Chapter 28

"Why did it sound like you just tricked Edward?" Erik asked and I smiled evilly.

"Cause I just did. I was going to go if he asked me again but this is going to be so much more fun." I told Erik and giggled. "Want to be in on it with me?" I asked folding my hand in prayer.

"Sure as long as I don't have to dress up weirdly by myself." He told me honestly. I giggled I would never do that to someone completely against their will and never by them selves. I like to join in the fun really.

"Good, now can you help me come up with embarrassing costume ideas?" I asked. This was really going to mess with Edward. He would think that this is my actual plan and keeping seeing ideas in Erik's head about all the horrible things I might make him wear. This was sweet I might even get Alice in on this if she can play along well enough knowing that I'm not going to make him wear any of this weird stuff.

Class went quick with me and Erik passing notes about horrible ideas for Edward and me to wear to the dance. Tinkerbell and Peter Pan, Maid Marian and Robin Hood, Fairies, Vampires (I got a kick out of that one), a prince and princess, Xena and Hercules, Venus and Vulcan, Butterflies or Dragonflies, Beauty and the Beast, Naughty nurse and doctor, pop singers, Indians (loin clothes and such), Godzilla and the damsel, Laya and Chewbacca to name a few. I began to notice the trend but said nothing to Erik. Skimpy clothing was just fine with me and I have a feeling it wouldn't be apposed to by Edward if it weren't for a public event. Truly evil and fun. I thought of Winnie the Pooh and Piglet was cute, same with going as Pepsi and Coke, Romeo and Juliet (from the ballet), Ragged Andy and Annie, Wall-E and Eve, or the Nutcracker and the girl (I can never remember her name). I think our exchange of 'I love you's was probably to blame for my girly suggestions.

Alice took my arm in the hallway and pulled me to class glaring at Edward as he approached us. He frowned but gave me a kiss before parting ways. I smiled at Alice she was obviously in on the game. As we entered class I could tell that she was waiting for me to ask and so I did.

"Alice I was wondering if you could help me come up with costume ideas for me and Edward?" I ask playing innocent which I could tell she thought was hilarious. I giggled as she nodded and handed me a slip of paper covered in ideas. Some I had never heard of and needed explained to me. Apparently the Cullens had gotten into D&D in the last decade and so the species and classes from the game were there along with star trek and star wars. Alice thought that Edward would look really cute as a Ewok those fuzzy little things that look like little teddy bears. I agreed full heartedly though only if he went on his knees.

"Girls either share your conversation with the rest of the class or listen." Mr. Letson said obviously thinking we wouldn't want to share. Standing up and clearing my throat Mr. Letson sighed and waited for me to begin he had gotten used to my antics.

"Well and I am sorry for disrupting this class. I hadn't realised how loud we had gotten. My sincere apologies to everyone. We were discussing what I was going to force Edward to wear to the up coming dance. I know that it's supposed to be semi-formal but I thought that making him wear some ridiculous costume would be more fun. I just can't seem to think of something that would match me but be embarrassing and distressing for him to wear. Oh and everyone bring your cameras to the dance this should be something to see." I said and everyone in the class nodded loving that I was going to make a fool out of Edward, not. "And we'll pay attention now Mr. Letson." I told him as I took my seat once more. I had only done that the make sure Edward thought this was going to be bad but still I was sorry that I had distracted some of my class mates.

"You're hilarious." Emmet said as he crossed my path to History with Jasper. I giggled and bowed for him. It seemed that most people in my class had promptly told anyone else about it as I continued to get praise in the hallway. Jasper was already in class when I arrived and sat next to him.

"So any good suggestions yet?" He asked and I smiled at him evilly.

"Many good but none good enough. What about you got any ideas?" I asked as I opened my books and longed to have brought my Clara's birthday present to class. I was just afraid it would get ruined. "I wish I had your gift it would make for an interesting class." I told him and he smiled at me.

"I know." Jasper sighed as Mrs. White as at her little podium and cleared her throat. "Emo, punk, rocker?" He added and I thought about Edward in Punk or Emo clothes and make-up. It was high on my list of possibles. I could practically hear Edward groan. Jasper smiled brightly at me and I knew that my guess was right. I have a feeling Edward was watching me closely right now, well listening at least.

"I think maybe aerobics, you know spandex?" I said and he shivered smiling. It was mean and I would have to wear it too just more of it then he had too... hmmm possibilities. I could make Edward wear very little to this dance. I mean shirtless nothing too inappropriate it was a school dance. "I really have to do this again at a night club or something. I mean I could go as a stripper and make Edward match me." I said and smiled evilly. "So many more options then." Jasper chuckled and we both turned to look at Mrs. White as she began to speak. This woman made World War II boring.

As we walked to the cafeteria I noted that many people were pointing at me as they spoke to each other. Oh yes the rumour was going wild I only wondered what horrible costumes they had come up with for Edward. The part about me having to match might make today unbearable for Edward, at least with the boys I'm sure the girls only had him on their minds.

"Really I like the nudist colonists' idea but I don't think it goes for a school dance." I told Jasper as we approached the table and Edward looked positively livid, oh yeah the boys were bugging Eddy. Jasper laughed at my high spirits and sat wrapping Alice in his arms. I had skipped the food line and stole from Edward's plate since he wasn't going to eat it. He didn't seem to mind actually he seemed pleased.

"Bella please tell me that was a joke." Edward begged as I opened his can of apple juice.

"Nope, just one of many ideas, I think we'll have to do this at a club or something with all the wonderful ideas people have come up with. Heard any good ones Edward?" I asked as I took a sip of juice. I knew from the look on his face he was trying not to kill someone. I knew it wasn't me so I figured one of the boys here had an active imagination.

"Nothing suitable for public or private." He said as he wrapped his arm around me territorially. I giggled and leaned my head against his shoulder.

"Some one say something vulgar Edward?" I asked and Ange and Alice burst into giggles I could see Ben and Erik were trying to hold it in and failing. But I was surprised by Jasper's slightly angry face. Looking up at Edward I let the teasing fall. "That bad?" I asked softly almost sad that I had started this game. I didn't mean for it to be this bad for him merely awkward and funny.

"It would help if you didn't keep planning things where you were wearing so little. The boys seem to have caught on to that only." He said as he kissed my cheek.

"They just envy you." I told him jokingly but he just smiled in agreement. The boy did not see himself clearly I mean really they just thought I was great in bed or something lude. I mean when I got here most people said he was selective and not interested in any of the girls here.

"May I have your word that you will not be wearing too little to this event? I don't think I could handle that." Edward said not looking at me as he playing with the salad in front of him.

"I have an idea and there's no need to worry you will be wearing less than me and you'll be covered promise." I told him honestly. He was relieved and the thoughts of our classmates seemed to bother him less now.

"What are we going as?" he asked and I just smiled and shrugged.

"Not allowed to ask or you will be wearing very little indeed." I told him smirking and he raised his hands in surrender. It was amazing how right it felt to be close to Edward, to be in his arms, to kiss him, to tease him. My heart glowed with my happiness of just being here with him. Jasper smiled at me and relaxed and rested his head on Alice's shoulder.

"So where are we going shopping tomorrow Bella?" Alice asked curious and I smiled.

"It's a little place that I love. Ange you'll love it they custom make gowns that are just beautiful." I answered and Angela looked a little put off.

"How much?" she asked and I understood her concern. I was once pulled into a shopping trip that I really had no business attending. It was mean really to ask me to come and yet not be able to afford anything.

"For me, I usually spend bucket loads but then again I was buying like millions of dresses for my little sister and me. But for a dress for a semi-formal I would say no more than $60 but more likely since you're with me so like $10. Just promise you won't let her give you the dress. It's bad enough when she would do that with me when I bought 20 and she gave me 10 more. Talk about buy two get one free." I answered and she smiled knowing I wouldn't lie to her.

"I would never let her give me a dress." Ange said honestly. She and I were a lot a like in that sense.

"And she has shoes, tights, hair stuff, and jewels too. It's really the perfect place to shop. How about I let Alice drive like the maniac she is but in my car?" I asked and she nodded. "I don't like driving too fast but it's like a three hour drive if you go slow." I told her and she smiled at me.

"Sounds perfect. Want a ride to school tomorrow Angela?" Alice asked and she nodded.

"Sweet." I said just as the bell rang. Edward who had been playing with my hair as we talked took my books and walked to class with me and Ange. As we sat I realised just how long it felt since I had last been sitting here with Edward. It felt like a lifetime and I knew it had to of been well the day before last. I don't think time is constant I think that it flows at different rates but that you have to be willing to notice it.

"Where'd you go Bella?" Edward asked as he placed my books in front of me. I blushed and smiled at him.

"Sorry, I was just thinking about how much has happened in two days that it feels like a life time." I told him as I opened my books.

"All good I hope." He said and I smiled at him and shook my head.

"Nope, some hard stuff to make the happy even better." I told him and he smiled at me and kissed me just before the teacher walked in. I was having trouble thinking as he pulled away and blinked to restore my mental functions. That was interesting.

"Okay class today we are watching a video on..." our teacher said loudly breaking my focus on Edward, well Edward's lips but still. I didn't pay much attention as the entire atmosphere lightened in the class. Got to love sitting in the dark watching a boring science video, I never understood how it was a good thing to have happen.

"Joy." I sighed as I let my head fall onto my arms and groaned. As the lights flicked off I felt this strange pull towards Edward, I was hyperaware of him sitting next to me. Turning to look at him I raised an eyebrow and he looked back at me baffled. This was new to him too, okay since I felt the urge to touch him and I did. It seemed to make it more bearable to sit in the dark with him.

"Bella?" Edward asked as I pulled his arm and rested it beside mine as I leaned forward.

"Hmm?" I asked not wanted to be over heard.

"You seem to have stolen my arm." He said laughter in his voice.

"Yup all mine until the lights come back. I don't want to be sitting ridge all class." I told him and he moved to mirror my position and make it more natural. There was unbelievable comfort just holding his hand in mine. Sure I wanted to jump him and kiss him but that didn't seem class appropriate. Okay if we had been in sex ed I totally would have just for the look of shock on the teachers face and my simple explanation of how he was asking a question about positions. I would be blushing purple but it would totally be worth it, heck Edward would probably die of embarrassment if I did that to him.

"You can keep it, if you'd like." He said and I giggled as I let my eyes rest on the screen though I don't remember a thing that occurred on it. My mind was focused on Edward's hand in mine. It was so high school crush but still I was so happy to be this close with him. The lights flicked back on and we packed up sadly letting go of his hand to do so.

"Mural time, want to join me?" I asked him as I put my books in my locker and took out the paints I would need for today. I had finished with the white, and grey and most of the black the other day but still had the blues and final touches to get done. Hopefully by today.

"I would love to." He said and he took the paints from me and I rolled my eyes. It was nice to have him be all gentlemanly but sometimes it was annoying. I mean I can carry my own books and other stuff. As we walked I saw Ms. Levington and waved to her as I approached.

"Hi, I was wondering if I could have Edward help me with the finishing touches on the mural since the other kids in my class are working on their major projects and I don't want to go up the ladder by myself?" I ask rambled.

"Certainly and thank you for asking Bella." She said her tone soft and warm; it was hard for me to put the harsher professional voice coming out of her. I smiled as we parted and returned to the wall, where my mural was. All in all the paint had dried well and didn't seem to need any touch ups on the white.

Edward brought the ladder out for me as I worked on the umbrella and the skin of the girl. The raincoat bothered me so I fixed it up a bit darkening it slightly. Standing back a bit Edward looked at me with a small smile.

"What?" I asked wondering if he was laughing at my expression or my paint covered-ness both was funny but I could get paint on him if that was it.

"Nothing really, you just make a cute focusing face when you step back from the mural." He said and I shrugged, oh well no painting Edward. Well not today, I had a feeling he would get covered one day soon. "Your taking a lot more time with this one compared to the one in the meadow."

"Well the canvass is bigger and I have to create the face and body perfectly. With you guys I didn't have to highlight too much in your faces, happiness is easy to show. Where as she's hopeful and yet thoughtful it's harder to show without making it look too obvious." I told him and he nodded as I returned to the painting. Climbing the ladder I added the finishing touches and went to take a step back before I remember I was on the ladder. Edward caught me before I hit the ground my eyes wide and breath coming in gasps.

"Are you alright Bella?" He asked and I nodded as I tried to catching my breath.

"Oops. I forgot I was on the ladder." I told him as he set me on the ground. Looking at the mural I noted that I hadn't smeared any of the paint and that it was now done. "Well I'm done now." I said laughing and Edward smirked as he kissed the top of my head. My fall had startled him so I stayed in his arms as I looked over the mural.

"Wow." A voice said from behind me and I wondered if it was in relation to me and Edward or the mural. Turning I noted the new face and how their eyes were only for the mural. "It looks amazing." She said and I smiled.

"I'm glad you like it, what grade are you?" I asked.

"I'm a Freshman." She answered and I smiled at her warmly.

"See I'm a Junior so I only have another year here, where as you have longer. So it's more important that you like it then if say he does." I said pointing to Edward, the girl blushed but nodded and continued to where ever she had been going.

"She's taken with you and was startled that you thought more of her opinion than mine." Edward told me softly as she vanished from sight.

"Well it's true. I mean I painted it for all the students who come through this school." I told Edward and shrugged.

"You have no idea how important what you just did was to her. My amazing Bella." Edward whispered in my ear sending shivers down my spine. I love the way he said I was his, heck the way he said my name was enough to dazzle me.