A/N: I don't own it. My luck isn't that good. I own the plot.

Thanks again for all the reviews.

I would like to thank my beta, sjdavis84, for all her help.

Chapter 12

BPOV

The confrontation I had with Jessica and Lauren seemed to have put me in an off mood. For the life of me, I couldn't understand their need to be hostile . They had no prior claim to Edward, and from what I understood, he has never shown any interest in them.

The urge I had to introduce them to their front teeth was so intense, but I knew that that was a line I couldn't cross, at least not yet. I only just started at this school, and I really didn't think Charlie would appreciate me getting suspended in the first week for handing a couple of whores their faces.

When the lunch bell finally rang, I practically ran to the cafeteria. Spending time with Edward was the only thing that got me through my morning classes.

I saw him sitting at what was now our usual table, waiting for me. I hurriedly bought my bottle of water and went over and sat down.

"Bella, is everything alright? I heard about your little confrontation," Edward asked me with concern lacing his voice.

"You heard about that? Geez! There really are no secrets here. Honestly, I'm fine. A bit peeved, but that's expected when you have to deal with such mentally incompetent twits," I ranted angrily. "How did you hear about that? What did you hear?"

"Don't be too upset, but Newton has been telling everyone that you got into a fight with them. It was Angela that has been going behind him telling them what actually happened." Edward tried to break it to me gently, but I wanted none of it.

"He did what?" I yelped. "That pathetic excuse for a male is talking trash about me, isn't he? It's all because I won't go out with him. Am I right?"

Edward just stared at me for a moment. "Bella, he's not worth getting upset over. You're better than him, better than Lauren and Jessica. They're just jealous and petty. Think about it. You are the first girl that I have ever shown any interest in, ever. It is you that I'm drawn to, and they can't stomach it. They're just two girls who are full of themselves and aren't worth wasting your time on. And, as far as Newton is concerned, he's just a pig. He has no respect for woman. He's angry because he can't have what he wants. Just ignore them."

I listened to what Edward had to say and really, I just couldn't get past the part where he said that I was the first girl he was ever interested in. I'm sure my entire body blushed when I heard that. Well, that certainly cheered me up.

"I'm sorry. You're right. I shouldn't let them get to me. I just hate it when my character is being attacked," I explained to him.

Edward reached forward and grabbed my right hand. "Bella, you have nothing to be sorry for. You didn't do anything wrong. I think it's funny how you put them in their place, while at the same time directing their attentions to Newton. I think you're brilliant."

I looked down at out entwined hands. I loved his hands. They were so strong yet gentle, just like him.

"You're sweet. Thank you for helping me to calm down," I said to him. He smiled his sexy half- smile in return.

"You're welcome. Let's talk about something more pleasant." No sooner did he get those words out than his sister Alice bounced over to us. Does she ever sit still?

"I hope I'm not interrupting, but I wanted to tell Bella that I will be by her house at six a.m. on Saturday for shopping," Alice squealed.

Edward rolled his eyes at her. "Alice, that's two days away. I hardly think you needed to come over here and tell her. You could have called her."

"Edward, it's shopping. I can't run the risk of her forgetting. You're a man. You won't understand." Alice glared at Edward. I sat there, staring at them and giggling the whole time.

"Alice, trust me when I say that I really need to go shopping. I'm not likely to forget, but if it makes you more comfortable, I can give you my cell phone number," I told her teasingly.

"You better not forget. You need to get something to wear for a certain date you have on Sunday." Alice looked between me and Edward.

"Alice, geez, relax. Here, program your cell number in my phone. I'll call you Friday night, and we can iron out the details. Try not to give yourself a hernia in the meantime," I joked.

Alice took my cell and quickly programmed our numbers into each other's phone. When she was done, she handed it back to me.

"Yeah! I'll call you, or you call me. Whichever. Talk to you later, Bella." And with that, Alice flounced back over to their family.

"How do you not get dizzy living with her?" I asked Edward.

He laughed, shaking his head. "I try not to keep my eyes on her the whole time. Her energy level is insane."

"I like her. She has more energy than I'm used to, but I like her. In fact, I think you have a great family."

"I'm glad you liked them. Although, I should warn you. You may find yourself going shopping with Alice a lot. She has an addiction, and she likes to take others down with her," he told me.

"That's okay. I like to shop. I'm not an addict, but I do like to shop. Something tells me I shouldn't have said that." I glanced over at Alice and saw her bouncing up and down in her seat. Could she have just heard me? Weird.

"Come on. The bell is about to ring. Let's head to Biology. We can talk more on the way." Edward helped me up, and we made our way out the doors.

When we walked into Biology together, Newton was already there. He looked up and gave us both the dirtiest look I have ever seen. Jealousy is such an ugly emotion, and it isn't doing him any favors.

We sat in our assigned seats, chatting the whole time about our date on Sunday. Edward would be picking me up at six p.m. I suggested that he stop by my house sometime in the next few days to introduce himself to my dad. He quickly agreed.

The rest of our day went well, and we enjoyed the time we got to spend together. I often caught myself daydreaming about our date on Sunday and not paying much attention to the teacher. I couldn't seem to make myself care though, I was that excited.

EPOV

When I had left Bella outside her Calculus class, I never anticipated her being accosted by both Jessica and Lauren. Those two morons just don't know when to quit.

When I heard Jessica refer to my Bella as a slut, I nearly lost it. All of my instincts were screaming at me to protect my mate, but my hands were tied. What I wouldn't give to be able to hurt that spiteful little twit. But then, Lauren had to jump in, and I was seeing red!

But, I should have anticipated Bella putting them in their place and doing it so well. Bella has so much more class than those two skanks that it's really ludicrous for them to even refer to her as being a slut. After all, it has been those two who have been shamelessly throwing themselves at me for two years now. Regardless of how many times I have turned them down, they still keep asking me out. It's a bit disturbing at how aggressive they are. I may be a vampire, but those two sure know how to make me sick to my stomach.

Bella simply amazed me! She not only put them in their place but also tried to pawn them off on Newton. Now, that had me laughing. She certainly is efficient.

On our way to Biology, Bella mentioned that it would be a good idea for me to come over her house to introduce myself to her father. I immediately agreed. Not only was it the proper thing to do, but it also gave me a chance to spend a few more minutes with her. At this point, I will take all the time I can get.

BPOV

It's finally Saturday, and I woke up to the typical Forks weather of rain. My father was going to gone for the day on his fishing trip with his friend, Harry Clearwater,but promised to be home in time to meet Edward.

I was sitting in the kitchen, eating my Pop Tart and trying to plan in my head what I was going to be buying today. I figured I was going to have to invest in a lot of everything. Since Alice seems to be a paragon of fashion, I decided on asking her advice on what to wear. Something tells me that she isn't going to have a problem with that.

Hearing a knock on the front door interrupted my thoughts, and I ran to answer it. There's Alice, bouncing again.

"Hey, Alice, you're right on time. How shocking! Let's go." She laughed at me, and we rushed to a sleek black Mercedes.

"Bella, I'm so excited. I've been looking forward to this all week. Yea! I've been wanting a new shopping partner for the longest time," Alice squealed .

Alice sped off down the road and for the life of me, I didn't dare look at the speedometer. She bobbed and weaved her way down the highway, and I was never more thankful than at that moment that my father wasn't around to see it.

"Alice, slow down. I'm sure the mall will still be there when we get there. Man, you have some serious issues with your shopping addiction. Edward wasn't kidding," I teased her. I have never known anyone to be this eager to spend money.

"Bella, you just don't get it. No one ever wants to go shopping with me. I usually have to bribe them or threaten them, usually the latter. You actually willingly agreed. I'm just so happy. I could burst. "

"Well, I'm glad you're happy. So where are we going that made it necessary to leave at six in the morning?"

"I decided that since we can't go anywhere really far, the best place for us to go to would be Seattle. The have some decent shopping there, and it isn't too far. We would be able to get back in enough time for you to be home for when my brother shows up," Alice replied. She smirked at me. Why do I always get the feeling that she knows a lot more than she's letting on?

"Sounds good to me. As long as I can get everything I need, which is everything, then I'm good."

"Don't worry. I'll help you, if you don't mind. I know you're used to warmer weather, so you're probably at a loss on what to buy," Alice offered.

I looked over at her and smiled. She was really nice, and I genuinely liked her. I have never had a close girlfriend before, and I could definitely see her as one. Maybe then, I would be able to find her off button.

I leaned my head back and relaxed into the buttery soft leather seat. The interior of this car was luxurious. There was a built in GPS and an expensive sound system. This was the most comfortable ride I have ever been on.

"Alice, do you mind if I ask you a question?"

"No, of course not," Alice answered curiously.

"Well, I'm sure you know by now that I have never had a boyfriend. So that also means I've never been on a date either." I looked out the window, trying to come up with the right words. "I really like Edward, a lot. When I talk to him, I have such a hard time not throwing my arms around him and kissing him. I wouldn't because I think the man should be the one to make the first move, but he is so perfect, and it's really hard to keep my wits about me. My question is; what if I end up making an ass of myself? What if I end up coming off acting just like Jessica and Lauren, and I scare him off?"

"Bella, are you serious?" Alice started laughing at me. "You really have no clue. First of all, you are nothing like those disease ridden whores and could never be like them. So stop worrying. Secondly, are you even aware of how much my loner brother likes you? I mean, really likes you. I'm not just saying that to make you feel better. Edward has never had a girlfriend and has never asked anyone out before. You are the first."

"Alice, try to think about it from my perspective. He's freakin' gorgeous. I mean to the point where it's painful. He literally makes my mouth water by just looking at him, and don't get me started on what the sound of his voice does to me. It's just so difficult to believe that a guy that is that sweet, and kind, and yes hot, would never have had a girlfriend."

"I understand. He's a little different from the norm, but that is part of his charm. The only thing that matters is that he really likes you. I will tell you this. You captured his interest your first day at school. It was that fast. And now, you're going on a date with him tomorrow. While we are at the mall, we will be searching for the perfect outfit for you to wear, I'm going to help you get ready. You're going to be such a knockout. He won't know what hit him. Oh, by the way, his favorite color on you is blue. We'll work with that."

"Alice, how do you know that he likes me in blue?" I asked her.

"You wore a dark blue top on your first day. He loved the color against your skin. Will you please just trust me. I would never lead you astray."

"I'm all for it. I shall lend myself to your expertise. As long as I look my best, I'll be happy."

Alice's crazy driving got us to the mall at record time, giving us plenty of time to get some serious shopping done. At least, that's what she claims.

The very first store we hit was Victoria's Secret. She had me try on so much lingerie, bras and panties. It was ridiculous. I argued with her over it. There really was no need for me to own a lace babydoll. I mean, who other than me was going to see it? But, she was adamant. The longer she argued the more I started to think twice. So I eventually gave in. I bought a few of them, plus what must have been a months worth of bras, panties, thongs, and boy shorts.

From there, we headed on over to Forever 21. It was here where Alice may have shown her true colors. Her addiction runs deep, and it truly is something to fear. That girl had me try on more clothes than I have ever owned in my entire life. I must have spent two hours in the dressing room, trying on everything she found. But the best part of it all was finding the dress that I was going to wear on my date with Edward. It was beautiful. It was a sleeveless colorblock dress in royal blue and black with a surplice v-neckline. I loved it!

We continued on, with Alice dragging me with her to almost every store. Eventually, she stopped long enough for me to grab a quick bite to eat in the food court. I asked her if she was going to eat, and she told me she wasn't hungry and that she just wanted to get back to the business at hand. I found it a bit odd, but decided to let it go. She's a big girl and can take care of herself. Although, I really have no clue how anyone can shop as hard core as she does and not get hungry. That is so beyond me.

After I finished my slice of pizza, we went right back to shopping. Now, Alice was on a mission to find the perfect pair of shoes to go with my new dress. The shoes I found were gorgeous. Never let it be said that I don't have a thing for shoes. They were a black Aldo Westberry platform pump. The heel was 5 inches high and made of chrome. I loved to wear heels, and I didn't get to do so often. Besides, heels always made my legs look incredible

Alice checked her watch and announced that it was time to leave. We loaded our purchases in the trunk and headed on out.

"Alice, thank you so much for shopping with me. You have such a keen eye for fashion. I really had a lot of fun. And I, honestly, don't know if I would have been able to find that dress without your help," I gushed to her. She smiled at me, happy to hear what I said.

"Bella, you're very welcome. I'm so happy I got to spend some time with you. Now that you'll be dating my brother, maybe you can come over our house, and we can hang out more."

"I"m not dating him, I'm just going out on a date with him."

"Bella, I know my brother. After tomorrow night, you will be his official girlfriend, but you didn't hear it from me," she told me slyly. She turned at me and winked, causing me to blush.

Yet again, Alice's crazy driving skills had us back to my house in record time. I really do think that she's proud of herself. We unloaded my bags from the car and carried them up to my room. No sooner had we started to put some of my things away then we heard my dad come in.

"Bells, you home?" He called out to me.

"Yeah," I answered.

"I guess I'll be meeting your dad tonight too." Alice smiled at me. We headed on downstairs and found him in the kitchen.

"Dad, this is Alice Cullen, Edward's sister." I introduced them. Alice toned it down a bit, surprising me.

"Hi, Chief Swan. It's nice to meet you," she said to him. She walked over and placed her tiny hand in his and shook it.

I then heard a knock at the door. Yay! Edward was here. I went to answer it. When I opened it, I was greeted with his gorgeous crooked smile and his shining butterscotch eyes. I really like looking at him.

"Hi! You have perfect timing. Your sister is charming my father." I smiled at him.

"Hello yourself. I'm glad to see that you're still in one piece. I was worried about you. I know how Alice is when you let her loose in a mall," he said jokingly.

I led him into the kitchen where he and his sister greeted each other.

"Dad, this is Edward," I introduced him.

"Chief Swan." Edward stepped forward and shook Charlie's hand. My dad was quiet for a moment.

"So where do you plan on taking my only daughter on your date tomorrow?" My dad asked. I think he was trying to intimidate Edward.

"I'm taking her to a concert symphony in Port Angeles. I should probably have her home by midnight. If that's alright with you?" Edward asked respectfully.

"That sounds fine. Just take good care of her. That's all I ask." With that, my father went into the living room and turned on the game.

"Well, Bella, I should let you get some rest. You're going to need you beauty sleep, and you still have to put all your purchases away," Alice told me. She gave me a quick hug.

"Thank you, Alice. You're the best!" I told her, walking her to the door, with Edward following behind.

"I'm going to head on out to. I don't want to give your father any reason to hate me," Edward told me jokingly. He reached up and gently brushed my cheek with the back of his hand. My pulse immediately picked up.

"Okay. Thank you for coming over." I smiled at him.

"Oh Bella, I will be coming over like we discussed. I'll call you," Alice piped in.

"Yes, Alice, I will be eagerly awaiting your arrival," I teased her.

I watched them both as they got into the respective cars and drove away. I closed the door and ran on up to my room. I had such an amazing day with Alice and was really happy to know that I have a new friend.

Tomorrow was my date with Edward, and I was beyond excited. Somehow, I just knew that this date was going to be the beginning of a lot of new and different things for me.