Chapter Nine:

Now What

Bella's POV

I left out of the bathroom in search of food…and maybe Edward. I had such an ugly feeling left from talking to her. What did she mean by it was not a shame for her? How dare she insinuate that Edward and her are a possibility.

Ugh. And where is this hostility coming from?! Do I have feelings for one of my best friends?

I came to a halt as I traced my fingers against my lips from when Edward kissed me the day before. Mmm.

There is a slight possibility that I do care for him more than a friend. Oh Bella, who are you kidding, there is a high chance that you do like him, like, like like him.

"Bella?" said Alice as she walked closer to me. I had been looking off into the distance by the railing and didn't even notice.

"Hey" I replied gently.

"Hey. How are you doing?" Alice asked as she placed a hand and squeezed the side of my arm gently. Her eyes carried concern as she searched and attempted to read my face.

"I'm just thinking…" I stared off and looked away. Where do I even begin. I let out a sigh before I continued. "This Ashley girl…do you remember her?"

Alice's pupils dilated a little, but she regained composure.

"Yes" she replied hesitantly, but didn't provide any other information as if she was waiting for me to take the lead in the conversation.

"Well…I know she was Edward's partner. Is she a good person?" I wonder if she is a good person, then maybe I should let her and Edward be together. I don't know what their relationship was before, and why should I be the one to get in the way of that? Especially when we have a great friendship and…

"No Bella. She cheated on Edward. She is definitely not good people." Alice said as she interrupted me mid thought.

I felt my chest and stomach loosen up. Wow. I did not even realize I had a tight chest and my stomach was in knots as I was waiting for Alice to reply. Hearing that did make my heart sink for Edward though. How can anyone cheat on someone who is as kind and thoughtful as him?

"Bella what is going on?" Alice asked, with concern in her eyes. I realized I was really in my head trying to wrap around the idea of Edward being cheated on.

How do I begin to tell Alice what is going on, when I am trying to figure it out for myself?

"Alice…" I began my sentence but stopped as I saw Edward coming towards us. Alice turned around and followed my gaze to see where I was looking. It looked like she caught sight of Edward and she rolled her eyes.

"I don't know what is going on between you two, but I am here when you are ready to talk" Alice said as she gave me a stern look.

I nodded to Alice. My throat suddenly became dry and I started to feel my heart beating faster as Edward came closer. Alice started walking towards Edward and they shared a slight nod as she passed him as she headed back to our spot with our friends.

"Bella…" Edward began to say.