Disclaimer: I have no rights to the Twilight franchise. I am writing this for my own writing pleasure, am making no monies, and I intend no harm.
Edward Cullen and I have known each other since we were three years old. My mom and his mom were the best of friends in a little town called Forks- so little that its claim to fame is that it's the rainiest place in the continental U.S. Because of that, Edward and I spent a lot of time together. In fact, for as long as I can remember, Edward has always been there. From the time that I scratched my knee while trying to learn how to ride a bike to the day I got my first part in a major motion picture.
You see, I am Bella Swan, famous Hollywood actress. I have millions of fans. I have thousands of shoes. I have hundreds of dresses. I have two homes, but I have only one Edward. And he's mine. Or, I used to think he was; however, recent events have made me wonder about a lot of things concerning Edward.
It all started three months ago. Alice, my publicist, had called and asked Edward and I to visit some club that her boyfriend, Jasper, was playing at…
"Birdie, over here," Alice cried as I entered the smoke filled room. Birdie was the nickname that Alice and I used when I was in public to avoid recognition. Alice thought it was ingenious – bird, swan - but it annoyed the hell out of me and she knew it. Of course, I understood its necessity, but still, as I've said, it annoys the hell out of me.
Edward was behind me and I heard him snicker at the nickname. Fucker. It probably didn't help my mood that I was wearing the scratchiest wig on the planet. I scratched my head again and slowed down, so that Edward would bump into me.
"You did that on purpose," Edward said as he ran into my backside.
"Prove it," I taunted. Instead, he pulled my wig. I scrambled to adjust it. "Stop it," I hissed. Damn, everything was pissing me off tonight.
"Make me," he childishly replied; I could see the humor in his eyes. Suddenly, part of me wanted to shock the hell out of him and kiss him, but I knew that would end badly – mainly with Edward leaving. He'd never shown that kind of interest in me, and it took me a while, but I had finally accepted that he never would. He was my friend – just my friend. So, I pushed my romantic feelings aside and smarted back at him.
"Fucker," I finally said out loud.
"Bitch," he immediately responded, though he gave me an odd look. I knew I had taken too long to respond initially. He could always sense when things were off with me.
I rolled my eyes and let my mind wander back to my previous thoughts about the lack of romantic interest from Edward. I seemed to be doing that a lot lately. I'd think about his lack of interest and get into banter of 'friendly nastiness.' And, as always, I took what was offered – greedily, I might add. Any interaction with Edward made my heart sing. Man, I was a complete fucking sap.
I looked up and caught Alice looking at me. Shit. I must have the lovesick look that she keeps referencing on my face again because she sent me a pity filled glance, which further pissed me off. I took a deep breath and plastered a semi-fake smile on my face.
"Alice," I greeted her. Her reply was in the form of a cocked eyebrow. Insightful bitch. Man, I was in a mood tonight. "Where's Jasper?"
"Alice," Edward greeted her before she could answer me.
"Edward," she responded in acknowledgement. "Jasper is back with the band already. He won't be back until after their set. So, I guess you'll just have to put up with little ole' me."
"Great," I sarcastically muttered under my breath - just what I needed - Alice's poignant and insightful comments stated at the most inopportune time to make my night complete.
Alice leaned back and whispered in my ear, "I heard that." I gave her my fakest smile and batted my eyelashes. "You know," she said, "I'm not sure why people think you are such a great actress when you pull crap like that." With that zinger, she batted her eyelashes and walked back to the table they had reserved for us. As I said – bitch - but she's my bitch.
Edward pulled out a chair for me and I sat down beside Alice. Within seconds a waitress showed up and took our drink orders.
"Gin and diet tonic," I requested. I noticed that she gave me a searching look, but if she recognized me, she didn't let on. I took a deep breath. Either she was a nice person or the atypical garb and wig were working.
"So, Edward," Alice began with a smirk in my direction, "How's Birdie been lately?"
Edward snorted and played along. "Birdie has been great. She's finished her latest project and is ready for her vacation."
"Birdie is right here, assholes!" I snarled, which, of course, was the wrong thing to do. I played right into their farking hands. You'd think after six years of this I'd catch a clue, but, apparently, I haven't.
"Yes, but Birdie hasn't given me a straight answer during my last three phone calls, so I had to take matters into my own hands. Thus, Birdie, I felt the need to ask your other half." Alice nastily replied with the bitchy reference to Edward and our friendship.
"Well, maybe," I started, "If my publicist wasn't always calling and hounding me all the time, she'd get the answers she wanted." Let her chew on that greasy fat.
"Yes and maybe," Alice began, but was cut off by Edward.
"Ladies, tonight is about Jasper. You have a meeting tomorrow morning – put up your dukes there, okay?"
I rolled my eyes. 'Fine."
"Fine, but this isn't over, Birdie," Alice assured me.
"I'd be absolutely heartbroken if it was."
"Bella," Edward leaned in and whispered. "What the hell is wrong with you?" He pulled back to look at my face, but I couldn't stand the intensity. My emotions had just become too strong. I simply shook my head, pulled away, and looked to the stage. I heard Edward sigh and felt him pull away. A few minutes later, he pushed his chair back and walked away.
"You're going to lose him with the bitchy attitude." Alice confidently said. "You're acting like a fucking diva. Keep it up and you'll lose him."
I fought the tears. I knew she was right. Unfortunately, Alice saw the tears because she quickly turned and pulled me close. "Oh, Bella," she whispered.
I broke down. "I don't know what to do. I love him. I love him so much." I started to silently cry.
Alice pulled me a little closer. "You have to tell him." I simply nodded. I knew I could never do that. I was too chicken shit afraid that I'd lose him completely. I sat there for a while and just was. I stopped all thoughts and allowed my self to calm down. I started to pull away, but Alice had one more thing to say.
"Bella," she quietly, but firmly said again, "You have to tell him." I nodded and gave my eyes one last brief rub with my hands.
And that was when Edward Cullen – man of my dreams – walked up and introduced us to Rosalie Hale. A beautiful woman that made me want to retch. Loudly. She was blonde, buxom, and absolutely fucking gorgeous.
I hated her instantly.
And, if the look she was giving me was anything to go by, I was pretty sure it was a mutual feeling. Man, this evening just kept getting better and better.