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Missing Piece of the Puzzle

Chapter 4: Monday

B.P.O.V.

Can this class get any better?

English is finally worth paying attention to. We are studying Romeo and Juliet. I've always wanted to read it, but Charlie doesn't let me go to the library or rent the movie. He doesn't want to give up his precious television.

I have to admit, this morning was really embarrassing. Don't get me wrong, waking up in Edward's arms was beyond amazing, but the fact that he was awake before I could get up was horrible. I woke up with morning breath, my hair was a mess, and there's gorgeous Edward next to me. At least Emmett and Jasper left before I woke up. I don't think I could've handled Emmett's teasing.

Coming back to school was a bit awkward. Some students noticed I came to campus with Edward. Or in their case: Mr. Cullen, the extremely hot psychologist who will marry them one day. Ever since Edward came here, I've overheard students and teacher's gush about him. Of course, no one knew he was my friend and that we got along great. I already get beat up by the gang, I don't need to get beat up from some faculty members and some pretty girls, too.

I'm worried though, I could swear I saw Tanya looking at me when I got out of Edward's car. And I can bet my blade I saw her following us. I think she saw everything and maybe heard us. We were talking about our weekend and we hugged a lot. I'm a little terrified to go to lunch because I know she would probably do something to me, again. But then again, I could just be blowing this way out of proportion. Maybe she didn't even see us, maybe she wasn't even there.

But I need to focus on something else. A very important subject: Edward.

Should I love him? Could I love him? Do I love him? I've never loved anyone before, so I shouldn't know. I haven't even loved anyone in a family way. I can't remember anything about my mom since she left when I was five and my dad made me forget get about family love a long time ago. I think I was ten or nine; I don't remember much about love, so I honestly don't think I could be in love with him. He's probably just a crush. I read in a magazine I picked up at the store – I didn't buy it, I just looked through it – that your first crush is crucial. Maybe I think I'm in love. I should just forget about him. He goes to college, has awesome friends, is twenty years old, and is extremely handsome for God's sake! How could he even look at me in a girlfriend type of way?

I'm just going to have to think of him as a friend. I felt myself frown. Oh well, at least I have a friend, now.

Trying to ignore this sad subject, I started to pay attention to what Ms. Regalado was saying. "And I'll be handing out the copies to all of you tomorrow."

She began explaining the importance of reading classics when Karina threw her pencil at me.

I turned around. "What?" I hissed.

"Get me a cigarette." She whispered. Her cat voice sent chills up my back.

"What?" Is she crazy? We're in the middle of a classroom at school.

"I said, get me a cigarette."

"No." I turned around to face the front of the class.

"Hey." I felt her throw a rubber band at me.

"Ouch." I cried and jumped up from my seat. The rubber band hit me on a sore spot on my arm where I recently cut myself two days ago.

"Miss Swan!" The teacher scolded at me. "Sit back down and if I get any more interruptions from you, it'll be lunch detention!"

I sent a dirty glare at Karina and sat back down. Ms. Regalado continued talking when I felt an eraser thrown at me.

I turned around – again – only this time, more annoyed. "Get me a cigarette, or I'll mess up that ugly face of yours." Karina threatened.

I nodded unwillingly and turned my attention to the teacher. How am I supposed to get her something to smoke? I can't walk to the drug store because it's blocks away; I'm not allowed to buy drugs because I'm still seventeen. Great. This day is going to be long.

In Edward's Office

"So, you need cigarettes by lunch time or you'll get beaten up?" Edward asked me in disbelief.

I sat up straight and looked at him in the eye. "Yup, I get her a smoke or my face is gone." I sighed and threw my head back. "What am I going to do?" I asked, mostly to myself.

"Get out." Edward stated bluntly.

My eyes widened and my head shot up to met his gaze. "What?" Did he want me to get out of his office? Is he tired of me already?

"Get out of the gang." He explained.

Relief came over but it was soon consumed with anger. Anger wasn't toward Edward, but to them. "I can't." I shook my head.

"Why not?" He got up from his seat. His voice was also filled with anger.

"Because," I got up and stood in the same position as him. "If someone wants to get out of that gang, we have to go through so many things." I didn't want to go through any details.

"Tell me; tell me why you can't get out of that gang filled with imbeciles. Charlie is already making your life a living hell, why do you want a bunch of drug addicted prostitutes to make it any harder? What if they soon pressure you into drugs?" Edward's voice was close to yelling. "What if you're already into drugs and just not telling me? What if you're lying? What if you're making everything up and only using me because I'm some super hot new teacher?" I sent him a questioning glance. "Yhea, I know what the women in this school say about me. What if you never really trusted me and you're just making things up as you go along? What if I'm not helping you in any way? How do I know you don't honestly love those gang girls? How do I know you don't make fun of me behind my back?" Edward growled at me and stepped closer so that our noses were touching. "What if you're not even my friend?" He voice was barely above a whisper.

Stinging tears welled up in my eyes. I was beyond pissed. How could he think that!

I tore my back pack from the couch and opened the door with more force than necessary. My idea was to storm out of his stupid office but I'm tired of running. I'm sick of not standing up for myself. I've been pushed around too many times in my life. And I hate when people make assumptions about me. They don't even know me! But Edward knows me, he knows me as much as I know myself. Sure, I haven't told him some stuff, but at least I told him some things!

Tears flowed down my cheeks like two endless waterfalls as I turned around to give him a piece of my mind. "You think the girls in the gang are imbeciles?! Well guess what, I'm in that gang; does that make me an idiot?" I didn't care I was yelling. The whole God damn school could listen for all I care. "I'm not on drugs and they will never make me do them! They are ruining their lives and I don't want to be a part of it! I would never use you, Edward! How could you think that? Why would I lie to you? I've told you my life, my secrets, everything! Why would I lie about it! I told you things I've never even let myself talk about. Of course I trust you! Why else would I stay the weekend with you? How could you think I like those girls! Do you think I enjoy getting beaten up? Do you think I like having to be with them? I would never talk bad about you behind your back! For all I know, you could be the one talking bad about me. I'm the gang girl; I'm the poor, ugly, scared, frightened girl who has to see a psychologist because I can't keep my life in order! How do I know your not just using me to get a good laugh?! If you want to know why I can't get out, it's because they each have to hurt me. They each have to punch my face, legs and arms. EVERYTHING! I have to get hurt so badly!" I was hysterical. My voice was frantic and my nose was clogged from crying hard. I was crying even worse than the night Edward had to take me to his place. I took long, deep breaths to try to calm myself. I lowered my voice and softened my tone. "You're my only friend."

He ran over to me and I let my bag slip from my hands. I wrapped my arms tight around his waist while he hugged my back, enclosing me to his chest. "I'm sorry." Edward whispered in my ear over and over again.

After a while of sobbing and him apologizing, we ended up sitting on the couch together. "I really am sorry." Edward said as he got me another tissue.

I nodded but didn't reply. "I don't know what came over me." He explained as he sat back down next to me. "I guess knowing that the people who you're near around the most are hurting you – mentally and physically – makes me mad."

He rubbed my back as I tried to control my breathing. I don't know much about being a doctor, but I don't think taking short, frantic breaths is a good way to breath. "How could you think that?" I managed to ask breathlessly. "How? How? How?"

Edward sighed and hugged me again. He began rocking me in his arms. "I know, I know, I'm sorry. I take everything I said back. I never meant any of that stuff. I just got pissed off, that's all, but I know I shouldn't be taking it out on you." He said sincerely and grabbed my shoulders in his hands, forcing me to look at him. "I don't think you're an idiot or an imbecile. I was talking about those other girls, but I still should've kept my mouth shut. I think your funny, smart, and….well, I think you're beautiful." Edward smiled and engulfed me in another hug.

How do I know he was telling the truth? How do I know he's not just trying to make me feel better? What if he is only comforting me to make me shut up?

I sighed to myself. I know Edward; I know he only says stuff like that when he was telling the truth. How could he think I was smart, funny and…beautiful? I don't remember anybody telling me that before. I think a teacher called me smart one time in the seventh grade, but that's all I remember. I've only known this guy for seven days and I've already: cried in front of him, told him my life, stayed at his house, laughed with him, driven in his car, shared a bed with him when I had nightmares, and felt comfort around him. How is that possible?

Maybe heaven decided I've suffered enough and sent down an angel to help me. Maybe it was fate that we met. Maybe he just got transferred to this school for an assignment and I was one of his patients. I know the last one is the one that really happened, but a girl could dream. But I've never had dreams before, only nightmares.

I was about to tell Edward he was forgiven, but the bell interrupted me. "Come on," Edward got up, along with my bag, and went to the door. "Let's go to my car." He told me and walked out the door.

I just sat there, dumbfounded and without a back pack. I recovered quickly and jumped off the couch to the door. I saw Edward exiting the main office with my back pack. As I was about to call him to ask him why we were going to his car, Ms. Cope called me. "Dear, are you alright? You look like you've been crying?" Did she not hear me shout? Was she deaf? How could she not hear me sobbing and yelling?

I nodded, letting her know I was fine and realized my eyes and nose were probably red. I hurried to catch up with Edward. "Where are we going?"

"Are you sure all your yelling didn't clog your ears? I said we were going to my car." Edward led me through the parking lot and unlocked his Volvo.

He threw my back pack in the back seat and opened the passenger door for me. "Coming?" He asked as he held the door wide open.

"Where are we going that we need a motor vehicle to get there?" I asked seriously, but I didn't move. Where are we going? Are we ditching school? I doubt Edward would let me do that. He wants me to go to college and get and education. I don't think I could get my high school diploma by skipping class.

"I don't think you could walk nine blocks to Seven – Eleven before lunch ends, plus, you're still too young to purchase cigars." Edward smiled at me.

I practically tackled him with an Emmett-type hug and entered the car.

We came back to school in a matter of minutes. I gave Karina and any girl who wanted one a smoke and ate lunch with Edward.

He was telling me about Alice and Rosalie, but I had already heard enough about them. He knew about my parents, so I wanted to learn about his.

E.P.O.V.

I didn't know what to say to Bella when she asked about my parents. I know she didn't have a clue about Saturday night, but I was afraid something might slip.

"Well, you know; my parents are just my parents." I tried to keep my answers short like Bella used to.

"I don't know if you remember, but I don't know anything about normal parents." Bella was smiling so I guess she was messing around. But she's right; she doesn't know anything about a normal childhood. She deserves to know about me since I promised to tell her about me the first day I met her.

"My dad is a doctor; Dr. Carlisle Cullen. He works at Forks Hospital, obviously." I tried to make everything short and simple. Bella seemed fascinated by this. I don't know why, but she seemed so interested to know more about me. "My mom, Esme, is a volunteer at the Children's Hospital. She also loves decorating. I told her she should be a famous designer since she loves fixing my suite so much, but she just wants to do what she loves for fun." It's true; my mom is obsessed with decorating mine and Alice's suites.

"Really?" Bella seemed to be hanging on my every word. "Tell me more!" I've never seen her so excited like this before.

I naturally told her about my childhood. She knew I played the piano, but I told her I started playing when I was seven. I told her about my dreams and hopes; it was almost as if we switched roles for a day. I loved it. Bella let me talk about everything and all of my memories without interrupting. She never even seemed bored.

"You were on the baseball team?" Bella laughed when I told her I hit four home-runs and pitched all of the games when I was 14 and went to California for the USSSA Major World Series. "That's so awesome! I've always wanted to play baseball. How was it? Did you guys win the championships?" She seemed ecstatic.

"Yes," I smiled back at her enthusiasm. "We got third place." I answered proudly.

"Cool!" She exclaimed.

Just then, the bell rang.

"Thanks for letting me know about your mom and dad." Bella thanked me as she was about to exit the door.

"No problem, it's the least I could do. Especially since I started yelling at you." I gave her a sad smile.

In return, she gave me one of her heart-stopping smiles. "It's fine. If anything, I think it just made our relationship stronger." Bella said then flushed a bright shade of pink. "Not that we have a relationship." She added quickly. "I meant our friendship."

Friendship. The one and only thing Bella and I will ever be. Of course I could never date her. Bella doesn't even like me like that, especially not after I yelled at her and made her cry. She is barely going to be eight teen after all.

Wait!

What day is it today?

"Bella, what day is it?" I asked her in a hurry.

"Monday?" She answered but it sounded like a question. "Why?"

"Monday what?" I asked urgently.

"Monday, September 10. Why?" Bella looked like she was starting to get worried.

"Nothing, nothing, I was just wondering." I smiled to calm her down. She smiled in return.

Three more days till Bella's birthday. She told me she'd never had a birthday party before, but maybe I could change that. Who should I invite? I got it! I know exactly what to do. I felt myself smile. I tried to act calm so she wouldn't notice anything, but I was filled with ideas and excitement on the inside.

B.P.O.V.

Edward kept smiling as he walked me to my nest class. He also seemed to be day dreaming or think of something intently.

His family and past is so amazing. Not boring like mine. I wish I could meet everybody he talks about.

I wonder if he even mentions me to his parents…

"Hey, Edward." I asked him while we were riding in his Volvo; he was giving me a ride home.

"Yhea?" He never took his eyes off the road, which is unusual for him.

"Do you talk about me with your parents?" I saw and felt him grow tense. "You don't have to talk about me with them. I know we barely became friends on Friday, but I was just wondering. Sorry, I just thought-"I kept rambling on and on until Edward cut in.

"Bella, its fine to ask questions. No, I haven't told my parents about you. I…..haven't talked to them or seen them in a while. With going back to college and stuff, you know." He shrugged and stared gazed at the road.

I nodded, showing him I understood and started minding my own business.

"Thanks for the ride." I thanked Edward as I got my bag from the back seat of his car.

"Anytime. Do you need a ride tomorrow? I would be happy to give you a ride home all week actually."

I smiled at his kindness. "Thank you, Edward, that would be nice." I gave him a hug and closed the passenger door behind me.

As I unlocked the front door to my house with the key that was under the mat, I turned around and waved at Edward. He waved back and pointed to my window. I smiled to myself because he wanted to make sure I was okay, so I had to wave to him from my window. How cute. He wanted to make sure I was okay.

I felt my mood sadden a little bit as I remembered I could never get Edward to like me. Oh, well. He's a friend and that's more than enough. My mood lightened as I thought about me and Edward hanging out as friends.

When I entered the house, Charlie was standing in front of me with his arms folded over his chest. "Where were you?" He asked me as if he seriously wanted to know where I was. With a stern voice and his arms crossed over his chest, please. That's the worst act he could pull off.

"Remember," I tried to refresh his memory. "I told you I was going to spend the weekend at my friend's house. But I guess you forgot since you were drunk." I muttered the last part under my breath.

"Oh right." He uncrossed his arms. "So who was that giving you a ride home? And why is their car still outside?" Charlie asked, sending a quick glance toward Edward's Volvo.

I mentally slapped myself. What do I do now? I can't let him know its Edward. "That's my friend….Alice."

Charlie nodded and stepped closer to the window.

I ran upstairs as fast as I could, without falling, and ran into the window in my room. I waved to Edward from the window like I was a crazy person. Edward didn't seem to see me so I threw open the window and frantically waved to him.

Come on, come on! I was waving as if I was signaling a plane to land. How can you not see me?

Edward finally saw me and waved back. I could barely make out his crooked smile as he speed off.

I leaned against the window and calmed down. Edward was my friend, I tricked Charlie, making him think Edward was Alice and I didn't get beaten up by Karina today. All in all, a very nice day.

The baseball USSSA Major World Series 14 and older is real. My cousin actually pitched and hit four home-runs. (Wipes fake tear away) I'm so proud. This chapter was something to write in the mean time. I hope you liked it. Let me know what you think.

Love, Mayface