AN/ I'm so sorry for the delay in posting.

I have the next chapter about half wrote,

hopefully I can get it posted soon.

Disclaimer: I do not own Twilight...duh!

Chapter 22

Just tell me how I got this far
Just tell me why you're here and who you are
'Cause every time I look
You're never there
And every time I sleep
You're always there
'Cause you're everywhere to me
And when I close my eyes it's you I see
You're everything I know
That makes me believe
I'm not alone
I'm not alone

"What do you mean by maybe?" he continued with a slight grin on his face.

"It's not really something you just blurt out."

"Blurt you did. And you do"

"Fine, of course," I tossed my hands up and inadvertently moved towards him. "I can't stop thinking about you. And it's driving me crazy."

Before I had time to finish he was right in front of me, staring down at me. My eyes went wide as I waited for him to say something, anything. It seemed like minutes had past but in this fucked up reality it was probably just a few seconds. My mind processed everything I could imagine he could possibly say.

He wrapped his arms around me and pulled me close. He kept up his silence.

Oh god, was this a "friend" hug?

After more waiting he leaned down and whispered into my neck. It gave me chills, his warm breath hitting the sensitive part of my neck.

I could hear and feel him speaking but couldn't make out the words.

Believe me, I tried.

"Okay," I pulled away to look at him. "That felt great and depending on what you actually said, you must do that again. But unfortunately I couldn't hear a damn word you said."

"I like you too Bella," he said smoothly.

"No, you're not getting away with it that easy. I know you said more."

"Yes, but your mouth got in the way and now you'll have to wait," he crossed his arms.

"That's not fair," I said, pouting like one of my students.

"Don't get yourself all worked up. You'll find out soon enough."

I didn't say anything...just huffed and sat back on the couch.

"Now I get to have a little fun," he said rubbing his hands together.

"Since when did you become an animated villain in a 70's cartoon?"

"Ha, ha," he mocked, laughingly . "Now you have to wait longer."

"Damn," I said faking annoyance.

After a long pause "So, now what?"

"Right now?" I nodded yes to his question. "I have to leave."

"Okay, so beyond right now, what do we do?"

"Let's start with, see you after school."

"That's it?" I asked when he moved towards the door.

"I planned on us talking about this more."

"I guess I didn't expect you to leave right after but I understand."

I looked up at him. He quickly moved towards me and knelt on the couch next to me, his face so close I was afraid to breathe.

"I do want to have fun with you, but I won't make you wait for this."

His lips touched mine and he leaned into me.

"A little conceded, are we?" I pulled away annoyed, just a little.

"You know you wanted it," he leaned back to me.

"Yes, but you don't have to point it out." I smirked.

"I have to go," he said, resting his forehead on mine.

"You already said that." I playfully smiled at him.

"And I am." he smiled and smoothly walked to the door.

He left and for once I wasn't sad. I knew I would be seeing him later. But that didn't stop me from going to the window and watching him. He looked up and smiled, knowing I would be looking. He waved and backed out. I sighed and closed the curtains just as Rosalie started walking over. I guess now was as good time as any to break it to her. Why did I feel more nervous about telling Rose than I was with Edward?

She walked in and I braced myself, because she had to have seen him.

"Was that Edward?" She pointed.

"Yes," I tried to say non-nonchalantly.

"Why was he here?"

"He checked on me," I looked away.

"Last night?" She raised her eyebrow. "So he stayed the night?"

"Yeah, we fell asleep watching movies," I said calmly.

"You slept together?" She asked, making it sound dirty.

"We fell asleep on the couch." I rolled my eyes at her.

"Oh, okay. Well how are you feeling?"

"That's It? Your just going to drop it?"

"Drop what?"

"Edward and I." I stared at her shocked.

"Why? Should I not drop it?" She said like a light bulb went off in her head.

"No, you shouldn't." I looked away afraid of the verbal lashing that was surely to follow.

I looked when she still hadn't said anything.

"The tension between you two was practically visible. With the passion you both put into your arguments, it was only a matter of time," she said, plopping down on the couch.

"Was it that obvious?"

"To the untrained eye? No," she shook her head. "To me? Yes," she shook her head yes.

"And you're not mad?"

"Why would I be mad?" she said, her voice getting a little higher.

"You kind of hate him."

"I do not hate him. I just don't like his attitude. But it's improved. I love you both so feel free to do with him what you want."

"What's that supposed to mean?" I asked confused.

"I know you want him."

I got up, hoping my silence would end the discussion but the smirk on my face alerted Rose.

"You already have?" She jumped up.

"Yes." I shrugged.

"How did I not know about this?"

"My sex life is not something that I broadcast."

"Oh but you should." She stood with her hands on her hips.

"That's not going to happen," I said walking to the stairs, leaving her empty handed.

To say I had a good day was an understatement. Nothing anyone did made my smile falter. And believe me the children tried. The day after Halloween was filled with hyper children that even more so didn't want to pay attention. They wanted a repeat of yesterday.

Rose seemed to be getting annoyed with my giddiness. She rolled her eyes at every overly happy sentence I said.

What would it be like to go out with Edward?

Him putting his best moves on me. I could imagine a romantic candle lit dinner with champagne and feeding each other dessert.

"I would have pushed you two together a long time ago if I'd known it would have this effect," Rose said quietly over lunch.

"Hush," I said not wanting the children to hear our conversation.

"So, what level of together are you?"

"Um...I really don't know."

"How do you not know?"

"We didn't have time to discuss it before he left."

"I still don't understand."

"We're going to talk more tonight."

"That's good I guess, but still weird."

"Thanks Rose, you have such a way of making me feel confident."

My mind then went to the worst possible outcome. Edward taking me somewhere and ditching me for the waitress. I shook that off.

"I'm sorry," Rose brought me back.

"Don't worry about it, you're just pointing out the obvious."

I went back to daydreaming, well more like staring off trying to go to a better state of mind.

I found myself watching the children eat. I was about to tell Felix to get back to his seat when I saw he had a handful of candy. He was walking towards Maggie. I couldn't stop him. He got to her and nervously placed the candy on her place mat. I couldn't hear what was said but when he returned back to his lunch, they both had smiles on their faces and cheeks were tinted pink.

I would have to talk to Felix later, but for now I'll let him enjoy his victory.

I could see Edward doing that for me. He wasn't that guy...anymore. What Felix did re-newed my faith in men. Yes he was young, but I could see Edward as that sweet guy. He was there for me when I needed him most and even saved my life. I definitely had to see where this would go.

The rest of the day went by pretty smoothly. Felix was very sorry and promised to stay in his seat. And I managed to stay calm and was less noticeable about my trips to the restroom. I hardly talked to Rose. I wasn't upset with her but she wasn't my favorite person right now. I needed her and she only made it worse.

When I got home I said my quick goodbyes to Rose and Colin and headed straight for bed. I was even more wore out and was trying to sneak a nap in. I didn't know what to expect but right now I could hardly keep my eyes open.

I woke up and went into panic with the sound of my lamp turning on and movement on my bed. I rolled over to see Edward sitting on the edge of my bed. My heart went from fast to faster, and I went from scared to relieved in a matter of seconds.

"I'm sorry this wasn't the best idea."

"At least I didn't hit you this time. Want to join me?" I patted the bed next to me.

"Is that the best idea?"

"We can handle it," I teased.

"I think we need to be careful how we take things."

"I agree but if I stay under the covers and you stay on top, we will be good." I gave the thumbs up.

We laid facing each other with the dim light surrounding us.

"So, now what?" I said breaking the silent stare.

"I'm good with staying here." He took my hand.

"Oh, I wasn't planning on getting out of bed." I laughed.

"Good to know what I'm getting myself into now." He smirked and it took every ounce of willpower not to pounce him.

"And you think laziness is something you need to be concerned about." I poked him playfully.

"No, but I'm keeping my eye on you."

"Oh that doesn't sound creepy." I propped my head on my hand.

"There's nothing creepy about wanting to take care of you."

"You want to take care of me?" I said, hoping not to sound ungrateful.

"Do you want me to want to take care of you?" he asked, avoiding my question.

"To some extent."

"I'm starting now. You being tired so much, worries me."

"It's just all the extra effort I have to put into walking." I laid my head back on my pillow.

"Are you in pain?"

"Very little, but I've decided not to take my pain killers."

"Why not?" He jerked up.

"It's not worth the nausea and anyway, I get the cast of in two days."

"Are you sure?"

"Of course I am. I'm a big girl. I can handle it."

His body eased and he laid on his back. I not so smoothly moved over to him and put my head on his shoulder.

"Do you want to go out after you get your cast off?"

"What do you have in mind?"

"Not sure yet."

"Hmm..." I looked at him with a raised eyebrow.

He gave me a reassuring look.

"I told Rose today." I looked anywhere but at him.

"And what did you tell her?" He asked, sounding curious.

"What happened last night and this morning."

"What did she say?"

"About time." I laughed.

He smirked but didn't say anything.

"What do I call you?" I asked without thinking.

"I think Edward would be best." He laughed.

"Smart ass!" I yelled, punching him in the shoulder.

"So violent," he joked.

"No, seriously...do I call you my boyfriend?"

"Is that what this is?" He questioned. sounding serious.

Did I just assume that he felt the same way?

My heart stopped, and I couldn't bring myself to look at him.

"Calm down." He turned to me when he saw my face clench.

"Bella, I was joking. I thought my feelings for you were obvious."

"They aren't, or I'm afraid I'm just reading them wrong."

"You can call me whatever you want as long as I'm in your life, because that's all that matters."

I closed my eyes and leaned into him. I almost started crying, but not for the obvious reason. Edward revealed his feelings to me and that thrilled me. But the reason I could feel the tears barely forming was I didn't recognize myself. I was depending on a guy and worrying about him, his feelings, and what he was thinking. I shouldn't give a shit about any of that. Who the hell was I?

AN/ I know this Bella isn't perfect

but for me she is real and

I like her this way.

And I hope you do to!

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