The Learning Curve: Chapter 71
Forks High School
The excitement in Edward's eyes when he pulled me behind the science building at lunch told me good things were coming.
He pulled me into his arms and kissed me soundly before pulling away with an almost manic grin.
"What?" I demanded. I hated to be left in suspense.
"My parents are going out of town in three weeks. They'll be gone the whole weekend."
"Really?" It didn't take a genius to understand the significance. "Did you know that when you said you had an idea?"
He shook his head. "No, I sort of...talked my dad into it."
I raised an eyebrow. "How did you do that?"
He smiled sheepishly. "I have extraordinary powers of persuasion."
I guessed that wasn't the whole story, but I wasn't going to question my good fortune.
"Okay, so...I'll see if Alice will help me cover with Charlie. Maybe I can even park my truck at her house," I mused, though those were actually secondary concerns. My first worries were wardrobe and hygiene.
He nodded absently, his fingers dancing on my hips. "So...we're really going to do this."
"Yeah." I felt a smile tugging at my lips.
"I'm nervous," he whispered.
I was a little surprised. "Why?"
Edward shrugged uncomfortably. "I don't want to disappoint you. The way we started out was...amazing, but maybe a little -um - misleading in terms of my skills."
I fought very hard not to laugh, guessing it would send the wrong message. "Edward, I'm not worried. I just want to be with you. And if we're bad at it...well, there's one more reason to get in lots and lots of practice."
He laughed, and I continued, "Besides, it's easier for me now. Before, I was always so worried about being bad at this - but knowing you're not so far ahead of me takes some of the pressure off."
Edward pressed his forehead to mine. "Bella?"
I smiled. "Yeah?"
"You're kind of a natural at this."
I grinned. "You think so?"
"Definitely." His lips brushed against mine. "And one more thing."
"What?" I asked, already reaching up for another kiss.
"I'm totally in love with you."
My body felt very warm as I pressed it against his, winding my arms around his neck. "The feeling is totally mutual."
A/N: To answer a question brought up in the reviews - I mentioned Edward being 17 not because he wasn't legal but because I think it would make it very hard for him to rent a hotel room for a night. I think at most hotels, you have to be 18. And yes, he IS a senior - but he's a June baby like me, and I was still 17 when I graduated from high school.
Some others wondered whether any parents actually do what Carlisle did - and according to some reviewers, yes, it has happened. Whaddaya know. My dad would have a heart attack if asked such a thing, but it IS a different standard for girls.
As for what kids are actually doing in high school these days, your guess is as good as mine. When I was in high school, I read dirty fanfic and dreamed of the day I would have my own credit card to order a vibrator with...