Hopping for Love by Sher Cullen 71
Summary: Summary: Sometimes we overlook the golden egg that is out in plain sight.
Pairing: Edward/Bella
Genre: Romance.
Rating: M
Meli, I don't know you personally but when I heard about your fight I knew that I could contribute a story to you. I know how important staying positive in this time is. I hope these stories bring a smile to your face and maybe some laughs. Stay positive and God Bless you. Love and prayers, Sher Lynn
BPOV
I was walking around my classroom as the children were finishing up their snack before we left for the mall. We'd have lunch once we arrived back at the school. Today was the day the children have been looking forward to, our trip to the mall to see the Easter Bunny. They have been working on making a card or picture for the bunny. I'm so glad that Rosalie will be the parent volunteer for this outing and not Alice. Rosalie was much more motherly than Alice, the fashion diva. Her daughter Arielle was just as high maintenance as Alice was, and thankfully I regard her as a friend but having her at field trips was a lot of chaos. Angela, my assistant teacher would also be going with us and her husband Ben would be driving the bus.
Rosalie knocked softly on the door and Angela let her in.
"Hi Ms. Bella," she said quietly as she came over to me.
"Hi Mrs. Rosalie," I said with a smile as her son, Riley waved excitedly from his chair.
"How was he this morning?" she asked as she waved back at her son.
"Good, a bit hyper at first but settled down."
"Sorry about that Emmett got him breakfast this morning and it wasn't the mom approved cereal."
"No worries," I said with a laugh as I imagined what Emmett could have fed him. Emmett was such a big kid at heart, sometimes he goes on the field trips with us. But it's like having an extra child when he goes though.
"Ms. Bella, I'm finished. May I go use the restroom?" Suzie asked.
"Yes, you may," I said with a smile as I watched the child clean up her snack area and walk to the restroom.
One by one the children finished up and cleared away their areas before heading to the restroom, making a single file line as they waited.
I went about setting out the children's coloring activity for after lunch, as Angela was with the children by the restroom.
"Bella, you know Emmett's brother is single," Rosalie commented.
"I know, you both have told me several times."
"You and Edward would be perfect for each other, both of you are smart, funny, and you both love children."
"Rosalie, you know we've met before and it was fine, but..." I trailed off as she interrupted me.
"But nothing, Bella. You both were seeing other people at the time, and it wasn't the right time. Now there's nothing in the way."
"Rosalie, I'm fine being single," I said.
"Funny, that's the same thing Edward says," she said with a smirk.
I just shook my head and went about finishing some things at my desk. I know she means well but I am fine being single. Not many people understand that though. Even though a part of me does miss being with someone, having quiet dinners and talking about our days, and then cuddling on the couch watching a movie.
I couldn't help but think back to when I met Edward, we were both at Rosalie's for a barbecue. I was sitting with her as Emmett came over and introduced me to Edward. I smiled up at him and he sat down next to me. We talked about music and books, we seemed to have a lot in common. But I had a boyfriend and I knew that he'd have to have a girlfriend, but it didn't keep me from thinking how gorgeous he was and how easy it was to talk to him. Garrett came back to his seat and kissed my cheek. I felt my face heat up as I looked up at Edward and I introduced him to Garret. He nodded and shook his hand, but then excused himself quickly. I watched him walk away to go stand with a blondish-brown haired woman and I couldn't help be feel a bit jealous at the way he slipped his arm around her waist.
I shook those thoughts from my head as I walked to the children lockers and started to help the children.
We all got the kids in their coats and they got their cards for the bunny and then we walked out into the hallway to go to the bus.
The children were very well behaved in the hallway, I hoped that once we got in the mall that they would be just as well behaved.
I'm glad that for now the talk of Edward is tabled, even though if I had to admit he was quite handsome and I think he was studying to be a doctor or is a doctor.
Once on the bus, I did a headcount and took my seat next to Rosalie as Ben pulled out of the parking lot. It didn't take long to get there and I stood up as he pulled up to the mall.
"Children, I need you to listen, once we exit the bus, I need you to hold a friend's hand as we walk to the mall. Mrs. Angela and Mrs. Rosalie are here to help me. Please listen to them as well as you listen to me," I told them.
"Yes, Ms. Bella," they replied as I stepped off the bus and watched as the scurried off the bus.
Each child came off the bus holding another child's hand, and Rosalie and Angela were with a group of children as I lead them to the mall entrance, once at the door I turned to them and held my two fingers in the air indicating to the that they should be quiet.
"Ms. Bella," Riley said.
"Yes."
"Can we use our library voices?" he asked.
I nodded as I opened the door for them.
The children walked single file into the mall and then I lead them to the center court where the Easter Bunny's house was and we were met by Seth, the photographer.
"Hi Ms. Swan," he said.
"Hello Mr. Clearwater," I said as I held up to fingers and the children looked up at me. "Have a seat on the floor, criss cross applesauce."
"Eric, our regular bunny is out sick. But no worries we have a replacement bunny and everything will go as planned. He's very child friendly and Eric explained to him how things work."
"Wonderful, the children made cards for the bunny," I told him as the children smiled when they saw the bunny walking up to his carrot house.
EPOV
I stood in front of the mirror in the bathroom, putting on the Easter Bunny costume. It wasn't something I always did, I'm just filling in for Eric today, since I knew that Bella was bringing her class to see the bunny. Emmett told me which day she'd be coming to the mall and I offered to take his shift for him. He agreed since I explained about how I wanted to see Bella.
I thought back to the first time I met Bella, she looked so beautiful as she sat with Rosalie at the barbecue at their house. I was there with my girlfriend, Jessica. Bella smiled up at me as Emmett introduced us and my god she had a beautiful smile. I sat talking to her about music and other things as Jessica talked with some other friends there. I really wished that I was single, but while we were talking a dark haired guy came over and sat next to Bella and he leaned in and kissed her cheek. I felt jealous that he was that close to her. She blushed a bit as she looked over at me and then introduced me to her boyfriend, Garrett. I nodded and shook his hand and then made some excuse to leave the table.
I finished putting the bunny costume on and straightened the velvet jacket and fixed the bowtie. I thought about how I'm single now and Emmett told me that she was also. Maybe now would be our chance to get together. I know I tell people that I'm fine being single, but not really. I miss having someone to share my life with, sure I have my work and friends but it's not the same. I patted the vest pocket to make sure my little gift for Bella was still in there.
I exited the bathroom and walked to the center court, I waved at the kids that I passed. I looked towards the bunny house and saw Bella standing next to Seth as the children in her class sat on the floor waiting for me.
I could feel my nerves working as the sweat gathered on my hands and forehead, thank goodness the Easter Bunny doesn't talk. I only have to wave, clap my hands or nod at things said to me and of course have countless pictures taken. I already told Seth that all of the children's pictures will be paid for by me.
I walked up to where they were standing and I waved to the children and they excitedly waved back to me. I moved closer to Bella and waved at her, she smiled back at me. She was still as beautiful as the first day I met her. I patted her arm and the kids giggled. I waved at Rosalie and she just waved back. Rosalie didn't know that it was me, even Emmett didn't know. If I told him, he would've definitely told her and I'm not sure if she would've told Bella or not.
"Okay let's get the fun started," Seth said as he directed me to go sit. I couldn't resist touching Bella's arm again as I went to sit on my carrot bench.
I watched as Seth got his camera ready and then he turned to Bella.
"Ms. Swan, you can get the children ready to see the bunny and have their pictures taken. Mr. Cul.." I had to interrupt him, so I stood up quickly and shook my head and put my finger to my lips as he looked back at Bella, who was just watching with a puzzled look on her face.
"Oh.. sorry, Mr. Bunny said he'd be taking care of the cost of the pictures today. He wanted the children to have a souvenir of their visit," he said as I sat back down and ran my glove covered hand through the tufts of fur on my head.
I caught Rosalie's eyes as she watched me.
"Edward!" she mouthed.
I nodded once as she smiled as she looked over at Bella still talking to Seth.
Oh god, she knows now that it's me.
I looked up and watched as Bella turned to her class and spoke to them.
"Okay children, stand up and make one line. I will walk you up to the bunny and then when you exit you will have a seat by Ms. Angela," she said to them.
They nodded and stood up.
Bella walked up with a little girl and stood off to the side as the little girl walked timidly up to me. She handed me a card with a shaky hand. I took it and looked at it. I patted my heart and clapped my hands as the little girl sat next to me.
Seth took the picture and then she hopped down and ran over to the other teacher as Riley hopped up.
"Mr. Bunny, here's my picture. I drew you with a girl bunny. Do you have a wife bunny?" he asked.
I shook my head and looked down sadly.
"No worries, my daddy said that Ms. Bella don't have no one either."
He was definitely Emmett's child. I glanced up at Bella and her cheeks were flaming red. I nodded up at her and clapped.
Riley giggled as I patted his head and Seth took the picture.
After the last child's picture was taken, I motioned for Rosalie to come over and have her picture taken.
She walked over and I pulled her down next to me and leaned in to her, "I know that you know it's me, how do I get Bella to come over here?"
"Just wave her over, Edward," Rosalie replied as Seth took the picture.
Rosalie got up and walked over to the children as I looked over at Bella and waved her over.
She shook her head no at me.
"Ms. Bella, go sit on the bunny's lap," the kids said softly to her.
"No, I don't think so. I'm good," she told them.
"But Ms. Bella," they whined and pouted at her.
I stood up and knelt down, and clasped my hands together as I looked up at her.
"Fine, I'll do it," she said finally as I got up and sat back down.
She walked over to me and I pulled her down into my lap and I wrapped my arm around her waist as I held her close to me.
Seth took the picture as I leaned into to her.
"Bella," I said softly and she turned her face to me as I reached my hand in my pocket and held out a purple Easter egg to her.
BPOV
I was shocked when he said my name and held out an Easter egg to me. I took it from his hand and he motioned for me to open it.
My hands trembled a bit as I opened the egg and I pulled out a slip of paper, reading the words, 'Will you go out with me? Edward.'
I looked up at the bunny and asked him if he was Edward.
"Yes, it's me," he said.
"Yes, I'll go out with you," I said with a smile.
He clapped his hands and all the children giggled as the bunny wrapped his arms around me.
"I'd ask for your number but I can't write it down with these gloves on, I'm sure I can get it from Emmett or Rosalie," he said as he pulled back from me.
"Or you could give me your number and I can call your phone and then you'd have it."
"That's a good idea," he said as I took out my phone and he rattled off his number.
"Okay, got it," I said as I dialed the number and letting it ring. "You should have my number now. But I better go the children are probably getting hungry and restless. Thank you for paying for the pictures for the children."
"It was no problem, Bella," he said as Seth handed me the envelopes with the kid's pictures in it. I nodded as I took them from him and then turned to leave.
"I'll call you later," Edward said.
"Okay," I said walking away.
I helped wrangle the kids into a straight line and then lead them back down the hallway out to the bus. The children did exceptionally well, and I'd have a little treat for them before the day was over.
Once we were all on the bus and I did my headcount, Rosalie sat next to me and smiled at me.
"Did you know the bunny was Edward?" I asked her.
"No, not at first," she said.
"Explain that."
"You remember when the photographer was talking to you and he started to say something about Mr. Cul, and then the bunny interrupted him and then he went and sat back down and he ran his hands through his hair, just like Edward always does. That's when I knew it was him," she said with a smirk.
I nodded, I was glad that she didn't know it was him from the get go.
"Bella, I would've told you if I knew it was him. But I didn't until that moment."
"It was just weird how you were talking about him today and then he turned out to be the bunny," I said.
"True, but life is weird that way."
"I guess."
"What did he give you?" she asked.
"He gave me a purple Easter egg."
"What was in it?"
"A n...note," I stuttered out as her blue eyes bore into mine.
"What did the note say? You can't just not tell me what it said."
I took the note and handed it to her.
She read it and smiled over at me, "You told him yes, didn't you?"
"Yeah, I did," I said as the bus pulled up to the school and I stood up and lead the kids off the bus.
Once back in the classroom, Rosalie said her goodbyes and I settled the children down so that we could have lunch and then work on our afternoon pages.
The day went exceptionally well and the children were really very good at the mall. I made sure that each child had their picture with the Easter Bunny in their backpacks with a note to the parents.
After the final bell rang and all the children were gone, Angela and I cleaned up the room and then walked to our cars.
"I'll see you tomorrow, Bella. I'll bring the little goody bags for the children," Angela said as Ben walked up to her and put his arm around her waist and leaned in and kissed her cheek.
I smiled at them as I said a quick goodbye. I drove home thinking about how sweet Angela and Ben were with each other, and maybe someday I'll have that in my life.
I couldn't help but smile that was still on my face as I walked into my house. I was quite tired of being alone, but still apprehensive about letting down my walls.
I made a quick dinner as I sat down to make little baskets for each child. Angela was bringing little goodie bags for them and I had filled some plastic eggs with jelly beans to go in their baskets. They will end up getting so much candy from the party. The parents were very generous in what they sent in for holiday parties.
I was just finishing my last basket when my phone rang. I picked it up and looked at the screen and smiled seeing Edward's name displayed.
"Hello," I said as I answered it.
"H...hello, Bella," he said.
"Edward, how are you?"
"I'm good. I hope I'm not catching you at a bad time."
"Nope, I'm just finishing up the children's Easter baskets for their party tomorrow. How was the rest of your day?" I asked.
"It went okay. After I finished my bunny duty, I had to go into my office for a few consultations."
"How did they go? You work in pediatrics right?"
"Yes I do, it's so rewarding to work with children," he said and I could tell he was smiling.
"It is, I love teaching them. Even though they are in kindergarten they are so ready to learn," I said as I got a bit more comfortable on my couch.
"They are, you do wonderful with them from what I saw today. You had their attention and they were really well behaved. We had another class come a bit later and they were very unruly and the teacher looked frazzled."
"You didn't have a special egg for her too, did you?" I teased.
"Of course not, that was just for you. I was wondering if you'd like to go out with me on Friday evening. I know it's kind of last minute and you may already have plans, but if not I'd really like to take you out?"
"Edward, I'd love to go out with you on Friday."
"Great, I can't wait to see you. I get off work at four, and I could pick you up about six. If that is okay?"
"Sure, that sounds great. Do you have a plan for our date? I'm just curious as to what I should wear."
"I do. Um.. I'd rather keep a surprise but you could wear anything, and maybe flats since we'll be walking a bit," he said quietly.
"Okay, that sounds good. I look forward to seeing you on Friday."
"Me too. Thank you for accepting my date."
"Thank you for asking me. Rosalie and Emmett have been talking about you a bit lately," I admitted.
"Good things, I hope?"
"Definitely."
"Good. They talked about you a few times recently."
"Really, good things?" I asked. With Emmett involved you never know what will come out of his mouth.
"Yes, very good things," he said with a soft laugh.
"I'm glad. You never know with Emmett."
"Very true."
I couldn't help but yawn, it's been a very long day.
"I'm sorry, I know it's getting late. I should let you go and I'll see you on Friday," he said.
"Okay, I really enjoyed talking to you and I look forward to our date. I can text you my address tomorrow."
"Sounds good. Night Bella."
"Goodnight, Edward."
"Bye," he said before hanging up.
I smiled as I laid my phone down. I hope this date goes well, usually I freeze up on dates and rarely get asked out again. I hope it is different with Edward.
I checked to make sure the door was locked and then I headed up to my bedroom. I always enjoyed the children's holiday parties, they had a lot of fun and we did many activities for them.
We planned a little egg hunt for them and of course giving out their little baskets before they went home.
I got ready for bed and then climbed into bed. It wouldn't take me long to fall asleep tonight.
The day seemed to go well and I was happy to be done with school for a week. It will give me time to get things done and of course my date with Edward tomorrow night.
I was nervous but I think it will go good. We seem to click, at least on the phone.
I puttered around my house on Friday and then I picked out my outfit for my date. I texted him my address, but he called back to let me know he got it and we ended up talking for about an hour while he was on his lunch break. I decided that I would wear a skirt and my blue shirt that I would wear a black jacket with and a pair of black flats.
As I got out of the shower, I heard the doorbell ring and I looked at the clock to see that it was too early for Edward to be there so I threw on my robe and went to see who it was. I opened the door to see Rosalie standing there. At least it wasn't Alice. Rosalie I could handle, she wasn't as bad as Alice.
"Hey, I thought I'd come and help you get ready," she said with a smile.
"Thanks, I just got out of the shower and I already picked out my outfit."
"Awesome, I'll help you with your hair or just calm your nerves," she said with a laugh. "Edward is at my house, he's a bit nervous too."
"I'm not nervous," I told her as I turned to walk upstairs.
"Sure you're not."
"I'm not, really. Just a wee bit."
"I know you are, but I know that you and Edward will be perfect together. You have a lot in common and both have been crushing on each other for a bit. Don't tell him I said that though."
"You didn't tell him that I thought he was gorgeous, did you?"
"Of course not, Bella."
I nodded as I sat down in front of the vanity and she picked up my hairbrush.
"I was thinking of putting some curls in, what do you think?" I asked as she brushed through my hair.
"That will work but I'll work my magic on it and I'm sure you'll love it. I know Edward will love it."
I smiled up at her in the mirror as she did my hair, she parted it and then added some curls to one side and then she slipped in a headband.
"Perfect," she exclaimed as she put the brush down.
I looked at myself in the mirror and smiled, "It looks great, thank you. Better than just my normal everyday style."
She nodded as she went to grab my clothes on the bed, "This outfit you chose is perfect, Bella."
"You think so?"
"I do. The blue will look amazing against your skin and I'll help with your makeup too," she said as she handed me the clothes.
"Okay, I'll go slip into these. I'll be right back," I said as I went into the bathroom.
I quickly got dressed and looked in the mirror, I hope that these nerves disappear soon.
Once I finished, I walked back into my bedroom and let Rosalie work her magic on my makeup.
I sat down and she started applying the various products that she laid out. I know that I could do it myself but she wanted to help me.
"I can't wait to hear where he's taking you. He hasn't even told Emmett. He said he wanted it to be a surprise and he knows that Emmett would tell me and I'd probably tell you," she said as she was putting on some eyeshadow.
"True, you would tell me. I think I like it this way, the element of surprise," I said.
"You hate surprises though."
"Normally I do, but it seems really romantic that he wanted to plan everything and not let me know where we are going. I just asked him what I should wear so I'd have some clue about how to dress."
"You two are too cute. I know this is going to work out." She finished my face and I looked in the mirror and smiled at her.
"Thank you, it looks great."
"You look great all the time," she said as I got up and gave her a quick hug as her phone chimed. She looked down at it and smiled. "He just left my house."
"Oh my word," I said as I rushed to grab my shoes and my jacket and my small purse, suddenly very nervous.
"Calm down, Bella. It will be fine. You said it yourself you got along well on the phone. It will be just like that but you can see each other."
I nodded as I slipped my shoes on and we went downstairs.
"Call me later and let me know how everything goes. Smile, you look amazing and it will be fine," she said as she hugged me quickly and left.
I took a deep breath as waited for Edward to arrive.
It wasn't long before I heard a car pull up and then a car door open and shut. I could hear my heart beating loudly in my ears as I waited for him to knock on the door.