My job was not easy. In fact it was down right exhausting. Hollywood is a very temperamental town and Sawn Records was not exempt from this generalization.
I worked for the recording company my Dad started right after my mom left him and he was forced to realize that his dream of being the next Bob Dylan was not going to happen. He built the company from the ground up, frequenting local venues and small bars. And then he made it big, discovering Because of Douglas, a band so huge they tour in Japan and the people know their songs. That and they have had six records go platinum several times.
I have to give it to Charlie though, he really has retained his integrity. He keeps it as much about the music as he can while still managing to cater to a pop culture world that seems to crave the next hot young thing that wants to ride the disco stick.
Charlie agreed to give me a job as an intern when I turned 18 and suddenly had a baby to raise and a boyfriend who refused to let me use my trust fund to support us. I was shockingly good at this though, making music the best it could be. Tweaking something till it was perfect, making magic from the sound booth.
It had taken me four short years to reach the top, but by the time I was 22 Charlie made me his partner.
So now I was a big wig LA music producer and I loved it.
"Morning Angela," I said in greeting to my assistant/old friend as I grabbed the coffee she held out to me without breaking off the heated phone conversation she was conducting.
I raised my eyebrow to indicate my interest in the caller as I took a tentative sip of my coffee. My mouth was already a bit burned from this morning's incident.
"Luke Moore's people" She mouthed as she covered the mouthpiece with her hand.
I rolled my eyes. Luke Moore was our latest teen idol heart throb. We had signed him for his killer voice and his surprising composition talent, overlooking his man whore tendencies and parting habits. We obviously made a mistake because dear Mr. Moore was now in jail after a underage girl ODed on his heroin.
"Yes I understand that sir, but Luke will be in jail for as little as 3 years! That is an obvious breach of contract." Angela was saying. "No you can't talk to Ms. Sawn, she is not available. And she has already discussed the issue with you on several occasions."
I waved to Angela and moved into my office. I was once again glad I had her, she was the best personal assistant I had ever seen and she could handle nearly any crazy situation the music industry threw at her. And there were a lot of them.
I sat down at my large mahogany desk and flicked on my computer monitor. I checked my e-mail again before going over my day in my head. We were signing several new bands in the coming weeks and I had shows to plan, contracts to discuss, and dreams to make. That took up the majority of my morning.
I had a meeting with Eminem at 2 followed by a recording secession with The Red Hot Chili Peppers for their new album that I was personally producing. All that and I absolutely needed to leave the office by 6 to make it to the special dinner Alice and Nessie were cooking for Jasper's birthday.
I was just cursing myself forgetting to get him a present when my dad strolled in for our morningly meet and greet.
"Bella," He said in greeting as he sat across from me and crossed his legs like he did every morning.
"Hey Dad, are you ready for the Brand New Day negotiation? Did you hear that they lost their drummer and have made a last minute replacement? I want to hear them all together before anything gets signed. I was thinking Paul could take them into the studio for a demo."
"Yes, yes. That sounds like a plan. Though the lead singer, Bobby? Buddy? Whatever, is the real talent there so I am not that worried."
We continued to talk shop for a few minutes before we asked me the inevitable.
"Did you hear their new album? I am sure Edward gave Nessie a pre-released copy." His name. I treasured hearing his name as much as I dreaded it. It was like a sick validation that proved to me that I didn't make him up. That he still existed beyond the context of our time together. I craved others acknowledging him beyond all things.
"Yea, I heard it. It is as great as all the rumors say. It made me cry."
Charlie frowned. He didn't like the thought of me crying. Or Edward for that matter.
"Are you ok Bells? The last time the came out with a CD you flew to Mexico for two weeks with that repulsive actor."
"I am fine Dad, and I am in a much better place now. Jake and I are great and there is absolutely no reason for me to be upset. I am happy for him, happy for his success." I had being lying to myself and everyone else for so long about my apathetic feelings for Edward that they were bound to come true one of these days.
"Alright," Charlie concluded, patting his thigh twice as he always did to signify the end of a meeting, "That negation is at 10 right?" He asked as he rose and made his way to the door.
"Yup" I replied, turning my attention back to my Mac.
"Oh and what time do I have to be at Alice's?"
"7" I said, barely hearing him. I had been sent an e-mail from Catlin Boyd's lawyer about her upcoming tour and was not pleased.
"Right, ok. I might be a little late. I have to pick up Collin from his guitar lesson."
I nodded and waved to my dad; suddenly remembering a long time ago when I had to pick up a different little boy from his guitar lesson.
~*~*~
12 years ago
I lifted my Ray Bans and studied the address before I got out of my car. My aunt had scribbled the location of my cousin's guitar lesson on a bright blue post-it as she rushed me out the door to pick him up. The address matched but the building did not seem right. I was parked in front of a worn down condo complex in a rather seedy part of town. An unlikely location for a lesson for a boy with an insanely rich uncle, but apparently Mr. C was the best.
I tromped up the cracked sidewalk, stomping on the weeds that poked through and falling into the old habit of pretending to be on a catwalk. This was something I had been doing sense I was a kid attempt to look even a little bit graceful while walking in a straight.
I knocked briskly on the front door and it was soon opened by a haggard looking, middle aged women.
"Hi, I am Bella," she eyed me suspiciously as I introduced myself. Understandable really. I was a bit glammed out for this particular errand, but what can I say. I just put on what Alice told me to.
"I am Mrs. C,"
"Is Robbie done with his lesson?" She was continuing to eye me in a way that made me wish I traded my designer mini dress for some sweats. Damn Alice and her perpetual desire to dress me up. Since we were young I had been her dress up Barbie.
"They aren't done yet. You can wait here." She stepped back a gestured to several chairs that lined the entryway.
I took a seat as she retreaded into the hall of the small condo. Crossing my legs, I took out my cell phone. Ignoring a text from my boyfriend Mike that simply said "Sex?" I decided to pass the time with a quick round of Tetris.
And that's when I heard the music. Spacey guitar drones were accompanied by a lively funk beat, and full, vibrant voice. I could not quite make out what they were playing and the melodies seemed to come from outside.
I rose, drawn to the haunting sounds coming from beyond the walls of the condo. My curiosity got the best of me as I found myself sneaking through the C's small, sparsely decorated condo, compelled to move forward by the unseen source of engaging music. If there was one thing I couldn't resist, it was discovering and obsessing over new music.
This passion for music undoubtedly came from my father. Though he is now a famous producer, he once had a humble appreciation of music, traveling with my mother and jamming with his fellow dirty hippies. They finally settled in Colorado with the surprise conception of Alice and then, two years later, myself. At an early age, we were raised to worship his hero's, The Grateful Dead, Bob Dylan, and other rock gods of his youth. He also taught us how to play. Alice and I both inherited his intuitive talent, picking up guitar quickly. Music is the one thing I have always been good at. Before being peer pressured into quitting, I played piano and cello in the middle school orchestra. I still dabble in the classic instruments, unbeknownst to my friends.
A door at the end of the hall led me to an open cement courtyard at the back of the complex. Glancing over my shoulder out of a ridiculous fear of being caught by the judgmental Mrs. C, I slid the door open and stepped into the California sun.
I saw them at the far end of the courtyard. They seemed to be passionately performing just for me. The bass player was a tall, wolfish boy with a buzz cut that was simultaneously jumping up and down and flinging his head back and forth. The drummer was a huge, burly boy who wore a blue Dodgers hat over his head of dark, springy curls that matched his worn, sleeveless jumpsuit while he rocked out with the driving beat. The skinny, adolescent rhythm guitar player was good, and he supported the rest of the band well. The front man though, was truly extraordinary and my eyes were glued to him as he crafted stunning rifts that flowed perfectly with his remarkable voice. The boy at the mic, who seemed to be my age, extolled to beauty of someone named Gloria while his fervor spilled over into his guitar playing. Eyes closed and shirtless, I couldn't help but notice his well-defined abs and the unruly copper hair that formed a messy halo around his head. I was entranced by his passion, and continued to move forward, determined to be close to this melodious god.
And then he opened his eyes and stared right into my own. They were a deep green and looking at them I felt a unfathomable sense of familiarity. It was like he knew me without meeting me ever before.
The song continued as he smiled at me. It took me a minute to notice the change in the words.
"Hey there pretty girl, your eyes are very big and bright, make my day and tell me your nameeeee" I laughed, not sure how to respond. Sing back perhaps? Would he even hear me with the amps right next to him?
As I was standing there, looking at those eyes and that charming crooked smile, someone rudely flicked my ear.
"Lets go, I am done." Robbie was glaring at me, tall and spectacularly ginger, he was all brooding teenager.
"Give me a minute," I replied. I was busy undressing Mr. Lead Singer with my eyes. Jessica, a member of my group of friends that basically dominated our high school, called it eye sex, though I had never been inspired to try it before now. Robbie was interrupting my moment.
"Stop gawking," he said, "you look like an idiot. It is embarrassing me."
"Chill out or your walking home," I smacked him on the back of the head. Unfortunately he had a good foot on me and began to drag me away from the inspiring music. As I finally turned to leave in defeat the music cut of.
"Hey hold on a second," the amplified voice called to me. Even without singing it was rich and velvety. "What's your name? Can I have your number?"
Amused and slightly perplexed at the upfront manner in which he expressed his interested, I decided to be a bit mysterious.
"I'll be at Club Onyx tonight. Maybe I will see you there?" I said as I turned to leave with Robbie. Being that I was feeling restless, I winked at Mr. Lead Singer as I departed.
As Robbie hauled me around the corner of the condo, his laughter and the beginning of another spacey song followed me.
~*~*~
"Babe," Mike slurred, "Why do you want to go home so early?" He was draped over my shoulders, trying to cop a feel as a forced him into a cab.
"You threw up on my 400$ shoes Mike." Drunk and horny, I was in a hurry to get rid of him. Though it may have been horrible seeing as I was his girlfriend and such I wanted nothing more then to ditch him in the seedy ally way behind the nightclub. It was 1:30 and Mr. Lead Singer failed to show. All I wanted to do was cozy down in my bed with a pint of Ben and Jerry's and a Jane Austen book.
"You not coming with me? Why Babe, come with me," Mike whined as he tried to force me into the cab with him.
"I'll get him home Bella, go party with The Groupies," Mikes friend Tyler climbed in after Mike, saving me the time and energy of dealing the drunken fool myself. The Groupies was the name given to my group of girl friends in the 8th grade. It was meant to be an insult, directed at us because we were rich and popular, but Jessica decided she liked it and the name stuck.
I was awkward and shy then. Charlie had just hit it big and transferred Alice and I from the public school to the swanky private school on the top of the hill when I was in 6th grade. Jessica and her best friends Lauren and Angela had ruled the school and made quick work out of ruining my life from the first day. I was quiet, clumsy, and awkward, easy prey for the torture of the elite. For two years I was their verbal, and occasionally physical, punching bag.
Then the summer before 8th grade, I found out about Phil. I spent two months picking up the pieces of my life and after that vowed to never be the helpless victim again. Through a swift campaign I set out to de-throne the Queen Bee, Jessica. Alice gave me a make over and I even let her take me shopping. With a new haircut, make-up, and designer clothes I confronted Jess head on while befriending the other girls. In a lunchtime standoff against Jess, the other girls sided with me and the four of us have been "best friends" ever since. The whole thing was very Mean Girls and the end result was a totally new Bella.
If only I could remember why that seemed so important to me once.
"Thanks Tyler, see you later," I turned to head back to where The Groupies stood outside the club, deliberating where to go next to get more intoxicated and dance more slutty.
And then I saw him, loitering by the dumpsters on the far side of the building, smiling his half smile that made me feel like there was some inside joke he had with himself that I was unaware of. I really wanted to know what put that crooked smile on his face.
"Bella, let us go. There are drinks to be dranken," Angela was a sloppy drunk. It was not something she like to do very often but gave in tonight at the pressure from Jessica and Lauren
"Angela, I am beat. I am just going to head home ok? You guys have fun," I said waving goodbye to the Groupies and their dates while peeling Angela's arms off my back.
"Alrighty, are you sure that you can drive bitch?" Lauren called. I assured everyone I was fine. After compiling to a walk in a straight-line sobriety test, they were convinced and on their way to the next venue.
As they stumbled down the street, I slowly made my way to Mr. Lead Singer, pacing myself to the Neil Young that was playing in my head. I studied his appearance and suppressed a giggle. On his head was a worn straw fedora that covered the top of his fly-away hair. He had paired his bright purple t-shirt that proclaimed his "tide freshness," with stunning chartreuse pants that had bee hacked off at mid- calf. For some unfathomable reason, this had me visually undressing him again, forcing me to focus on Neil's "Old Man" ballad to keep from drooling when I reached him.
I stopped a foot away and for a surprisingly un-awkward moment, we just stared at each other.
"Hello," I said, shy for the first time I can remember since my acceptance into The Groupies in 8th grade.
"You are more beautiful in the daylight, sunshine suits you." Dumbfounded and flattered I stood there waiting for him to go on.
"I am Edward," he said, sticking out his hand. For some reason this struck me as extremely funny in its formality.
"Bella," I choked out, suppressing my uncalled for laughter.
"Would you like to walk with me?" He asked. Humm, walking. Downtown. In the middle of the night with a complete stranger. Smart. Genius even.
"Ok," I said as I followed him, hardly surprised at my answer. Here I go, being all reckless and dangerous and dissatisfied with my life. I was sick of being a Groupie, sick of my superficial life. And this leap into the unknown was how I was dealing with.
"So what is Bella short for?"
"Excuse me?" I blinked at him as we strolled. He was a very slow walker and it was hard work for me to mosey like this. Despite my short legs, I moved quite fast.
"Bella, that has to be a nickname."
"Well technically it is Isabella. My mother is crazy." Renee decided to give Alice and I ridiculously old school names for no apparent reason.
"Oh I don't know, it seems to fit somehow. Edward is pretty old school too." At this point I should really have been regretting my decision to amble off with this obviously odd individual, but I was strangely honored by this assessment of my name. Plus it was like he read my mind and immediately understood my embarrassment. That and he was so beautiful. His face was prefect, like it was craved out of stone by some ancient Greek artist just to make me happy.
"I love your music," I blurted out, breaking all the rules of mysteriousness and flirtation.
He grinned, stuck his hands in his pockets and looked towards the stars.
"So do you want to go to this club I know? They play real love worthy music." He seemed almost as embarrassed as I was about my word vomit, as if he felt unworthy of my praise. I felt the blush flame on my face. Odd, I thought I broke this reaction years ago through sheer force of will. The revelation that this Edward character could make me blush both shocked and angered me.
Well if he was allows to call me beautiful, then I will damn well day I love his music. He could just deal with it. I mentally stuck my tongue out at him.
"Alrighty," I replied, trying to be nonchalant, ignoring the strange pull I was feeling for this strange individual.
"How the hell do you walk in those things?" I followed his gaze to my black pumps, cleaned of Mike-vomit.
"Amazing athletic ability. And an extreme aversion to looking up at everyone when they talk to me." Alice had stuck me in my first high heels in my preparation to infiltrate The Groupies. She made me wear them non-stop for a horrible two weeks until I could walk in them with ease. Though I sustained many minor injuries, it went a long way in curing me of my perpetual clumsiness. I still had my moments though.
"You are still looking up at me," he said, bringing my attention to his attractive height.
"Yes well, I am not straining my neck to do so." I grumbled, feeling guilty for the first time that the boy I was currently with was not my boyfriend.
"Do you dance?" I smiled at his question. I loved to dance. The plethora of dance classes I have taken since my youth fueled my addiction moving with music. That and they help cured me of my horrible clumsiness, along with the Alice Heels Project.
"I guess your going to find out huh?" I said back, finally getting some of my flirty shield back in place.
"Woah, big talk from the short girl." He teased. I could hardly believe it, he was making fun of me. That never happened. Angela would hurl the occasional wise crack at me, but praise and straight up brown nosing were more familiar forms of communication to me.
Our hands brushed as we turned a corner, sending a jolt to the tips to my toes. Chemistry, spark, attraction. Things I should feel towards my boyfriend. I felt guilty for not feeling guiltier about ditching Mike for Mr. Lead Singer, but I couldn't muster the energy to feel anything for Mike at the moment. It was a problem.
Placing a hand on the small of my back, Edward guided me to the door of an underground club called the Leech Pit. Raising an eyebrow, I sent him a look that clearly said, "Do you really see me going into something called the Leech Pit?"
"Trust me," he said. Talking a deep breath, I steadied myself and allowed him to steer me into new territory.
~*~*~
EPOV
It is funny the way life works. One minute you are rocking out in the California sun with your buddies, the next a she-devil is staring at you like you're sex on wheels. Bella Swan stalks in and the day gets a whole lot more interesting.
At first, I was surprised. There wasn't even a flicker of recognition in those big brown eyes. And I knew that we didn't talk, but come on. Fairfax High was not that big. I knew all about her and The Groupies. They really disgusted me, and not only in the obvious, pop culture, rich girl way. They were exactly what you would picture when thinking of the rich girl population of Southern California. Their complete lack of originally was nauseating. If I were a rich 16-year-old girl, I would really mix it up. Like Alice with her black hair and punk rock attitude.
I wasn't even on the social radar of the Fairfax elite.
And even knowing everything I did about her, I couldn't help but get sucked in. She really was beautiful, shining chocolate brown eyes, cute little nose, wet-dream inspiring lips.
Emmett punched me in the arm when she left but I couldn't resist expressing my interest in her, even if she was Alice's bitchy little sister. I was curious what she would say, what with that big shot boyfriend, the one who made the mistake of calling Rosalie a bitch. He sported that black eye for a solid two weeks after that debacle.
She really dazzled me then with that wide smile. Bella Swan surprised me again by telling me to meet her that night, rather then brushing me off like I assumed she did with most guys.
It was quite the debate, deciding whether or not to go. It took up the rest of band practice. Say what they might I knew what I was going to do from the get go.
She was exciting, a mystery. And if she truly didn't recognize me, then maybe I could figure out what made her tick.
If Bella really did have everything, then why were her eyes so sad?
So I went, of course. But I could not make myself go in. Not to a hip hop club so far out of my element. Not sure what to do, I waited by then entrance and distracted myself by writing limericks in my head.
There once was a rich, brown-eyed beauty
Who flirted with a strange sense of duty,
She charmed all the boys
Who gave her all their toys
Until she fell in love with Mikey the cutie.
Stupid Newton. There was another strike against Bella. She chose to keep the company of a really asshole.
She had to come out eventually. And when she did that useless boyfriend of hers was all over her. I had to suppress the urge to march over there, punch the bastard and tell him to leave her the hell alone. Huh, how odd. Not once had I felt anything close to possessive toward one of the many girls I knew.
I didn't think I could handle watching them go home together. I was forcing myself to leave, but she seemed to be putting him in a cab alone. He reached for her, making my blood boil, but she avoided him. Waving goodbye she turned back to her friends. That's when she saw me. Looking right in my eyes, staring at me in that unsettling way she had, I swear I saw a slight smile on those lips that screamed sex.
I was terrified that she would leave me standing alone against those dumpsters. It would be a very Bella thing to do. Or so I though. Not that I really knew her, but that was what her whole crowd was about. Putting others down to make themselves feel better about their own pathetic lives. Trick the music nerd into thinking she wanted him, then abandoning him when he showed and laughing about it with The Groupies later.
But she surprised me again. She slowly approached me, giving me time to appreciate her perfect little body. Tight jeans, high heals, and a flowing blue tank that clung to all the right places.
After just looking at each other for an inappropriate amount of time, I panicked. Technically, I had asked for this date but I didn't actually think that I would be standing here with her. I had no idea what we were going to do. Walk, we could always walk. And chat. Though I was not sure what we could possibly have in common, but maybe that would prove that this whole infatuation was ridiculous.
It was an infatuation that had unwillingly plagued me since 8th grade when we moved to LA from Evanston, Illinois, a small suburb 45 minutes from Chicago by train. It became clear from my very first day that I was an outcast; I didn't have the right clothes or the right shoes. I was pale from a winter in Chicago and I quickly committed social suicide by joining the band. Jessica and Lauren showed a bit of interest in me because of my pretty face but they quickly tuned me out when I had no idea who the celebrities were that these vapid girls were eager to discuss. After that, I just became a faceless nobody, which didn't bother me. Except for the cold shoulder of Bella Swan. She sat next to me for my very first private school class, 1st period English.
She looked through me. And that pissed me off because I had never felt more drawn to any other individual. It was her big brown eyes that mesmerized me from the brief moment we made eye contact on.
With the flirting skills of a 13-year-old boy, I teased, poked, prodded, and annoyed her but never got the slightest reaction. She ignored me completely, like I was so low that I was to far below her to notice.
By the end of the year I was fairly positive that she didn't even know my name.
My heart rate settled as we talked. She was exactly as she should be. Vain, obsessed with her short stature, getting all prickly at the first sign of teasing. This would just be another random adventure in my chaotic life, something to laugh with the boys about.
Of course she had to ruin it with those surprises of hers.
"I love your music," she said. Not in a flirty way or even a polite way. She got it, I could tell from the way she squeaked it at me. She was a true believer; a rare breed in her world that saw that music meant something beyond being fun to dance too.
She needed to be tested.
I knew the DJ tonight a few blocks away at the Leech Pit, a club catering those who wanted to dance long after the band finished. It was the perfect venue for said testing.
The look she sent me as she saw our destination was understandable. The place was a shit hole. But she brought up her chin, squared her shoulders, and marched in.
This would definitely not be boring.
~*~*~
BPOV
I was fairly fascinated with the grimy club, though not totally out of my element. When he was just getting started, my dad would take Alice and I to shows in seedy bars all over Southern California. He bought us sodas and we danced on tables while we listened to my dad latest project to make it big.
This venue was dark and small; the obvious hang out for many of the weidos that wander Hollywood by day. A wide bar circled the crowded dance floor and provided ample refreshments for the patrons.
"Can I get you a drink?" I wasn't paying him much attention though and I answered to honestly.
"A glass of wine perhaps." When he didn't respond I took in his critical expression and revised my order. "Ummm, I mean I will have what you are having."
As he left me to make his way to the bar, I continued to take in the Leech Pit. The music was soulful and funky, beckoning me to the dance floor. It was then that I realized I was being stared at. All around me patrons were gawking. It was the second time that day that I had an urge to change, even though I knew I looked fabulous. My light blue did stand out against the standard black. And I was far to well groomed. A nice facial piercing would have blended in well. To bad I hadn't thought to dress like Alice tonight.
"They were out of wine," his warm lips grazed my ear and I felt his breath on my neck. Oh man, was I in trouble. He offered me one of the shots he held. I quickly downed mine, needing to relax. He had me to wound up.
"So Bella can throw down," he commented on the ease I shot my double of spiced rum.
"I have been doing this a lot longer then you boy-o." It was only the truth.
"Oh yea, so how about another?" I met his challenge with flourish before dragging him onto the dance floor.
We moved together so well. He was wild, exuberant with his barely controlled movements. We danced to the Beck's 'Loser' while I felt guilty about not feeling guilty again. But this was nothing like gridding with Mike. I could see that h Edward felt the same way about music as I did. We were both doing our best to show the music through our movements.
The music changed then, and I found myself getting lost in the wailing guitar and funk beat of a song I didn't recognize.
"Keep on goin', no time to stop now," the upbeat song encouraged me on.
He was then behind me, hands on my hips, while he sang along in my ear.
"This is YOU! This is your song," I stopped dancing to turn and stare at him as this huge realization hit me.
"Do you love it?" he smirked. The problem was I really did. His voice was amazing and his guitar playing was unique and inspiring.
I backed away from him, needing to get some space and perspective. I had never been so drawn to another person before, and I couldn't make sense of it. The floating guitar solo tore threw my head as I had an image of Edward bent over the instrument, making beautiful music with his fingertips.
Everything about him seemed to lure me in. His stunning face, his fascinating music, and his beautiful body. I even loved the way he smelled and his questionable fashion sense.
I continued to back away and he didn't move to stop me. I was scared, terrified, confused. But something made me freeze. Edward put his hands in his pockets and gave me the saddest little smile that reflected my own mingled feelings.
Maybe it was because I was so tired of pretending to be what The Groupies wanted me to be. Maybe it was because I was dissatisfied and reckless. Or maybe I was feeling something real for a boy for the first time.
I did the unthinkable.
I gave in. Running back to him, I jumped. As he picked me up and I wrapped my legs around his hips, hoisting myself so my head was above his, forcing him to support me with his hands on my ass. Closing my eyes I lowered my lips to his.
The earth stopped. In that moment, he was all there was. "To be part of truth is hard to do, the world can't stop, but I could do it all for you." He voice filled my head as I focused on his gorgeous mouth.
Somehow, he backed me against a wall without breaking the kiss. He set me down, dragging his hands through my hair, changing the angel of the kiss. Nibbling on his lips, I shifted my hips forward, to grind myself into him, causing him to pull away and look down at me in surprise at my forward behavior.
I was just as shocked as he was. This was not typical for me. I had never enjoyed being physical this much and I was struggling to process the needs that were raging through my body.
Smiling seductively up at him I was about to suggest we find somewhere more private when I saw her.
My better half was gaping at me with open shock. Shoving Edward roughly away, I ignored the hurt in his eyes and tried to look innocent. But of course she was not buying it.
"Alice, HELLO," Jasper was waving a fresh drink in front of my sister's face, trying to get her attention. We both continued to stare open mouthed at each other.
"Shit, Bella! What the hell are you doing here?" Jasper spotted me and was unable to contain his confusion.
"My thoughts exactly Jazz." Alice, having regained the ability to speak, she put her hands on her hips and gave me a stern look. "Edward?" She asked confused as she noticed who my partner had been, Mr. Lead Singer had released me and turned to see what had stopped what can only be described as a truly earth shattering make out session. When Alice saw him, her face broke in a triumphant grin.
She whisper something under her breath that sounded like 'finally' and continue to smile like a lunatic.
"Oh, hello Alice, Jasper." Edward said in a casual greeting that was somewhat ruined by his heavy breathing. He seemed to be friendly with them. I wondered how they knew each other and I was going to ask when I noticed the look on Jasper's face.
"What the fuck?" Jasper growled, looking murderous. I had known Jasper for a significant portion of my like. We first met him while riding bikes in the run-down, borderline ghetto neighborhood my Dad first lived in when he moved to California. Alice and him became inseparable whenever Renee would let us visit and quickly became best friends when we finally moved in with Charlie by the time I was 7. Jasper often treated me like a kid sister, but was fiercely protective of both Alice and I throughout our childhood. He once beat up a neighborhood bully who knocked me down and ripped my favorite dress. Before my first date with Mike, he took Mike into another room and gave him a severe talking. When Mike returned he was pale and he didn't even attempt to kiss me when he brought me home. Not that such gentlemanly behavior lasted long. To this day he refused to tell me what was said that night.
"Umm, I was actually just leaving. Can I ride with you please, I have had a bit to much to drink." That was a lie. I am fairly positive I was drunk on Edward, not alcohol, but I wanted to distract Jasper. Going to my sister, I put my head on her shoulder and wrapped my arms around her waist, hoping that by looking tired Jasper would decide to take us home rather then beat on Edward.
"Yea ok, I am ready to go. But we didn't drive so we'll take your car." Alice said as Jasper finished off of her drink as well his own. She shot a final apologetic look at Edward before she turned to walk me to the stairs. At the top of the staircase I turned to see Jasper and Edward still talking. Edward looked shell-shocked and Jasper just looked pissed.
I was granted a reprieve until they got me into the car.
"What the fuck Bella! That wasn't your boyfriend you were getting all friendly with in the middle of the dance floor. What the hell are you doing, messing around with Edward Cullen? How do you even fucking know him?" Jasper hissed from the front seat. Never one to yell, his quite speeches in his slightly southern drawl were some how worse.
"Jazz, it is ok. Don't freak out. I think this is a good thing." Alice said from the drivers seat. This set him off on a whole new round of cussing. Alice grinned at me in the rear view mirror and I looked back confused. I had no idea why seeing Edward and I together gave her such joy. If she were a normal sister she would slap me for cheating on my boyfriend. I was a horrible person.
"Whatever, I don't even care." Jasper said, finally calming down, "Just be careful, ok? You are like my little sister and I wouldn't want you to be taken advantage of. I mean I love Edward, he is one of my best and oldest friends, but he is not one for the relationships. Nor is he exactly good at keeping it in his pants now is he?" He finally had my attention. I was suddenly furious at the prospect of anyone touching my lead singer.
Jasper parked my car and the three of us trudged into the family mansion. Charlie was out of town for the week. He and the new wifey Kathleen did a whole bunch of traveling. It made things a lot easier when we wanted to do the whole co-ed sleep over thing, but it still sucked to know we were violating his trust.
"I am sorry I freaked," Jasper said as he kissed my forehead. "But I know everything there is to know about his sexual exploits and I don't want you to be next in line for his flavor of the week."
"Don't worry about it Jasper, it wont be happening again. It was an aberration. Good night" I watched as Alice then leaped onto Jasper's back who then turned and ran up the stairs causing Alice to giggle. I was surprised to find myself wishing that I had someone. A shameful thought because I did have someone. Mike, a boy who was always there for me and was a perfectly good boyfriend I enjoyed being with.
Not some stupid lead singer wannabe with a crooked smile and an angel's voice who played the guitar like his life depended on his fingers connecting with those strings. Who was probably getting it on with a random floozy right this minute. I fought back the ridiculous urge to cry. So Edward was a man whore who was only interested in my body. And I was so sure I felt something beyond the physical.
I tried in vain to fall asleep. Tossing and turning, I couldn't get his voice out of my head. Forcing myself to think of my beloved boyfriend, I declared to myself to be a much better girlfriend, loving and faithful and all that. Well faithful starting now. I would have to make amends somehow, perhaps I would cook him a steak. Resolved, I feel into a restless sleep.
