The Learning Curve: Chapter 40

Forks High School

Sunday felt like the longest day of my life. I had no Edward, but plenty of Charlie – he was in the house all day long, being much more smothering than usual.

On Monday, I left for school a little earlier, hoping to see Edward even though I had no reason to think he would arrive by the time I did.

To my delight, his car was in the lot. I pulled into the spot next to it, but his car was empty, so I hurried up to the tables where kids hung out before school.

I saw Edward immediately. He sat with his back to me, his shoulders stretching a thick beige sweater. Emmett and Rosalie were with him, and I hesitated. Edward had introduced himself to my friends, but I had yet to meet his. I wondered if I should leave him alone.

But Emmett solved the problem for me. "Hey, Bella!" he hollered across the lot. Edward turned, his eyes searching for me, and his lips formed a slow smile when he saw me.

I had to walk over now, even though Rosalie wasn't looking at me and she sort of scared me. As I approached, Edward stood and met me. I tingled with nervous energy when he took my hands and kissed me in greeting.

"Good morning," I said, blushing. I looked over to his friends. "Hi Rosalie, Emmett," I added.

Rosalie gave me only a tight smile. Emmett grinned at me. "So we finally meet the girl who stole Edward's picky, picky heart."

I blushed again and glanced at Edward. "Picky?"

Emmett just laughed. "I've been trying to set him up since he got here, but no one was ever good enough for him." The tips of Edward's ears had gone red.

"So how did you do it?" Emmett asked.

Edward rolled his eyes and tugged me down to sit on the bench with him. "She didn't do anything, Em. I just like her."

"Mmmhmm. Don't think I won't get to the bottom of this."

I fidgeted uncomfortably, but Edward seemed unfazed. "Don't be an ass just because I didn't like your choice of girl for me."

"Well, hell, you can't blame me. When I saw the picture of your ex, I thought you liked blondes."

"It's about more than looks," Edward huffed.

"Since when?"

Rosalie spoke for the first time. "Em, not everyone is as shallow as you are," she huffed, and I had the distinct impression that she'd sensed my discomfort, even though she didn't look at me. "And thanks, by the way, for appreciating me for my brains. Real sweet of you."

Emmett had the decency to look sheepish. "Aww, you know I love you, Rosie. I'm just saying it starts with physical attraction. And if I'd known Edward preferred brunettes, I could have helped him out a ling time ago."

Edward smiled serenely. "I just prefer Bellas," he said, and I struggled to contain my smile.

"That would have made it easier," Emmett complained. "If you'd just fessed up, Mr. Mysterious, we could have saved Bella from ever getting stuck with Newton. I mean, what a douche-nozzle."

I snorted. "Douche-nozzle?"

Emmett winked. "It's a technical term."

When the first warning bell rang, Edward walked me to my class, holding my hand. I loved the feeling of security it gave me.

"Sorry about Emmett," Edward said with a crooked smile.

I shrugged. "He means well. But Rosalie...I don't think she likes me."

Edward shook his head. "Don't worry about Rose. She takes a while to warm up to people. I got the silent treatment from her the first two weeks I was here until she decided I was worthy."

That made me feel a little better.

We reached the door of my classroom, and I turned to him. "So I'll see you in English," I said, missing him a little already. It had to be unhealthy to want another person this much.

"Until then," Edward smiled, and he gave me another lingering kiss. I let him go reluctantly and watched his tall form loping down the hall for a moment before going to class with a wistful sigh.

A/N: Posting a little early because my schedule changed. I don't know when exactly I'll post tomorrow, but it'll probably be more than 24 hours from now.