A/N: Sorry for the long wait, I've been distracted with other things, really sorry. You guys should thank nicole-jade for telling me to update. Thanks for that by the way. :-P

~*~

Mum still hasn't asked me what's going on. She hasn't questioned me about why I haven't been at school, I don't know if she's noticed it. She doesn't get out of bed to say good-bye to Gavin and the twins in the morning and gets up after they finish school, then she goes out. Where, I don't know, and I don't ask. I tried once, after I found a bruise on her upper arm one afternoon, but she just snapped at me and said it was none of my business.
I haven't been at school for a week and a half, and I'm thinking it's time I went back. I can't hide forever. No matter how much I would like to. Joshua handed up our assignment, and we apparently haven't gotten our marks back. While I've been away he's stopped by a few times, and I enjoy talking to him, he makes me feel relaxed. But that doesn't mean anything will happen between that I've thought about it. No! I haven't! Not in your dreams! Well maybe once.

~*~

The next morning I got up for school and found mum tangled up in her sheets, naked, a pile of clothes lay at the base of the bed. I kicked them around with my foot, a red leather mini skirt and one of my halter necks. I cast a worried glance back at mum and went to wake Gavin and the girls. After having to practically drag Gavin out of bed I jumped in the shower and got dressed. As I was fixing the girls breakfast I began to think. I really owed Joshua for saving me, I mean, he could have gotten hurt, but instead he bravely comes to my rescue, with no thought for himself. I sighed dreamily as I buttered some vegemite (A really yummy, Australian bread topping, and I don't own vegemite either *tear*) onto some toast. Today I would talk to him; today I would thank him.

~*~

I arrived at school, having not seen Joshua on the bus. He must have gotten his chauffeur to take him this morning, I thought as I walked towards my first class. Greetings flew from everywhere in the hallway as I made my way to Science, I smiled and waved and then took my seat. Roll was called, and then the class set about doing a series of experiments. I waited anxiously for the bell to go that ended the lesson so I could get out and find Joshua. Finally it went and I rushed out of the classroom, my eyes scanning the hallway for any sign of Joshua. I saw a glimpse of him, turning a corner, and realised I didn't have enough time to talk to him and get to my next class so with a sigh of frustration I walked into my English class, determined to speak to him at lunch.

Time seemed to pass quickly after that, as I absorbed myself in work, intent on catching up with the class. At last the bell went, signalling recess, so I gathered my books and started walking to the courtyard where Joshua usually hung with his friends. I gulped back some fear. Joshua could either laugh and turn me away, an act for his friends, or actually talk to me. This could decide everything.

Joshua was sitting with his friends on a bench; he was smiling as he watched two friends wrestle each other on the ground, and half talking to one of the blonde bimbo's that hung around him.

As soon as he noticed me coming towards him his mouth froze in mid sentence and he immediately got up and came towards me. I clutched my folders and books closer to my chest as he stopped before me, and then gently took hold of my arm and led me back into the hallway.

"Hey," he said softly, gazing down at me, his eyes concerned.

"Hello." I barely breathed out. His eyes were amazing. . .

"You're back. . .how are you going?"

I took a deep, shaky breath and tried to smile, "I'm alive,"

Joshua broke out into a big, charming grin, "I'm glad Bella. . ." But then as quickly as it had come, his grin faded and his expression turned to one of confusion, "But. . .what do you want?"

"I-I. . .well I. . .I wanted to thank you for what you did. . .you saved me Joshua, and you've been so kind since then."

Joshua ran a hand through his hair and looked at the ground, a red tinge had crept into his cheeks making him look even more handsome.

"Anyone would have done it Bella. . ."

"You're not anyone. . .not to me. . ." I said very softly, not sure he had heard. "Anyway. . .I want to thank you somehow. . ."

"Dinner?"

"Pardon?"

"Could we have dinner?"

"I, uh. . .I don't think I could afford to take you out. . ." I said softly, tears brimming in my eyes at the embarrassment.

"I'll take you out."

"What?"

"Come on Bella, I know you can hear me, I want to take you out."

"B-but, I'm supposed to be thanking you!"

Joshua smiled charmingly, "You would be, tonight at seven Bella, be ready," and then he strode off, back out into the courtyard and his friends, back to his world.

~*~

That night after doing my homework, cleaning the apartment, making sure Gavin had done his homework, cooking dinner and bathing the girls I got ready for my dinner with Joshua. For some reason I was awfully nervous, the butterflies in my stomach going haywire and having kittens at the same time. Joshua hadn't said whether it was formal or casual, but knowing him, and his wealth, I decided formal would be the best way to go. Mum had gone out, leaving us alone. I was worried about leaving Gavin and the girls by themselves but Gavin assured me they would be ok. Since mum was gone I decided to go through her wardrobe. I came up with a knee length lilac dress that clung to my curves but didn't look to provocative. I left my hair down, praying it wouldn't get too messed up.

I slipped my feet into some flat white sandals I found buried at the back of mum's wardrobe and then grabbed my purse and nervously paced the lounge room. At three minutes to seven there was a knock on the door.

"Bye Gavin, bye girls! Be good and don't go to bed late!" I called as I raced for the door.

Joshua was standing outside, dressed in loose black trousers and a white dress shirt, untucked. In his hand he held a single red rose, which he was casually twirling around in his fingers.

At my appearance his eyes widened slowly and his mouth popped open in an 'O' shape.

I fidgeted nervously with my purse and then said: "Is that for me?"

He glanced down at the rose in his hand and then looked back at me, a cocky grin replaced his surprised expression, "Why no actually, I was wondering if Gavin was home?" He said cheekily.

I gasped and then started laughing, my first real laugh since the incident.

Suddenly Joshua became very nervous and he shyly held out the rose to me, "A fair rose for a fair lady,"

My breath hitched in my throat as I reached out to take it, my gaze locked on his. "Thankyou." I said breathlessly, "I'll just go put it in some water,"

Joshua nodded, "I'll wait here,"

I smiled at him, my smile holding promise for the evening, and slipped back into the apartment, quickly filling a vase with water and placing it and the rose in the middle of the kitchen table.

Gavin winked at me from where he was watching television on the way out and I stuck my tongue out at him.

"Ready?" Joshua asked once I closed the door. I nodded and he held his hand out to me, "Shall we?" he asked and I smiled shyly and gingerly placed my hand in his. Immediately a feeling of warmth and safety flooded me and my head reeled with the effects.

Joshua led me down the stairwell and into the waiting car. As soon as we were buckled in the car took off.

"Where are we going?" I asked curiously, though half in a trance, staring at Joshua's hand still holding mine.

I felt, rather than saw, Joshua smile, "You'll see." He said mysteriously.

I tore my eyes away from our hands and pouted. He just laughed and tightened his grip on my hand.

I bit my lip, trying to hide my smile, and looked out the window. We were heading downtown, towards the beach and parks; the buildings sped by me until we came to a stop. The sun had just about set, and before us the last golden rays ignited the waves that crashed onto the beach.

Joshua helped me out, still holding my hand, and then took my other one. "Bella you're going to have to trust me. Close your eyes."

I kept his intense, pleading gaze for a moment and then reluctantly closed my eyes. Again, I just knew Joshua was smiling, he let go of one hand and then started walking, leaving me with no choice but to follow. He led me onto the beach and finally came to a stop.

"Bella," his voice whispered just near my ear, "There's a chair right next to you, reach out and sit down," I did as I was told as Joshua sat down opposite me. "Ok. . .open your eyes."

My eyes flew open straight away and the sight before me almost reduced me to tears. Here we were, sitting at a white table on the beach, candles littered the sand everywhere, casting off little balls of white light. A waiter stood near a table of food, a little way from us. My gaze inevitably was drawn back to Joshua, he sat looking at me, a small smile on his perfect lips, and his eyes alight with warmth and happiness and something else. . .

For the second time that night I felt tears brim in my eyes, "Thankyou," I said softly, still at wonder with my settings.

"It's all for you, Bella." He declared, reaching for my hand again.

I blushed and once again my gaze was drawn to our joint hands. Joshua was rubbing his thumb over my hand and I looked up and smiled, "What's for dinner?" I asked sweetly.

Joshua laughed, raising his hand and signalling for the waiter to bring the food over. The evening passed quickly, too quickly if you ask me. Keeping in mind that it was a school day tomorrow Joshua and I talked whilst we ate. All in all it was a very romantic evening. The rise and fall of the waves against the sand created a soft harmony, which only seemed more magical when clouds parted to reveal a bright full moon smiling down upon us.

After we had eaten Joshua stood up and took my hand again. "I want to show you the man in the moon, Bella." He said simply, leading me away from the beach and up into the park. A wooded area veered off to the right and Joshua headed in that direction. To my surprise there was a path that ran through the trees. Moonlight peeked through gaps in the trees, and I could imagine fairies living here and other fairy-book creatures. Finally we reached a grove. In the middle was a moss-covered rock, surrounded by a ring of mushrooms. I gasped at the sight, the full moon strongly shined down upon us illuminating the whole grove, creating such a magical feeling that I could've sworn I had been dreaming.

Joshua took me to the rock and sat me down. He stood in front of me, appearing tense and I looked up at him expectantly.

"Do I get to see the man in the moon now Joshua?" I asked, almost childlike.

He nodded, "Close your eyes. . .and count to ten."

I did as I was told. "One. . .Two. . .Three. . Four. . .Five. . ."

I heard Joshua gulp and take a deep breath, "Six. . .Seven. . .Eight. . .Nine. . .T. . ."

But before I could finish saying 'ten' Joshua leaned down and kissed me. My eyes flew open as I felt his hands slowly slide up my neck to cup my face. I sat there, my body rigid with shock, but he didn't stop, he wouldn't, couldn't, stop. His eyes were open, staring into mine, begging me to kiss him back, to give him any reaction.

. . .And then I closed my eyes and kissed him back. . .

A/N: Hey guys! Just to let you know I'm going away in a few days for about a month, so now updates until I get back. I just wanted to get this chapter out before I left. Bye! Merry Chrismas!