A/N: Sorry for the delay, I got caught up with my studies. Hope you like this chapter and don't forget to review!
I woke up at 10 o'clock on Sunday morning, went to the bathroom then headed downstairs to the kitchen. Our house was a duplex, the first floor had the kitchen, dining room, living room, my dad's office and a bathroom and my personal favorite room in the whole house, the library. Even though dad had all his medical books in his office the walls of the library were almost full with books and paintings. My biggest joy stood in the middle of the library, my personal sanctuary, my piano. The second floor was where all the bedrooms were and my mom's working place; each room has its own bathroom which is great because Alice takes ages to get ready. The basement was our hang out room. Whenever we had friends over, we would stay there. We had pool table, a poker table, a bar, a huge LCD TV with our own DVD collection as well as a sound system with a CD collection.
I went to the kitchen, got my coffee then headed to the basement. Mom and dad were there with Alice.
"Morning dear" mom said, she was sitting next to dad on one side of the L-shaped sofa while Alice lay on the other side.
I took my place on the beanbag across form Alice "Good morning, how was your dinner last night?"
"It went well; we raised some money for our cancer research department and I got to dance with your mother. Dr Gerandy asked about you, he's very excited to have you at the hospital this summer. I think he's planning on retiring soon and he wants to teach you all of his secrets" Dad chuckled.
Dr Gerandy was like a grandfather to me, when I was a child and would go the hospital he would always take me with him to do rounds and give me chocolate and candy. He was the attending pediatric surgeon; his work and kindness encouraged me further to become a pediatric surgeon.
I smiled "Will I have time to work with him? I really want to focus mainly on pediatrics surgery."
"Son, you have to have a taste of everything at the beginning, you never know when you'd need to do a heart surgery, head surgery or any other kind of surgery. You are still starting; you have the rest of your career to do what you want."
I just nodded sipping my coffee. I knew that I had to practice all kind of surgery but I didn't particularly like most of the Chiefs there. Dad was the Chief of surgery, I probably won't do any surgery with him, some people were just looking for reasons to make dad lose some credibility. Dr Clapp, the Chief of Trauma surgery is cool. Dr Burke is the Chief of Cardiothoracic Surgery, he's a cocky prick. The Chief of Neurosurgery, Dr Robbins, is seriously crazy. She keeps hitting on me whenever I'm around. I can't even imagine spending time with her but to be fair she truly is one of the best Neurosurgeons in the country. The Chief of OB/GYN and Neonatal Surgery on the other hand was a complete different story. Dr Carmen Denali is my uncle Eleazer's wife. She's one of the sweetest doctors there, she took the time to show me all around the hospital, discussing all my options with me and answering most of my never ending questions.
The word 'Bella' brought me out of my inner thoughts, apparently mom had asked how our night went and Alice was filling her in on Bella and Emmett. My parents regarded Rose and Jasper as their own since the Hale's lived in texas, Rosalie and Jasper were here on their own. Mom treated them the same way she treated us, the only difference was that they lived in a different house. Therefore they were very interested in knowing if Rose's new man was worthy of her. They'll probably want to meet him soon, poor Emmett.
"… At first Emmett appears to be scary and just huge" I chuckled at Alice's description "but once you get to know him he's actually the sweetest guy. He really seems to care for Rose, hanging on her every word… oh and Edward did you see how he looked at her? I swear I'd say he's in love with her already! They are soooooo cute together!" Alice all but fainted. I rolled my eyes at her
"Yeah he really is good to her; at least he was last night." I pointed out.
Mom with a concerned look on her face said "You should invite them over sometimes, we can have a barbecue."
"Sure mom, I'll run it by Rose and whenever she's ready to introduce him to you guys we'll let you know." Alice, I'm sure, is more excited to have this barbecue that mom.
"And what about his sister, Bella?" Mom asked.
Needless to say, I glared at Alice to make sure she understands to keep it short and simple about Bella.
"Well she's getting her masters in Child psychology from Boston University. She's really nice and she very much like Emmett. She's my age I think" Alice looked at me for confirmation which I did by nodding. "And we're going shopping next weekend. We'll probably be great friends." Alice's grin extended from ear to ear. Maybe if they become besties then Bella will spend a lot of time here, this could be a great thing.
Shortly after that dad got called into the hospital and mom started working on lunch. She loved cooking almost as much as she loved her job. Our kitchen is fully stocked with pans that I didn't even know existed before mom bought them. Alice went to the garden to call Jasper and invite him and Rose for lunch so I decided to head to the library and play some piano.
I sat on the bench, my fingers barely touching the piano keys; I was at loss for songs to play. None of the classical songs seemed to express what I'm feeling. I decided to play Claire de lune by Debussy who was one of my favorite composers. This piece always seemed to calm me down. As I played the final note, my fingers started playing a new melody, one that is foreign to me but seemed so very familiar. It started with a few shy notes, which slowly gained more confidence and started following each other in a rhythm of joy and sweetness until they reached a dangerous turn and started fighting which led to a sad ending signaling the end of the calm mood Claire de lune had put me in. when I couldn't get rid of it I decided to put it down on paper. I kept on playing it till it felt perfect. I hadn't felt like composing anything ever since Tanya cheated me. I was sitting staring at my own fingers when mom entered the library to tell me lunch is ready. I hadn't realized that I've been there for over 2 hours.
Dad and Alice were sitting at the table waiting for us. As mom took her place across from dad and me across from Alice dad asked "So what's your plans for today?"
Alice replied while passing him the salad "Jasper and Rose are coming over in a bit, Rose probably wants to know our opinion on Emmett."
"Edward what was that piece you were playing? I haven't heard it before." Mom asked as she stood up to cut the lasagna.
"Um, I was just fooling around, it's no big deal." I poked at my salad and took a sip from my coke.
I didn't escape my notice the look mom and Alice shared and how mom slowly shook her head to Alice as if saying 'no don't push him' and I really appreciate her for it because Alice can be very persistent when she wants to and I was not ready for her questions. The rest of lunch was full of small talk and easy topics, with Alice talking about her upcoming graduation and looking for the perfect dress and everything. She worked hard to graduate in only 4 years; she was very excited to start working officially with mom.
After lunch, we hung out in the basement watching TV. Then around 4 o'clock Jasper and Rose came over, my parents stayed with us a bit then excused themselves saying that they'll go visit my uncle and his family.
As soon as the basement door closed Rose turned to us "Okay so what did you think of Emmett?"
"I like him!" Alice said excitedly "he looks at you like you're his personal treasure. If he makes you feel happy then go for it…. Ouh! We can double date" she started clapping.
Rose smiled at Alice's excitement and went to hug her. Jasper joined in on the hug and gave Alice a kiss on the forehead, I guess he approves as well. All three of them now looked at me expectantly
The four of us were like siblings and I'm sure Rose valued our opinion as much as Jasper's just like I valued their opinion as much as Alice's. But I'm very protective of Rose; I was the one who found her the day of that incident. I'll never forget the image of her lying in her own pool of blood. This is why I'm a bit hesitant in directly accepting Emmett, I made that mistake once with the asshole Royce, I won't make it again. But since Jasper, who has met Emmett more times than me, approves then I will. Besides I really like the guy, he's fun to be around.
"He's okay I guess, he'd make a fun addition to our gang" I smiled at her.
Rose came over to give a hug "Thank you, he makes me feel safe." Then she looked me in the eyes "Don't worry." I simply nodded.
On her way back to take her seat Rose turned and pointed a finger at me "Oh, What did you say to Bella outside of the club?" she looked at me accusingly. I was looking at her confused when Alice added
"Yeah, I've been meaning to ask you that, you left the poor girl speechless and looking confused as hell"
Great they were both looking at me accusingly now. I looked at Jasper who was looking apologetically from his place next to Alice.
"Nothing!" I said defensively but they both kept staring at me. Shit I won't last long under their stares. I heard Jasper chuckle. I glared at him which only made him chuckle more. Fucker, I'd like to see him under these two's stares.
"I just told her it was nice meeting her…." And I added in a low voice "and I might have apologized for getting a boner when we danced" the ceiling suddenly felt interesting.
Jasper snorted while Alice and Rose tried to hide their amusement but failed miserably when Alice's laughter rang in the basement "you … got… a boner … Hahahaha" Alice was now laying on the couch laughing hysterically.
"It's not that funny Alice" I glared at her which only made her laugh more. Jasper was looking at me sympathetically while Rose was chuckling.
"Have you seen her?!" I threw my hands in the air exasperatedly "If she was grinding on you on the dance floor, I assure you that you'll be aroused as well. Besides I'm not sure if she felt it or not. I only apologized for getting out of the line on the dance floor. And for the record, she's the one who started grinding and bringing my head to her neck to kiss her."
"You kissed her neck?!"Alice screamed.
"What? No! I was going to, but that's when she stopped and went to the bathroom." I felt disappointment wash over me; I really wanted to taste her.
"I told you sooo" Alice chanted.
"Shut up Alice"
"What did you tell him" Rose and Jasper spoke at the same time.
"Just that he and Bella were perfect for each other and that he wished she didn't have a boyfriend." Alice said smugly.
"You barely know her Alice, stop making assumptions." I whined.
"We can triple date!" Jasper chuckled at that. Funny guy.
After that I decided to ignore Alice and her yapping about Bella and me and the triple dates we will all go on. Rose came and sat next to me on the beanbag.
"Hey, don't worry about it. Bella is not the kind of girl to get offended of things like that. She probably left you on the dance floor because she remembered her dumb boyfriend" Rose rolled her eyes. I looked at her questioningly but she just shook her head "He's not the brightest fish in the pond, I don't understand why she's with him and neither does Emmett. On the few occasions that I've seen him, I wanted to simply punch him but Bella always covers for him."
Rose stood up then "Okay guys, I have to go help Emmett at the gym, we still have some work to do. Putting equipments and organizing the place." She went to get her bag.
"Do you need any help?" Alice asked, "We've got nothing to do and it'll be kind of boring to stay here with Edward mad at me" She looked at me with sad eyes. What an actress!
"Yeah right Alice! Like you care." I rolled my eyes at her, "But really Rose, if you need us we'll come and help."
"Yeah we'd appreciate it. You'll get to know Emmett a bit more as well." Rose smiled.
"Okay, just give me a sec to change clothes" I don't think a jeans and a shirt are appropriate to lift things and whatever we'll be doing there. So I put on some shorts, a t-shirt and my running shoes.
When I got back downstairs I noticed for the first time that Jasper was also wearing a short and a t-shirt. We all piled up into Jasper's car and headed towards Emmett's gym. It was relatively 10 minutes away from our house; I think I'll probably join once it's ready. I need to work out again, I haven't done any sort of sports for over 2 months.
As we got out of the car, I heard Alice ask Rosalie "Is Bella here?" to which Rosalie shrugged.
"Emmett! I brought reinforcements" Rose yelled as we entered the old big building. It's clear that a lot of work was done here. The walls were painted white with nothing on them yet, only some lights here and there. The floor is grey and full of boxes. We had a lot of work to do.
Emmett popped his head from behind a door, I'm guessing that'll be his office.
"Hey guys! I see you have come prepared" Emmett looked at Jasper and me. He came and gave Rose a quick kiss.
"Emmett, what do you have in mind for the wall?" Alice asked, she had her 'I'm all business' voice.
"I was gonna put some TV all around" Emmett shrugged.
"yeaaaaaaaah" Alice turned to Emmett unleashing her puppy eyes on him. "Do you mind if I make some changes?" Jasper and I were fighting hard to keep our laughs at bay. Emmett, who is 3 times bigger than Alice, was rendered speechless by the latter. The poor guy looked at Rose for help but she shrugged chuckling. She knew well that when Alice wants something, Alice will get it.
"Err, yeah whatever you want Alice, but please stay in budget" Emmett rubbed the back of his neck.
"Oh don't worry about that! It'll be a gift from me!" Alice clapped jumping to give Emmett a hug. She was like a small child on Christmas morning.
"Alice, I can't accept that. This is my gym and I'll pay" Emmett said to no one as Alice ran to the middle of the gym and started planning a 'gym makeover'.
"You still have a lot to learn about Alice." Jasper patted Emmett's shoulder as he headed toward his girlfriend.
"Emmett! Stop sucking on Rose's face and come help me!" someone yelled from the office interrupting Rose and Emmett's make out session.
"Oh shit! I'm coming Bella!" Emmett yelled "Edward do you mind helping me out in the back?"He turned to me. I nodded and started following him. We found Bella hunched over a box searching its content for something
"Emmett where the hell did you put the signed jersey" Bella huffed turning around that's when she spotted me "Oh, hey Edward" she smiled timidly. She couldn't be mad at me if she smiled, right?
"Hey, you need any help with these boxes?"
Emmett shouted from somewhere between the boxes "Aha! Here you go little sis" he handed her a framed giants jersey.
"Now, Edward why don't you help Bella here and put the office together and everything and I'll see what kind of destruction Alice is planning in there." He pointed towards the gym.
"What do you mean?" smiled Bella. God she has a beautiful smile. I gave myself an internal slap and stopped staring.
"Alice loves makeovers and she has made it her job to decorate your brother's gym." I shrugged
"She's an interior designer you know and don't worry Emmett I'll keep an eye on her to make sure she doesn't go overboard." I assured Emmett who looked a bit scared. I don't blame him, I mean he barely knows Alice and she has taken over his work place.
"Honestly man, I know Alice, I promise you'll love it once it's done."
"Edward, I'm not letting her pay for the renovations. Make sure to tell her that." He said going out of the door.
"Why don't you tell her yourself?" I shouted after him.
He popped his head inside to room and whispered-screamed "Because she scares the shit out of me!"
Bella and I erupted in laughter. "Fuck you! Like you aren't scared of her as well." He accused.
"I've had years to get used to it" I shrugged.
After Emmett left, Bella and I stood in an awkward silence for a minute then I said "Okay, where do we start?" I looked at her raising my eyebrows.
"You take this", she handed me a driller, "And drill a hole in that wall to hang the jersey." she pointed to the left wall.
"I'm gonna connect the phone and change the light bulbs." She ordered.
"Yes Sir!"I joked saluting her and earning a chuckle from her.
Maybe, just maybe we can put whatever happened last night behind us and become friends.
