Author's Note: Okay folks, I'm making a separate post for EPOV of these first few chapters. Go check it out. My Sort of Sister. You'll see what he's been thinking in the last six chapters all rolled up into two in his POV. Wait until AFTER you've read this to go check it out though ;)

Edward and I spent every waking and even some sleeping minutes together as we crammed in my dorm room. Edward really hadn't missed that much the last several of weeks, but some of it was pretty complicated. We stayed up until dawn on Saturday and Sunday, Edward sleeping on a pile of blankets on our floor for a few hours in the early morning the rest of the week before we would have to run off for another final. Alice was in and out, but I'm pretty sure she spent most of those nights sleeping with Jasper in his and Edward's room.

Our first finals went well, and we even met Jake and Billy for supper to celebrate after Billy's final. I had a general friendship with Jake, but things never went the direction he hinted not long after the night of the mixer. He was a total womanizer, so I felt I'd dodged a bullet there, but he still made a really great friend, and had helped me remember to have a little fun between studying and balance my academics with a social life.

That night, after dinner, Edward went to his room to change and shower, coming back down for another study session that evening. We only had one final left, but it was the hardest. It was our Algebra class, the one that he missed the hardest new content in his cloud of panic surrounding Tanya and his non-existent baby.

Emmett popped in to brag that his finals were done and to check and make sure we still were up to ride home with him the night after the final. We both smiled and nodded, lounging on the floor in matching flannel PJ's with our books and notes spread all around us. Emmett couldn't resist the twin joke before dashing off to go party hardy with Rose in celebration of being done with our first semester.

We made two runs for coffee, our eyelids growing heavy around three in the morning as we lay side by side on the floor, quizzing each other on equations. Every time we'd get one right, we'd reward one another with the chocolatey goodness of an M&M. I think that was my favorite part actually, when Edward would lift his fingers to pop an M&M between my lips. I kicked myself for this really strong desire to kiss them when they hovered there, but I knew that was so wrong on so many levels. I shook off my thoughts and went on to the next equation, but every time the thought would come back unbidden.

I watched Edward as I popped the sweet candy in his mouth, and every once in a while, he'd get a glazed look in his eyes. I couldn't help but wonder if similar thoughts came to his mind as well. Of course, he was a guy, and as he often loved to remind me, their minds were almost always on sex. It probably would be someone else he was envisioning even if his mind did drift in that same direction.

The sun was beginning to rise when I looked over at Edward to see him staring at me strangely. I narrowed my eyes before wiping my hand across my face to make sure I didn't have any chocolate or anything there. He smiled crookedly at me before reaching over to rub his thumb over the corner of my lip before bringing it back to his lips to suck off. I felt myself gasp as I watched, wishing I had an excuse to do something similar.

We both lay there in the quiet, the sky slowly starting to turn a pinkish lavender, our breathing so loud it drowned out everything else. We just stared. The intensity behind his eyes made my stomach flip again. After a moment, his eyes softened as he rolled all the way onto his side to face me with his head propped up on his hand, his eyes looking like they were wetter than usual, like he was fighting off tears. I rolled to face him, so I could watch him closer as he spoke.

"I don't know what I'd do without you, Bella. For almost half my life now you have been my best friend and the one person I can count on, and you've done it once again. I don't even begin to know how to thank you for all you do for me."

He reached his hand out toward mine, twining our fingers. I jumped a little at the hum I felt when our fingers touched, something I'd never noticed before. He looked down at our hands in confusion before lifting them up to his lips and kissing the back gently before lowering his hand to the floor between us to play with my fingers. He lowered his head to rest on his forearm laying flat on the floor as he spoke to them.

"You're the most amazing girl I've ever known. It's so unfair that fate would make us siblings. I've wondered before if our life had gone differently, if we would have ended up together when we reached Jr. High and our grade schools combined. You just…we just…it just sort of sucks."

I felt my eyes go wide as I realized what he was saying, what it really meant. All this time I was fighting certain feelings that had been welling up for Edward. Was it possible he was having to fight off similar ones? I lowered my head to mirror his position now making us eye to eye, only about a foot of space and our hands separating us.

"Edward, are you saying what I think you're saying?"

He looked up at me hesitantly before glancing back down at our twined fingers, his silence speaking far louder than any words. I stared at him in amazement, my fingers instinctually tightening on his as I whispered the reply that scared me and thrilled me at the same time.

"I…I've wondered that same thing before, except, well, I decided that we probably would have only been friends, or I would have ended up a number in the crowd, because, well, I'm me."

His eyes shot up to mine, sincerity burning dark within his green irises. "Why would you say that? You're amazing, Bella. You're smart, beautiful, kind, the list goes on and on."

I felt my face burn with embarrassment as I dropped my gaze to our linked fingers. "If that was all true, then why was I terminally single in high school? Why did only guys like Mike Newton show any interest in me at all?"

Edward chuckled tugging my hand and pulling me into his side as he rolled back onto his back. I sighed, enjoying the comfort of the nook that I had always fit into so comfortably. "Well, Bella dear, that had more than a little to do with how terrified everyone was of Emmett. He even threatened to flunk out and come back again the next two years if any of the jocks even considered hitting on you. You were probably the most desired forbidden fruit in Forks High, but only the really stupid ones, like Newton, were brave or foolhardy enough to try."

He was quiet for a minute, stroking my hair as we sat in silence. I closed my eyes, relishing in the feeling. I wished I could feel as safe with other boys as I always did with Edward. It was hard to explain, but he was so comforting to me. I didn't have to work to be anything with him, because he knew me for exactly who I was and liked me that way. It was a great feeling.

After a while, just as I was about to go under in a warm, comfy doze, he chuckled again, tugging at the tip of my hair. "Now, now, no passing out on me, Sleeping Beauty. I do have one tidbit of info I never shared that will probably open your eyes. I feel guilty for not sharing it sooner. You know that night of prom, when we caught you and limp dick?"

I leaned up and nodded, waiting for him to continue. He smirked, pushing my hair back over my ear before continuing. "Well, Emmett sort of tailed you guys all night. When you disappeared into the back seat of Mike's car, he ran inside and dragged me out to keep him from killing Newton."

I hopped up, turning to gape at him with a wide open mouth. "He WHAT?"

Edward laughed and nodded, his eyes growing dim moments later. "He didn't realize how big of a mistake that was though, because I wanted to push past Emmett and wring that fucker's neck that night myself. The only reason I didn't was because I knew it would freak you out even worse and we'd already traumatized you for life."

He sat up slowly turning to face me. "It was hard seeing you with him. I definitely didn't want you to lose your virtue to a jackass like Newton. He was the biggest knob of them all. Like I said before, you deserve special, not mediocre or worse."

We sat and stared at each other, only our crossed legs between us. After a moment, I felt myself leaning in toward him. I didn't know why or what I was even doing, but I just knew I had to close the space between us. Edward leaned in to meet me, his hand rising to my cheek just as a loud bang at the door made us both jump.

Edward shook his head, as if to shake off a bad dream as I buried my face in my hands, willing the sting of the tears to go away. I didn't know what we were doing, but it was dangerous and we really needed to stop. Even though my heart ached at not meeting in the middle, not to mention Edward's apparent regret of the entire exchange, I knew it was for the best. I hopped up to answer the door, to find a drunk Emmett swaying with crazy hair and a big goofy smile on his face. He'd charmed every girl on this floor and seemed to always get let on anytime he wanted to pop in to see me.

"Okay, kidkins, time ta go take your exmam."

I chuckled, nodding in agreement before grabbing my shower caddy and clothes and running out of the room to go take my shower. I needed distance and cold water to get my head on straight. As I scrubbed my face, I told myself it was lack of sleep and the emotional upheaval of Edward's life the past few weeks. I tried to convince myself, but a deeper part of me knew it wasn't true. It had never been true and would probably never be true. In all honesty, from the beginning, there was something else there…something…more.

When I returned to my room it was empty and quiet, only a note from Edward remained.

Sorry. I'm not sure what that was, but it was stupid. I'm sorry if I made you uncomfortable. Do you still want to meet downstairs at 7 to walk to the final? Text me and let me know. –E

I turned the paper over and over in my hands before picking up my phone. I debated for a second before typing out a quick reply.

Actually, I just remembered I need to run by the library to return a book on my way, so I'm leaving early. I'll just see you there. Okay? –B

The only response I received was an OK.

I rushed out shortly after, walking to the building via the library so it wasn't a total lie. When I got there, Edward was already sitting at a desk in the back. He smiled shyly at me and nodded to the seat near him. I smiled and waved back before taking the seat and settling in for the test. We didn't talk again until it was time to go home.

Emmett was running behind, as always. It was awkward between Edward and I as we stood in the lobby with our luggage and dirty laundry waiting for him. We made small talk about the final and how we thought we had done, but besides that, we were both at a loss. That was highly unusual for us, especially in the past few days since the Denali Witch finally got kicked to the curb.

I was just about to call Emmett again to see what was keeping him, when an upset looking Riley ran into the lobby and ran to me as soon as his eyes landed on me. They were rimmed in red and streaked with tears. I hugged him as he cried, while Edward glared at us. I shot him a look that said to back off before leading Riley to the chairs along the wall away from where Edward stood guarding our things.

"What's wrong Riley? Are you okay?"

He hiccoughed as he shook his head. "No, I'm so sorry, Bella, but I have to go."

I cocked my head at him in confusion since we were all about to go home for break. It didn't make sense. He shook his head as he tried to catch his breath.

"No, you don't understand. I'm dropping out and moving back home to Maine. My…my Dad…he…" He began to sob again, but I didn't need to say anymore, because I knew exactly what he was trying to say. I'd been in his shoes less than a decade ago. I held him as he sobbed, apologizing and stroking his hair to try to provide comfort. By this point, his tears caught Edward's attention. He looked over at us with concern. I shook my head, trying to let him know I'd tell him later. He didn't listen, moving over to offer his own assistance.

He settled our things nearby and patted Riley's shoulder in an attempt to be kind. It was only half believable. He watched me intently as the memories of my own father's death came to mind. His brows crinkled until Riley continued talking and then they softened, with the knowledge of another kindred soul.

"My, my mom doesn't know what to do. She's always depended on my Dad. She won't be able to make it without some support. I'm going to miss my life here, but I have to move home."

He turned to me, ignoring Edward as he held my hands in his. "You are such an amazing girl, but I know what we had wasn't really the forever type of thing. Long distance is hard enough with a lifelong love type of relationship, much less the mutual respect that we shared. I shall miss you dearly, Bella, but I think it best we say our goodbyes."

I nodded slowly, tears streaming down my face. Edward melted behind Riley before turning to go and seek out Emmett who had just exited the elevator weighted down with far too many suitcases. Apparently, it wasn't Emmett, but rather Rose who was holding up the train. They talked animatedly while I finished talking to Riley.

"I understand. I wish you the best of luck, and I am so sorry. I know you were really close to your Dad. I hope you will still keep in touch through email and facebook and stuff. I'd love to know you're doing okay."

He nodded and smiled. "Absolutely. Thank you, for everything, Isabella Marie."

I smiled and leaned forward to hug him. As I released him, he kissed me on the forehead tenderly before walking with me hand in hand to the waiting car outside. He kissed my hand one last time before opening the door to help me in and waved as we drove away.

I was quiet on the drive home. I was going to miss Riley. He was a good friend and a great guy. In all honesty our relationship was really just friendship with the added benefit of kissing. Other than the fact that his Dad passed, I wasn't even that sad about it. Riley was nice, and gave the best kisses I'd ever had, not that I had much to compare it to, but I just sort of liked him. I wasn't anywhere near loving him.

As we drove home, everyone kept eyeing me. Finally, Edward reached over, grabbing my hand before tugging me into his side. He kissed my temple and whispered in my ear. "Are you okay, Bella?"

I looked up at him and nodded slowly. "Yeah, a lot better than I should be actually. This is going to sound awful, but the more I think about it, the more I realize he was just a placeholder for someone else."

He looked down at me, his eyes shimmering in the dim light of the car. He didn't need to answer. I could see in his eyes that he knew exactly what I was thinking. As we pulled down the long gravel lane to our house, all I could think was that this was going to be one hell of an awkward winter break.

Author's Note: Alright…NOW you can go read EPOV! Look for my post My Sort of Sister. Warning, you might be surprised exactly where his head was all along. Some of you guessed it and some had no clue, but it was kind of fun writing a guy POV again…and he ended up having a pretty foul mouth…I apologize in advance. Hope you enjoy! So far there are only his POV of the first six chapters. Don't expect them too often after this…at least not until after my original is wrapped up :)