(Ssshhhh! Don't tell anyone I'm using the computer to write this (especially not my mom). If they ask you how I'm writing it, then tell them I have…….magical powers? AAAHHHH! I can't believe one of my favorite author's are reading and reviewing this story! They are: addict.to.readingl! I would also like to dedicate this chapter to biteme17 for always checking out my stories! I LOVE YOU! I don't know if Jake is going to be in the story, but probably just in a chapter. He won't hold an important part to the story. Okay, here's the next chapter and it's pretty long…)

Missing Piece of the Puzzle

Chapter 2: Wal-Mart

B.P.O.V.

Finally, I thought to myself. I survived the first week of the new school year. Yup, it's Friday. The very first Friday as a senior. Nothing much has changed in the past four years.

The week hadn't been so bad; the girls only made me cheat one more time and they kept lending me their money for my own lunch. That reminds me; I need to ask Charlie for money tonight. I have to at least buy one more outfit since I threw away old ones that didn't fit me anymore on Wednesday after school.

My new teachers didn't seem that bad. But I already have my favorite class and teacher – 4th period psychology with Mr. Cullen.

Now he has definitely made my week easier. I have to admit it; I didn't like the idea of having to tell someone my deepest thoughts and secrets. I even got a little scared as I had to tell Mr. Cullen about my past. It wasn't scared in a horror kind of way, but scared because I never let myself think two seconds about my past. I got even more scared because I knew it would all come back as a huge rush and hit me hard. That's what I get for keeping it in the back of my mind and never bringing it out.

I liked Mr. Cullen; I liked him a lot – too much for my own good.

I only thought he would pretend to be interested about me to help m out, but boy, was I wrong.

Every time he asked me a question, I could see the curiosity in his yes. Whenever I would talk more about myself, he would look so interested in what I had to say. Mr. Cullen and I would even take a break to talk about ourselves. No, not in the awkward student/teacher – or in this case, patient/psychologist – way, but we would talk as friends.

I've told him things that I've never talked to myself about. He knew my flaws, my weaknesses, my strengths, my past, but most importantly, he knew me. Not the Bella that I pretend to be who hides from people, I'm talking about the real Bella I hadn't seen in forever.

Mr. Cullen was practically my first and only best friend.

I know it sounds crazy – my psychologist as my best friend – but a lot can happen when you talk to someone for more than an hour each day. Mr. Cullen even gave me his house (well, apartment) and cell phone number so that I could talk to him whenever I want. When Mr. Cullen and I talked during our breaks, I would always find out more about him.

He had two best friends named Emmett and Jasper. His cousin, Alice, was dating Jasper and Emmett was dating Alice's best friend - Rosalie. I don't know why, but I was glad Mr. Cullen didn't have a girlfriend. He explained to me that they were all going to the same college, but getting a degree in different things. Alice and Rose were working on fashion while Emmett & Jasper wanted to be lawyers. And Mr. Cullen, obviously, wanted to become a psychologist.

Mr. Cullen and I know a lot about each other, even though it's only been four days. I'd never, ever, thought I'd say this, but I think I might actually trust him.

As the bell rang, ending fourth period, I got my bag and headed for the front office. I've been going to see Mr. Cullen instead of doing P.E. Thank God. It was my schedule to see him everyday during a class period. I needed points from every class, except physical education, to graduate from high school.

Finally reaching the main office, I happily entered Mr. Cullen's office. Just the thought of being with him brought a smile on my face.

"Knock, knock." I said as I opened the door to his office.

"Hello." Mr. Cullen smiled from his chair.

Putting my back pack down, I laid on the couch.

"Tired?" He teased me with an amused voice.

"A little." I replied.

"Why?"

"The girls made me go every where with them last night." I sighed heavily. "I got home around 3:30 AM, couldn't sleep till 5:00 AM and woke up at 7:00 AM." I informed him.

"And Charlie?" Mr. Cullen knew I didn't like to call Charlie a dad; Charlie doesn't deserve to be called a special name like Dad.

"Like he ever gives a crap about where I go and what I do." I stared up at the ceiling. "Didn't even notice I was gone." I muttered mostly to myself.

Mr. Cullen got up from his chair and sat on the floor, beside the couch. He gave me a sympathetic smile and rubbed my arm reassuringly. I like it when Mr. Cullen does small gestures to me like that. It makes me feel…….something, but I don't know what's it's called.

"So what's on today's agenda, Mr. CIA?" I quickly tried to ease the tension in the air.

I sat up straight and he took a seat next to me. I hate to say it, but I may have a tiny crush on Mr. Cullen. Who am I kidding? I have the HUGEST crush on him, there I said it.

He was so beautiful; he couldn't be that much older than me. "Why don't you tell me where the girls made you go all night? I mean, if they brought you home around 3:30 in the morning, it must have been something important."

I snorted. "Yhea right!"

I pulled my legs up on the couch and began telling him my meaningless night. Every now and then he would nod or ask me a question.

When I finished telling him, Mr. Cullen got up and typed down some quick notes on his laptop, as he always does, and I absentmindly played with a stand of my hair.

Mr. Cullen turned around and gave me a satisfied smile. I bet he was happy that I didn't 'edit' my story this time; he always catches me when I lie because I suck at it. Besides, I didn't do anything that I was ashamed of last night, so I told him the whole truth.

I already did my talking and now it was time for a break. "How's school?" I asked while I took out a notebook.

"Fine, I guess." He gave a light shrug. I started to doodle on my notebook. "Don't worry, you'll learn all about college life next year." He started messing around in his chair. That's what I loved about us; we could get so comfortable with each others presence.

"Actually, I don't think I will." I said as I started coloring patterns on a spider-web I drew at the edge of my notebook.

Mr. Cullen stopped spinning in his chair and looked at me. "Why?" He asked.

It was my turn to shrug. "My A/B honor roll won't cut it and I just don't have that kind of money." I answered without looking up.

Mr. Cullen also knew about my money problems. Yesterday he offered to loan me money, but I politely declined.

Mr. Cullen nodded in understanding. We spent the rest of the period arguing which music composer was better.

"Mozart's the best."

"No way!" He argued back. "Vivaldi did better with his harmony."

"What?" I nearly jumped out of his chair. Sometimes, I sit on his chair while he sits on the couch or his desk. Today, he was sitting on his desk. "Have you heard Eine Kleine Nachtmusic?" I questioned him. "His harmony on that piece was just as amazing as the melody."

Mr. Cullen rolled his eyes. "Fine." And surrendered. "You should get your stuff ready." He looked at his watch. "The bell should be ringing any second."

I got up and slung my back pack over my shoulder as the lunch bell rung.

"I'll walk you to the cafeteria." Mr. Cullen said as he held the door open for me.

"Sure." I smiled and nodded.

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We entered the lunch room and Tanya walked up to me. "So I hear you've been skipping gym to see a psychologist." She smirked then gave me an innocent smile. "Is it because of your drug addiction or gang addiction?" She tried to sound sincere but failed miserably.

Tanya didn't know how much that one, simple question hurt me.

She didn't know how much I wanted to quit the stupid gang and have a normal life with supportive parents. Her question really hurt me, but I didn't care. I just stayed strong and put my walls up against her.

Mr. Cullen knew how I felt and I saw him send a glare at Tanya. "Come on, Miss Swan." He gently pulled me to the lunch line. "Let's go get some lunch." Once we were out of hearing distance from Tanya, he hissed. "Why didn't you get back at that bitch?" Wow, I've only ever heard him this mad when I talk about how Charlie is an ungrateful, stubborn, and the worst father.

"I didn't have a good come back." I put my hands up in surrender.

"I have a couple ideas." He was glaring at Tanya. Was he really……considering…?

I slapped his arm playfully. "Mr. Cullen!" I warned.

He gave me a crooked smile and laughed. "Okay, let's get our lunch; we could eat it in my room together." That was a good offer, but I don't have money.

I sighed. "As tempting as that sounds, I don't have any money & the girls wasted theirs for a bunch of drugs last night." Mr. Cullen also knew I only stayed in the idiotic gang for money and I didn't do drugs.

Mr. Cullen closed his eyes and pinched the bridge of his nose. "Let me buy you lunch." He opened his eyes. "Where do you want to go?"

"Don't worry, Mr. Cullen, I'll be fine if I miss one meal."

"Please, Miss Swan." He put his hands together as if he were begging me. "Just think of this as a way of saying thank you to you for trusting me so much." His beautiful eyes were pleading.

I let out an exasperated breath. "Fine." I rolled my eyes.

He gave me a grateful smile. "Can you do me a favor first, Mr. Cullen?"

He nodded "Of course." He said in a voice that sounded like 'duh.'

"Can you please stop calling me Miss Swan and start calling me Bella? Miss Swan makes me feel old." I told him shyly.

Mr. Cullen did something I didn't expect him to do: He laughed and threw his head back. "Just as long as you call me Edward." Mr. Cul- I mean Edward compromised.

Edward……I could get used to that. I thought with a smile playing on my lips.

"I'm not that old either, Bella." He smirked.

"Then how old are you, Edward?" I smirked back. He can't be older than 25. Heck! He doesn't even look older than 23.

"I'm 20 and I'll be turning 21 on June." Edward answered.

Wow, he's 20! I can't believe he's only 2-3 years older than me; he's so young. Well, he did say he was still in college, but he never said it was his second year in college.

"Okay, F.B.I., can we go to McDonalds?" Edward smiled and nodded. That smile gave me the courage to ask him something. "Mr.C- Edward, is it okay if I consider you as my friend?" I immediately felt my blush rising. I looked up and noticed his remarkable face got a little sad. I guess he doesn't want to be friends with some high school student who has problems.

"Actually," He began. "I thought we were best friends." Edward looked warily at me with a sad puppy dog face. I laughed at him and he soon joined me. He was too cute for his own good. Why do I always laugh when I'm with him?

"Let's go, Best Friend." I tugged at his sleeve. Gosh, I know I like him, but how many more nicknames am I going to give him? Well, on the other hand, he already gave me some nicknames, so I guess it's fair.

We were almost out of the cafeteria, but something grabbed my shirt. I turned around and saw Tanya; I can almost swear I heard Edward growl.

"Where are you going, Bella? Off to smoke some pot?" She said smugly and loud. Half the student body smirked. I could feel make checks getting red and my eyes were stinging with tears.

Then, I felt Edward's hand on my shoulder. What's that feeling he gives me….? I don't know what came over me but I was suddenly yelling.

"You know what, Tanya?" I asked loud enough to make sure everybody else in the room heard. "I would say 'screw you', but it looks like too many people already did."

Tanya stood there in shock with her eyes and mouth wide open as other students laughed and yelled "Ohhh!" and "Buuurn!"

I turned around and saw Edward's lip twitching; he was trying to hold back laughter. He put his hand on my shoulder and led me out the door.

As soon as we reached the parking lot area, he burst into laughter. Edward's hysterical laughter turned into chuckles as we neared a shiney, silver Volvo. He opened the passenger door for me and closed it as I got in.

Edward ran over to the driver's seat and wiped away a tear of joy. "Good one, Bells." He complimented me. Bells was one of the nicknames he had given me.

I guess Edward was right, we are best friends. He's the only soul I've ever told about my mom abandoning me and my dad not caring for me; I've even cried in front of him twice before. Edward would hug me close and rub my back; he never pushed me away. But I still haven't told him about my nightmares and my cutting…...

I smiled back at him as we exited the parking lot. "I meant every word."

He nodded. "She does look very…'friendly' by the way she dresses. Is she the girl – that's not part of your gang – which you complain about so much?" Edward sounded curious, as always.

"First off all, it's not my gang." I corrected and he turned around to give me an apologetic face. "It's okay." I assured him. "And secondly, yes; she's Tanya."

"So, where do want to go eat again? I forgot, sorry." He changed the subject.

"Stop saying sorry for everything." I smiled at him. "McDonalds, remember?"

Edward nodded. "I'll stop saying sorry. Sorry."

"Edward."

"What?"

"You just said sorry after I told you not to." I explained.

He realized what he did. "Right, sorry."

"Edward!"

"Sorry! I mean- sorry. I…ugh!" I laughed and he slapped his forehead with his hand.

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"So why psychology?" I asked Edward as I took a bite of my french fry. We were eating our orders and talking in the Mc. Donalds parking lot.

"What do you mean?" He asked before he took a bite of his Big Mac.

"Why did you choose to study psychology? Why do you want to become a psychologist?" I clarified.

Edward took a sip of the coke we were sharing and swallowed down his food. "Well, I like figuring people out. I like analyzing every different detail and putting them together to get an answer. It's almost like a puzzle. I love putting the different pieces together to come up with one big picture."

Hmmm, that makes sense. "What about me?" I playfully asked.

"What about you?" He had the same teasing voice.

"Have you figured me out yet? I know it's only been a week, but still." I shrugged and waited for his answer.

"You, my dear, are the toughest puzzle I've ever had. Just when I think I have you all figured out, you change the picture and all of the pieces that I thought went together, suddenly didn't make any sense. It's like you have a missing piece of the puzzle that I have yet to find."

I nodded slowly. "So I'm like a psycho?"

Edward started laughing. "That's what my best friend, Emmett, calls my patients." Edward had told me that Emmett was the jokester, while Jasper was that brain. He said that Jasper uses his common sense to help Emmett with pranks. "And sometimes, that isn't a good thing." Edward told me yesterday. I remember Edward shuddered at the memory; Jasper and Emmett must have done something really bad – and really funny – to him.

"So I am a psycho?" I nodded my head again.

"No." Edward's tone was serious. "You're not a psycho; you're my friend – my best friend." He told me sincerely.

"If I wasn't your best friend, then what would you have called me?" I asked.

Edward thought about it and answered. "I would've called you a mystery."

I laughed and he gave me a questioning look for my outburst. "Cool, I'm a mystery." I said proudly.

Edward chuckled and shook his head. "Yes, you are."

After we finished eating, we threw our trash away and went back to school.

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"So where's your car?" Edward asked as he opened the car door or me. Always the gentlemen….

"Don't have one." I answered.

His eyes grew wide. "How do you get to school and back?" Why did he sound mad?

"Walk." I simply answered.

"What if it rains?" We were walking to the school.

"I wear a jacket that has a hoodie and run." He raised an eyebrow. "I know what you're thinking, but I don't fall when I run. Walking is what gets me, but I can run without falling if I don't think about it too much."

"Do you want a ride home?" Edward asked. "There's 10 percent chance of rain and I don't want you getting sick." That's why I love Edward. He actually cared and worries about me, unlike some people (cough) my parents (cough). Yup, you heard right: I love Edward Cullen.

This morning it was just a crush, but now I'm in love with him. He's brought me so many things I could never have: someone to care for me, to help me, to talk to me, to make me feel safe and to…..ugh. What's it called? I still can't put my finger on it, but I know it's something important.

Now I know I'm officially weird: I'm in love with my psychologist. Yes, I have definitely lost it.

"No, really Edward." I tried to convince him. "It's fine."

"Bella." He said my name in a stern voice.

"Seriously," I reassured him. "You said it yourself, only 10 percent chance of rain. There's still 90 percent that it'll only be cloudy."

We kept looking at each other, until I heard the bell ring.

"Fine." He sighed in defeat. "Bye." He smiled and walked over to me with his arms wide open.

Wow, he seriously thinks of me as his best friend. Well, don't just stand there, Bella. Go over and hug him.

I took a step closer and placed my arms around Edward's waist as he put his arms around me. It felt so….right. I smiled into his chest before we pulled away.

"Bye." I said and walked to my next class. When I was sure he couldn't hear me, I squealed. I'm not the squealing type, but I was so happy, I couldn't hold it in any longer. Other kids gave me weird looks and walked away from me. I don't care about them, so I shrugged it off and headed to English.

E.P.O.V.

As I made my way back to my office, my thoughts kept going back to Bella.

The way she laughs, the way she acts, the way she thinks; she's the most dangerous and amazing creature I've ever met. But there was one thing that kept me up at night. Well, two things actually.

The first one is about what she'd told me the first day; she said she wouldn't open up easily. Yet, we've become friends (best friends) and she's told me her thoughts, dreams, and secrets. I can't seem to understand the way she thinks. Of course she won't think like any other 17 year old girl because she's gone through a lot and is still going through troubles.

Bella is smart, funny, and can take care of herself. That's good and bad.

Good: She knows who to keep her walls up from.

Bad: She sometimes doesn't let the kindest of people in. I'm still in shock that she's almost let me in. It's also bad because Bella had to be strong and take care of herself at such a young age. She told me her mother left her when she was five and Charlie – both Bella and I refuse to call him a dad – stopped caring for her when she was ten.

If I think it would be hard growing up without my parents, I can't imagine what it's like to be a little girl without having a caring mother and a trusted father. People say the only man a girl can trust is her dad, but Bella will never be able to relate to that.

The second thing that didn't let me sleep was my feelings for Bella. The first day I met her, I knew I was attracted to her, but it was a physical attraction. Now, it's every attraction possible! I honestly think I might like her. When I talk to the guys (Emmett and Jasper) or with the girls (Alice and Rose) about Bella, they always make fun of me for having a crush on one of my patients….who just happens to be a gang member. I wish I could explain why Bella is in a stupid gang to begin with, but Bella really trusts me (something I never thought she'd do. Actually, I'm still wondering why she opened up to me.) I will not go around telling people her feelings and secrets.

"Yup, I liker her; I liker her a lot. More than I should." I quietly told myself as I opened the door to my office.

I saw Jasper and Emmett laughing on my desk.

Emmett spoke up. "Hey, Edward. Where were you? I thought one of your psychos's got all crazy, killed you and left you in their locker to decompose."

Both, him and Jazz, got off my desk and were walking towards me. "I, umm…McDonalds?" Emmett and Jasper exchanged a confused glance.

"McDonalds?" Jasper had his eyebrows knotted. "But I thought you didn't like going to McDonalds alone because the girls that would take your order would always flirt with you?"

"I didn't go alone." I informed them. "I went with a girl."

They gave me a questioning look and Emmett's eyebrows shot up. "You got a date with a teacher?" He asked in disbelief as Jaspers eyes went wide.

I rolled my eyes. "It wasn't with a teacher." I sat down on the couch and put my hands behind my head.

"A student?!" Jasper yelled. "Damn." Emmett muttered.

Jasper looked at him then back at me in shock. "Are you crazy Edward?! What do you think will happen when other people find out?! Do you want to get arrested?!" He was outraged, but Jasper looks so funny when he's mad.

I laughed at him. "Calm down, Bella and I are just friends." Best friends. I corrected myself mentally. They stood there, staring at me with their mouths wide open.

"Close you mouth. A fly might go in." I said in a very amused voice.

"Hey, that wasn't my fault." Emmett crossed his arms over his chest. "That fly was small and I didn't see it."

Jasper and I laughed at the memory then Jasper took a seat next to me.

I removed my hands from behind my head and placed my elbows on my knees, entwining my hands together.

"Well," Jasper began. "We all know you do like Bella, so I guess I can make an exception and not give you a long speech about how wrong you are for taking a 17 year old girl – who happens to be in a gang and your patient - on a lunch date to McDonalds." He said sincerely.

Emmett and I laughed. "Gee, thanks, Jazz." I said sarcastically. "Besides, I told you guys, it wasn't a date."

"Sure it wasn't." Emmett gave me an obvious wink and I rolled my eyes at him.

"The reason we came here is because Em and I were wondering if we could crash at your place Sunday night." Jasper explained as I walked over to my laptop.

"Sure." I replied.

"'Kay. Well, see ya, dude." Jasper waved and I nodded once.

"Yhea," Emmett grinned. "Good luck with Bella." He said as he followed Jasper out.

I just rolled my eyes and turned off the school's computer. I put my laptop in its messenger bag and walked out the door. I always left after lunch when I didn't have any other patients to see.

I got in my car and drove home. Once again, Bella invaded my mind. I knew I liked her; which was as obvious as Emmett's wink. But there was something else there. Is it love? No, that can't be it; it's too soon to tell. I weaved my hand through my hair in frustration. What is it? What is it that I feel for Bella? I don't care if she's broken, I can fix her. I don't care that she's in a gang for money; I'll give her every penny I have. I don't care if she doesn't feel the same way, I'll convince her. What do you call it when you want that person; you need that person in your life? Why is it when you've only been away five minutes from that person, and you already miss them? Why do I want to be there for her when something bad happens? Why do I want to be the first person Bella comes to? What is that feeling?

I parked the Volvo outside my apartment and sighed. "What is it that I feel for Bella?" I asked myself.

I walked into the lobby and headed straight to the elevator - I didn't need the lady behind the front desk to try to hit on me today. I got off on the tenth floor and unlocked the door to my suit.

The first room I enter is the living area with a black, flat screen T.V on the left wall and a black couch against the right wall. I walked through the living room and entered the kitchen. (There was no wall separating them.) I put my laptop case on the granite island in the middle of the kitchen.

My suit was two stories and was decorated with the latest technology, but with an old fashion, simple taste. It was my mothers, Esme, present for me since I decided to go to college near home.

I grabbed a coke from the frig and unbuttoned a couple more buttons from the top of my shirt. I leaned against my counter and stared at the silver, stain-less steel refrigerator in front of me. I stayed there for a while looking at my reflection until I saw a red, blinking light in the corner of my right eye.

I turned around to face the counter and noticed I had two messages on my answering machine. I quickly pressed play; hoping one of them was from Bella even though she was still in school right now.

BEEP!

Hey, Edward! I heard Alice's bubbly voice. How have the last couple of days been going? I hope its okay. Oooo! How are things going between you and Bertha? I shook my head and sighed. Alice always gets the names Bella and Bertha mixed up. Well, I just called to check on my favorite, annoying cousin. Bye!

BEEP!

I deleted the message and waited for the next one.

BEEP!

Edward, dear, how are you? My mom's voice flowed through the kitchen. I miss you so much. Oh, your father says hi. I just wanted to let you know that we will be stopping by for dinner on Saturday around 8:00. I love you. Buh-bye.

BEEP!

I deleted the message and went looking through my huge kitchen for food.

"How can I have nothing to prepare a decent dinner?" I asked myself after I couldn't find anything. Well, anything besides cereal.

I checked the time. 2:30. I'll just have to go to the store later on, after I take a quick nap.

As I got to my room on the second floor, took off my shoes and jumped onto my king-sized bed. I loved having so many white and beige colored pillows because it always made me feel cozy.

I sighed in happiness and got into a comfortable position. This will never get old. I smiled to myself and drifted to a deep and much needed sleep.

B.P.O.V.

Maybe just some pants and a shirt. I told myself as I opened the front door to my small house. Charlie was, surprisingly (insert sarcasm), on the couch and talking on the phone.

I put my bag near the bottom of the staircase and went into the T.V. room.

"Charlie." I called, but he put his hand up and continued to talk on the phone. "Okay, you tell the other guys to get here in a little while." He smiled into the phone and hung up. "What?" Charlie sounded annoyed and irritated (as usual).

"I need money for some clothes." My voice was barely above a whisper.

"It's always about you, you, and you." Charlie grumbled as he searched through his pockets. "Here." He handed me four bills. "The boys and I are hanging out here tonight and you better not get any of our beer." He warned me. I nodded and took the money.

If you think Charlie wanted me to stay away from the beer because he thought I was too young to drink and was worried for my safety, then you're damn wrong. He just wants the beer for himself and his idiotic friends.

I was about to open the front door when I heard thunder.

Great.

I ran upstairs to get my hoodie. As I was placing it over my head on my way down the stairs, I tripped and rolled to the ground.

When I hit the ground, I think I heard Charlie mumble something about me ruining the floor. I put my hands in the front pockets of my hoodie and walked out the door. The light rain turned into a thunder storm in seconds. I took out the money Charlie had given me inside; it was a five-dollar bill and three one-dollar bills.

Where am I going to get clothes for eight dollars? Ugh. I guess I'm going to Wal-Mart.

I quickly ran from under the porch and onto the side walk. I stepped on a puddle and fell into mud.

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My jeans and hoodie were all dirty. No wonder so many people were staring at me as I entered the store. I put my head down in embarrassment and put down my hood.

As I made my way over to the juniors Section, I prayed that nobody I knew would recognize me. Of course, I didn't have that kind of luck and ran into somebody.

E.P.O.V.

I ran into Wal-Mart in a hurry. I over slept and it was now around 4:30. The huge thunderstorm that just hit town wasn't making matters any better.

I grabbed a red basket and made my way to the grocery section. I wanted to make spaghetti so I grabbed: the noodles, tomato sauce, some cheese, and meat. I decided to grab a carton of orange juice while I'm at it.

As I was going to check out my groceries, I bumped into someone.

"Sorry." The other person said.

Wait a minute, I know that voice.

"Bella?" I asked in disbelief. She was wearing a gray, torn up hoodie with mud all over her clothes. God, please tell me she didn't walk over her through that dreadful storm.

Bella slowly looked up and smiled. "Oh!" She sounded surprised. "Hi, Edward." She smiled even wider.

I gave her a stern look and she finally caught on. "Hey, it's not my fault the 10 percent part came true." She held up her hands in surrender.

I shook my head. "What are you doing here?"

Bella blushed and quietly answered. "To buy clothes."

I rolled my eyes. "Stop being embarrassed and let's go get you some clothes."

She cocked her head to the side. "What? You don't have to come with me." Bella shook her head in protest.

"Yes, I do." I put my right hand on her back and led her to the clothing section. "I'm also going to give you a ride home."

"Ed – ward." Bella whined.

I shook my head. "Start looking." I ordered as I put her near a rack of shirts.

B.P.O.V.

I rolled my eyes and started looking through the shirts.

"I'll search for some pants." Edward told me and went to another rack.

I'm so grateful it was him instead of somebody else who would've made fun of me. But when he put his hand on my back, I got that feeling again. What is that feeling…..?

I found a cute, black short sleeve shirt that had long sleeves under-neath that were gray and black strips. (I like it. :) Picture on profile.) I checked the price and read '3 dollars'. I grabbed it and walked over to Edward.

He noticed me and said. "I found a couple of pants. How much money are you going to have left over?" He nodded towards the shirt in my hands.

"Five dollars."

Edward put some of the pants that he had slung over his arm, back into the racks. "There's only one pair for five dollars." He held up a pair of black skinny pants. (Picture on my profile.) "The rest are six or more dollars." He explained.

I grabbed the pants. "I'll go try them on." Edward nodded and followed me.

I walked into a dressing room and changed while Edward was waiting for me outside.

My out fit definitely matched. The top went great with the pants, and the best part is that it didn't even look like I got it at Wal-Mart for eight dollars.

I stepped out of the changing room and Edward smiled. "Wow, home-girl. You could pass for a rocker." He teased. I rolled my eyes and went back to change into my clothes.

Home-girl and gangsta' is what Edward would call me when he was teasing me; they were to two other nicknames he gave me.

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We both separately for our items and went outside. I put my hoodie over my head as Edward yelled over the loud rain and crashing thunder.

"I'll go get the car, stay here!" He got my bag and ran through the parking lot.

Edward came back and stopped the Volvo in front of me. I ran up to it, but Edward got out and opened the door for me before I could reach it.

"Edward!" I yelled. Mostly, it was because the thunder was above us, but also because I was mad. "It's raining cats and dogs! Can you please stop being a gentleman for five seconds before you catch a cold?"

He rolled his eyes. "Just get in!" I did as told and sat in the warm car. Edward shut the door behind me and took the drivers seat.

He shook his head, trying to get the water out, and left diamond droplets hanging on his hair. I've never seen him like this. Instead of his hair being messy and windblown, it was wet and his long, bronze hair hung over his forehead. Then I barely realized he had a lot of buttons undone at the top of his shirt and the water made his clothes stick to his body. I never knew Edward worked out. I felt my blush coming along and quickly looked out the window.

"Where do you live?" Edward asked. I told him my address and laid my head against the head rest. I let the music coming from the radio be our conversation.

"We're here." I heard Edward say. I opened my eyes, Wait, when did I fall asleep? and looked out through the wind shield. The sky was already dark even thought I was barely 5:30. Surrounding my house were a lot of trucks and cars.

Edward looked at my house, then back at me with worried eyes. "Are you going to be okay?" I told him the other day about how my dad and his friends act around me when they get drunk.

"I'll be fine." I told him, but just then, we heard a loud crash from the inside of my house that made me jump.

Edward looked back at me. "If you want to spend the weekend at my house, you know you can."

I shook my head even though I really, REALLY, wanted to stay with him. "Look," I pointed to a window on the second floor. "That's my room. If you see me waving at you from that window, then that means I'm fine."

Edward looked back at the house then back at me. "Okay, but I'm not leaving until I see you waving." We hugged and I got my bag from Wal-Mart.

It was only sprinkling and the thunder had worn off. I unlocked the house door with my key and noticed a couple of broken beer bottles on the floor. So that was the loud crash.

Charlie had so many guys over; it looked like twenty drunken men were in my kitchen and twenty more in the living room. As I looked for Charlie through the huge crowd, I noticed one of his friends giving me a creepy smile that I hated so much.

"Charlie!" I called him. He walked – more like wobbled – over to me. "I'm going to stay the weekend with a friend." I was suddenly too horrified to be the only girl here.

Charlie laughed in my face and I smelled the gross stench of alcohol. "You," He pointed to me. "Have friends?" He laughed even harder. "Look, do whatever you want, I don't care." Charlie walked away.

One of his drunken friends grinned and walked over to me. "Did you hear that?" The drunk guy asked me. "He said you could do whatever you want." I understood the double meaning behind his words and ran outside.

I was so scared, I started to cry. I ran to Edward's car – which thankfully was still there – but I tripped over a rock. I just sat there on the ground, crying my eyes out.

Edward immediately jumped out of his car and came to me. He got on his knees next to me and held me tight. I sobbed into his chest. "Can–an I stay….the week-weekend with…..you?" I asked breathless. I felt him nod and carry me bride style to his Volvo.

Before I knew it, I was in Edward's car, sobbing and on the way to his apartment. He held me tight to his side as he drove.

"Bella." He whispered in my ear.

I looked up at him. "Yes?" My voice was hoarse.

"We're at my apartment." I looked out the window and saw some of the most beautiful buildings I've ever seen, but my eyes were still glassy from my long, hard cry.

"Hold on." He told me. Edward let me go and ran to my door. I was too tired to protest, so I let him carry me without any complaints.

How he grabbed his groceries, got my bag of clothes and closed my door while carrying me, I don't know, but he managed easily.

As we entered the front lobby, people started to stare at us. My eyes were probably red, our clothes were soaked, I still had mud on my pants and shirt and Edward was carrying me, along with a couple bags from Wal-Mart. Nothing out of the ordinary.

"Can you push the button please?" Edward asked me in a soothing voice. I gave a slight nod and pushed the button with an arrow pointing up. "Thank you." He kindly told me as the elevator opened and we entered.

"Tenth floor, please." Edward asked somebody else. Another man stepped forward and I saw a button with a number 10 turn red. "Thanks." Edward told the man in his late forties.

In no time, we exited the elevator. Edward set me on my feet carefully, but I was too weak from being scared and crying to stand on my own. He kept his left arm around my waist, holding up most of my body weight as he opened the door with his key.

When the door was wide open, I slowly walked in, gawking at his apartment. His place was amazing! I swear, that is the flattest, biggest television I've ever seen! Edward quickly but his bags into the flawless kitchen and ran back to me.

He picked me up again. "You need to take a shower before you get sick." Edward started going up some stairs. "You can use the bathroom in my room while I use another one and make dinner." He put me in, what I guessed, was his room.

"Do you have any clothes, besides the ones you bought?"

I shook my head. "I was too scared a drunk guy would follow me up to my room." Tears silently escaped my eyes and rolled down my cheeks. "He told me I could do whatever I wanted with him."

His face got red with fury, but them became calm. Edward nodded sadly and turned around. He got a couple of things from a drawer and handed them to me; it was a white t-shirt and a pair of bowers. I knew I was blushing as I took the items form him. Stupid uncontrollable blush!

Edward chuckled and moved a strand of my hair behind my ear. "You'll have to wear my clothes until I can get the mud off of yours." He explained.

I nodded in understanding. "Where's your bathroom?" He pointed to one, of many, doors in the room.

"You can take as long as you want; you can even use the hot tube if you like." Edward told me and turned around.

When he opened the door, I called out to him. "Edward."

Edward stopped and turned around to face me. I slowly walked up to him. "Thank you, Edward. Thank you so much for everything. For letting me trust you, for being my friend, for taking care and worrying about me." I was now standing right in front of him. "I've never had anyone do stuff for me like you do." I gave him a grateful, warm smile.

I don't know how it happened, but suddenly, Edward and I were in a tight embrace. He rubbed my back as I quietly cried into his chest. When we pulled away, I saw a tear run down his left cheek. I wiped away the tear and he came closer to me.

Then, I felt his soft, warm lips on my forehead.

Edward gave me a smile and walked out of the room, closing the door behind him.

Did he, Edward – handsome – Cullen, just kiss me? Sure, it was on my head and probably just for reassurance, but it was still a kiss.

I smiled happily to my self and walked into his bathroom. I took off my clothes and I stepped in the shower, then I realized something. I'm in the shower Edward Cullen uses every morning, I'm about to use the soap he uses for his body and I'm going to put on the shampoo that he puts in his beautiful hair.

I mentally slapped myself across the face. Bella, just take a shower before you pneumonia.

(Phew! I was going to make this chapter longer, but I want to post it up already!! Besides, my mom will be back any second now. I'll continue this chapter tomorrow or later, but it depends on the reviews I get. If I get a little, I'll work on my other story, if I get a lot, I'll continue with this chapter. I hope you enjoyed it! (it was 19 computer pages worth!)

Love, Mayface!