AN: So this was supposed to come out last week and it didn't. I'm still trying to catch up. Here's a decent size chapter to make up for it though. :o) I know you guys still love me right? RIGHT???? Also, I think I mentioned this before, but there will be a lot of back and forth in time for a while. Sorry for any confusion that this may cause.

Shout out to Zhivago3 (she started a new story for the Southern Vampire Mysteries – Sookie Stackhouse). Without her pushing me to write, these chapters would never get done.

Keep reviewing. I like them. I LOVE them. They make my insides tingle when I get them.

Twilight owns me, I do not own Twilight.

Chapter 6 – All I Want Is You

BPOV

The next month passed quickly and quietly. Classes were going smoothly; my students weren't bothering me and I think they were actually enjoying writing about something other than lovesick fools. Tyler stopped bothering me or I should say he avoided me at all costs. I was quite relieved.

Alice called periodically to check on me and give status updates for her upcoming visit with Rose. I truly missed those two. Though I knew it was tradition for us to meet every Thanksgiving, it was still nice to know that they still wanted to continue after everything that happened. We were inseparable in high school and throughout college. Rosalie and Alice also helped me through the rollercoaster ride that was Edward Cullen. I should known then things would never work out between us, but I was young, stupid and hopelessly in love.

1994 – Senior Year of High School

"Bella and Edward sitting in a tree…"

"God, Alice, are you back in kindergarten?" I asked annoyed that Alice wouldn't let my little slip go.

After our horrible first meeting, it seemed that Edward wasn't that bad of a guy. Alice invited me to sit with her and her brother during lunch and, as it turned out, Edward and I hit it off. He was a great friend, just not one ready to commit to any sort of relationship. He preferred to play the field. Our current conversation centered on the fact that I accidentally let out that I liked him.

"I knew you liked him anyway. I could tell every time you looked at him. You always gave him this longing stare," she mocked.

I hit my head on the lunch table. "Was it that obvious?"

"Very much so, but I have a secret for you too," Alice said leaning down to my ear.

"What's that?"

"Edward likes you too," she whispered.

My head shot up and I glared at her. "Stop playing games Mary Alice Cullen. That's not funny."

She giggled, she actually giggled. "It's the truth. You two are so blind to the other's feelings; it's amazing how you can even function."

"Alice, sweetheart," I began, taking her hands in mine. "It's not possible. I'm not even his type. I'm not some dumb, blonde bimbo that drools over him. Well I do drool, but it doesn't matter. I would never be what he wants."

"What who wants?" I stiffened at the sound of the voice behind me.

"Uh…nothing, Edward. We're just talking about a friend of mine from back home," I quickly lied.

His brows furrowed. "Boy trouble?" I nodded. "Maybe I can help," he added sitting in the seat across from me.

"Yeah, actually you can help. Bella has this friend who likes this guy but doesn't think the guy likes her back." I shot daggers at Alice who just smirked in return.

"What does your friend look like?" Edward inquired seeming genuinely interested.

Before I could answer, Alice piped in again. "Ya know, she looks eerily like Bella…you know...long brown hair, big brown eyes, smooth pale skin." I was seriously going to kill Alice now.

"You've met her Alice? I thought she lived in Phoenix?"

"Uh…I've seen pictures," she answered.

"Oh. Well, if she looks like Bella then the guy would be a fool to not want to be with her." My eyes snapped to Edward who was staring intently at me. Our eyes locked and he gave me a small smile. "If she doesn't think he would want her than she doesn't see herself clearly. I'm sure he has his own doubts and concerns. He's most likely trying to build the courage to say something to her. Or maybe he doesn't think he's worth her time." He never faltered as he spoke. I could feel myself burning up with embarrassment.

"He's worth it," I managed, the words barely audible to myself.

"Oh, there's Jasper, I'll talk to you guys later." Alice took off running.

I continued staring into the green orbs that were boring into me. I finally blinked, snapping myself out of the Edward-induced coma.

"I…ummm….should get going," I stammered, grabbing my books. Before I could turn to leave, I felt his warm strong hand on my arm.

"Bella, wait…" I stopped moving. "I meant what I said. He's…I'm a fool. You are absolutely beautiful. I don't…"

"Eddie!" Jessica came bounding over to us. "I was looking for you. I have a special treat for you," she sang winking at him.

"Jess, can't you see I'm busy?" he hissed without taking his eyes from me.

"Oh, it's only Bella. She won't mind if I steal you away, right Bella?" She wrapped her manicured fingers around Edward's bicep.

"Ummm…no go ahead." I pulled my arm from Edward's grasp and walked away.

"Bella…" he called out, but I kept walking. I headed to the library for the rest of lunch period.

I couldn't believe I could be so stupid to think he wanted me. I knew what he was going to say. "I don't think we would work out. We're better off as friends." I'm beautiful in that friend-slash-sister sort of way which I'm sure is how he sees me.

It was time to go to Biology and I was dreading having to see Edward. Everything was fine before. We were friends; not good friends, but good enough. The four of us would hang out when he wasn't busy canoodling with the pick of the week. Though lately, it seemed he was always around more. Not that I minded. Any time I was able to spend with him was great for me. When I questioned him about it, he would just shrug. Now this new revelation would change everything.

I walked into class knowing that Edward was already seated. I took a deep breath and proceeded to my seat next to him.

"Bella, please look at me." My brain tried to stop my head from turning, but my heart had other plans. What I saw shocked me. Edward's face was full of emotions and he was struggling for words. He ran his hand through his disheveled hair, a sure sign he was nervous.

"What…" I couldn't finish my thought as I felt Edward's hand on my neck pulling me to him. "Ed…" In an instant his lips were on mine, his hands cupping my face. I couldn't move; I couldn't believe it was happening.

Edward was kissing me. This was what I wanted, but I was frozen. I felt his lips move over mine. When his tongue softly glided over my bottom lip, I lost all resolve. My arms went around his neck, pulling him closer. I took his tongue in my mouth letting him taste me. I was floating…until I heard the cheers and claps of my classmates.

I hesitantly backed away from Edward. Mr. Banner walked in then.

"Okay class, settle down. We have a lot to cover today."

I tried to pay attention but all I could think about was the kiss.

Edward slid me a piece of paper.

-Why did you walk away from me in the cafeteria? I wasn't finished speaking to you.

-I figured you would want to be alone with Jessica.

I passed the paper back to him. He shook his head.

-I was trying to get her away from us. I wanted to keep talking to you.

-It's okay. You don't have to pretend. I know you don't want me. I just hope this doesn't change our friendship.

I saw anger and confusion flash across his face as he glanced at the note.

-I just kissed you in front of the whole class and you think I don't want you? No, Bella, I want you and only you. Jessica interrupted me. I was going to say that I don't want to be just friends anymore. I really like you and I want to be with you.

My mouth dropped as I read the words on the sheet. I was so wrong before. He really did want me. I looked at him.

"Really?" I mouthed. He smiled that crooked grin of his and nodded.

I gave him a smile in return. He took my hand in his and gently squeezed, never letting go for the remainder of class.

~*~

The weeks went by and my bond with Edward grew stronger. Or so I thought.

Edward picked me up for school every morning and afterwards we either spent time at my place or his. He was always a gentleman with me, never pushing for anything more than a kiss. I knew I wasn't ready for such an intimate relationship with him yet and he respected my wishes completely.

It was the last day of school before Thanksgiving break when I realized things with Edward would never be easy.

My last class of the day was gym and when it was over I noticed that Jessica was getting dressed quicker than normal.

"Where's the fire, Jess?" I snickered.

"Fire? Huh?" I shook my head.

"Never mind."

She was out of the locker room in record time. I took my time as I always did knowing that if I moved too fast I would probably hurt something. When I was done, I walked out to the parking lot where Edward was waiting for me. Except this time, Jessica was there and she had her hands all over him.

I moved closer not believing my eyes. It had to be a walking nightmare. I was close enough now to hear what they were saying without them noticing me.

"Come on Eddie. You know she does nothing for you. When was the last time she ever gave you pleasure?" She was almost whining when she spoke.

"You don't need to worry about that and please stop calling me Eddie. You know I hate that name." He sounded annoyed but he made no attempt to push away from her.

Her hands moved and she was now playing with the hair at the back of his neck. "I do need to worry because from the look and feel of things, she hasn't in a while." Her eyes darted down, as did mine and sure enough he had an erection. "It seems I'm the only girl who can handle your problems."

He leaned down until his mouth was at her ear. "You're right, Jessica, she isn't the girl for me…"

I gasped. Edward's head whipped in my direction and he finally shoved Jessica away. I backed away slowly, tears forming in my eyes.

"Bella, it's not what you think," he insisted.

"Is this why you ran out of the locker room, Jessica? So you can come and steal my boyfriend? Well you can have him," I spat out.

"Bella," he pleaded, reaching out to me.

"No, I knew I wasn't good enough for you, but there was no need to flaunt it." I turned and ran as fast as I could. From the corner of my eye I saw Alice and Jasper.

"Bella, wait!" Alice yelled. I ignored her and continued running. I surprised even myself that I managed to make it home without falling or breaking anything.

Luckily, no one was home. I didn't want to have to explain to my parents why I was sobbing uncontrollably. I eventually cried myself to sleep.

I'm not sure how long I slept, but it was already dark outside when I heard the knocking at my door. I really didn't want company, but the knocking was persistent. I went downstairs to open the door and saw Alice and Rosalie standing with buckets of ice cream.

This was my first time meeting Rosalie and my god, she was stunning. All I knew of her was that she dated Emmett, Alice's and Edward's older brother and was practically family. She had long blonde hair and the perfect body to match her perfect face. She looked like she just stepped off the runway. Unfortunately, taking in her appearance did nothing for my own self-esteem at the moment and just made me cry out more.

Alice immediately took me in her arms and soothingly spoke to me. "It's okay, Bella. Everything will work out."

I let them into the house and went to the kitchen to grab some spoons before settling into the living room.

"So, I heard what the bastard did," Rosalie scowled. I was shocked at the animosity in her voice.

"Rose, isn't the biggest Edward fan," Alice explained. "She never understood how he could go from girl to girl the way he used to before you came along." I nodded.

"I just can't believe he allowed that skank to touch him."

"Rose, you're not helping," Alice calmly said. "Bella, why don't you tell us what happened?"

I took a deep breath and related the incident from earlier. I was able to tell the story without crying.

"Wait, so he never touched her?" Alice asked. I shook my head. "Well, that's a good thing," she beamed.

Rosalie rolled her eyes. "Alice you're missing the obvious thing that did happen. Edward got a hard-on while talking to another whore."

"Well, maybe he has a reason for that," Alice said hopefully.

"I highly doubt it," Rose turned to me. "Bella, have you and Edward have sex yet?"

I blushed. "No, I've thought about it, but I don't know if I'm ready or if I'll be good enough for him," I answered sheepishly.

"So, you're still a virgin?" I nodded. "Have you done anything remotely sexual that ended up with either of you having an orgasm?" I shook my head, turning another shade of pink.

"Well, that explains it. Listen, I spoke to Edward earlier and he's beating himself up for what happened. He didn't mean anything to happen with Jessica and he certainly didn't want the little guy to make an appearance, but it did and now I see why. Edward's sexually frustrated. He wouldn't intentionally get hard for someone, but at this point, I'm sure any touch from any woman will be too much for him. We need to awaken the sexy woman in you," Alice reasoned.

"So what am I supposed to do?" I questioned fearing where this was leading.

Rose cleared her throat. "I don't necessarily like the little fucker, but whatever. We're going to teach you some new tricks to drive Edward crazy where he would never think of looking at another woman. Or so help me, I'll bash his face in for you."

"Tricks?"

"Yes. It's time you learned a little baseball." Rosalie gave a wicked grin and I laughed.

"Hey, we got you smiling!" Alice shrieked excitedly.

The rest of the night was spent eating ice cream with Rose and Alice. They summarized all the "baseball" terms and different things I could do to guarantee Edward, or any man for that matter, never thinks of cheating on me.

They came back the next day and spent Thanksgiving with me. From that day forward, we promised to always try to spend Thanksgiving with each other no matter where were or who we were with at the time.

2005 - Present

I waited at baggage claim for my two best friends. I didn't have to wait long as I saw my short black-haired pixie running towards me.

"Bella!" She hugged me tightly. It's so good to see you. I've missed you so much!" I let go and walked to the statuesque blonde behind Alice.

"Rose…" I said flatly.

"Bella…" she smirked. She didn't move for a few seconds. "Oh, come here girl." She grabbed me and we held on to each other for what seemed like eternity. Alice joined us for a group hug. I felt the tears welling up in my eyes and moved away from them.

"My god, I've missed you guys. I haven't seen you in forever. I'm so sorry for everything."

"No crying and no apologizing. You did absolutely nothing wrong. You did what you had to do and moved on," Rose said. "Now, let's get rolling, we're making a scene." We all laughed and collected the bags before heading back to my place.

I lived in a two bedroom apartment in Rittenhouse Square. The place had parquet wood floors and windows that faced the park. I was close enough to the university to walk on nice days. Unfortunately, I also never fully furnished the apartment and Alice was kind enough to point this out to me.

"You need Esme in here. She'll spice this place up in a jiffy."

"It's okay. It's only me and I don't foresee anyone else in my future. I like the minimalist feel."

"Bella, you barely have furniture though," Rose added looking around.

I had the barest necessities. In the living room were a small dining table, a couch, a television and stand, and my bookcases. My bedroom had a bed and dresser and a desk that used to be in the guest bedroom. The guest room had been my makeshift office, but I ran out and bought a new bed when Alice told me they were coming.

I shrugged. "I think it's fine." We dropped their bags in the room and headed back into the living room.

We plopped down onto the couch. "So ladies, what do you want to do? I know you had a long flight, so if you want to rest for a while first you can."

"Please, Bella. You know we flew first class over here. I wouldn't settle for less on a cross country flight. We had all the rest we needed," Rose smugly replied.

"Yes, we don't want to waste our time resting when we haven't seen you in ages," Alice added.

"Okay then, so back to my original question. What do you want to do?"

"Let's go for a walk. Show us the City of Brotherly Love," Rose mocked.

"We can do that. Oh, we can go to the school. I can show you around campus and there's a great Mexican place where we can eat and drink."

"Sounds like a plan. I'm going to freshen up," Alice said giving Rose a knowing look.

Once Alice was out of the room, I turned to Rose.

"What was that look about?"

"What look?" Rose innocently asked.

I glared at Rose waiting for her to continue.

"Okay fine," she huffed. "I'm pregnant," she said, holding back a smile.

"Rosalie Hale Cullen! That is great news!" I exclaimed giving her a big hug. "How far along are you?"

"Four months," she mumbled.

"I'm sorry, did you say four months? You've known that long and you didn't tell me?"

"I wanted to tell you in person."

I rolled my eyes. "You could have called. How did Emmett take the news?"

"Well you know Emmett. Mr. Muscleman is really a big softie. He started crying." I laughed at the thought of Emmett crying.

Alice came out from the bedroom talking on her phone.

"I'll let her know. I love you too, Mom. Bye." I looked at Alice expectantly. "Esme will be sending over a friend of hers to take care of your apartment situation," she said motioning around the room.

"She doesn't need to do that. I'm fine really," I protested.

"Think nothing of it. It's an early Christmas present. All she wants is a few phone calls from you every now and then," she admonished.

"I think I can do that."

"Now that the big baby news is out of the way, let's get going."

We headed to the university and I gave them the grand tour. I showed them Bennett Hall where my office was located. We passed the various statues of Benjamin Franklin along Locust Walk. Alice found the sculpture of Ben Franklin sitting on the bench hilarious and insisted on taking pictures with him. We walked by the Quad, the freshman dorms where they just finished filming part of the new Transformers movie. We took pictures by the peace sign next to Van Pelt library, my favorite hangout outside my home.

"This is a great campus. The buildings are so old and colonial. It's so quaint. I can see why you like it here," Alice commented.

I agreed. "Yes. It's very me. It's actually very calming here and, of course, I get lost in the library."

Our stomachs were making themselves known so we walked to the restaurant.

"What's the name of this place where we're going to eat?" Rose asked.

"Mad 4 Mex," I smiled.

"How original," Rose sniggered.

"Oh shut it. They have great wings and the strongest margaritas around."

"I guess I'll be the judge of the wings, but no drinking for me," she sighed.

"Oh right," I smacked my forehead. "I'm sorry about that. We can go someplace else."

"Nonsense. I'll enjoy watching you two get drunk again like old times."

Indeed we did. We reminisced of our time in high school and college. They caught me up on the happenings of Forks and Seattle. Mike Newton somehow managed to domesticate Jessica. Angela and Ben had a little boy a couple of months ago. Edward was still single and he was denied the promotion to chief of staff. I wasn't sure if I should feel bad or not. I knew Edward was a hard worker and I'm sure he deserved it, but I suppose the hospital board had their reasons.

We continued talking and enjoying our time together. By midnight we were all tired and went back to my place to crash.

I woke up early the next morning to prepare for our Thanksgiving dinner. Rosalie was up and about soon after gearing up to watch her football games. She may be beautiful, but she was also the biggest tomboy I knew. Alice on the other hand was all woman, all the time. She spent most of the morning and afternoon primping. This was how we always spent the holiday, such a tradition.

I laid the food out buffet style on the kitchen counter. One juicy turkey, homemade cranberry sauce, stuffing, sweet potatoes and pumpkin pie were all on display. I cooked enough for a small army.

"You certainly outdid yourself, Bella. You do know it's only the three of us right?" Rose questioned.

"Yes, I know, but it's the holidays and it's not often I get to cook for you guys," I countered.

"Well, I'm not one to say no to Swan cooking. I'm digging in," Alice retorted picking up a plate and piling on everything. I was always amazed on how much she could pack in her tiny body.

Once we were situated, Alice thought it would be nice for us to take turns and say something we were all thankful for this year.

She began first. "I'm thankful for my parents for being supportive and loving; Jasper for accepting me as I am and my two best friends who I could never live without." Rose and I smiled.

Rose went next. "Well, I'm thankful for you girls of course. I'm thankful for Emmett for saving me from myself, marrying me and giving me so much monkey love that I'm now pregnant with his child." We exploded with laughter. Rose was never one to be ashamed of her sex life with Emmett.

"It's your turn now, Bella," Alice said once she stopped giggling.

"Ummm…" I considered for a moment. "I'm thankful to have friends like you who can help me through all the rough times," I sheepishly grinned.

"Anytime, sweetheart, you know we love you." We raised our glasses and toasted to a wonderful weekend.

"Bella?" Alice asked a little while later.

"Yes, Alice?"

"Would it be okay if I took back some pumpkin pie?"

"Sure. I didn't know you liked pumpkin pie so much. I would have made more."

"Yeah, love it," she muttered. I rolled my eyes.

"What is it Alice?"

"God, am I that horrible at keeping secrets?" she questioned. I nodded and motioned for her to continue. "Well, Edward found out we were coming and he asked me to bring back some of your pie. Please don't be mad. You know he always loved your pie."

I let out a breath I didn't know I was holding at the mention of his name. That he still wanted anything to do with me, even if it was just my pie, was a little shocking.

"Ummm…yeah, sure, Alice. I guess that's okay. I don't hold any grudges against the man. Though I'm sure he could get pumpkin pie anywhere that tastes just as good as mine if not better, but fine." I didn't know what else to say so I just shrugged it off.

We soon fell into a sleep coma and didn't wake up until the morning.

Friday turned out to be an interesting day as Esme's friend, Irina, showed up nice and early to renovate my apartment. I gave her free reign to the place and decided it was a good time as any to go to the King of Prussia mall. Alice was in heaven as we roamed one of the largest malls on the east coast.

I was amazed at what I saw when we returned home. I almost didn't recognize my apartment. The once white walls were now a soft ivory color. The couch was replaced with a supple brown leather love seat and a glass coffee table. She even replaced my television with a wall-mounted plasma giving me more space. The desk that had been in my bedroom was now sitting pretty in an office-like corner next to my bookshelves.

My bedroom was painted a soothing blue hue. In the center was a new cherry wood bed and, from the looks of it, a new mattress. There were also a matching armoire and dresser. I don't know how Irina managed to get all of this done in one day.

I had to remember to call Esme and thank her for everything. I knew she always cared for me like a daughter and I was touched that she continued to do so despite my relationship, or lack thereof, with Edward.

Alice, Rosalie and I stayed up late talking through the night before they had to leave the morning.

I dropped them off the next day and we cried like babies. I didn't want to admit how lonely I was without them, but they promised they would come back to visit as soon as they could. I waved to them as they crossed security and headed back to Seattle.

I was back to being alone again.

AN: I hope you enjoyed this little ditty of a chapter. For those of you wondering (if you are), I went to Penn, hence the extensive knowledge of the campus. And yes, they filmed the schools in Transformers 2 at Penn. I'm looking forward to seeing my school in the movies. This will be the second time. My high school was in A Bronx Tale. Next chapter will be up before the end of the week, but probably not on its scheduled Wednesday. I will get back on track. I promise

Now that you've read… please review. :o)