The Learning Curve: Chapter 99

Edward Cullen's House

My mom came home while I was looking for something readily edible in the fridge. She cleared her throat and held up a plastic bag in her hand that clearly promised dinner.

I loved my mom.

"How is your friend doing?" she asked as she began to unload the bag.

"Good. Her parents are doing better. Bella helped her a lot. She was so good with her, Mom."

She turned her head to me with a smile. "She's an amazing girl. And speaking of amazing – sweetheart, I am so proud of you. Dartmouth!" She drew me to her, and I knew better than to resist when she hugged me tightly and kissed my cheek. "No matter what happens, you got accepted to an Ivy League school. That's something so few people can say."

"Well...it's something Bella can say, too," I said, leaning back to watch my mom's reaction. Her eyes lit up.

"Bella got in, too?"

I nodded.

She hugged me tighter. "Oh, honey, that's wonderful news. You're going to have the time of your lives."

"So...there was something I wanted to talk to you about. About when we go to Dartmouth," I said nervously. I'd never broached the topic of living with Bella with my parents, but the look I'd taken at the housing policy had thrown me for a loop.

"I don't like that tone," my mom said, stepping back. "What are you thinking?"

"Well, Dartmouth requires undergrads to live in campus housing for the first year. But I really want to be able to live with Bella."

My mom pursed her lips. "I understand why you would want to do that, Edward, but don't you think there's a good argument for you and Bella taking some time, living apart while you get used to college life?"

"I want to get used to college life with her," I said, trying to make her see my perspective by sheer force of will. "I know, Mom - I know without a doubt that she's the one. I don't want to waste a single minute."

Her eyes softened. "Are you sure you two are ready for this? Living together isn't easy, Edward. It's not a slumber party. You're going to see each other at your worst."

I couldn't help smiling. "How bad could Bella's worst be? And after what I saw last night, I know Bella can handle anything."

My mom crossed her arms. "Okay. If you're determined to do it, I won't be able to stop you. But Dartmouth might. How are you planning to get around their housing policy?"

I hesitated. "Well, as I see it, there are two options. And I'm not sure you'll like either of them."

"You're not starting off this conversation well, Edward. What's the better option?"

I let out a breath. "I'm pretty sure Dartmouth would grant us an exemption from the policy if we were living with parents. And I know you and dad have been talking about moving to be close while I'm in college."

"But we're not Bella's parents. I doubt they'd be okay with her living with us."

"Oh." I hadn't thought about that, and I felt like an idiot.

"What's the other option?" she asked.

I bit my lip. "Just...don't freak out, okay?"

My mom closed her eyes and breathed through her nose. "Again, Edward, not starting well. 'Don't freak out' tells me there's something to freak out about."

"Well...the policy also says that married couples can live off campus."

My mom covered her eyes with her hand and shook her head. "Dear God, Edward. I'm getting your father."

Well, it had gone better than I'd expected.