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Here is chapter two. There is a little new material here. Just enough to tease readers, I'm afraid. We gotta keep you coming back somehow, you know.

Chapter 2

Present Day…Suburbs of Seattle Washington

Edward's POV

When Bella left on Saturday night I spent the entire night downing a half-bottle of bourbon. I finally passed out on the couch just as the sun started to rise. I woke up around noon Sunday with a massive headache. I tried to call her numerous times throughout the afternoon but she didn't answer her phone, so I left her several messages. Approximately one every hour until at 8 p.m., when she finally answered.

I was just about to leave her another message I heard her shaky voice. "Hello?" She whispered.

"Bella! Thank God you're alright. I've been trying to reach you all day," I blurted.

"I'm fine, Edward. I've been sleeping most of the day." She replied.

"I know the feeling," I answered wryly. "Listen, we need to talk. I don't suppose you're planning to come home tonight?"

"I'm not coming home, Edward. I told you that. I did plan to stop by the house tomorrow and pick up a few things, though."

"When can we talk?"

She hesitated, and then answered. "I don't think that's a good idea right now. It's just too soon for me."

I held back a sob. "Isn't there anything I can do? I don't want it to end like this." She was crushing my heart with her rejection.

Her voice was full of tension. "It's way past time for you to do anything to fix this. I'm not going to change my mind. You missed a dinner with our daughter and her new boyfriend. Of all nights for you to flake out and pull a no-show— and after 'Nes planned the whole evening around your schedule. I don't know how you could do that to her!"

I sighed with a shudder, "How is it even possible that this guy is that important? I mean she's only known him for two months. She can't possibly be in love with him that quickly…" Ooh that was a mistake, Cullen. She's going to make you eat those words!

"Really?" I could tell by her tone that she was livid. "You don't suppose that's even the slightest bit possible for our daughter?" She was practically shouting at me.

"I know, Bella…we fell in love even faster than that…" I trailed off.

"Oh, so you do remember?" She snapped back in a condescending tone.

"Of course I remember." I replied with a sigh, then changed the subject, "… Bella, please? I just want to talk to you."

"I will think about it," she sighed into the phone.

"Thank you, that's all I'm asking."

We both hung up and I remembered exactly when it was that I fell in love with her.

...

August 1987…Forks, WA

Edward's POV

The first day of school I walked into the building, collected my schedule from the office and glanced at the room numbers in the hall. Finding my way around was going to be easy, in such a small school. My first class was English and I noticed immediately that Bella-boom-box-girl was sitting in the front row. I smiled at her, noticing her face flushed as she avoided my gaze. The teacher directed me to my desk, immediately behind Bella. I sat down and tapped her on the shoulder.

"Hi, I'm Edward Cullen. I just moved here from Seattle. I wanted to say hello yesterday but you were…busy." I waited for her to respond.

"I'm Bella Swan." She blushed profusely and that made me smirk at her.

I realized I was considered good-looking among the opposite sex but I'd never seen anyone react quite like this girl did. Her blush was adorable. I wanted to talk to her longer but class started. After English I walked to my calculus class. Once again, Bella was there. This time I was seated in the desk beside her. I didn't have a chance to speak before class began but I felt her staring at me during most of the lecture time. I flashed a shining smile as I walked out of the room, just to let her know that I had noticed.

I was surprised again when she was in my third class, Spanish. The chance might have come up for us to talk more, but Newton was also in this class. I observed immediately that they walked in together, holding hands. He gave me a nasty look as soon as his eyes met mine.

I chose a seat close to Bella so I could listen to their conversation. "Damn! Cullen's in this class. He just rubs me the wrong way. I can't wait till coach posts the positions and he doesn't get quarterback. That should put him in his place."

"That's not fair, Mike. You don't even know if he can play. Maybe Dad won't choose him to replace you but he might be second string. Just think about that," she chided.

I didn't hear Newton's response because I began to ponder Bella's statement. She said Dad… Must be Coach Charlie Swan was her father. No wonder Newton told me he was in tight with the coach!

I sat by myself at lunch and watched Bella Swan. She was seated at a table with her friends, her back was to me. One girl kept peering around Bella to check me out. I wished I could hear what they were saying because they were clearly talking about me. Bella didn't look my way even once, whereas her friends had no trouble taking turns staring at me.

The bell rang and made my way to Science class. This room was set up with lab tables, each table accommodating two students. Bella entered the room also and when the teacher assigned me a lab partner, she and I were paired. Finally…a chance to have an actual conversation with her.

I tentatively smiled at her, "Hello again."

"I can't believe we have so many of our classes together," she commented. "After this I have gym class and then history. I don't suppose that's what you have?"

I looked at my schedule and I smiled at her, "do you want the truth or a lie?" I teased.

"Truth. Definitely the truth."

"Those are exactly the classes I have next. We're together the whole day." I wiggled my eyebrows at her and she blushed and turned her face away.

"Bella, I don't bite. You don't have to turn away from me." I encouraged. "I noticed you've been watching me…since yesterday, actually." She gave me a shocked expression. "Hey don't be so surprised. I obviously have been watching you too. Otherwise I wouldn't have noticed you watching me."

"It's…complicated. My boyfriend…"she began.

"Newton." I finished for her.

"Yeah. He doesn't like you much…"

"I don't like him much." I told her. "He and I had words yesterday at football. He's totally full of himself and I hate guys like that." Thankfully she didn't appear offended. Possibly she was aware that her boyfriend was an ass.

"What I was going to say that Mike hasn't even tried to get to know you yet. I don't think anyone else has either."

"Does that mean you're interested in applying for the job?" I teased and she blushed, shaking her head.

Man, this girl was pretty.

The teacher gave us a brief lecture and then an assignment to work on together. I was thankful for more time to talk. "How long have you been with Newton?" I asked her in between assignment questions.

"A year."

"What do you see in that guy anyway? I mean I know I just met you, but you seem personable and friendly. He just…isn't those things."

"You have to know Mike," she excused. "He's been the most popular boy in town since Kindergarten. Most of us have been in school together for twelve years and it's just the way we were all raised. Our parents are all friends, and before that many of our grandparents."

"So Mike is a jerk because he feels entitled?" I asked.

She smiled the most beautiful innocent smile I had ever seen, "Yeah, pretty much." She admitted and we both laughed.

"No offense but you could do much better."

"None taken."

"You don't seem upset by me talking negatively about your boyfriend. Are you two serious?"

"That's a rather personal question."

I hesitated a moment waiting for her to elaborate. "Are you going to answer it?"

"Nope." She replied and went right on with our work without speaking another word to me, unless it was about the assignment.

After Science I walked to the locker rooms to change for gym class. Both boys and girls classes were playing basketball and when it wasn't our turn to play I stood on the sidelines. It didn't take me long to see Bella also standing with one of her friends.

I walked over and smiled. "Introduce me to your friend, Bella."

"Edward Cullen this is my friend Alice Brandon. Alice, this is Edward." I had to take a minute to check out Bella's legs in her gym shorts.

"Hi, Edward." Alice shook my hand.

" Pleased to meet you Alice," She was a cute tiny girl, with short, dark hair and bright eyes. But I was really only interested in speaking to Bella. "Alice, do you mind if I drag Bella away for a minute? There's something I want to ask her." Alice nodded and giggled while Bella looked surprised. I walked away a few feet and waited for Bella to join me.

"What do you want?" She asked me nervously.

I smiled a sexy smile at her, "Well, what I really want is to ask you out." I paused for effect, and then continued. "But since you have a boyfriend what I'll ask you is…why didn't you answer my question about whether you're serious with Newton?"

Bella's POV

I almost fainted. He said he wanted to ask me out! My heart was pounding out of my chest and I wondered if he noticed. Jess would be so jealous! I stammered not wanting to answer him but finally conceded, "Listen, Edward, I am not serious about Mike, but he's pretty serious about me so I don't want word to get around and hurt his feelings…"

As if it was possible, his smile got even sexier. "My lips are sealed. I just wanted you to know that you seem really cool and Newton's a dick. So if you're ever interested in trading up… come see me." He turned around and walked away leaving me standing there with my mouth open.

Alice was pumping me for information all the way into the locker room after class. I lied and told her he had a question about our science homework, but she didn't believe me. "Hey don't worry I'm not going to say anything. Especially to Jess," and then winked at me.

Even though no one heard what Edward said to me I was still nervous that Mike would find out. In all honesty dating Mike was really convenient. He was cute and all but he was very conceited. He and his snug fitting Levis, Polo shirt and high-top Nike sneakers were really starting to bore me. He was a celebrity-around-town kind of guy, quarterback of the football team and his parents owned the local sporting goods store so they were all well known in the community. My Dad was equally known in the community, having been the school football coach for years.

I finally realized how incompatible we were last weekend when we went out for movies and pizza. After wards he took me back to his house. His parents were away in Aruba on vacation. I knew we would make out on the couch, that was a given. But he kept trying to push his hands under my shirt, then up my skirt and I had to push him off the couch to keep his hands off me. I had told him time and time again that I wasn't ready to 'go all the way' but he kept pushing.

"Come on, Bella," he always begged. "All of the other couples are already doing it." I always argued that just because other couples were, didn't mean we had to. I wasn't ready and even though he was, I was able to talk him into taking me home where he softly kissed me goodnight, making me all but forget his futile attempt to coerce me into bed…

Before I knew it, it was time for practice. The whole squad was in the locker room chattering about the first day of school as we changed and made our way outside for practice. This time Alice carried the boom-box (she winked at me and said she was afraid I'd drop it again.) We all walked out onto the field and took our positions. As captain I chose which routines we would do and in which order. Alice started the music: "Kiss" by Prince was the first song she chose. We were just getting warmed up with a pom-pom routine when the football team came out to take the field. Boys on the field were incredibly distracting. Especially when one of them looked as hot as Edward Cullen did.

Dad walked up to me with his clipboard and whistle in his hand. "Bells, I'm sorry but we're going to have to ask you girls to move your practice inside. We were scheduled to be inside but I have some new players to put through the paces, so we need the field."

After some prompting he agreed that we could use the outer edge and finish our outdoor practice. My ulterior motive was to watch the team perform their drills, especially Edward. Plus there was not much chance Mike would notice me checking out Edward if I was doing routines and he was doing drills.

We all returned to our practice and before long I looked up and saw Edward intently staring at me. He nodded to me to let me know he saw me looking back at him. I don't know what there was about him. But he made me feel that tingly feeling inside when our eyes would meet. When he said earlier that he had been watching me, I felt wetness in my spankies that I wore underneath my uniform. That had never happened to me before…

The music changed and Alice put on "Bad" by Michael Jackson and we continued our dance routine, switching to tumbles jumps and then stunts. By the time our practice was over I was exhausted. We packed up and started trudging off the field slowly. I was sweaty and grass covered and ready to go home and shower.

Mike ran over to see me. "I'll be here late tonight but if you want I'll call you later."

I nodded and smiled at him. He could be sweet when he wanted to be. He moved closer to kiss me and I joined him but just before our lips touched I felt his hand touch my thigh and move up toward my butt. I instantly backed up, "Don't touch me like that." I snapped.

"You're just so sexy in that uniform. I'll see you later," He winked at me and walked away.

I glared at Mike in anger for pawing me yet again, and then I noticed Edwards green eyes smiling at me. Geez why is it every time he looks at me, in that certain way I feel that magnetic force of electricity pulling on me. No other guy has gotten to me like that before. He looked incredible in uniform and I noticed during practice, he was quite talented. He might be the best player the team has ever had… I smiled back at Edward as I thought…Mike would have his work cut out for him. And not only on the football field.

Edward's POV

It was already dark when practice was finally over. Coach Swan told us that he would have our positions posted within the next few days but to expect a lot more late practices. He also reminded us that we couldn't play in a game unless our grades were acceptable, so we'd better get to work on our homework after practice.

After showering, I was putting my clothes back on when one of the defensive players, I think his name was Eric, walked up and tapped me on the shoulder. "Hey, Cullen," he whispered.

"Yeah?"

"I saw you checking out Bella Swan today." He accused

I just shrugged at him. "So what if I was?"

"…she has a boyfriend, and he's the captain and quarterback of this team!"

"Who cares?" I certainly didn't.

He looked shocked. "Listen I definitely get it. She's hot! But you're going to be sorry if you don't stay away from her."

"Psh!" I scoffed. "You really think I care that she has a boyfriend? It's a free country and besides, I was just looking."

"Whatever, man. Don't say I didn't warn you." And he walked away.

I couldn't deny that I had been checking out Bella and taking every opportunity to flirt with her. A few times I think she was actually flirting back. It was so obvious that there was an attraction between us.

And it was also clear to me that Newton and I were going to have problems. If Eric could be trusted, it was obvious to others as well… Newton had it out for me. I knew he was a good player but his arrogance made me detest him. He kept bragging about the college football scouts that had their eye on him and how he was going to get a scholarship because of his ability. He made it clear that he wasn't going to let me mess that up for him. I was determined to prove myself to the team. And if I could impress Newton's girlfriend in the process, it was a bonus.

A few days later when the team roster was posted I was disappointed, but not surprised, to see Newton was first string quarterback. Coach told me that I would definitely get some game time and not to be disappointed but to keep playing well and the coaches be watching. Newton wasted no time rubbing his position in my face. And I was developing serious plans to rearrange his…

...

Our first big football game came the second week of school. I sat on the bench the whole game and Newton got to show off after we had won. "Don't worry Cullen; I'm sure the college scouts will notice you! Just keep your helmet off and they're sure to notice those bronze locks of yours." He slapped me on the back it took all of my strength not to pummel him. But I knew a student with a reputation for fighting would never make first string.

I avoided him all I could and during the third week's practices, Coach let me have some field time. I showed the coaches and team that I was every bit as good as Newton was. Even though the coaches still wouldn't put me in during a game, I definitely got the attention of some of the other players. After practice one night Eric came up to congratulate me.

"You're really good, Cullen. If Newton ever gets hurt you're sure to have game time." He smiled genuinely.

"I'd like to hurt him!" I replied.

"Yeah? Well just between you and me you have a greater chance of that than anyone in the school."

"Why's that?"

"I've seen the way you are with Bella during science class. Man, if he knew you were making moves on his girl…"He let out a low whistle.

I wanted to show Newton that I even though I didn't get quarterback, I could definitely play just as well as he could. And even though I wasn't flaunting it, I was pretty sure I could have his girl too. Maybe not now … but eventually. I knew if I played my cards right she could be mine. I wasn't exactly making moves on her, but I was attracted to her. Sometimes I was certain she was attracted to me, too. We sat near or beside each other every single class and we were definitely becoming friends. I never passed up a chance to flirt with her…the first two weeks of school I kept it subtle, but now I decided to take it to the next level.

"Hi Edward," Bella smiled at me as I sat down at our lab table.

"Hi," I smiled back at her. "You look nice today." She was wearing a striped blue shirt and tight stonewashed jeans. I couldn't help but notice how cute her butt looked before she sat down.

She blushed and rolled her eyes. "Thank you. I could say the same to you every day."

"Thank you right back." I winked at her and she turned her head away.

I leaned in to whisper in her ear. "I think you know I'm flirting with you. If you would like me to stop just say so…"

She turned back toward me and shook her head. "I don't want you to stop… is that a bad thing? I have a boyfriend, after all."

"You've already told me you're not serious about him. Maybe that's a sign that you're not supposed to have a boyfriend … OR maybe that you're supposed to have a different boyfriend."

Her eyes got wide and her blush became more intense. "I really like you Edward and I'm glad you're my friend, but I don't know you very well."

"You could get to know me pretty easy. I won't fight you at all."

"We'll see what happens." She said to me and winked back. My heart leapt inside my chest. This meant she wasn't completely ignoring the fact that I wanted to ask her out.

...

That Friday night there was a pep rally and bonfire to celebrate homecoming. The football team, marching band and cheerleaders all took part and most of the students were hanging out around the fire as the coaches tried to rally support for the school teams. The football game this weekend was with the school's biggest rival and they wanted everyone to come out to show school spirit and support their athletic teams.

I was drinking a can of Coke and eating a burger at the concession stand when Bella came up and stood beside me. "Hey." She grinned.

"Wow, you look cute." She was wearing her hair curly and she had it back in barrettes with yellow and blue ribbons attached.

Her face blushed as she avoided my gaze and ordered herself a burger and a Coke. "Thank you Edward. I'm trying to show my school spirit for the game tomorrow." I quickly took a hold of her hand and pulled her around the side of the concession stand.

I looked her directly in the eye and leaned over her, my arm up against the building, where no one could see us in the dark. "Bella, you'd be cute wearing a paper sack or nothing at all." Oh no, now I was blushing! "That's not what I meant." I corrected quickly as I saw a smile appear on her face. "I mean you always look cute and I need to tell you that I've been dying to get you alone so I can kiss you…" I leaned in closer to her and lowered my lips to hers.

We were almost touching. "I don't think we should, Edward." She whispered.

"Have you ever slapped a boy for kissing you, Bella?"

She shook her head, "No but I've STOPPED boys from kissing me."

I took a deep breath, but didn't move my face, "…and are you going to stop me?" I whispered.

She had a frightened look on her face for a moment and then she shook her head and I inched closer as she closed her eyes. I pressed my lips gently up against hers and she sighed so deep it made my heart stutter. I added more pressure and she parted her lips at the same time I did. I locked my lips gently with hers until I felt her tongue lightly skim the inside of my lip and I let desire take over. I reached my hands down and slid them behind her waist, pulling her close to me as I allowed our tongues more room to explore each other's mouth. Her mouth was hot, wet, and delicious. I had never French kissed a girl who made me feel like Bella did.

I applied more soft, closed mouth kisses to her lips and then we both stood there staring into each other's eyes. "That was nice Bella." Her eyes were glazed and she looked stunned. "What's wrong?" I asked her, concerned.

"You dazzle me." She sighed. "There's no other way to explain it."

"Mission accomplished!" I smirked. "Listen I have to go meet up with the team for pictures inside. Can I call you tonight?" I begged, still holding her fingers in mine

She nodded, "Yes." She stood there a minute as I walked away and then I saw her turn and walk away also. No one saw us, thankfully!

As I walked away from her, I rubbed my lips with my finger, dreaming about how her lips felt on mine just seconds ago. Man that girl can kiss! She said I dazzle her! I wonder what the best word would be to describe what she does to me. God, I can't wait to hear her voice again … I can't wait to kiss those lips again.

Eric ran up behind me, slapping my back with his hand. "What's up, Man? You look like you're in a daze."

"Yeah. Sorry, man. What's going on?" I asked.

He shook his head with a smile. "Coach's daughter really has you, doesn't she?"

"You have no idea." I replied, ending the conversation there.

That's it for this chapter. Hope you liked it. Review and let us know whatcha think, K?

Next up: Find out how much present day Edward would do to show Bella how much he loves her…