The Learning Curve: Chapter 74

Bella Swan's House

I was ready.

I'd gotten the waxing done that Alice suggested. The legs had actually hurt more than the bikini line, which I would remember for the future. I'd wiggled into the sapphire-blue underwear set I'd bought at Victoria's secret (in spite of Alice's suggestion that I go with a corset and g-string). I'd fought with my hair for a solid hour and even put on a little make-up. My jeans and blouse weren't terribly sexy, but I figured they wouldn't be on for long. I'd packed an overnight bag with everything a girl could possibly need.

Now the only thing left to do was drive my truck to Alice's house and wait.

I was going over early in the afternoon before Charlie came home from work so that he wouldn't ask what I was dolled up for. I would stay at Alice's until I called Charlie to confirm that he was firmly glued to the TV for the night, and then Edward would come to pick me up.

Everything was planned out perfectly. Still, my hands were shaking as I started up my truck. This was it. There was no going back after tonight. I wasn't scared, precisely, but I was definitely antsy. It was something akin to the feeling of waiting for the score on a test you think you've aced - the expectation of reward with the slightest edge of uncertainty.

I wanted to ace this test.

When I got to Alice's house, I was relieved to find that her parents weren't home - but then, they rarely were. It was amazing that Alice had turned out so well in spite of their neglect.

"Do you have everything you need?" Alice asked, almost as keyed up as I was. "I have some condoms if you need."

"Edward said he had some," I replied. "Alice...have you seen anything about me and Edward? Not about tonight, but in the long-term?"

She pursed her lips. "I've had a few dreams...and I'm afraid to tell you because for once I don't want to change the outcome."

I let out a breath. "But it's good, then."

Alice broke into a dimple-showing smile. "It really is."

I hugged her. "Never let anyone tell you your dreams are a bad thing. It's such a relief to know things work out."

"Why are you even worried about the future right now? You shouldn't be thinking past Edward's bedroom at a time like this."

I shrugged uncomfortably. "The college responses are coming, and Edward's talking about living together. I'm just afraid, I guess. What if it doesn't work out and Edward can't handle it?"

Alice just shook her head. "He's stronger than you think, you know. He might have his head in the clouds, but he's not the type to break when he hits the ground."

I smiled at her assessment. "Yeah, you're right."

Alice merely rolled her eyes at me. "Of course. I'm always right."

A/N: Okay, I'll explain it one more time. Bella is 18 and Edward is 17, and yes, this is actually normal for high school seniors with their birthdates. You see, each state has their own date by which children have to be 5 years old to start kindergarten. That date tends to be around August 31. Edward, born June 20, would turn 5 a couple months before that date and start school young. Bella, however, would turn 5 just after that date and would have to wait almost a year to start - and would age up just a few days after starting. For Edward and Bella to be in the same grade with their birthdates, Bella would have to be about nine months older than Edward.

All good now?

And this chapter should answer your questions as to whether you'll have to wait the three weeks with Edward and Bella.

I would also like to thank InTheSubtext for reminding me that I do, in fact, look about twelve years old. ;) This is why I can't get laid, I tell you. Only pedophiles would find me attractive.