A/N: I don't own Twilight. However, I do own the plot.

Thank you for the reviews! They really help me keep going.

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

Chapter 14

BPOV

I woke up early the next morning unable to sleep anymore. I was still excited over my date with Edward. I can't believe he's now my boyfriend, and I can't believe I had my first kiss last night!

I quickly threw on my brand new Baby Phat dark wash, skinny jeans and paired them with a cobalt blue, v-neck tee shirt. I slipped on a pair of ballet flats and threw on a headband. After lightly applying some makeup, I ran down into the kitchen to grab a quick bite to eat. I was surprised to see that my dad hadn't left for work yet.

"Hey, Bells, how was your date last night?" my dad asked me. Seriously? I didn't want to talk about dating with him. Dads and dating do not mix.

"It was perfect. Edward was a complete gentleman," I told him. I mentally crossed my fingers, hoping he would leave the subject alone.

"That's good. He's seems like a nice enough kid," my dad told me. "Bells, I invited Billy and Jacob Black over for dinner tonight. There's a game, a big one. I know it's kind of a late notice, so if there's a problem, I can just order pizza."

Oh great, Jacob Black, I haven't seen him since a few years ago when I came here to visit during the summer. Jacob followed me everywhere like a sick puppy. It was so annoying. I pray to all things holy that he got over his crush on me. I really don't need to deal with any more unwelcomed male attention.

"Pizza sounds good. It's easier to stuff your face with that while watching the game," I teased him.

"Very funny. I'll see you tonight. Have a good day at school," he called out to me on his way out the door.

I finished my breakfast and grabbed my things. I was eager to get to school, so I could see my boyfriend. I love that. I love that I can now say "boyfriend." I'm the luckiest girl ever, not only have I such a gorgeous Adonis for my boyfriend, but I'm even luckier because he really was so very sweet and kind.

When I pulled into the school lot, I saw that Edward was already there talking to his siblings. I parked my beast of a truck and made my way over to them. Edward smiled his famous sexy grin and for a moment, I forgot everything.

"Bella!" Alice shouted at me, while running up to give me a hug. This girl tires me out just by me glancing at her. "I love the outfit. I was right. Those jeans make your legs look fantastic. And I won't even mention what it does to your butt."

"Geez, Alice, why don't you publicize it?" I returned her hug. "If it makes you happy, you can be my part-time fashion consultant. Remember, I said part-time. I like your style, but I don't need you wigging out on me. Got it?" I asked her, eying her closely.

She started jumping up and down, clapping her hands. Jasper came up behind her, wrapping his arms around her, trying to calm her down a bit. "Hello, Bella, I hope you know what you have gotten yourself into?" he said to me.

"Hi Jasper, and yes I do. Don't forget, I went shopping with her. I was lucky she let me eat. That's why I said part-time."

Edward laughed. "Well, Alice, it didn't take long for Bella to figure you out."

Alice stuck her tongue out at him. "Very funny. That may be true, but all I care about is the fact that she is still letting me do some of it. Can you imagine what I'll be able to do?"

The gleam in her eye was starting to freak me out a bit. I didn't know if I should fear for my life or not.

"You know, Bella, you better watch your back. Alice will have you dressed like a supermodel, wearing stilettos in a foot of snow. She's a little crazy when it comes to fashion," Emmett piped in with a booming laugh.

"Alright. Let's not speculate too much on any possible torture that Alice may or may not put me through."

We began to make our way toward the school. Jasper, Alice, Emmett, and Rosalie made their way to their respective classes. It hasn't escaped my notice that each and every time that I have been in Rosalie's presence, she has gone out of her way to ignore me. I decided to ask Edward about it later.

We stopped at my locker so I could grab my books. "I guess I'll see you at lunch," I said to him sadly. I didn't want to leave him so soon.

"I know what you're feeling. I don't want to leave you either. Try to have a good morning," he said, gently kissing my forehead. With that, he turned and walked down the hall. How did he know how I was feeling?

My morning went slowly, and I had difficulty concentrating on my classes. I found my mind wandering to Edward and our date last night. I wish I could spend some time with him after school, but I was stuck having to entertain Jacob.

I was now making my way over to Edward in the cafeteria. His gorgeous amber eyes were enough to cheer me up.

"How was your morning?" he asked me.

I sat down next to him and smiled. "Boring. The curriculum here isn't very challenging. Not to sound very impressed with myself, but I already did all of this work back in Phoenix."

He smiled in sympathy. "I know what you mean. It is boring. So were all your classes AP classes in Phoenix?"

"Yeah, just call me the overachiever."

Edward took my hand in his. "Don't worry about it. I just happen to find intelligent women very attractive."

I felt my traitorous face heat up in a tell-tale blush. "I guess that's better than being dumber than a box of rocks."

"I love it when you blush. It's so beautiful," he said, while gently brushing my cheek with the back of his hand. "I wanted to ask you when you wanted to go on that hike to finish the rest of our Biology project."

Curse my dad and his lousy timing! The hike was a perfect opportunity to spend more time with my Edward. Instead, I had to stay home tonight and babysit Jacob.

"I wish I could do it today, but my dad invited the Blacks over for the game," I told him distastefully.

I watched as Edward's eyes seemed to darken slightly. "You don't seem too happy with that."

"That's because I'm not. The last time I saw Jacob Black, he had a huge crush on me and kept following me around. I felt like I had my own personal stalker. When we were little, we used to play together, but that was long time ago. Things have changed. I'm two years older than him, and really, I don't know him anymore. Besides, what girl would want a guy that is constantly panting after her?"

"I can't blame him for liking you, just as long as he knows that you are taken." Edward took my hand and kissed my fingers, giving them a loving squeeze.

"Well, I have no problem making sure he knows," I assured him.

We spent the rest of lunch making plans to go hiking the next day. I couldn't wait to spend some alone time with him. Plus, after tomorrow we would, officially, be done with our project. Edward was really the best lab partner I could have ever gotten. It took us one week to complete a project that we were given a month to do.

The remainder of the day seemed to go by too quickly. It didn't seem fair to me. The classes I shared with Edward always flew by, but the ones without him dragged on like a funeral procession.

After the final bell, Edward walked me out to my truck. I really didn't want to go home and have to deal with Jacob. I think I'll just lock myself in my room tonight and claim that I have way too much homework.

"You really don't want to see him, do you?" Edward asked.

"Not really. I would much rather be with you," I told him sadly. "You want to rescue me?"

"Maybe I should. I don't like the idea of another guy panting after you."

I reached up and kissed his cheek. Really, he is too sweet. "You know, you're just too perfect for words," I told him.

He smiled and took me in his arms."You inspire me to be that way. It is you who are sweet and incredible. Your loving and gentle heart touches me in ways you can't imagine."

I felt the tears prick my eyes, and I tried to blink them away. Never has anyone made me feel special the way Edward has. I know that we have only recently met, but I knew that I was falling in love with him. Sometimes, it happens that fast. Sometimes, when it's meant to be, everything clicks into place, and you suddenly realize you're with the person you're meant to be with. Realizing that I just had an epiphany, I threw my arms around him and hugged him tightly. I don't know how I know or why, but I know that Edward and I are meant to be together. I know that he is the one that I have been dreaming about. Everything is connected.

He tightened his arms around me and held me for a few moments more. Taking my chin, he tilted it up to look into my eyes. "Bella, what is it?"

"I'm sorry. I just had an epiphany. It kind of overwhelmed me," I explained to him.

"Can you tell me what it was?" he asked me concerned. He gently wiped the tears from my eyes.

"I will, but not here. Now isn't the time. I would prefer to have that discussion in private. I hope you're not upset?"

"Of course I'm not upset. I understand the need for some privacy. The parking lot of Forks High isn't the best place for any intimate discussion. Besides, you never know who is going to try to listen in."

"Oh, you must be talking about Jessica and her henchman," I giggled. After having to watch that girl stare at my now boyfriend's every move for a whole week, I had to wonder why he hasn't put a restraining order on her yet.

"She needs a life," he stated firmly.

"I did try to help her with that. I told her Mike was needy."

He laughed quietly."I better let you go. My siblings are getting restless, anyway. I think they want to ring my neck for holding them up," he told me.

''Okay, I guess I can't avoid this any longer," I sulked. I really was not happy about it.

"You can do it. It's only for a few hours. Just do like I said, hide out in your room." He kissed the top of my head.

I climbed into my truck and slammed the door. With a wave to my boyfriend, I drove off. For once, I was thankful that my truck was incapable of going over fifty-five miles an hour. I was in no hurry to get home, and I needed to prepare myself.

I was aware that it was completely irrational for me to be this upset about having Jacob and Billy at the house. I just can't seem to put my finger on it. It's just that when my father informed me this morning that they were coming over, I got one of my "feelings." Usually, these "feelings" aren't negative in nature, and they never seem to bother me. However, this one has been having a very negative affect. I just can't shake it, and I really don't like it. I know it has something to do with Jacob, but I'm just not sure what. It doesn't even make any sense. I haven't even seen him in a couple of years. So why would I be having a "feeling" about him? I swear I better not be losing it!

I got home and walked slowly inside. I decided to head up to my room and start on my homework. Since my Calculus work would take the longest, I decided to save that for last. If need be, that was going to be my proof that I had a ton of homework.

I heard my father come home just then and yell up to me. The sound of two other voices drifted up the stairs. All right, Bella, it's time to get your game face on. You can do this, I told myself, while heading on down the steps. As I entered the living room, I was greeted by both Billy and Jacob.

"Hello, Bella, it's good to see you again," Billy greeted me cheerfully. He was looking healthy despite the fact that he was in a wheelchair.

"Hey, Billy, you're looking good. How have you been?" I asked politely.

"I'm still kicking. I have to be to keep your old man in line," he joked. He turned and gestured to Jacob. Jacob, who was now well over six feet, came over to me.

"How are you Bella? It's good to see you." He stepped over to give me a hug. When he put his arm around me, he stopped short. He pulled back, looking very angry and shaking slightly. I started to get a little frightened. I excused myself and went into the kitchen. I grabbed a glass of water, downing it quickly. I turned to go upstairs and found that Jacob had followed me into the kitchen. He still looked angry, and I could tell he was trembling.

"So, Bella, have you been hanging out with anyone interesting?" He asked me sharply. He came closer to me. I backed away slowly, feeling as if I was being stalked.

"I haven't actually been able to do any 'hanging out' yet. I did go shopping with a friend of mine on Saturday, but other than that, I just moved here, Jacob. Where would I get the time?" I asked him indignantly. I didn't tell him of my date with Edward, because I really didn't feel as if it was any of his business. What right did he have to ask me anything in that tone? I was not his property!

Suddenly, Jacob grabbed my upper arms, roughly pulling me closer to his body. I felt a sharp pain run up both my arms. "You're lying. I can smell one of them on you. You would be smart not to lie to me."

Just then, my dad came in the kitchen, and Jacob quickly released me. I ran up to my room and locked the door. I had no idea what that was about. What did he mean by "smell one of them on you?" What was wrong with him? I couldn't believe Jacob would do that to me. He has never been cruel and never has he done anything to hurt me. I looked at my upper arms and saw that the beginning of a bruise was already showing on them. One thing was certain, I was not leaving my room for the rest of the night. I also was not going to have anything else to do with Jacob Black. I don't know what he's gotten into or what is going on with him, but whatever it is, it does not give him the right to lay a hand on me.

After I heard Jacob and Billy leave, I finished my homework and went to bed a few hours later. I tried to sleep, but I kept having nightmares with Jacob as the star. In each one, he was chasing me in the woods and snarling at me. I really wish I knew what was going on. I feel like everything is somehow connected, and I'm just missing the big picture. I need to know what's going on before I go insane.