Okay, this is a long ass chapter because I wanted to get a lot of the introductory stuff out of the way. Some of this might be a little disjointed, but I hope it all makes sense. Please give me some feedback; I'd love to hear it.

Edward walked back into his room. I couldn't help but admire the view of his hard, dripping body as I followed. He glided over to his dresser and without another word, ripped off his towel. Speechless and inexplicably embarrassed, I spun around so fast I almost fell. His beautiful mocking laughter erupted from behind me.

"Relax, Bella," he said in a patronizing laugh. I heard the distinct rustling of fabric against flesh and swallowed. My thighs felt like they were on fire. "I'm in boxers now so you can turn around."

Slowly and reluctantly, my body turned to meet his unnaturally beautiful eyes. He smirked at me and held my gaze as he elegantly slipped into his jeans. As he zipped them up, the intimate sound sending goosebumps up my flesh, his eyes smoldered at me.

"Well," he said finally, "it seems we have a lot to talk about." He took a few steps out into the hallway.

I followed him into the kitchen and watched as he started making a pot of coffee.

"How do you feel?" he asked with concern.

I blinked at him.

"Are you hungover…?" he clarified. I blushed, feeling incredibly stupid.

"Kind of." I was always one for brilliant answers. You'd never know I was an English major.

"Would you like me to call you a cab? I'd drive you but I have band practice."

I resisted the urge to swoon; Edward, Jasper, and our friend Angela's boyfriend Ben, along with some other kid I'd never met, were all in a band called Racing Twilight. Edward was pre-med at school but I was always waiting for the day for him to just drop out and pursue the music career head-on. He loved it so much. You could tell whenever he was up on stage; he was in his element, then.

"On Thanksgiving?" I asked with a smile.

"Our new band member is hardcore."

"A cab is fine," I rasped out. I stared at him, fascinated with his every movement, as he called the cap company as he made toast.

"Five minutes," he said to me when he got off.

I groaned and rested my head on the cool counter-top, wishing with every fiber of my being that he wasn't going to try to talk to me about last night.

He silently placed a steaming cup of coffee before me and I looked up gratefully. I was pouring the milk in when he started.

"I'm sorry about last night, Bella..."

My wrist involuntarily flung to the side, officially spilling about two-thirds of the milk outside of the container. "Shit! I'm sorry."

He only chuckled as he swiftly put some paper towels on the mess. He looked up at me again, his eyes and expression somber. "I took advantage of you."

I couldn't help but smile at him. "No you didn't, Edward. I'm a big girl."

"A big girl who was absolutely wasted," he said with a smile. It didn't reach his eyes. I could tell he felt guilty, and probably unbelievably remorseful. Now I started feeling guilty… I probably jumped on him like some horny dog.

"I'm sorry, Edward," I said quietly, envisioning myself with a collar and fur, panting on an uncomfortable Edward's leg. "I was so drunk and so… emotional. I probably took advantage of you."

He laughed at that but his eyes were still fierce. "There's no excuse for what I did. I was definitely drunk but lucid; you were not. It was a terrible, horrible mistake."

I already figured he was regretting making love to me but his last statement succeeded in making me feel absolutely sick. I felt the blood rush out of my face and my legs shake unsteadily below me. It was almost like someone had punched me, hard, in the stomach while simultaneously pouring tequila down my throat. It was not a nice feeling. Edward noticed the change immediately.

"Are you feeling all right, Bella?" he asked, eyeing me like I was about to blow chunks on his beautifully polished counter-top.

I just nodded; I knew how pitiful I would've sounded lying to him. "I think I should go. For the record, I don't blame you, Edward, and I don't really regret last night. I don't even remember it so why don't we just pretend this never happened?"

He looked relieved. "Thank you, Bella. I was so afraid you'd hate me now… and also that you'd get the wrong idea. You're a wonderful, beautiful girl but you're my sister's best friend and I just got out of a relationship and things aren't officially over between us, anyway."

He looked over my shoulder for a moment before meeting my eyes again. He forced a smile and reached out a hand for me to shake. I reluctantly placed mine in his and prayed that I wouldn't react to the charge I knew I'd feel. I gasped anyway but either Edward didn't hear it or he pretended not to.

"Thanks for taking care of me," I mumbled, hopping off his stool and grabbing my purse.

"It was my pleasure," he grinned. He started to laugh as a very distinct blush broke out over my cheeks and neck. "You're too cute, Bella."

I just smiled and started to walk out. As I reached out for the doorknob, Edward called my name.

I turned and saw him standing a few feet behind me. "You're not going to tell Alice, are you?" He looked truly terrified.

I swallowed down the bile I could feel rising in my throat and forced a painful smile. "No."

He smiled back and exhaled with relief. "You're the best."

The cab honked then, thankfully,and I scurried out. I couldn't wait to get home and break down.

Not too long afterwards, I was pulling up the fancy Cullen driveway. I handed the cabbie his fare and hopped out, desperate to shower before I encountered Alice. I didn't want to wash off Edward's scent from my body but I couldn't stand the smell at the same time; it was forbidden to me now, just as it always was.

I thanked all the powers that be when I saw Alice sleeping in her room, completely knocked out. Quickly I showered and dressed, giving myself a once-over in the mirror. I didn't look too terrible. That was amazing considering how I was feeling inside.

I picked up one of my text books and started reading in the living room but I just couldn't focus. This morning was playing over and over in my head. Then the flashbacks started.

Edward, pinning me against the wall and grinning at my feminine yelp.

Edward, smiling between my knees.

Edward, nibbling on the tender flesh of my neck.

Edward, moaning when I touched him.

I couldn't remember every detail, but I certainly could remember the sensations. Startled, I felt something trickle down my cheek. With a shaking hand, I wiped a tear trickling down my cheek. It was only a matter of minutes until I had my melt-down.

Deciding it was best to chat about it with a good friend, a good friend who wasn't Alice, I grabbed my cell and ran out into the sprawling backyard. I desperately wished that Alice and Edward weren't siblings; I was sure she would be able to give me the best advice and make me feel somewhat better right away. But, life was cruel.

I dialed up my good friend, Angela, instead and impatiently paced as the phone rang on and on. Finally, a raspy voice answered.

"Bella?"

"Angela, I need to talk to you."

"What time is it?" she moaned.

I looked down at my watch and felt a pang of guilt. It was only 8AM on Thanksgiving morning. My bad.

"8. Sorry."

I could hear her sitting up in bed, the sheets rustling around her. "That's okay," she yawned. "I can tell you're upset about something."

"You can't tell Alice," I said in a low voice.

"Okay," she said simply. Angela really was such a good friend.

"I slept with Edward," I whispered.

I was met with only silence. For a moment, I thought that she hadn't heard me or that the call had disconnected. Then, I heard her shriek.

"WHAT?!"

"I know, I know!" I shouted, forgetting for a moment that it was early and that I didn't want to wake Alice up. "It was an accident!"

"Start from the beginning," Angela demanded, sounding much more alert.

I sighed. "I was feeling down about Mike so everybody decided to take me out. Mike was there with Jessica and I just had too much to drink. Edward did, too. One thing lead to another… I don't even remember it."

"Wow," Angela whispered, clearly in awe, "you've waited forever to have sex with Edward and you can't even remember it when the time actually comes."

"Believe me, that's the least of my worries right now." I paused, thinking about it for a second. "Though that's way up there. That really sucks."

"So did the two of you talk about it?"

I clenched my eyes shut, wishing that the terrible morning would go away. "Yes."

Angela didn't press for any more details. "Do you want to come over to my place tonight? I can imagine tonight's going to be majorly awkward for you."

"Shit! I didn't even think about that!" My stomach churned. "I think he might bring his girlfriend."

"He has a girlfriend?!" Angela squeaked.

"Well, they broke up but he mentioned something like they're not officially over this morning." I contemplated Angela's offer for a moment and, though it was immensely tempting, I couldn't do it. It would be too suspicious. "Thanks for offering to let me come over but I'm thinking it's probably best if I just deal."

"Are you going to tell Alice?" she asked softly.

"He doesn't want me to."

"Wow, Bella… I just can't wrap my head around this."

I snorted. "Me either. I have never felt so stupid… so ridiculous… so horrible before. I don't know what to do."

I heard the patio door open and turned to see Alice walking over to me. "Shit," I whispered, "I gotta go. Alice is coming over here."

"Good luck, Bella," Angela said before I hung up. I was certainly going to need some of that. Too bad I never had much to start with.

"Morning!" I said, feigning perkiness. I really was the worst actress. I was actually terrified that she was going to ask me where I ended up last night. Maybe she didn't realize I never came home.

Alice eyed me strangely before plopping into a chair. "Everything hurts," she moaned. "Make it stop!"

"Sorry," I said sympathetically. Luckily for me, I faced bigger problems than an hangover this morning. Somehow my headache and the nausea faded into the background of all that.

She looked back up at me. "How come you aren't sick?" she asked petulantly.

I shrugged. "Lucky, I guess."

"To make everything worse, Jasper begged me to come to band practice today. They're meeting in an hour, bella. Four guys are meeting at 9:15AM, Thanksgiving morning… the morning after the most infamous partying night of the year. What's wrong with them?"

Esme padded out, handing her daughter a cup of tea. "This will help, dear." She looked over at me and grinned. "You feeling okay, Bella?"

I shifted uncomfortably in my seat. Esme always put me at ease but… well… now I'd fucked her son. Her son, who I also happened to worship. This all made the situation a tiny bit awkward.

"Fine," I choked out. She looked at me for a moment before excusing herself to garden.

"I wish I could see Renee garden one day," I laughed. "She'd probably be too busy running from all the bees and checking to make sure her hat was covering her face."

Alice even cracked a smile at that. We sat in silence for a few moments, enjoying the quiet morning.

"So, Bella…" Alice began in her best baby voice. My eyes narrowed. This was the voice Alice reserved for whenever she wanted to ask you a monumental favor. This couldn't be good. You could fight her until she turned blue; Alice never lost. "I was thinking that, since you don't have anything to do today and I've been forced to attend this horrible band practice, you should come with me to Edward's!"

I nearly had a panic attack. There was no way in hell I was going there.

"I don't think so, I'm really not feeling so fabulous right now. Maybe I'll take a nap."

She was silent but I knew she plotting something else.

"Don't you want to see Edward shirtless? He practices shirtless, you know."

I sighed. I'd seen more than Edward's chest, even if I couldn't remember it. "No, I didn't know that Alice and no, I don't care about that."

"Who are you kidding, Bella?"

I said nothing. I just waited for the third and final round, the round I usually lost. I steeled myself as best as I could.

Alice started sniffling on cue and looked over at me with the most tragic expression.

It's just pretend, Bella, I told myself. She just wants you to come!

"Please come with me, Bella. I hate going to see them play. It's so boring and Jasper barely talks to me. I just sit there and endure Edward's terrible jokes all day. I really wanted to spend time with you today… Please, Bella?"

She stood now, her lower lip protruding in the cutest expression ever. I was so lucky I wasn't a guy; I'd be even more whipped than I was already. I had a temporarily feeling of pity for Jasper.

"No."

But I knew I didn't sound as firm as I had before. A flicker of triumph danced in Alice's eyes before she liquefied them into pools of sorrow again.

"Please, Bella? Please…? Pretty, pretty, pretty please? Come on, Bella, please? I won't make you come shopping with me for a week. Please. Please!"

I sighed, knowing it was a lost cause. I was just happy that she wasn't interrogating me on my whereabouts the night before. "I want that in writing."

She jumped and screamed out with joy, clapping her tiny hands together. I watched as she did a victory dance, amused that just like that her hangover had disappeared.

"Okay," she said, grabbing my hand and practically dragging me inside, "let's get you dressed!"

"But I am dressed, Alice!" I whined.

She paused and looked back at me, her eyes showing how much she detested my outfit. "That's not dressed. That's punished. You've punished your body."

"Ha ha," I said, rolling my eyes.

It was going to be a long day.

Alice had picked out one of her dresses for me. It was white and made of light material; she placed a beautiful beige sweater on top and slipped me into beige boots.

"I feel ridiculous," I scowled as we climbed out of the cab in front of Edward's apartment. "I look like I'm going out to a fancy dinner instead of watching some stupid band practice. And it's November… I'm in a dress and it's November."

Alice laughed at me. "You're wearing a sweater!"

I glared back. "That doesn't help. I'm freezing!"

Rolling her eyes, she grabbed my arm and pulled me along. "We're not going to be outside all day, Bella. And I'm wearing a dress, too."

Her dress was purple and made of a slightly more appropriate material. At least it was more suitable for the weather.

I sulked as she rang the doorbell. Jasper opened the door and grinned at us. Alice squealed and jumped into his arms, pecking him with little kisses all over his face. I stood there awkwardly until Alice finally remembered my existence and brought me into the apartment.

I looked around anxiously for Edward, terrified and desperate to see him at the same time. Alice and I plopped down on the couch and smiled at Ben who was tuning his guitar.

"I'm going to see Angela tonight," he told us, smiling.

"Good," Alice laughed back. "Please take care of her… she's been stressing about tests all semester. She needs a break."

Edward came in through the front door holding coffees. His eyes met mine but he didn't react to me being there. It was almost as though he'd expected it.

"Hi, girls," he said casually, walking over to his guitar and adjusting the strings.

"Where is this new kid I've been hearing so much about? Jazz says no one plays the electric guitar like him."

Edward nodded but I could tell that something about that statement bothered him. For a moment, he looked almost agitated but then his face broke out in a beautiful smile. "He's great. Late all the time, but a great guitarist."

Jasper sat down at the drums and flipped open his phone. "He just texted me. He's a half hour late. He says start without him."

Edward groaned but nodded.

"What's his name?" Alice asked curiously.

"Jacob," Ben answered playing a few notes. "He's a good guy."

"Okay, let's start," Edward said, standing in front of his microphone.

"Which song?" Jasper asked, twirling his sticks around.

Edward looked back at him, clearly agitated. "We went over the set last night."

Jasper opened his mouth to say something but was interrupted by a aggravatingly sweet voice coming from the front door.

"Eddie!"

We all turned to see a beautiful, tall blonde standing seductively against the door. "I hope I'm not too late," she purred.

"So this is Tanya," Alice whispered in my ear.

Tanya. Shit.

Panic flooded through my veins but I tried as best as I could to remain composed.

"Not at all," Edward replied nonchalantly. He gazed at her earnestly. I had to fight everything within me to keep from screaming out in horror and scratching my eyeballs out.

She sauntered over to the couch to sit on Alice's other side.

"Please start," she begged, her eyes flashing with lust. I felt like I was going to be sick.

"I think I'm going to be sick…" Alice whispered in my ear.

"Ditto," I whispered back.

The guys played songs for about forty-five minutes. Alice bopped her head along, sometimes singing along or cheering out loud for Jasper. Edward didn't look pleased. Tanya, on the other hand, sat composed until a slow number came on. Edward said it was called "Blondie". How original. Hearing the first few notes of her song, Tanya stood and walked over so that she was completely in front of Edward. He bit his lower lip before the chorus, letting his green eyes scan her body before a lazy grin spread on his perfect face. Tanya threw her head back and laughed as she started to sway her lips sensually.

Alice made gagging noises in my ear, and while normally I would have found this situation hilarious, I couldn't even pretend now. I was heartbroken. He was clearly in love with this… goddess. As much as I hated to admit it, they were perfect for one another. Their features were flawless and they just seemed so in tune with one another.

I thought I was about to go crazy after 8 minutes of the song just as a loud bang startled everyone. Edward made a slight growling noise as he glared at something behind Alice and me. We turned and saw an olive-skinned guy standing there, holding onto his guitar and grinning like an idiot.

"Sorry I'm late."

"Late?" Edward asked in a low voice. I gulped; he was scaring me. And turning me on at the same time. I was really losing it. "You're almost an hour late. You're setting us way back, Jacob. This is fucking ridiculous."

"I'm sorry, dude," he said, shrugging. Clearly he wasn't as impressed as I was by Edward's fury. "Something came up."

Edward took a few quick strides over to Jacob until he was practically nose to nose with him. "You better hope nothing else 'comes up' or you're out of the band."

"Okay, man," Jacob nodded. "It won't happen again."

That appeared to be what Edward wanted to hear because he nodded,too, and stepped back. Tanya skipped over to his side and whispered something in his ear. He looked at her when she finished and then at all the rest of us.

"Why don't we take a fifteen-" Tanya nudged him with her arm, "- twenty minute break. Ben, you can show Jacob what he missed. I'll be back."

The two of them scurried down the hall, very obviously headed for the bedroom.

"Ew," Alice shivered. "Could they be a little subtle about it?"

"Tanya isn't subtle," Jasper said, plopping down beside her. "She doesn't know how to be."

"Is she coming to dinner?" Alice wondered.

Jasper shrugged. "Probably. I don't see how Edward would be able to get out of that one. He can't even break up with the girl properly."

"That was some major tension between Edward and that guy before," Alice said, clearly wanting to change to subject.

I tried my best to focus on the conversation; the thought of Edward having sex with that girl not twelve hours after sleeping with me was making me want to projectile vomit all over his apartment.

"Yeah," Jasper nodded, "they don't like one another. Ben got him into the band. Edward had to take him because we're desperate and he really is that good, but that doesn't mean he has to like him. He's constantly riding Jacob's ass. Honestly, if I were him, I'd show up late half the time, too. He only does it to get a rise out of Edward."

"Wow," Alice said, shaking her head. "I like him already."

Jasper grinned and pulled her close, tickling her side until she begged for mercy. "You better not like him too much."

Twenty minutes later, a frazzled looking Edward and a satisfied looking Tanya made their way back into the room. At least they had been quiet.

"I'm going everyone," Tanya declared, keeping her eyes on Edward. "Nice to meet you all." Alice looked over at me and smirked; I knew what she was thinking. She hadn't met any of us.

I was feeling worse and worse every second. What if she was coming to dinner tonight? It seemed likely. After all, the pair looked as though they'd reconciled immediately. It would only be natural that she come tonight. If she was there... I wasn't sure how I'd be able to handle that. Bad things could only follow.

Tanya walked over and kissed Edward passionately before sighing and strutting out. Edward looked like he might be blushing but quickly ordered everyone to start the next set of songs.

I knew I was going to be throwing up sometime soon.

After another hour, the boys stopped and started putting everything away. Jasper joined Alice on the couch again and Ben left, saying he was off to Angela's.

"What did you guys think?"

I looked up and gulped at the sight of a sweaty Edward standing on top of me, staring at me intently.

Alice laughed. "You're not that bad, Eddie."

He glared at her before looking back to me. "What did you think, Bella?"

I swallowed down a lump before responding. "You were good." I am the lamest person. Ever.

"Thank you," a deep voice said from behind me. I turned to see Jacob standing there, leaning his body against the couch.

I smiled shyly and turned back to Edward. I nearly gasped at his expression; he looked absolutely livid!

"Aren't you going to introduce me to these fine ladies, Edward?" Jacob asked.

Edward's jaw clenched. "This is my sister Alice and her best friend Bella." His voice was flat and disinterested.

"Nice to meet you, Alice," Jacob said, coming around to the front to see our faces. "Nice to meet you, Bella," he added, nodding at me.

There was no denying he was handsome. He was no Edward, that was for sure, but he was pretty godlike himself. He was tall and tan, with black silky hair tied into a loose ponytail. His dark eyes penetrated mine and I shifted under his stare.

"Don't you have somewhere to be, Jacob?" Edward asked, annoyance clear in his tone. "Aren't you always running late for something?"

Jacob chuckled. "Usually. Not now, however." He grinned at me and winked.

I smiled back. There was something about him I just… liked. I didn't appreciate the fact that he gave Edward a hard time, but he seemed like he was a really a nice guy underneath it all.

"Well, I have to get ready…" Edward said, hinting that he wanted us to leave.

I stood and picked up my purse. "Okay," I said, "sorry."

Edward looked horrified. "I didn't mean that you had to leave, Bella. I just-"

"Wanted me to leave," Jacob finished with a smirk.

"Well, I have to get back to get ready anyway," I blushed. This was uncomfortable and of course Alice and Jasper were too wrapped up in each other to get involved.

Thankfully, Alice stepped in. "You're already ready, Bella." Damn it. I wanted out of Edward's apartment before I started convulsing on the floor.

"I'm dressed, Alice, but not freshened." I grinned at her and she grinned back. Alice always said that.

"Well, I was going to bring Al to my house for a bit before dinner tonight," Jasper said. "You should come, too, Bella."

I'd had my fill of being excess baggage today. "No thanks," I said with a smile. "I'll just call a cab."

"Don't be ridiculous, Bella, just come with us!" Alice pleaded. I could tell she felt guilty she dragged me along; she probably hadn't realized Jasper was going to bring her back.

"You can stay here until I go to the house for dinner," Edward offered softly. There was no way I was going to stay here with him, alone, for hours. Especially after all that had happened.

Jacob must have seen my distressed expression and came to my aid. "Why don't I just drive you back? I don't have any place special to be and I know where it is. It's on my way."

"No it's not," Edward cut in.

"Actually, it is," Jacob said with a smile, his eyes never leaving mine. "What do you say, Bells? It'll give us a chance to get to know each other." He winked at me.

This kid was something else. Before I even had a chance to think about it, my hand was in his and he was leading me out.

"Thanks for having me over," I called over my shoulder. "See you guys later!"

This was turning out to be the strangest day of my life. First, I wake up naked in my best friend's brother's bedroom, whom I've just so happened to be infatuated with for years. Next, I get stuck at the boy's apartment all day long, forced to be present for the twenty minute sex session he had with his model girlfriend. Now, I was sitting next to a strange kid in his beat up car.

What the hell was going to happen next?

A/N: The dramz will be happening next chapter. The shit's gonna hit the beautiful Cullen family ceiling fan...

What do you all think so far?