Disclaimer: I do not own Twilight or any of the characters.

A/N: Thanks to katmom and Angelinia who beta this story.

Chapter Five

Lunchtime Conversations

Bella woke up the next morning feeling very refreshed. Though it had taken her a while to calm down after Edward left, she was eventually able to fall asleep, where she found that she dreamed of the incredible vampire. That morning she seemed to move with extra enthusiasm. She couldn't wait to get to school, though she knew that the first four hours was going to be even more painful than it was yesterday waiting to see him.

Still, she didn't let that affect her as she picked out what to wear, decided that she wasn't quite ready to wear the blue blouse that she knew that Edward would love on her. She was saving that for a special occasion. However, she decided to put on much more appealing clothes than yesterday, seeing as Edward had mentioned going to his house to meet his family. She wasn't sure if he really meant it or not, and she was sure that she wasn't really ready for that, but she wanted to be prepared just in case.

After dressing she quickly went downstairs and had to rush through breakfast. Before she knew it she was out the door heading for her truck. Half of her was almost hoping that Edward would have shown up with his Volvo like he did where she left off in the book, but she realized that wouldn't be feasible. Image the rumors that would fill the town if Edward did that!

She was, however, surprised to see Edward waiting by his car when she pulled into the parking lot at school. She stared at him as she got out of the truck and she seemed to almost have to force herself not to skip to him, which on the whole wouldn't have been a good thing. However, she did wish that she had hurried a little more for she barely had time to say hi before the bell rang, signaling it was time to get to class.

"Don't worry, Bella, we'll see each other at lunch," Edward smiled at her before talking in a deep breath. His eyes closed as the scent washed over him, and sighed as he felt the intensity of her scent once more. He walked with her to the building, but once they parted from each other, Edward ran to Bella's house again. The burn this morning was almost as strong as it was the day before, when he first went to her room. It seemed like he had to keep close to her to stay desensitized.

Still, he remembered what Jasper had said to him during the car ride to school that morning. He thought that the best way to really make Edward safer to be around Bella was for him not to overindulgent, or to make special steps to prevent being near her. If he was ever going to truly master this, he was going to have to stick to his normal feeding cycle along with others things that would make him more capable to handling being near Bella's scent all the time. Obviously Jasper didn't mean he should take all these steps at once, but Edward thought his theory was valid. The sooner he could be around her and not be affected by her scent, not have it be the first thing on his mind, the better. Still, he wasn't quite ready to commit to that theory yet; he had to make sure that he could handle that now.

Just as she had predicted, classes were even more difficult to concentrate on today, for all she could do was think about lunch and what Edward was going to ask her. When she got into the cafeteria and got in the line to get food, she looked at the Cullens' table, but didn't see Edward there, so she looked for him somewhere else, wondering if he was sitting by himself, waiting for her to join her. Just the thought of it seemed to make her heart race, but when she didn't see him she got worried. Where was he?

"Are you looking for someone?" Edward whispered softly, causing Bella to jump and then look at him with a glare.

"Don't do that," Bella said indignantly, but the expression quickly vanished as she could feel her body relax. Just having him around made her feel better.

Oh my God! I can't believe this! Edward Cullen, freaking Edward Cullen is talking to Bella! Jessica Stanley's thoughts were filled with bitterness. What does he even see in her? She's not even good looking … yeah, all the guys are talking about her, but that's just because she's new here. I can't believe that Edward Cullen would … argh ….

Edward tried to block her thoughts out, but she was screaming them in her head and they weren't by any means the only thoughts that he was hearing.

NO! What the hell? I can't believe it, why is that freak suddenly talking to people? Why did it have to be Bella? Mike Newton's thoughts were the loudest out of the wave of voices that he heard in his head, even though he was sitting at a table keeping his eyes on Bella. Argh, what a jackass, I totally talked to her first ... um … at least I talked to her longer, now he's trying to jump all over her. And look at her, she's all smiling at him, argh … all caught up in his money and looks, as if that matters.

"Is something wrong?" Bella asked him noticing the growing frown on his face as Edward tried his hardest not to turn around and snap Mike in two. He found it especially difficult when he thought so lowly of Bella.

"I just thought that I would have to do something to make up for scaring you," Edward said, putting emphasis on the word thought, thinking that was all Bella needed to know to figure out what was bothering him. He was distinctly aware that Jessica was gaping at him, her thoughts beyond words now, as familiar and unwanted fantasies entered her mind.

"Oh," Bella said eyeing Jessica suspiciously, as if she knew exactly what was on her mind and didn't like it one bit. "Well, you didn't scare me much. I don't think you owe me anything."

"I insist that you have lunch with me," Edward said smoothly.

Holy cow, that's not fair, how could he ask her to lunch just like that? Jessica thought bitterly again. Maybe I can somehow go with them, I wouldn't mind just sitting there, his voice is so …. eee …. Just hearing him talk makes me crazy. Still I don't think I've heard him talk this much before, why did it have to be her?!

"Well, if you insist," Bella said breathlessly.

"You don't mind if I take Bella from you for a little while, do you?" Edward said in his sweet voice and he could hear Jessica's heart race. Bella raised an eyebrow in annoyance at this, but he had to make sure Jessica didn't try and follow them.

"No, it's okay," Jessica said, shooting Bella a look, I going to make sure that she spills her guts about what she's talking to Edward about. Then he heard Bella sigh, she obviously got the message. Soon they were able to buy their food and pick a table where they could be alone, though as Bella looked across the room at Edward's siblings she remembered that they weren't quite as alone as they had been last night.

"That wasn't the best way to get me to sit with you," Bella told Edward as they sat down. "I'm sure everyone is looking at us now."

"Yes, and you wouldn't believe what they are thinking," Edward smiled, the chatter in his head was strong which made it that much harder to pick out individual voices, which in turn made it easier to tune them out if he wanted, which most definitely was what he wanted.

"What had you frowning in the line?" Bella asked, curiosity getting the better of her.

"Oh, just Mike Newton and his appalling thoughts," Edward shrugged; it was harder to be angry at that when he didn't have to hear the thoughts himself. "Let's just hope for his sake that he doesn't keep thinking about things along those lines …."

"Do I even want to know?" Bella groaned, she thought she heard enough of what Mike thought when she was reading the books.

"Not really," Edward looked back at her. "But now that I have you here, let's not talk about that. I have a much better subject matter to talk about."

"Oh, and what would that be?" Bella questioned.

"I have a few million questions to ask you," Edward smiled. "It's my turn after all."

"You know, I've been thinking about that," Bella said, "and I just don't think that's going to work for me."

Edward frowned, no pouted, at her, "but I've been waiting for almost a month to hear all this."

Bella's resolve almost completely faltered at that look, he looked so impossible sad and … cute that she just wanted to give him everything he asked for. Still, she didn't think her request was that unreasonable and surely he would see that it made sense. That was if she ever remembered how to talk again.

"You know, I think you're going to have to stop looking at me like that, it's not fair," Bella tried to frown back at him, but couldn't manage it.

Edward cocked his head to the side and then gave her a lopsided grin, "is this better?"

Bella's heart skipped a beat at the grin, "no … but I guess you can't help what you do to me."

Edward looked very smug at that and then asked, "So, what problem do you have with our agreement?"

"Well," Bella said biting her lips, "I just thought that you've spent so much more time reading about me … you know so much more than I do … that it isn't fair that you get to ask the questions …."

Edward frowned at that. "You're right, but I didn't get to know anything about your past … I only got to see your present and things are different now, so really, I want to know everything about you."

Bella smiled at him, she couldn't really see what would be so interesting about her past. It couldn't be anything compared to his, but she knew that he felt differently. He wasn't just saying it. He really did want to know everything about her, just like she wanted to know everything about him.

"Yes, I do understand that, I was just thinking that we … that we could come up with a compromise for this," Bella said, but stopped and looked at the Cullens' table because Emmett had just snorted so loudly that she wasn't the only one looking at him.

Ha Eddy, she's trying to compromise with you, Emmett thought as he remembered the amusing conversation Edward and Bella had in the third book. He thought of every embarrassing detail and Edward was starting to look a little agitated.

"Shut up!" Edward hissed, but not low enough. Bella could understand him, and she was looking a little embarrassed, though she obviously had no idea why.

"What did I say?" Bella asked self consciously.

"Nothing," Edward said.

"But Emmett is laughing at me," Bella grimaced.

"Um … No, he's … er … it's nothing, I promise," Edward said and then he turned to glare at his brother.

Alice says we have to give you privacy now, so don't glare at me, Emmett thought as he took Rosalie's hands and left the building, and tell Bella that I was laughing at you, not her.

"They're leaving," Bella said, watching as all of Edward's siblings left the cafeteria.

"They wanted to give us some privacy," Edward said to her, "and Em says, he was laughing at me, not you."

"Is that true?" Bella raised her eyebrow.

"For the most part," Edward answered as truthfully as he could. "But let's not talk about him. I wanted to know what you're thinking."

"Oh, right," Bella said, her attention being brought back to Edward and her worry about his siblings left her. "I just thought it would only be fair if … well, you know, if we could ask each other questions …."

Edward furrowed his eyebrows together. "I suppose that's reasonable. But who gets to go first?"

"I'll let you go first," Bella smiled at him.

Edward looked at her, noticing the red blouse underneath the heavy jacket she and the form fitting black slacks she was wearing. He wondered about something, what she had thought when she answered this question in the book and wondered if it was true or not. "What's your favorite color?"

Bella looked bemused at his choice of questions. Such a mundane question from him just felt weird when nothing about him was mundane. "Red, I suppose … it changes all the time, depending on the mood I'm in." She then noticed the amused look on Edward's face and raised an eyebrow. "You asked me that question in the book didn't you?"

"And it was one of the few question you did have an answer for," Edward chuckled. "You said brown in the book, a very interesting color to choose."

"Well, I'm sorry I'm not as interesting as the book was," Bella gave him a mock pout and Edward chuckled even more.

"Yes, but your reason behind your choice, that really was what made me consider that you were right about brown," Edward said, "you were so convincing that I think you might have converted me to believe it was my favorite color."

"Oh," Bella said, feeling the blush creep up her face, "and just what did I say to convince you of that?"

"Hm …." Edward said, but instead of answering immediately he just looked into Bella's eyes, he held her glaze for a long time as his hand moved on its own accord towards her hand, but he stopped himself. He then smiled at her again and said, "It wasn't so much what you said."

"Oh," Bella sighed, again finding it difficult to breathe. She wondered if she would ever get the hang of that and then she wondered if she would ever want to get the hang of it. "I suppose my favorite color should have been topaz."

"No, that was your favorite gemstone," Edward said smugly.

"But my favorite … oh," Bella said, a little confused at first, before she started blushing again.

"That or onyx," Edward added.

"Well, you do have amazing eyes, it's not hard to see why I would think that," Bella said, her voice and face returning to normal. "So, are you saying that your favorite color is brown then?"

"Maybe, but I'm not sure yet, or rather there is something that I have to see before I can decide," Edward said.

"And what is that?" Bella asked.

"I'll let you know when I see it," Edward answered after a short pause.

"Okay," Bella sighed and then said, "I believe it's your turn to ask a question again."

"Yes, and I believe that there is a flaw in this system," Edward said and Bella looked at him a little confused. He could clearly see in her eyes that she was asking him what he meant by that. Yes, he really did love those eyes and how they looked at him with such warmth. "I believe you asked me four questions for the one that I asked you."

"Sorry," Bella smiled at him sheepishly. "I suppose I couldn't help myself, I wanted to know more."

"I can't blame you for that," Edward chuckled. "Actually I think I like how curious you are. The little spark of intuition in your eyes when I say something … it's fascinating to see."

"Well, I'm glad I fascinate you." Bella made a face.

Edward chuckled. "Still I was thinking that I should have learned by now not to compromise with you, you always get the better end of the deal."

Bella furrowed her forehead at that. "I really can't stand that you know our future, you keep hinting about what happens and I have no idea what you're talking about."

"Sorry, I'll try not to hint at things," Edward sighed, "but at least you know you got the better deal."

Bella rolled her eyes, but didn't further this discussion and just waited patiently for his question.

"Why is red you favorite color or should I asked what's the significance of red?" Edward asked.

"Oh," Bella said, and dropped her head and giving a shy smile. "I usually wear red when I'm happy, looking forward to something."

Edward smiled, and then asked softly, "what about blue?"

Bella looked up at that and narrowed her eyes thoughtfully. "That was an interesting question, and right now I don't really have an answer."

"Why not?"

"Well, because before now, it usually meant that I was being realistic … or maybe you would call it pessimistic," Bella admitted, "but seeing how you like the color on me … well, I might have to change my view on the color."

"Hm, that's good, for I think that I wouldn't want to see you pessimistic if I can help it, but I am looking forward to seeing you in blue," Edward said, he could almost imagine what it would look like; though he knew by now that he could never quite tell how strongly he would feel in person.

"So, is that your other favorite color?" Bella asked, with a knowing smile.

"It might be," Edward said looking amused.

"I was thinking about wearing blue today, a particular blouse that I knew you liked," Bella said, feeling a little embarrassed mentioning this, but she was trying to be completely open with him. It seemed to be working so far, and the fact that he was being just as open with her … everything just felt right when they were talking together like this. It was hard to imagine that they were in a room full of people right now; all she could see or hear was him. And then the bell rang and reality set in.

"Time to go," Edward sighed and they both stood up. He watched her as she stood. "It was probably good that you didn't wear the blue blouse today, I'm having enough trouble staying away from you."

"Hm …. I'm not sure if I did the right thing then," Bella said playfully.

"I think you did … for the time being," Edward sighed as they reached the biology room door and he let her go through first. Once they got inside the room they could feel everyone's eyes on them and Bella was looking very red indeed when she sat next to him. It seemed like the little bubble that she was in during lunch had popped and she realized for the first time how much attention was actually focused on them.

"Is it my turn to ask a question?" Bella whispered to him.

"Well, it was but that was a question so …." Edward started with a smirk but stopped when she glared at him. "Very well, what is it?"

"What is everyone is thinking?" Bella grimaced.

Edward sighed, thinking she was going to ask something like that. He listened to the general muttering, ignoring Mike as much as he could. The boy was thinking about how he had planned on getting Bella to sit with him and how much he hated Edward for stepping in. Smirking, Edward moved on to the others, how they were all wondering how this happened, and why Edward was acting so out of character for him. The girls all seemed to be a little resentful that Edward had picked the new girl, who wasn't even that pretty, nothing to the godlike figure that was Edward Cullen. He heard Angela, noticing that she was affected by the same gossip as everyone else, but she seemed to have an appreciative aspect to her thoughts. She compared the Bella she had walked to class the other day with the Bella at lunch and noted the positive changes. She also, to Edward's surprise, seemed to be pleased at the fact that he himself was so happy; she had noticed how lonely he seemed sometimes.

Edward whispered all this to Bella before Mr. Banner got to class and he could see how much this affected her. The longer he talked the gloomier she looked.

"Hm … perhaps you feel like wearing blue now," Edward commented with a smile just as Mr. Banner walked in and Bella could do nothing but look affronted. During class Bella tried to pay attention, but again she could feel Edward's eyes on her and she was finding that very distracting. It was lucky that she already knew the subject. Mr. Banner, noticing Edward's lack of attention, tried to catch him with a wrong answer, however that was impossible and it just caused the teacher to be surly.

After class Edward walked Bella to the gym, and she had a look on her face that caused Edward to ask, "Is something wrong?"

"I want you to make me a promise," Bella said, suddenly nervously.

"Hm," Edward said cautiously, "okay, if you make me one in return."

"Okay," Bella sighed, "don't watch me in gym class … ever."

Edward pouted, "Bella!"

"Edward, please," Bella groaned. "It's bad enough to know that you already know about it, but to think about you watching me in gym …."

"Well, you're going to hit someone with the ball today," Edward informed her with a smirk and she groaned and blushed in embarrassment.

"Now see, how am I supposed to concentrate on gym if I know that you'll be watching me?" Bella asked.

"Okay, I'll try my hardest not to watch you during gym," Edward sighed. "This means that you're going to have to do something for me."

"And what's that?" Bella asked.

"Come to my house today," Edward said. "Esme is really looking forward to seeing you."

"Hm …. I had a feeling that you were going to bring this up again," Bella said. "And that I would have to come with you."

"You were already going to come," Edward sighed. "It looks like you got the better compromise again."

"Well, I thought you knew that you couldn't make deals with me," Bella said smirking.

"You don't do smug well," Edward grimaced.

"Sorry," she sighed and pouted at him.

Edward rolled his eyes, and said sweetly, "get to class, Bella."

During gym Bella's concentration was worse than ever, but luckily the ball wasn't hit in her general direction too much and though her teammates looked at her with contempt she didn't try to go for any of the balls thanks to Edwards warning and so didn't hit anyone else. Edward was finding it hard to concentrate at all in his Spanish class, and he was finding it extremely difficult not to watch Bella during gym. In all truth he probably wouldn't have been watching her in this class if she hadn't said anything, but still, the fact that he promised that he wouldn't watch her only made it all the more difficult not to.

What's the matter Eddy? You looked a little annoyed right now, Emmett asked.

"It's nothing," Edward muttered so no one could hear him but Emmett.

Sorry about lunch, Emmett said, and he was, though it was clear he was still amused. I just couldn't help it.

Edward rolled his eyes. "It's okay."

So, how is Bella doing in her first gym class, did she fall down yet? Emmett laughed.

Edward growled softly, and though no one could hear him, the humans around him all seemed to tense up. Emmett's chuckle didn't help him feel any better either.

"Never mind that now," Edward hissed.

"Okay, okay, relax Eddy," Emmett said. So what are you plans for today?

"Actually I do have something to tell you that you might like," Edward said, feeling more upbeat now.

What is it? Emmett thought excitedly, he was such a kid sometimes.

"I've convinced Bella to come home with me today. Can you tell everyone about it and get everything ready before we get there?" Edward said.

HELL YEAH! Do you have any idea how hard it's been not to talk to her? Emmett shouted in his head.

Edward just glared at him.

Oh right, you do know that … um … better than I do, Emmett said, looking at Edward sympathetically.

"Just make sure that everything's ready, and try not to scare her," Edward pleaded with his brother.

"I'll do my best," Emmett promised. "And I'll try to make sure everyone knows to tune down their reactions. You know, except for Alice … she really was worked up about something yesterday, I think she already knew that Bella was coming over."

"Or at least that it was a distinct possibility," Edward said, and was a little worried about what she had planned for the day. "Still, I think you would have a good half an hour before we get to the house, I'm going to have to take her truck there."

"I feel really sorry for you, man," Emmett chuckled.

"Thanks," Edward said, looking up at the clock. "See you soon."

Edward walked as quickly as he could without drawing attention to himself, which he was distinctly aware he was already getting more of than usual, though not more than what he had been getting all day. It looked like this was just something he was going to have to get used to and he was going to have to try and act just as normally as he could. When he reached Bella, however, he didn't think about anything like that and all he could see was her.

"How was class?" Edward asked.

"Not as bad as I thought it was going to be," Bella shrugged. "And you?"

"Um …. I wouldn't really know, I didn't pay any attention, I was talking to Emmett," Edward said. "I told him that you were coming over."

"Right, I guess that's a good thing," Bella said biting her lips. "Edward …. I don't know what to expect … you said they all liked me … do you mean everyone?"

"Yes, of course," Edward said, and then raised his eyebrow. "What's the matter, you look afraid? And I don't think it's just about meeting my family!"

"You have to understand," Bella said looking at the floor, feeling ashamed that she felt this way. "Some of them want me d … don't like me …."

Edward sighed, pitching the bridge of his nose. "I wish you would have told me this sooner, I wouldn't have made you …."

"It's okay, Edward," Bella said softly, wanting to reach out to him, but didn't. "I do want to meet your family. I'm just … a little nervous."

"Okay, but please tell me who you're afraid of?" Edward asked and Bella shifted uncomfortably as he smiled at her, "Rosalie I'm sure."

"Edward …." Bella said softly.

"Is there anyone else? I remember saying something about Rose, Jasper and Emmett …." Edward asked and Bella didn't meet his eyes.

"I'm okay with Emmett," Bella muttered. "Though, he might be more annoying."

"Yes, that's sure to be true, but you already seem to like Alice and she's more annoying than anyone," Edward said. "I'm sure you'll like him."

"Yes, so am I," Bella said.

"But you're worried about Rosalie and Jasper," Edward sighed. "And it doesn't help much that I assure you that they care deeply about you."

"It does help," Bella said, "but it doesn't make me any less nervous."

"I suppose that's the best answer I'm going to get," Edward said. "Are you ready to go?"

"As ready as I'll ever be," Bella shrugged.

A/N: Okay, so I'm not sure I'm happy with this chapter or not. I never really thought about a chapter like this when I was planning this story in my head for the last few months. I didn't expect them to have a talk like this, and it was hard for me to get the words right. However, the way I ended the last chapter, it seemed to lead into this one and I felt that I had to try my best at that and this is what I've came up with.