"A smile is a curve that sets everything straight."
- Phyllis Diller

Chapter 16 Amendments

I woke up to the soft musical rhythm of the raindrops splashing against my window. I got up and stretched, soothed by the dancing raindrops— they were jumping, weaving together— which were mirroring the emotions that were growing rampant in my body. The drops were calm pitter-patters, a mere soft drizzle. But with each drop, I unearthed the urgency, the excitement as they freed themselves from the clouds that were encasing them.

It was with that urgency that I headed downstairs and it was with that same façade of calmness that I timed my every step. I didn't want to appear too keyed-up, especially if Renee was in her rare, observant mood.

I thought I was doing a good job controlling myself, the keyword here being "thought."

"You seem to be in a good mood this morning," Alyanna observed as I ate my breakfast.

I smiled. "Does it seem like that?"

She scoffed at me. "Ed, you go down every morning with your eye lids dropping every five seconds and a permanent scowl on your face—"

"Lies."

"—now, your eyes are wide and sparkling and you actually finished your food within an hour," she looked at the clock and her eyebrows rocketed to ceiling, "In a span of eight minutes, in fact."

I chuckled, causing her to be more amazed.

I was well aware that everyone in this house knew that I was not a morning person. I made that evidently clear when I fell asleep on the dining table my first morning here— literally fell— and Renee had to use her oven timer to completely bring me to my senses. She would assure that I was thoroughly conscious before she left me in the kitchen during breakfast since then.

"I had no idea I was like that, really," I grinned at Alyanna.

"Okay, you're definitely high on something," she smiled, a curious expression on her face, then she scooted closer and leaned in to whisper something in my ear, "I suppose this means you're date with Isabella went well?"

"It wasn't a date."

"Yeah… just keep saying that to yourself, Eddie." She smirked.

"I wish you would quit that," I wanted to look as stern as I sounded but I couldn't wipe the smile on my face.

"Edward's awake?" Renee made her way into the kitchen, "and smiling?"

"Surprising isn't it?"

"Yes, to say the least."

"I thought he didn't like waking up so early?" Renee paused, "I'm sorry, despised would have been the most appropriate term."

"Maybe he finally found something worth waking up so early for."

"I'm right here, you know." I pushed my chair from the table and stood up.

I took Alyanna's words as my cue to leave. I could practically feel the threatening Spanish inquisition racing towards the room.

"I should go. I'm going to be late for school."

"Of course. Leave an hour early for a ten minute-drive. You never know when a deer could cross the road and take thirty minutes of your time."

I grinned, already making my way to the door, "Exactly."

XOXOXOOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOX

I was still mulling over the chances of a stray deer crossing the road, when I arrived at school. No deer accidents, only a few red lights that caused more or less an extra five minutes, Alyanna would be disappointed to know.

I cut the engine and got my bag from the passenger seat. The minute I stepped on the parking lot, my eyes swept the perimeter looking for the stunning brunette that invaded all my dreams. It took less than a minute to find her standing by a smoking, red M3 talking to her model-like, blond, adopted sister. Was that car also hers? I didn't think so, it was quite ostentatious for Bella… but what did I know?

I was wary of going to her while she was with Rosalie. Out of all her siblings, Rosalie was the most difficult to get along with. She was the complete opposite of their pixie-like sister. Where Alice was bubbly and friendly, she was tenacious and indifferent. I tried to be on friendly terms with her, but such a relationship was hard to construe when only one side was making effort or even bothering to attempt to be forthcoming at all. So I opted to ignore her, brushing off her glares and scowls which were almost always directed at me. I kept wondering what I could have done to earn offense but until now, I still didn't have the slightest hint.

Before I could decide to go to Bella or simply walk away and wait for class to talk to her, her eyes flickered to my direction and she smiled. My heart stuttered as she gestured for me to come over.

"You're early," her melodious voice said when I was within an earshot.

"I am?" I smirked, knowing full well that I arrived more than thirty minutes earlier than I usually did, "I didn't notice."

Her musical laughter made me smile even more. I think it was my new, favorite sound in the entire world.

"Any reason for coming half an hour early for school? Most teenagers aren't as enthusiastic."

"Alyanna and Renee were probing," I shrugged.

"Ah." She answered simply, her eyes flashed to the red convertible and she sighed.

"What is it?"

She bent over and reached for something on the backseat. "Alice forgot her notes."

Alice seemed quite forgetful. Just the other day she left her jacket at the cafeteria chair and Bella and I had to stop over to her classroom just to return it. But I didn't mind the extra five minutes. Who was I to complain when an angel was with me?

Bella's eyes flickered briefly from the notebook in her hands, to me, then to her sister. "I should look for her. She might need it for first period."

"You're going alone?" I didn't like that.

"No one's going to attack me Edward," she rolled her eyes, smiling at my hesitance, "Don't worry. I'll be quick."

I tried to smile but came up short.

Before she turned and left, I saw her glance at her sister. I thought I saw her lips quiver, as if she was saying something at an impossible speed. Her sister scowled at her, almost as if to confirm what I saw. I mulled over that as I watched Bella's retreating figure.

The atmosphere between me and Rosalie was thick. You could practically see the tension and wrap it around your hands. I didn't know what to say to lessen it though. I've never talked to Rosalie, let alone been alone with her. As I was contemplating on what I should do, I saw Conner, Mike and Tyler saunter towards us.

"Hey Eddie."

I sighed in frustration, "I asked you not to call me that."

"I didn't listen," Conner's eyes were intently focused on red convertible behind me. Mike and Tyler were too distracted by the beautiful blond beside me to even heed mind to the car, though.

"Nice ride. Smoking hot," Conner said, "This baby yours Masen?"

"No."

Rosalie was quiet beside me. Her posture was too tensed, her chin jutted out stubbornly and her jaw was set. She looked very uncomfortable.

"Whose is it, then?"

I looked at Rosalie, who looked back at me. Not glaring, merely looking— pointedly, as if expecting me to answer the question in her behalf. So I was right, Bella didn't own the grandiose convertible. Rosalie did… and it suited her perfectly.

"Rosalie's," I shrugged.

Conner whistled as his eyes travelled to Rosalie and it was not in a respectfully appreciative tone. I frowned. That was very uncouth.

"I don't mind taking a ride in that," Conner's eyes appraised Rosalie. I don't think he was even pertaining to the car anymore. "What do you say, babe?"

Rosalie glared at him. I was so used to her glares that I noticed something was off. Underlying her glare was something more than anger and hostility— there was unease. My brow furrowed. This little boy didn't pose much of a threat. He didn't deserve her fear in any way. Her disgust, now, he did.

"Hey man, back off," I stepped forward, inching slightly towards Rosalie, wanting to stand close enough to be able to shield her but not close enough that she would feel more uncomfortable.

He shrugged but stood his ground. "You putting a claim on this one too?"

"She's not a thing that someone can just claim, Conner."

"Oh yeah? Well, you're doing it. What? Isabella's not enough for you?"

His tone surprised me as much as his words did. I always felt that the aura around Conner repelled me for some reason, but I overlooked that somehow because he was always hanging around Mike and Tyler who in turn, always hung around me whenever I wasn't with Bella. But it only dawned on me now the true distance that was held between us.

"What?"

"Isn't it enough that you have all the girls here waiting for you to do them?"

My body burned with fury. "What are you talking about?"

"Don't pretend like you don't notice. You have it so easy, Masen. First day here and all the girls worship the ground you walk on. Next few days and you sit with the Cullens— the Cullens who don't even give a damn about how everyone's lined up at their tails. A week, then one of the hottest girls in school is all over you. I don't even know what all these girls see in you," He spat out. "Now what? You going to do her sister too?"

I could feel Rosalie shake beside me, but I knew that it was not with discomfort as it was a while ago, but with anger. Pure hatred. And I couldn't blame her. This kid was infuriating me for even thinking of Bella like that. My fists clenched as I tried to control myself, and I was failing miserably.

"Don't you have even a miniscule ounce of respect?" I said through my clenched teeth.

"Don't you? You shouldn't act all innocent, Masen. But I guess I can't blame you," He laughed darkly, sparking more of my anger, "If girls threw themselves at me like they do to you, I would gladly take them like you do."

"I would never do that," especially to Bella, "And I'm not like that. You're messed up Conner. Don't tangle me up with your personal issues."

"Yeah Conner, that's hitting below the belt." Tyler spoke with a firm tone. I almost forgot he and Newton were still there.

"Shut up, man." He cursed at him and his eyes flashed to Rosalie. "I bet Blondie here is screwing you too. Just like her sister does."

Rosalie stiffened as Conner started to reach for her. I didn't even think before I acted.

I pushed Conner away, grabbing his outstretched hand as I did and situated myself in front of Rosalie, shielding her from his view and his grasp. Vitriol spewed from my thoughts and spread itself to my entire system. I felt my eyes darken and saw my infuriated face reflected from Conner's suddenly wide and frightened eyes.

"Don't you dare lay a finger on Rosalie," I twisted his arm so that it was a great measure away from her. "In fact, don't lay a finger on any of these girls. They deserve better than someone who won't even pass for filth."

I leaned forward and our faces were mere inches apart. I heard him curse again as my fingers tightened greatly around his wrist. My tone was covered with venom when I spoke. I wouldn't be surprised if my eyes turned pitch black with hostility.

"And never, never, talk or even think about Bella or any member of her family in such a way again. Don't let me do something that you will greatly regret, Conner."

I growled, so low and filled with hatred that his wrist twitched away from my grasp. But I wasn't done with him yet. I kept his wrist firmly within my hold. I knew Tyler and Mike were apprehensive about this turning more physical, but I wasn't like that. And he wasn't worth the effort.

He nodded, murmuring something about calming down as he continuously tried to break himself free.

"I'm glad we understand each other." I finally threw his hand away like it was a piece of virally infected garbage. It could certainly pas off as one, "Now, don't ever bother me or any of my friends again with your vile thoughts. Your mere presence further contaminates whatever cleanliness is left of this world."

Conner was shaking when he walked away, ran more like it, without even bothering to wait for Mike and Tyler.

Mike ran his hand through his hair, evidently embarrassed. "Sorry about that, Edward. We had no idea he had such ill feelings towards you."

"Yeah? Well, I didn't know that the feeling was mutual." I muttered, pinching the bridge of my nose to calm down.

"Really sorry." Mike said as he and Tyler started to walk away.

I sighed. I've never been like that— furious to the point that I could send someone to the deepest pits of hell. Then I remembered Rosalie was still there, behind me.

"Are you alright?" my voice was still rough when I turned around to look at her.

I was surprised. She looked perfectly composed as she nodded stiffly, as if nothing happened. But she wasn't scowling now, and her eyes weren't narrowed in a glare. Instead, she was frowning and her eyes were alight with curiosity and wonder. I suddenly realized that I had a lot to apologize for.

"I'm sorry."

Her surprise turned into irritation, "Why are you apologizing?"

I never heard Rosalie talk before. Her voice astounded me, the musical chorus of bells. But it had nothing on Bella's. Most definitely.

"That low life attacked you because of me. He shouldn't have said those things. Hell, he shouldn't even be thinking so insolently." I ran my fingers through my hair, displeased. "I had no idea. If I had, I would not have let him near you."

When I looked at her again, the curiosity was back in her eyes. "You are so odd."

I didn't expect that.

"You're blowing things way out of proportion— apologizing for things that aren't your fault." Her voice dropped to a whisper by the end of her sentence. "If all else, I should be the one expressing my remorse."

I felt my fury melt into confusion as Rosalie relaxed, leaning back against her car.

"I'm not exactly subtle in letting you know that I don't like you. I've treated you so horribly. I've ignored you and I know I've hurt you one way or another but despite all that, you still defended me… even though I know you know that I could have handled myself pretty well."

"It was the right thing to do." I whispered.

"Hmm…" she crossed her arms, appraising me, "You are different."

"Is it really that obvious?"

And for the first time, Rosalie smiled. "Quite."

I found that I couldn't resist smiling back, though uncertainly, at her. "I guess I should work on that."

"Not really," she shrugged. I could see how hard she was trying to be as casual as possible, "Bella likes you because of your… distinct, unique attitude. That among other things. I guess I'll never truly understand the attraction between the two of you, but at least I can now see how you appeal to her. You're different from your peers and that's… good. For Bella."

"Thank you." I couldn't help but let it sound like a question.

Rosalie sighed. "I really am sorry for how I acted. Can you find it in yourself to forgive me?"

"There's nothing to forgive." I offered her a small smile which, to my surprise, she returned. "But, may I know why you hate me?"

"I don't hate you, Edward." She sighed again, deeply, "I'm just worried about my sister… what will happen if this all ended badly. We all are."

"I would never hurt Bella." My voice rang with complete sincerity and determination, though her words confused me. End badly? Was that her choice wording of 'breaking up'? (Wait. Were Bella and I even together in that sense? There was never really a discussion about that.) Or was it in reference to what Bella said in the clearing: that she was dangerous?

"Intentionally," She murmured, more to herself. I guessed she didn't want me to hear it.

Rosalie stood up straight and gazed up at me. Her eyes were set, scorching in its depths. A silent promise embedded in them. "I'll be on my best behavior now. I promise. I will try."

I smiled, slightly amused. "You don't need to force yourself."

She rolled her eyes, a ghost of a smile on her lips. "I guess I never will understand the draw." She muttered again, to herself.

We weren't friends yet, but at least the wide birth between us lessened a few.

A small cough made us break eye contact and I knew it belonged to Bella even before I whipped my head around to look at her.

"What's going on?" her eyes were glued to me and my heart started to beat erratically, "You're not hitting on my sister are you?"

My eyes widened at her serious tone, but I let out the breath I didn't know I was holding when she laughed her beautiful laugh.

"I was kidding, Edward." She smiled, "I know you would never do that. Emmett would probably strangle you if you did."

I stepped forward, lessening the distance between us. I didn't like her being so far away.

"I don't really care about Emmett tearing my head off," she stiffened, her eyes flashed to Rosalie and betrayed her… hurt? I took another step, ignoring how Bella slightly flinched at the proximity, and held either side of her face delicately in my hands, "It's what I'm holding now that I'm afraid to lose. Not my head. What I'm holding now is reason enough why Emmett would never need to even consider wringing my neck."

Bella's eyes softened at my words, the uncertainty in them fading. And naturally, almost automatically, she leaned into my touch and sighed. Then slowly, carefully, she wrapped her arms around me and rested her head on my chest. The electric current raced through my body like wild fire and sent my heart pounding against my chest. Instinctively, my arms made their way around her waist and hugged her firmly, locking her into place, my cheek resting atop her head. I was the calmest I've ever been as I inhaled her alluring freesia smell, wrapped around the strawberry scent of her hair. It was as if the outburst this morning never happened. I wanted to just stand here, trapped in our small bubble of peace and contentment, and never let her go. I could get used to this kind of comfort and I would never get tired of it.

"As much as I love PDA, we need to get going." An amused and partially irritated voice sounded beside me.

Then abruptly, Bella was pulled away from me. I was still frozen with shocked eyes as I watched Rosalie drag a protesting, almost flustered-looking Bella towards our first period classroom.

"I thought you were going to be on your best behavior," I muttered to Rosalie as I fell into pace with them.

Bella eyed us curiously, her eyes brimming over with silent wonder. She heard me.

"Yes but," Rosalie looked back, an eyebrow raised, her face filled only with devious amusement, "I don't recall saying I would always let you have your way."

I narrowed my eyes at her and felt my lips tug at the corner. I was amused to see that she mirrored my expression exactly. Surely, things won't be as difficult as before. I hope.

A/N: I know I've made you wait long, but everyone deals with writer's block once in a while right? ^_^ So what did you think of this chapter? This chapter's mainly focused on fixing Edward and Rosalie's relationship, something that was quite difficult to write. So, I would love it if you would give nice, long reviews.

Also, I would just love you guys if you would also take time to read my other story "Beginning of End". Sadly, it's been getting very, very few reviews but I'm quite sure that it's a good story. So please back me up on theory, okay? Thank you so much. I just adore you, my readers for sticking with me this long.^_^