Edward
"Daddy, catch me!" Oh shit, not this again, I thought.
"Charlie, you can't fly!"
"I'm not Charlie; I Tink." I stared at my little girl as she climbed onto the kitchen stool. She was wearing her Tinker Bell costume and was going to try to fly; for the third time that morning. I stood in front of the stool and watched her.
"Charlotte Emily Cullen get down here this instant!" I scolded. The moment I saw the scheming grin on her face I knew I'd chosen the wrong words. Charlie jumped; I caught her and stumbled back wards a little.
"Again?" she asked and I shook my head.
"No, Princess we need to get ready." She started to pout and I couldn't help it. I put her back on the chair. As soon as we made eye contact the pout disappeared and she grinned, jumping into my outstretched arms.
Bella
I sighed and looked at my assignments for the day. I was to stay in Fantasyland all day today; and I had to wear the yellow dress. That damn dress was going to be the death of me. I leaned my head on the wall and gave myself a pep talk.
"It could be worse, it could be worse." So I turned and went to the makeup and wardrobe department.
"Hi, Bella, what'll it be today?" Alice asked me. She was the best makeup artist here; and made all of us role players look the part.
"Yellow dress," I sighed. When I wore the simple, blue dress, I didn't have to be fancy. My hair was simply pulled back. But with the yellow ball gown, it had to be curled and piled high on top of my head.
Don't get me wrong, I loved my job. What girl could say that she got to be a princess every day? Or even be a princess that some many other little girls look up to? It was certainly interesting.
Edward
"All I'm saying is that you should get back out there," my agent, Rosalie, was saying as I talked to her on my phone. I rolled my eyes at her comment. She had been telling me that for almost a year. As soon as I had finished writing my latest book, it was the only thing for her to nag me about.
"I don't need to date, Rose, I have Charlie to think about," I said, glancing in the rearview mirror and seeing my girl wave at me.
"Well, just think about it okay? That actress Tanya has expressed her interest and it might be good publicity for the book."
"The book isn't coming out for four more months, and my fans will buy it whether I'm dating Tanya West or not."
"Whatever you say Ed. Now try not to get into too much trouble. Emmett and I will be there in five days."
"Uh-huh."
"Bye."
"Bye." I hung up the phone and thought about Rose and my brother, Emmett. They got married three years ago and had themselves a son. Charlie loved to play with little Zach; he was almost two.
We were on our way to Disney World. It was going to be a family vacation, with a couple signings and conferences thrown in toward the end. I had decided to come with Charlie a few days early, so we could have alone time. I had to admit that I was just as excited as she was. The first and last time I had been there was when I was seven and Emmett threw up on me. This time was bound to be much better than the last. As I drove the rental car up to the park, Charlie let out a squeal.
"Daddy! Look, Daddy!" I glanced in the rear view and saw her straining against her seat belt to get a better view. I laughed and found a parking space.
When I unbuckled her, Charlie practically jumped out of the car. I had to grab her by her shirt to keep her from making a run for it. She huffed and looked up at me. Those big green eyes were exactly like my own and I hated it. I used those same eyes to get my way with my parents when I was her age and now she was doing it to me.
"Charlie, remember what I told you." I said.
"Charlie can't run away from Daddy," she repeated.
"That's right, Baby Girl, now stand right there so I can get the bag." I reached into the car to get the backpack I'd stuffed with everything I thought we needed. Out of the corner of my eye, I still watched Charlie.
She was bouncing up and down, her strawberry blonde curls going everywhere. I opened a pocket of the bag and took out a hair elastic. Rose always teased me for having to do this. She said I had no 'hair talent' at all. So it was always a pony tail or pig tails for Charlie, unless Auntie Rose did her hair. I wasn't going to complain, I thought she looked fucking adorable with pig tails.
"Let me do your hair, Charlie," I said. My five year old grimaced and I rolled my eyes. Rose had been telling her to be wary of my 'hair-doing'.
"Will we get to meet princesses?" Charlie asked. I crouched down and she turned and stood between my legs.
"Yes, I'm sure we will." I gathered up her curls and put them in the pony tail holder.
"Do you think we gonna see Belle?"
"No. Only little girls who listen to their daddy can see Belle." Charlie's eyes narrowed, like she was trying to decide if I was serious or not.
"But I do listen!" I laughed and picked her up. I nuzzled my nose against hers and could see the freckles on the top of her cheeks.
"Come on, let's go." I started to walk toward the entrance and she wiggled.
"I can walk, Daddy!" I looked at her firmly.
"If you walk, you have to hold my hand," I said as I put her down. She nodded and held tightly onto my hand.
When we got into the park I looked around. It was still fairly early. They had only been open for about half of an hour. However, there seemed to be a lot of people already. I wondered if they'd recognize me. Today was meant to be a day with Charlie, not with fans. I loved my fans, but I loved my little girl more.
We started the day in Adventureland. Three people came up to us, but other than that we were left alone. I think most of the people that did recognize me understood that this was my vacation. I was spending quality time with my daughter.
"Daddy, I'm hungry," Charlie said when we got off of the magic carpet ride.
"Where do you want to eat?" We started walking out of Adventureland and she looked around her.
"Over there!" She pointed toward the castle and I nodded. It was the time I had anticipated; time to go to Fantasyland.
When we entered Fantasyland the first thing we saw was Snow White. Charlie was excited and she quickly dragged me over to her. I took her picture with Snow White and then asked if there was somewhere with pizza. My girl's eyes lit up at the mention of her favorite dish and Snow White gestured toward a little restaurant.
As we sat down at the Pinocchio Village Haus, I looked at the camera. We had gotten pictures with so many characters already, but not Belle. Charlie's favorite princess was Belle. She watched Beauty and the Beast almost every day. It was good for me, because when I needed to write I knew that I could simply turn on that movie and I'd have peace for at least an hour.
"What kind of pizza do y'all want?" a waitress asked. I ordered pepperoni and she walked away. I looked across the table and Charlie had her chin in her hands and was looking at me funny.
"What? Do I have something in my nose?" I asked, she laughed and shook her head.
"Do you like girls, Daddy?" she asked.
"You're the only girl I like. Other girls are icky." I wrinkled my nose and Charlie giggled.
"Be serious."
"Of course I like girls, sweetie."
"You like them how you liked Mommy?"
We had a staring match; how was I going to tell her that I never really liked her mother? I knew that one day I would need to explain that her mother and I weren't technically dating when she was conceived. She would need to know that after she was born, Jane didn't care. That's why she kept getting drunk and partying. I'd have to tell her that when her mother died in the car accident it was because she'd been out drinking and driving instead of at home taking care of her. But looking across the table at her, I felt like I may never tell her those things because how could I?
"Yes, I like them like I liked Mommy," I said, deciding at that moment to not confuse her.
"Will I get a new mommy?"
Probably not, I thought; but I smiled and said, "Maybe, someday."
"I want a princess for a mommy," Charlie said, leaning back and nodding her head once. She returned to coloring on the activity placemat and I smiled.
After we ate we journeyed back into Fantasyland. We saw Princess Jasmine for the second time that day, but Charlie was looking for Belle. After we got off the carrousel, she froze. I looked at her, curious, when all of a sudden she was running.
"Damn it, Charlie," I said as I ran after her. I felt panic; what if I lost her? I could still see her up ahead and as I looked to where she was going, it finally made sense. When I caught up to her, I picked her up and looked at her.
"Don't you remember me saying that Belle only sees girls that listen to their daddy?" Charlie bit her lip and nodded.
"Charlotte, if you ever run away like that again we're leaving and going home." She nodded her head again. I hugged her tightly, and waited until the fear of losing her faded away. Then, I started walking toward the woman in the big yellow ball gown.
From far away I couldn't really tell what she looked like, all I saw was that bright dress. However, as we got closer I saw how beautiful she really was. Charlie started to squirm so I set her down, but made sure to hold her hand tight as I could.
"Why, hello!" Belle said to us when we approached her. I just stared at her. The make up made her look flawless, but I felt like she would be beautiful without it. She smiled, and crouched down, opening her arms wide. Charlie looked up at me and I nodded, letting go off her hand.
"Hi, Belle," Charlie said as she hugged her. The woman hugged my little girl right back and I felt warm inside.
"What's your name, princess?" Belle asked.
"Charlotte Emily Cullen," Charlie said, surprising me that she'd given her the full name. The woman laughed, it was melodic.
"That's a lovely name."
"We call her Charlie," I spoke up. For the first time, the woman looked at me and I saw some form of recognition on her face.
"Of course! I know you two. Your daddy writes books!"
"How did you know?" Charlie was in awe, staring up at her with the biggest grin on her face.
"Because I love to read, Charlie!"
"You're my favorite, Belle," Charlie said and the woman smiled. In my head, I really did think of her as Belle. She was beautiful and so she deserved a beautiful name.
"Thank you. Would you like a picture, Charlie?" Belle asked. She nodded her head and I couldn't believe how big her smile was.
Belle got down and hugged Charlie; they both looked at me and smiled. I snapped a picture and then when they looked at each other and started talking again, I took another. I couldn't help it; they just looked perfect together.
Bella
"What's your name, princess?" I asked the little girl. She was so adorable. Her big green eyes were framed by long lashes and her red, blonde hair was curly. She looked familiar, but I had seen so many little girls over the years.
"Charlotte Emily Cullen," she said, smiling up at me. Okay, I think I would've remembered a girl with a name like that.
"That's a lovely name," I told her.
"We call her Charlie." I looked up and saw her father. He was gorgeous. I could see that Charlie got her eyes from him. Then, something in my brain clicked.
"Of course! I know you two! Your daddy writes books!" I noticed my small slip out of character, but saved myself by telling Charlie that I knew them because Belle loves to read books. Charlie and Edward stayed for a little while longer and got some pictures. Edward asked a passerby to take one of all three of us. I hoped I didn't blush too much when our arms brushed.
As they walked away, I tried not to stare at him. Rather, I tried not to stare at his ass in those jeans. Sure I had met some celebrities while working here, but this was something else. Edward Cullen was my favorite author these days. I had been on a waiting list for his new book ever since I found out about it.
The rest of the day passed by slowly; I didn't see Edward and Charlie again. Something inside of me actually ached a little bit. They had been so charming and I wanted to see them, if only from a distance.
"Are you coming over tonight?" Alice asked that night as we exited the park together.
"I don't think so, Ali, I'm really tired," I said, shaking my head and shifting my bag. Alice sighed and I knew she was disappointed. She and her husband, Jasper, had just bought their first house and I had yet to go and see it.
"Soon, I promise." I said when we got to her car.
"When?"
"Um… Saturday."
"I'm holding you to that." She held out her pinky and I laughed, but pinky swore with her anyway.
I got in my own car and began my drive home. However, before I could get to my condo, my cell phone started ringing. I sighed when I noticed it was my dad calling. I loved him and knew that if I ignored a call from him, it would definitely hurt his feelings.
"Hi, Dad," I answered.
"Bells, I need to ask you a favor." I held my breath and waited. "We're swamped here, do you mind waitressing?"
"Dad!"
"Please Bella? It's just until we close, which is soon." I could just picture my dad at his restaurant, a crowd of people waiting to get in with a line going out the door and down the block and him stressing out because he's short a waitress.
"Fine, Dad, but I keep all the tips." I turn right toward the restaurant instead of left to my condo.
"Of course, of course. Thanks, sweet heart."
"See you in five minutes." We both hung up and I silently drove onward. I heard the soothing sounds of Adele drifting out of my speakers and turned up the volume.
Upon arriving at the restaurant I noticed exactly what I had pictured. There were people every where. Forks wasn't a fancy restaurant but we were well known for our good food and good atmosphere. In college, I had majored in business management and minored in culinary. I knew that one day this place would be mine, but for now I wanted to do my own thing.
"Hey, Dad," I said as I walked in the front door and smiled at him. He was standing at the host podium. I could see that he was stressed, but hiding it behind a large smile.
"Hi, Bella," he said, letting out a small sigh.
"Is there anything for me to change into?" I asked.
"Your waitressing clothes are in my office."
"You kept them?"
"Just in case." I rolled my eyes and headed toward the back. I greeted happy families and said hello to regulars. When I entered my dad's office I looked in his closet and saw the spare waitressing outfit I had always kept in there. It was simple attire, dark jeans and a black shirt.
I locked his office door and quickly changed. I looked down at the small tattoo on my hip; carpe diem. It was the motto of my best friend growing up. Jake was two years older than me and I knew him since I was born. He died in a motorcycle accident the summer I graduated high school.
As I tied the small red apron around my waist and slipped my order book into the pocket I took a deep breath. I wouldn't be here for that long, maybe four hours. I put my bag and clothes in the closet, unlocked the door and stepped out. I made my way over to Seth and asked him what tables I'd be working tonight.
"Actually, you'll be working your old tables. Jessica, your replacement, got sick and couldn't come in today. We had been taking turns covering her tables but there's only so much we can do, as you know." With that, Seth excused himself and went to tend to his own tables. I had always liked Seth; he reminded me a lot of Jake.
I nodded to my dad and he began leading families to the empty tables. It would be a lot to do, but I'd be able to handle it. I introduced myself to the first couple and started with their drinks and the next hour carried on exactly the same.
As families ate and left they were replaced with new people. Faces blurred together, as I continued taking orders.
"Your waitress will be right with you," I heard Valerie say as she sat a new group. I waited a moment to catch my breath and then headed toward them. I froze in my tracks when I fully saw who was sitting in the booth. So much for catching my breath.
"Hello, I'm Bella, I'll be your waitress for the evening," I spat out my mantra, telling myself to control my emotions. They wouldn't even recognize me.
"I'm Charlie!" Charlie had changed into a little purple sun dress and her hair was down. She looked just as adorable as she did today. Edward looked up from his menu and directly at me. He tilted his head and I could almost feel him scrutinizing me. His daughter didn't know that she had already met me, but I could see recognition in his eyes.
"Hello Charlie, is there anything I can get you guys to drink?"
"She'll have chocolate milk and I'll have a Coke," Edward said. I jotted it down and smiled at them.
"Did Valerie tell you our specials for tonight?" Edward nodded his head.
"Are you ready to order or would you like some more time?" I refrained from biting my lip and made sure that I didn't stutter out of nervousness. Something about those eyes staring at me made set me on edge.
"We'd like some more time." I nodded and left to get their drinks. I stopped and filled an order for a family of five and then headed back to the kitchen.
Once I got their drinks I headed toward their table. I saw Lauren giggling and hair flipping and my eyes narrowed. She was definitely my least favorite of the employees here. At least Charlie was ignoring her and Edward was feigning interest; or so it appeared. I walked up and innocently bumped her out of the way so that I could give them their drinks.
"Lauren, table five needs clearing," I said. She harrumphed and walked away. If it was one thing she didn't like, it was that I had the authority to tell her what to do.
"Thanks for that," Edward said. I wasn't sure if he meant their drinks or getting rid of Lauren. I figured it was the later.
"No problem. So have you decided what you'd like to order?"
"We'll have a chicken finger basket for Charlie," Edward started.
"Do you have waffle fries?" Charlie chimed in. I laughed and wrote it down.
"Yes we have waffle fries."
"So she'll have the chicken fingers with waffle fries and I'll have the fish fry." I wrote down the order. The fish fry was popular; it was a recipe passed down from Seth's father, and my dad's friend, Harry Clearwater.
"Alright, I'll go put this in." I smiled at them and Charlie smiled right back. Edward just looked at me. I wondered if he'd figured it out by now or not. He was not stupid, I felt sure that he knew.
"Thank you, Bella," he said as I turned and walked away.
While waiting for their order to come in, I avoided their table as best as I could. Something about Edward's expression disturbed me. It made me tingle inside and reminded me of his main character, Anthony Masen. There was always speculation about whether or not Mr. Cullen based Mr. Masen on himself. Now that I'd met him I was wondering if perhaps it was true.
After Charlie and Edward finished eating they ordered desert; a fudge brownie for Charlie and berry cobbler for Edward. When they left I was down to only two more tables. I forced myself to concentrate. I couldn't, though. My whole mind was focused on the tip Edward had left and the small slip of paper between that bills that said: I want to talk. His number was scrawled beneath it.
When I finally got home I decided that I needed to call Alice. I told her the story of my dad calling me and asking me to help him out for the night. I then told her the part about Edward. She gasped and urged me to give her details. But honestly, what could I tell her? He was handsome and had an adorable daughter, nothing really happened between us though. We shared a couple of looks and he gave me his number.
"You must call him!" Alice squealed. I looked at the clock and noticed it was nearly midnight.
"Not tonight, Ali," I sighed, as the yearning to be in bed returned.
"Okay, okay, but you have to tomorrow!"
Tomorrow came too quickly and I dragged myself out of bed. It was going to be hot today and I blasted the air conditioner on the drive to work. Looking at the assignments list I noticed that I would be working in the castle at lunch time. That meant I got to wear the blue dress. I grinned and headed to wardrobe.
Edward
"Can we eat in the castle today, Daddy?" I looked down at Charlie. We had been in the park for about two hours and it was just about time for lunch.
"Sure, princess," I said. We left Tomorrowland and headed to the castle. We saw Mickey and Minnie Mouse and I took a picture of Charlie with them. She was really enjoying herself here. I had to admit that I was enjoying it all, too.
There was a part of me today, that couldn't stop thinking about yesterday. I saw Belle, I mean, Bella at that restaurant. I didn't realize it at first but when she looked at Charlie I knew, I knew it was her. At first I was confused, but then I was well, kind of horny.
This woman that I'd encountered twice in my entire life was attracting me more than any woman ever had. Her eyes were like melted chocolate. I wanted to bury my face in her hair and wrap my arms around her waist. The way she smiled at my little girl was so loving it filled my heart with joy.
We walked into the castle and were seated at a table near a window. Charlie asked if there was pizza on the menu that they gave her.
"Honey, you can read," I said. She wasn't an exceptional reader, but she was learning; and she definitely knew how to read the word 'pizza'. I looked at her menu and laughed, she had it upside down. I flipped it over and Charlie grinned and began searching for what she wanted.
"Hello, what can I get you guys?" I looked up and there were the brown eyes that I could get lost in.
"Belle!" Charlie exclaimed. Bella was wearing the simple blue dress from the beginning of the movie and her makeup was minimal. Yesterday, the makeup made her look elegant, but today it made her look almost normal. Of course, last night I had seen what she looked like normally and I preferred that over all of it.
"Hello, princess, how are you?" Charlie proceeded to tell her everything about our day and Bella listened intently, smiling and nodding.
"What would you like to drink today?"
"Chocolate milk and Coke," I said; Bella smirked but simply nodded and told us she'd return with our drinks shortly. Other princesses walked around and said hellos. Charlie talked animatedly with them, but I couldn't stop think about Bella.
I was a writer. I knew countless adjectives. There were so many ways to write about love. In fact, my own character Anthony Masen was in love with a crazy, quick witted young woman that never lets him get the best of her. For Anthony, however, it was not love at first sight. He absolutely loathed Katherine at first.
Never did I think that I'd find true love. When I wrote about Anthony and his dislike for Katherine I always channeled my dislike for Jane. When I began to write about his love of Katherine I thought of my love for my daughter. Now I thought of love and saw the face of Bella as well; it was strange and the idea needed to go away.
It was a new feeling, strange and unfamiliar to me. Bella brought us our drinks and after awhile, she brought us our food too. I wondered if she had gotten my note, if was going to actually call me. I couldn't ask her here. She would get fired for breaking character. I had to know, though.
As Charlie and I stood up to leave I saw Bella standing by the entrance. We made eye contact and she blushed.
"Let's go say good bye to Belle, Charlie," I said. She ran ahead and started talking to Bella. I stood beside them, acting casual.
"Did you get my note?" I murmured. I looked at her in time to catch the small nod. She continued talking to Charlie, but was listening to me as well.
"Are you going to call?" Again, she nodded. "Tonight?" Another nod, and I smiled, feeling accomplished. Charlie and I both said goodbye to Bella and we went back into the park. I was talked into buying ice cream for Charlie, but as I looked at the choices I realized I wanted some too. We sat on a bench, eating ice cream and watching people.
"When are Auntie Rose and Uncle Em coming with Zach?" Charlie asked me.
"Four days."
"Are we coming back here tomorrow?"
"No, we're going to the Animal Kingdom tomorrow."
"Will we still see princesses?"
"I think so."
After another long day we returned to our hotel. I called Emmett and told him about Bella. He started to laugh and told me I had it bad. Apparently he felt the same when he met Rose.
"Oh, Rosie wanted me to tell you that her cousin invited us all to his house Saturday for dinner," Emmett said.
"That sounds cool, we'll be there."
"Good… Zach don't put that in your mouth! I gotta go, man. See you soon." Emmett hung up the phone and I chuckled. Charlie looked at me like I was crazy but turned her attention back to the movie she was watching.
I stretched out on my bed and watched her watch the movie. As a habit, I took out my journal. There a notes about my characters and the plot for my next story; my debating about killing off Katherine. I turned to a blank page and closed my eyes. I had never written anything while feeling the way I was. The experience was new, but I took out a pen and began to write anyway.
"Daddy, it's over," Charlie said. I looked up, breaking out of my trance. I noticed the many pages I had written and smiled, a feeling of accomplishment washing over me. I stood up and took out the disc.
"Want to watch something else?" I asked her. She looked thoughtful, but then shook her head.
"Can I color?" I nodded and took out her crayons and papers.
"Here you go, Charlie."
"Thanks." She sat down and continued coloring in a princess picture she had been working on. I smiled and watched her for a bit, before deciding to sit down with her. She looked at me and smiled, but stayed concentrated on coloring. I didn't mind. I pulled a blank piece of paper toward me and began to draw my own picture.
An hour later, as I was coloring in the dress on the person I had drawn, my phone started to ring. At first I figured it was Emmett or Rose, but seeing the caller id I realized that it was not anyone I knew.
"Hello?" I answered, my heart pounding in my chest. Could it be her? Had she really called me?
"Um, hi, is this Edward?" a soft voice asked.
"Yes, this is."
"Hi, it's Bella." I stood up, and walked out onto the balcony of our room.
"Hi," I said as I leaned on the railing.
"How are you?"
"Good, you?"
"Good."
"Good." Our conversation was awkward, but I was enjoying every second, every syllable.
"Why did you want me to call you, Edward?" Bella asked. I had expected this question but did not have an answer.
"I wanted to talk to you properly."
"Oh."
"We can't have a proper conversation when you're in character and when you were at the restaurant you had other people to serve. I just wanted to talk." I rambled, trying to make her understand.
"But why do you want to talk to me?"
"I don't know," I said quietly. "There's something special about you, I can feel it."
Bella
I couldn't believe I had actually called Edward. That day when he asked if I'd call that night, I didn't believe I really would. Every part of me thought I'd change my mind or find some kind of excuse not to. I did it, though. It actually felt kind of nice, talking to him about nothing.
I sat on my couch, petting my cat and drinking tea and just talking to him. I told him I was twenty six and my favorite color was green. We figured out that as kids we both had braces. Edward told me that he liked seafood, but would pick a burger over it any day.
"Daddy?" I heard a small voice through the phone. I looked at the clock; we'd been talking for almost two hours and I should probably be going to bed.
"I'll be right in, sweet heart," Edward said. "Sorry, Bella, what were you saying?"
"Nothing," I said as I got up and stretched. Berlioz looked up at me with his big eyes and meowed. "I should be going to bed though. I have a long day tomorrow."
"Okay, then." If I didn't know better I would've said Edward sounded disappointed.
"Will I see you tomorrow?"
"Probably not, we're going to Animal Kingdom."
"Okay then."
"Will you call again?" I put my mug in the sink and looked out the window. The night was dark and I could see myself reflected back at me. I bit my lip and considered it. What was there to lose?
"Yes," I agreed.
"Goodnight, Bella," Edward said.
"Goodnight." I hung up the phone and placed it in the cradle.
I walked into my room; Berlioz was already on my bed waiting for me. I smiled at him and changed into my pajamas. Climbing under the covers I considered what I was getting into. I didn't know Edward Cullen. Yet, I was feeling these things for him that I hadn't felt for anyone before, but that didn't change the fact that we were strangers.
The next day passed, as did the day after. Each night I called Edward at the same exact time and each night we talked to each other. We hadn't seen each other since that day in the castle, but I was feeling connected. It wasn't like we were in a relationship, but it was like we were friends.
"Charlie's name is lovely," I said one night after neither one of us had said any thing for a long amount of time.
"She's named after the Bronte sisters; Charlotte and Emily."
"Wuthering Heights was always my favorite book." I looked over at my bedside table and smiled at the worn copy of Wuthering Heights. Berlioz nuzzled his head under my hand and I giggled.
"What's so funny?" Edward asked.
"My cat is just being a goof ball," I said. Had I just told him I had a cat? I hoped he didn't start thinking I was a lonely cat lady.
"What's his name?"
"Berlioz." I stroked his head, burying my fingers into his soft fur.
"I used to have a cat. But I could never really take care of her with all my traveling, so my parents took her."
"Here that, Berlioz? He likes cats," I whispered, holding the phone away from me for a second.
"So your cat's name really is Berlioz?" Edward asked, he sounded amused and I glared at the phone.
"Yes, what's wrong with that?"
"Is it like the Aristocats?"
"Obviously; his fur is black, too."
"My cat is white and her name is Marie."
"Wow." I had to admit that I was kind of impressed. Do mi so do, do so mi do, I thought as I hummed the little tune.
"Every truly cultured music student knows, you must learn your scales and your arpeggios," Edward continued and I smiled; he didn't sound half bad. Figures a man with a little girl like Charlie would know the song.
"Bring the music ringing from your chest, and not your nose."
"While you sing your scales and your arpeggios." I started laughing at the point. Edward said, sounding smug, "I win."
"I didn't know we were having a contest." I said, wiping a tear out of the corner of my eye and patting Berlioz on the head.
"I knew."
"Well that's hardly fair is it?"
"Perhaps."
"Whatever, I'll talk to you later." I said after looking at the clock and noticing that I actually had to wake up in the morning.
"Are you working tomorrow?"
"Yep."
"I meant at the restaurant, actually."
"Oh. Probably not, I only fill in there sometimes."
"Oh that's too bad. My brother and his family are coming down; I was planning on taking them there for dinner."
"Oh."
"Yeah."
"Bye, Edward."
"Bye, Bella." I hung up the phone and sat on my bed. Was Edward disappointed that we wouldn't see each other again tomorrow? Was I?
"Hi, Dad," I said after calling him up on an impulse. I hadn't thought he'd answer.
"What's up, Bells?"
"Do you need any extra hands tomorrow night?"
"Well, not really but we could always use an extra hostess."
"Thanks, Dad."
"Sure thing." I climbed under my covers and Berlioz padded over and snuggled next to me.
"So why are you working for your dad tonight?" Alice asked me as I curled my hair. She was on speaker phone and Berlioz kept looking around, wondering where the mystery voice was coming from.
"Oh, I just don't want to spend Friday night home all alone." I put on my all black outfit and red scarf. The color scheme of Forks was red and black. As a hostess, I had some liberty in what I wore as long as it matched.
"Sure." Alice dragged the word out, making sure I could see the sarcasm.
"Edward might be there," I mumbled, picking up my mascara and staring at it. Did I want to risk poking myself in the eye tonight? Yes. On the other end of the phone, Alice squealed.
"Tell me all about it tomorrow; you're still coming, right?"
"Yes, I'm still coming."
"Good, because you pinky swore."
"I know."
I said goodbye to Alice, and took a deep breath. I made sure Berlioz's bowl was full and left my condo. I was nervous during the car ride. My fingers kept tapping the wheel and I was biting my lower lip.
"Bella, how are you?" Dad greeted me when I got to Forks.
"Great, Dad," I smiled and made my way to the podium. My fellow host was a quiet guy named Eric and I didn't mind the lagging conversation; it left me to my own thoughts.
Two hours into work, I was feeling tired. My feet were sore from the high heels and my fingers were getting cramped from scribbling down names and shuffling through menus.
It'll be worth it, I kept telling myself.
"All I'm saying is that you need to get laid!"
"Emmett, tone it down."
"Really, Emmett, we're in public."
"Oh yeah," a burly man walked through the door, grinning and looking around. A couple people who had heard were staring at him, but he was indifferent. His hair was dark and curly, his eyes hazel and his smile huge. He was holding an adorable little boy in his arms. He moved to the side and a beautiful blonde came in behind him and behind her, Edward and Charlie.
I felt stunned. My stomach tightened and I stared at them. Edward was shaking his head, but the corners of his mouth were turned up. He looked toward the podium and froze. Charlie kept walking to be with the big man and blonde woman, but Edward stood still. We stared at each other, just feet apart.
"Edward, get your head out of the clouds, there's a line," said the blonde. Edward looked over at them, their expressions were curious. I looked down and smiled. When I looked back up, he had rejoined his family.
"Bro, you're drooling," said the man. I snorted and Eric looked at me. I shrugged my shoulders, as if I didn't know what had happened.
Looking around, I noticed that there was only one other family waiting to be seated; Eric was helping them. The crowd had died down tonight and it was getting late. The blonde stepped forward and smiled at me. Suddenly, I realized that this must be Edward's manager Rosalie; I've seen some pictures of her. She's known for her assertiveness, many people are scared of her. I brace myself for a snide tone, or rude comment.
"Hi, table for four plus a high chair, please," she said sweetly. I stared at her, but realized she was expecting a response. I nodded and looked at the chart for any free tables; none were.
"That'll be about fifteen minutes," I said. "Can I get a name?"
"Cullen," Rosalie said, taking the buzzer from me. She returned to the others and told them about the wait.
"Fifteen minutes? But I'm hungry now!" the man, who must have been Edward's brother Emmett, said.
"But the food is really yummy, Uncle Em," Charlie said. I sighed, she was so adorable.
Edward
When I walked into Forks, I had been trying to ignore my stupid brother. He was talking about how I need to have sex. Apparently, I'm 'too uptight'. I shook my head, honestly, my daughter was right there!
As I walked through the door I looked toward the podium where we would go to be seated; then I saw Bella. I was in shock. I froze, standing there idiotically. Bella and I stared at each other and thoughts whirred through my head. Hadn't she said she wasn't working tonight? Why was she here? Was it because of me?
Rosalie told me to get my head out of the clouds and I looked at them. Rose and Em looked curious, but the look on Charlie's face surprised me. Her eyes flickered between me and Bella and there was a small smile on her face. How could my five year old be so observant?
"Bro, you're drooling," Emmett said when I rejoined them. I heard a snort and glanced at Bella. She was looking at her co-worker and didn't notice, so I returned my attention to my brother.
"Hi, table for four plus a high chair, please," Rosalie said to Bella. Leave it to her to step up and take charge. Bella nodded and told her that there would be a short wait. When Rose came back and told us about the wait, Emmett complained; of course.
"But the food is really yummy, Uncle Em," Charlie said. I smiled at my daughter, I loved her more and more every day and I had never thought that would be possible. We sat on some chairs and waited for our table.
"Mom is thinking about breeding," Emmett said casually; I started to gag.
"Didn't she kind of do that already?"
"He means breeding Marie," Rose said, taking Zach from him.
"Oh." I thought about my little cat. I had gotten her three years ago and wished I could've kept her. I was thinking about taking her back, but was unsure. My traveling had died down recently.
"I'll have to talk to her about it," I said. I noticed Charlie playing peek-a-boo with Zach and chuckled.
"Ehem." Someone cleared their throat and I looked up. Bella stood directly in front of me. She bit gently on her bottom lip and asked, "Would you like to look at menus while you wait?"
"Yes!" Emmett said, taking one from her.
"I'll look on with my husband," Rose said, smiling and then looking at the open menu Emmett had.
"I don't need to look at one." I said. But I'd like to look at you, I thought as Bella walked back to her podium. A large family had come in and she had to help them since he co-worker had mysteriously disappeared.
Charlie climbed onto my lap and smiled at me. That was her 'I want something' smile. I rolled my eyes and she giggled. "What do you want, sweet heart?" I asked her, touching my forehead to hers and staring at her.
"Can I get a brownie like last time?"
"Only if you're not too full after you finish your dinner." Charlie leaned back and patted her stomach.
"I won't get full, I have a big tummy."
"Charlie, don't say that people will think you're fat," Rose scolded, but Charlie and I just laughed. I looked up and saw Bella staring, a small smile on her face.
When we were seated at a big booth in a corner, Emmett told me he needed to go to the bathroom. I just stared at him. What were we, women? Since when did he need someone to go to the bathroom with him?
"Just come on, dork." Emmett said, pulling me away.
"Why do I have to come in here, tool?" I asked as the door swung shut behind us. The nicknames we had for each other didn't seem loving to a passerby, but Emmett and I had a strange bond.
"That's Bella isn't it?" I nodded and Emmett whooped. "I'm brilliant."
"Keep telling yourself that."
"So how are things between the two of you?"
"There's nothing between us. I kind of like her, but nothing is going to happen."
"What do you mean?"
"I have Charlie to think about. If I start having a thing with Bella, but then we leave, Charlie will be disappointed."
"Just don't tell her."
"That's stupid, Em." I glared at him for even suggesting that I keep something that important from my daughter.
"Hey, don't get mad for me suggesting you don't tell her a small detail like possibly dating someone. You're the one who hasn't told her the truth about Jane." Perhaps my brother really was brilliant.
Supper went well and I enjoyed spending time with Rose, Emmett and Zach. Charlie seemed so excited and her laughter was contagious. Whenever I could, I snuck a peak at Bella. Our eyes met a couple times and I swear she blushed.
Now, I was trying to get ready to go to Rosalie's cousin's house. Charlie was running around the hotel room, yelling that she didn't want me to do her hair.
"Please, Charlie, just let me do it so I can get ready." I pleaded with her. She stopped and faced me, crossing her arms and glaring at the brush in my hand. I swear she could be so stubborn.
"Auntie Rose can fix it, though?" I nodded my head and she walked over and let me put her hair in a pony tail. She smiled up at me when I finished and all traces of the little argument disappeared. I bent down and kissed her on the nose. Charlie kissed my nose, too and I grinned.
"I love you," I told her.
"I love you, too, Daddy."
Bella
Alice called me and she actually sounded frantic. Apparently, her cookies had burned and her pork chops weren't defrosting. I started to laugh and I could feel her glaring through the phone.
"Calm down, Ali, I'm coming." So I finished getting dressed and went to the grocery store. Alice would have fixed my hair anyway; I might as well not do it.
At the check out at the grocery store I felt the pervy teen staring at my chest. I glared at him and he didn't even notice. I sure was glad to get out of there. When I pulled up in front of Alice's house I fell in love with it. It was my first time seeing it and the pictures she showed me didn't do the charming place justice.
Alice had told me to let myself in, so I grabbed my bags and went inside. I followed the smell of burning and the sound of cussing to the kitchen. I instantly felt jealous, wishing my condo had a kitchen like this.
"Thank God!" Alice said, when she noticed me; I laughed and set down the groceries.
"What would you do with out me?"
"Feed my cousin-in-law McDonalds?"
"You're lucky we're friends." I tell her seriously.
"I know."
"I do expect a reward for this."
"Like?"
"Like being allowed to use this kitchen whenever I want," I said, rubbing my hands on the counter.
"Deal. You have to let me do your hair though."
"I expected that. Now, shoo, go get ready and I'll cook."
"Okie pokie," Alice said, kissing me on the cheek and running away. I chuckled and started taking out dishes. I was going to make pasta, with a special meat sauce as well as a salad. For dessert, berry cobbler and chocolate chip cookies.
"Oh, thank God," Jasper said when he walked into the kitchen and saw me cooking.
"Hey, Jas," I said, smiling over my shoulder at him. He stuck his fingers in the salad bowl and grabbed an apple chunk.
"Hands out," I said, Jasper just laughed.
"Honestly, I thought I was going to have to go get take out."
"What has she been feeding you?"
"Not much, variety wise. She's just nervous about Rosalie being here."
"Rosalie?"
"Yeah, my cousin; the two of them don't get along very well."
"Was she at the wedding?"
"No, she couldn't make it; which is another reason why Alice doesn't like her."
I stirred and thought for a moment. The only other Rosalie I could think of was Edward's manager. But that couldn't be possible, could it?
After awhile, when I was sure that it would be okay to step away from the stove, I made my way upstairs and let Alice make me over. She really did pick an appropriate job.
"Hold still," Alice said as she came at me with the mascara. This was my least favorite part, it always made me feel like she going to poke my eye out.
"Sorry, Alice." I sighed and tried to ignore the pointy stick near my eyes.
"Something on your mind?"
"Yeah, the sauce. Hurry up so I can go stir it." Alice laughed and finished with the mascara.
"Do you dislike Jasper's cousin?" I asked Alice.
"We don't really get along."
"That's what Jasper said."
"Well, it's just that she always thinks that her way is the right way."
"Sounds like someone else I know." I said, standing up and looking at her. Alice rolled her eyes, crossed her arms and started to pout. "Don't be such a baby." I gave her a quick hug before going downstairs to make sure supper wasn't burning.
I stayed in the kitchen for the next half hour. Alice came in a couple times and told me not to get anything on my shirt. I just ignored her. I had been cooking for as long as I could remember; I wasn't going to get anything on my shirt.
"Damn!" I exclaimed when the sauce dripped on my white blouse. Alice came running in and started to laugh.
"Told you so! Come on, there's just enough time for you to change."
"All I did was taste it," I groaned as I was pulled up the stairs and had a new shirt shoved into my hands.
"I know, honey. Now put this on." I changed into the navy blue top and headed back to the kitchen. Alice came with me and we talked about various things. She told me that she and Jasper wanted to paint the kitchen yellow.
"I like it green," I said. Green was my favorite color lately, and after seeing Edward last night I had realized it was because of his eyes.
"Says the lady who painted her kitchen orange." I laughed and hit Alice with a spoon. She hated the orange color of my kitchen; truthfully, as soon as that paint touched the walls I hated it too. However, I kept it just so I could piss her off.
"They're here, Ali!" Jasper yelled. Alice stiffened, and stared at me, wide eyed.
"Go on." I nudged her toward the door.
"Come with me," Alice said, dragging me with her.
"No!"
"Now, bitch!" I saw Jasper opening the door and figured it was too late to turn back so I stood to the side, behind the two of them as they welcomed their family into their home.
"Something smells good!" I looked down and smirked.
"Surprisingly," muttered a woman. I assumed that was Rosalie and I fumed at the insult aimed at Alice.
"Rosie, it's great to see you," Jasper said.
"Hi Jas. Alice."
"Rosalie." I looked at Alice and then at her cousin-in-law. They were staring daggers at each other, but their husbands were oblivious. I didn't even care though, because this was Rosalie; Edward's manager.
"Nice to see you, Alice!" Emmett boomed, holding their young son and hugging Alice at the same time. Rosalie's lips tightened in a thin line.
"Hey, I want you guys to meet some people," he said, ignoring looks from Rosalie. "Eddie, get your dorky butt in here."
In walked Edward, holding Charlie and looking amazing. He shook Jasper's hand and put Charlie down. She stretched and I wondered if she had been sleeping in the car. Suddenly, Alice's face lit up and I knew what she was thinking. I tried to back away but her hand had already wrapped around my wrist.
"And this is our friend Bella," Alice said, pushing me forward for everyone to see. Charlie looked up at me and smiled a great big toothy grin. I looked nervously at Edward and noticed he wasn't smiling. There was a different expression on his face, one that I hadn't been expecting.
"Nice to meet you all," I said. Emmett grinned and gave me a hug. I could see over his shoulder if I stretched enough and I noticed a small smile on Rosalie's face.
"If you'll excuse me, I need to check on our dinner." I left them and until dinner was ready to be served, I stayed in the kitchen. Once or twice I looked into the living room and watched Charlie playing with her cousin. I think I heard his name was Zach.
"Dinner is ready," I said. Everyone looked at me and Emmett grinned. I was beginning to recognize that one did not come between him and food.
"Can I have milk, Bella?" Charlie asked me.
"Now, Charlie, Bella has been cooking for awhile. I'll get you milk," Edward said. We stared at each other and I shook my head.
"I'd love to get you some, Charlie." I walked into the kitchen as everyone began to sit down in the dining room. When I got the gallon of milk out of the fridge I saw that Edward had followed me.
"I'm surprised she remembers me," I said, pouring the milk into a cup and handing it to him.
"She's a smart girl," Edward said quietly. I was curious about what was going on in his head. When we talked on the phone he hadn't sounded like this.
"I can tell."
We walked back into the dining room and took our seats. I was seated down the table from Edward. However, I couldn't help looking at him. He talked about the little things like they were the biggest moments in his life. Not once were his books mentioned. His favorite thing to talk about? Charlie.
"When she was four, she ate a button," Edward said, smiling at his daughter as she just shrugged and slurped up some spaghetti.
"She ate a button!" Alice asked.
"Yeah, and I freaked out. It was terrible; afterwards though, it was kind of funny. She kept saying 'you gone tell everyone, Daddy' and I do."
"Can I talk to you?" Edward asked me later on while we were sitting in the living room, watching an amusing game of Mario Cart going on between Emmett, Jasper and Charlie.
"Sure."
Edward
The moment I walked into Jasper and Alice's house I saw her. It was like I had radar and it went wild. I tried not to stare, that would have been weird. I could tell, though, that my brother and Rose were very amused and intrigued. Even Charlie seemed to sense what was going on. Hell, she even asked Bella to get her milk.
Finally, I decided that I needed to grow a pair and talk to her. This burning in the pit of my stomach was spreading through my entire body. I could feel it in my chest, in the tips of my fingers and behind my eyes. I wanted to brush that strand of hair out of her face. I wanted to kiss those lovely pink lips and rest my hand on the small of her back.
"Can I talk to you?" I asked her. Everyone was distracted. Charlie, Emmett and Jasper were playing Mario Cart and Charlie was kicking serious ass.
"Sure," Bella said. She stood up and walked away. I followed her because I felt that she would know somewhere secluded and private. The fire within me had seeped into my brain, and erased all rational thoughts as I half-hoped that she'd bring me to a bedroom. I shook my head, trying to get those things out. I just wanted to talk to her. Thankfully, we went into a study.
"So," Bella said, as I shut the door and looked at her. I rubbed the back of my neck and wondered where I should start.
"I've been thinking about you a lot," I said awkwardly; Bella blushed and looked down. Open mouth, insert foot, I thought.
"I've been thinking about you, too." I looked at her, feeling surprised that she had admitted to it.
"But it's weird." I huffed and sat down in one of the chairs. Bella sat down in the seat next to me and I could see her nodding her head in agreement.
"We barely know each other."
"I know."
"You're probably going back to New York soon, too."
"Yeah, I am."
"So nothing would really happen between us," Bella said. She was staring at the many shelves full of books. There was a thoughtful expression on her face and I wondered if she was thinking the same as I was; could something happen between us?
"You're right," I finally said. Bella looked up at me and once more I wanted to brush her hair back behind her ear.
"I would still like to keep in touch. I think we should be friends." I smiled when she said that. It made me feel so hopeful, knowing that she would still be in my life in some way.
"Yes, definitely," I said and just so I could satisfy myself I leaned toward her. Bella's eyes started to drift closed and for a moment I realized she thought I was going to kiss her. I wanted to, but we had agreed that we wouldn't do that. So, I gently brushed aside her hair. Bella opened her eyes and we stared at each other. I was very much aware of my thumb resting on her cheek. When she looked down, I realized I'd been touching her for too long and I pulled my hand away.
"So, friends?" I said. Bella looked at me, and smiled.
"Friends," she said.
Charlie
They thought I didn't know.
But the first time I saw Bella, I knew she was Belle from Disney. It was because of her eyes and the way she smiled at me.
I saw how she smiled at Daddy, too.
And Daddy didn't know it yet, but he smiled at her the same way.
They were going to be together for ever and ever; even if I had to give them a little push first.
This was my contribution to the Fandom Against Famine Compilation. I have an idea and plan to continue it. Maybe during the summer it'll become a full story. You can vote on my profile on which story I should pick first to continue. This will be there so vote for it i you want to read more. :)
