Disclaimer: I do not own the Twilight Saga franchise.

Author's Note: Hey guys! Long time no see. The last time I updated a chapter was sometime in August, I believe. It's been more than a month and here I am. I've been super stressed about uni and completing assignments but yesterday inspiration struck me and nothing could stop me as I typed chapter 8. The main plot is finally starting. I hope you guys like this chapter and am extremely sorry for the long wait. Also, thank you to all the 82 people who saved my story. You guys have no idea how much confidence and support this gives me.

Now: Bella

A few hours earlier…

Alice: I figured out the solution to your problem.

Bella: And how's that?

Alice: You'll see. Trust me.

Bella: You seem to be saying that a lot…

Alice: I've told Edward what to do. It'll be perfect.

Bella: You actually involved him? Edward's gonna hate me for sure.

Alice: Oh stop it, Bella. Just promise me that you'll go along with whatever he asks of you.

Bella: *shocked face* Oh god. What have you asked him? What has he agreed to?

Bella: Tell me.

Bella: Tell me.

Alice: Jesus. Stop shouting.

Bella: Technically I'm not. We're texting.

Alice: *rolls eyes* Yeah, yeah. Whatever.

Alice: Just promise me that whatever Edward asks you, you'll agree to it.

Bella: If he asks me to concoct a plan to murder you, I just might.

Alice: Please be serious. You wouldn't hurt a fly let alone your very precious, one-of-a-kind best friend.

Bella: *deadpan* That's what you think. Anyways, can't you just tell me what it is you asked Edward to do?

Alice: I would… But, I'll let Edward reveal it.

Bella: Can you just tell what it is about though?

Bella: Alice?

Bella: You can't just leave me on read.

Bella: You suck.

Tucking my phone into my pocket, I enter the kitchen. I check the pantry for things I can use to make dinner. I'm pretty exhausted after shopping for clothes with Alice. Man that girl can shop. When I open the pantry door, I see that there's barely anything on the shelves. There's a box of penne pasta, some risotto rice (which might be too heavy for dinner), a few bags of chips and spices. In the refrigerator, I spot an already opened wine bottle on one of the shelves and take it out. Edward and I can probably finish this today, if he's in the mood.

What do I make for dinner? Maybe enchiladas? Haven't had it in a while.

I change into a pair of denim shorts and an oversized t-shirt and slip into my favorite pair of converse sneakers. In the hallway leading to the main door, there's a credenza with a bowl of keys. I grab the keys of the other car Edward left for me and head out the door.

Once I spot the car in the basement, I try and fail to stop my jaw from dropping. It still boggles my mind how he managed to afford two cars and buy one for his parents as well. (Which Alice later on revealed to me). The car he gave me access to is the Hyundai Tucson. Edward was quite appalled that I didn't seem to know the name of his cars.

I listen to my favorite playlist on the way to the grocery store. When I'm inside, I immediately start throwing in all the ingredients to make enchiladas. I also add eggs and other pantry supplies. Maybe I can make breakfast for Edward so he doesn't have to eat so much outside.

Done with the necessities, I head to the fun part of the grocery restock: the snacks. Excitedly, I grab a few flavors of nachos as I push the cart down the aisle. I jerk to a stop when I notice the famous blue packets of chex mix. It's Edward's favorite. Or was. I'm not sure how much his taste has changed over the years. Needless to say, I smile thinking how Edward might appreciate the gesture of me buying these and make a move to grab.

What I don't see is the hand trying to grab the same packet as me. I turn to apologize to the person next to me and realize that I know this person.

Jacob Black turns to look at me and smiles once he realizes who I am. "Isabella, right?" He hands the packet to me.

Pushing my hair behind my ear, I answer coyly. "Yeah. But you can call me Bella."

He grins, his brown eyes warm and dark. It's clear why everyone on campus loves him. He's part of the football team not to mention his academic performance in most of our classes. A jock who's also smart? Practically every girl's kryptonite.

"So, you're stocking up for the apocalypse or what?" Amusement fills his voice as he motions to the cart I'm holding.

I give out a laugh. "Yeah." I pause. "I mean no!" My eyes widen as I continue to explain. "I'm shopping for two people, so yeah… it's a lot." I finish off, awkwardly.

I suck at socializing. This is why I haven't dated anyone since that disaster of a relationship with Mike back in high school. And now, Alice has come up with a solution to fix my dry spell. Wonder what that is and why she involved Edward. I mean what could he have to do with my problems, I mean, my lack of a love life.

Oh my god, did she ask him to ask me out on a date or something?

I mentally slap myself on the head for even thinking that. No way would Edward agree to that. I've always been Alice's best friend and practically his sister in his eyes. No way would he ever look at me in another way.

I jerk back to the present when I hear a cough. I look up to see Jacob quizzically frowning at me. Oh shit. He asked me something, didn't he?

"Can you repeat that again?" I ask, cringing.

He laughs. "You're living with that blond girl, right?"

"You mean Rosalie?" He nods. "I used to. She moved in with her boyfriend this summer."

Curiosity flickers across his face. "Oh. Where do you live now?"

I look down. "Well… I'm living with my best friend's brother."

"Wow. How's that going?" A puzzled smile appears on his face.

Huh. Wonder why he wants to know. "It's going well. I've known him for a long time now."

Smiling bashfully, he puts his hands into his pockets, rocking back on his heels. "Well, you could have asked me. I know plenty of people who need roommates."

My cheeks redden as I nod, knowing I wouldn't have asked him since we ran in different circles. "I'll keep that in mind. For the future, I mean." I pump my fist in the air awkwardly. You're such a weirdo, Bella.

Jacob smirks. "You make sure to do that."

I nod again as he walks past me, the sound of his wrinkly jacket filling my ears. When I realize he hasn't grabbed a packet for himself, I grab one and rush to him.

Jacob turns to me, curious. Panting, I hand him the packet.

"You forget to take it." I say in between breaths.

He chuckles. "Thanks." Shaking the packet, he winks at me. "See you around Bella."

Blushing, I wave back at him.

After I reach the apartment, I busy myself, stocking up all the groceries.

It's 5:45. Edward should be home in another hour or so. With that in mind, I freshen up and begin preparations for dinner.

Without wasting any more time, I start to prepare the ingredients. The unmistakable sound of the door opening hits my ears and when I hear footsteps enter the kitchen, I turn around to greet Edward.

"Hey! How was your day? I made enchiladas for dinner. I hope you like it."

Edward chuckles at the anticipation in my voice and I take the time to get a look at him. Sleeves rolled up to expose his forearms, I never noticed how vein-y they were. Clearly he takes time to workout and be active. His collar is unbuttoned along with the first two buttons, showing his collarbones. A warm sensation spreads across my chest, as I stare at that exposed patch of skin.

Not wanting to be caught ogling him, I avert my eyes back to his face, just as he says, "It's better than anything I can cook up. The only reason I can cook is because mom forced me to learn some recipes before I moved here."

I smile at the thought of seventeen year old Edward in the kitchen with Esme, learning how to cook. I wonder if he wore one of those aprons that said "kiss the chef". I would definitely kiss him if he wore one now, I think. Stop it, Bella. You should've gotten over this by now.

"I'm glad to help out. It shouldn't take too long. By the time you freshen up, hopefully this should be ready."

Just then a loud growl interrupts my words. I pause and we both glance down at Edward's stomach.

Giggles erupts and before I know it, both of us laugh together. I'm hit by a shot of nostalgia as I think about all the times we spent together in Forks. Edward looks at me fondly. Unable to help myself, I beam under his gaze.

"You're too adorable."

Record screech. The laughter stops to a halt, as I stare at him wide-eyed. Did he just call me adorable? Me? What on earth is happening? I have half a mind to pinch myself, but I don't want to look silly in front of him.

All I'm capable of doing at the moment is blush and avoid eye contact, not wanting to see his reaction to the comment. I don't think I'd be able to stomach it, if I found out he regretted saying that.

"I uh… I'll freshen up and be here in about 15 minutes."

Glancing up, I see him slowly walking backwards to his bedroom. I nod to myself and turn back to the stove.

Switching it off, I prepare the dish and put it in the oven. After a quick shower, I come back to the kitchen and take the dish out, cleaning the counter and setting the table. Pouring out the wine, I take a seat at the counter and wait for Edward.

My mouth goes dry when he steps into the kitchen in his pajamas. He looks like a model in those gray shorts and white vest.

I wonder now more than ever if he actually meant what he said about me looking adorable. And what my reaction would be if what he said was true.

Not wanting to dwell on that any longer, I smile tentatively. "Shall I serve?"

"Yes, please." Edward eagerly raises his plate, waiting for me to serve him.

Once I'm done we start to eat. Instinctively look at him, wanting to see his reaction to my cooking. I know I'm a decent cook, having done it for years when mom left Charlie and even before that. So, I know I'm good but it's been years since Edward has tasted anything I made. I hope he likes it.

My insides clench, when I hear him groan appreciatively. The proverbial butterflies flutter in my stomach. Simultaneously, I feel my skin tingling as though someone brushed against me. I bit my lip to hold in what, I'm not sure of. I just know that I don't want Edward to know what that sound does to me.

Edward looks up right then. "I did not know you could cook like this." He smiles admiringly.

I smile, ducking my head to hide my blush.

"I'm serious. You put my cooking skills to shame." He continues.

I try to brush off the warm glow of pride I feel and answer as nonchalantly as possible. "I've always liked doing it. I used to cook most of the meals back home and later in college."

"Back home? Didn't your mom used to do it?"

Right. I guess he didn't know much about my home life.

"Well, after she left, I did most of it. And when she was there… let's just say she experimented a lot. So, I taught myself early on."

He shakes his head in disbelief. "I'll say this beats eating takeout."

I accept his compliment with a quick thank you.

We're both quiet as we eat. But the silence doesn't feel uncomfortable. I can't help but think how different it is, this silence with other people. There is almost never a quiet time with Alice around. We always have something to talk about, even when we're binge-watching a movie or TV series. With Charlie, there are silences but mostly because of the fact that we've run out of things to say. Charlie and I are alike in that way, I guess. Not people of many words and all that.

But with Edward, I know I could talk and he would converse with me. But I also know that he is perfectly comfortable in the silence. It reminds me of my childhood when, on weekend mornings, Alice would be sleeping in late and Edward and I would be sitting in our bedrooms. Him, playing the keyboard and me reading my novels. We'd just "Hi" or "Good morning" and quietly enjoy each other's company.

"Will you be my girlfriend?"

What?

I look up in shock to see Edward wincing as though he's in pain.

This can't be possible. He cannot be asking me out. Did my thoughts at the grocery store somehow come true? He must be joking. It's a prank. It has to be.

I try to laugh it off. "Okay. You got me. What's the punchline?"

Edward groans. "Thanks not how I meant for it to come out."

"No worries. It's all good." I say, waving it off even as I feel something breaking inside me. I don't attempt reasoning my feelings. "It's just a joke. I get it."

A flash of irritation passes over his face - What's that about? - before he pastes a smile on his face. "That's not what I meant either."

I don't know what to say.

When he sees that I won't respond, he picks up again. "Its… just that… I mean…"

I've never once in my life, seen Edward fumble around so much. Not since I've met him. He's always been so confident and smooth. Charming is what all the girls and women in Forks said about him. If this wasn't so concerning, I would be laughing my ass off.

"What is it, Edward?" I ask patiently.

He takes a deep breath. "It's just… Alice called me this afternoon and asked me for a favor. Something to do with you."

I hold my breath. Alice asked him to be my girlfriend? He just said that that wasn't what he meant to ask.

I continue staring at him, willing him to resume.

He goes on. "Well, she asked if I could… you know," he rubs the back of his neck. "Teach you how to date or something."

My eyes widened, horrified. Oh god, oh god.

Edward gets up, worry twisting his features. "Bella, are you okay?"

I can't look at him. I twist around in my seat and face away from him, covering my face with my hands.

"Bella, will you please look at me? I want to know what's going on?"

"I can't. I literally want the ground to open up and swallow me whole." My voice is muffled, so I'm not sure if he heard me.

"Why? Come on, talk to me."

I don't respond, wallowing in my embarrassment. Edward is quiet too.

Then next thing I know, Edward slowly peels my hands away and holds my wrist in each of his hands.

"Look at me." It's a quiet command. I've never heard him use this tone before.

Compelled, I look up his against my better judgment even as he looks down at me, eyebrows furrowed.

"What?" I ask lamely.

"Why are you embarrassed? Have I said something wrong?"

Said something wrong, my foot. How do I explain this to him without making myself look like an idiot?

Screw it. He's seen me at my worst. What's one more moment?

"I'm so horrified by the fact that Alice had to resort to you teaching me how to date. I mean, I told her that I wanted to find someone this year, but never in a million years did I think she would enlist your help to get me a boyfriend. Do I seem that desperate? I can't even imagine what you mus-"

The rest of my words are muffled when a hand releases one of my wrists to cover my mouth. I inhale sharply and try not to think about what the contact is doing to me physically. My lips are practically kissing his palm. I look up at him, beneath my lashes to see his eyes darken, shoulders heaving. His grip on my other wrist tightens for a fraction of a second before he lets go.

"I don't think of you as desperate, Bella." He says fervently.

I open my mouth to argue, but he cuts me off. "She told me that you haven't dated anyone in a while and that I just needed to help figure out how to get back in the dating scene. That doesn't necessarily seem desperate to me. So, what if you need a little help getting back out there? I certainly have the time to-"

I cut him off this time. "You could invest elsewhere. Doing something more important than teaching your sister's friend how to date. You're a lawyer. Aren't you supposed to be saddled with work all the time?"

By the time I finish, Edward moves back to his place across the island and sits down. For a minute, he doesn't say anything. Instead, he quickly finishes dinner while quietly urging me to do the same. Once the utensils are in the dishwasher and the counters are cleaned, he nudges his head towards the living room. "Get the wine as well." He instructs.

Looks like both of us need alcohol courage to carry on the conversation.

Edward takes a seat on the large sofa while I curl up in the armchair. Hands over my wine glass after refilling it and sits back as I take a sip.

When I don't say anything, he speaks up. "First off, never let Alice know that you called her your friend. She's gonna skin you alive." He puts air quotes around the word 'friend'.

Rolling my eyes, I snark back. "Ha ha. What a tasteful joke, Edward."

He shakes his head mockingly. "I'm serious. She's not gonna tolerate anything less than 'soul sisters' or 'BFF' or other random shit you guys call each other."

"Well, I'm leaning towards calling her a hellion but we'll see." I shrug unruffled.

Edward throws his head back and laughs, reminding so much of when he was seventeen. I always enjoyed making him smile or laugh. Nothing beat the sense of knowing that I was one of those people who inspired happiness in him.

"I'm sure she'd like that." He smirked.

Shaking my head at him, I continue. "What was the second thing?"

He sobers up. "Well, I'm a lawyer, yes. But, I'm not an intern anymore. I'm a junior partner at the firm. Managing my workload has gotten a lot easier since I got promoted earlier this year."

"Congratulations! I had no idea." Wow. Why didn't Alice tell me this?

As if reading my mind, he goes on. "Alice, doesn't necessarily keep track of my career as such." He gives out a huff of amusement. "Neither do my parents for that matter." Seeing my eyebrows pinch in concern, he persists. "Not that they don't appreciate my work. They do. You know mom and dad are. They just hope that I'm happy with whatever it is I'm doing, which I am."

"Either way, it's a big accomplishment. Very few get to where you are so young. There's no doubt you'll become the senior partner and take over the firm." I say, raising my glass at him.

He smiles bashfully, a rare look for him, since I've always seen him to be so confident and charismatic. He clicks his glass with mine.

"As I was saying," he picks up where he left off. "I have a lot of time on my hands. So, I can surely help you out. Besides, it'll give me an excuse to get out of the house once in a while."

I smile. "Don't you travel a bit to meet clients and stuff?"

He rolls his eyes playfully. "Meeting clients and engaging in boring business talks or spending my evenings with a beautiful girl? Hmm… I definitely know what I'd prefer." He finishes, gazing at me softly.

I feel my cheeks heat up at his compliment. He just called me a beautiful girl. Oh my god. I'm gonna pass out right now. He also implied that he would pick me over his job any day. A job that he loves versus me. His little sister's best friend.

Don't get too carried away, the devil on my shoulder whispers. He's probably just saying that to make you feel better.

The devil's right. What the heck am I doing? Entertaining these thoughts. Edward has never seen me anything more than his old neighbor and sister's best friend. He never has and never will.

"But, isn't it kinda silly? Why would you prefer to help me out, while you could… I don't know…" I look around. "Say, play the keyboard or something. That has to be better than giving me dating lessons." I spit the last two words out bitterly.

Edward takes a deep breath and relaxes back on the couch. "It's been a while now since I played the keyboard. Not sure if I even remember how to." He shakes his head in disbelief. "As to what you're concerned about, like I said earlier, it's not a hardship. I'll just give you a few tips and tricks to…" he swallows. "Get a guy's attention and keep him interested in you."

I stare at him. He stares back, expecting me to respond. "You know, you sound like a YouTube tutorial right now."

He gives me a flat look. "Really? Here I am trying to help you out… and you're mocking me." Even though the words sound angry, I can tell by the look on his face that he's saying it jokingly.

I have never really seen Edward lose his temper before. If I don't count that one time he came to pick me from Port Angeles. That was probably the only moment I ever saw Edward lose his cool, at me or anyone else. Wonder what he's like in the courtroom. My mind takes over and I start to daydream about seeing him argue in the court. I doubt he's lost any case, what with that charm and confidence of his. I bet he probably wears a nice tailored suit like the ones they show in Law and Order. Does he use one of his smouldering stares, I wonder. Those strong shoulders, coupled with his intense gaze, I'd confess all my guilty crimes and happily go to prison.

I'm jerked back to reality when a waving hand appears in front of my face. I look over the hand to see Edward staring at me curiously and I turn red. Again. God, if he knew the things I was dreaming about. This is probably the hundredth time I've had to control my thoughts around him.

Clearing my throat, I ask, "is that really what you want to do? To help me… date someone?"

He nods emphatically. "It won't be too problematic. Just think of it as tutoring. Like how I did with math."

He's referring to the time he tutored me AP Math when I was in high school. From experience I can tell, this is going to be… I don't know if it's difficult. How am I supposed to spend time around him, while he gives me dating tips and not envision myself as the girl dating him?

I take a deep breath. "Okay. So, should I get a piece of paper for this or something?" At his raised eyebrow, I explain further. "You know, so you can write those tips down for me… notes, I guess." I end my sentence as a question seeing his expression change from incredulous to downright hilarity.

Edward rocks back and forth on the couch laughing, while I stare at him like he's an alien.

"Would you stop laughing like a deranged psycho? Why is this so funny?"

His laughter comes to a slow stop before he looks at me, smiling. "Why do you always call me a 'deranged psycho' when I laugh?"

I burst out. "It's weird. You're always so calm and collected. And too pretty to be laughing like that!" I wave my hands around, to emphasize my point.

He freezes at my last words and I resist the urge to slap a hand on my mouth.

"Did you just call me 'pretty'?" He's smirking now. I can practically see him floating off the floor with his inflated sense of ego.

"You know what you look like." I say as nonchalantly as possible.

"First off Isabella," I gulp at the sound of my full name coming out of his mouth. It's always unnerving when someone you know well calls you by your full name. Makes you feel guilty for some reason.

Edward smirks when he sees me gulp and carries on. "Pretty is not the right word used to describe a guy. Especially me. You can call me handsome if you want. No wonder Alice enlisted my help. You're definitely bound to be a lost cause if you keep continuing at this rate."

By the end, both of us are laughing and I grab the cushion pressed behind my back and aim it at his head. It hits his knees and falls miserably on the floor. This causes us to laugh even harder.

When we're catching our breath, Edward remarks. "I see you hand-eye coordination hasn't improved over the years."

I glare at him. "Coming back to the subject, will you tell me why you found what I asked earlier funny?"

He smiles widely. "Well, dating is not something you can learn through reading or memorising some tricks. You need to actually get out there and try."

"And how will I try this out?" I ask curiously.

"I'll let you know soon enough. Just you wait." Edward says, throwing me a wink.

Author's Note: I hope you guys enjoyed this chapter. I'm more determined now than ever to finish this story. I hope to do so summer next year.