Hey guys, so I just wanted to apologise for the really late updates lately. I've been really busy with school. I'm writing my finals this year.

Anyway, I just wanted to know, is anybody still interested in this story? Please let me know so I can decide whether to continue updating or not. I've written the next 2 chapters but I see no point in updating if no-one is interested in reading...

Enjoy this chappie xx

Disclaimer: I do not own Twilight, Stephanie Meyer does.

Chapter 16

BPOV

Edward dropped me off at my house ensuring that everything would be fine and his mother didn't think I was some slut. Of course I still didn't believe him. I was so stressed. I can't believe that actually just happened. This has got to be the most embarrassing day of my life! Edward could see the worry in my eyes and stopped the car on my houses street. He then turned to look me in the eye.

"Izzy," he said grabbing my hand, "seriously, stop stressing. My mom is chilled. You really need to stop being so uptight about everything."

I sighed. "I know, I'm sorry. I've just never been caught doing anything like that. It's very embarrassing." I said, my face turning bright red.

He rolled his eyes at me and leaned in to kiss me. Immediately I forgot about everything I was worrying about. Damn, this boy is good. He pulled back too soon for my liking, but probably for the best cause Esme must be wondering where I am.

"I'll see you tomorrow," he said still leaning into me.

I nodded and he leaned back. I got out of the car and waved before walking towards my house. I greeted everyone and then went straight to the den and started practicing piano. I tried learning a new song but I was so distracted thinking about Edward. After a while I started playing random notes and it soon turned into a song. It was a love song, definitely. It had that delicate feel to it. I started singing softly to myself, the intimate lyrics coming easily.

I played the last few notes and let the song fade off.

"Is that about Edward?"

I jumped startled hearing Alice's voice behind me. I turned around to find her standing with Emmett, both of their arms crossed across their chests. I looked panicked at Emmett but he just stared back at me as if hearing about Edward wasn't news to him. I looked back at Alice, now pissed off.

"You told him?" I exclaimed furiously glaring at Alice.

She smirked. "I didn't have to," she said smugly.

"I saw you getting on his bike today after school," said Emmett.

I was about to say something but Emmett cut me off.

"Look Bella, you're my sister and I really care about you. I don't want to see you get hurt. That's why I'm warning you to stay away from Edward. Edward's my friend. I know the type of guy he is. He plays with girls hearts. He doesn't do relationships. So trust me when I say that whatever game he's playing with you is just temporary. He'll move on before you know it." Emmett looked deeply into my eyes, trying desperately to get the message across.

I shook my head refusing to believe him. "You're wrong", I said confidently. "He's not like that."

"How would you know? You haven't known him as long as we have. We've seen first hand the way he treats girls. We know exactly how he works." Alice said moving closer to me.

Tears started forming in my eyes and I continued to shake my head. Alice saw this and came and sat next to me on the bench. Involuntarily I started crying and she pulled me close to her.

"He's no good for you, Bellsie," Alice said rubbing my back in an attempt to comfort me.

And then I don't know what happened but suddenly I was pushing Alice away and standing up. My face probably looked horrendous as I had an angry expression through my tears.

"Do. Not. Call. Me. Bellsie! My name is IZZY!" I yelled at her. "And both of you can just shut up and stop judging Edward! He's actually a really sweet and sensitive guy. But of course you guys wouldn't know because you're so quick to judge others. I don't care what you two have to say. I like Edward and I can hang out with whoever I want. You guys can't control me."

"You don't know what you like," Emmett retorted.

"I know that I like Edward." I glared furiously at him.

"Why?" Alice asked me now standing up in front of me. "Why do you like him?"

She was trying to challenge me. I could tell. But I owed her nothing. I didn't need to explain my feelings to her or anyone else.

"I don't see why that's any of your business." I said harshly and started making my way to the door but they both blocked me.

"No Bella. Answer the question." Emmett said crossing his arms over his chest.

"It's Izzy," I said glaring at him. He didn't even flinch. In fact, I'm pretty sure I flinched a little because of the look he was giving me. I glanced at Alice and then back at Emmett. They weren't going to give up. I sighed and turned around to go sit down on the piano bench. Once settled I looked back at Alice and Emmett's expectant faces.

"I like the way he looks at me." I started off looking down at my hands. I didn't dare look up at Emmett and Alice while I spoke. "When he looks at me it's like I'm the only girl in the world to him. Sometimes I catch him staring at me in Biology class." I blushed looking down as I said this out loud, the reality of it only now sinking in. "It makes me feel special. And I love the way his eyes are so full of depth and when he lets down his guard it's like you can see right into his soul. And he's a gentlemen too," I smiled at this cause although ironic, it was true. "He has this whole tough 'bad boy' façade going on but it's like he still has the mannerisms of a true gentlemen. He opens the door for me without me even having to ask. He always asks me if I'm okay and, although he's a little pushy, he generally tries to make me feel comfortable at all times..." I was thoughtful now, forgetting who I was talking to as the words spilled out of my mouth. "And when we kiss," I saw Emmett stiffen from the corner of my eye but I didn't care as I continued. I was getting butterflies just thinking about Edward. "It's like nothing else in the world matters... He's pure perfection. From his unruly hair, and his intimidating demeanour, to his crooked smile that he seems to reserve only for me..." I giggled thinking about that damn crooked grin of his. Perfection.

There was a long moment of silence. I waited for Alice or Emmett to say something but of course they didn't. It's like they were still thinking about what I said. I sighed in frustration.

"He makes me feel special and wanted. A feeling I've never felt until now. All my life people have hated me. You guys don't understand what it's like being the 'freaky genius girl'. Everywhere I go people are jealous of me and make me feel unwelcome. It's hard walking through the hallways and hearing people say "she's so stuck up" or "teachers pet" and tripping me as I walk by. It's hard sitting alone in the library during lunch time. I have felt like an outsider all my life. But now, for the first time ever, I feel wanted. I feel loved. And that's because of Edward. He makes me feel good about myself. He makes me feel like somebody in this world actually wants me around. And you don't understand how great of a feeling that is." By the end of my little speech I had unshed tears in my eyes. "So don't you DARE take away this feeling from me." I said firmly looking at both Alice and Emmett in the eye.

They both looked down thinking about what I had just said. I couldn't believe I had just spilled my guts like that. I'm not usually one to reveal too much about what I was feeling so this was a shock for me and no doubt for them. I thought back on everything I just said and regretted every word, but also a voice in the back of my head was telling me that it needed to be said. After a good minute Alice and Emmett looked at each other, silently communicating with their eyes then they both nodded their heads. I didn't know what this meant. Were they still going to try keep me away from Edward? Cause if they did I swear I'll run away.

Alice sighed, drawing my attention to her. "I'm sorry," she said looking truly apologetic.

For what? Emmett answered my silent question.

"We didn't know you felt that way Bel- I mean Izzy..." he quickly corrected himself. "We didn't know you felt so unwanted," he elaborated.

"You should've told us. We would've understood." Alice said.

I shook my head. "It was kind of hard when your friends were the ones making me feel this way," I replied thinking of Rosalie.

Alice frowned at this. "I'm sorry Izzy," she said coming up to me and pulling me in for a hug.

I let her hug me and I hugged her back. I felt good in her arms. "It's okay..." I mumbled. "Please stop trying to separate me from Edward." I pleaded with her.

Alice looked back at Emmett and he sighed. "We just don't want to see you get hurt..."

"I won't get hurt." I insisted. "Edwards nice."

I could see Emmett didn't agree but he was struggling. "Alright," he finally said, "we'll let you and Edward be."

I smiled widely at him. "Thanks big bro."

He just nodded towards me.

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