A/N: Thanks to all who reviewed/favorited/followed! Some of your guesses as to why Bella is upset are very close! Sorry for having this up so late. I had exams all week that I really needed to study for and I didn't have time to write. Hope ya'll like this chapter! All mistakes are mine.

Disclaimer: I don't own anything.

"I start walkin' your way. You start walkin' mine. We meet in the middle 'neath that old Georgia pine. We gain a lot of ground 'cause we both give a little. Ain't no road too long when we meet in the middle." – Diamond Rio

Chapter 5

BPOV

August 2008

I am in my room doing homework when Renee calls me downstairs. I get out of my room and slowly walk to the stairs. Even though it's been almost two weeks since the makeup incident, my chest and ribs still hurt when I move too fast.

I get to the top of the stairs and look down and notice Edward standing in the doorway. Our eyes meet instantly. I gasp, completely shocked from seeing him and from the intensity of is gaze. I walk down the stairs, my eyes never leaving Edward's. Once I make it to both of them, I chance a glance at Renee. I immediately regret it. Renee is staring at me with an expression I can't decipher. She doesn't look angry, but she also doesn't look exactly happy from Edward's little appearance. While I am looking at Renee, I notice Edward is staring at me. Renee is looking back and forth between the two of us.

"Who are you, boy? What do you want with that thing?" Renee spits out and glances at me.

"My name is Edward Cullen. I am here to check up on Bella. I am also need talk to her about a time and place when Bella can tutor me in biology."

"Tutor? Hah! That's great. Bella is not a tutor, she's not even smart. I've met cows smarter than her. That's great kid, I needed a good laugh. Besides, even if she were even somewhat intelligent, she doesn't speak so how the hell did you intend on learning?"

"I'm sure we can figure something out."

Renee looked at me with an amused expression on her face.

"Too bad boy, she isn't going to tutor you." Renee turns to walk away.

I cast my eyes downward. I know I am about to lose him. My one and only friend I have ever had. I knew this would happen. I knew Renee and Phil would never allow me to tutor him. I knew this would happen sooner or later, so I have been avoiding him in an attempt to keep our friendship for as long as possible. I look back up to him knowing that this moment – the end of our friendship – was inevitable.

Edward's stared at Renee with a slight smirk on his face. "Ma'am, technically she has to. We both have a signed form from our teacher, Mrs. Wilson, saying that she has to be the one to help me." He pulls out the note from Mrs. Wilson and handed it to Renee. She glances at it while Edward continues.

"You see I am on the football team and I have to pass biology to be able to play. You know we are going to win state this year right, ma'am? If we win state, then that means more publicity for the town which means news reporters will be here. I think we can all agree that a face as beautiful as yours belongs on television."

I stared at Edward, completely flabbergasted at his speech. He's trying to charm Renee into getting me to tutor him.

Renee looked at Edward, almost bashful. "You know what boy, you have a point here. With my body and good looks, I really do need to be on television. It's about damn time somebody else realizes it too."

"Yes ma'am, you do. The only way that can happen is if Bella here, can tutor me."

Renee thought about it for a minute then said, "Alright, she can tutor you, but only if it doesn't screw up her chores and duties at home."

I couldn't believe it. Edward had just gotten Renee to agree! I can still have my friend! I could feel a huge grin spread across my face. Edward was looking at me and when I smiled, and his entire face lit up.

"Thank you so much, ma'am. I was thinking maybe Bella and I could discuss the time and place tomorrow during class? I need to get home to my parents right now."

Renee agreed and Edward walked out the door, but not before smiling at me. "See you tomorrow, Bella."

As soon as Edward was in his car, she turned to me. "You better not fuck this up. I need to be on television. Don't let this tutoring thing affect your chores either. Do as you are told and don't let Edward fail biology. The world needs this face where everyone can see it." She walked up the stairs.

Despite Renee's threats, I couldn't help but let an enormous grin consume me. I suddenly couldn't wait for biology tomorrow.

I start to work on dinner and do my chores. I work nonstop until Phil gets home. He doesn't say anything to me as I give him his food and beer. I go up to my room and wait for morning to come.

**TCWT**

I can't help the smile on face when I see Edward walk into biology. His eyes immediately seek out mine. He walks over to his seat beside mine and pulls out a sheet of paper.

That's why you avoided me, right? You didn't think you could tutor me?

I was certainly not expecting that. I nod my head and write him back, my smile fading. I thought you would think that I didn't want to be with you. I thought you might think I didn't want to tutor you. I thought you would hate me for it. I thought you wouldn't want to be my friend if I didn't tutor you.

Edward looked at me, shocked by my explanation. I could never hate you, Bella. I wish you would've just told me instead of avoiding me.

I cast my eyes to the ground. He continued to write.

I thought maybe I had done something wrong.

I shake my head vigorously. No you didn't, Edward. I promise.

He smirks. So, when do you want to tutor me?

I thought about it for a minute. It can't be anytime when Phil and Renee are off of work. I still have to be at home early enough in the morning to fix their coffee. I need to be at home at least an hour before they get off work in the afternoon. This does not leave us much time. There is no way I can have Edward come over when Phil is home. Renee may still be dazzled from their conversation yesterday, but I don't know how long it will last and I don't want to take any chances.

When can you be tutored? I mean you have football practice after school. I can't do it after school or during school…

So, I guess that leaves us with before school, huh?

Are you sure? I mean I don't want you to wake up earlier than you have to.

Don't worry about it. I gotta pass right? So, do you want to meet at the school around 7:00 then?

Shit I didn't think this through very well. I can't. My bus doesn't drop me off until about 7:45. I guess I could walk, but I don't know how long it would take me.

Don't walk. Don't worry about the bus. I'll come and pick you up from you house.

I looked at him, surprise written all over my face. Why is he doing that? Why would someone like him be so kind to someone like me?

What? Do you not want me to pick you up?

No, no it's not that. I just don't understand why you would go to all that trouble for me… I'm not special. I'm a nobody. I am not worth it.

Bella, don't say shit like that. You are worth it. Ever since I got here, you have been nothing but kind to me. You've helped me out in class. You let me crash your lunch table. You talk to me for me, not for my football skills. You like me – at least I hope you do – for me, not for the guy the town is counting on to lead football to a state championship this year.

He paused for a moment and then continued to write. You remind me of someone I used to know… someone I loved more than anyone in the world. When I am around you, sometimes I feel like I did when I was with her.

I don't know what to say to that, so we just stare at each other. The bell rings and we are broken out of our gaze to head to our next class.

At lunch, Edward hands me a to – go container from the only diner in Forks and another small container with a cinnamon roll in it. I look up at him wondering what the special occasion is for the food.

He grinned and said. "My mom forgot to pack my lunch this morning, so she stopped by the diner and dropped this off for me in my last class. I texted her and told her to get two of whatever she got. I hope you like cheeseburgers, Bella."

Cheeseburgers? I can't think of the last time I had a cheeseburger. I grin at Edward and nod, diving into the burger. It is delicious. I moan in appreciation. Edward looks at me and grins. I feel the blood rush to my cheeks in embarrassment.

We eat in a comfortable silence until the bell rings. As we get up to go to our next class, Edward tugs on my elbow. I try to hold back the involuntary flinch, but Edward still notices. His eyes sadden and he pulls his hand away.

"I'll pick you up tomorrow at your house around 6:30, okay? Oh, and don't forget to tell your foster mom about when and where you'll be tutoring me."

My steps falter. How does Edward know Renee is my foster mom? Shit, shit, shit. How did he find out? I didn't think he knew about it… What is he going to do now that he knows? Will he make fun of me for it? I don't think he will, but I can't know for sure.

Edward notices that I stopped walking and glances back at me. "Bella, it is okay. She already agreed to let you help me as long as she knew about it. You can relax." I nod my head, not wanting to linger on the bad thoughts racing through my mind.

If Edward knew that I was a foster kid and he hasn't done anything by now, he won't do anything at all. Or at least I hope so. He could be waiting to embarrass me in front of the school. He could be using me to tutor him and pretend to be my friend. This way he could find out all my secrets and then exploit them all to the school later when he is done with me.

"Whatever you're thinking about, stop Bella. Don't worry about anything. Leave it all to me. Promise me you that you'll stop thinking about whatever you were just thinking about." His hand reached up to my face and I cupped my cheek affectionately. I couldn't hold back my flinch, but Edward acted like he didn't notice. "You looked like someone just kicked your puppy, Bella. I don't want you to look like that again." He smiles sadly, his eyes gaze into mine but I can tell his mind is far from here. "I have to go to class now. I'll see you tomorrow bright and early, okay?"

I nod and we go our separate ways.

**TCWT**

Phil is angry when Renee tells him that I am tutoring Edward. Every word he says causes me to flinch.

"What the hell do you think you are going to accomplish by tutoring this kid? You are not smart. Why would he even want you to tutor him? You are a complete waste of space and time." He stalks over to me, raising my fist. I close my eyes and wait for the blow.

Surprisingly, Renee steps in. "Phil, don't hit her. She has to tutor that boy for football. He promised me I would be on TV when they won the state championship. I have to be on TV, baby. You know how that has always been my dream."

Phil lowers his fist and murmurs something unintelligent under his breath.

"If she is the only way for that to happen, then she has to tutor him. Why he wants her to do it, is beyond me. But, I couldn't give a flying fuck how he gets tutored, as long as I get on TV!" Renee looks like a toddler throwing a temper tantrum when she doesn't get her way. I half expect her to cross her arms and start stomping her feet.

"Please, baby. I really want to be on TV. Let the bitch tutor the boy."

"Anything for you, baby." He walks over to her and kisses her forehead then turns back to me. He grabs me by my shoulders and hoists me up so I am eye to eye with him. "Don't fuck this up. If my girl, over here, doesn't get on TV, I will hold you personally responsible." He drops my shoulders and I fall to the ground.

On one hand I am overly ecstatic to be spending time with Edward, but on the other, I am terrified for what might happen if Edward and his team do not win state this year. I know Phil's threats are not empty. I know he will hurt me if Renee doesn't get on TV, but how far will he go to hurt me? He has only ever put me in the hospital once from a punishments. I also think about how much better Edward is than me. He can do so much better than to be hanging out with the Freak, even if it is just for tutoring. I know I am not good enough to be his friend, I just wonder when he is going to realize it. It is going to hurt me so bad when he does. My body is so much healthier now because of him bringing me his lunch. I have something to look forward too now. People, meaning Tanya, leave me alone during school for the most part. I don't want to go back to going through the motions of life again. I just hope Edward is being truthful when he says he really wants to be my friend.

**TCWT**

Edward picks me up exactly at 6:30 the next morning. I walk out the door and head to his silver Volvo. He gets out of his car and gets to the passenger side before I do. He opens the door and says, "Good morning, Bella."

I wave at him, a small smile on my face.

"I was thinking we could go to the library and study." I nod my head and we pull out on the street.

A comfortable silence falls between until we get to the school. When we get there, there are almost no other cars in the parking lot. Edward, once again, opens the door for me as I get out of his car. He glances at my shoulders for a brief second. I look down to see what drew his attention and notice the finger shaped bruises that go around both shoulders that Phil gave me when he grabbed me last night. I quickly shrug my sad excuse for a jacket on, immediately regretting the short sleeve shirt I am wearing. I look back up to Edward to find him staring at me with a frown on his face. Thankfully, he doesn't say anything.

We walk up to the library and sit at one of the tables in the back. The librarian eyes us carefully then turns back to her computer. We both pull out our books and Edward gets out a piece of paper and hands it to me.

"It's for you to write on and tell me stuff."

I nod and write: What exactly do you not understand?

"Everything. It is all just so confusing and none of it makes sense."

Okay, we'll start at the beginning of chapter 1 and go from there then. I'll try to explain to you how I get it and we'll see how that works.

For the next hour, we work through the entire chapter with me explaining to him how I understand everything. I show him simpler ways to understand some of the harder concepts we have gone over. He seems to understand most of it by the time we leave the library to head to Biology. When Mrs. Wilson starts the lecture, I see Edwards eyes light up in recognition at what she says. I can tell he feels proud of himself by the way he keeps smiling at some of the lecture terms and concepts.

It is not until lunch that Edward actually proves my theory, though.

"A lot of the stuff sounds so much clearer, Bella thank you." I grin and nod my head, happy that I can finally do something for him for a change. "I will, however, need your assistance for the rest of the class. The way Mrs. Wilson explains everything just confuses me, but the way you explained it made everything so much clearer. I am going to actually try and attempt the homework tonight. Can you help me again on Monday at the same time?"

I nod my head, eager to spend more time with him.

"Hey Bella, are you going to come to the game tonight?"

I looked up to find Seth looking at me curiously.

"Yeah, are you coming? I know Edward here looked everywhere for you last week, but never found you." Jacob asked me, a slight smirk on his face.

I look to Edward to find him staring at me intently. I drop my gaze and look down at my ratty old tennis shoes. I shake my head.

"Aw that's okay, Bella. You'll come to the next one for us right? We know old Eddie boy here would love for you to be there."

I look to Jacob, who was still smirking. Did Edward really want me there? Or is this just some kind of joke between them? I look up at Edward to find him still staring at me.

"Alright, alright, guys that's enough. Let's not ambush her. If she can't come, she can't come. I get it, Bella, it is okay." His eyes never left my own. He seems so sincere. He acts like he really cares about me. I know it's just an act, but part of me still can't help but wonder if he is really does want to be my friend.

Edward is still staring at me. "Guys, can you give me a moment alone with Bella?" They both give him a confused nod and then leave. He turns to face me and says, "What did I say about that look? Bella, you're killing me here. Tell me what you are thinking about, please. You look so sad and I don't like it. Why are you sad? Was it something I said? Was it something they said?" I quickly shake my head. "Then what is it, Bella? I can't make you happy if you don't tell me what is making you so sad." He reaches up to cup my cheek. I flinch. I look away from his gaze, but he doesn't let go of my cheek.

"Bella, please."

I look back up at him and shake my head. I'm sorry, I mouth. I stand and leave him in the cafeteria as I go to my next class.

**TCWT**

A few weeks go by and I grow close Edward. I have let myself get closer to him than I have to anyone ever before. He is perfect in so many ways. He makes me feel like I am a human being. He makes me feel alive. He is quickly becoming my best friend. Even though I have never had a best friend before, I know that he is the best friend anyone could ever ask for. He doesn't push me to actually talk to him, and yet he treats me the same as he does Jacob and Seth.

He hasn't brought up anything about me being a foster child, yet. A part of me thinks that he doesn't care that I am. The other part of me thinks he is just waiting for his opportunity to make fun of me for it.

He hasn't pushed me to go to anymore football games either. He still invites me to go every Friday night, but never says anything about me never going.

I keep waiting for the moment when he realizes how much better he is than me. I pray that that moment never comes. I hope Edward really is exactly who he is acting like. I don't think I could stand it if he isn't.

I still tutor him every school day in the morning. Despite what he thinks, he doesn't need my help anymore. He knows how to figure out the questions and problems on his own. Yet, he still insists on me helping him every morning. I want to believe it is because he just wants to spend the time with me, but I know better than to let myself hope like that.

Renee and Phil have been off my back lately. I don't know whether it's because the football team has been winning every game, which is bringing Renee closer to her being on TV, or because I just haven't done anything to upset them in a while. I am hoping that it is the former instead of the latter.

It is Friday today and I can't help but want to do something for Edward. I want to show him that our friendship isn't one – sided. He is always doing stuff for me – bringing me lunch, picking me up from school, being kind to me when no one else will – I want to do something for him. Even if he is just toying with me, he has been by far the nicest person I have ever met. He hasn't done anything to make me think that he is toying with me, though. He has been perfect. Perfect gentleman, perfect friend, perfect person and I want to show him how much his friendship means to me. All I need to do is figure out what I can do.

**TCWT**

"So, Bella you gonna come to our game tonight?"

I am about to shake my head no like normal, when I really think about it. This is it. This is how I can show Edward. I can do the one thing he has asked of me since the first week of school. I don't know how I am going to get past Renee and Phil, but I will go to the football game tonight. My mind is made up.

I look to Edward, who is only half paying attention to Jacob's question. I nod my head yes and watch Jacob's expression turn to shock.

"Really Bella? You're coming? That's so awesome!"

Edward's head snapped up. "What? You're coming? Seriously?" I nodded my head and smiled at his excitement. "Bella that's great!" He stands up and puts his arms around me in a hug. I tense under his arms, but his hold on me doesn't falter. "You don't know how much you coming means to me, Bella." I relax under his arms and slowly put my arms around him to hug him back. Everything feels right when he is holding me. I don't worry about how I am going to get to the game. I don't think about anything. All I can do is feel his arms around me and let everything else disappear. "I'll find you after the game is finished, okay? Don't leave until I do, please." I nod as best as I can with my head still crushed against his chest.

**TCWT**

It is 7:00 and the game starts at 7:30. The only way I am going to be able to get to Edward's game, is if I sneak out through the window in my room. There is a tree right beside the window and if I can manage not to be my clumsy self, I should be able to climb up and down it without being noticed. The only problem is Renee. She has the key to my room. She already locked me in for tonight, but if for someone reason she decides to unlock it and peek in to find I am not here, I am toast. She would literally have Phil beat me to death if they find out I am gone.

I think about the consequences for a minute. Renee has never come into my room after she locks it. What are the chances that she comes into night of all nights? She doesn't care enough to check up on me. I did all my chores and both Phil and Renee have been in really good moods lately. What are the odds that I would get caught if I went? Is Edward even worth it?

A/N: So, what did ya'll think? Was it worth the wait? Do you think Bella will sneak out to see Edward? Will she get caught if she does? Leave me a review and tell me what you think!