Disclaimer: I take no credit in the characters within this story; those are the sole work of Mrs. Stephenie Meyer. I do, however, take credit for the specific, new traits I gave them and am quite proud of them.

Note: Wow, okay, this hasn't even been read over by me, much less my Beta. I honestly didn't expect to get forty reviews in a little less than 4 hours. But I LOVE you all for it! ENJOY!!

He hesitated again when our noses brushed, but when I tilted my head up a little he gently laid his lips on mine. My eyes closed as I kissed him back, my hand sliding from his cheek to his shoulder to the back of his neck. His arms dropped off the counter and wrapped around me, the lean of his body making me push against him and the counter. Every nerve in my body was screaming and laughing as we kissed, happier than ever before.

After a minute he pulled back his lips, needing to breathe, and leaned his forehead on mine. His breath was hard, the smell spreading across my face. I kept my eyes closed as I took deep breaths and tried not to hyperventilate.

Then he was kissing me again, his lips warm and soft against mine. I lifted my other hand to his neck and his arms tightened around me. I pushed my lips a little harder against his, just trying to fold into his body. I had been feel the power of his arms when he had hugged me, but that was nothing compared to what I felt now that he really held me. And his chest, like a rock against my own, rose and fell with the same shortness of breath, his heart the same quick beat. It could never compare to any kiss before experienced; Edward's lips were perfect in every way. Even the way he kissed was the epitome of perfection, so soft and gentle, but still extremely sexy and deep. I sighed against his mouth happily, amazed. I opened my eyes watched as his lids lifted too, a smile in them.

I heard a door open and froze, Alice's soft hum easily heard. He pulled his lips away from mine, but not far. His breath was hard, sweeping across my skin as we listened closely for any possible approach. After a minute a door closed again and I heard running water, making me let out my breath and relax. My eyes had never left Edward's, too in awe of what had happened to feel even a little awkward. This had to be another dream. Hopefully one I would never wake up from only to find 'brotherly Edward'. Two times would be too much to bear. "Edward…"

"Bella…." he said when I didn't continue. His face was lit in with my favorite grin held only for me. He lifted a hand from my waist and ran his finger across my bottom lip. "I hope you aren't upset."

"Did I seem upset?" My voice was shaky, made more of air then sound.

His smile widened as he met my eyes with an intense gaze, "Not yet."

"But you think I will be." I declared, shaking my head. My eyes locked with his again, my heart skipping a beat as I lifted my hand and placed it on his cheek again. "That will never happen Edward."

"Don't be so sure, Bella," he whispered, leaning into my hand, closing his eyes.

I smiled and laid my lips against his for a moment, smiling at the returning pressure. Pulling back, I opened my eyes, watching my favorite crooked smile return instantly. His eyes opened, but stayed nearly closed. He looked tired.

"You need to go get some sleep. I'll make sure Alice doesn't wake you." I gave him a hug, smiling against his chest.

After one last kiss he left me, a smile still on his face. My heart began to beat again as I slid to the floor, my back against a cabinet door as my eyes closed and I held onto the taste of him. My breathing was ragged and heavy as I tried to comprehend what was going on. Waking up after that dream had left me disoriented, making comprehension now difficult. Please god, tell me this is all real. Tell me I'm not asleep again. Tell me I'm not about to wake up and find myself crushed.

Someone cleared their throat and I looked up. Alice was standing there, her hair tied up in a towel, her body draped in a robe. "Bella? What are you doing on the floor?"

I blinked a few times. "Ummm…"

She just laughed and stuck out her hand to help me stand up. I didn't take it, too shaky to stand up. She let her hand drop. "Well, how about you go back to bed. I was going to wake Edward up anyways."

"No. Don't do that. He just went to bed."

Her eyebrows pulled together. "Why?

I shook my head. "I'm not sure… I never found out. He just he got distracted."

She looked at me closely, the pale sunlight from the window lighting my face, and she smiled. "Bella, your cheeks are nearing maroon. What happened?"

I just stared at her blankly, not sure how to respond. She flicked on the light, making me grimace as I blink my eyes clear. "Nothing Alice."

"Then why are you on the floor looking like an overripe tomato?"

I sighed, looking away. "I just had a dream and it's still freaking me. Nothing else. Just… calm down. Stop looking so excited."

She flopped down on the floor in front of me. "You know you never could lie to me. But whatever. What was your dream about?"

My blush darkened I'm sure. "Nothing."

Her smile grew and she leaned forward. "Oh my god, you had a sex dream about my brother, didn't you?"

HOW DOES SHE DO THAT?? Seriously, could she teach me to read people like that? Her brother, for instance. My mind raced, searching for a retort. "I- I- I-"

"AHH! You did!" She was laughing now, patting my knee as she did so. "Oh Bella! I'm so proud of you!"

"Proud? Your proud of me?"

"Of course I am," she laughed as if it was the most obvious thing in the world. "So, was it a good dream."

"It was until the end." My mutterings made me feel bad. I should not think that having the dream was a good thing at all. I should not be mad that it ended.

"Oh, that's too bad. Did you wake up too soon?"

I stared at her, mouth agape. "No! He turned into Mark."

She laughed again. "Oh, so it went from pleasant to nightmare. I see. So, did you tell my brother about this dream?"

"Of course not!"

"And why not?"

I just sighed and pushed myself up. "Because he doesn't want to know." What he said when I had first told him that I had woken from a dream; I need to know. I shook my head. "Anyway, why would I Alice? Come on."

She just laughed. "Your loss girl!" she stood, patting my arm. "You look tired. Go back to bed. I'll wake you in a while and I promise not to wake my brother before you. Okay?"

"Yeah." I said, walking away. She didn't follow, but I could still hear her laughter dripping from the kitchen. The minute I made it to the hall my eyes became instantly glued to Edward's door. I almost stopped and leaned against it, thinking about the way he had kissed me. Obviously he felt something… but what was it? What would ever cause him to kiss me with… so much passion? Was it possible that he felt the same way I did? Maybe not as strong, but feelings were feelings. I managed to keep from stopping though and just went to my room where I flopped down on my bed and fell asleep nearly instantly.

--

There was a warm feeling on my cheek, then the corner of my mouth, then my lips. It was a nice feeling, accompanied by the most amazing scent in the world; something sweet and spicy mixed with the very distinct smell of syrup. I couldn't place it. I sighed contentedly, not moving. There was a bit of a vibration on my arm and a heavy sound, but nothing very distinct.

"Bella." The whisper was nearly silent, but it woke me up quickly enough when combined with the increase of the scent and the warm breath that swept over my ear. "Wake up."

I let my eyes open and I turned my head and looked at Edward, his face holding that smile. "Good morning."

"Good EVENING." His correction made me smile. "It is nearly 4 after all. But, that doesn't matter. I brought you breakfast anyways."

My smile widened as I looked at the plate of pancakes drowning in syrup and butter. I was starving. "I see that."

He smiled and sat up a bit, so he was leaning on his elbow, his body stretched down my bed. He whispered then, "They're blueberry."

I laughed and pulled myself up against my pillow. "Did you make them yourself?"

"Of course! Esme's recipe." He lifted the fork on the plate and pulled a piece off. When he lifted it he brought it over to my lips. "Tell me if they are good enough for you."

I smile and took the bite, chewing it slowly while I looked at Edward. His hair was a little messier than normal than normal, he had a little flour on his cheek, that smile played on his lips. The most gorgeous guy in the world, there was no denying it. And he had kissed me earlier. AND he had made me breakfast in bed at 4 in the afternoon (not to mention the fact that they tasted AMAZING; melting in my mouth and making my taste buds sing). Could he be any more amazing? I swallowed. "Nope. They are horrible. I demand a new batch."

His smile grew as he filled the fork again. "Oh yea? Maybe you should take another bite just to be sure."

I smiled a little before eating the food offered on the fork, putting a look of consideration on my face. He watched, faking nervousness as I swallowed. I leaned forward, smiling and stopping as my nose almost brushed his. "I've tasted better."

His breath swept over my face. "Have you?"

"Mhmm… of course, those weren't pancakes. Burt hey, once you have a taste for something its hard to remember not to judge anything else too harshly."

I saw his eyes squint with his smile. "Oh? And what is so much better than Esme's pancakes?"

"You," I whispered, touching the tips of our noses together, watching as his eyes scrunched up a little more. He leaned forward, laying his lips against mine. I practically melted into him as I lifted my hand and tangled it into his hair. I felt as he moved the plate from between us before pulling me up against his body. His arm wrapped around my waist, his other finding my cheek. I pushed against him harder, my fingers tangling further into his hair. I lifted the arm that was holding me up, just latching on to him to stay up. As if feeling the struggle and laid me back onto the pillows, his lips never leaving mine. Then he pulled back, laughing.

I was bewildered. "What's so funny?"

"You know, we a missing an entire stage here?"

I raised my eyebrows. "What stage?"

He laughed. "Well, think about it. Friends for years, straight to kissing on your bed. What ever happened to dating?

This time I smiled. "Are you, my dear Edward, complaining about skipping out on the awkward, nervous stage? Really?"

His head shook as he leaned back toward my lips. "Not in the least Bells. Not in the least."

There was a sharp knock on the door, making both of us freeze as it opened. Edward pulled back quickly, looking over his shoulder at Alice as if he had just been caught.

--

APOV

--

He was half lying on top of her, half stretched across the bed. His eyes were wide, shocked, giving him the 'deer in the headlights' look. He was caught and he knew it. She was staring at me, her jaw slack, a blush burning her cheek. The robe had fallen open up to her mid thigh, showing her legs. They had their arms wrapped around each other, Bella's hand buried in Edward's hair. I was… surprised. I mean, anyone could have guessed by Bella's state this morning that SOMETHING had, but to find them making out on her bed… it was extremely unexpected. "Ummm…"

Edward seemed to wake up, pulling his arms away from Bella while she tried to untangle her hand from his hair without pulling too hard. Neither of them seemed eager to do this. When they had finally disentangled themselves Edward lifted the plate of pancakes that he had refused to let me have one of and handed it to Bella. "I'm going to go for now…"

"That's probably best… Alice and I are going to have to talk. I'll see you later." She smiled so sweetly at him and the reluctance on his face increased. "Oh, and thank you for bringing me breakfast."

He beamed at her, nodding while backing up, his eyes not leaving her until he passed me. The look in his eye grew cold. He closed the door behind him.

--

EPOV

--

I shut the door lightly, taking a deep breath as I gave Bella one last encouraging smile. She returned it before her eyes flicked to Alice and she got mad. I could hear her as I walked toward the living room.

"Alice! Why would you do that? Did I say you could come in? No! You knew we were both in here and yet you didn't wait for admittance? What?!"

I laughed to myself, going to the kitchen and pouring some more batter on the still hot griddle. I had been hoping to share Bella's plate, but I knew for a fact that the girls were going to be there for hours. I smiled, noticing that my lips were still tingling, Bella's taste fresh on them. God, how could this be real? How could it possibly be happening for me finally? I was practically melting into my skin. I had wanted her for so long… practically since I had first seen her. I flipped the pancake, my smile growing as I thought back to that day.

--

The school had been buzzing about the new girl all day, making me tired with them. They were so… childish. Gossip was not only unattractive, but usually filled with more lies than truths. So I just ignored it all, not even considering it when they called her beautiful and shy. What did it matter?

Lunch started as simple as normal, Emmett, Alice and I taking our seats, exchanging nothing but friendly greetings as we ate. But Alice seemed different, kind of distracted from her food as she looked around the cafeteria till her eyes finally seemed to find their target. I wondered what she was staring at, but decided not to worry about it. Alice was always complaining about me and my apparent lack of ability to mind 'my own damn business'. But I did notice that she stared at the same spot for a long time, a little smile appearing on her face. Finally Emmett cracked, making it easier on me as well.

"What are you staring at Alice?" he was looking across the room, searching for whatever could be causing so much interest.

She looked at him, then me. "I'm gonna go introduce myself to Bella. Enjoy lunch boys."

I felt my mouth open but she was gone before I could even form a coherent question. My eyes flicked to Emmett who was tracking Alice with his eyes. "Bella?"

"I think she's the new girl. I haven't heard of anyone else named Bella."

I turned to follow Alice as well, my eyes roaming over a few tables to find the girl. No one seemed out of place and Alice didn't seem to be stopping anywhere. She was staring at the table at the end of the room, her eyes locked on something that I couldn't see. The girl she must be talking about was blocked from my view by two guys across from her. She walked past the table first, but rounded really quick, going to the place I couldn't see. She smiled sweetly, talking to whoever was there. I did however see the mystified look of the girl sitting next the place I couldn't see. Then she appeared, her face blocked by her hair as she turned with my sister and dumped her tray.

"Did you see her?" I asked, looking back at my brother when they left.

"Yeah," he had a smile on her face.

"And?" I pressed, wondering about Alice's interest. She had never been one to hang out with other girls; she couldn't really get along with them for too long.

His eyes met mine. "And what?"

I just sighed, going back to my food and waiting for lunch to be over. Once that bell rang I would find Alice and ask about the girl and why the sudden interest in her. I had been keeping to myself lately anyways; could my sister really be too mad for asking a simple question? I hoped not and, as it turned out, I was correct.

"She's perfect Edward! I mean, she's shy, yes, but have a really good feeling about her! She's really sweet and I think we'll get along great!"

I smiled, surprised, and a girl walking by sighed in my direction. I shook my head, my eyes still on my sister. "She certainly has you impressed Alice."

"I can't explain it; she's just… amazing. And not in the way I'm used to. I really think we can be friends."

I just laughed gently, the warning bell ringing overhead as we stopped in front of Alice's locker. "I'm glad to see you so excited."

"Yeah," she agreed, spinning her code and finding that the locker wouldn't open. Now she was frowning, trying it again. She sighed and looked up at me, pleading. "Edward, would you? It like you."

I smiled and spun her code, the door opening the minute I pulled on the latch. "There you go. Now, I'm off to class. Hopefully she'll be in one of yours!"

"Bye Edward." The final bell rang.

I hurried to Biology II, still smiling to myself. It really was nice to see my sister so happy. She was never one for nonsense when it came to friends, putting most people in the 'unfriendable' category for her. And it was obvious that my mood lately had been depressing her a bit as well. And I was also glad that there was a girl in the world that might actually get along with Alice. There was no one with a sweeter heart than my sister and she really did deserve at least one good friend outside of the family. If it were my way, the entire world would be her friend. I paused before pulling the door open, trying to drop back into neutrality so I could make it through class.

I pulled open the door, stepping into the warm room with a blank face before turning and closing the door. My excuse came out of my mouth without a thought (Alice was his favorite student) "Sorry, Mr. Banner. My sister couldn't open her locker."

"It's fine Edward. Just take your seat," the man replied, erasing the mark in his book. I walked to my desk, only realizing that it wasn't empty when I locked eyes with the girl sitting at it. She had beautiful brown eyes and hair, her face amazingly exquisite in a drawn back way.

"Hello," I said, pulling out my chair.

A lovely blush crept across her cheek as she said a reply quietly, "Hi."

I sat beside her, eyes staying locked with hers. It took me a moment to remember to introduce myself. I extended my hand, "I'm Edward Cullen."

She wrapped her hand around mind, looking at me nervously, "Bella Swan."

Her skin was warm in mine, her hand seemed fragile as I shook it lightly. Recognition swept threw me, surprise and amazement at my luck, "Ah, Bella. You must be Alice's new friend. The one that she talked to at lunch? It's very nice to meet you." She really had no idea.

"Yeah. You, too," Her response was so quiet as she removed her hand from mine, the feel of it staying in my palm.

I watch as she tilted her head a little, her hair falling in a way that covered her beautiful face, making me want to sweep it back just so I could look at her some more. That thought shook me. "You seem to have impressed her. She seemed very excited after lunch."

She gave a shrug and I noticed the red in her cheeks. "She was really nice."

I smiled, remembering my thoughts earlier. Alice, you had held out on me. "That she is. A heart of gold. I've never seen her quite like that, though. She can get along with anyone, but girls don't tend to impress her."

Her smile was amazing, making me smile back involuntarily. "I'll take that as a complement then."

I nodded quickly, about to tell her a bit about Alice's when Mr. Banner called our attention to the front of the class. Once I was not focused on Bella anymore my concentration kicked in and I began to think clearly. Had I gone insane? Possibly. I tried to focus on the lecture that was going on in class but I was one hundred times more aware of my urge to look over at Bella then any words I was supposed to be noting. I glanced over at one point, tracing her profile for a minute before looking away again. I was satisfied for approximately three minutes, then I was ready to take another glance. It made me want to rip out my hair. I am not the kind of guy that became focused on a girl in a matter of days, much less seconds. And yet, here I was, pulling an Emmett.

When the bell rang a guy was beside her nearly instantly, smiling brightly. "Hello Mike."

He looked at me, surprised before nodding and looking back at Bella. She was staring at him with wide eyes, a frown firmly on her lips. "Hey Mike."

"Hey Bella. Would you like some help finding your next class."

Her frown increased. "Umm, I have the building number, I think I can find the gym."

He just smiled. "I have gym too. Let me walk you there."

I almost growled at him, but she spoke before I could say anything. "No, that's okay Mike, I need to go to my locker first anyways. I'll see you when I get there. But, you can walk me to English afterwards."

The smile that had been wiped from his face returned. "Okay Bella. I'll see you there."

She sighed as he walked away and began to gather her things. "Why do I have an odd feeling that you really have no idea where you are going?"

Her eyes flashed up to meet mine as I stood, my mind racing. After a minutes she smiled. "Honestly, I don't. But this school isn't very large."

"Why turn Mike down? He seems quite taken."

She blushed and looked away while she gathered her books. "For that reason exactly."

I laughed. "Ahh, I see."

"Do you?" she asked, standing and glancing at me, a little smile playing on her lips. "Am I that transparent?"

I almost bit my lip as I tried not to smile to widely. "Not at all."

It was her turn to laugh before explain, while we walked out of class, that her mom always called her her open book because of her apparent inability to keep her thoughts off her face. I found this amazing for no real reason; she didn't seem to tell me anything with her features. From what I had seen, her thoughts were buried deep; it irritated me more than it should. When I mouthed this opinion (of course, not the infuriation, just the fact that I couldn't read her) she laughed and made a sharp comment while she spun her combination. I leaned against the locker next to her. She shut the door and looked around, blushing again. I followed her eyes, seeing that there were a lot of people staring. I leaned down, "Don't worry about them."

She looked at me, surprised before her blush deepened. "Why do they look so… surprised?"

I just shrugged, the smile disappearing from my lips for a second. The minute my eyes met hers again I couldn't help but let it reappear which, in turn, made her smile. She shook her head and began to lead the way to the gym, knowing that I was going to be late for class again, but not really caring. "So, is your first day going okay?"

She didn't look at me. "It's alright. It kind of bothers me that in Washington the school is so open rather than a single building so no one HAS to wear a raincoat, but I suppose its fine."

I laughed, surprised. She had a point, of course, but how many people would reply about the actual building when asked about school? She looked up at me then, surprised. The building was coming into view just as the first rang, our slow steps taking us closer. "And your classes?"

He smile was brilliant. "Not bad I suppose. With the exception of gym…"

"Why?"

She smiled. "You'll see eventually; I promise you."

I walked her right to the door, knowing the bell would ring any second. I wanted to ask her more, but instead just extended my hand, "It was very nice to meet you Bella. I'll see you later?"

"Yeah. You too Edward." She took it, gave it an exaggerated shake, and turned into the locker rooms. I was left standing there, staring at the place she had entered, when the bell rang.

After school I told Alice that I had met Bella and she did not stop telling me more about her, much to Emmett's apparent amusement, until we got home. Finally she asked me what I thought of her. A million words shot through my mind at the same time. Adorable. Sweet. Amazing. Beautiful. Perfect. Of course, I couldn't say any of these. My answer, in the end, though it sounded cute and sarcastic in my head, came out in a way that made me sound completely indifferent. Though not really a bad thing, considering my sister and her inability to keep anything to herself, I did feel kind of bad. "She seems like a very sweet girl."

The entire night, while I tried to work on various tasks, my mind kept returning the girl. Only going to sleep finally cured that. Of course, as I got ready the next morning, she came back to me. It confused me more. What was so attractive about this girl to me? I mean, sure, she was pretty, but there was something different about this than just physical attraction. I was enthralled in our conversations just as much as looking at her. And Alice's interest seemed to be just as odd as my own. She had never been one to befriend someone so easily; never been one to be so open. All those people staring the day before had not been simply because of her, but my family's sudden interest. Had the school ever seen me smile? Seen me laugh? Ever seen Alice skip over to the new girl so easily? No.

The drive to school was next to silent, everyone seeming to be in there own little world. When I parked the Volvo in front of the building, Alice was out of the car in a flash, skipping down the sidewalk toward the cafeteria. I glanced back at Emmett. "You know, she scares me sometimes."

He laughed. "I think that's Bella's truck," he said, pointing toward a decrepit truck a few spaces down, "I'm sure she just wants to go and talk to her."

"Yeah," I agreed, climbing out of the car as well, masking my excitement. "Well, I'll see you at lunch Emmett."

He just nodded as I walked toward the same corner that Alice had already rounded. My pace was not too quick as I tried to stay calm, as I tried not to smile too much. I reached the corner just in time to hear Alice ask, "But what do you think of him?"

I bit my cheek, trying not to smile at the same time I tried not to look over at the table that they were sitting. Her reply which, I'm sure, was made simply so I could hear it, made me do both, "He's a very kind boy, I suppose."

Obviously Alice had told her my response to her question. My sister met my eyes, the smile on my face not nearly as wide as it wanted to be. "Well, I don't know about that."

"Are you insulting me, Alice?" I asked, changing my path toward the bench, my eyes flicking back to Bella for a second.

"Of course not," she said, her tone making it sound absurd at best. She turned back to face Bella as I made my way toward them. "So, do you think that you will be able to survive staying here, Bella? I mean, even with all the cold?"

My ears were eager as I reached the end of the table. "I think so," she said, a little shrug in her voice. I was disappointed by the small response, but, when her eyes met mine, she added a bit, "It could be worse."

That response intrigued me more than the fist had disappointed and I was about to ask her to explain that when Alice spoke.

"How?" she moaned, hating the weather.

She smiled as her eyes met Alice's. I was again struck by her beauty. I didn't even hear her response, just watched her explain it.

"I doubt that," Alice shook her head as she spoke, "They don't allow that here."

She nodded and looked around, her eyes landing on someone who she waved at, a smile still on her lips. Deciding it was probably a good idea to look away and not freak her out with my blatant stare, I looked up at the sky. It was gray and rather dismal. Bella's voice broke my thoughts, "What are you looking at?"

I looked back at her, making sure it was me that the question was directed towards. "The clouds. Looks like rain."

"And you smile about it?" The look on her face made it seem like I was insane. "That should be illegal."

"Edward enjoys the rain," Alice said, sighing as she shook her head at me.

"Why would you do that?" her eyes met mine again as she spoke, making me smile again. She had extremely warm eyes.

"It makes it so that one second is different from the rest. If it were always sunny, you would know what to expect. Here you're never quite sure when its going to rain, snow, or hail." It was true enough.

"I don't find that to be as attractive as he seems to," Alice said, peering at the sky with contempt.

Bella, however, seemed to be considering it, "I can understand what your saying, but I'm sure there is a more… enjoyable discontinuity though. I mean, weather is amazing, there is no denying that, but surely there must be something in nature, whether human or just worldly, that can appeal to a broader audience, you know. And, possibly, one that doesn't cause quite so many hazards."

There was no denying my surprise at her words. That was incredibly…well thought out for only taking her a few seconds. What it would be like so peer into the mind. "I'm sure there is one. I just haven't managed to find it yet. I'll keep my eyes peeled for you, though. You just gave me something to think about."

"Oh, god." Alice said, shaking her head as she tried to keep from smirking up at me, "Just what you need, something else to muddle over."

I gave her a look, trying not to smile myself. The ring of Bella's laugh made my gut clench. "That's not always a bad thing, Alice." Then I decided it was time to just allow the girls to have there time together and smiled at Bella, "Well, I'll see you in Biology, Bella."

"Yeah," she nodded, a smile still on her face as I turned and walked away.

However, as it turned out, I didn't have to wait as long as I had thought. At lunch I stood with my brother, collecting my food before going to our usual table. There is no denying that I was doing nothing but watching for Bella out of the corner of my eye, yet I didn't end up finding her until Alice was leading her across the cafeteria toward us. I smiled to myself as I looked down at my plate until she was sitting across from me. "Hello Bella."

"Hi Edward." Her eyes met mine, a little smiling pulling her lips. Her eyes flicked toward Emmett who was looking at her closely, smiling. I didn't like that look.

Alice gave the introduction with a laugh, her eyes flicking between the two of them. "Bella, this our brother Emmett."

"The infamous Bella," he said, his hand reaching over the table to her. She looked nervous as she took it, the hand completely incasing her own. He saw this and released her, another laugh echoing around the room and making a lot of people stare. "Just as tiny as the rest of them."

I watched her meet his eyes, her nervousness suddenly gone. She smiled a little, "Is there something wrong with being small?"

"Absolutely not. He just cherishes being the biggest." I had to put in, needing to say something for I exploded. I smiled at Emmett, not wanting to look at Bella.

"What can I say? It's the one the thing I always win." He said, punching my arm before turning back to Bella. "So, Bella, how are you liking Forks?"

"It's not too bad," she said, a secretive smile playing on her lips as she glanced at me momentarily, "you know, if it wasn't for the constant weather."

"You move to Forks when you don't like rain?" Emmett laughed again. "That's like buying a sci-fi book when you don't like the genre!"

Her smile widened at that, becoming just good-natured rather than mysterious, "Yeah, well, sometimes you can be surprised by what you can bear. Sometimes you can even convince yourself to enjoy it. Quite shocking, really."

He smiled, lifting a can to his lips as he scanned the room, the smile growing. "Well, Bella, you certainly have turned some heads in our direction."

All of us turned to look around the cafeteria, finding that all across the room people were looking over every few seconds. My eyes went back to Bella who had a blush creeping across her cheek as she looked down at her tray, staring at her pizza. "I don't know why."

"I do." I muttered, a little shocked that I had even spoken. I looked away quicker than she could look up and began looking around the room. After a second I had to glance at her though, meeting her expectant gaze with a little laugh. I managed to tell a different truth quickly, "We are known solely for our coldness to others."

She looked surprised and glanced at Alice, "Is that true?"

"You could say that. We don't really focus on people outside of our group, usually. I mean, we aren't cold, but we aren't exactly welcoming either." Her tone was reluctant.

"Why?" She looked around the table, not able to catch any of our eyes.

"I just really don't think we need much else," I was sorry for using this one as the excuse for my earlier statement. "I mean, most people here aren't exactly our type of friends."

She held my eyes for a second, a worried look in her eyes as she looked at Alice. I felt bad again, knowing how it had sounded when I put like that. She thought it was a put down. But Alice reassured her quickly, "But I couldn't help but automatically like you, Bella."

It made me want to kick myself when her face suddenly brightened. "Thanks, Alice."

Instead of letting a silence take over I smiled and met her eyes again, "So, what's your favorite class so far?"

She shrugged, another blush creeping up across her face as she lifted her pizza to her lips. I wondered about that but didn't broach the subject, just listened as she told us about her different classes and what she thought of them. Throughout lunch I watched Emmett more than Bella, wondering about the smile on his face as he listened to her talk.

I was first into class when biology came about, my books on the desk as I waited for the bell to ring. Alice had stolen Bella when lunch ended to have a quick girl chat. I was anxious as people began filling in, glancing briefly at me, but not asking me any questions. Just as the bell rang she hurried in, sitting down next to me with a smile. We didn't have a chance to talk, but her presence was more than enough to calm me. Our lab was simple, as Mr. Banner explained it.

The minute he stopped talking Bella turned to me as we waited for our pages. "You and your brother are different. I really wouldn't think you were brothers to look at you… or even to watch the way you act."

I smiled, imaging things from her view. I turned to her, an odd look on her face as she looked at me. I didn't mention this, "What do you mean?"

"He just seems more… well… I don't really know how to put it. You just seem so serious and he's so…"

"Not?" I filled in as Mr. Banner extended a stack of papers to me. After taking them I turned back to her.

"Yeah. But it's more than that." She paused, trying to put her thoughts into words. "I can't really put my finger on it,"

I couldn't help but laugh as I spread out the sheets, still looking at her. My words were out before I could think about them. "Well, once you figure out let me know. I'd love to hear what in your mind, going on behind those eyes." I almost kicked myself as I looked away. I was only thankful I hadn't added the word beautiful into its rightful place. My eyes scanned over the sheet, taking in everything at once. I had to change the subject. "This won't be too hard. They have everything."

She leaned over, looking down at the sheet and starting out assignment, which we had done in about twenty minutes, give or take. It was as easy as I had expected and everyone was still working on theirs. I watched Bella for a minute as she began to draw on one of her notebooks, her hair hiding her face from me. I remembered what Alice had told me to do after lunch, just before pulling Bella away. It was now or never.

"So, I was told, and yes, I do me told, to find out if you would possibly want to come to a barbeque that my family is throwing this weekend. Alice is dying to prance you around." I said, smiling to myself. She didn't look at me, but I had a feeling that she was considering. There was a nervous not in my stomach. To relieve the tension I felt I opened my book, the words hardly visible.

"I don't see why not. I'll have to check with Charlie of course, but I doubt he'll mind. I'll have to let you know tomorrow."

"Great. Alice will be happy." I managed to say without smiling too much. My eyes stayed on the words.

She didn't say anything for a minute and I just kept trying to comprehend the words on the page. "Do you like to read then?"

I turned to her, surprised, to see that she was still staring at her drawing. "Yeah. More than anything really. Nothing quite like a good book that leaves you thinking. Do you?"

"Very much." She nearly whispered.

"Who's your favorite author?"

"Jane Austin." Her hair quickly dropped to completely hide her from me. I sighed, knowing that she was probably blushing.

" 'Vanity and pride are different things, though the words are often used synonymously. A person may be proud without being vain. Pride relates more to our opinion of ourselves, vanity to what we would have others think of us.'" I said quietly, showing off a little.

"Very good, but not my favorite quote. 'Mr. Collins was not a sensible man, and the deficiency of nature had been but little assisted by education or society . . .' from that particular book simply because it really shows how witty she was and with little care to what readers would think." I smiled to myself for a minute, turning to her.

"And what your all time favorite?"

"'There will be little rubs and disappointments everywhere, and we are all apt to expect too much; but then, if ones scheme of happiness fails, human nature turns to another; if the first calculation is wrong, we make a second better: we find comfort somewhere . . .'" She said, meeting my eyes.

"The very core of human nature."

"Yeah. A sad one too. A consistency that is made up of nothing but the opposite. Makes you wonder if she picked up on that when she wrote it," she said, meeting my eyes with a sad look.

"I have a feeling she did. Her writing makes her seem like an extremely wise person; I would be surprised if that wasn't her central point of that quote." I said, nodding.

"I have to say that I'm surprised that you've read anything by her. You don't really seem the type." She said, making me smile when I saw the tease on her face.

I tilted my own face, trying not to laugh. "Well, sometimes there is nothing quite like a good English novel. I'll admit that I'm more of a Shakespeare guy myself, but sometimes the sarcastic humor of Jane Austen proves to be better for my mood than Hamlet."

"I can see why you would say that." She nods. "Don't get me wrong, there is nothing quite like Shakespeare, but I don't think Hamlet could ever be compared to Pride and Prejudice or Persuasion."

"No. Probably not." I agreed, smiling.

That was basically how the rest of the week played out as well; me smiling and laughing and agreeing, getting both of us odd looks from the rest of the students. Bella was simply amazing in every way, making even Emmett laugh at himself; a task not easily completed. But I also found that she was extremely self-conscious. She didn't like it when anyone made a comment about something looking good on her. She blushed a lot for no apparent reason, always letting her hair fall to cover her cheeks. She was fascinating to watch.

On Friday I found her even more so. We had gone out to get the few remaining things; leaving Alice to watch for guests and keep them occupied if they showed up early. I wasn't sure if Bella would be coming or not, she had given the final answer to Alice and I didn't want to bring it up unnecessarily. Either way though, I was excited for the wait to find out if she did.

When we got home the first thing I noticed was the fact that the piano was being played. That alone made us cock all of our head, surprised. No one but me played that piano; not as a rule, of course, it was just how it was. The second thing I noticed was Bella's truck, making me grab half the bags in the trunk, race into the kitchen to put them down, and then just stop to listen to the melody. It was one of my favorites, if not my absolutely; played smooth and clear it had the power to relax me. I wandered toward the room, closing my eyes to listen. She played well. I mean, the song was not a difficult one, but its also not one that most people can just sit down and play. It only raised my interest in her. How long had she been playing?

I stopped in the doorway, leaning against the jam and watching. The song was nearly over and Bella, with her back to me, was sitting in front of it, her fingers running across the keys. Alice looked at me, catching the smile on my face and smiled back, shaking her head in amazement. Apparently Bella shocked Alice just as much as she did me.

The last notes rang out, all but echoing through my chest. I watched her turn to look at Alice who gave her a sweet smile before turning to look at me, her eyes meeting mine for a brief second before I looked at Bella, a smile automatically finding my lips. "That was very nice Bella."

"Thanks." Her blush was compelling considering the fact that my compliment didn't even come close to what I wanted to say. My praise was limp, yet she still blushed.

"Come on Bella, Everyone's home now! Let's go to the backyard and help Esme make lemonade!" Alice said, grabbing her hand before turning to me with a stern look, but something else playing in her eyes. She was scorning me for not saying more; I knew it. "Edward, you know where you should be."

"Of course," I smiled again at Bella before walking toward the kitchen, taking slow, deep breaths. I don't even know where my shock was rising from. So Bella played piano; what did that mean? I stepped into the kitchen, trying to focus on something else while I began to prepare the near fifteen pounds of burger we had. I had just finished the last patty when Carlisle walked in, shaking his head sadly.

"You know, it's sad when your own daughter grill better."

I laughed, nodding. "Burgers are made."

"Good, I'll get the rest together. Go watch you sister and make sure she's got it all under control."

I smiled, hurrying out into the backyard to see the two girl standing by the girl, Alice had just lit a match and dropped it, fire, tearing across the coals. I approached slowly, catching part of the conversation.

"…officially be better than my brothers! Isn't that exciting?"

Bella's laughter made me smile. "Extremely."

"Don't let Emmett here you talking like that Alice," I said quietly, stepping close behind Bella. She turned quickly, smiling.

"I wouldn't dare Edward." Alice said, obviously not noticing that I wasn't looking at her. "So, did dad kick you out of the kitchen?"

With a chuckle I turned to look at her, only too meet smirking eyes. "Yes."

"Good. Then why don't you go show Bella the cd collection you told her so much about? I'm sure she'd love to see it." That same smirk while her voice was so innocent. I looked back at Bella and felt a bit of excitement jump through me at the prospect. Her eyes were lit so I just motioned to the house, beginning to walk toward the door. She followed quickly as I led her in and up, trying to be over eager on the way to my bedroom. Finally I reached the door and opened it for, stepping back so she could go in, her eyes wide.

"Wow." I felt another twinge of delight as she looked around, taking in everything. She stared out the window for a second before finally noticing the wall and walking over quickly. I sat down, watching her for a minute.

"I wasn't kidding about it. See?" I finally said, breaking the silence. My eyes traced the rows but I felt her turn to me. "What would you like to listen to?"

I looked at her now, smiling. She blushed and turned away, looking at a row before pulling out a cd. I stood up, walking to her and taking the case, enjoying her choice. I glanced at her before pulling the disk out and slipping it into my player, turning the volume up so that the bass of could be all but felt. She closed her eyes, smiling to herself as she listened to the sweet song. I wandered back over to my bed, never letting my eyes leave her as she seemed to dancing inside her skin. After the beginning was over she opened her eyes again, looking again at a row of cd's.

It was nearly an hour later that I was pulled back into the real world with a knock on the door. Bella went to answer it, a sad look on her face as she slid a case back into place first. She was very careful about putting every cd back exactly where she had gotten it from despite the fact that I wouldn't have cared if she pulled every cd down and reversed the order or made her own.

"Hey you guys; everyone is here but you two! Planning to join in any time soon?" Alice's voice was laughing as she looked at me, lying across my bed.

Bella glanced back, blushing. "Yeah, sorry, got caught up in the music Alice."

"I know that how that is. But come on! I'm dying to introduce you to everyone!" She grabbed Bella and pulled her away. After a second I heard her call, "You too Edward! Carlisle is wondering where you are."

I sighed, standing up and going over to my stereo to shut it off. When I got downstairs my mood had fallen from its high, though every time I found Bella smiling or laughing I began to grin as well. It made me question my sanity; but I didn't really care at the moment. I would think about things later, just watch Bella for now. So, while I was flipping burgers on the grill and saw Bella turn a bright red while talking to a couple, a wide smile on her face as she said something back making everyone else laugh, I had no choice but to laugh myself, making both Carlisle and Emmett look over at me. I think I looked away quickly enough not to let them know what I was looking at, but I can't be sure. I glanced out of the corner of my eye at my dad who was staring at me curiously. "What's so funny Edward?"

"Nothing," I said with a shrug, flipping a burger onto a roll.

"Then why would you laugh like that?" Alice asked, smiling at me as she wandered over from where she had been by Bella's side. I glanced up to meet the brown eyes of Bella who was trailing her closely.

"Do I need a reason to laugh?"

"I don't think so. But she seems to." She said, pointing back at my sister. I looked into Alice's eyes just as she smirked at me. Oh god.

"What can I say Edward? You've never been one to laugh just to laugh before. Can't blame me for questioning your motives."

"I just can't believe you don't trust your own brother. Just because I laugh I get interrogated."

Bella meandered over, taking a plate that Carlisle was handing to her, a smile playing on her lips. "I actually agree with you Edward."

I smiled a little as I flipped a burger, not looking at her anymore. "What a shock. That never happens."

She laughed and I only barely managed not to let my smile get wider. "I know, I am quite a disagreeable person, aren't I? Always shooting you down for you opinion. Especially on music. You and you terrible taste!"

We both started laughing, remembering up in my room just a little while before where she had done nothing but freak out over various bands that I have. Her wit was sharper than I had anticipated when I had first met her. It was hard to imagine that behind those beautiful eyes she could be even more perfect; hard to really need the need to. "It is pretty harsh Bella. You wouldn't expect it from some one like you. Besides, if its my music that you are insulting its not my taste that is off."

She winked at me. "Believe what you want Eddy," she said, leaning in to whisper, her lips nearing my right ear as I flipped another burger, "but I know which of us really hold the taste. As do you, I'm sure."

I nearly bit through my cheek at that one. I lifted an eyebrow, trying not to grin too widely. "Oh, I do know actually Bells." I leaned back a little closer to her ear, "And it's the same one of us that has the ability to listen to any band they have ever liked for nearly a week straight."

She smiled, blushing a little as she retorted quietly. "You know, I bet you think you're amazing simply because of your collection."

I gave her a serious look for a minute. "I'm not that pig headed Bella."

She smiled, patting my cheek. "Oh, of course not."

Emmett started laughing, pulling me out of Bella's eyes. Making me wonder how I could have forgotten about everyone else being around. Alice had both eyebrows up, staring at me like I had a third eye. Carlisle was just staring at the burgers he was flipping but he definitely had a bit of upturn to his lips, obviously enjoying himself. Emmett, however, was just laughing, patting Bella on the back while she grinned up at him, proud of his approval. It irritated me a bit. That made me stop. I was irritated simply because my brother was laughing at something that a friend of the family said? What was wrong with me?

I shook my head, going back to getting the burgers off the grill while Alice pulled Bella away.