CHAPTER 11

Mr. Banner signed Edwards slip and he came to sit down at my lab table. We were studying onion skin cells. I had read ahead and was pretty confident in the lab, but I tried notto show it. I didn'twant Edward to think I was a geek, or showig off. We took turns looking at the slides and we bothgot each slide phase correct. He filled out the worksheet in hisbeatuiful calligraphy. I didn't even want to sign my name to the paper for fear of messing it up. He wrote my name on the paper for me, and went to turn it in. We were the first ones done and talked quietly at our desk waiting for everyone else. He wanted to make sure I didn't forget about asking Charlie about tutoring. And I wanted to know what he thouhgt of Forks. We talked for what seemed like seconds when class was over. This time I know class was shorter. I looked at the clock and it wasn't! Just seemed like it. I groaned when I realized I had to leave Edward and go to Gym now.

"Hey, you'll be there with Alice and Rosalie! Don't worry. It's just gym." He tried to comfort me.

"Did you forget I can barely walk without falling. Now imagine me trying to play sports!"

"Right! Maybe you should skip with me. Save yourself!"

"I can't skip class. And neither should you!" I tapped his shoulder lightly. Again, I felt the current shoot through me from the contact. He leaned towrds me and put his lips right next to my ear. His cool breath on my skin sent tingles throughout my body.

"Sometime it's healthy to skip class" He brushed his lips very lightly accross my jaw as he turned around to leave. And with that, we went our separate ways. I was a bit wobbly from the close proximity, but regained my composure and headed into the changing room.

Alice and Rosalie were getting uniforms from Coach Clapp and were assigned lockers on the other side of me. I was thankful I could still quickly change without anyone right next to me. They might see the bruises. There were too many to be from my clumbsiness alone. We played dodgeball again, and I was out quickly. I think Alice and Rosalie got out on purpose just to sit with me and chat. I didn't care. Alice was quickly turning into my best friend. Emmet would be third, behind Edward and Rosalie and Jasper tied for 4th. I think Rosalie was a bit too self-centered to really notice me, but she acknowledged my presence and was cordial. I was nice to her, and I think she'll warm up to me.

ALice invited me shoppig oer the weekend. Charlie and Renee are going to Seattle Friday and won't be back until Sunday. Maybe I can go and tell them I didn't find anything I liked. I told them I'd 'ask' my parents but that I probably could. They can't say 'no' if they aren't asked!

After we changed back into our clothes we went to the parking lot. I walked them to their car and said goodbye to everyone. I was half way to my truck when Edward was suddenly at my side. He smiled at me and said he wanted to see which vehicle was mine.

"Well it's not Volvo, but I love it just the same." I said when we got to my old red Chevy truck. He opened my door for me and gave me a quick kiss on the cheek before dashing back to his waiting car. I was stunned. He KISSED me! I almost started to hyperventillate. I was shocked, but I wanted nothing more than for him to do it again! I started my truck and drove home in a hapy daze.

I started dinner and cleaned up some more. I had already taken a shower and finished my homework when Charlie and Renee got home. They decided to have me play servant today and bring them their dinners. After they were done eating I cleared the table and went to talk to them.

"Mom, Dad. I was wondering if I could go to someone's house for tutoring in Trig tomorrow. I'll make roast for dinner in the morning and it'll be waiting for you when you get home, and I'll be here before that. You won't even notice my absence." Okay. I asked. Now they'll say no, and I'll probably get smakced, but that's okay. I said I'd ask.

They both looked at eachother. Renee looked bored and shrugged. Charlie looked up at me and said

"Whatever kid. I always knew you were dumb. I don't think some tutoring will help, but as long as the house is clean and dinner is waiting for me when I get home you can go to your silly tutoring. Now go upstairs and do something."

"Thank You." I was shocked. Did he say yes?? I basically ran upstairs so they wouldn't take it back.

He said yes! I get to see Edward after school tomorrow!!

I cleaned up the kitchen when they went to sleep and I crawled into bed, dreaming about Edward the whole night. Maybe my life will get better after this.