I woke up the next morning and then remembered the evil plan for this week. With a grin, I went off to do my morning routine and wore my clothes for today. I wasn't sure how the outfit would drive Edward wild but it made me feel cute.
I had dressed in a red checkered long shirt and black leggings. I tied a black belt around my waist and pulled on some red flat boots. I dug around in my jewelry box and slipped on a red braided bracelet and a strawberry necklace. I don't know why, but Alice had insisted I wear something that relates to strawberries today.
I went downstairs to eat some cereal and started thinking. Alice and Rosalie said that Edward liked me but did I feel the same way? Did Edward actually feel that way as well? I had to admit that he was gorgeous but he was also fun to be around and he was wicked smart. Over the weeks, I felt myself getting closer to him and liking him more. I loved to make him smile, the mischievous glint in his eyes when we teased each other and I was mesmerized by his laugh. I had had crushes before but this felt different.
After my musings, I glanced over at the clock and realized I was late for school. I grabbed my red pea coat and ran out the door. How could I have let time go by so quickly?
I squealed into the parking lot and ran across the campus to my English class. I made it in the door on time and collapsed in my seat. Good grief I was out of practice. I resolved to work out during the weekend and focused on the lesson. The day had gone by slowly and I found myself counting down the minutes until lunch. I couldn't wait to see Edward and the rest of the Cullens. I froze at that thought. I did have feelings for Edward.
The thought rattled me. I had started the whole plan just to please Alice and Rosalie's speculation about Edward liking me but now, I wished that what they were saying is true. I walked out of the classroom in a daze only to find Edward outside my classroom. He became rigid and his eyes turned a dark color.
"Hey Edward, what are you doing here?"
"I came to walk with you to lunch" he said stiffly.
"Are you okay?"
"Yeah, I'm fine. Just, can you give me a moment please?" he asked and he walked away.
I stared at his retreating back confusedly. Had I done something wrong? I shrugged my shoulders and walked to lunch. I arrived at the table to find only four people occupying it.
"Where's Edward?"
"Hyperventilating in the bathroom", chuckled Jasper.
"Why would he be doing that?"
"Oh, no reason" smiled Alice but something in her expression made me think she knew exactly why.
"So Bella, I see you wore the outfit. Do you finally believe us now?" Rosalie asked.
"Uh, I'm not sure. The jury's still out on that point."
"Well we'll be here whenever you need to talk."
I nodded and we continued with our lunch. Edward didn't show up and I started getting worried. Was he gone for the whole day? I walked into class and found him sitting in his desk. He seemed himself now and I waved at him while walking toward him.
"Feeling better now?"
"Yes, much better. I'm sorry for being so abrupt today but I'm better now, I promise." I nodded at his apology.
"So, Alice told me what you really did to Lauren and Jessica on Monday." Edward froze and started twirling his pencil.
"Oh? So, what did she say?" he asked nonchalantly.
"She told me how you defended me and that you scared them a bit."
"That's it?"
"Yes, was there anything else?" I asked him innocently. I didn't want him to know but I was baiting him. His eyes flashed with uncertainty before he masked his expression.
"No, not that I can remember." He said but he kept glancing at me from the side. I tried to keep my face straight before I laughed at his nervousness. He just looked so cute!
"Well, if you do remember, I'd be glad to know what else you said." I told him coyly. He cocked his head at me and nodded his head. The class began and we turned our heads to the front. When class ended, Edward walked me to class.
"You look great today Bella" he said offhandedly. I gaped at him and mumbled a thank you. Before we got to the door, I turned to say goodbye and found him to be closer than I expected. He leaned in close and put his mouth to my ear.
"I love strawberries" he whispered and I shivered. He turned away and walked to his class quickly while I made my way to gym in a daze. Rosalie stood near the bleachers with a knowing look.
"What did we tell you?" she asked smugly.
"That it would work." I sighed.
"And did it?"
"Yes" I huffed.
"A bit of gratitude would be nice you know."
"So would humbleness" I fired back. We both scowled until we cracked a smile at each other. I hugged her and thanked Rosalie repeatedly.
"All right, get off" she laughed "I have a reputation to keep and it doesn't work with you thanking me."
I grinned at Rosalie and we spent the whole class chatting about superheroes. Jasper and Emmett joined in after a while and it turned into a full blown argument.
"How can you say that Batman sucks?" asked Jasper flabbergasted.
"Man, Superman owns" I scoffed.
"But he has a sidekick and all those cool gadgets. He takes care of all of Gotham and he is super rich. He helps those citizens two different ways unlike Mr. Struggling Writer Clark Kent." Emmett retaliated.
"Hold it right there buddy!" fumed Rosalie "Superman has actual powers while Batman is just a bored rich boy."
"Superman is weakened by Kryptonite. Just take out a piece of rock and he gets as limp as a rag doll" Jasper said.
"Batman has weaknesses too!" I exploded.
"Like what?" Jasper scoffed.
"Like the fact that he can get shot and die!" Rosalie pointed out. We high fived at that and stuck our tongues out at the guys.
"He has a bulletproof cape!" Emmett said in an incredulous voice.
"Dude, capes aren't a good idea. Haven't you seen the movie The Incredibles?" I answered back.
"You're using facts from a children's movie?" questioned Jasper.
"You're defending a bulky superhero?" I shot back.
We all looked at each other and roared in laughter.
"Well this has certainly been an entertaining gym." Emmett mused. We all changed and walked to the parking lot together while debating who we would discuss tomorrow. I turned my head and saw Edward leaning on his Volvo. Jeez, he was hot. He waved at us and I mentally swooned at his crooked smile.
When we reached his car, everyone got in except him.
"Aren't you going to get in?"
"Nope, I'm waiting for Alice. She primps before she goes anywhere." He rolled his eyes while smiling at me.
"Well have fun waiting, Bye Edward." I waved at him but as I turned he grabbed my arm.
"Did you want something?" I asked him.
"No, I just wanted to… say goodbye I guess. Uh, Bye." He rushed out while letting my arm go. I walked up to him and gave him a kiss on the cheek.
"I'll see you tomorrow Edward." I told him and walked away from him. I put my fingers up to my tingling lips and when I looked in my rearview mirror, I saw Edward holding his cheek with a smile. I looked forward to the rest of the week.
