Author's Note: Sorry I held this another day, but some good friends suggested I hold off until I had the next chapter written. Chapter 12 just wrapped up, thus I am sharing ch 11! Thanks as always to my beta AgoodWITCH and my WC girls for encouraging me! You guys are awesome!

Now in the way of other good news…some of you may have heard, but I won the Young Adult division of the TWCS Original Fiction Contest. What most of you do not know, however, is that I have been in the process of getting the manuscript done to begin my first round of editing in four weeks. If all goes according to plan, I will be an officially published author by early March! Thank you for your patience as I've worked to finish laying down my story, which I have decided now, will be a series. The first book will be Children of Creation: Convergence and I've already been approached about getting the sequel done by the end of next year. At any rate, this has been major things going on for me…awesome, but very stressful. Thanks for your patience while I was wrapping up CofC and I ask once more for patience as I begin to do some cleaning up in the next few weeks before going into hard editing mid November. I have a feeling my fanfics will be silent or close to it during that time. Until then, I'll do my best to update as frequently as I can. Thank you all so much for all of your support. You readers really do keep me coming back again and again! So thank you!

Chapter 11

Going to sleep half naked next to Edward was wonderful; waking up next to him with a hard rod digging into my hip was, well, awkward. It would have been bad enough, but it was made even worse by the fact that we had no time to even discuss it as Edward had some sort of meeting with his old study group to plan for some concert they had to put on mid semester. It was really important, so much so that they had started planning it before finals. It was going to be part of a major grade that meant whether or not this really picky professor would sign for them to take his course in the Fall. Worst part of all, there was a very high likelihood that Tanya would be there as well.

Now don't get me wrong, I wasn't actually worried about Edward getting sucked back into Tanya's blackhole of terror, but I was worried that she was going to make his life a living hell. I wasn't sure how her reign of evil might affect him, and by extension, us. Yep, he hadn't even left my arms yet, and that nasty insecurity beast was rearing its ugly head. Would Tanya's bitchfest be enough to make him see I wasn't worth the effort?

I was already starting to hyperventilate before Edward's breathing even changed. I replayed the things he said the night before. I knew he meant them, honestly I did, but my adrenaline levels weren't willing to cooperate. I swallowed hard past the lump in my throat and tried to keep calm, but I was losing and fast.

"Stop It!" Edward's voice rumbled under my ear. "I don't know what freak out you're having right now and I don't really care, 'cause it's all bullshit. Stop getting yourself all worked up and just relax, Bella. It's all going to be okay."

My eyes rolled back in my head and my body melted into his as his hand began to make light strokes up and down my spine. I felt his face tip, his lips caressing the top of my head before his nose nuzzled into my messy locks, taking a deep breath before he let out a content sounding sigh.

"You know, I don't think I'll ever get tired of waking up like this. Even lying on the hard ass floor, this feels like heaven. How can you be panicking when this feels so, so good?" He let out a low rumbling moan that made my lady bits twitch to attention.

I moved my hand to play with the sparse smattering of auburn hair across his chest before kissing over his heart and letting out a sigh.

"Truth?"

I could feel his smile against my head. "Always."

"You have your meeting in just a little bit with the music majors, and…Tanya will be there."

His body grew rigid beneath me. "And your point is?"

I moved to rest my chin on his chest so I could look into his somewhat bleary, grass green eyes. "I'm not worried you're going to get back with her or anything. It's more I'm afraid she's going to make your life hell and I don't want you to suffer. I guess I'm afraid she's going to be the first taste of some of the venom we might face being together, and it could sour you on the whole thing or something."

His eyes flashed as his brows pulled together in a deep furrow. He opened his mouth to argue when I lifted my hand quickly to cover it.

"I know. I know. I'm not saying it's rational, but when are fears ever rational?"

His eyes softened as he lifted his hand to grab my wrist, shifting my fingers so he could kiss each one separately before looking down at me with a quiet calmness.

"Now THAT I can understand. I have my moments too, you know. We've been back here for less than a day and I've already found myself resisting the urge to pound every guy who gives you a second look. I worry you might decide it's too hard and find yourself attracted to the simplicity that a relationship with some other guy might bring. I guess the irrational fear part is natural."

This time it was my turn to frown. I shifted my body up so we were lying on our sides, face to face. I cradled his cheek in my palm and looked straight into his eyes so he couldn't look away.

"Make no mistake about this. I have had safe and easy. You can't get any safer than Riley, but I didn't love Riley. I love you…so much more than I can try to explain with my stupid little words. I would take that love over easy any day."

Edward smiled his crooked smile at me as his hand lifted to my cheek, his thumb brushing across my cheekbone with absolute tenderness. "Then you understand what I've been trying to tell you, 'cause that's exactly how I feel."

I was almost sure he could feel my heart beating out of my chest as he leaned in and brushed his lips across mine at the same moment he pulled my body flush against his solid warm chest. I sighed and relaxed into the kiss, enjoying the truth of the act and the freedom of not having to worry about being walked in on. We stayed like that for ten more minutes before we were forced to break apart in a flurry of texts with Alice and Jasper to arrange for Edward to get into his room and get cleaned up so he could go to his meeting with his music friends.

I tried to be brave as I watched out the window, waiting until I finally saw his copper hair sticking out of the front of his coat hood as he hunched against the cold and began to walk toward the center of campus. He was almost out of sight when my phone chimed in my pocket. I pulled it out and smiled when I saw the message was from him.

Your love is worth any risk. Don't forget that for a second. Call you when I'm done. 3 E

Alice had come in and left again after Edward had broken up her alone time with Jasper. Now I had nothing to do with my time but wait for Edward…or so I thought. My phone began ringing an obnoxious tune that Emmett apparently had set as his own ringtone sometime over break. I rolled my eyes and opened my phone to hear his loud voice in my ear.

"This is BIOLOGICAL Brother Day, B! You, me, a movie, some grub, whatcha say 'lil sis?"

I chuckled, running my hand through my hair and already getting up to dig in my drawer for some jeans and a sweater to wear in the cold. "Well that depends, you buying, big bro?"

He coughed for a second before finally moaning, "Eh, what the hell? Sure thing, spoiled brat…I swear between Edward and I you must get more free meals than any girl in this state."

At the mention of Edward, I felt my face heat with my blush. "Yeah, Em, you guys do spoil me. I do appreciate it though. If not for you guys, I'd be a hermit."

I could almost hear Emmett rolling his eyes. "Whatevs, meet me in the lobby in ten. There's a slasher pic marathon down at that budget theater south of campus. I don't remember if this is Freddy week or Michael Myers Week, but either way, you'll shit your pants and scream till you lose your voice and your appetite, so really it's win, win."

I snorted as I yanked off my top and replaced it with my nice warm cable knit sweater. It was ugly as sin, but I was going for insulation, not fashion. I agreed before hanging up and slipping into my jeans and snow boots, sliding on my coat, and making my way to the elevators. As I walked, I texted Edward to let him know where I'd be in case his class ended early. I didn't get a response, but I wasn't offended. I knew that group of his were serious about planning and he was probably all focused on piano pieces and strategy.

I zipped my coat and anchored my scarf around my neck before taking the uncharacteristically chivalrous arm my older brother offered and walked out the front door. The cold wind made my eyes water immediately and my lungs burn. I buried my face in Emmett's parka and followed him blindly through the blisteringly cold winds. Ten minutes and two near trips later, we were seated safely within the warm theater, my coat balled up in my lap and my knees pulled to my chest as the opening of the original Halloween began.

Three hours later, I came stumbling out after having watched Halloween and Halloween II back to back, my legs feeling like Jello, and my throat aching as though I swallowed a beer stein full of glass. So I scream at scary movies…so sue me! Emmett, of course, thought it was great fun, making sure to reach behind me and grab my shoulder or kick my foot during those intense build up scenes where the music gets more and more dramatic and you just KNOW someone's going to fall out of a closet or get stabbed through a door or something, making me jump and scream louder. Yeah, big brother/sister bonding day my ass…more like Haze Bella day!

Once I was bundled again and we were outside, I checked my phone to see Edward replied to my text during the scare-a-thon.

I'm glad. You and Emmett need bonding time. Since you're busy, I'm going to grab food with the gang. Catch you tonight? Maybe we can rent a movie or something before classes officially start day after tomorrow? Let me know 3 E

I smirked, flipping open my phone to text back on the qwerty board, requesting something the opposite of scary before letting Emmett lead me blindly across campus to this Mexican restaurant he swore up and down I would adore. Em always knew I had a soft spot for Mexican cuisine. He wasn't a big fan, so I knew this was an effort to do something sweet for me to make up for the scary. That or he just wanted to see me wince as I choked hot salsa and tortilla chips past my raw vocal chords.

I once again burrowed my face in the cushy sleeve of his parka and followed blindly across campus, sighing when we finally stepped through the large arch topped door and into the bliss of heating. Emmett helped me peel away my outer layers and hung them on the rack for me as he left our name with the hostess. Moments later, we were being led to a small room just off the main dining area where there appeared to be a large number of kids our age already seated.

The waitress led us to a small dark corner and left us with menus as I glanced around to see if I recognized anyone else in the room. I didn't make it far until my heart froze in my chest. On the opposite side of the room, there was a large table. Three guys and four girls were there and they were all laughing and talking. The girls were all glued to one guy in particular, two of them using any excuse they could come up with to touch his arm or his shoulder. My heart froze as I watched him laugh, so natural, so free. He looked even more handsome without the strain around his eyes, the constant stress in his jaw that I saw so much while we were at home.

I wasn't jealous of the girls, surprisingly enough. I knew Edward was sincere when he told me how he felt about me. I was jealous of their ability to flirt openly with him, to show their interest, even if it was being ignored, without it being an issue. What I wouldn't give to place my hand on his arm like that while eating out at a restaurant, to share gooey eyes, to lean in and laugh, hoping for a small kiss or some other obvious display of affection.

I don't know how long I was lost in my own thoughts, but it took Emmett snapping his fingers in front of my face to get my attention.

"Geez Kid, where were you? I just asked if you wanted to get the dip sampler platter to start. They have a good salsa, a queso, and the best guacamole dip I've ever tasted. That cool?"

I nodded, frowning when I noticed that a waitress had come and I hadn't even noticed. I skimmed the menu quickly, choosing the chicken fajitas and a soda before handing her the menu and glancing back at Emmett. His expression caught me off guard as I noticed him turning back from Edward's corner of the room before glancing back at me with a deeply furrowed brow.

"What's up, B? Why are you staring at Edward like he killed your puppy? Did you two get in a fight or something?" He stopped, his eyes going wide, "Oh please, tell me he's not getting back with the Wicked Witch of Denali!"

I was starting to panic until the last comment, and then I couldn't help but laugh. My relief was so acute, I found myself tossing back my head and cackling. His comment reminded me that the Wicked Witch was not sitting with Edward's group, another reason to smile.

"No. He's not back with the diva. It's nothing really." I mumbled as I chanced a glimpse in Edward's direction, pleased to see him smiling my way, his eyes all twinkling like he was really happy to see me. He nodded his head, gesturing for us to join him. In typical Edward/Bella fashion, we carried on a full conversation via looks and small shakes of the head as we discussed whether or not Em and I should join his study group. I glanced back at Emmett to see his head snapping back and for between us.

"I hate when you guys do that telepathic shit. What's up?"

I smiled and thanked the waitress for dropping off our appetizer and drinks before turning back to Em. "He wants us to come join his group, but I'm not sure it's a good idea."

Emmett rolled his eyes. "Why the hell not, B? I swear you overthink shit ninety nine percent of the time! Come on!"

He grabbed his drink and the large tray with a chip bowl in the middle and small containers of each type of dip all around before moving toward the big table. I blushed crimson before grabbing my drink, the plates, the silverware, and placemats and followed him, nodding to the waitress to let her know we were joining the other group. She smiled and gave a nod of her own in understanding before turning to talk to the waitress next to her.

When I reached the table, Emmett had already introduced himself to the intimidated looking group of skinny musicians before squeezing in at the table next to a tiny girl with glasses named Bree. When I stepped up next to him, he slid the chair out next to him, introducing me as I slid into the small seat.

"And this is our sister, Bella! She wasn't sure you guys would be so happy with us invading your table because she is one of those super smart overthinking types, but I told her you guys wouldn't mind as long as we shared our chips."

With the offer of free food, the stiff backs of the other people at the table disappeared, along with my share of the chips. I didn't mind though, I wasn't all that hungry sitting across from Edward, fighting hard not to stare at him.

Things got more awkward when one of the girls sitting beside Edward that was introduced as Gianna turned to me with a sickeningly sweet smile.

"So you're Edward's sister. He's told me about you guys hanging out. I think it's so sweet that he finds the time to spend with his little sister. Not a lot of guys are willing to take time from their own social lives in order to entertain their sisters."

I licked my lips, nibbling the lower one as I gazed at her with narrowed eyes, restraining my reply as much as possible. "Actually, Edward and I are the same age. He's only three months older than me, and since we've been best friends since we were ten, I don't think he considers it so much of a hardship as all of that."

She giggled, resting her hand on Edward's forearm as he looked at me with an expression of exasperation. He didn't want her grubby paws on him any more than I did, but I was powerless. If things were different, I could stake my claim, scare her off, and take my place at his side, but my hands were tied.

"I'm sure you were very close when you were younger, but it's only natural that as the two of you grow up and get lives of your own, that relationship would get strained. Once he gets a girlfriend, she won't be willing to share him all the time like that. I'm sure Edward wouldn't be that rude to his girl. Would you, Eddie?"

My hands were balled into fists in my lap as she cooed up at Edward. I could read it in his body language; he wanted to snap on her just as much as I did. He opened his mouth to speak, but to both of our surprise, it was Emmett who spoke up first.

"If you think that girl will be you, then you're mistaken. I think he learned his lesson with Tanya. Family comes first…ALWAYS. Relationships will come and go, but family is forever and you don't abandon your family, or hurt them by being selfish."

Emmett's words would have been so much more supportive if it didn't simultaneously slam a stake right into my heart. Family's supposed to come first, but both Edward and I were putting our needs above that of our family. I gave Emmett a small smile and a pat on the arm before gazing at my newly delivered plate for the rest of the meal. The few times I looked up, Edward tried desperately to capture my attention, but I couldn't bear the guilt. Instead, I focused on building perfect balances of meat, veggies, sour cream, and guacamole on the white circle flour tortillas and eating them silently for the rest of the meal.

Thankfully, the study group disbanded quickly, leaving Edward, Emmett and I to finish up and pay the bill. Edward kept eyeing me the rest of the time we ate and on the walk home. Emmett left us in the lobby in order to rush off for one last night with Rose before classes began the next morning, leaving Edward and I alone.

Without words, he told me he was coming with me to find out what was wrong. I nodded and led him to my room. It was empty. The second the door closed, I found myself pinned in front of my closet, Edward's hands bracing his body as he leaned in close with really worried eyes.

"So are you going to tell me what was going on with you tonight? You barely looked at me all night long."

I nibbled my lip and sighed. "It's harder than I thought, not being open with how I feel. I was afraid that if I looked at you too much, someone might figure it out. And then, after Em's response to that girl, I felt so guilty it about killed me. I wish so much that I could touch you whenever I want and chase away girls like that Gianna chick that tried so hard to make me look like a pathetic charity case. I really just wanted to hold your hand and kiss you, and I couldn't. I hated it. I know we want time to figure this out, but I don't know how long I can wait."

The worry in Edward's eyes melted away as his face broke into a thousand megawatt smile as his left hand shifted to brush across my right cheek. "Well Thank God, because I was going nuts having you right there and not being able to touch you. I love you so much."

I smiled as I leaned in, initiating a kiss that had us distracted for several long minutes before we finally broke it. Throughout the kiss, our bodies had suctioned together and my hands had somehow moved up to grip the collar of his jacket inside of tight fists.

Edward smiled down at me with dark, heavily lidded eyes. "So what do you want to do about it? Do we come out now and just face the consequences?"

I sighed, resting my head against the wooden door of my closet behind me. "How about we give ourselves a month? That gives us a little time to get used to the idea ourselves, and yet we won't have to hide come Valentine's Day when we have to go back to Forks for Mom and Pop's big party."

Edward smirked, his eyes twinkling. "You wanna be my public Valentine?"

I tossed back my head with a loud laugh. "Yes, I guess I do."

Edward leaned in again, his lips ghosting over mine as he spoke. "Good. 'Cause there's no way I would have been able to keep from blowing our cover at that thing anyway."

He didn't even let me respond before he captured my lips with his in a needy, demanding kiss that nearly stole my breath. He was just starting to peel away my coat and shirt when the door slammed open, hitting him in the back. Edward groaned before turning to see a surprised Alice staring up at him.

"Oh my God, I'm so sorry you guys! If you give me five minutes, I'll grab some stuff and be out of your hair."

I laughed, rubbing the spot on Edward's back to chase away the sting. "You don't have to rush off, Allie. We're not going THERE right now."

Edward arched his eyebrow at me in challenge, making me laugh and push him away slightly with a small shake of my head.

"We were just going to rent a movie or something. You and Jazz want to join us? Like sort of a double date sort of thing?"

Alice smiled. "You sure you don't mind?"

I glanced up at Edward to see him cocking his head in question. I smiled back at Alice. "Yeah, for tonight I'd really like to know what it's like to be a couple in the company of other people. To hang out in a group and not be afraid to look at him, or hold his hand. I just want to feel normal for one night, if you guys are up for it."

Alice's smile grew as Edward wrapped his arms around my waist from behind and kissed my neck right below my ear. "That sounds great. We'll meet you guys back here in an hour?"

I clapped happily as I agreed and began dragging Edward back through the door to go with me to the video store to find a movie to watch for the night. We let go of our hands as we reached the doors that led to the lobby, but a flash of blonde at the end of the hall right before the elevator doors closed made my heart falter slightly. I was almost certain it was Rose and I really didn't know how much she had or had not seen.