Chapter 4:

The next day at school was weird. Weird because it seemed like Edward and I were the kind of people who were friends outside of school, but not in school. He didn't say one word to me. He just sat there and stared at me while I stared back. Tanya was desprately trying to get his attention and I laughed at her attemps that failed.

I noticed Edward brought his own car today so that would mean no rides for him. He followed me to my car after school anyways.

"Hey," he said after I put my books in the car.

"So what...you don't talk to me at school?" I asked while raising an eyebrow.

"We are at school," he said.

"You know what I mean," I told him and he grimanced.

"Anyways, do you want to hang out? Like come over to my house for a bit?" he asked me.

"Sure," I said while biting my lip and going into the driver's seat.

"Cool. Okay, so do you just want to follow me?" he asked and I shrugged and nodded.

Once we got to his house I grabbed my keys an wallet and locked the car doors. I walked up and followed him inside. His house was goregous. It had a modern yet calm look to it. It was nice and cozy, but rather large.

"Are you an only child?" I asked and he shook is head and I gave him a curious look. I didn't know that he was related to anyone at school. We walked into a room where a middle-aged couple sit. I am guessing it is his parents.

"Mom, Dad," he said while clearing his throat. They turned around and faced Edward who tilted his head to the side where I was standing. I gave a polite smile.

"This is Bella. She is in English with me," Edward said and I nodded.

"Nice to meet you Mr. and Mrs. Cullen. Your home is lovely," I told them and Edward, along with both parents beemed at me. I suddenly got self-concieous.

"Please, call us Esme and Carlilse," they said and my smiled grew wider. I felt very comfortable around them and was happy about that. I hate it when things are awkward. Edward motioned for me to follow him. He brought me to their kitchen, which was oddly upstairs. He opened the pantry door and it was like food heaven.

"Take anything you want," he said and I smiled as we went in to get food. We decided on chips and salsa and I grabbed myself a diet coke and then he took me to his room. He had a whole wall full of music and then the other was made out of glass that exposed the forest. I gasped at its beauty and walked up to the window not caring if I looked like an idiot. He laughed lightly while setting everything down.

"It's beautiful," I said.

"Thanks. Not many people appreciate it," he shrugged.

"Why?" I asked retorhicaly and then sat down on the black sofa. "So you like music," I said.

"Only a little," he teased and I laughed. "Classical is my favorite."

"Very calming," I said. "I don't really have a preference...if I like the song, then I like the song," I told him and he laughed and got up to put music on. It wasn't anything big, just some background stuff.

"So how are you liking Forks?" he asked.

"It's okay. I come here every year in the summer to visit my dad. But then my mom got remarried so I moved here," I said and he nodded.

"So what..you don't like the guy?" he asked.

"No Phil's great, or at least he keeps my mom happy. They wanted to travel and I didn't want to be the one to hold them back, so I decided to live with Charlie until I graduate."

"That's very selfless of you," he said and I shrugged.

"It made my mom and my dad happy so it was a win-win," I told him.

"But you are not happy," he guessed.

"No, I am...I just miss the sun. I lived in Arizona before moving here permanantely. It is a bit too green for me here," I said and he laughed lightly.

"When did your parents split?" he asked. I usually don't share this information, but we seemed to always be open and honest with each other so why not?

"When I was little. It was a long time ago and I barely remember," I said honestly.

"I'm sorry it has to be that way," he said sincerely.

"Thanks. But it never really affected me that much."

"That's good," he said and I nodded. We finished the last of our snacks and he got up to take care of it. While he was gone I got up and looked at his music selections. I found something that reminded me of my mother, so I put it in. Clair De Lune by Debussey. I smiled and saw him leaning against the door.

"You know this song?" he asked.

"Yeah, my mom used to play it around the house. I love it because it reminds me of her," I said and he smiled and walked over.

"It's one of my favorites too," he said and then grabbed me by the waist and placed my hand in his. I looked at him confused.

"Care to dance?" he asked.

"I can't dance..." I said unsure of myself.

"Everybody can dance," he argued.

"Umm...not when you are so clumsy that you should be isolated from the world," I told him and he laughed, but still didn't let go.

"It's all in the leading. If you fall, I will catch you," he said and I rolled my eyes and agreed to dance even if that meant ending his and my own life.

He actually kept his promise, but I never really fell. When I got comfortable I laid my head on his chest.

"So what is going on between you and Jacob?" he asked.

"Honestly, I have no idea. I really should try and talk it out with him," I said and he nodded and rested his chin on the top of my head and then his phone rang. We broke apart while he went to answer it.

I didn't want to intrude so I just sat back down on the couch looking out the window and waited patiently.

"Umm..," Edward said nervously. I turned around and saw he was talking to me. "That was Tanya. Apparently I was supposed to come over even though I had no idea we had plans. So this is kind of awkward but I am going to have-" he started but I cut him off.

"It's okay. I will leave. Thanks for having me over," I said and gave him a polite smiled while he stood there frozen in shock. I gave him a confused look and then when he didn't respond I kissed his cheek and then let myself out of his house.

I was a little upset with myself on the drive home. I had totally forgotten that he had a girlfriend. I shouldn't have gone over because that was probably crossing a line. Once I let it go, I decided to just apologize to him tomorrow for my behavior and then stay away from him. My throat tightened. No, I can't stay away. Um..I will tell him that I...have to be with others when I am with him. That works, right?

I tried calling Jake when I got home, but not so much luck when it came to him answering. I left him a message.

"Hey Jake, it's me, Bella. Umm..I miss you and I think we should talk. Please...call me," I said desperately. I hated fighting with the one person who could brighten my day.

I decided to head to bed around 11 without any calls from Jake. I guess I could drive up there tomorrow.

During English the next day at school, we went to the library so I pulled Edward aside to talk to him.

"Can I talk to you?" I asked and he nodded.

"Okay, I just wanted to say I am sorry about yesterday. I had totally forgotten about Tanya and crossed a line," I explained and he put on a confused face.

"You are apologizing for what exactly...?" he asked. I sighed..how can I explain?

"You have a girlfriend, Edward. You shouldn't be hanging out with one girl alone unless your girlfriend is okay with it, which am pretty sure Tanya is not. Anyways, if I would have thought of it before I would have suggested something different. So..I am sorry for crossing a line," I told him, hoping he understands.

"You don't have to say sorry. It wasn't like we did anything," he said.

"Well..still. I know that if I was in a relationship I would be honest with the other person and hope they are the same way back. Wait..that came out wrong...umm...What I mean to say is that if we are going to be hanging out more then Tanya deserves to know," I told him and he looked thoughtful.

"It still amazes me how selfless you are. And mature," he said and paused for a second. "Alright I will tell her. But I am warning you now...she might not like you."

"I don't care. If someone doesn't like me it is their problem...not mine," I said and he laughed.

"You sure are something Bella," he said.

"Thanks?" I answered unsure.

"Your welcome. It is a good thing, trust me," he said and then winked and walked away. I turned slowly on my heels and then walked over to Rose.

When the day ended I called Jake one last time to see if he would answer. If he didn't, I was going over there. And he didn't so I left a voicemail.

"Jake, it's Bella again. I am coming over...just a heads up. We are talking weather you like it or not," I said and then hung up. I was getting frustrated with him. Was he really that immature to not answer his phone for me?

As I was pulling out a drink flew on my windshield. It looked like sprite. I sighed, knowing it was an accident. But then I looked up after cleaning it off. Tanya. She waved me over. I sighed again and then pulled into the parking spot next to Edward's car. He gave me an apologetic smile. I shurgged as if say that I knew this would happen.

"Can I ask why you did this to my car?" I asked calmly. I really wasn't that upset...I mean it was only soda.

"I think you know," she said hatefully. I didn't care though because she doesn't even know me, so therefore she has no right to get angry with me. Well except for the Edward thing...but he was just being honest. I just stared at her polietly. What was I going to do? Scream at her? No, because I don't know her either.

"Look," I said sighing. "I alrealy said I was sorry. I had forgotten and I knew it was crossing a line. It won't happen again," I said calmly. When I looked up I saw she was fuming. I don't know what I did to make her so mad, but she decided to punch me square in the side of my face. It wasn't that hard, but it did throb and I knew that I bruised easily. Edward's eyes were filled with shock and horror. I just stood back, controling my anger. I could be the bigger person.

"I am going to leave now. I don't know what else I can say. I will stay away from you and your boyfriend or whatever. But you had no right to hit me just then. I was being completely sincere and didn't once raise my voice. I am truely sorry," I said and then walked away and got back in my car to start the engine. I didn't want to go over to Jake's now because I just promised I wouldn't talk to Edward again. I felt sick as I thought it. I sighed and pushed it out of my head.

Thanks to Tanya, I have a massive headache. I took Tylenol and then grabbed a bag of ice. What more could I do? I decided to call Jake again to let him know why plans changed.

"Jake, I don't know if you got my earlier message about coming over, but I can't anymore. It is a long story and I will explain later. It is Bella by the way. Please call me," I said and then hung up.

My head was pounding so I just laid down on my couch and drifted off into sleep.

"Bella...?" I heard my dad call. I gasped scared and then woke up.

"Yeah?" I asked sleepily.

"What the hell happened to your face?" he asked while touching the punch mark. I winced at the tenderness.

"Nothing. I became friends with this guy and his girlfriend got jealous so poured sprite on my car and then punched me in the face. I am fine though, don't worry," I said and his expression became horrified.

"Did you do anything back?" he asked and I rolled my eyes.

"What do you think? No, I didn't. I told her I was sorry and was very calm. I said that I didn't know what I did in the midst of the conversation to set her off. And then I walked away after apologizing," I said.

"Damnit, Bella! You need to start sticking up for yourself! Sure, maybe not punch someone, but you shouldn't be the one apologizing. You didn't do anything wrong," Charlie said and I looked at him with sad eyes.

"Dad, I am fine. I don't need protection or for someone to stand up for me. If it is necessary, I will stand up for myself, but it wasn't," I said.

"Alright," he said and then ordered pizza.

"I'm gonna go wash my car," I said and he nodded.

In the middle of washing it, Edward's car pulled up. I sighed and dried off my wet arms and hands. He got out and gave me a hug.

"You really shouldn't be here you know," I told him and he laughed sadly and then went to touch my bruise. I winced and he noticed and pain crossed his features.

"I could care less right now. I am so sorry, Bella," he said and I shrugged.

"I'm fine. Want to help me get this sticky soda off my car?" I asked and he smiled sadly again and nodded.

When the pizza guy got here Charlie came out to pay and noticed Edward's presence.

"Dad, this is Edward," I said.

"Nice to meet you Chief Swan," Edward said.

"Please, call me Charlie. Care to join us for dinner? You sure earn it for helping my daughter clean off her car," Charlie said and Edward laughed lightly and nodded.

"How are you feeling Bella?" Charlie asked.

"I'm fine. Another nap would be nice, but I am good," I said and Edward looked completely concerned.

"My father is a doctor if you want him to check it out. I can drive you to my place and then bring you back home if that is okay Charlie," Edward said and Charlie said that would be great.

When I got in Edward's car I let out a frustrated sigh.

"I really don't need to see a doctor," I said.

"Just think of him as a concerned person," he said and I laughed, but then it hurt my head so I stopped. I turned off the music, signaling I want it to be quiet and I leaned back in his chair and closed my eyes. He ran his hand over my forehead and through my hair. I gave him a little smile but didn't want to open my eyes yet.

When we got there I stood up a little too quickly and nearly fell over. I guess I might be dizzy, but that is probably just from the car ride. We made it inside and met Carlisle in his office.

"Dad, you remember Bella," he said and Carlisle nodded and looked up briefly and then did a double take.

"Is it really that bad?" I asked. I hadn't really looked at it.

"Let me see. Tell me what happened Edward," Carlisle said and Edward said everything. He examined my head and I winced when it was tender.

"Any dizziness, headaches or fatigue?" he asked.

"Headache for sure, but it wasn't that bad. And then I was dizzy getting out of the car, but I think that is cause I had my eyes closed. But other than that I am fine," I said.

"Well you seem to be okay. Just ice it and take Tylenol every 4 to 6 hours for the next couple days. Umm..as far as driving..," he said contemplating. "Wait about 3 days. If it is an emergency then you may, but be careful. Please tell me if you have trouble with your vision or anything abnormal. Edward, would you mind driving her to and from school?" he looked at his son and I got pale. If Tanya saw..she might kill me.

"No, that's fine," Edward said.

"I will tell you if anything is abnormal, but I can drive myself to school. Or I can have my dad do it. If Edward drives me there will be drama," I said and Edward laughed sadly again.

"After saying you got dizzy..I don't want to take that chance. If that girl, sorry Edward you know I don't really like her but am dealing with her because of you," Carlisle said and I had to hold back a giggle. "Anyway, if that girl touches you again we can get the police involved. You didn't fight back..did you?" he asked and I shook my head proudly.

"Nope. There wasn't any reason," I said and he smiled and then told Edward to bring me home.

"Thank you," I said and he nodded and winked as Edward and I walked towards his car.

Edward turned the car on but didn't move. He wanted to talk to me about something, I could feel it.

"Bella, I am so very sorry."

"It wasn't your fault. But I really think I should have Rose take me to school. It would be bett-" I started, but he cut me off.

"No. I am driving you. It is the least I can do and as of right now I am beyond pissed at Tanya. She had no right to do that to you."

"Well in a way it is my fault. I did tell you to tell her..," I said and he let out a frustrated sigh.

"This was not your fault! You did nothing wrong! Do NOT blame yourself," he yelled at me and I became quiet and nodded. He calmed down.

"Look, I am sorry. I am just upset right now. I didn't mean to take it out on you. Can we stop somewhere before I drop you off?"

"Sure," I said and then laid back down again. When I felt the car stop I looked up and saw a neighborhood I didn't recognize.

"Where are we?" I asked and then Tanya came out of the house and Edward helped me out of the car, seeing as I was dizzy again.

"What is she doing here?" Tanya snarled at me. I rolled my eyes and looked down. Was she really going to say that to me?

"Look at her face!" Edward screamed. "You did that to her! How could you? I was being honest with you and she was being as friendly as ever and you just punch her in the face?"

"Edward, I'm sorry. I didn't think she mean that much to you-" she started and Edward scuffed.

"Yeah, well you should have guessed. I don't think I can do this Tanya," he said and Tanya face turned into panick. As if her life depended on him or something.

"Do what?" she asked with a small voice. I almost felt bad for her. Almost.

"This...whatever you are to me. I am just done with your bullshit and you need to get your head together. I am sorry that I let this go on. Lets just be done with it," he said and I had to look up. He was being serious and her eyes were anger filled with hurt in them.

"Are you breaking up with me?" she asked and Edward nodded.

"I'll see you at school," he said calmly and then put his arm around my waist and Tanya almost slapped me until Edward stopped her. Edward started to get angry again.

"Don't touch her," he said in a harsh tone that even scared me.

"She doesn't deserve you," Tanya spat at me and my heart sunk. She was right.

"Just stop talking to me and leave Bella alone. She doesn't need to be in the middle of this," Edward said and then we headed off. In the car my vision got blurry with tears. I made sure I held them in until I got home.

"Thanks," I said and he nodded and told me he would pick me up at 7. I got out of the car and up to my bedroom and cried. Everything seemed to be turning for the worse now.