Long chapter ahead :O

Thanks again for the comments … you have no idea how happy/motivated they make me =D

Hope you enjoy…

Chapter 9:

Thursday

It wouldn't have mattered if the birds weren't chirping outside, or if the suns rays were to become replaced by clouds of rain, casting their grey misery over the entire City of Forks Washington, nothing could ruin Bella's mood for the day, as she woke up for the first time in ages, feeling refreshed, happy and in control.

Though there would never be a day in which the guilt of her relationship with Edward, didn't nag her at the back of her mind, she resolved to take things easier for once. To not allow her over-analytical mind to get the better of her, or get wound up in the fear of getting caught. From now on, a new and chilled out Bella Swan would take the shoes of the old one.

Edward had been right from the start, it was just something they did, simple as that, like a hobby or sport; granted, not exactly the most conventional sport to undertake, but certainly nothing to spend hours biting your nails over.

No one would get hurt, because no one would find out.

It'd been the last few days that had done it. The arguing, the jealously, the constant tension; it was completely unnecessary. They both knew where they stood with each other, and that was surely all that mattered.

Now, sat in her first class of the day on this bright sunny Thursday morning, Bella drifted off to a happy memory, the lecture on Human Biology could wait, as she thought back to last night, when Edward had surprised her with an unexpected appearance…

*Flashback*

"Bella?" she heard someone hush into her ear and felt a warm minty breath drift across her skin. She lay on her front as she came around, feeling as a cool hand slid beneath her pyjama top and up the surface of her back; Goosebumps prickled across her skin in excitement.

"Edward?" she sighed, eyes opening a fraction to see him perched at the side of her bed. "What time is it?" she asked deliriously.

"Its 3am" he told her. "I'm sorry to wake you. I just … couldn't hold that thought any longer" he smiled. And she grinned back sleepily, remembering the day's events so fondly.

Bella scooted over, allowing him room to lie down beside her. "You can wake me whenever you want" she softly replied. And Edward was happy to hear that. Although by the look of her tired face, would try to avoid waking her every night. Exams were fast approaching and she needed her beauty sleep; he'd hate to continually steal that from her.

Touching her cheek he closed the gap between them, placing his lips to hers with a tender kiss. After a moment he pulled away, scanning her face with his eyes.

He admired her features adoringly. Bella was what Edward liked to call, a natural beauty. And it was at times like this, in the depths of the night, that he found her most enthralling. She never wore much makeup anyway, only the odd eyeliner or mascara to enhance her eyes, but it was right now, as she displayed only her natural essence, that her true exquisiteness could be really discovered.

"You're beautiful," he hushed across to her, as he cupped her cheek in the palm of his hand, prompting Bella's cheeks to flush, as the blood flow rushed to her skin at his compliment.

Recapturing her lips for a longer kiss she wound her arms around him, pulling him closer, whilst she adjusted her body in an attempt to scramble on top of him, kissing him harder.

She pulled away as she positioned herself over him, straddling him like a horse, whilst a happy sigh parted her lips, and she felt as his hands practically swam up the front of her chest.

She let her eyes close shut, and couldn't help but grind into him as his hands massaged her breasts, the movement of her pressing into him triggering his own arousal into action.

Edward worked her body in a circular motion, with Bella's hips and waist mimicking the rhythm. And it wasn't until she'd reached her climax that his hands left her breasts, retreating to her hips where he held her in place.

Eventually she found herself lying down on top of him, her head tucking below his chin where she huddled for almost the remainder of the night. She wasn't sure when he'd left, but she held a vague memory of him placing her back onto the bed, enveloping her up with the duvet and pecking a light kiss to her forehead.

*End of Flashback*

A dopey smile lingered across Bella's face as she took a brief step back in time; her chin was in her hand as she rested her elbow on the table's surface. She was in a daze, completely unaware of her surroundings as she quite contentedly allowed her mind to wander elsewhere.

It was the sensation of a gentle vibration against her hip that forced her mind to retreat to where it rejoined her physical presence, as her phone alerted her of a new message received.

With a shake of her head and several thorough blinks, she found herself back in the classroom. Eyes coming into focus at the image of her teacher up ahead scrawling on the white board, and that drawly mono-toned voice of his, passed her ears as the audio came into clarity.

Making a subtle attempt at checking her phone she held it on her lap, eyes glancing down every so often to read the message, but ensuring she looked like she was paying attention, as the teacher cast a beady eye across the classrooms occupants.

There was no denying the smile that spread over her face though, as she took note of the sender's name… Edward.

T-minus 24 hours =D Not that I'm counting or anything =P

E xxx

She knew exactly what that meant, and she'd be lying if she said she hadn't woken up this morning with precisely that same thought. And now, just reading the message and knowing he was thinking about it too, caused a slightly woozy nervousness to hit her stomach at the anticipation of it.

Being a master at blind texting, she retyped her reply, eyes all the while fixed on the teacher's animated instruction.

I think you're a tad obsessed, understandably though =P Maybe you should seek therapy ;) B xxx

She hit send, and barely two seconds later, she was reading his response…

I'm game. Care to join me? ;) xxx

She couldn't prevent the tiny snicker that passed her lips. What a tempting proposition; a private therapy session with Edward, she pondered to herself, ignorant of the world around her.

"You seem brighter today," Alice's voice hushed to her left, taking note of Bella's expression, whilst a distracted Bella revelled in Edward's text.

Brought back to reality and noticeably red faced, Bella shoved the phone back into her pocket, before flashing an awkward smile Alice's way; only hoping she wouldn't ask too many questions.

"Yeah, I'm feeling a lot better thanks" smiled Bella, keeping her voice at a minimum to avoid being overheard by others, particularly the teacher, who despite his increasing level of maturity, still had the eyes and ears of a hawk. "You know how it is every month, up one minute down the next" she went on, rolling her eyes. Well, that wasn't exactly a lie. But she was surprised by Alice's level of perception; clearly Bella's tension over the last few days had been more obvious than she'd thought

Alice nodded back understandingly. "And how about the wedding stuff? Is that all sorted now?"

"Yeah, I think so. I'm not really sure" spoke an uncertain Bella, as she proceeded to imitate the teachers drawing onto her workbook sheet. "I've tried to stay out of it to be honest; too much madness for my liking. I mean, it took them days just to pick the right cake out. How hard is that!?" she pulled a face at her friend, causing Alice to chuckle.

"They're leaving soon though, right?"

"Yeah, this weekend," Bella tried not to let her disappointment show as she took a moment to stare thoughtfully at the page in front of her. She'd actually forgotten that Edward would be leaving in a couple of days. And if she had remembered, she probably wouldn't have wasted so much time sulking in her misery days on end. "But they'll be back in like 3 weeks for the wedding, and then, for good," added Bella. And that was also another thing she'd taken an extra amount of effort to not think about. The new house was ready to move into, and following the wedding, they'd all move in and be a real family for once. She still wasn't sure how she felt about that.

"Wow, its going to be weird, huh?" Alice pulled her back from the place where Bella's thoughts often had her wandering.

"What do you mean?"

"Well, it's always only ever been you and Charlie, now you suddenly have a whole other family to go home too... It'll be strange but, it'll be good for you".

Bella smiled softly as she pondered the inevitable. "Yeah" she sighed involuntarily, "I hope so".

"Well why wouldn't it be?" enquired an unknowing Alice, catching Bella slightly off guard. But before Bella dug herself into an even bigger hole, the teacher thankfully caught on.

"Miss Brandon, Miss Swan" his voice was deep and hoarse with exasperation, "perhaps you could continue your conversation during break time, rather than in the confines of my classroom" his eyes were as wide and as round as golf balls.

All heads turned to face them like a Mexican Wave. Taking in the many eyes that now landed on them, Bella smiled back sheepishly. "Sorry, sir".

"Unless of course you'd like to continue this after school? Say, whilst washing down tables for instance? They could do with a clean," Sniggers could be heard from the rest of their classmates and Bella forced back the brewing scowl on her brow.

"As tempting as it is sir, I think we'll pass on that one," Alice's voice chimed; her angelic face enough to win anyone over.

"Very well" he grunted, "let's have mouths shut and eyes on your own papers please. And may I also remind you that exams are in less than 2 weeks. So unless you feel like retaking or ditching Uni, I suggest you jot this down!"

Sharing a mutual look of unease, they did as they were told.

………………………………

(3pm)

Full days were now a thing of the past, and as Exams fast approached so did the increasing number of free periods. Finishing lessons at the more convenient time of 2pm meant Bella had the rest of the afternoon for extra revision.

After informing Edward of her plans and whereabouts, she headed straight for the City Library, hopping onto the local bus where it dropped her off right outside.

She spent a good half an hour searching for the books, photocopying anything that could be essential for her exams, before she settled herself down on one of the tables in the far corner.

Grabbing a self service coffee from the machine she started to read…

…

(3.30pm)

Edward grinned to himself sneakily, as he located her on the second floor at the furthest corner of the room; her hair was like a waterfall down her face as she fixed her eyes on the book, absorbing its information.

He snuck over to her quietly, keeping out of view until he came up behind her. He attempted to spring her from behind, but paused as something caught his eye, and he took note of the book she was reading… or not reading, as he now discovered.

From a distance, Bella appeared to be engrossed in a Psychology Text Book, but gaining a closer look, he learnt that not all was as it seemed. Apparently something else entirely had caught her attention. Beneath the larger text book, hid a smaller book; deep red with golden patterning. He watched with glee as she tried her uttermost to conceal it from passers-by (not that there even were any mind you, the library was deserted), with her arms spreading out to mask the true identity of the book she was reading. But as she awkwardly turned the page, her one hand juggling the weight of the Text Book, while her other aimed to discreetly turn the page of the smaller book, it accidently fell shut, revealing the Title to Edward in all its glory.

He grinned cunningly as he read the words, his head shaking a little as he tried not to laugh. You know that saying, the cat that got the cream? Well that was Edward now.

Finally leaning over her, placing his hands either side of her on the table, he alerted her of his presence.

"Sex and the Art of Seduction" he read it aloud passed her ear; their cheeks almost abreast.

She gasped, frozen on the spot as he suddenly appeared out of nowhere, and in the process, dropping the heavy text book onto the Sex Guide with a thump.

"Sorry" a brazen Edward apologised for making her jump, "didn't mean to interrupt your… study time," he smirked, his lips almost touching her skin, before he pushed himself off the table and took the seat by her side.

She cringed at the fact she'd got busted. And by Edward of all people!

The dorky grin on his face now told her he wouldn't let this go. "Its… it's not what it looks like" she felt the need to lie, just to hold onto a little self-respect.

"Oh really?" his eyebrows raised, and she could tell he was loving this.

"Yeah, it's actually, for school, for a school project" she confirmed, hoping it was remotely plausible.

He frowned, not entirely sure whether to believe her. "I thought Sex Ed class stopped at year 7?"

"Well, it did. But they changed it. They felt it was so vitally important that it should run up until the end of year 12 as well" she went on, surprised in herself that she'd remained so straight faced.

"Oh, fair enough. So this, School project on The Art of Seduction. Were you, planning on doing a demonstration or…?" a smirk played on his lips as he questioned her, and Bella knew there was no winning to this.

"Well, actually," she attempted to go on, but as he leant in, attempting a look of mock interest, she gave up, knowing it was no use. "Ugh, fine" she groaned before laughing. "It's not for school. I just, happened to stumble across it. I thought I'd give it a read" she shrugged with a smile of embarrassment; mortified at having to admit to it.

"Oh right" he nodded back amused, "you just, stumbled across it, did you?" he grinned.

"Yes, I was looking for Psychology books. Someone had stuffed it down the side. I really didn't go searching for it. It was just there, and I was, curious" she shrugged a little, but wanting to hide her rosy cheeks.

"I believe you" he said after awhile, the grin on his face never leaving. "So what's it say in there anyway?" he budged further towards her, and her head rose to look into his eyes, he was suddenly so close she could almost kiss him. "Are there any cool manoeuvres we could try?" he asked, and she smiled back at him timidly. "Do they rank them? Where do they rank truck sex?" Edward smartly asked, knowing how much it would drive her crazy, and it did, and she sprung from her seat in alarm, her eyes wide open as the memory of it flashed through her mind, he tried his best to stifle his snigger. Delighted by how much it affected her.

"Were going" Bella told him sternly, placing the books back onto any random shelf and hastily heading for the stairs. Never would she want that conversation with Edward. It took all the strength in the world for her not to think about it as it was.

"Still embarrassed about that, huh?" he caught her up, feeling the need to tease her.

"More like scarred for life actually" Bella smiled back at him playfully.

"Oh please. You're begging for another go. I can see it in your eyes".

"Edward!" she scolded him, halting half way down the stairs. "Can you at least wait until were outside! People can hear you!" she argued, but kept her voice at a minimum level.

"Bella, there's no one even here! We could have sex right here on the stairs and no one would notice" he told her. "I'm game if you are?" his eyes lit up excitedly.

Her eyes shot wide open at his comment, and she huffed dramatically before carrying on down. Edward simply sniggered back, happy they'd finally got back to how it used to be…

……………………………

(5.30pm)

"Oh perfect! Just in time!" announced Charlie at the return of Edward and Bella. "I'm sorting through the stuff in the loft ready for the move. Fancy giving the old man a hand?" he tapped Edward on the arm.

"Yeah sure. No problem. Just let me change and I'll be right with you" Edward made his way up the stairs to his room, whilst Bella headed for the kitchen.

On entering his room though, Edward was brought to a standstill.

"Mom, what are you doing?" asked a concerned Edward, as he walked inside to see his mother rummaging through his belongings.

"Oh I'm just sorting out your clothes ready for the weekend. You'll only leave it until the last minute like you always do and then probably end up forgetting something" she tutted at him, throwing his clothes onto his bed from where they hung messily over the radiator.

"Mom, it's fine. Really, I can do it myself, I'm a big boy," he tried to intervene, but the ever persistent Esme' was having none of it.

"I'll only be a minute!" she rolled her eyes as she chuckled, but her amusement didn't last long, and her eyes fell onto something quite unexpected. "…Edward, what's this?" she leant down the back corner of his bed. And Edward only prayed she hadn't found something she shouldn't have.

Unlucky for him though, she had.

"Ar..are these … Bella's?" she turned to him, almost unable to say the name as she held up the small pink panties in question.

He almost died right then and there; heart in his mouth as he tried to remember to take a breath. "Oh, erm, that's weird. I..I guess, they must have gotten mixed with my laundry or something," Edward came up with his best excuse, hoping to remain relatively blasé about it all, and as equally as confused as Esme'.

"Strange" she muttered after a thoughtful moment, as Edward turned away from her, fumbling with his clothes as a distraction. But that feeling in his stomach made him almost sure she'd sensed something, her eyes seemed to linger on him that extra bit with distinct suspicion and curiosity. Perhaps he hadn't nailed that nonchalance as best as he could have. Edward could deceive, whether he liked it or not, he had that down to a tee thanks to his little agreement with Bella. Acting however, was another matter. Drama was never his best subject when it came to High School.

"Oh well, I'll get these back to Bella" and just like that, Esme' let it go, appearing to barely bat an eyelid at her previously alarming discovery. "Please try and pack at least an hour before we leave Edward" she eyed him with that mothery look he knew so well.

He swallowed away that feeling of dread as best he could, as he turned back to face her. "Yes mom" he smiled at her dutifully, closing the door behind her as she left.

His face scrunched up at his all-mighty cock-up, and his legs almost buckled beneath him. Shakily walking over to the bed he sat on the edge of it; his head in his hands.

A thousand thoughts rushed through Edwards head all at once. The moment had come, when sneaking around could no longer be an option. He'd always known they were treading on thin ice, but now, the ice just got treacherous.

Grabbing his phone off the side with sweaty hands, he searched through his contacts. Hitting the call button he waited patiently for an answer, cursing every ring as it went, his chest growing tighter with every second. But after three rings, they'd responded…

"Hey, it's me … no, actually, I'm not ok. I need to see you…"

A/N: Damn you Esme'! And it was all going so well =(

Hmmm, I wonder who was on the other end of the phone =P