A/N All Twilight characters belong to Stephenie Meyer

Kiki you kill me girl, we should team up sometime and write a story together..lol..and hi, to all the newbies...glad you stopped by..I had this written for a few days now, but all my folders got jacked up and moved around on my desktop...so I had to find it..lol..

CPOV

I got dressed that morning very carefully, taking great pains to live up to the stunningly beautiful comment. I stood in front of the mirror, staring at myself; I was the perfect blend of both my mother and father. My caramel skin was as smooth as a riverbed stone; my eyes were the same shape as my mothers, but the color of my fathers.

After once last glance in the mirror, I smoothed my denim skirt and grabbed my backpack and headed down for breakfast.

"Good morning," I chirped, dropping my bag to the floor and grabbing the plastic container of cereal.

As I poured the last of the homemade granola into my bowl I frowned at the empty container and considered pouring it back; just so there'd still be some left.

"Eat it," I heard what sounded like my mom's voice whisper in my ear.

I poured some milk over it and sat down. Emily came back up from the basement.

"You look nice," she said cautiously.

"Thanks," I replied.

"Is it a special day?"

I shook my head no as Tony sat across the table snickering. "I just woke up this morning and felt good, like a change is coming. I feel almost…happy." I smiled widely. Emily poured her coffee and glanced at the counter.

"That's good. Carly, you're not, um, doing drugs are you?"

She carried her coffee to the table and sat down next to me.

"What!" I exclaimed, "no of course not. I just feel a little…lighter, that's all. I have this strange feeling that something good is going to happen and I like the way it feels."

Emily nodded; there was understanding just below the concern in her eyes, like she knew what was going to happen.

I held my index and middle finger, "I swear on my parent's grave-"

"Carly!" Emily scolded.

"That I am not doing drugs. Scout's honor."

I finished my cereal and deposited my bowl in the dishwasher. "I gotta go," I said glancing at the clock. "I'll see you afterschool. Love you, Em, Tony."

Grabbing my keys on the way out of the kitchen, I rushed out the door. When I got to school I parked next to Edward's car. We both got out at the same time and I smiled at him as I closed my door.

"Good morning," I called with a wave.

"Good morning," he murmured.

I saw Paige and Jeremy a few cars away. "Paige!" I called and rushed toward her. I could feel Edward staring at me as I hurried across the parking lot. Jeremy scowled and stalked off in the other direction.

"Carls! I didn't think you were coming back."

Paige and I linked arms and headed toward the theater. "What's wrong with him?" I asked nodding in Jeremy's general direction.

"Uh, he's mad about yesterday. You kinda just took off on him. He saw you hugging the new guy; he's kinda pissed about it. How do you even know him anyways?"

I glanced back over my shoulder at Edward who was lingering a few paces behind us.

Are you eavesdropping? I thought. He passed by us and shook his head.

Nosy, I said to him in my mind, didn't your mother ever teach you that there might things you don't want to hear when you go poking around in people's heads?

I could see the corners of his lips rise and I smiled. See you later.

He nodded and disappeared around a corner.

"So," Paige interrupted my mental conversation, "How do you know the new guy?"

"Oh, I uh, um-," I fumbled, "His dad knew my mom." There, the truth, well at least a half assed version of it, seemed better than a lie that I might get tangled up in later.

"Really?" she seemed intrigued.

I nodded. "Yup, they were like, friends or something down in Phoenix."

"Oh, that's so strange. Why did they move here?"

I shrugged, "I don't know. I barely know the boy. His family came by after my mom got sick to express their condolences or whatever. I wasn't exactly in the right frame of mind at the time."

Paige looked properly abashed, "Sorry Carly. I wasn't trying to grill you. What's his name?"

"Edward." My face flushed as I said his name.

"Does he have a girlfriend?"

"I don't think so. Why?"

"The valentine's dance is next weekend, or did you forget? I don't have a date yet." Paige looked at me, her expression horrified. "You forgot didn't you?"

I shrugged. "Yeah, I guess I did."

"You're not going?" she asked.

I shrugged again. "I dunno."

"Well you better tell Jeremy that. He's already bought tickets for you guys."

"Hey Paige, could I ask you something?"

"Uh, yeah. I am your best friend."

"Well it's about your brother," I admitted, staring at my fingernails.

"You're gonna break up with him aren't you?"

I nodded my head once, Paige gasped. "Why?"

"It feels like it's over, you know. We've been dating for so long it just feels like we're friends who make out on a rare occasion."

Paige shook her head. "That's crazy Carly; you guys have been together for like, forever. I really thought you guys were gonna get married. You know, after graduation."

My eyes almost popped out of my head. "Married? Are you nuts, I'm barely 18! There's no way in hell I'm getting married any time soon."

The bell rang then, saving me from any further conversation about marriage or Jeremy. I headed toward building five, Paige was hollering for me to wait for her. I rounded the corner, taking the long way and bumped right into Edward.

"Sorry," I mumbled.

"Its okay, are you in a hurry?"

I nodded. "Paige is hot on my heels; if you're smart you'll run like hell in the opposite direction."

She wants to ask you to the valentine's dance, I told him.

His mouth formed an 'O.' "Well," he mused quietly, "We should probably move along then, before she has the chance to catch up to us."

Edward and I hurried down the hall before Paige had the chance to catch up. "Did you have a good morning?" he asked as we disappeared into the crowd.

"Yes, my morning was pleasant. How was yours?"

Edward chuckled. "It was a good morning, one of my best in a really long time."

"Oh really," I smirked, "what did you do?"

"Eh, you know. Hung out, helped some girl sneak back into her house; which, might I add, was a total first. But as far as mornings go, it was excellent. One for the books."

I laughed. "It wasn't that great" I said as I walked through the door Edward was holding open. Outside a light rain was falling.

"It was what I needed. You listened to my story without casting judgment. You're a rare type of person Carly Black."

I smiled and stared down at the sidewalk. "Well I should probably get going, don't want to be late." I turned and pushed open the door to building five; Edward followed. "Where are you going?" I asked.

"To class," he pointed at the end of the hall.

"Oh, okay. See you later."

"Bye."

I stopped at the door and watched Edward's retreating figure. He stopped at his classroom door and glanced at me, a smiled tugged at the corner of his lips. I waved and the crooked smile broke across his lips like the dawn breaks across the morning sky, it was a beautiful sight. My heart fluttered under my pale blue sweater.

Behind me, Paige threw her arms around my waist, her chin on my shoulder. "Who are you waving at?" she asked, following my gaze. "Oh I see. You like him don't you?"

Edward stopped dead in his tracks.

Go to class, nosy, I thought. "I barely know him," I admitted.

"What's to know? He's gorgeous. I'd like to lick him from head to toe."

"You're gross," I said, pushing her into the classroom.

"Wouldn't you?"

"Wouldn't I what? Like to lick him from head to toe?"

Paige shook her head yes. More than you know, I thought, then cringed. Oh God I hope he didn't hear that.

"No," I told her.

Paige pouted, "Why not?"

"Because you like him and you're my bestie. I'd never snatch a guy away from you. Want me to see if he's going to the dance with anyone?"

Paige's face lit up. "You'd do that?"

"Of course I would, you're like my sister and I love you, so I will ask Edward if he's got a date, okay?"

She bounced in her seat. Jeremy came in and sat down behind me. "Hey," I said softly.

He looked at me, gave me a dirty look then turned to talk to Adam Cheney. "Whatever," I muttered under my breath, "be that way."

I listened to Mr. Kolinsky drone on and on about the origins of the justice system. I zoned out, who cares about the justice system if you respect its laws? Certainly not me.

I thought about the promise I made Paige. I would ask Edward, like I said I would, but I was afraid of his response. What if he wanted to go to the dance with her? I don't think I could handle that.

The rational part of me said he would most likely find some excuse to not go; part of me knew he was still caught up over my mom, but part of me knew he was getting over it. Finally, after what seemed an eternity, the bell rang. I shoved my government book into my back pack and walked right past Jeremy.

In the hall Edward was walking slowly past my classroom. "Edward!" I called and waved. He slowed even more and smiled at me. "Hey, what's your next class?"

I glanced over my shoulder at Jeremy and grinned at him. Take that, I thought wickedly.

"Take what?" Edward asked.

Busted. "Oh, nothing."

"Your boyfriend is pretty irritated with us right now," Edward informed me as Jeremy skulked by.

"Can't say that I really care. He can be pretty immature sometimes, so let him be mad."

Edward shrugged. "If you say so."

"I do. So what's your next class?"

"Calculus."

I groaned, "I hate Calculus. I'd rather gouge my eyes out with rusty safety pins."

"It's relatively easy. If you'd like I can tutor you."

I looked at him, "Seriously? Calculus is relatively easy, are you nuts?"

"Lots of practice," he said softly.

"Oh yeah, sorry; totally forgot about that. Oh before I forget, my friend Paige wants to know if you'll go to the dance with her."

Edward looked like he was choking. "Uh, tell her that I'm sorry, but, I'm uh, unavailable that evening."

"Okay. You alright?"

He nodded and together we walked to Calculus in silence. After that, the rest of the day passed slowly; one class blending into another. In my head I counted out how many more days, weeks…months of this repetitive nonsense I had left.

At the end of the day, I grabbed the necessary books and slammed my locker shut. Jeremy was standing on the other side. "Bean," he said, grabbing my arm and dragging me toward the door.

"Jeremy let go of my arm, you're hurting me."

"No, now shut up and listen. I don't know who this new guy is that you're running around, hugging and waving at, but it needs to stop. I don't appreciate it and all the guys are giving me a hard time about it."

I tried yanking me arm out of his grasp, but he just tightened his grip. I bit back a cry of pain. "I don't care what the guys are saying. Edward is my friend and I'll hug and wave to whoever the hell I damn well please."

Jeremy's hand squeezed my arm tighter, this time I couldn't help it, a small cry escaped.

"I'd let go of her arm, now, before I remove yours," a low voice growled from behind me.

Jeremy looked up; about to utter some variation of fuck off, but Edward's fierce expression changed his mind. He let go of my arm and backed away.

"If you ever lay a hand on Carly like that again, I will tear your fingers off, do you understand me?"

Jeremy's lips flapped as gasps of air and half formed words spilled out.

"I'll take that as a yes. Stay away from her or deal with me." He turned to me, "Come on Carly."

He slid his hand into mine and intertwined our fingers. I dumbly followed him into the parking lot. "Thanks," I said dazed. My arm was throbbing, I was pretty sure I was going to have a bruise there in the morning.

"Are you okay?"

I nodded and unlocked my car. "Thank you," I said again.

"You said that already. You sure you're alright?"

"Yes. I'm fine."

Edward shut the door and waited as I started the engine. I rolled down the window.

"I'll see you tomorrow," I said.

"Wait, Carly," he put his hand on the door, "How about you come over tonight and we'll do our calculus homework together?"

"Are you sure?"

Edward nodded. "Come by around 8 or is that too late?"

"No, that's fine; I'll see you at 8."

He let go of the door and stepped back, watching as I pulled out. I waved to him as I joined the procession of cars waiting to get out of the parking lot.

* * *

Emily was gone .when I got home, but Rachael's car was in the driveway. I shut my car off grabbed my backpack. I could hear the bimbos of The Girls Next Door, giggling like idiots as I shut the front door behind me. I groaned and rolled my eyes. This was either going to be really bad or really good.

"Hello?" I called.

I heard heels clicking on the wood floor. Rachael appeared in the living room doorway, a half empty martini glass in hand.

"Carly bear!" she squealed, sounding more like a twenty one year old than a sixty something woman. Oh boy, this was worse than I expected.

"Hi," I said hugging her awkwardly. "Where's Emily?"

I looked around, her bag that had been present in the corner of the living room was gone, and her bulky green sweater that was usually draped over the arm chair was gone.

"She had to run home for a few hours. Something to do with one of the twins and some sort of crisis. She said she'd be back either tonight or tomorrow."

"Oh," I said staring at the top of my shoe. "Well, I have to go start my homework, then I have a study session with my calculus tutor. So, I guess I better go get that started." I picked up my backpack and left a bewildered Rachael standing in the foyer with a dirty martini in hand.

I dropped my backpack onto the floor, sank down into my desk chair and flicked the radio on. I leaned over and pulled out my books and set them on my desk, humming along to the song. Then I stopped and listened to the lyrics.

"What would my mama do, uh oh, uh oh, if she knew about me and you? What would my daddy say, uh oh…"

My hands froze over my books, what would my mom do if she knew I was cavorting with her ex-boyfriend, the one who screwed her up beyond repair. I'd like to think that she'd say I was probably making a mistake, but how else would I learn if she didn't let me make them.

I shoved the guilt aside and tried to work on my homework, but my thoughts kept drifting to Edward. Did I like him? Yes. Did I want to lick him from head to toe? Not yet.

At six thirty I shoved my homework aside and went downstairs in search of something to eat. I grabbed a can of Dr. Pepper and a cup of yogurt and went back upstairs. Rachael was still watching TV in the living room; it sounded like those catty real housewives bitches. I rolled my eyes and went into my room.

I ate my yogurt while trying to finish Kolinsky's homework. It was easier than I thought and the answers were easy to find in the required reading. At seven thirty I shut my government book and changed into a pair of jeans and a black hoodie. Dragging a brush through my hair, I searched my sock drawer for my favorite pair of socks. I found them and carried the socks and my backpack downstairs.

On the bottom step I sat down and pulled on my socks then my orange Chuck Taylors. "Aunt Rachael," I said poking my head into the living room. She was asleep, or passed out, on the couch, so I left her a note letting her know that I went to a friend's house to work on some homework.

I started to leave, but felt bad, so I back tracked, grabbed the afghan off the back of the couch and tossed it over her. There, at least now the old boozehound wouldn't freeze to death.

I grabbed my keys and locked the door on my way out. Then it occurred to me that I had no idea where Edward lived.

"I figured that might be a problem," he said, leaning up against my car. I peered into the street wondering where his car was.

"Oh, don't worry about it. I left it at my house. C'mon, the night is young as are we. Let's go learn some calculus."

I groaned. "Are you really going to tutor me?"

"Well we could do something else," Edward relented. "But calculus is important."

"Aright, fine. Hey I want to try something."

"What?" he asked, opening the driver's side door for me.

"Just wait," I said and closed my eyes. I pictured a large, open, orange door.

Can you hear me? I called out with my mind.

"Yes, of course," Edward said next to me.

Okay. I pictured the door closing; finally it slammed shut, shutting him out of my mind, cutting him off so he could no longer hear me. How about now?

"Barely," Edward replied. "It's a lot fainter, but I can still hear you."

"Humph."

"What was that for?" he asked.

"Well I thought that if I tried to block you, then you wouldn't be able to hear what I was thinking. Maybe I need two doors."

"When did that come to you?"

"I'm not really sure, it's kinda been in head for a few days, but I never thought to try it till now."

"Well that was interesting. Shall we go?"

I nodded and started the car. "Head north, like you're going out of town."

I followed his directions and pulled up to the big white house. "Well, see if I wasn't so upset the other day I probably would have paid better attention and I would have known how to get here."

Edward chuckled and quickly crossed the front of the car and opened the door for me. "Come on, let's go learn some calculus.

Reviews are better than having a drunk 60-something aunt who thinks she's 20-something..lol

Chappy title is Sideways~Citizen Cope