||Lynna's P.O.V.||

I was genuinely surprised as to how well the whole 'just friends' thing was going with Edward. Granted, it had only been two days, but I was still feeling hopeful. Did my heart clench in my chest every time I so much as looked at him? Of course, it did. But I was telling myself that this was for the best. Has it been a conscious struggle not to leave my bedroom window open at night, hoping that he would come in with the rain? Yes, it has. But this was all part of the healing process.

I was well aware how difficult it could be to be friends with an ex, but Edward wasn't.. an ex. We were never official. We were.. friends who kissed each other on occasion. We were.. friends who held each other at night. We were.. friends who watched every episode of SpongeBob together in a bid to distract ourselves from the growing sexual tension. We were.. friends who looked at each other a little too long be 'just friends'. But now.. That's exactly what we are. Just friends.

I released a shaky breath at the thought before walking into Chemistry. History with my three favorite Cullens had been uneventful. I was one of the last students to spill into the classroom and Edward was.. the last. There was a time when we were the first to arrive to the empty classroom.

My heart was in my throat when I saw that Edward was already seated at our desk, staring blankly straight ahead. I stood in the doorway like a fool, collecting my thoughts before I casually strode towards him and sat down. His entire body stiffened; the whites of his knuckles were visible due to how fiercely he was clenching his fists.

"Hi," I greeted him, smiling softly.

When he looked at me, I could see the hesitation in his eyes. Instead of returning the greeting, he said, "We're going to have to get started on the Chemistry project."

My brows flew up my forehead. Mr. Wallace had assigned us as partners for an upcoming project before our non-breakup/breakup. A blush crept to my cheeks under his unwavering gaze.

"Um.." I cleared my throat anxiously. "Right.." I diverted my eyes from his, choosing to stare at the grainy wooden desk. "When's that due again?"

"Next week," he stated dully.

My stomach churned at the thought of actually being 'alone' with him again. Seeing him in a school setting is one thing… But having him in my bedroom? Sounded like a recipe for disaster to me. I wringed my hands in a nervous manner, continuing to avoid his intense gaze.

"Well, we should pick a topic." My eyes flitted to his, feigning confidence as I continued, "Then, we can split the research load. You can send me your half and I'll make it cohesive."

He sighed, his shoulders slumping forward. "What you're saying is.. You don't want to actually work on the project together."

I opened and closed my mouth repeatedly, resembling a dying fish. My cheeks heated up even further, much to my dismay. "I never said that."

He chuckled lowly. The baritone sound caused butterflies to erupt in the pit of my stomach and I hated myself for it. "Lynna, I can read between the lines. What happened to being friends?"

I blinked rapidly, stunned. His golden eyes poured into mine, holding me hostage. My mouth ran dry as I studied his perfectly chiseled features, remembering the feel of his marble skin beneath my fingertips.

"We are friends," I whispered, not trusting my voice entirely.

He quirked a brow, challenging me. "Then why don't you want to work together?"

I pressed my lips into a thin line, racking my brain for the right thing to say. In the end, I figured honesty was the best policy. "I just don't think it's a good idea for us to be.. alone.. together."

He exhaled sharply, his lips tugging into a small smirk. "We're alone right now," he spoke in that velvety voice of his.

I rolled my eyes. "There's a difference in being alone in a classroom and being alone in my bedroom, Edward. You, of all people, should know that."

He breathed out a laugh at that. "Nothing of true consequence has ever happened in your bedroom. It's not like I'll rip your clothes off the first chance I get." He shook his head, laughing musically. "I didn't even do that when we were—"

When he cut himself off, I took it upon myself to finish his sentence. "..When we were more than 'just' friends?"

A sorrowful expression fell over his face, pulling down his perfect features as his eyes locked with mine. He slowly nodded, a frown replacing his taunting smirk. Clearly, it was my turn to lighten the atmosphere.

"And don't I know it." I laughed airily, forcing a smile his way. "You're right though. I don't know why I'm making such a big deal out of this. I mean…" I inhaled deeply before slowly exhaling, giving myself time to collect my thoughts. "We never went further than kissing."

Despite my best attempts…

"Right," he stated sternly, clenching his jaw.

I trailed a finger along the edge of the desk as I said, "We can pick a day this week and work on it together."

His eyes immediately lit up. A half-hearted smile flitted to his lips as he spoke, "How about today after school?"

I shook my head. "I can't today."

A frown was quick to claim his face. "Why not? You're not working until this Friday."

I narrowed my eyes at him. "How do you know that?"

His jaw went slack, his eyes growing wide. "Oh, um.. I.. Well.."

I breathed out a laugh, taking pity on the boy. "Nevermind. My family and I are going to help the Caldwells start setting up for the gala today. I figured Alice would have told you."

He pressed his lips into a thin line, his hand curling into a tight fist. "She didn't," his words sounded forced.

I hummed in response. "Well, you're welcome to join us if you want. The more the merrier."

He narrowed his eyes at me, a frown pulling down his features. "Seriously?"

I shrugged in faux nonchalance, pulling my lower lip between my teeth and watching as his eyes darkened to the color of midnight. I was fighting back a smirk at his reaction. How many times has he told me how crazy it drives him when I bite my lip? When his onyx orbs fixated on my mouth as he clenched his jaw, I couldn't help but feel slightly guilty. I should be making this easier on him, not harder. With that thought in mind, I released my lip from between my teeth and offered him a soft smile.

"Of course," I assured him. "It would be a friendly thing to do."

His brows flew up his forehead. "How's that?"

"Well.." I racked my brain for a response. "It'd be fun. It's what friends do, you know.. They.. have fun.. together."

His frown deepened, his brows furrowing as though he was deep in thought. A moment of silence passed before he spoke, "If you want me to go, then I'll go."

I couldn't stop the smile that stretched across my face if I tried. "It's settled then."

"So good to see you, Rachel." My mamaw greeted Tyler's mom, giving her a quick hug. "I'll get to pruning the garden."

Every year, mamaw made sure that the Caldwells' garden was in top shape for the gala. She had the greenest thumb I've ever seen.

Dustin immediately flitted over to the large marble fountain and tossed a coin over his shoulder. I couldn't help but smile at the sight. My smile grew tenfold when I saw Alice and Emmett round the corner, but only when I saw Edward, who was lagging behind them a good ten feet, did my heart skip a beat. Immediately, our eyes connected, sending a spark straight through me.

I was so entranced that when someone gripped my sides, I yelped and jumped several feet in the air. Tyler threw his head back and laughed before draping an arm over my shoulder.

"I got you good, huh?" He teased.

I playfully swatted his chest and shook my head. "What gave it away?"

||Edward's P.O.V.||

Surprisingly, Alice and Emmett didn't question it when I told them I was tagging along to the Caldwells. Judging by their thoughts, they weren't about to question my sudden interest in participating in things other than 'staring out my window' and 'moping'—Their words, not mine.

In the grand scheme of things, I figured showing up per Lynna's request would make her resent me a little less. She could deny it all she wants, but I was certain that there was a part of that resented me for not making my feelings for her known. I could admit to myself that I had feelings for her. Strong feelings. And deep down, I think she was more aware of my feelings for her than I was. Saying that, there was one thing that I knew without a doubt—I couldn't lose her completely. I had to be a part of her life in some way. Being her friend.. A true friend.. I could be that.

But the second I saw him touch her, I knew that my being here was a bad bad idea. Jealousy pierced me through so violently that my head spun. Tyler's perverted thoughts certainly wasn't helping matters. I stared at his arm that he had draped over her and envisioned ripping it from his shoulders. How satisfying that would be; I smirked at the thought.

Emmett nudged Alice with his elbow and nodded towards Lynna. "I give it two weeks before they're official."

My head snapped in my brother's direction, glaring at the back of his head with a look of pure fury. Given his thoughts, he was being entirely serious, and that just fueled my jealousy all the more.

Alice laughed airily. "I give it three."

Emmett quirked a brow. "You willing to put your money where your mouth is?"

She scoffed sarcastically. "Name the price."

"Five Benjamin Franklin's." The most annoying grin stretched across his face.

My hands clenched into fists as I gritted my teeth with a force that would crush diamonds.

Alice was all too eager to make that bet. "You're on."

They stopped walking and peered over their shoulders at me.

You good, bro? Emmett silently questioned.

Everything okay? Alice studied me with curious eyes.

I nodded once, answering the both of them. Another teasing grin spread across Emmett's face.

"Do you want in on the bet?" He asked with a chuckle. "Oh, nevermind. That would be cheating since you can read her—"

"I can't read her mind," I forced the words out, flashing my brother a sinister smile when a look of confusion fell over his face.

"I knew it!" Alice exclaimed, pointing her finger at me.

Choosing to ignore that comment, I looked Emmett dead in the eye and said, "And yes. I would like in on that bet."

Alice clasped her hands together excitedly, ecstatic that I was 'joining in on the fun'. Emmett was taken aback for a moment before he too felt the excitement.

"Hell yeah, brother!" He punched my shoulder in a joking manner. "Place your bet."

I pursed my lips, glancing at Lynna and locking eyes with her piercing blue orbs. She bit her lower lip, a look of longing swimming in the depths of her eyes that nearly took my breath away. The urge to run to her and drag her away from the obnoxious boy hanging all over her hit me like a ton of bricks. I narrowed my eyes at Tyler who was entirely oblivious that the beautiful golden-haired girl would never truly give him the time of day. I tore my eyes from them and met Emmett's delighted gaze.

A smirk crawled across my lips as I looked back and forth between my two siblings. "I bet each of you five grand that they never get together."

Their jaws dropped in sync.

"Are you for real right now?" Alice asked in disbelief.

"Yep." I shrugged, my smirk growing.

Emmett arched a brow, grinning like the devil. "You do realize that she already agreed to be his date to the gala?"

It was a struggle to prevent my face from dropping at the reminder. "Yes, Emmett. I am aware of that. But that will be the last date he ever has with her."

You're kidding, right? He taunted via his thoughts. "They went to prom together. Not only that, but she's already kissed the guy! And you seriously think he doesn't stand a chance?"

I clenched my jaw before I responded, my words clipped, "She kissed him for a dare. That hardly counts."

"How do you know that?" Alice narrowed her eyes at me suspiciously, her thoughts going a mile a minute.

"Mindreader." I pointed to myself and smirked sarcastically.

I could hardly tell them that I pulled Lynna into the utility secret and demanded answers from her after she kissed the idiot boy. And I certainly couldn't tell them that my lips erased Tyler's kiss from her memory all together. At least I like to think that I did..

"You're seriously willing to bet a total of 10k on that?" Emmett asked, mighty skeptical.

I pressed my lips into a thin line. Ten grand wasn't a lot to my family and I, but it was still a bit much for a simple bet. I was just trying to make a point… But to who? Deep down, I had a feeling that I was trying to prove something to myself more than my siblings—that Lynna wouldn't go for the annoying jock.

"Sure am," I responded with a firm nod, placing my hands in my pockets as I glanced at Lynna once more.

To my chagrin, Tyler still hadn't removed his arm from her, and she seemed perfectly at ease with it. I had to stop myself from scowling at this sight. This was downright ridiculous.

Emmett threw his head back and laughed. This will be the easiest 5k ever made. "Well, as much as I'll hate taking your money.."

"Wait." Alice looked up at me, studying me intently. You seem awfully sure of yourself.. "What if she doesn't go for him?" Will we owe you all that money?

"You won't owe me a thing," I assured them.

"That sounds like my kind of bet." Emmett was all for it.

When Lynna saw us approaching, she finally pulled away from Tyler and met us halfway.

"Hey, guys!" She greeted us with a glorious smile that made me weak in the knees. "I'm so glad you could make it."

I watched as she threw her arms around Alice's neck then went in for side-hug with Emmett before her gaze landed on me. How I would love to feel her soft, warm body pressed against mine, but I knew that wasn't an option. Despite how desperately I yearned for her embrace, hugging her in front of my siblings wouldn't be the best idea. My mouth fell open, stunned, when she raised her fist towards me for a fist bump. So, Emmett can get an actual hug and I have to settle for a fist bump?

"Seriously?" The word flew out of my mouth without a second thought.

Emmett wasted no time in cackling at my expression. "Aww. Does Edward want a hug too?" He taunted. Feeling left out?

"Shut up, Emmett," I sneered through clenched teeth, feeling thoroughly annoyed.

Alice snickered quietly before grabbing Lynna's hand and tugging her away.

"Where should we start? I'm thinking string lights!" My sister beamed at her.

Lynna nodded. "I agree. Alice, you can help me and Tyler set up the entrance." She glanced at me and Emmett and said, "You guys can string up the lights at the gazebo, if you don't mind."

Involuntarily, I clenched my fists. I came here to spend time with her. Not my brother. And I'll be damned if I let Tyler take my place.

"How about Tyler and Emmett work on the gazebo?" I suggested, flashing Lynna a stern stare.

Emmett's jaw dropped. That's cheating! He was only worried about his five grand."That's not fair."

Alice eyed me suspiciously, her thoughts guarded.

"What?" Lynna looked up at me, blinking slowly as though she was confused.

"How about I help you two with the gazebo? So, we can give Lynna and Tyler some alone time." Alice smiled coyly at me, quirking a brow in challenge.

Lynna's eyes widened, her mouth falling open. "What?" She repeated much more firmly.

I couldn't resist glaring at Alice's smug face. "I don't think so, Alice," I responded dully, flashing her the fakest of smiles.

Lynna's eyes narrowed into slits as she glanced between each of us. "How about we just do what I originally suggested?" She challenged, frowning.

Emmett chuckled lowly, flashing me a mischievous grin. How about we play fair? "How about Edward go with Lynna and Tyler?"

Alice breathed out a laugh, meeting his amused gaze. She shrugged her small shoulders and said, "Works for me," before granting me another suspicious glance as she mentally recited the Chinese alphabet. "Is that alright with you, Lynna?"

I allowed myself to admire the golden-haired girl who looked mighty frustrated. She was still frowning, obviously not too pleased with the arrangement. But she still agreed. "That's fine. Whatever. As long as we get this done."

I couldn't help but smirk in victory, reminding myself to thank Emmett later. He offered me a knowing smile. No need to thank me. If I'm going to take your money, then it should be on a level playing field.

||Lynna's P.O.V.||

I couldn't help but frown as Edward and I walked side-by-side in Tyler's direction, whose dark brown eyes lit up when he saw me approaching. His delight was short-lived when his eyes drifted to Edward. Tyler pursed his lips in annoyance and shook his head, turning to grab a set of string lights from a box. I shot Edward a stern look and mouthed 'be nice' to him. He simply rolled his eyes in response, an amused smirk flitting to his lips. I was honestly in shock by his behavior in front of Alice and Emmett. For someone that had been dead set against them finding out about us, he was certainly acting suspicious. Then again, maybe now that we really were 'just friends', perhaps the pressure was off him? Maybe he was no longer worried because there wasn't anything for them to find out. He was never fearful of being my friend—It was the unknown that frightened him.

"Where would you like to start, Ty?" I turned my attention to my brown-eyed friend.

Edward placed his hands in his pockets, looking between us with a blank expression. Tyler met my gaze and smiled.

"Climb on my shoulders so we can reach the hook up there." He pointed to a small golden hook hanging on a ledge.

Edward narrowed his eyes before he opened his mouth to speak.

But I was quick to beat him to the punch. "We've been over this. I'm too heavy. Just get a ladder."

"My mom's using it." He responded, his smile growing as he looked me up and down. "Come on, Lynn. You're light as a feather. Plus, I don't mean to brag but…" When he flexed his biceps, I couldn't help but laugh.

Edward's head swiveled in my direction, his dark eyes locking with mine. He slightly shook his head as he clenched his jaw, signaling a message that I was choosing to ignore.

"Alright," I breathed out, returning Tyler's smile. "But if you drop me, Ty, so help me—"

He chuckled, crouching down before saying, "Climb on."

As I took a step towards him, preparing to swing my leg over his shoulder, Edward's hand wrapped around my clothed arm, gently tucking me back.

I gasped at the gesture, my heart skipping a beat. He kept his hand wrapped around my arm as he spoke in a clipped voice, "She's not climbing on anyone."

My eyes narrowed into slits. A wave of anger washed over me before I jerked away from his grasp. Tyler straightened up and met Edward's stern gaze.

"She can climb on whoever she wants to," he said, smirking when a scowl crawled across Edward's lips. "And she just so happens to want to climb on me, so if you'll excuse us—"

Pure fury streaked across Edward's face. My mouth fell open, tensing up at the sight. I had never seen like this before. Sure, I've seen him angry but never to this extent. He stepped towards Tyler, his scowl deepening. His fists were clenched so tightly that the whites of his knuckles were threatening to pierce through.

"I'd rethink that if I were you," his voice was low and menacing, dripping with venom.

I shivered at the sound, growing nervous for Tyler, but he wasn't fazed. Without thinking, I stepped between them, placing a hand on Edward's chest.

"Stop," I demanded, looking up at the furious vampire in trepidation.

His darkened eyes met mine and visibly softened in an instant. I felt him relax beneath my touch and had to stop my heart from going into overdrive. Tyler narrowed his eyes suspiciously as his gaze flickered back and forth at us.

"Is.. something going on between you two..?" He asked in disbelief, a hint of jealousy laced in his voice.

Edward's midnight orbs gave way to ember skies as he continued to stare into my eyes, an array of emotions swirling in the depths of his pupils that caused my breath to hitch. It took a moment for me to process Tyler's question, but it would seem that Edward was going to beat me to the punch.

He lips parted as he started to say, "Ye—"

"No!" I cut him off, dropping my hand from his chest and taking a step back.

Tyler quirked a brow at me, clearly not buying it so I continued, "Of course not. Nothing… is going on."

When my eyes flickered to Edward, I saw a look of pain flash across his face. My brows knitted together in confusion. I thought this was what he wanted? Tyler seemed to breathe a visible sigh of relief.

"Great." He beamed at me. "I mean—I didn't really think something was actually going on or anything. I just wanted to make sure. You know.." Tyler glanced at Edward before stating, "Since you're my date to the gala."

Edward's jaw ticked. I watched, in awe, as he ran his tongue along his teeth, looking very much like the lethal vampire he is. Every hair on my body stood up but not out of fear—No, definitely not out of fear. Of all the emotions I was feeling in that moment, fear wasn't one of them.

"Okay. Well, now that that's settled.." I trailed off, hoping that they would both take a hint.

They didn't.

Tyler smirked like the devil, clearly enjoying getting under Edward's skin. "You know.. Like how you were also my date to the prom." He didn't know when to stop. Obviously. When he met Edward's livid gaze, my heart stopped. "I don't know about you, but I'm sensing a theme here," Tyler laughed humorlessly as he gestured between us, somehow managing to maintain eye contact with the wrathful vampire. "Her and me. Me and her. Ya catch my drift?"

Does he have a death wish or something? Okay, so, he isn't aware that Edward is a century old vampire that could snap him in half with the slightest flick of his wrist but still.. Seeing the pure rage in Edward's midnight eyes should make anyone think twice. Vampire or not.

"No." A deep, rumbling sound came from deep within Edward's chest—A warning. "I don't 'catch your drift'." He used air quotes, side-stepping me to take a threatening step towards Tyler. "Why don't you spell it out for me? Or better yet—Spell it out for her."

Fuck. This was not good. This was so not good. Tyler, who is not the sharpest tool in the shed, wasted no time in retorting, "Oh, I plan to. With pleasure."

Wait, what? Was there a double meaning behind his words or was I reading into things? Judging by the growl that emanated from Edward, I was guessing I wasn't.. My cheeks reddened in embarrassment. When he took another step towards the undaunted boy, I anxiously ran a hand through my hair and started frantically looking for Emmett and Alice. They were nestled under the gazebo, but they were both already watching the furious exchange, looking mighty amused. When Alice noticed my bewildered expression, she and Emmett took off at a fast jog towards us. Thank God.

Unfortunately, they couldn't exactly 'vamp' over to us without drawing attention, so Edward had plenty of time to back Tyler into the wall and wrap his hand around his throat. For the first time, the jock's confidence wavered. It didn't just waver—It fell like the walls of Jericho under Edward's vice-like grip. His brown eyes were wide with fear.

"Edward!" I yelled, latching onto his arm and tugging on his sleeve. "Let him go!"

But he was undeterred. He leaned towards the terrified boy and whispered in a voice that sent shivers down my spine, "If you so much as lay one finger on her, I'll—"

Luckily, he was interrupted by Emmett's large hand clamping down on his shoulder. "Everything all right, brother?" He gave Edward a stern stare, seeming to be having a silent conversation.

When the mind-reader released his hold on Tyler, my shoulders sagged in relief. Tyler's hands dropped to his knees as he crouched over, coughing in a bid to catch his breath. Edward oh-so-slowly met my shocked gaze, my eyes still as round as saucers, no doubt. For a split second, his stoic expression gave way to one of anguish, but it vanished so quickly that I thought I had imagined it.

Alice wrapped her arm around my shoulder and softly spoke, "Come on. Let's me and you finish up the gazebo."

I held onto Edward's gaze for as long as I could, until Alice led me in the opposite direction towards the gazebo. Managing one last glance over my shoulder at the forlorn ember-eyed boy my stupid heart was yearning for, I saw that he and Emmett were heading towards the woods.