Chapter 1
Another day and I wake up to go to work. I love what I do. I have been working at the University of Computense in Madrid for three years. I am currently working on research for the University's Department of Biology on Marine Biodiversity, specifically on dolphin species, but I am also finishing my Master's degree.
I head to the cafeteria for breakfast and sit in the same place as always, away from the court and next to the panoramic window of the cafeteria. I always order the same thing, coffee with ensaimada. After breakfast, I head to the lab, where I meet the Chief.
—Good morning, Victoria," —I said as I made my way to her to greet her.
—Good morning, Bella," —she said as he reiterated his greetings.
I check my e-mails to see if I have received any mail that is related to the investigations. I wasn't working alone on this research, I was not working alone on this project, I work with three other colleagues, Jessica, Emmett and Rosalie, who are my tutors on my master's thesis. Not only do we work at the University, we also visit and take samples at the Zoo Aquarium in Madrid, where the dolphin species Tursiops truncatus, better known as the bottle-nose dolphin, is found.
I see an e-mail that caught my attention, consisting of a Science Fair, which was going to be held on May 15, and you could present any work. There was only one month to go and a summary of the research had to be prepared and submitted next week. I call the guys to check the mail and get their opinion.
—Woau," —said Emmett while still reading the mail.
—It sounds very interesting and very useful to all of us," —Jessica said excitedly.
—Then we must hurry up and make a summary," —I said while everyone agreed with me.
—We have to tell Victoria first," —Rosalie said as she looked towards her office.
After lunch we all went to talk to the boss and informed her of the events. Leaving the office, we got down to business. We split the work, Jessica was in charge of collecting all the results of the research, Rosalie and Emmett were looking for information on the internet to use as a reference for the work, while I had to gather all the information.
After one week of sending the abstract, the abstract of the work. We receive a confirmation from the organizers of the event, informing us that our work was accepted. We were all very happy. Rosalie came up with the idea of celebrating at the top of her game.
— We must celebrate," —Rosalie said with great enthusiasm.
—Great idea," —they all said with great joy, as they all turned to me and said.
—And you are forbidden to say no," —Rosalie said as if she knew me very well, while I was speechless to answer her.
—We have to pick a place," —Emmett said as he looked on the Internet for clubs that were close to work.
—We're going to the Radical," —Jessica said as she took her cell phone and walked away from us.
—Then we'll go after work, and that's that," —Rosalie said very excited.
It's about time we left. Rosalie was on her way to Victoria's office to pick her up. We drove by in the boss's car, a black Mercedes-Benz GLE Class. When we arrived at the club the queue was huge, however, Jessica addressed the guards and said something in her ear, we were surprised to see the guards let us through. We had no idea what I had told him, but that didn't matter, the important thing was that they let us in.
—Wau, this is amazing," —Rosalie said as she walked to the dance floor.
We settled down at a table near the track. The camero approached us to take our order, Jessica quickly ordered several bottles of champagne accompanied by a plate of olives and cheese. I just finished a while ago, everyone went dancing, while I sat there and watched my friends how happy they were. The club was packed and it was not for nothing, it was characterized by having a personality of its own that set it apart from other clubs. Here, years after years, some parties are held that introduce very innovative elements that are really attractive. This month, ¨El Aniversario¨ was held.
Some men approached me, I was still alone. They sat next to me, they were drunk at the time and I didn't know that any of my friends were around to wave at me. He wanted me to dance with them, but I didn't want to, they were very insistent, and out of nowhere I hear a voice.
—The lady said she didn't want to, —said someone with a melodic voice.
—Don't get involved, it's none of your business," —said one of the drunks.
—As long as I see a helpless woman, if it's any of my business," —said the melodic voice again.
You couldn't see who he was because it was all dark, I just knew he was a man with a very beautiful voice and that he liked to defend women from abusers. When my friends came back and saw what was happening they called security to get him out.
—You're all right, Bella, —they all said as they sat next to me.
—If I'm all right, —I said as I tried to calm down.
—Who was that who helped you," —Jessica asked, all intrigued.
—I don't really know, but thanks to him those drunks didn't overdo it. —I said as I tried to look around to see if I could see him.
The night continued without any other inconvenience. We are very happy and when it was time to leave, Jessica asked for the check. We all took out our purses, but Jessica insisted on paying the bill herself.
—I don't think it's right for you to pay for everything," —we all said with tremendous pity.
—Don't worry, my husband is one of the partners of the club and every time I come here they deduct 10% of the expenses," —she said while we all were all amazed.
When I got home and after taking a nice bubble bath and putting my head on the pillow, I fell asleep. How strange I was standing in a room all lit up and I feel that they touch my shoulder and I feel that my breathing is accelerating, but I hear again the melodic voice of the club. I turned to see who that man was, however, the lights went out at that moment only our voices could be heard.
—Will you dance with me," —he said as he reached out his hand.
At that moment I could listen to the song The Time of my Life from the movie Dirty Dancing. I took his hand and we walked to the center of the track. When I was most excited I heard a voice in the distance.
—Bella wakes up," said the voice, repeating the same thing over and over again.
When I open my eyes I see my mother Sara waking me up with a sweet kiss. I say good morning and head for the bathroom. After a delicious breakfast, I take my bag to go to the subway station. During the trip I listen to the music from Ha-Ash's latest album ¨ 30 febrero¨. When I arrive at the University I go to the cafeteria and sit in the usual place. Today was a day when the cafeteria was full. And I see someone coming up to the table and saying something to me, but I can't hear them because I still had my hearing aid on.
—I'm sorry, he's repeating it again, —I said, taking my hearing aid off.
—If I could sit here," —he said, pointing to the chair.
—Yes, —I said as I pulled out my bag so he could sit down.
The waitress is coming with our order, I had ordered the usual delicious coffee accompanied by some delicious ensaimada and he empanada de cazón with orange juice. We were quiet for a while, when he looked up and saw what I was reading. At the time I was reading the Fair program.
—They accepted you, too," — he said, all excited.
—Yes, —I said as I continued reading.
—My project is about the interactions of biological processes, and their effects on human populations, and yours — he told me everything curious.
I looked at his, to see who was the curious one who was asking me, although his voice sounded very familiar. When I saw a man with short hair, with honey-colored eyes and a piercing look that stared at me to see what I was saying, however, my gaze at that moment was directed to detail his whole body, he was wearing a picture shirt with the first button unbuttoned that made his muscles stand out. I was impressed with the view I had in front of me. Since that event two years ago, I never imagined I would feel that tingling sensation again.
— And, you're not going to answer me," —he asked as I reacted to his question.
—Eh!, Marine Biodiversity, —specifically in the Dolphin species, —I said in a trembling voice.
—Sounds interesting, my name is Edward," —he said, reaching out his hand.
—Isabella, but everyone calls me Bella," —I said, extending my hand in response to her greeting.
At that moment a current was flowing through our hands and we had to quickly let go. And a laugh invaded the table, which caused everyone in the cafeteria to stare at us. My face was flushed, I didn't know if it was because everyone was looking at us or the feeling I had earlier.
We stayed and talked a little longer, we couldn't see the time going by. When I look at the time it was after 8:30 am, I couldn't believe we were late to go to our offices.
—How about we finish the conversation after work," —he said as he got up.
I didn't know what to say to her, at that moment I was overcome by a feeling of Bella, however, I agreed to her request. Exchange our phone numbers and we'll go to our offices. When I arrive at the office, everyone stares at me, I say good morning to everyone and I go as usual to check the emails.
—Something happened to you, —Jessica said very worried.
—No, why? —I said while I didn't understand the question.
—Since you are one of the first to arrive, we were very surprised that you arrived at this hour. —She said as I continued to check the mail.
—I was in the cafeteria and didn't realize what time it was, —I tried not to say why I was late.
It was lunchtime and we all headed for the university cafeteria. We sit in the same place we always do, right next to the window. We always ordered burgers with fries and soda. When I look up to the front, I see him sitting in front of us looking at me. At the time he was meeting someone, it looks like someone who works with him. I see him talking, but he keeps looking at me.
—Bella, Bella," —they all said in unison.
—What, —I said as I looked at them.
—Since this morning, you look strange," —Rosalie said, as everyone looked ahead to see what it was that was distracting.
Everyone was surprised to see that I was or rather who it was that had me like this. —Who's that," Jessica asked as all looked at him again.
—All I know is that his name is Edward and he is a professor of Anthropology," —I said as everyone looked at me in surprise.
We finish lunch and as we get up, I see Jacob passing by and he winks at me. Everyone stared at me while my face was blushing. When I got to the office, Rosalie and Jessica pulled me into a corner of the office.
—Now you're going to tell us what that was. —Jessica said as the two of them sat on a stool.
As I told her how I had met Edward and after work we would meet again, they were all surprised and excited.
—Ah, that's why you came to the office later," —Jessica said with a smile.
At the time I had no words to say, I just nodded my head in affirmation. We returned to our work, only a week before the Science Fair started and we had to hurry. It was almost 5:00 in the afternoon, time to go home. I took my purse and said goodbye to my friends.
—Good luck," they all said as they also gathered to leave.
When I arrive at the entrance of the University, I see him standing at the entrance looking at the phone. At that moment it was starting to rain, he looked up and when he saw me, he could see in his face that smile that makes any woman melt. I approach him, we both look like two fools standing there without saying a word. We were like this for over a minute.
I accept suggestions. Sorry for this translation. My native language is Spanish.