Author's Note: When I started writing Twilight fanfic - Lo! an entire month ago - I didn't intend on doing an all-human story. So naturally that's exactly what I wound up writing. And, of course, I had to pick the most preposterous scenario to write about. Which makes it all more fun!

Disclaimer: I'm not Stephanie Meyer, I don't own these characters or Twilight. :sobs quietly into the corner:

Between men and women there is no friendship possible.

There is passion, enmity, worship, love, but no friendship.

Oscar Wilde

Chapter 1

I impatiently checked my watch for the fifth time since leaving work. I was getting close to being late for an important appointment and was starting to get anxious about missing it altogether.

I should have taken a cab, I thought as the bus stopped to let off a few shoppers. This is ridiculous, why are the stops so close to each other? The bus sped up to the speed limit only to slow down almost immediately to take on more passengers at the next stop. I thought taking the bus would be fast enough, but I'd forgotten about the rush hour traffic.

Frustrated, I stood up and pushed my way through the commuters and hopped off before the driver could close the doors. My foot caught the edge of the curb which nearly sent me sprawling but I managed to stay upright. Quickly gathering my bearings I headed north against the tide of humans running against me. When I reached the corner I realized that I'd gone the wrong way.

Growling and so angry I was very near tears I turned around and headed back the way I had come. I flipped open my cell phone and punched my best friend's number on speed dial. “I was insane moving back here!” I cried, out of breath from running, when Alice picked up. “The traffic is a mess and there's nothing affordable within a fifty-mile radius. What was I thinking, listening to you?”

“That you wanted to spend more time with your friends and family,” Alice said sweetly.

“You think that, Alice. OK, I'm completely lost now. How do I get to Elliott Avenue?” I asked, brushing away the hair that was sticking to my face.

“Where are you now?”

“I...” I looked around for a sign or an address on a building, anything that would tell me where I was. “I have no idea. Why don't I recognize anything? Seattle hasn't changed that much while I was away. Geez!”

Alice chuckled on the other end. “Just head west, Bella. When you fall into the Puget you'll know you've gone too far.”

“Could you be any more unhelpful?” I asked petulantly.

“I can't help you if you can't tell me where you are,” she pointed out. “Do you see anything familiar now?”

I reached the end of the block and saw the water out in front of me.

“Um, yes. I'm a few blocks away from the Sound.” I hurried around the corner and ran across the street with the light. “Yes, it's there! I see it! Alice, thank you!” I cried, relieved now that I could see my destination.

“I'm so glad I could help,” Alice said lightly. “Where are you going again?”

“I told you last night I was looking at an apartment after work. And now I'm...” I glanced at my watch, panting with the effort from running. “I'm twenty minutes late! Darn it! It's probably been rented by now.”

“I doubt that, Bella. And you know you're more than welcome to stay with me and Jasper for as long as you need,” she said kindly.

I slowed down to a brisk walk trying to regain my breath, “Thank you, Alice, but I've been staying with you for three weeks and I'm feeling very third-wheelish.” The apartment building was only a few yards ahead. I could see a small crowd of people heading towards me. I was bound to get caught up in it so I moved closer to the wall to avoid them.

“Oh well, we can start looking for a boyfriend for you just as soon as you get settled.”

Oh no, not another round of The Love Connection Bella-Style! I skidded to a halt just outside of the glass doors of the apartment complex. I was more than late for the appointment, but Alice on a mission was just slightly more formidable than trying to find housing in a competitive market. I could always sleep in Lincoln Square if I had to. Lots of people did.

“Alice,” I hissed loudly, trying to talk on the phone and struggle with one of the large double doors and my satchel all at the same time. “I've got a brand new job and I just moved across country – again.” I finally managed to get the door open, “Don't you dare set me up with anyone! Oh, I'm so sorry!”

As I yanked the door open I managed to knock into the person in back of me, setting off a chain reaction. I dropped my satchel and my phone went flying out of my hand. The man I'd bumped into dropped what he was holding and grabbed me by my waist, keeping me upright, but I still managed to step on both of his feet before I could regain my balance.

I felt my face go red with embarrassment. This was so typical of me. Apologizing profusely, I stooped to gather up the things I dropped, papers scattered everywhere. I could see something fluttering around the corner of the building and into the street. I hoped it wasn't important.

Alice was screaming out of the phone by then, “Bella, what was that? Are you alright? Bella?”

“I'm fine, Alice... I just... had an accident. Hang on!” I yelled back as I grabbed what I could from the ground.

Just then a rich, velvety voice chuckled in my ear, “You haven't changed at all, Bella Swan.”

I gasped in shock. I knew that voice. I'd used to dream about it so often that I nearly programmed myself to hallucinate about it. Blushing furiously I looked up into the blazing green eyes of my old high school crush - Edward Cullen.

I blinked, staring at him stupidly. “Um. Hi.”

He smiled crookedly at me from his own crouching position scooping up papers, his thick bronze hair glinted in the sunlight. I nearly stopped breathing – he was just as perfect as when I had last seen him, six years ago. And here he was again, victim to my extraordinary ability to trip over air. I chocked down a groan. It wasn't the first time he had suffered from my clumsiness.

I'd been expecting to see him – just not quite like this. Alice and her boyfriend, Jasper maintained contact with him throughout college and they'd mentioned that, like me, Edward had recently relocated back to Washington. I knew Alice was planning a sort of mini reunion with all our high school friends some time soon. At this point I was still debating on whether or not to be out of town that weekend.

I did a quick survey of the mess I'd caused and groaned. The top of my satchel must have burst open because everything I had stuffed in it was now scattered all over. I said a quick prayer of thanks that I wasn't having my period that week. All I needed to complete my humiliation was a couple of tampons lying out where anyone could see them. Edward's damage wasn't as bad but now his things were mixed up with mine.

I sighed. “I'm so sorry, Edward.” I started stuffing everything back into my bag to keep more papers from blowing away in the wind. We'd have to sort through it inside where we'd be out of the way from the swarms of people moving around.

He grinned at me, also filling up his computer bag randomly. “You remember me! I'm flattered.”

“Of course I remember you. We spent four years in high school together.” I blushed some more not realizing how that could have been taken out of context until after I blurted it out. Forget the apartment. I'll just crawl into a hole and die.

He only chuckled and finished gathering everything up. He rose gracefully, shrugging the strap of his bag onto his shoulder then reached out a hand to help me up.

I stared at it for a brief second before I took it. Edward had played the piano from grade school and the practice gave him such beautifully expressive hands and fingers and sculptured forearms. I'd found them a turn-on ever since our junior year when I sat next to him biology and, trying not to look directly at him – or at least trying not to be obvious that I was looking at him - I'd spent almost all my time just watching the way his hands moved. As my I touched him I felt an electric shock course through me.

Jolted, I let go as soon as I was standing upright.

“Sorry.” He glanced at the phone on the ground - Alice still shouting at me from it - and back at me. “You forgot something.”

I panicked, “Oh no! Alice!” I picked it up and started apologizing again, “I'm sorry, I dropped the phone. Look, I'll call you back later, I have to do some damage control first.”

I could feel Edward laughing silently next to me. He was standing so close I could almost taste him. No! No, no, no, no! Don't go there, Swan, I thought.

“What happened? Who was that?” she asked.

“You'll never believe it. I'll see you later, okay?” I pleaded.

“Relax, Bella. Good luck with the apartment,” she said before hanging up.

I flipped the phone shut and noticed the fall had cracked the casing. I'd have to get a new one. Again. Perfect. I shoved it into my bag and turned back to Edward who politely held the door open for me.

“Thank you,” I said as we walked through to the lobby.

Once we were inside we both started rifling through our things, handing over anything that didn't belong in our bags. Edward continued to walk slowly and I had to follow as best I could but obviously doing three things at once was beyond my abilities.

“It's been a long time since I've seen you. How've you been?” he asked me as we sorted things out.

“I've been... great!” I tried to sound chipper but inside I was wondering how I looked. My frantic rush to get here left me a sweaty mess. My hair had also managed to come mostly undone from the loose ponytail I'd put it in that morning. There were strands of hair hanging in my face and down my neck. I must have looked like an escaped lunatic. “What about you?” I asked.

“Great.” He mimicked, smiling down at me with a glimmer of humor in his eyes; and then it was as if we were back in high school again and my heart pounded violently against my chest, my palms got sweaty and the telltale flush of embarrassment blazed over my face. He definitely didn't look like a wreck.

I quickly glanced away, fumbling with the strap on my satchel.

“Where are you headed?” he asked me.

I nodded towards the office which was enclosed all in glass to afford a view of the front lobby. “Just there. But I'm late, he's probably gone now.”

He walked with me and held the door open. We were close together, still handing things back and forth, his hand grazing mine ever so slightly.

Sitting behind the desk was a man who looked up at us and smiled. He glanced at the clock on his desk and at a ledger in front of him, “Edward Cullen?” he asked, standing up and holding out his hand. “I'm Joe Murry, rental agent of The Lofts.”

I glanced up at him, surprised. Was Edward looking for an apartment too? Did I just lose mine to him? Figures. I sighed in defeat.

Edward put out his hand and shook the manager's hand. “Nice to meet you.” He gestured to me. “This is Bella Swan.”

I smiled nervously at him and shook his hand. “I'm late. I'm sorry.”

Joe smiled, “That's okay, we're all here now. The manager must have been mixed up because she had the two of you down for different times.” He glanced back down to his ledger, “And for a studio? That can't be right. We do have a recent vacancy on the third floor. One bedroom, one bath and it you can see the Space Needle...”

“What?” I exclaimed.

“Excuse me?” Edward asked.

I stared in amazement, my mouth open to speak but I couldn't find the words. Does this guy think we're together? Seriously? I almost laughed, it was so absurd. Incredulously, I looked up at Edward. He had a peculiar expression on his face and I couldn't tell if he was amused or insulted at Joe's assumption. His eyes were brightened and stared at me as if he was trying to read my thoughts.

Trying to break the spell he was putting me under, I snatched the rest of my papers from Edward's hands and shoved them into my bag. “Um, Mr. Murry,” I began. “I think there's been a mistake-”

Edward broke in before I could set the record straight, “What Bella means, Mr. Murry, is that we're looking for a larger two bedroom, two bath apartment,” his voice oozed persuasion.

“What?” I repeated, astonished.

He leaned down and whispered, his breath tickling my ear, “It'll be fine. Just play along.” I just stared at him.

Joe looked over the available apartments, “Let's see. How about the top floor overlooking the Sound?”

I blinked. “I-”

Edward quickly interrupted me again, “It sounds perfect. When can we take a look?”

Joe unlocked one of the drawers in his desk and rifled through the envelopes until he reached the right one. “Right now. Follow me, the elevators are just over here.”

Stunned, I looked up at Edward and said the only thing I could think of: “What?”

Joe led us back into the lobby toward the elevators. Edward placed his hand lightly on my back and I shuffled along, helplessly. The contact made my confusion even worse as I snatched quick peeks at his face, wondering what he was thinking. The strange expression was still there, as was an intent look in his eyes.

Could he be that desperate to find a place to live? I wondered. Why are we even doing this? This is ridiculous!

As Joe talked about the amenities that The Lofts had to offer tenants, I stared out of the elevator at the street below. I heard nothing of what he was saying. I was too hyper-aware of Edward's contact with my back and trying to get my brain to function enough so I could extract myself from this absurd situation. I glanced at Edward for a fraction of a second and nearly lost it. He was leaning back against the handrail casually, so close to me that I could see his vein rapidly throbbing on the side his neck. Mesmerized, I felt a sudden urge to suck on it.

I bit down on my lips hard to keep myself from jumping him there in the elevator.

We reached the fifth floor and were led down a long brightly-lit hallway to apartment 518. Joe took the key out of the envelope and opened the door. Edward let me walk in first, then followed with Joe right behind.

The apartment, just as Edward had said, was perfect. Facing west toward Puget Sound, it was open and light with floor-to-ceiling windows and a large fireplace. The dining area was connected to it, doubling the size. Off the living room was a balcony from which we could see the ferries and tour boats glide by. I snuck a peek at Edward, who was staring at me.

“Well?” he asked me. “What do you think?”

I tucked a strand of hair behind my ear. “Um. It's nice, but...”

Joe interrupted, “The kitchen is to your left.” He walked out of the entryway and, like a lamb to the slaughter, I followed along with Edward trailing behind me. “Do either of you cook?” he asked.

“Nope,” Edward said with a grin.

“Yes.” I said at the same time.

Joe smiled. “The gourmet kitchen is very accommodating with all Energy Star appliances and plenty of cabinet space. Granite counter tops, tumbled marble back splash, double-sided fridge, professional gas range,” he pointed out.

Interested, I looked at the kitchen and thought Joe was overstating it. Professional gas range, my foot.

He moved on, “And over here we have the master bedroom.”

Again I followed behind, him unable to stop this weird delusion. Glancing around, I was taking in details of the apartment. It was definitely bigger than I needed and probably three times more than what I could afford to pay in rent. It was like test driving a Jaguar before buying a Corolla.

The master bedroom was huge compared to what I was used to and it also overlooked the Sound. I immediately imagined myself in it, which was a foolish thing to do because there was no way I was going to live here. Even after everything was explained to Joe and he showed us the smaller apartments, I still would be unable to live in this building because I would die of embarrassment every time I passed the front office.

“And here's the bathroom,” Joe said, as he opened the wide door and I stepped out into Oz.

“Ooo!” I couldn't help it. The bathroom was gorgeous - with a large jetted tub, and a separate shower big enough for two people to fit in it. The toilet was tucked away in it's own space and a long counter top with double sinks stretched along the back wall. There was more marble on the floor. I'd probably slip and break my neck if I walked on it barefoot. High up over the tub was a window letting in the brilliant sunlight. Not thinking twice, I kicked off my shoes and stepped into the tub. “Mmm...” I slid down and leaned my head back.

“She likes the tub!” Edward's deep voice washed over me.

My eyes flew open and I felt the flush rise slowly from my chest into my cheeks as Edward stared down at me, his hands in his pockets and a gleeful look on his face.

“Sorry.” I sat up and scrambled for purchase to stand up.

Joe chuckled. “Actually, most women do that. Some men, too. Shall I show you the rest of the place or should I leave you two alone to go over it and discuss things in private?”

I was still in the tub so I looked up at Edward, curious to hear what he'd say.

He was looking at me with a smirk - hands deep in his pockets, computer bag casually hanging from his shoulder – the absolute picture of ease. “Well, Mr. Murry, if you don't mind I think we would like to talk for a bit. What do you think, Bella?”

I stroked my hands softly against the top of the tub and nodded quickly.

“Very well, then. I'll just leave the apartment details on the kitchen counter and let myself out. See you downstairs.”

We waited until we heard the door close before speaking.

“What?” I asked for the fourth time.

“You say that a lot. Funny, I remembered you as being more articulate than this.” His crooked smile was very much in evidence.

Oh, he was definitely enjoying my embarrassment! And he was a lousy liar, too, because I distinctly remembered being too dazzled by him speak coherently. I huffed at him and stood up. “You're being ridiculous.” I brought one foot out of the tub but stumbled as I tried to climb all the way out.

Edward caught me again and set me down on the tile. “One thing's for sure, you'll never be able to take a bath by yourself without breaking your neck.”

I gaped at him, “Are you trying to be funny?”

“That depends. Did you think it was funny?” He lifted an eyebrow at me.

I wanted to lick it.

Instead I grabbed the strap of my bag and pulled it back onto my shoulder. “No, I thought it was juvenile.”

“Did you want to look at the rest of the place?” He asked me quietly, no longer smiling.

I dropped my shoulders in defeat. “What would be the point; I can't afford it. It's nice though. I like the tub,” I said looking back up at him and grinning slyly. “Are iyou/i going to take it?”

His eyes flashed, “If I do would you come over and take a bath?”

My breath caught in my throat. Was Edward Cullen flirting with me? I didn't know what to think so I answered as playfully as I could, “Maybe.” My heart felt like I had just run a marathon. I needed to sit before I passed out.

Abruptly I turned and walked back to the living room. The sun was just starting to set over the water and I had a perfect view. I didn't want to leave until after it set. I felt Edward come to stand next to me.

We stood there in silence as the sky gradually flamed brilliantly before darkening into a soft purple twilight. I could see lights twinkling on Bainbridge Island. The apartment was now enveloped in darkness and stupidly I imagined what it would be like if I was renting it with Edward, that we were really a couple and we were starting a life together.

Stupid high school crush. I thought I was over it! What was wrong with me?

I wrapped my arms around myself and turned to look at him again. It was hard to tell in the dark room what his expression was. I hoped he couldn't read mine. I watched him, waiting for him to speak first.

After a few minutes he spoke, his voice low in the dark. “All right, just listen to what I have to say and keep an open mind.”

Intrigued, I said, “Okay.” I wondered what he was thinking.

He walked to the wall and turned on the ceiling fan light. The bright light blinded me briefly. I had to blink my eyes rapidly before they could adjust.

I watched Edward's graceful stride as he went to the kitchen to grab the specs on the apartment and brought it back. He held up the blue and gold folder and smiled crookedly.

Did he know what that particular smile did to me? I cocked my head to the side, waiting for him to begin.

He opened the folder and drew out some papers. The top one had the details on rent and he made a passing glance at it. I imagined he was doing some mental calculations. I remembered he'd been good at math in school. He looked away from the sheet and stared at the wall for a moment, deep in thought. Absently he ran a hand through his hair making it a complete and gorgeous mess.

Then he took a deep breath and looked up at me, eyes blazing. He handed me the paper. “I can afford half of the rent. What about you?”

I looked at the figures named and did some quick thinking. Half would be more than what a studio cost but not too much. It would be doable if Alice stopped taking me shopping every weekend. I nodded my head and looked up at him. “But I still don't see-”

“Okay, here's the deal,” he interrupted. “We both need an apartment. I travel a lot and I like to know my stuff is safe. Plus you'll have privacy. This way, we both get a nice big apartment and we can save money by splitting expenses. We've known each other for a long time. We have mutual friends so you know I'm not a scary monster...”

Right, the only thing scary about him was the way he made my insides turn to goo with just the sound of his voice. What did that matter? But he was still talking and I was missing it.

“...I'm not a slob and you can cook.”

I just stood there with a peculiar look on my face. Was that English he was speaking? Was he suggesting what I think he's suggesting or had I gone mad? “You're saying we should... move in? Together?” My head was swimming. “We barely even know other!”

“What do you mean? We were in high school together for four years,” he pointed out, eyes twinkling.

I snorted, surprising him. “That's completely different and you know it.”

“You know you can trust me,” he said softly.

“Yes, of course.” And I did know that. Edward had always been quiet and reserved though not unpopular. He had been good friends with Jasper, who happened to be Aliec's boyfriend, so we were around each other peripherally. I was too shy to approach him but I was there. Sometimes I thought he noticed me as more than a casual acquaintance; but he never said anything and I was too chicken. I watched him constantly during my teenage years. Other girls obsessed over movie stars and singers, I obsessed with Edward Cullen.

I was so pathetic.

And in all four years of high school Edward Cullen had a reputation of being a complete gentleman. The few girls he made time for – and I had desperately wanted to be one of them - all talked about how wonderful he'd been. But he never used and tossed anyone away, like some others at school would have if they'd had his looks and talent. I wouldn't have to worry about him trying to do anything inappropriate.

Dammit.

I looked down, twisting my hands in knots, “I feel like I've been inserted into Bizarro World.”

He chuckled. Then, suddenly serious, “You'd be safe with me, Bella.”

I looked up quickly, my world crashing down around me. “You're gay?” I asked, horror-stricken.

“What?” he exclaimed just as horrified as I was. “No, I'm not gay. Let's just leave it at that.” Embarrassed, he looked away.

I tried to think of something to say but every conventional topic was eluding me at the moment. I glanced at the kitchen.

“Do you really expect me to cook for you?” I asked him, eyebrows raised slightly.

“Does that mean you'll agree to move in with me?” He countered, his beautiful face beaming.

I bit my lip, thoughtfully. It would be the most stupid decision I could make, moving in with Edward Cullen. I hadn't seen him in six years and we weren't the closest of friends before. But it would also be – nearly – a dream come true. I knew that the idea of us becoming anything more than just friends was about as remote as me winning the lottery but thought of waking up every morning with the possibility of seeing his face had gripped me ever since we walked into the apartment.

I had thought I'd gotten over my crush but the past hour and my pounding heart had proved otherwise. Living in the same apartment with him even platonically would probably make me a pile of mush before one week was out. I'd have to do some serious hiding of my feelings. He must never, ever know how much I wanted him if I was to pull this off. I'd need to be very calm and very cool in his presence, reserving the right to go completely ga-ga in the privacy of my own room. With the door locked. And maybe a towel stuffed in the crack under the door.

Trying to think of all the pros and cons of Edward's plan, I stared at the floor, deliberating. The cons were numerous, starting with the barely knowing each other factor and going down the list, ending with my obvious attraction to him. The pros would be: Well, I would get to see Edward daily. I tried to concentrate but I couldn't.

Berber carpet. That's nice, I mused, distracted. Then I looked up and saw Edward staring at me, his beautiful face serious and intent, green eyes blazing. It completely undid me. I felt a small smile form on my lips. “Yes, I'll do it.”

It was impossible that I just said that aloud. But I must have done because a glorious smile broke out on Edward's face. I smiled back. “But we have to decide who gets what room.”

He laughed, “You can have the big bedroom. I don't think I could take that tub away from you. It'd be like kicking a puppy.”

I grimaced. “No. That's not fair. We'll toss a coin for it.” I sat down and upended my bag, dumping out the contents on the floor.

Edward just looked at me, amusement written over his face, but he sat down as well.

“I'm going to have to reorganize it later anyway,” I explained as I located my wallet, fishing a quarter out. “You call,” I said as I flipped the coin, catching it in my hand and slapping it down on my arm.

“Heads.”

I peeked and made a face. “It's heads.”

He chuckled. “We can always do two out of three.”

“No! You get the nice, big room with the pretty tub and I'll get...” I just remembered we didn't inspect the rest of the apartment.

He seemed to realize this when I did because he jumped up in one smooth motion and he held out his hand to me. Once again I felt a sharp jolt of electricity when I took it.

“Sorry,” he murmured.

I shook my head to pass it off as nothing but inside my stomach was full of butterflies. I walked down the hallway. The second bedroom was on the opposite side of the apartment and for that I was grateful. I didn't want my room to be anywhere near his if, and I was hating the thought of it, he brought home a girl for the night.

There were two sets of sliding doors in the hallway which I opened. One was a utility closet, which had a washer and dryer in it and some wire shelving. The other had a clothing rack and more shelves on top. The spare room was at the end of the hallway. I opened the door and flipped on the light.

The room was nice, smaller than the other but still roomy with large windows and what looked to be a big closet. I was happy to see another ceiling fan. The Northwest had an uncomfortable lack of air conditioners. And I had a gorgeous view of the water. The bath was small but still better than what I'd been used to in my student flat. “Okay,” I called out loudly. “This is officially Bella's domain.”

“I heard you loud and clear,” his rich, velvety voice rumbled right behind me. He'd followed me into the room.

Startled, I whirled around and crashed into him for the second time. His strong arms caught me and I got another chance to breathe him in. I wanted to press closer to him. Instead I hurriedly backed away.

His eyes smoldered down at me and he released me. “Are you always this jumpy?” he asked, amused.

I blushed. “No. Not always.” Just since the last hour, that's all.

He crossed his arms over his chest and leaned against the door frame of my bedroom, “Shall we go downstairs and see Joe now?”

I nodded my head quickly before I could change my mind and back out.

He straightened up. “Let's go then.”

I gathered up my things and followed him downstairs. Joe was very happy to have gotten rid of another apartment. We filled out a thick stack of papers each and then signed the rental agreement. The entire time spent in the office seemed so surreal to me. Even right in the middle of it, I couldn't believe what I was doing. The lights in the office were too bright, the sounds of our pens scratching on the papers were irritating. Joe was overly jovial, his smile too big. Then he handed each of us keys to the apartment, a master key to open the outside doors after hours and for the fitness center. I clutched my keys tightly looking at Edward who was smiling tat me softly. We were officially roommates for one year.

There was no way I was going to back out of it even if I wanted to. As scared as I was I couldn't believe my luck.

Alice and Jasper stared at me in disbelief. Telling them was just as bad as I thought it would be. I thought of it as a rehearsal for when I told my parents. They were going to absolutely freak out.

“You're what?” Jasper asked me incredulously.

“With who?” Alice added.

“I'm moving in with Edward Cullen.” I lifted my chin in defiance. I had to start playing this cool, especially with Alice as she knew - having let me sob on her shoulder a time or twelve - about my little, really very minor... partiality for my soon to be very platonic roommate. And I suspected Jasper did, too. That little pixie told him everything.

As succinctly as I could I told them of that day's events, starting with the moment I knocked into Edward, to the leasing agent's initial misunderstanding and, I got this over with quickly, our final decision. “So we signed the lease and we can move in immediately. I plan on taking my things over from here tomorrow and then this weekend I'll get my stuff out of storage ...”

They were both staring at me with their mouths agape.

“Stop it.” I said, just a bit defensively. “It's nothing. Just a convenient situation for the both of us.”

Still they stared.

“You realize you both look like a couple of flounders, don't you?” I snapped, getting annoyed.

Jasper looked away and I could see he was holding in a laugh. Alice just sat back and looked smug.

I narrowed my eyes at her. “You have that 'I know something you don't know' look on your face, Alice, and I don't like it. Nothing good ever comes from that look.”

Jasper turned back biting his lip to keep from smiling. “I'm not so sure about that. She gives me that look all the time and I get a lot of good from it.”

“Yes, I know.” I said as I stood up to go to the room they generously let me use. “And that's another reason why I need my own place. And you guys need me to stop walking in on you in the shower.”

Alice laughed. “It was just that one time and you didn't see anything.” She paused, “You didn't see anything, did you?”

I shuddered. “No. Ew! The sound effects were enough.” I stifled a yawn. The day's events left me tired and drained. And I needed time to go over the day's events. I doubted I'd get any rest for thinking of Edward. “All right, kiddos, I'm going to hit the sack. See you in the morning.”

“'Night, Bella,” Jasper called out.

I walked to my room and shut the door behind me. Kicking my shoes off and pushing them into the corner with my feet, I counted the seconds until Alice barged in for more information.

Not bad. Four seconds.

“Hi, Alice.” I said as I started to take off my clothes, getting ready for bed.

“Have you gone mad?” she accused.

I sighed. “No. It just all happened so fast and it was so tempting.”

“I'll bet it was,” she smirked.

“I meant the apartment, Alice.” I clarified. I could tell she didn't believe a word I said.

'So did I.” Her eyes were wide with innocence. The little liar. “So, Edward Cullen? W-o-w.” She looked at me closely. “Do you think you can handle it?”

I tried to look unconcerned as I took out my pajamas from the dresser and laid them on the bed. “Of course I can handle it! High school was a long time ago and I've gotten over my stupid crush completely.”

She smirked at me, “You're very defensive, Bella.”

“I'm just tired. It's been a very long and exhausting day.”

“I can see that.” She looked at me critically.

Alarmed, I cried out, “Oh, no.”

“What?” she asked sweetly. I didn't believe her for a minute.

“I'm not going to fall for it,” I said sternly. “This is strictly a friends only thing between Edward and me so don't get your hopes up. And don't bother trying to get my hopes up either, because nothing is going to happen.” I plopped down on the bed. “I probably won't even see him that often, he said he travels a lot.”

“Well, that's true. Sometimes he's gone for weeks at a time,” she told me.

I blinked. Weeks? That was hardly fair. I debated about asking her questions about Edward and his life. When we graduated high school we all went our separate ways for college though a lot of us kept in contact over the years. I had heard what Edward was up to through Alice and Jasper and a few others, but I knew so little of his life other than that he'd gone to MIT for an engineering degree and he was now working for Boeing.

“Look, I'm really tired now. Can we talk in the morning?” I asked.

“Sure. I'll see you tomorrow.” She turned to leave. “Oh, and, Bella?” she asked, stopping at the door.

“Hmm?”

“I don't want to get your hopes up or anything-” She ducked a pillow that I threw at her. “But I do think you should be open to the possibility of Edward being in your life as more than a friend,” She said softly, tossing the pillow back at me. “Goodnight.”

I sighed. “Goodnight, Alice.”

I wearily made my way to the shower and turned the water on full blast. While waiting for the water to warm up I brushed my teeth and examined my face in the mirror. Ugh, I thought. I looked a mess. My hair was a complete disaster and the dark circles under my eyes showed how exhausted I was. The first thing Edward had said to me today was that I hadn't changed, and in a way he was right. I was just as average as always. Plain brown hair, brown eyes, everything seemed brown except for my skin which stubbornly stayed pasty white even after six years living in Arizona. Not ugly, but not beautiful either. Just... not.

After my shower I trudged to bed, weary but unable to sleep. Without a doubt I had just done probably the most foolish thing I'd ever pulled in my life but I couldn't feel any regret - I was too excited for that. Instead all my attention was set on unraveling the bigger mystery - namely, Edward, and why he'd done it.

What was I getting myself into?

Author's note: My Super Editing Ninja Warrior asked me about the bedrooms and I quote: “I am so totally disappointed by this. I want her to have the big room. Edward wants her to have the big room. Why can't she have the big room?”

Well, she can't have the nice, big room with the pretty tub. When I wrote the scene I actually tossed a coin. (Because I'm that pathetic.) It was heads. Sorry, Bella! But it turns out all right in the end.