BPOV
I sank down onto the barstool with a heavy sigh. Pulling my phone out of my pocket I frowned down at the display. Forty-five minutes-I'd only made it forty-five minutes before offering up a lame excuse and escaping. And now here I was, hiding in a dark corner of the bar wondering how long I could stay before anyone started to worry. Pathetic really. I shrugged out of my coat, grabbed my stuff from my bag, and started organizing my books on the bar in front of me. I might as well get some work done while I was being a loser coward.
"Hey Swan!" I heard from the other end of the bar, "I didn't know you were back in town."
I tried to keep my expression neutral as I looked up at the overly friendly bartender approaching me. "Hey Newton. I just got back today." Ugh. I was pretty sure I was unsuccessful in my efforts to keep the annoyance out of my voice. But Mike didn't seem to notice, his face was eager as ever.
"Lookin' good 'Little Swan.'" His tongue slid across his lower lip as he unabashedly ogled my chest. Gross! "Can I get you a drink or do you want to look at a menu?" He was still eyeing my tits. What a tool.
I shook my head and waved him off as he tried to hand me a menu. "Uh, I'll just have whatever IPA you have on tap and the mushroom bacon burger medium rare, please." I knew it was futile to try, but I made every effort to keep the interaction as brief as possible.
"Sure thing!" God, he was eager. "How long are you in town for? Maybe we can hang out," he said with a confident smirk. Why couldn't this guy take a hint? I'd stopped trying to spare his feelings a few years ago. Early on I'd stupidly thought he was a nice guy and he would get over his little crush on me if I didn't encourage him. It took me a while to figure out his interest was purely superficial. Before that I'd always felt sorry for him. He really just wanted to get into my pants and my lack of interest only seemed to make him more persistent. So it had become increasingly difficult to be civil to him. Plus, I fucking hated men who played the "nice guy" angle. Manipulative, entitled douches - the lot of them.
"Um…yeah, maybe. I'm around for about a week." I answered as vaguely as possible.
"Cool. I'll go put your order in." He started backing away from me, "I'm really glad I ran into you!"
"Oh and Mike," I called before he could turn away.
"Hmmm?"
"You didn't see me here tonight, okay?"
He looked back at me in confusion.
"What? Why?"
"Just, I'm not here, ok? Don't tell anyone you saw me here. Especially not my family, okay?"
Understanding lit in his eyes, "Oh, I'm keeping your secrets for you now, am I Swan?" His smug expression was unbearable as he started to stride back toward me. "What are you gonna do for me in return?"
Ick, now he was trying to coerce his way into my pants? WTF?! My expression must have turned deadly because Mike paled in response. "Seriously, Newton? I will chronical all of your failed attempts at seduction over the last five years in great, humiliating detail and post it on tumblr for all of your friends to see. Including your little desperate episode at First beach senior year," I watched with some satisfaction as he swallowed and paled further, "You really want to push this? Just put my order in and leave me the fuck alone. I'm really not in the mood for this shit tonight."
I didn't wait for a response. I just looked down at my well-worn notebook and started back into my work. I was pretty sure I heard him mutter "crazy bitch" under his breath, but I really couldn't be bothered responding. Maybe he'd leave me alone for good - doubtful though; he's never been the brightest bulb.
I heard someone chuckling quietly next to me. I turned my head to find a man I hadn't noticed before sitting to my right. I would have been embarrassed if I wasn't still so pissed at Mike.
"Something funny?" I questioned coolly. My residual anger sharpening my tone.
He looked at me fully now. His green eyes crinkling at the edges as he continued to laugh. My irritated expression seemed to smother his laughter which settled down into a lopsided grin. "Sorry, sorry. That just…really wasn't how I was expecting that interaction to end."
"Well, I'm so glad my discomfort and annoyance are so entertaining to you." I snapped and instantly regretted it.
I closed my eyes tightly and took a couple of calming breaths before continuing. "Look, I'm sorry. Contrary to recent evidence, I'm not usually a heinous bitch."
I looked over and was relieved to see him still chuckling. "It's okay," he said after sipping his beer. "That wasn't really the impression I got. Mike seems to be pretty persistent from what I've observed. It was fun watching someone cut his game down so efficiently. Sadly, I don't think it happens much around here."
I stared at him trying to figure him out a bit. He was handsome, definitely a bit older than me, but strikingly attractive none the less. I don't really do the whole picking up guys in bars thing ever (been there-done that. So not for me.) For some reason the green eyes before me held me captive; I couldn't seem to pull my eyes away.
I was still caught in his gaze when I heard one of my favorite people exclaim, "Hey Sweetie! I didn't know you were in town already!" I looked up to see an excited Angela placing a beer in front of me on the bar.
"Hi Ange! It's so good to see you!" I stood up on the rungs of the stool and gave my friend an awkward hug over the bar. "What? Mike was too afraid to bring this himself? Wuss!"
Ange laughed as she pulled away, "Yeah he suddenly needed to take a break. What did you do to him? He looked like he was gonna puke when he headed out back."
"Just a little blackmail, that's all," I said with a smug grin. Angela raised an eyebrow in question.
"Senior year. First Beach." I answered her unspoken question. The snort of laughter that erupted from her had me laughing with her instantly. She was leaning her elbow on the bar doubled over laughing. Her other hand rubbing her round belly.
"Oh my God! Look at you Ange! You look amazing!" I said once I'd calmed my hysterics a bit. "When are you due? February?" I couldn't believe Ange was going to be a mom. She was truly glowing, happiness seemed to beam out of her.
"Yup. February 10th." She smiled contentedly, "I can't wait. Baby Chaney is already huge! I can't believe he's going to keep growing for another month and a half before he gets here! How is it possible for a man of such small stature to impregnate me with such a giant!"
"Well are you sure it's hi-" I started, but was interrupted by a napkin in the face.
"Shut it Swan! Don't you dare finish that sentence!" she said in mock anger. It was so much fun to mess with Ange. She was so easy to set off.
"What! I was just going to say-"
"I know exactly what you were going to say and you need to be careful of the rumors you start in this town. You've been away too long. You don't remember what the small town gossip mill is like."
"Sorry, sorry. It's been three years. I forgot how small Forks is and how easy it is to start shit here."
"Alright smart-girl. I've gotta get back to work. Are you going to be here a while?" I just nodded as I sipped my beer. "Great. I'll be by in a bit with your dinner. And don't worry, I won't let Mike anywhere near it." She winked at me as she walked away. Her eyes lit with curiosity and darted to my right briefly as she left.
Huh. I followed her gaze and found the man seated next to me staring intently. My eyebrow raised in question.
He seemed to suddenly become aware of himself and his mouth pulled up into a crooked grin. "Hi, I'm Edward Cullen." He said, leaning toward me a bit with his hand extended.
"Bella Swan." I said taking his hand in mine. His warm, calloused hand enveloped my own. I wanted to ignore the strange energy I felt when we touched, but I saw in his eyes that he felt it too. I pulled my hand away, quickly snagging up my beer and taking a rather large gulp. I wasn't sure what else to say to this gorgeous man next to me, but he had me flustered with just a handshake.
I was just about to turn back to my work when he said, "So where do you live when you're not visiting the soggy town of Forks?"
"Um, Cambridge."
"Massachusetts or England?"
"Massachusetts."
"Oh, what do you do there? Are you in school?" he pointed down to the books scattered on the bar in front of me.
"Uh yeah. I'm working on my doctorate. I have about a year and a half left if things go well." Why was I telling him all this? I hate talking about myself with strangers. I make it a point to avoid this kind of getting to know you crap whenever possible. It's one of the many reasons I don't date.
"That's cool. What school are you at? My sister lives out there. She's at Harvard." There was a soft pride that crept into his voice when he spoke of his sister. I couldn't help the small smile that spread on my face in response.
"I'm just down the street at M.I.T."
"Wow. Smart girl indeed." He said quietly. "What are you studying there?"
"Alright I think that must be twenty questions at least. I think it's my turn." I was done talking about myself. I really didn't want to sit around and watch this guy pretend to be interested in my work. "How long have you lived here? I don't think I've ever seen you around town before. Or are you just visiting too?"
"Ok. Fair enough." He laughed. "I've lived here for seven years."
"Hmm. And what do you do here exactly?" I mean it's not exactly the hub of any major industries. Most people who live here are from here. Not many people move here.
"I'm a musician." He said simply.
"And you make a living on that? In Forks?"
"Yes." He said simply.
"Wow. You must be incredibly talented. People here won't bother to drive twenty minutes to see the latest action flick. I can't see them paying to see live music." I said incredulously.
"Oh, I don't play live music anymore. I compose music on commission."
"Like for movies or commercials or something?"
"Yeah. Mostly for movies, but I don't work too much these days. I don't really need too."
"Bad boys" started playing from my phone, "Excuse me, I have to take this." I said quickly before answering. No way to avoid this any longer.
"Hey Charlie." I sighed into the phone. This conversation was going to suck.
EPOV
God this woman was beautiful. Bella. Beautiful Bella. And smart, funny and full of fire. And young! God, she couldn't be older than her mid-twenties. Which made me an old creep. But I can't remember the last time I noticed a woman at all, much less liked one like this. And Bella was impossible to miss.
She had plopped down on the stool next to me just as I was starting my first pint. A deliciously floral scent had filled my senses and I looked over to see this stunningly beautiful woman unpacking what looked like genetics texts. She unwrapped herself out of a massive parka to reveal her slim, curvy form underneath. I was captivated immediately.
I had cringed as I watched Mike zero in on her. I liked to come here occasionally to people watch and on those occasions I had witnessed many women fall for Mike's clumsy charms. I had never once felt remotely jealous…until he set his sights on her. Watching her cut him down so quickly and thoroughly was fucking hot. She had no issues speaking her mind or standing up for herself and there was something sexy as hell about her confidence. This was a woman that didn't have time for losers like young Newton.
We shared the briefest of conversations, in which she was totally adorable. Unfortunately we were interrupted before I could get her name. I still enjoyed watching her as her face lit brightly for her friend. She glowed with love for Angela, who I have come to have respect for from our interactions. She seemed like a genuine, kind person. Not that I know her well. Not that I really know anyone well anymore, but I've always been pretty good a reading people.
Our second conversation was amazing. She seemed hesitant to open up to me at first, but she started to relax after a bit until her phone started playing that stupid song. I really didn't know how I could be jealous of the "bad boy" on the other end of phone, but I was. I mean, I had just met this woman. We'd spoken a total of ten minutes and somehow I was already feeling possessive.
I tried not to listen to her conversation - tried and fail miserably.
"Hey, Charlie." I cringed inwardly. Her likely boyfriend had a name now. I sipped my beer and tried to look like I wasn't eavesdropping.
"Yeah I finished up my shopping, but I stopped off to see Angela at the Lodge….Uh, I'm grabbing a quick bite with her while we catch up." She was fidgeting with her napkin. She seemed uncomfortable talking to this guy, whoever he was.
Her eyes looked sad and almost guilty as she listened, "Actually, I think I might just stay with Ange tonight. She's got space and we wanted to catch up some more. That way you won't have to worry about waking me in the morning."
So she didn't want to stay with whoever she was talking to. That was something. "No. I'm sure it's fine. And I know you like having me there, but I'll see you when you get back from work tomorrow. We can hang out then." She sounded so relieved. "Yeah, love you too. Goodnight"
She ended the call and then dropped her head down onto her arms on the bar. She stayed like this. I wasn't sure if I should say anything. She might just want to be left alone. I really didn't want to get told off like Mike just had. I was debating still when Angela came over with her food.
"Hey what's wrong? Is Mike out here bugging you again? To be honest I didn't really think he had the balls to piss you off anymore in one night."
Bella lifted her head off the bar as Angela set a plate down next to her books. "Charlie just called to check in on me. I may have lied and said that I needed to get out and do some last minute shopping and then I snuck over here."
"It can't be that bad Sweetie. He loves you, even if he sucks at showing it."
"I know. I just don't fit there anymore, you know? It's all so awkward and forced." Bella sighed. She looked so defeated. I wanted more than anything to take that sadness from her eyes and banish it for good. But it seemed she was hung up on someone. Angela noticed my interested and cocked an eyebrow at me. I looked away sheepishly and started nursing my beer again.
"Bella, honey. He's your dad. He'll always be your dad even if he has a new family now. It doesn't mean he loves you any less." Wait, Charlie is her dad? Ok so…that changes things a bit.
"I know, Ange, I do, but I mean there is literally no room for me. I'm relegated to the couch. I was going to stay for two weeks originally because it's been three and half years since I've seen my dad. But I can't sleep on the couch living out of a suitcase for that long. Plus Leah doesn't miss an opportunity to tell me how much she hates me and how inconvenient it is to have me there."
"Well Leah's a bitch. We all know this." Angela laughed bitterly.
"Ange, can I stay with you tonight? Just for tonight? I promise I'll leave first thing in the morning and I'll make my cinnamon rolls before I leave. Please?" She pleaded.
"Oh, Sweetie. I wish I could, but Ben's sister and her family are at our house for the next week. I promise I'd much rather spend the night chatting with you than exchanging forced pleasantries with the in-laws, but it's the holidays. It's the time of year for uncomfortable social obligations. So suck it up cupcake and go sleep on your dad's couch."
Bella sighed heavily, "Thanks Ang. I know you're right, but it still sucks. Can we have a day before I leave town? Just us? I miss you."
"I miss you too B. I'll text you and we'll set something up. Okay?" Angela gripped her friend's hand before heading back to work.
I watched from the corner of my eye as Bella picked at her fries. She looked so sad. I fucking hated that she looked like that. I wanted to fix it.
"Are you alright?" I asked quietly. Bella looked up at me like she'd forgotten I was there altogether "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to overhear, but I heard a bit."
"That's okay. It's to be expected. This is Forks after all." She sighed heavily, "Listen, I don't know you, but please don't repeat any of what I just said to anyone. It would really hurt my family if it got back to them."
"Oh, I wouldn't do that. I don't really talk to people much at all anyway. I think you're the first person I've had a personal conversation with in over a month. If that makes you feel any better."
Her brow furrowed, "Why don't you talk to people much?"
"I'm not really very good company these days. It's just easier to keep to myself, I guess."
"Huh. You seem like pretty good company to me," she shrugged. "But I guess I just met you." She smiled shyly at me. I would do anything to keep that smile on her face; it was stunning.
"Thanks." I said awkwardly. "I work at home and come here. I don't really do much else." I shrugged, turning back to my beer.
"Well, I'm work obsessed myself. At least that's what the few friends I keep tell me. But I've always been that way, even as a child. Always too serious and focused. It pisses my mother off something fierce." She smirked at that, obviously taking some satisfaction in annoying her mom.
"I think I've always been serious, but my sister says I've turned into a 'brooding asshole who's hiding away in this moldy corner of the world'." I couldn't help the indulgent smile that pulled at my lips as I thought of Alice. The trouble with having a sibling fifteen years my junior was that she would always be six years old with pigtails in my mind. My brother was only a year older than her, but he was 6'5" and built like a truck, so I really couldn't think of him as a kid anymore. Even if he acted like one.
Bella laughed at my comment and said, "I think I'd like your sister." I wondered briefly if she an Alice would get along. Alice was a bit energetic for most people, but Bella seemed laid back which might be a good complement to Alice's exuberance.
Before I could stop myself I said, "You probably would actually. She's unique."
"I always wished for a sibling, but you know what they say, be careful what you wish for." She looked so pained as she laughed bitterly.
"Did your father just remarry?" I asked.
"Well, a few years ago, but I haven't really been home since. He didn't invite me to the wedding until a couple weeks before, so there was no way I could get back in time. He said he didn't really think I would come all that way to watch him say a few words to a Justice of the Peace." She sounded so hurt.
I couldn't help myself from responding, "That's awful. Who wouldn't want to be there for their father's wedding?"
She turned in her stool to face me, leaning her elbow on the bar. I turned my body to match her posture as she spoke. "He was really hurt that I moved so far away for school. But how was I supposed to say no to a full ride at M.I.T.? And a position in Dr. Banner's lab to boot! I've been obsessed with his research since I learned of it in high school. Who says no to an opportunity like that to move back to Forks and teach at the local middle school?" The volume of her voice stayed low, ever conscious of nearby listeners, but she grew more agitated as she spoke.
"Um, wow. No one. No one in their right mind would have made a different choice than you did." How could anyone hold that against her?
"He's not a bad guy. He just doesn't understand. He never wanted to do anything other than live in this town and serve it. I'm not begrudging him that, but he can't even fathom wanting a different life. It's why he split with my mom and let us walk out of his life when I was three. She wanted to see some of the world, but he was tied to this town in a way she never would be."
"Wow. He let your mom walk away because he didn't want to move? Just like that? But you came back to live with him at some point? It sounded like you went to school here."
"Yeah, I went to high school here." She answered quietly as she turned back to her burger. "What about you? Where did you live before moving to sunny Forks?" She asked before taking a bite.
I really didn't want to go down this road with her, or anyone for that matter, but she was being so open with me and I liked it. I knew I had to be open with her if I wanted it to continue.
"I grew up in Chicago. I went to college in New York and then moved back to Chicago after that."
She asked the next logical question. The one I really wanted to avoid. "What made you move out this way? It's not like this town is even on most maps."
I had to just get it all out in one go. I took a deep breath and said, "Um. My mom wanted to move back here when she got sick. She used to visit with her family when she was a kid. She always found it to be peaceful. When she found out that her treatment options were exhausted, she wanted to come here to live out the rest of her life. I came here to help her with that and I never really left. She lived for a year and half – three times as long as they expected. I didn't really know how to reenter my old life after that." I looked up from my beer to find her looking back at me, her eyes glistening with unshed tears. She didn't say anything for a long moment, but she didn't look away I felt like she was seeing into my soul and I was seeing into hers. I don't remember ever feeling so naked before anyone before. I should have been terrified, but instead I felt…hopeful and raw at the same time. I didn't want this feeling to stop.
After a moment Bella reached over and laid her hand over mine on the bar. She all but whispered, "I'm so sorry that you lost your mother. She was so lucky to have such a loving son to spend the end of her life with her." I felt like I could sit here forever, lost in her deep brown eyes basking in the warmth of her small hand resting on mine. The warmth seemed to radiate from her hand throughout me. She was like the sun and I had been so starved of light for the last several years. Was it possible to fall in love in an hour? Because I was pretty sure I was falling hard and fast for Bella Swan.