A/N: Good morning, afternoon or night everyone! :-) Thank you to all that have Favorite, Alerted and reviewed my story! I'm so happy that more people have read it and seem to like it!If you have any ideas please send me a review and let me know! I would love to hear what you all think!
I do not own anything Twilight...that belongs to Stephanie Meyer.
Ok so on to Chapter 10!
"Guilty Conscience"
"Rose I don't want to. Please I don't want to deal with her." I grumbled into the phone.
"Come on Bells it's my birthday and I want my best friend there." Rose pleaded for the 2nd time today. This morning when I arrived at school Rose had bombarded me about attending her 18th birthday dinner and then going clubbing on Friday night. I didn't want to spend time with Alice so I regretfully told her no. But Rose being who she was didn't give up.
"Rose seriously I don't want to spend the night around her. I got over the Jasper break up but I don't want to be around them." I was not about to spend the night pretending to like someone that I didn't and Rose should have understood that. It was true that I had broken up with Jasper and even forgave him after he explained himself. Realizing that I felt something for Edward I basically gave up on messing with Jasper and he told me how he realized he didn't love me that he knew I was a wonderful person in the inside but he couldn't change me. I wasn't' hurt because I didn't love him either and so we broke up and surprisingly he still wanted to be my friend. I agreed only because I did care for Jasper and he was an easy person to talk to about certain things. But I wasn't about to spend the night around both of them.
"Please Bells I really want you to come. I won't celebrate it I swear, if you don't come. We spend every birthday together." she pouted and as always I gave in. Whenever she made that face she knew she was going to get whatever she wanted.
"Fine I'll try just for you Rose. Don't ask me to talk to her though." I warned and flung open the door to the cafeteria. As I made my way to the lunch line I noticed Edward turn my way and smile. Like every other time his smile made my heart jump. I smiled back then lowered my head to hide the blush that I knew would show up. It was so ridiculous how he would entice feelings in me I had never had. I didn't know what it was about Edward that had me feeling this way but for the first time I didn't want to complain.
"Umm earth to Bella." Rose said nudging me on the side. Coming back to reality I paid for my food and continued to walk towards our table. As I sat down I peeked under my hair to see if Edward was still staring but he had turned back around.
"Don't think I didn't notice that Bells." Rose startled me when she whispered into my ear. I turned and saw that Rose was staring between me and Edward. Ugh. That is all I needed.
"Rose you didn't notice anything. Don't pretend to see things that aren't there." I rolled my eyes and picked at my salad.
"Whatever Bells remember it's me your talking to." she muttered and turned to greet the rest of the girls that were sitting down. I ignored her comment and turned to chat with the girls about cheerleading practice.
"Today we'll be starting practice for the Cheer Off so you all better be at the gym at 3 sharp!" I warned them looking around at each and every one of them to make sure they got my warning.
"Chill we'll be there no need to be so bossy." Lauren rolled her eyes and took a sip of her water. I was not in the mood for her attitude so I rolled my eyes and turned to talk to all of them again.
"Like I was saying before I was rudely interrupted. The Cheer Off is next Saturday and we need all the practice we can get so we'll be practicing every day this week. See you there." I got up and made my way to the garbage.
When I dumped my stuff I decided I needed a little air and made my way out to the parking lot. As I walked I couldn't help but think about what happened with me and Edward the night before. The way he treated me and had read me so well was so new to me. The only two people that ever tried to get me to open up were Rose and Em and they couldn't. But the way he stared at me and talked to me made me feel different. It felt like he cared for me and had faith in me. It has been a long time since I have felt that and was afraid. Afraid because it had taken me so long to become the person I was. I knew I wasn't a nice person to certain people but that was what I had to do. I had to take care of myself because no one would. I didn't have time to let others in and I didn't want another person telling me how I should be. I didn't want Edward getting his hopes up about changing me because as Rose and Em already knew, Bella was not changeable.
I couldn't help and wonder though what it was about Edward that made me feel that tingling sensation all over. No man had ever made me feel that way and I didn't know what it was that I was feeling. All I knew was that I liked being around him and not having to pretend, I liked the way he was there when I needed someone to just talk to, the way he was faithful to his friend no matter how much I hated her. That was it! I liked him and not only as a friend! I sighed as soon as that thought sunk in. I wasn't meant to like actually like him because he was only part of the plan. Unfortunately, I had already crossed the line by having feelings for him. This wasn't what I had in mind. I only wanted to get revenge on Alice but now I liked Edward. Something I didn't intend to do.
As I sat there thinking about everything, I heard someone calling my name. When I looked up I saw Edward standing over me waving his hand in my face.
"Bella. Are you there?" he asked looking down at me.
"Yeah I am. Sorry I was thinking about some things and lost track of where I was" I said as I moved over so that he could join me on the bench. When I was on the other side of the bench he sat down and looked over at me with that crooked grin that made my heart sputter.
"You know you shouldn't do that out in public. Someone might sneak up on you" he winked and looked out into the trees surrounding the school.
"I know I was just distracted. What are you doing out here? I thought we weren't allowed to talk during school hours" I asked wondering why all of suddenly he didn't mind being seen in public with me.
"Well I know I shouldn't but I can't help it" he sighed and kept looking forward as if thinking about something.
"Why can't you? Edward what's going on?" I asked and placed my hand on his shoulder. He grabbed it and placed it in between his hands. As soon as his hands touched mine I felt it again. The tingling feeling that made my whole body shiver in the inside.
He looked over at me "I can't help wanting to be around you. Surprisingly I like spending time with you. Something I didn't ever think would happen." he said softly and lowered his head. As I bowed my head to look at his I noticed the red appearing on his cheeks and chuckled.
"Wow Edward Cullen is blushing!" he chuckled and bumped my shoulder.
"No Edward seriously though, I like spending time with you too. I keep telling myself to leave you alone but I'm too selfish. I enjoy being around you and being able to be myself around you. So don't blush because it's mutual" I said sincerely and shoved him back lightly.
"I'm glad. So listen I have basketball practice this whole week after school and I won't be able to help you study..." he sighed and looked over at me with sad eyes.
"Umm it's ok Edward you don't have to worry." I was really starting to feel guilty about having him think I needed tutoring.
"You didn't let me finish" he smiled at me "How about if we study after practice at my house?" he suggested and looked over me expectantly. I smiled at the prospect of getting to spend time with him at his home. Alone.
"Yeah I would love that" I tried to not let my excitement show but inside I was bursting with joy. Yeah I had it bad.
He chuckled and got up. "Great so after practice you can follow me in your car so no one thinks otherwise." he suggested and extended his hand towards me.
I grabbed it and got up "Sure that will work. We should get to class though" He nodded and quickly let go of my hand. As soon as they were apart from mine I missed the contact we had just had.
"So I'll see you later Bella." he said as he turned to head to his class. I nodded and made my way to my next class.
When I walked in to Spanish I noticed Rose waiting at our desk looking anxious.
"Hey Rose what's up?" I asked setting my bag down.
"Don't what's up me. Bella what's going on?" she asked looking over at me.
"What do you mean? Nothing is wrong:" I was completely clueless to what she was talking about.
"What's going on with you and Edward?" she hit me on the arm and rolled her eyes.
"Nothing is going on. I told you Rose stop thinking you see something" I sighed and turned to look at the board. I promised Edward I wouldn't tell anyone and I didn't want to lose him as a tutor.
"Bella come on I'm your best friend. I just saw you two in the parking lot and you were staring at him like…." She looked like she was thinking of something "that's it!! You like him!!" her mouth dropped.
"No I don't Rose. Come on I don't want to talk about it. Later ok." I pleaded and then sighed as I realized that I was going to have to tell Rose. She was my best friend after all and I didn't keep secrets from her.
"Ok Bells. Later" she warned and I knew this conversation wasn't over.
Thankfully Rose didn't have time to ask anymore questions since after school we had practice with all the girls. As always practice was exhausting and difficult. The girls really were starting to mess up the routine we had agreed on and were whining the whole time. Of course after making sure they understood how important it was and threatening them they quickly started to work harder. This competition was very important for me and my reputation and I wasn't going to lose because of some lazy obnoxious whiners. Since the guys were practicing in the same gym I did find myself looking over at Edward when no one else noticed and I was surprise to catch him looking over at me too. When practice ended I was relieved to see Emmett waiting for Rose. I made my way towards my car to wait for Edward to exit the gym. When he came out he looked over at my car and then made his way towards his Volvo.
Twenty minutes later we arrived at Edwards's house and I noticed that his car wasn't the only car in the driveway. As I parked next to his Volvo he made his way to my door and opened it.
"Umm Edward who's car is that?" I pointed towards the black Bentley.
"That's my mothers' car she must be home early." he explained and headed towards his door.
"Umm will she mind if you bring company?" I asked a little hesitant to meet his mother. I knew we weren't dating or anything but it still felt weird.
"No she won't come on lets go in" he walked back and grabbed my hand. As soon as his hands were in mine my nerves went away. I nodded and walked up his driveway.
As soon as we got into the house I was engulfed in the most delicious smell ever. Edward headed towards the kitchen and called me over.
"Hey mom you're home early" I heard Edward say as I walked slowly towards the kitchen.
"Hi honey, I finished early. How was school and practice?" I heard the low velvety voice of a woman.
"Good and Good. Umm I hope you don't mind but I brought Bella over to study." Edward said and smiled over at me as I turned into the kitchen. When his mother turned around I was left speechless. She was the most beautiful women I had ever seen. She had long copper color hair, the same green eyes as her son and a heart shaped face. She didn't look to be a day over 25.
"Oh hi Bella. It's nice to meet you." she walked over and gave me a hug.
"Nice to meet you to Mrs. Cullen" I said politely and hugged her back.
"Call me Esme dear. Will you be staying for dinner? I've prepared some parmesan chicken and pasta." she asked as she smiled at me and Edward.
"Umm..." I started to decline but was cut off by Edward "Yes she will mom. We'll be upstairs in my room when dinner is ready. See you later mom." he grabbed my arm and pulled me out of the kitchen. I mumbled goodbye to his mother and shoved my hand away from Edwards.
"Jeez so bossy Mr. Cullen." I glared at him but then chuckled.
"Whatever Ms. Swan we need to get to work if you're going to pass on Friday." he laughed and headed up the stairs with me in tail.
When we got into his room I quickly realized what his hobbies were. One wall was filled with hundreds of books while the other was filled with a stereo and hundreds of cds. In the middle sat a huge king size bed and by it a black desk with a laptop and books scattered around. I walked over to his bookshelf and looked over his books. They varied from classic novels to music books.
"Wow this is an exquisite collection." I complimented as I ran my hands through the books.
"Thank you. Most of these books were handed down to me by my grandfather." he said as he came up behind me. As soon as I felt his body close to mine my heart started to beat faster and my mind started to fog up. I breathed out and stepped towards the desk "So this is Edward Cullen's room. Nice." I chuckled and sat at the desk.
"Yeah its just like everyone else's. Now lets get started." he said as he sat on the chair beside his desk. I agreed and started listening to what he was saying. I tried hard to keep my mind on what he was saying but soon found myself thinking about everything going on in my life. I didn't understand what made Edward change his mind so quickly about me or what it was about him that made him so damn likeable. I also didn't know how to handle the whole tutoring thing. I really was starting to feel guilty and I didn't want to lose him as a friend. I had to tell him the truth and hope that he could forgive me. It did start off as part of plan to get revenge but I didn't want to hurt Edward. I wanted to hurt Alice but if I hurt Alice then Edward would be upset and I didn't want that. I had to tell him and hopefully he would let me explain myself.
"Edward" I said interrupting his lesson.
"Yeah" he looked up from the his book.
"I want to.." I was about to tell him when there was a knock at the door.
"Edward, Bella dinner is ready." Esme called from the other side of the door.
"We're coming mom." Edward placed his book down and got up. I followed after him and was about to keep walking when Edward grabbed my hand. "Hey did you want to say something?" he asked.
"Umm no I was just going to say I want to take a break for dinner." I chuckled and smiled at him.
"Oh ok" he laughed and pulled me along with him. It felt good having my hands in Edwards and I was noticing that he did that a lot. It was as if his hands and mine were magnets. I know I should have told him but I wasn't ready and I was scared to lose him.
After having a lovely dinner with Edward and Esme I decided it was getting late. I thanked Esme for a wonderful meal and said goodbye to Edward and then headed home. When I got home safely I texted Edward to let him know that I was home and received a text quickly.
Feeling much better. Goodnight Bella. sweet dreams...-E
Goodnight Edward. Thank you for a lovely night. sweet dreams. -B
I smiled and placed my phone on the charger then made my way to get ready for bed. That night I fell asleep with a smile on my face thinking about a certain green eyed boy. Things were really starting to change and I didn't know what to think about it.