Disclaimer : I do not own Twilight

EPOV

My dad had picked Alice up at the airport in the afternoon to arrive a few hours later with her at home. Alice was my niece and I love her as much as I loved Rose. A few years ago Alice lost both her parents. She had been obliged to move to her grandparents in Boston, where she was very unhappy and couldn't fit in. Fortunately her grandparents and my parents agreed on joint custody three months after Alice moved there. That's why she stayed with us one week out of two.

When she wasn't around, Rose and I missed her heaps. Alice was such a presence who never stopped talking, although she was very petite. I had to admit though, although she was great to hang out with, I got very tired after being around her an entire day.

Bella had been introduced to Alice right away and I noticed how worried she looked when Bella shrieked and hugged her tight, even before saying hello. Bella seemed even more worried when Alice started suggesting a day of shopping with Bella.

That evening Alice, Rose and I drove to Bella's place to pick her up as we had agreed.

The girls had already decided what movie we would see, some remake of High School Musical. I wasn't happy about their choice, but as long as Bella was there I was satisfied.

On our way to Bella's, Rosalie spoke up.

"Bella does like you, you know?"

I couldn't stop smirking at her.

"I sure hope so."

"Edward! Do you really like this girl? You're not messing around right? She's really sweet." Alice wanted to make sure I wasn't going back to my past romances.

"Girls, I really like her. And shut up now."

They both giggled.

When we arrived at Bella's place, Bella was standing outside. She noticed us and came over to the car. She looked stunning as ever in her blue long-sleeved sweater and her skinny jeans. She obviously had been in the shower because her hair was curly and still not fully dry.

I lowered my window realizing she wasn't heading for the passenger's seat. She ducked her head to face us and her face was extremely close to me, her strawberry scent invading my nostrils. I forgot to breathe for a while when her chocolate brown eyes looked into mine.

"My parents want to meet all of you."

I snapped out of my dream and followed the girls inside, hurrying with the rain who started to fall over Forks. I have to say her home was really cozy. The walls were painted brown, the furniture was caramel. Her father was sitting in the couch watching television. Her mother stood beside him.

"Mom, Dad," Bella introduced us. "This is Rosalie, her brother Edward and their niece Alice."

Her father got up and came up to us to shake our hands.

"Nice to meet you Mr. Swan," I said, shaking his hand.

He was a very tall 50 year old man with grey hair and the same eyes as Bella as well as the same paleness of skin. Bella's mother was a beautiful woman from who Bella had inherited the smile. She smiled at me and shook my hand.

"You can call us Charlie and Renee. I'm not ready to be a Mrs. yet."

I nodded.

Rosalie and Alice talked for a while with Renee about a shopping trip that may or may not happen.

We left Bella's house and walked to the car.

"Ok, have fun guys," Renee called after us.

"Your parents seem nice," Rosalie said to Bella. The three girls were sitting together in the back of the car. I looked into the rearview mirror and saw Bella's chocolate brown eyes staring at me.

"They are," she replied without taking her eyes of mine, "I love them very much."

"Watch out," Alice screamed.

I hit the break just in time to avoid hitting a biker.

Stop dreaming Edward, for God's sake.

Rosalie and Alice giggled when I continued our drive to the movies.

The movie was a total chick movie in which I had no interest at all.

Bella had taken a seat next to me though. Not that she had a choice after Alice and Rosalie almost threw themselves in the remaining seats, giggling all the way.

I gazed at her in the corner of my eye and saw her glancing at me too. I reached for her hand and she didn't resist when I tenderly caressed her hand. Her whole body relaxed and she interlaced her fingers with mine. I could feel her heart beating like crazy wondering why my heart hadn't stopped already. I pulled our intertwined hands up to my mouth to brush my lips over her soft skin. What she did next I had not expected at all. She released my hand and with her fingers she stroked my face with extreme tenderness. Goosebumps took over my entire body? No girl I met had ever touched me in such a mature way. The only woman that had touched me with such love was my mother.

She looked up at me and smiled. I intertwined our fingers again and she looked away, staring at the screen. I couldn't keep my eyes away from her though.

When the movie ended, Bella released my hand.

"Are you staying here?" Rosalie asked me.

She, Alice and Bella were standing, waiting for me to move.

I got up and they followed me outside.

"Hey Rosalie," I heard someone shout.

"Hayley!" Rosalie shrieked, while hurrying over to a group of teenagers I knew from school. Alice followed immediately and gave them all a hug. Rosalie was talking to this Hayley girl while Alice seemed very close to a boy standing in between them. He was tall with blond, curly hair. I didn't know him but seeing how they looked at each other, I guessed they had been dating before. I remembered myself I had to ask her about this guy later on. Alice was almost sixteen and not my sister, but I still felt the need to protect her. I would do the same for Rose.

I stared at Bella who was still standing next to me. She was staring at Rose and Alice with a sad face and her hands in her jeans pockets. I reached for her arm and pulled her hand out into mine while her brown eyes looked up. She smiled, blushed and I pulled her a bit closer to.

Mmmm… that strawberry scent.

Bella released my hand as soon as Rose headed our way.

"Bella? Do you want to join us? Those are all sophomores and we're going to have a drink. We can call a cab afterwards."

"I'm sorry Rosalie. I promised my mother to come home straight after the movie. You go and have fun though. I'll see you tomorrow."

Rosalie smiled and gave us both a hug before hurrying to her group of friends. Alice came over for a hug as well before following the group.

"Be careful," I yelled after my two girls.

Bella looked up at me. "I probably should call my mom to come and pick me up," she whispered.

"I can take you home if you want?" I replied.

"I don't know Edward…"

She stared at the floor again. I lifted her chin to meet her look.

"I can drop you off behind the corner. You can tell your mom you took a cab."

She hesitated.

"Please?" I begged.

She nodded and walked to the car.

She was very silent during the ride, always looking down.

"I heard you talking to Rosalie this afternoon," I confessed.

Her cheeks turned a dark shade of red.

"What did you hear?"

"That you think I'm only into sex with you."

An even darker shade of red was apparently possible.

I pulled the car over in the street behind the corner of her houses and took her hand.

"I'm not that kind of guy anymore Bella."

I paused. She was looking at our hands.

"I don't trust boys," she replied.

"I'm not any boy Bella. If sex was my goal, my heart wouldn't beat this fast for you."

I lifted her hand and put it on my chest.

She stared into my eyes and I noticed the tears welling up.

"I don't know what happened to you Bella." With my free hand I stroked her cheek. "But I won't hurt you, I promise."

She leaned over to me and kissed me on the cheek. Her lips were even softer I had imagined. I inhaled deeply, never wanting to forget that irresistible scent.

"Thank you for the ride," she whispered, her lips close to my ear.

She sure knew how to make a guy crazy.

"See you tomorrow?" I asked.

"10 o'clock," she smiled while leaving the car.

When I arrived home, I joined my dad in the couch. He was watching The Matrix.

"Hey son, how was your evening? What did you do?"

"We went to the movies."

"Where are Rosalie and Alice?"

"They went out with some friends for a drink after the movie. They'll be home soon I guess."

He continued watching his movie.

"Dad?"

"Mmm.."

"Can I ask you something?"

"Anything son."

"Do you believe in love at first sight?"

He looked up at me with a surprised look.

"I sure do son. With your mom, I knew immediately I would love her forever." Tears were welling up in his eyes and I was a bit embarrassed. Fortunately he continued talking: "She was the most beautiful creature I had ever seen. She was perfect in every way to me. We clicked immediately."

He smiled, seeming to remember something.

"Why this question son? Are you in love?"

Was I in love? I didn't know. But I knew I liked her a lot and I wanted her to be around.

"I don't know. I think so…"

"That Bella girl seems a good catch."

"How…?" How did he know I was talking about Bella.

"I saw you looking at her yesterday. You looked at her the way I used to look at your mother."

He pinched my shoulder, turned the TV off and went upstairs.

BPOV

"Hey honey, did you have a good time?" mom asked.

I nodded and smiled, pretty sure I was blushing again.

"That Edward boy seems very fond of you," she said following me into my room.

"Maybe."

"Definitely Bella."

I sighed and dropped myself on my bed, hiding my face in my pillow.

"I don't want to talk about this mom."

"Bella," she reached for my back and caressed my head, "Give him a chance."

Mom knew I liked Edward. I had told her all about him when she picked me up this afternoon. I had told her how sweet he was, how gorgeous he was, but most of all how experienced he was.

With tears tearing down my cheeks, I looked up at my mom. She was worried, I could tell.

She reached out for me and I let myself fall into her comforting arms.

"I'm afraid mom," I whispered before sobbing uncontrollably.

A few minutes later, mom pushed me away and forced me to look up at her.

"Bella, you need to give Edward a chance. Not all boys are like James."

I cringed at James' name.

"You are such a beautiful young lady. You deserve the love a boy can give you."

She stood up and left the room.

I changed into my sweatpants and halter top before getting into bed and reading Wuthering Heights once more.

Suddenly my cellphone beeped.

I had a great evening, Bella. I just wanted you to know I like you a lot.

You're a great girl.

I just hope you let me in a bit more.

I want to get to know you. Kisses Edward.

Mom was right. This boy was sweet. But I could never give him what he wanted. I could never date him and act normal around him. I could never sleep with him. I could never be a girlfriend to anyone.

I decided to text him back though, not wanting to be rude.

I had a great evening as well.

I would love to get to know you too,

but I can't give you what you want.

See you tomorrow. XXX Bella.

Falling asleep that night, James haunted my dreams once more.