said, slightly agitated.

"Me again," Jasper spoke, stepping into the room slightly. "May I come in?"

"It looks like you have already invited yourself in," I retorted, shifting sideways so I wouldn't look at him.

"Thank you," he entered the room fully and sat on the matching white chair beside the couch.

"Well?" I asked expectantly. "What do you want?"

"I'm sorry," he apologized. "For the way I acted. The way I've been acting. This is all very new to me and now with this bump in the road –"

"Bella is not a bump."

'Yes, sorry. Again. It will take some getting used to, but I promise I will get used to it. I don't want to fight anymore. Especially when there is no cause to."

I tried to stay mad at him, but a smile broke through the barrier. "Fine," I said stubbornly. "You're forgiven."

He smiled and joined me on the couch. He gently took my hand and placed it on his own. I leaned my head on his shoulder as I always did when we sat together. Without thinking about it beforehand, Jasper took my face in his hands and planted a rough kiss on my lips. Surprised, I froze momentarily before melting into the kiss. I placed one hand on the side of his face and ran my fingers through his hair with the other. He pulled me on top of him and slowly leaned back on the couch. I hitched a leg around his hip, which he grabbed with one hand, while the other softly caressed my cheek.

I ran a hand down the buttons on his shirt, unbuttoning them all at once. He pulled my shirt over my head for me. I smiled against his lips. He knew I hated when he ripped my clothes off, like I never planned on wearing them again. I pulled him back into a sitting position so I was sitting on his lap, both legs around his waist. I purred in delight, not from anything physical, but from the emotional pleasure I felt from being with Jasper. He took this as a sign to continue and lightly bit my bottom lip before pulling me back down.

Author's Note

Hi. Yes, it's been a while. SO SO SO SO SOOO SORRY! But, I'm back! I promise! Look how long this chapter is! It's been completed for months now, I'm just extremely lazy. About the ending...sorry? xD I added that part in right now. It's 5am. I start writing like that late at night...*I'm 16 now, wow! I started this at age 14!* I blame my RPing xP haha. Feedback would be great, really. I take it all in. Thanks for reading :)

PS: I wrote most of this verrry long ago, I think my writing has improved :P