A/N: Everything Twilight belongs to Stephanie Meyer.
Chapter 2 - BPOV
I threw myself over the high counter of the reception desk. My arms dangled over the inside wall barely reaching the main work area. "Angela," I whined, begging her to show me some mercy.
She pushed my hands out of her way, focusing more on her work then my tantrum. "Be a good Bella. You can do this." Angela giggled and looked up at me. "She's not that bad, Bella. We used to be friends, remember?" Her thoughtless pep talk was not helping me at all.
I straightened up, pouting and huffed out, "fine!"
While I was straightening my lab coat, Jake came in and bounced up to us, saving me, at least temporarily from my doom. He leaned into me and planted a gentle kiss on my mouth. It wasn't unusual for Jake to greet me that way. I didn't encourage it and never kissed back but over the years I had learned to accept it.
"Hi beautiful." He gleaned. His snow white smile brightened against his bronze skin. "Hey Angela."
"Hi yourself," I said, smiling. Angela simply waved. "You're awfully chipper this afternoon. What's up?"
"Up? With me? Why there's nothing up." Jake was acting coy and I squinted trying to see behind his sly grin and devious eyes.
"Jacob Black! You're level of happy is more than suspicious. Tell me what you're up too." I demanded. He wouldn't answer so I pushed a little harder. "I haven't seen you like this since that time you and Quil set Embry Call up with the Trannie from Port Angeles." Angela's eyes widened, she obviously had not heard about that one.
"Shit, I almost forgot about that. That was so funny." He said, more to Angela as he retold the highlights, "…Quil and I followed them on their date. I've still got the video." He laughed turning his attention back to me, "We're saving that one for when he gets married."
"Funny? I thought Embry was going to kill you two!" I jabbed Jake in the arm, he didn't flinch.
"Yeah," Jake was almost entranced as he visualized Embry going in for a kiss. He touched the Trannie's face and felt the five o'clock shadow poking through the thick mask of makeup. "He was pretty mad when he figured it out. He still hasn't gotten us back for that one."
"So, out with it. What are you up to today?"
"Nothing, really. I just stopped by to see if you ladies were interested in having dinner with me and Eric tonight at the Inn?" Jake's demeanour returned to normal but I was still suspicious. "We've made reservations for 7:30."
Angela and I nodded. The restaurant located on the main floor of the Inn was beautifully decorated and elegant with great views of the surrounding garden and the beautiful summer homes, mini mansions, of snob hill in the background. Snob hill was not the official name but us locals referred to it as such. Those were the homes of wealthy families who vacationed near our little town throughout the year. I had no idea why they would choose to come here for vacation, the weather was unpredictable going from bad to worse with a few sunny breaks per season. It wasn't quite that bad but it certainly wasn't Hawaii.
With our acceptance, Jake was off. He was just out the door when Angela's curt tone rang in my ear, "Jessica is in exam one," she reminded me. I shot her the evil eye and she smiled back, sweetly, taunting me. She was relentless. If we weren't such good friends I'd hate her at this moment. I let my shoulders slump forward and trotted off to the exam room, glancing back at Angela hoping she'd stop me.
"Whoa, Jessica, that breath is toxic. What are you feeding this little beast?" I turned my head, trying to manoeuvre myself to keep my nose out and my eyes in this little dog's mouth.
"Everything Bella." Jessica laughed, "Mike feeds him from the table." Jessica had married Mike Newton two years after we graduated from high school. I was actually surprised to have received an invitation to their wedding. Like Angela reminded me, we had been friends in high school, with both Jessica and Mike, but lost touch once I moved for college.
Before the invitation, the last I'd heard about Jessica was that she was attending Princeton. At the wedding, Angela informed me that she was overwhelmed by the pressures and dropped out opting for life as Mrs. Mike Newton, baby maker. That had become her new ambition, mother and wife. It's not the life I'd expect her to choose but she seemed really happy.
Overall, she hadn't changed much. It was painfully clear why we didn't remain close, like Angela and I had. Jessica still thought the world was supposed to revolve around her. She was obnoxiously vain and from what I'd seen, and heard, of her children, they were turning out just like her. I hated bumping into her, anywhere, and dreaded her scheduled appointments here. Sometimes I even daydreamed of putting her little dog to sleep, permanently, just so she wouldn't come back. I would never do that but boy did I dream. Jessica was gossip central. She knew everything, heard everything and then spread it around like wild fire. Unfortunately, as much as I hated to admit it, she was usually right. I don't know how she was able to find out the stuff she knew but if Jessica started smoke about something, you might want to look for the fire.
"Well, you really need to tell Mike to stop. He's doing this little guy a great disservice." I called to Angela from the open exam room door. When she entered I handed her the little dog with instructions to clean his teeth thoroughly. Angela disappeared down the hall and left Jessica and I alone. I buried my head in some paperwork trying to discourage her from talking to me but it didn't work. I knew it wouldn't, but it was worth a shot.
"So, Bella, are you going to the Beach this weekend?" Simply by the tone in Jessica's voice, I could tell she was fishing for something.
This weekend was the annual LaPush Fall Fair. It was a relatively new tradition, implemented about ten years ago. It really helped with moral between the Natives and the Whites. Not that there was any real animosity between the two groups but generally the Tribe stayed on the reservation and the Whites stayed off of it.
"Of course. I really don't have a choice, Jake's shop is sponsoring it, so we will definitely be there." I lifted my head briefly then looked back to the papers, "You and Mike?"
"Oh yes, we wouldn't miss it for the world. The kids love it." She walked her fingers along the metal gurney. "They say the first night is going to be really exciting." Jessica's body language was screaming, 'ask me why?'
I closed the file folder I'd been looking in and leaned against the wall. My arms folded across my chest and I took a deep breath. Annoyed, I asked her why, not wanting to hear the answer, not caring.
Jessica lit up like a Christmas tree. She rushed to close the exam room door. "Ok Bella, I have to ask," she said in a hushed but eager tone, "Have you and Jake talked about getting married?"
"What?" I coughed out, completely surprised by her question.
Jessica's hand shot up, covering her mouth. "You haven't!" I could see the color change in her face, not embarrassed like you'd expect for potentially spoiling a surprise. No, her color change and the look on her face was more due to conceit, pleased that she was the one to break the story. She had no regard for other people at all. It was sickening to watch.
"Jessica, what are you talking about?" I asked angrily, wanting her to just get to the point. My relationship to Jake was none of her concern and the last thing I wanted was to be the topic of her latest rumours.
"Maybe I shouldn't." It was more than obvious that she was going to, regardless of her feeble attempt to refrain.
"Out with it!" I demanded.
She took a deep breath and let it all out. "Well, Jake was seen buying a rather large diamond ring. Naturally, I thought it was for you. Is he seeing anyone?" She asked trying to appear innocent. My patience was wearing thin with her act.
"No." I bit my tongue and winced at the pain of it. I was walking right into her little web. Feeding the gossip mill that was Jessica Newton.
"Ok, so we don't know who it's for. If I were a betting girl, though, I'd say you were the most likely target." She swallowed her lips as if considering whether or not to say more.
"What?"
"It's just that…well…Bella I know you don't like being singled out in a crowd. I kind of think it's my duty to prepare you."
"What is it Jessica?"
"Word around town is, Jake's going to propose to this mystery girl…," Jessica used her fingers to enclose mystery girl in quotations, how juvenile. "…during the opening ceremony at the Fair."
My heart raced as Jessica's words began to sink in. If she was right, I was in trouble. "Jessica, as entertaining as this has been I can assure you, your sources are incorrect. Jake and I are just friends and he's not seeing anyone he'd consider marrying right now. I do apologize but I have other patients I need to see. Angela will be back shortly with BoGo." She named the little critter, BoGo.
I left the room before Jessica could protest and practically ran down the hall. "Angela," I squeaked out, trying to hurry and whisper all at once. "Are you almost done?" Angela nodded. "Get Jessica out of here and then come into my office right away."
I was pacing the floor inside my office when Angela knocked on the door and came in. "What's wrong?" she asked concerned.
"Angela. Angela." I couldn't formulate the sentence. Angela stood in my path, grabbed my shoulders and looked straight into my eyes, almost willing me to calm down. She inhaled deeply and I followed her. Holding one…two…three…four…five…I could feel my heart rate slowing…six…seven…eight…nine…ten. Exhale. I let the air out slowly, again, taking my cue from my dear friend.
"What did Jessica say?"
"She said Jake bought an engagement ring and he planned on proposing in front of everyone at the fair on Friday." Angela's jaw dropped. "Have you heard anything? Does Eric know anything?"
"No, on both counts. You know I would have warned you if I'd heard anything. Oh my god, Bella! What are you going to do?"
"I have to go, can you clear my schedule? I need to figure out if this true." Angela nodded and walked me out of the building.
I wasn't surprised Angela hadn't heard anything. She loved reading those trash tabloids about famous people but local gossip wasn't her thing. She was kind of shy and quiet and kept her nose out of other people's business. I think that's why we got along so well, I trusted her. Eric and Jake were friends only through their connection to Angela and I. Jake was much closer to the guys in his tribe. If there was anyone he was going to share this information with it would be Sam Uley.
I drove to the reservation, breaking every speed limit along the way. Being a policeman's daughter, I usually stayed within the limits but this was an exception. I had to find out the truth before Friday and if it turned out to be true, try to prevent it with some degree of tact. It seemed like in no time I was pulling up in front of the Uley residence. Emily was outside tending to her garden. She waved when she saw me and walked towards the truck.
"Hey Bella, it's strange to see you mid-week. What's up?" She asked at the window.
"Em, I need to talk. Is Sam here?" She nodded and ran inside to let Sam know.
Sam and Jake were like brothers and through their friendship, Emily and I spent a lot of time together. I had a lot of respect for her. She and Sam were down to earth and easy to talk too. I jumped out of the truck when I saw Emily coming back outside. Sam came out behind her.
We greeted each other and engaged in a little small talk. I think they both knew why I had come but didn't really want to confirm my suspicions. We moved away from the front of the house, out of ear shot of the children, to an old wooden picnic table on the side of their house. Emily and Sam sat together on one side and I sat across from them on the other.
"You know why I'm here, don't you?" They looked at each other then nodded. "What is he thinking?"
"Bella…." Emily's tender tone was cut short.
"He loves you Bella. This shouldn't come as any surprise to you." Sam interjected.
"And you both know how I feel about him but this is crazy. How can I stop him from doing this? In front of everyone?"
"I've tried to talk him out of it." Sam said as Emily reached across the table to take my hand. She was very sympathetic to my situation though I don't think Sam felt the same way. "We know you love him Bella, would it really be such a bad thing."
"Sam!" Emily looked over at him. "If that's what you think why didn't you just marry Leah? Jake and Bella haven't even dated, you were actually in a relationship with her?"
Emily's statement made Sam think about what he'd just said. "Oh man. Bella, I'm sorry. I didn't think of it like that. I…I…he's my best friend. I just want him to be happy, to get what he wants. What we have." He put his arm around Emily apologetically and she snuggled into him.
I know Sam intended to be endearing but his words were like a dagger to my heart. As if I didn't want Jake to be happy. As if I didn't want to be as happy with someone as they were with each other. I do have feelings. I do want….
"How do I stop him from going through with this?" I asked, throwing my hands up in despair.
"I'm not sure you can." Sam replied.
"I knew you were going to find out. I wish I could have come to you with it. You know I would have if I could." Emily was bound to her tribe, she would never have betrayed Jake's confidence. Not for me, not even to save him from himself. I nodded my head in understanding. "I begged him to reconsider, Bella. I told him you would hate that kind of spectacle, even if there was a chance you'd say yes, you wouldn't want that."
"He knows that Emily. He knows. So, why? Why would he do it anyway?" I begged her to explain.
"I asked Sam to explain his logic." Emily rolled her eyes at the irony of men and logic being used in the same sentence. We laughed a little at the thought. It eased some of my tension, for a moment anyway.
Sam started, "I put it to her, to you, like this. Jake knows you love him. He thinks you love him enough to say yes in front of the crowd to save him from embarrassment."
"Are you serious?"
He nodded. "Yeah and he told me that you'd go through with it because you wouldn't want to hurt him and he thinks in time, if you gave yourself a chance, you would fall in love with him."
"That's a lot of risk and uncertainty. I don't understand…"
"Bella, he's a man in love. They rarely make sense at the best of times. Put love in the equation and they're out of this world completely." Emily chuckled and I wanted to laugh with her but I couldn't this time.
"So, what do I do?" I stared across the yard to the ocean not far from where we sat, silently praying that an answer would magically appear on the cresting waves. Emily nor Sam said a word. We sat quietly, thinking. The ocean's natural ebb and flow was almost hypnotic, soothing, and for a moment all my worries about how to handle Jake had disappeared.
Many of the girls on the reservation resented my relationship with Jake. They felt I was leading him on and turning his head away from the available native women. Emily and Sam knew me and knew that wasn't the case. They understood how deeply I valued my friendship with Jake. We had spent a lot of time with Emily and Sam, they both knew that I had never lead him to believe we'd be anything more than friends.
"Emily, tell me what to do?"
"You know what to do. Just be gentle with him." Emily put her hand over mine offering support.
Sam frowned, "Bella, I don't think gentle is going to help here. You've been gentle. He doesn't get it. I hate to say this because it's Jake but I think it's time you laid it out hard."
Our conversation ended with one of the children calling for Emily. I stood up to go and she gave me a comforting hug before scurrying off to attend to her daughter. Sam walked me to the truck as we tried to figure out a way to stop Jake from embarrassing the both of us. Neither of us came up with a good idea other than confronting him before Friday. A notion I would prefer to avoid.
The drive was silent, just the music from the radio. The speakers were old, original to the truck, today's hits crackled, popped and blipped as if I were playing them on Charlie's old record player. Everyone teased me for still driving this old truck but I thought it had character. It was built long before the computerized cars with their fancy sensors and automatic everything so it was easy for my best friend to keep fixing it. Jake had spent a lot of time over the years fixing and replacing and maintaining this old clunker for me, but it was special to us. He did warn me that parts were becoming harder and harder to come by but I just wasn't ready to let this old thing go.
I thought about stopping by Jake's, maybe I could talk to his father, Billy. I knew Jake was at work and Billy would probably be at home. I changed my mind though and drove away from LaPush. Jake and I would have to deal with this on our own. Going to his father would be a juvenile approach, something we did as children but we weren't children anymore and our issues couldn't be resolved by our parents ordering us from doing so.
As I drove away I could see preparations for the weekend's event were well underway. The carnival group had arrived and were setting up their rides on the solid ground of the parking lot. Volunteers had gathered to erect the stage and test the sound equipment. More volunteers were setting up booths, all over the beach, for playing games of chance and vendors were deciding on the best locations for their setups. The beach was a very busy place at the moment.
My mind was racing on the drive home. Thoughts and scenarios of the best way to handle Jake rushed through my thoughts. I almost didn't see the car parked in the middle of the road. I slammed on my breaks and came to a screeching halt just inches away from the flawless bumper of the black car ahead of me.
Once stopped, I threw the gear shift into park, turned on the emergency lights and bolted out of the truck. This senseless driver was going to get a piece of my mind.
I started shouting as I walked up along side the black car, its sheen glistened in the little rays of sunshine that dared to peek through the clouds. The windows were tinted the same shade of black as its body and it seemed to shield the driver inside, not allowing anyone to peer through. I squinted my eyes trying to catch a glimpse of the idiot driver but it was impossible. The cars body and windows simply mirrored my own reflection, several images of my self bounced back at me.
The driver made no attempt to get out but seemed to sit and watch as I blared on. "Who the hell do you think you are?" I shouted at the car. "You can't just stop in the middle of the road. You could have killed someone. Killed me!"
I'd seen pictures on the wall in Jake's garage of a car similar but couldn't remember the make or model. If Jake were here he'd be pointing out the nice lines, the cool rims and other stuff I don't seem to recognize. I'm certainly not a car connoisseur but I know a nice car when I see one.
Everything was fairly quiet out here in the middle of nowhere, on the deserted highway between LaPush and Forks. Well, it was quiet once I stopped shouting. There was nothing left for me to say, at least not until the driver exited the car and faced my wrath. I didn't realize I was still staring at the black car until the window began to recess revealing the driver inside.
"Are you done?" He asked. His voice, though obviously annoyed at the strange girl staring angrily at him, was smooth and steady.
My eyes focused in along his jaw line, slightly masked by a thin layer of stubble that was starting to grow in, his hair was mussed, untamed and he looked ruggedly handsome. I gulped a mouthful of air as I tried to breathe, feeling completely inadequate. Our vehicles the perfect metaphor, I was the beaten and battered truck and he the incredibly well tuned sports car. Evidently unkempt, and probably unaccustomed to his current condition, his appearance still captured my attention and left me speechless.
I looked to his eyes hidden behind mirrored glasses. Once again I was looking into my own reflection.
He tipped his head and peered out over the sunglasses, his dreamy hazel green eyes were hypnotizing. "Do you mind?" His arrogant tone breaking the spell he'd cast over me. He pushed the car door open slowly. I came to my senses and stepped back.
"Oh, ah…," I laughed nervously, snapping out of my trance, "sorry, I was just admiring you…your car. It's beautiful." The words stumbled from my mouth.
"Thanks." He said, flashing his bright smile in my direction. His teeth were encircled by perfectly shaped lips that were full and moist and I closed my eyes for just a second wondering what they'd feel like against my own.
"Are you from around here?" The sound of his voice was like an angel singing directly into my ears.
"Yes…ah…well, I'm from Forks." I pointed in the direction we were headed in.
He nodded, "So, what's your problem?"
His question was full of disdain and suddenly my anger returned. I regained control of my verbal function and mental facilities, "My problem? What the hell are you doing in the middle of the road?"
I could feel the blood rushing to my face as a grin formed on his. He was mocking me. I had no idea what his eyes were doing but his head was permanently fixed in my direction. "Flat." His left arm slid across his body as he pointed to the front tire.
"That's still no excuse! Are emergency lights an option on sports cars? You need to warn oncoming traffic." I couldn't let him get away with his rude behaviour, gorgeous or not.
"Sorry. You're right." His imperious grin grew into a boyish smile and I almost lost myself again. "I'm Edward and you are?"
"Bella" I blurted out, more as a reflex then a conscious decision to tell him my name.
"Bella," he repeated, almost to himself, as he turned his head and looked up the road, briefly, then turned back to me. "Well Bella, do you know anyone that can help me with this?" My heart flipped in my chest as my name rolled off his lips, twice.
I swallowed hard. "Yes." I answered, feeling inadequate again. Of course I knew someone. I knew the best mechanic in town but I'd be damned if I were going to call Jake now. For this. For him. Seeing my reaction to this stranger, which surprised even me, would only complicate my current situation with Jake. No, I would handle this myself.
I'd watched Jake and my father often enough to know how to change a tire. "Well, first we have to get off the road."
"You're going to do this?" He asked snidely.
"No," I replied, "You are. I'll talk you through it." Finally, I was able to think again and my wit was sharp. He started to protest, "do you want to get out of here?" He looked at me for a long minute then began rolling up his sleeves.
"Fine. What do you want me to do?"
I explained how he'd push the car as I steered. His discomfort with my plan was obvious but he said nothing as I jumped in the driver seat. It made me laugh a little to myself. I don't think he liked not being in control.
I didn't have to make him push, the car hadn't stalled it was just flat but it gave me a little satisfaction to make him work for it.
With his car safely off to the side I pulled my truck off to the side behind him. "Does this thing have a spare?"
"Spare what?"
"Tire?" I rolled my eyes.
"The manual is in the glove compartment." He motioned for me to get it. I huffed but proceeded to climb across the driver seat and reach into the glove compartment for the book. My way of rewarding him for pushing the car without too much attitude.
Except for placing the jack in the appropriate place under the car, I made him do all the work. His white dress shirt was black by the time he'd finished, as were his hands and face. It was obvious he'd never done anything like this before but he took direction well.
"Thanks Bella." He muttered quietly, his ego retracted.
"You're welcome." I turned to go back to my truck. When I was inside and comfortably seated I looked up to see he hadn't moved. He was still standing beside the car watching me. He looked so hot. Dressed in business man attire with sleeves rolled up and dirty from working on his car. Yeah, that was hot. I felt a little tingle of electricity between my legs. I hated to drive a way at that moment but I knew I had to. I still had Jake to deal with.
As I drove away I waved to him and wondered if he'd be in town for long. Actually, I wondered if he was in town at all. I didn't ask if he was visiting or driving threw. Damn it!
As much as I wanted to spend the rest of my drive fantasizing about the handsome stranger I forced myself to push Edward and his car out of my mind. I had to figure out what I was going to say to Jake. The drive home was long. Words jumbled in my head as I worked out my speech. I'd said all of this to Jake so many times, in the past, I don't know why I expected for him to get it this time, it certainly didn't make a difference any other time we'd had this talk. Jake has always had a thing for me and I have always broken his heart by turning him down. It was beginning to wear me down. Honestly, it sometimes crossed my mind to start dating him, only because I didn't want to hurt him anymore. It bothered me when Sam had suggested that very thing but I'd be lying if I said it had never crossed my mind.
This was his first attempt to propose but if he was as persistent with this as he has been about dating, I might just say yes. It killed me to constantly break his heart, his spirit, to be the primary source of his hurt.
I turned onto my street and I could see Jake's mustang in my driveway. The knots in my stomach started to churn and I suddenly felt very ill. Jake opened my door before I had even turned off the truck. I continued to face forward, knowing what he was about to do and wondering what I should do about it.
"Hi beautiful," he said in his usual way. When I finally turned to face him, he leaned in to kiss me.
"No Jake." I turned my head and pushed against his chest.
He was noticeably upset by my rejection but didn't question it. I could only assume he didn't want to risk getting into a fight before his big plan on Friday night. I was fine with that. I wasn't ready to face this yet either.
"So, are you ready or do you need to change?" We still had time before we had to meet Eric and Angela so I decided to freshen up and get out of my work clothes.
Jake and I walked into my house together. He went to the living room to watch tv and I ran up the stairs to change. I tried on a couple of outfits but nothing felt right. Edward was still fresh in my mind and I felt frumpy in comparison. I hoped a shower would give me a fresh perspective and hopped in. The water was hot and the room quickly filled with steam. I closed my eyes and breathed in the warm damp air and tried to shake the image of this strange, though incredibly hot man, out of my head. I was not the kind of girl that was easily infatuated but there was something about him that drew me in.
I grabbed my towel and quickly dabbed over my skin, then wrapped it around my hair to soak up the excess water that dripped from my head. The towel fell to the floor as I released my hair and fingered some products through my tangled mess. The blow dryer added to the heat already built up in my bathroom making it almost impossible to breathe. I quickly stuck a few pins, strategically placed, in my hair and considered it done. Wrapped the towel around my body and headed for my bedroom.
To no surprise, the air in my room was much cooler and my body shivered as little goose bumps formed on my arms and legs. I scurried to my dresser looking for my bra and panties, snatched them out of the drawer and headed to the closet. My body was beginning to adjust and I was able to slow down. I found a pretty cotton dress with spaghetti straps and a nice light, button up sweater to go over top. Satisfied with my selections, I turned and headed for my bed, where I could layout my clothes and get dressed.
"Jake!" I screamed. "What are you doing in here?" Jake was lying back on my bed, two pillows propped his head up against the headboard.
"I thought I'd wait for you in here." Jake laughed to see me so irritated. I was not amused. I clutched the towel tight in one hand and my clothes bunched in front of me with the other.
"Get out, Jake."
"Ok, ok, don't have a coronary." He said and kept rambling as he walked out the door. "I don't see what the big problem is anyway. It's not like I haven't seen a naked woman before."
"But you haven't seen me naked." I shouted at him, angrily, as he stomped down the stairs.
I dressed quickly, applied a little lip gloss and swiped a subtle shade of shadow across my eyelid. I fumed, quietly, all the way downstairs, to Jake's car and during the whole drive to the Inn.
"Are you ever going to talk to me again?" He asked as we walked towards the door.
"Jake, you know you were wrong to do that. What if I had dropped my towel?" He grinned devilishly which only added to my fury. I punched at his arm.
"Ok, I'm sorry. Really, really sorry." His apology was more patronizing than sincere but I digressed.
Eric and Angela were already seated when we went in. The restaurant was quiet with only a few other patrons seated but not near our table. Soft instrumentals played in the background at the perfect volume level. The four of us reviewed our menus and placed the order. In no time the waiter returned with our drinks and everyone started to unwind.
Our table came to life with constant chitter chatter that drifted from side conversations back to the group and around again. Angela had filled me in on the afternoon's events at the clinic, while subtly trying to find out what I had learned. Eric discussed his latest story, he was a journalist with his own column in the Seattle Gazette. He mostly worked out of Forks but travelled into the city, a few times a month.
Angela excused herself to go to the washroom and dragged me along with her. She couldn't wait any longer, she had to know if Jessica's rumour was true. I told her everything, including my plan to let him down easy. I was going to invite him to dinner at my place tomorrow night so we could hash it out in private. There was going to be a fight, I just knew it. I was going to have to raise my voice to get it through his thick skull, and even then I wasn't sure how long it would take before he forgot all I was going to say.
Angela grabbed my hand to lead me back to the table. We walked through the narrow dimly lit hallway.
"Does Jake know you were in LaPush?" She asked, turning back to look at me. I didn't see the importance of that question. I spent a lot of time in LaPush without Jake. My friendship with Emily had grown beyond the point where we needed Sam and Jake to bring us together. Before I had an opportunity to respond, Angela brought up solid against something and I, not expecting her to stop, walked right into her. My head banged against hers with a dull thud but the pain inside my skull was sharp.
I raised my hand to rub at our point of connection. "Angela, why did you st…," before I could finish my sentence the answer looked me straight in the face.
"Bella." The same smooth voice from the lonely highway uttered my name again. Angela looked up at him then to me. I knew I should introduce them but I was frozen, unable to speak until Angela tugged on my hand.
"Bella," she encouraged.
"Excuse me," I laughed nervously, more like an idiot. "Edward, this is my friend…." Her name escaped me for a moment and I stumbled while trying to think of it.
"Angela," Angela spoke confidently, coming to my rescue and held her hand out to him. My eyes followed her hand until it met with his and he touched her in a simple handshake. He hasn't touched me yet, I thought. Angela excused herself to leave us alone and she walked away, completely unaffected by the stunning image before her. Was she blind? Did she not see how beautiful he was? Am I the only one that can see it?
"We have to stop running into each other like this." The words flowed from his lips, his tongue caressing each syllable. I just smiled, afraid to speak, that I'd say something stupid or indecent.
"You're having dinner with your… husband?" That question unlocked my lips. I would not want him thinking I was married.
"No, no just friends." He smiled at me. That seemed to break the ice a little and I was able to formulate real sentences. Our conversation was basically just small talk but I don't think I could have handled anything more. I did learn that he was in town on vacation and would be in town for a little while at least.
I didn't realize how long I'd been gone until Jake called my name from the end of the hall. A little embarrassed by Jake's interruption I let my head fall towards the floor and bit my lip.
Edward put his hand under my chin and lifted my eyes to his. "I look forward to seeing you again, Bella." I breathed deep and closed my eyes for a moment, wanting to memorize the feeling of his hand under my chin. He touched me.
Jake had walked up the hall and was close enough to hear Edward. He and Edward stared intently at one another as Jake grabbed my hand and forcefully pulled me away, back to our table. He was obviously upset but he had no right to be. Jake brooded over dessert, breaking his silence to add snide quips when an opportunity presented itself.
Angela kept looking at me. I knew she was curious to find out how I knew Edward and why I had not mentioned him to her before. There was no way I could bring it up now, in front of Jake. He was being so childish. Going to the bathroom again would be pushing it but the thought of dragging Angela back there made me giggle a little.
"What's so funny?" Jake inquired. His face twisted into a snarl.
"Nothing," I shook my head.
"Nothing?" He questioned in his snarky tone. "Who was that Bella?"
"Who?" I asked, pretending I didn't know what he was talking about. Pretending I wasn't thinking about him and how he touched me. Pretending I wasn't busting at the seems to tell Angela all about him and our encounter today, not because I cared what Angela thought or if she even listened but more as an excuse to recap it out loud. To say his name over and over out loud.
"The guy in the hallway. The guy that had your face in his hand when I found you!" Jake was visibly upset and his voice was amplifying with every word. My face reddened a little. Angela's eyes widened, more in excitement that he had touched me rather than Jake's being upset.
"Jake, you might wanna keep it down a little." Eric piped in looking around to see who was listening.
Jake turned to Eric and paused for a moment, obviously disgusted with his comment. "We have to go," he stated finally and pushed his chair back as he rose off his seat. He threw his napkin on the plate still in front of him and grabbed the cheque. "I've got this. Bella, I'll meet you in the car."
Angela leaned in to me, urging me to spill on Edward, not at all affected by Jake's little tantrum. I smiled at her and whispered 'later'. I apologized to both of them for Jake's outburst and made my way to the car.
I walked out of the restaurant and through the lobby of the Inn. I decided not to wait for Jake. He could find his own way. I was really pissed about the way he'd behaved. I didn't deserve it. Angela and Eric didn't deserve it and more importantly, he had no right. I didn't belong to him. My thoughts flipped from Edward to Jacob as I exited the lobby. I almost didn't hear the desk clerk say good night to me as I left.
There was no reasonable explanation as to why I was so taken with this stranger. Edward. Yes, he was handsome. Gorgeous. A God. But I've known good looking men before. Jake was good looking. Why was I so taken with Edward? Certainly not because he was so nice to me when we met! His voice rang through my ears with his first words to me "Are you done?" I chuckled. Why? That was rude! But it made me laugh. It confused me.
Then Jacob. How many times can I break his heart before he understands that I just want his friendship and nothing more. We'd been friends for so long. He was my best friend and I hated hurting him but I just didn't see him in that way. The way lovers look at each other, the way he looked at me. He'd spent so many years waiting for me to love him that way. What was wrong with me? He was kind and good and ambitious and he loved me. So many girls would give their right arm for him to look at them, why didn't I feel that way?
"Bella." My internal rant was cut short at the sound of his voice.
I turned around to see Edward coming up behind me. Crap! Jake would be out in a minute and find us talking again. I forged a smile, sad only because I knew I wouldn't be able to stay and talk to him.
"Was that little show inside about me?" He grinned his cocky arrogant grin. He took me by surprise, I hadn't seen him inside except in the hallway, where could he have been that I hadn't seen him yet he heard our conversation.
"No!" I lied. The blood was rushing to my face. I wanted to scream. How arrogant for him to think that and then to grin at me like he was, knowing the commotion was totally about him. I could feel the anger growing inside me.
"Good." He stopped and stared deeply into my eyes, brushing my cheek with the back of his hand. "I wouldn't want you to be upset because of something I'd done." Butter. I was butter. Putty in his hands.
He walked away without another word as I stared blankly at nothing, revelling at his touch. I could feel the ghost of his fingertips still on my face. I closed my eyes and breathed deep. The air stirring around me still smelled of him and I hated to exhale fearing my next breath wouldn't have his scent. I heard his car peel off the parking lot and he was gone. Only the image of his now, clean shaven face and mussed hair, his bright green eyes, bright hazel green eyes, were left to remind me that he was real and not some figment of my imagination.
"Bella?" I opened my eyes to see Jake sprinting down the stairs. He was looking at me as if thinking I'd gone crazy standing here, alone, my chin raised, my eyes closed.
The ride to my place was quiet. The radio was on but neither of us spoke a word. I stared out the window still debating the right thing to say to him, the right time to say it. Should I ask to him now to come to dinner tomorrow night? Edward had looked so good tonight. He was wearing jeans, faded in just the right places, and a collared shirt. He must be some kind of business man or lawyer. Definitely not a man that worked hard physically. Oh but physically! What a body. Tall and tight. He smelled so good. I wondered what cologne he'd used. I couldn't recall ever smelling anything like it before. Shit! I was supposed to be thinking about my problem with Jake. Damn it!
For some reason I found his arrogance charming. How is that even possible? Edward could really play my buttons and he didn't even know me. I just met him. Today. Damn it! I'm doing it again. I took a deep breath and exhaled slowly. Jake pulled into my driveway and I quickly got out of the car without speaking.
I had my keys out, ready to unlock the front door when I heard Jake's car door close. I turned around and he was already on the landing beside me. "Bella. I'm sorry. I don't want to fight." He moved in to hug me and I stepped away. His face said it all. He was surprised and offended by my rejection. "What?" He demanded.
"Jake, I accept your apology but I'm not happy with you. You acted like a jerk, to me and our friends and I will not encourage this jealous behaviour. It's not ok!"
"Jealous behaviour?" He knew what I meant. "You don't think I have a right to ask you about some stranger who knows you well enough to put his hand on your face. A guy I've never met?" His anger returned.
"No Jake, you don't." I said calmly.
"Bella, you're my best friend. How do you know this guy? Why have I never met him? Where's he from?"
"I met him today…."
"Today? Today?" He repeated. His voice getting louder. "And you let him touch you like that? I can't ask you about some guy you met today and he can touch you…like that?"
"Jake, his hand was on my face not down my pants. Geez, you'd think he was molesting me by the way you're getting on," my voice was raised now to compete with his. "How I let someone else touch me is none of your business. You're not my father and you're NOT my boyfriend." Damn, this was all going to happen now and I didn't mean for it to happen now and especially not like this.
"Not your boyfriend? I bet you'd let Mr. TouchyFeely be your boyfriend." Jake turned away from me and walked to the end of my porch, swinging his arms wildly at nothing. "What is wrong with me Bella? Why don't you love me?" His tone was angered and yet pleading at the same time. His fist connected with one of the wooden beams running vertically from the floor to the porch roof and I jumped, startled by his physical response.
I wasn't surprised by Jake's reaction, his quick tempered change from apologetic and pleading to absolutely enraged over Edward's simple ardent gesture. Knowing how he felt about me, I always shielded him from my personal affairs. He didn't have much opportunity, at least in the last ten years, to see me date other guys. I wouldn't subject him to watching me enjoy another man's company and, in all fairness, he didn't bring his girlfriends to my doorstep either. It was like an unspoken rule between us. Maybe that was a mistake. Maybe he wouldn't be so infatuated if he could see the difference in me from our relationship to those other relationships I've had.
"I do love you Jacob but not that way. I can't help how I feel. Why can't you understand that?" I was screaming, angry, but my voice quivered and shook as I tried not to cry.
"I don't understand that Bella. I would do anything for you. I would be anything… for you! I want you to be my wife and my lover. I want to have a family with you and grow old with you. Why don't you want me?"
"I do want you Jake, in my life forever as my friend. My best friend. Why is that not enough for you? Why do you insist on making this more than it is?"
"This?" His hand floated between us pointing out the invisible connection. "Is everything to me? I was hoping it meant more to you!"
"It does mean a lot to me. I don't want to get married that doesn't mean I don't care." There it was. I just blurted it out without any regard for all my plans of letting him down easy.
His voice softened a little, "You know what you're problem is?" He asked. I was sure I didn't want to know. "You're afraid to love me because you know that ultimately, I want to marry you and you're afraid of marriage because of your parents divorce, I get that, but that wouldn't be us, Bella. I would never leave you."
That was a low blow. Much of my apprehension about marriage was due to Renee and Charlie's divorce but that was not the circumstance between me and Jake. "Jake, that's not fair. My parents divorce has nothing to do with this."
"Then what?" He asked the question, he opened the door. He'd never listened to me before, or at least never heard me but this time when I said it, it was going to hurt, perhaps more so because he pushed me to it.
"Jake, I'm sorry." All my emotions had built up to this moment and I started to cry.
He fell to his knees and pulled a ring box from his pocket. Reflexively, my hands sprang to my mouth, 'oh no' I thought 'he's going to do this now'.
He raised the opened box up to me and a beautiful, simple, glistening diamond, captured the little light available and shone in my eyes, "marry me Bella. Please marry me, love me, be with me forever?" Big tears rolled down his bronze face as he poured out his soul to me. My heart began to ache but I had to be strong. This had to stop… tonight.
I closed my hands over his and knelt down beside him. "No Jake. I can't. I don't love you. I never have. I never will." My voice was weak and shaking as I sobbed out my reply. It hurt to say it and I knew it was killing him to hear it.
For a moment, the world stood still. Jake looked at me, his eyes reddening from tears he was fighting to hold back. Anger immediately set in but quickly dissipated as betrayal crept into his gentle features. I watched as Jake's face changed and distorted to express every disheartened emotion known to man until it finally faded into broken. He pulled his hands away from mine and slowly climbed to his feet. He looked down at me, "I got it Bella. I finally get it," his words filled with sorrow. The rage was gone, only sadness as he continued. "It's not about marriage at all. It's about marrying me! I kept pushing because I honestly believed you were just afraid of your feelings for me, afraid to love me because that would lead to marriage. But you're not afraid of marriage. You just don't love me." A jagged breath escaped as he paused. "I must look like such a fool in your eyes."
There was nothing else I could say though inside, my heart was screaming 'I take it back, I'm sorry. I love you," whatever it would take to end this pain for him. Tears streamed down my face as I watched him walk away.
Before I knew it he was in the car and slammed the door shut. Through the windshield I could see him turn the key in the ignition. He wouldn't dare look up at me. The engine roared to life and he sped away.
I was paralyzed as the reality of the situation set in. I had just lost my best friend. The only real friend I'd ever known.
A loud, tortured shrill caught my attention. It was hard to listen too, high pitched shrieks, heavy breathless sobs. The sounds scared me as I knelt on the porch unable to move, unable to find out where the noise was coming from. I wished Jake hadn't left but then I thought maybe it was Jake coming back. Maybe he'd parked the car at the end of my street and walked back. Maybe he wanted to fight some more or forgive me or beg me to forgive him. I didn't care as long as he was here and would keep me safe.
But no, it wasn't Jake. As I gasped for a breath of air it became very clear to me. The unnerving sounds I heard, the sounds that frightened me, were coming from me. My body had gone into shock, into mourning, as I grieved the death of our friendship. There would be no recovery. He'd never forgive me. I had never wanted to hurt him like that. I didn't mean it. I didn't know what else to say.
It seemed like I had been on the porch for a long time. Still kneeling in the position he left me in. The crying had stopped only because there were no more tears left to cry. A light breeze had picked up and I could feel the burn on my face as it lightly brushed over my tear stained cheeks. My eyes were swollen and my head ached.
Slowly, I started moving and eventually stood up, using the railing as my support. My legs were weak from kneeling for so long and I could feel the muscles twitch as they expanded and relaxed from the tense position they'd been in. I dragged myself inside and barely made it to the couch before I collapsed. Exhuasted. Disheartened. Empty.
I thought back to a conversation I'd had with Renee once. She described a fairytale where she'd been swept off her feet by a handsome young man named Charlie. It was hard to imagine my father capable of such a thing but she swore it was true. She shared with me, the romantic side of the man we both knew as quiet and reserved. A side that didn't seem possible to me. 'All is fair in love and war' she giggled like a school girl, quoting some old clichéd proverb.
She reminisced about how in love they once were. I could still picture her in my mind as she spoke, how she gently touched her lips as she described their first kiss. I knew then her stories were true and not just made up for my sake. Then, I asked her what went wrong, why did they divorce. She snapped out of her daydream as if I'd slapped her in the face. "We just fell out of love." As simple as that and her story was over.
Just fell out of love….
Somewhere between my thoughts and daybreak I fell asleep, awakened by my blaring phone. The sun streaming in through the window hurt my eyes and my head still ached from crying.
I reached into my purse and looked to see the caller's name. It was Angela, probably worried because I hadn't shown up for work. I accepted the call and asked Angela to defer my appointments. I wouldn't be going to work today. I was grieving.
I provided Angela with the coles notes version of what happened. I didn't have it in me, right at that moment, to explain any further. Thankfully, she understood and didn't press me for anything more.
Just as I was about to place the phone on the coffee table it started ringing again. Angela? Again? The office number showed on the display. She must have dialled wrong, I thought.
"Angela, it's me. You've dialled the wrong number." I started.
"No Bella, I didn't. I'm sorry to call but Seth came in just as I hung up with you. His dog has been hit by a car." Angela said.
"What are his vitals?"
"I think he's ok. Just a little shook up. Apparently, he was hit at low speed , just nicked really but I thought you'd want to take a look because it's Seth." Angela's words made me smile, though it hurt to move my swollen cheeks.
Seth was like the little brother I never had. He was a sweet boy, young man now, I guess. He was fifteen but still so innocent and trusting, not at all like most teenagers in this area with their broodiness and sharp tongues. His father was a friend of Charlie's and died the year I moved to Forks. Seth was so young. The men of the tribe stepped in to help Sue, his mother, raise the boy but for some reason Seth only took to Jake. He was like Jake's shadow for years then one day I went to the clinic and sitting on the front step was a brood of Husky's. I found homes for all of them except the littlest one, the runt. I decided to give him to Seth to raise. Seth finally stepped out of Jake's shadow having responsibility of his own. He parented that puppy better than anyone else I could think of. They became inseparable.
"You're so right. Thanks Angela, I'll be in but still push out everything else. I won't be staying." Seth had named the little guy Wolf because he'd looked so much like one. At first, it was hard to call this little puppy such a big name but he definitely grew into it. I chuckled a little to myself.
I needed coffee, so I stopped off to the local diner. They had installed a drive thru last year and it was a great time saver. As I pulled onto the parking lot I noticed two people walking across and stopped to let them pass.
At first, I was preoccupied with getting my coffee but then I noticed him. Jake walked in front of my car and turned to face me through the windshield. His eyes were wild with anger, his face twisted in a contemptuous glare. He wasn't the same Jake that left me last night. He was angry again. He slammed his hands, face down, on the hood of my car and I shuttered at the sound they made as they hit against the thin metal.
Heidi Tuscanni, the biggest slut in town, walked up to him and entangled her arms around his right bicep. Smugly, she put up her hand and wiggled her fingers at me flaunting her new closeness to Jake. She'd been after him for years but he'd never given her the time of day. Now she hung off him like a do-rag.
Jake gave me one last livid look then turned to walk past the car. With Heidi, still clinging to his side, he turned back with a smirk, reached his arm behind her and grabbed her ass hard. His spiteful way of making sure I knew he was over last night. Over me.
By the time I rolled up to the take out window I was an absolute mess, wanting to cry but to enraged to dare. Cora tried to greet me in her usual cheery way but I just brushed her off and drove away. I couldn't believe what Jake had done. It upset me to know that I had driven him straight into the arms of that whore but to parade her in front of me and then grab her ass like he did. That made me angry.
"Bella!" Seth called my name when he saw me, happy that I'd finally arrived. His excitement was contagious and I felt a smile cross my face. I liked the way it felt and decided it was time to stop crying. Everything that had happened last night was Jake's own fault. If he'd only listened to me, the countless number of times in the past, last night would never have happened.
"Hi," he wrapped his arms around me in a big Jake style hug. He'd learned many of his actions from his mentor but I didn't let that sour my mood. I'd been sour enough and Seth's warmth and sincerity had made me smile and I wanted to forget all the other stuff that had been consuming my thoughts. After all, Jake was over it.
"So, what do we have here?" I walked into the exam room where Wolf was curled up on the stainless steel gurney.
"Well, I rode up here on my bike and Wolf followed me. When we got to the intersection just before mom's shop, the light changed and I had to make a quick stop. Wolf didn't stop so fast. He pulled back but it was too late. The car was stopped at the light and just started to move when he clipped Wolf in the butt." My breathing hitched as I listened and Seth heard the difference, "What? Is that bad? Cause I thought he'd be ok?"
I put my hand on Seth's shoulder. "I'm sorry Seth, it's just a reflex." I smiled to ease his mind. "Husky's are genetically predisposed to hip dysplasia, so a hit to the rump may cause a few problems. That doesn't mean this is the case for Wolf. We'll do some tests and check him out. I'm sure he'll be fine."
"Bella, my mom can't afford a lot of tests. Is this going to be expensive?"
Angela looked up at me, her eyes full of sympathy for Seth. "Don't worry, hon…" I was unexpectedly interrupted.
"Don't worry about it kid. This was my fault. Do whatever it takes, it's on me." The familiar velvety voice reached me before I could see the speaker. I didn't need to see him to know who it was.
Edward rounded the corner. I could tell he was surprised to see me. "Do you do everything in this town? Mechanic? Vet? What's next?" He asked, amused but somehow condescending at the same time.
I ignored him for the time being. Wolf had to be my priority right now. Seth left to go tell his mom what had happened. He promised to return as soon as he could but he was expected to work in his mother's flower shop as part of his chores. Before he left, he put his arm around Wolf's neck and shoved his face deep into the dog's fur. "Now you be good for Bella," he warned Wolf as if speaking to a child.
I ran some tests and took some x-rays of the animal's hind quarter. Wolf was extremely cooperative. He was more like a big teddy bear then a ferocious guard dog. I could put him in any position and he'd stay put. Angela took the dog back to the overnight kennel leaving me in the exam room, alone, with Edward.
"So," he started. I turned on the wall monitor to review the digital x-ray. "Why swan?" I looked at him, confused. "Swan Medical. Why swan? I can't imagine you get many swans in here." He smirked, seemingly pleased with himself for pointing out the obvious. I guess he felt us town folk were too simple to figure it out.
I started to giggle and shook my head. "What?" He asked. A reddish pink glow arose in his cheeks. Suddenly he was embarrassed. Wow, I actually got to him for a change. He looked so cute and uncomfortable. He must be very in control in whatever it is he does. I could tell he wasn't used to the reaction he was experiencing. I had to stop laughing before it made him mad and he stormed out of here. I didn't want him to leave.
"It's my last name." I stated simply, sizing up Wolf's x-ray, trying to avoid looking at him and his rosy cheeks. I started to giggle a little more and covered my mouth with my hand, hoping he wouldn't see.
"Oh." He leaned against the counter, his legs crossed at the ankles, his arms folded across his chest. I sneaked little peeks at him from the corner of my eye. He looked like a freaking model, all casual and hot and just there looking absolutely gorgeous. I wasn't sure how I managed to concentrate on the x-ray.
There was a long silence. I puttered around the exam room then travelled through the clinic to my office. Edward pretended to linger but I knew he was following me. I'm not sure why he was hanging around but I'm glad he did.
"I didn't see your car when I pulled in" I said, trying to fill the silence.
"I wasn't putting that dog in my car," he said without thinking but caught himself, "I mean…the dog was hurt…the kid just picked him up and started running so I chased them on foot, after I parked the car on the side of the street, of course." He stressed the word 'side' letting me know his car wasn't still in the intersection. Pre-empting my snarky remark I'm sure.
I smiled, bigger on the inside then I'd let him see on my face, "of course."
"Bella, I'm going to take off ok?" Angela poked her head in through my office door.
"Sure. Wolf is settled?" I questioned.
"Yup and everything's laid out for him, food and water. I'll be back later to walk him and make sure he's ok." She chirped.
"Thanks Angela." She was half way down the hall before I remembered I'd never formally introduced her to Edward. I called her back. The fleeting intro they'd exchanged at the inn wasn't nearly sufficient. Ok, who am I kidding? I wanted to know his last name but was to chicken to ask. He was cocky enough without thinking I wanted know more about him. "Angela Weber this is Edward…uhm…sorry I don't know your last name."
"He grinned, "it's Cu…ahh…hem" he coughed and cleared his throat. "Excuse me. It's…uhm…Mason. Edward Mason." He nodded to Angela.
"Nice to meet you," Angela replied and then hurried off before Edward had a chance to return the cordial response.
"Edward Mason," I repeated to myself slowly, allowing my lips to form around every syllable. My eyes were glued to the computer screen as I filled in the electronic form required by the lab that would analyze Wolf's blood work.
"Yes, Bella Swan?" I looked up at him, blankly, when I heard him use my full name. He clued in quickly that I had no idea what he wanted. "You just said my name, did you want something?"
OH MY GOSH! I SAID HIS NAME OUTLOUD, I screamed in my head. I could feel the blood filling into my cheeks now, as a sly self-absorbed grin grew across Edward's face. "No, I didn't." He laughed his dreamy silky man laugh. He knew what had happened and surprisingly, didn't call me on it.
"Sure," he said simply. "So, is the dog going to be ok?" He changed the subject, still smirking.
"Well, the x-ray looks good but I'm going to have his blood worked up to see if he's at risk."
"What is this whole thing going to cost me?" He made a circular motion with his hand, implying this whole 'take care of the dog he wouldn't dare let in his car' thing.
"Don't worry about it." I shrugged.
"No, Bella. I want to do this…for the kid."
"Are you sure?"
"Yes. It's not a problem." Edward patted his body looking for his wallet, I presumed. "Actually, is there a bank or an ATM around here?"
"We have interact, Edward." I stated flatly.
"Ah, yeah but my card is a little finicky with those machines. I'd rather get the cash for you." There was something odd about that answer but I extended him the same courtesy he'd shown me, just moments before, and left it alone.
I printed the bill and showed it to him and explained the break down so he knew exactly what I'd done. I really don't think he cared but it was nice to have him close, hovering over me as I sat at my desk, his breath filtering through my hair. I explained things slowly just to keep him near but in no time I was finished. He didn't seem to have a problem with the amount and asked me to point him in the direction of the bank.
I invited him to follow me out to the lobby where I could point out exactly where he'd find the ATM machine. Seth called to check in on Wolf and I let him know the bill had been covered. He was overjoyed by the news that Wolf would be ok. I didn't feel the need to tell him I was looking further into it.
When Edward returned he passed me an envelope full of cash. His keys jingled as he slid them into his pocket and I guessed he'd picked up his car while he was out too. I ran back to my office and dropped the envelope into the safe returning only moments later to find Edward reading the flyer on the bulletin board. The flyer was about the Fall Fair in LaPush.
Without turning around, he asked me what the Fall Fair was all about. I explained that it was like any carnival. There would be amusement park rides, though the rides were on a much smaller scale then they would be at a real park, games of chance, local musical talent, food. "It's really a lot of fun." I added.
He nodded, then ran his tongue, enticingly, along his bottom lip. "I've never been to a local carnival."
"Well, this is only our tenth year."
"No, I mean I've never been to a carnival, local to anywhere." He stated, matter of fact.
"Oh." I said absentmindedly. Then it sunk in, this poor deprived man. "Ohhhh. You should go. It's going to be a lot of fun."
He smiled sweetly, "are you going?" His eyes were glistening as he turned to me.
My eyes fell to the floor, suddenly I was very nervous. "Yeah, I'll be there at least one night. It'll be open for ten days." He didn't say anything. In the back of mind I thought he was going to ask me to take him, go with him, or something, but he didn't. After an uncomfortable few minutes, I headed for the door. "I'm going to take off."
"Yeah, I should be going too." We walked out together and he waited behind me, as I locked the door to the clinic. He was such a gentleman. "Was there any damage to your car?" I asked, genuinely concerned.
"Why, do you think you could fix that too?" And the arrogant Edward was back!
Before I could think of something just as arrogant to reply, he pulled his ringing cell phone out of his pocket. He looked at the caller ID and without a word to me, he walked away. I watched him over the hood of my truck as he answered the call.
He was completely enthralled by the caller and instinctively unlocked the car and opened the door. He didn't look back to see where I was or if I were listening. It was as if I didn't exist, that we hadn't just spent the last two hours together.
He didn't get in the car right away. Instead, he stepped into the corner space, the open door created and leaned one arm against the top of the door and the other elbow rested on the roof while holding the phone to his ear. A gentle breeze ruffled his hair and he pulled his hand through it to lift it from his forehead and out of his eyes. His eyes were narrowed, his low hushed voice was angry and his tight lips moved quickly. This conversation didn't appear to be going in his favor.
Suddenly, his voice rose, "What?" he yelled. He paused briefly, listening, then exploded. "FUCK!" He shouted loudly as he hit the end button. His head turned in my direction as he descended into the driver seat. His face was twisted in a fit of fury. He made no effort to acknowledge me. He looked at me but I don't think he really saw me. He slammed his door shut and raced off the parking lot.