A/N: So I was in the middle of two incomplete stories and this one popped into my head. I don't know. I still haven't finished the other two, but this one is ready to post.

I'm trying to keep the chapters around 1000 words each, though some creep a little higher. It's just a little experiment I'm doing. Let me know what you think.

I love reviews and constructive criticism. My purpose for writing fanfic is to develp myself as a writer so I'm always open to your thoughts. And, they make me feel better as a person if I'm being honest with myself. Though I know that I should allow my self-worth to rest on whether or not people leave reviews on my silly little stories.

I'll shut up now. MarinaNamaste is my beta and friend. I give her thanks and praise for all her help.

Chapter 1:

Jacob was my best friend. I could tell him anything right? I had to get his advice. He could help me unravel the mysteries of the male mind. I needed the help because I was crap at flirting.

"Come on, Jake. I'm serious," I said. "How do you know when someone likes you? Like, how do I show my interest without looking like a crazy stalker like all the other girls who drool after him?" He just looked at me, contemplating me for a few moments.

"What's so great about this guy, anyway?" he finally asked, setting down his sixth slice of pizza that he'd just inhaled half of in one bite.

"I don't know," I replied. Edward set all the butterflies in my gut in my gut loose. I knew that. But, I didn't know why. "I caught him looking at me one day and he's been on my mind ever since." I sucked my bottom lip in between my teeth while I thought about why. "He's quiet and smart. He's my lab partner, you know, in biology? And he doesn't gawk at me like Mike or Eric. I don't feel like, just a piece of ass around him. You know?"

"Yeah, I actually get that," Jake sighed. He'd been complaining about all the girls who threw themselves at him. And some older women, too. It didn't help that he was sort of beautiful. He was actually a beautiful Adonis of chiseled manhood. I could see why the girls drooled over him.

"So, he, like, considers me and the things I say. We have this project to do in Biology and he, like, totally listens to my ideas and makes them into something better." Jake nodded again, like he knew exactly what I was talking about.

"So it sounds like you're doing what you need to do," he said, shoving the rest of the slice into his mouth and chewing a few times before he swallowed. "Just keep being you, and if he doesn't go for that, then he's an idiot and you don't want him anyway." I giggled a little. Jake always gave me little compliments like that. It's like he felt the need to boost my self-esteem all the time. He was such a good friend.

"Okay. So I'm not being too aloof? Not too pushy?" I asked for clarification.

"I don't think so," he said, frowning a little.

"What?" I asked. I didn't like a frown marring the spot where his sunny smile should be shining.

"What, what?" Jake asked.

"You look upset," I answered, reaching for my soda and taking a deep swig. I let out a huge burp that sounded like it never could have come from someone with my small frame. "Excuse me," I chirped. I knew it amused him.

"It's nothing, Bells," he smiled at me and then pulled me into tight hug. "I gotta go," his voice was tight. He was lying to me.

"Jake, what is it?" I asked. His brow furrowed and he shook his head before he answered.

"It's just Billy. I gotta get home to him. Sometimes I just get tired of being the only one he has," he sighed. I really hated his sisters sometimes. But I didn't dare verbalize those feelings to him.

"Okay." I reluctantly let him pull away and I pouted a little. "Maybe I'll come over tomorrow if Edward doesn't want to work on the project."

"Fine," he said, packing up his school bag. He really was bothered.

"Text me when you get back from your run so I know you're safe," I said. I knew he just needed to run. It's how he blew off steam. He'd put Billy to bed and go run a few miles before he turned in. He grinned because I knew without him saying anything.

"Sure. Sure."

A/N: Yeah Bella is clueless and will be for a while.

Tell me what you think.