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Chapter One : The Hunt Is On , And The Date Is Set
I spent the remainder of the day, all two and a half hours of it, desperately trying to find the band named 'Bella Marie'.
Now it wasn't just because they were good. In truth they were bloody fucking fantastic, and I wanted to shout about them from the rooftops, but that wouldn't do considering we hadn't tracked them down yet, and we didn't know a thing about them except that they were exceptional performers, and I'd managed to decipher that they'd done one gig as a supporting act, although I didn't know which band they were supporting, and it had gone well over all on the night. It was also because I was intrigued by their name.
I was on the phone to Garrett, a well known publicist in the media in California, and a close personal friend of mine, for most of the morning, and he'd arranged for further announcements to be made. I was faxing him the flyer Jacob had given me, and he was going to follow it up.
I couldn't help but feel a little put out at Jake's behaviour. Actually, I was thoroughly pissed off. He'd been laughing and joking with me one minute, and then suddenly he was Mister Moody and he couldn't get away fast enough. His mood swing had been most unappreciated and I didn't enjoy getting the subsequent cold shoulder from him either.
I sighed distractedly as I trawled through Google, and then I picked up the desk phone and called the familiar extension number in for the fifth time just that hour. "Hello, Charlotte?" I asked hopefully when his secretary answered the phone.
"I'm sorry Miss Swan, he still isn't leaving his office." She sounded frustrated, and she used my formal name, not my first name like usual.
"I'm sorry Charlotte, I'm being a pain aren't I? Admit it." She sighed.
"Okay. You are a bit. I've asked him to call you, but he's adamant." She sounded puzzled now, and I knew she was wondering what was going on. We were normally thick as thieves. The best of friends. Joined at the hip. I breathed a heavy sigh. "I'm sure he'll come to his senses soon Bella."
"I hope so. Sorry to bother you, thanks Charlotte."
"No problem." She hung up quickly, and I felt bad for pestering her.
Billy probably had the entire building looking for this mystery band as well, Charlotte included, and I'd been filling her time with pointless questions about Jacob and trying to get her to persuade him to call me back. I needed to work this shit out on my own, and I needed to do it fast. It was messing with me already, and I'd only heard the band play one song!
"Knock, knock." I looked up from my work about two pm and was met with my Dad's cheerful face peeking round the door. I smiled immediately.
"Hey Dad." He grinned and came inside properly, closing the door behind him and sitting in the seat on the other side of my desk. "Are you alright? I haven't seen you in a while. You look well though."
It was nice to see him, sure, but he never visited his work. Ever. I was quite stunned he knew how to get here at all to be honest.
"I'm fine Bells. Can't a Dad stop by to see his middle child every once in a while?" He smiled half heartedly, and I knew there was another reason he was here. I noted briefly how he referred to Sue's children as his own also;it made me happy for him.
"Yeah, yeah Dad. Cut the crap, what's going on?" His smile vanished, and he shook his head slowly.
"I'm sorry Bella. I um, don't know how to tell you." He looked worried, and that made me worried in turn.
"What is it Dad?" I urged. "You can tell me."
"Well, me and Sue, we're getting married. I asked her yesterday, and well, she said yes." He looked up at me, and I could see the panic and apprehension filling his eyes.
"Wow. That's, big. I'm so happy for you both Dad!" I smiled and ran quickly round the table to hug him.
Neither of us were overly affectionate people, and we usually just sort of stumbled around each other, mumbling greetings here and there and exchanging light banter when needed, otherwise we were happily silent. Or we had been, until Sue had brought a whole new feeling of happy to the family.
She'd been a close family friend for many years;Dad had been best friends with her first husband, Harry Clearwater. That was until my last year of High School. He'd died unexpectedly of a heart attack in the woods of Forks, Washington. Sue had been left heartbroken, and to raise their two children, Leah and Seth, alone. Luckily, one of the kids on the reservation, La Push, had found Harry in time and taken him to the nearest hospital. He'd survived the night, long enough for his family and friends to rush to his side, but then he'd died the next morning.
Everyone had been devastated, including Charlie, my Dad. I had moved to California not long beforehand, and although I didn't know the logistics of how their relationship changed, however I did know that my Dad was smitten with Sue and vice versa, and I'd never seen him happier. It only made me love Sue even more now that she was marrying my Dad. She was an amazing woman. I respected her, and we got along great. I'd be getting a new Step Mom, and two new siblings, both of whom I absolutely adored. And it was no hardship thinking of Sue as Mom;I'd been doing so for about two years.
Seth and Leah had been like a Brother and Sister to me since I'd met them, and we'd spent a lot of time together since I'd moved to Cali. They moved here shortly after Harry passed, and then proceeded to get great jobs that they loved. Seth as a sports reporter, and Leah as a fashion stylist.
"You really don't mind?" Charlie asked nervously as I embraced him slightly awkwardly. I pulled back and smiled.
"Of course not!" I exclaimed. He looked relieved. "Dad, any fool can see you lover her, and it doesn't take a genius to know you feel more for her than you felt for Mom, Renee Mom," He looked like he was going to interrupt, but I stopped him. "And I really respect you. She makes you happy, and I wouldn't ever stand in your way. I really am happy for you." He smiled gently.
"I'm glad Bells. Your opinion means more to me than anyone else's," He looked thoughtful, and his eyes twinkled happily. "Except Sue's obviously." I grinned happily.
"I'll have to come over and see you both soon. For now though, I'm inundated with work." Dad and me had been talking for a little while now, and I needed to get back to work. I grimaced as I thought of all the results I still had to trawl through.
"Oh? Sounds like hard work."
"Very." I sighed and spun my chair slightly. "We have a recording of a band, and a name, but we can't track them for love nor money. It's ridiculous!" Charlie smiled sympathetically.
"Well, I'd love to offer to help, but I don't know anything about it, so I won't. Why don't you ask your friends? I'm sure one of them who would know someone who could help. What about that Emmett? He seems lively, he's probably heard of them." I hadn't though of asking my boisterous buddy, and it seemed a brilliant idea.
"Oh thanks Dad!" I beamed. "It's a great idea. Right, now you're gonna have to leave so I can follow that up." I was smiling at him, and he laughed.
"Okay, I can see when I'm no longer wanted. I'll see you tomorrow? Me and Sue are really looking forward to having you and Jasper over. Speaking of the Devil, did you manage to get round there and get him out of that gym?" I rolled my eyes.
"Yeah, eventually. He's coming in tomorrow, I have the morning off, so I'll bring him with me. And Dad, Sue is Mom, you know." He smiled sheepishly, and I smiled back.
"I know, it's just I sometimes wonder," he trailed off, but I knew it was because he didn't want to hurt my feelings by calling her Mom to me.
"Dad, it's fine. Anyway, shoo! I have work to do, and I'll see you tomorrow at dinner." I smiled as he got up and walked towards the door. "And don't forget to tell Mom to make the peach cobbler, please!" I called, and he chuckled as he walked through the door.
"I'll tell her. Good luck with the band!" And then he was gone, and I could call Emmett.
"Hello, Emmett?"
"Belly Boo! How're you doing Kid?" Emmett's booming voice filled my ear, and I cringed as I giggled slightly.
"I'm fine Meathead. Chill out. How're you?" He chuckled heartily, and it made me smile.
"Ah, you love it!" He was laughing, because he knew I did love his loud nature. His enthusiasm for life was infectious and he was completely incorrigible, but he was my best friend, and I wouldn't have him any other way. "I'm cool though. Trying to find another mechanic that can handle my wheels. I'll see you before you got to your rents' if it's done, and we can go for a spin!" He sounded so excited, so Emmett like, that I couldn't hold back my smile.
"Okay, sounds good. That's if I ever leave work." I took a deep breath.
"What's wrong Bella Bean? Big Bad Wolfy getting you down?" He was holding back his laughter, just, but I could hear the amusement in his tone.
It'd been a long running thing since I'd first introduced Jacob and Emmett that Jacob had a thing for me, according to Emmett, and he never let me forget it. I don't know where the wolf thing came from, but I never liked to question Emmett's nicknames.
"Whatever Emmett, but it is kinda to do with him."
"Okay, hit me."
"I wish I could." I smiled as I heard him gasp in mock outrage.
"Bella Smella, that hurt! Take it back!" I laughed loudly.
"No way Emmett, you deserve it. You always do."
"I don't know what you're chatting about. Shit, like normal." He was barely containing himself, and I couldn't help but laugh even harder. "Are you taking the piss Swan? 'Coz I can come over there and sort this out face to face?" His threat was a loaded one, and I didn't need Emmett bashing though the doors right now.
"No, no! It's fine, I'm not taking the piss Emmy." I heard him scoff at his nickname. "Anyways, it's about a new band."
"Oh yeah, I heard about them. They're named after you aren't they?" I heard him snicker and I growled under my breath.
"No, they're not Emmett." I snapped. "It's a coincidence. So, have you heard of them? And who told you anyway?"
"Well, no, and I'm not telling." He sounded pleased with himself, and very smug.
"Alright, don't tell me." I let him stew a minute, let him think he'd won, before adding, "And I won't tell you a really awesome mechanic that's just got into town who could fix up your rust bucket faster than you could eat a donut." He chuckled, obviously amused.
"Yeah right Bella Banana. And FYI, it's NOT a rush bucket." He tutted. "And to think, I was gonna tell you I have tickets to that band you want."
"Do you really Emmett? Oh my God, I'll love you forever!" He laughed lightly.
"No, sorry Bells. I don't really. If I did, you'd be the first to know though, not Wolfy."
"Uh, so it was Jacob that told you?" He snickered.
"Yeah, it was Wolfy boy. So spill. Mechanic?"
"Oh yeah, I'll email you the address in two seconds. I'll see you later, I've gotta search some more. Have fun." I smiled as I imagined his reaction to the mechanic I had in mind.
"Sure, thankies Belly Boos! I'll see you later, love yah, mwah!" He ended the call with a flourish, and I grinned and shook my head at his antics. I couldn't wait for tomorrows phone call.
I dialled my favourite mechanic's phone number quickly. "Hey Rose, you alright?"
"Hiya Bella! Um, hang on a sec I'm under the hood of a gorgeous specimen, can I call you back in a whiz?" I giggled and smiled to myself. Definitely a match for Emmett.
"Yeah sure Rose, talk to you in a bit."
"Mm hm." And then I was cut off.
I turned my attention to the computer and began looking through all the results again. It was going to be a long afternoon, and without my own secretary I couldn't order frequent coffee top ups.
I looked through hundreds of results and still drew a blank on the mystery band. It was really quite disconcerting. I was still completely miffed. I picked up the flyer and looked it over again.
On it was a picture of something I knew all to well. The design was cool and sharp, and it looked stunning against the coloured background with the writing across the front, with the names of the band standing out among the bright colours. Bella Marie. I wanted so badly to track this band down now, it was my main focus and I couldn't think about anything else. It stayed at the forefront of my mind since I'd heard their rendition of Apologize, and I couldn't remember ever having a reaction like this before.
I was completely drained and exasperated when I left work at five that evening. I said a quick goodbye to Billy on my way out, being careful to dodge Lauren as she carried the coffee in when I was leaving, got in the elevator, fought the desire to go to Jacob's office and demand he talk to me, and speedily made my way to my car.
"Phew." I sighed as I slumped in the driver's seat. I had made plans to go out tonight with some friends, but I was seriously considering cancelling. Just as I was starting the car, I hear my phone ringing in my bag.
You're the voice I hear inside my head, the reason that I'm singing.
I need to find you, I gotta find you.
"Emmett!" I grumbled as I quickly rummaged in my bag, trying to find the source of the music. I knew there was a reason I didn't ever let him use my phone. He always changes my ringtone to silly kid's songs. Strangely fitting the song he'd chosen this time though.
"Hello?" I quickly answered the phone rang off, not checking the caller ID first, and I heard the amusement in my friend's voice.
"Hey Bella. How are you?" I smiled and sat back in my seat.
"Oh hi Edward. I'm knackered and stressed, you?"
"Oh really?" He sounded curious, and ignored my question. "What's the matter? Anything I can do to help?" I was warmed by the fact that he wanted to help me.
"No, sorry Edward. It's just work. I'm sorry, I don't think I'm gonna come out with you guys tonight. I'm dead on my feet and I just wanna chill out."
"Ahh Bella!" He whined. "We've been planning this all week!" I felt bad for cancelling on them, and I had been looking forward to seeing my guys.
"Well, maybe you could come over to mine instead? We can order stuff in, and you could pick some beers up on the way in?"
"Yeah that sounds alright, thanks Bella." He sounded happier, and I felt lighter at the thought of a night with my friends. "What time did you want us? Oh yeah, Jasper is over too, so we'll bring him with us." I was really pleased to hear that my Brother had finally left his house to see his friends.
"Really? Oh, say hi for me. How many of you are coming? Just you, Jazz, and Emmett?"
"Um, probably. Mom might come over and say hello for a bit, female company and all that."
"Oh that's great! Yeah tell her to come, and Carlisle too if he wants, so he's not alone."
"Okay, thanks Bella. I'll see you later." He hesitated. "Are you sure you don't mind us coming?"
"No Edward, it's fine. I could do with some company anyway. I'll see you soon. I'm just leaving work."
I drove home, humming along to the radio, and when I arrived home I saw Edward, Emmett, Jasper, Carlisle and Esme standing outside my apartment block.
"Bella Bean!" Emmett yelled as I got out of the car. I grinned and laughed as he scooped me into one of his signature bear hugs and spun me round in circles.
"Hey, Emmy, could you put me down please!" I gasped. "I need to breath!" He chuckled and it rumbled around me. He put my feet on the ground and took my hand.
"Did you find this amazing star then?" He asked excitedly;we walked over to where everyone else was standing, smiling and laughing at Emmett's antics. I frowned.
"No, they're kinda illusive."
"Ahhh, don't worry Belly Boo, you'll catch them!" He quickly picked me up and cradled me like a baby, rocking me back and forth.
"Emmett Dale McCarty! Put. Me. Down." I said firmly.
"Oooh Dude, you got full named!" Jasper chortled, and Emmett unceremoniously dumped me on the grass verge. "I'd leave her alone if I were you, she's vicious." He smirked, and I rolled my eyes.
"Catch me if you can!" He sung as he ran off into the building, leaving me sitting on the ground and everyone in hysterics.
"You okay Bella?" Edward walked over and pulled me up, a smile playing on his lips.
"Yeah, I'm fine, thanks." I looked at the others. "How come you all stayed out here? Jasper has a key." I looked at my Brother, who was scowling.
"Uh, yeah, I left it at home." He glared at Edward, and I heard him snicker beside me.
"We kidnapped him Bella. He refused to come with us, so me and Emmett stole him from his house." I giggled, and then Esme walked over to me, a beaming smile on her heart shaped face.
She wrapped an arm around my shoulders and steered us towards the building, I could hear the guys following behind us. "How're you dear? You look tired, maybe we should let you have a relaxed night instead?" She sounded worried, maternal. She was the most caring person I'd ever met, and I loved her dearly.
"Oh it's fine Esme, I'm alright. It'll be better to have some company anyway, seeing as my Brother's been a recluse for the past few days, except my colleagues obviously." I grimaced, remembering Jacob's behaviour today.
"Are you sure? I can take them home." I smiled at her as we entered the lobby.
"Honestly, it's fine Esme. I'm glad you're all here." She smiled back, a twinkle in her eye.
"Good, okay. Carlisle, did you bring the food in from the car?" She winked at me, amused, and I heard Carlisle groan.
"No dear, come on Jasper, Edward. We'll bring it up, you two go on." Esme giggled and dragged me to the elevator. I had a funny feeling she wanted to talk to me. We turned around just in time to see Edward and Jasper play fighting just outside the doors, and we laughed.
"So, Bella." Esme began as she pressed the button for my floor, thirteen. I looked at her expectantly. "When are you going to put my youngest son out of his misery and let him take you on a date?" I gasped and she smiled happily.
"What? What do you mean? Edward?" She rolled her eyes, and I once again saw where Edward got the habit from.
"Bella, Dear, he is smitten with you. Anyone can see it." I looked at her incredulously. "Honey, he's been in love with you since the first time you came into the shop, and he was splattering paint everywhere."
Esme ran her own interior design business, and she had a shop nearby. When I'd moved into my apartment, I'd gone there to get some tips on how to make the reasonably dark place look lighter, and more open. Of course ever since then I'd been pulled effortlessly and without much fight into the Cullen family, and now I spent most of my free time with them, Edward included.
Edward and Emmett were Brothers. Emmett was twenty seven, and Edward twenty four, like myself, and I'd met Emmett through work, where he was a security guy. I hired him frequently, and after my encounter with his Mom, we'd become closer, and were now best friends. He'd then introduced me to Edward, and we'd become a great little trio.
They'd shown me the first bar I ever went into;they came on my first real holiday when I was twenty one and they were twenty one and twenty four;they'd been the ones to cart me to and fro when my over used clumsiness gene caused me to hurt myself, which was often;they helped me decorate my apartment and move all of my things from my Dad's house, and they'd been the best friends I ever could have asked for when I'd lost my real Mom just over five years ago.
"Esme," I sighed. "He can't be in love with me. We're best friends!" I looked at her twinkling eyes, saw the smile broadening.
"Oh Bella. One day you'll realise. I just hope for both of your sakes that it's soon." She sighed. "I know you like me, and I don't want to end up with some bimbo that hates me as my Daughter in law. I want to be a loved Mother in law." She reached out and gave my hand a quick squeeze just before the doors pinged open, and we were greeted with Emmett's big, goofy grin.
"You took your time squirts!" He called, his laughter bouncing in the elevator.
"We had a girl talk Emmett," Esme said softly. "And who exactly were you calling squirts?" She poked him playfully in the chest and he chuckled.
"Not you Ma, scouts honour! I know it's not your fault you're vertically challenged." He winked and Esme and I laughed as we joined forces and shoved him out of the way and walked down the hall to my apartment, 504.
"Whatever Emmy, you're just a gigantic buffoon." I unlocked the door and we filed in. Esme smiled proudly as she took in my home.
"It's wonderful Bella. It's really, open. I thought you said these apartments are dark?"
"They are, well, they were." I smiled as I put the keys down and shrugged my jacket off. "It's thanks to your wonderful boys that I managed to make it look this good. And your amazing decorating tips and designs." She grinned and giggled.
"Well, I'm glad we were able to help."
"Speaking of the amazing boys," Emmett began, amusement clear on his face. "Where are the slightly less amazing ones?"
"Your Father forgot the food and drinks, so we sent them all to go and bring it up." Recognition dawned on Emmett's face.
"Ah, so you could have your girly chat." The way he said it made it sound criminal, and I laughed as I passed him and went to the small kitchen.
"Yes Emmy." I called. "Now who'd like a tea or coffee? Or I've got some wine, Esme?" Esme wandered into the kitchen then, and she smiled tenderly.
"I'll have some wine please, but here, let me get those. You go and sit down. You look exhausted." I sighed and smiled slightly. She knew me too well, and I felt like I could collapse and sleep the evening away.
"I am tired, thankyou Esme." She beamed.
"No problem Bella. I know what you like, don't worry. My Sons have filled me in." I smiled and gave her a brief hug.
"What was that for?" She squeezed me back and released me.
"To say thankyou. You're a wonderful woman Esme, and I really appreciate all you do for me. If, if I ever had to choose someone to be my Mother in law, I'd choose you in a heartbeat." She looked teary eyed, but her watery smile told me I hadn't upset her.
"Oh thankyou Bella!" She cried, throwing her arms around me again. "I'd choose you too." She whispered. I laughed a little at her enthusiasm, and then I heard Emmett's clompy footsteps in the kitchen.
"HEY! I wanna join!" He whimpered. Esme giggled, and opened one of her arms out. Emmett chuckled gently, and wrapped his big arms around both of us, lifting us off our feet.
"Emmett! Put us down!" We cried in unison. Emmett chuckled heartily, and set us on our feet again.
"Alright, alright. No need to get huffy." He smiled at me and ruffled my hair. "Come on Belly Boo, let's go and nab the good seats on the sofa before the others get here."
He grabbed my arm and towed me to the living room, launching himself onto the nearest sofa, pulling me down with him. We were both laughing hysterically still, me lying on top of him, when Carlisle, Jasper and Edward came in carrying two or three clear plastic carrier bags each. Easily identifiable to the Chinese Takeaway house down the road.
"O-kay then." Jasper chuckled quietly, and walked straight through to the kitchen. Edward was hiding his amusement quite well, although his eyes were smiling, and Carlisle was openly smirking and shaking his head.
"Bell-aaa!" Emmett suddenly moaned. "I know I'm irresistible, but must you keep throwing yourself at me?" Everyone laughed then, and Esme's tinkling laugh entered the room too as I hit Emmett's chest. "Ouch!" He pretended it hurt, rubbing the spot with his hand and smiling, but it probably hurt me more than him.
"Alright you two," Edward finally broke it up when Emmett almost squished me into the sofa whilst he tickled me. He came over and heaved his Brother off me, who landed on the floor with an thud, and then he offered me his hands. "Bella, are you alright?" He asked, his smiling green eyes capturing my own. I grinned and nodded, still trying to catch my breath.
"I'm fine Edward." I said moments later. So, shall we see about getting some good ol' food into us? I'm starving!" Everyone agreed, and we sat down on the sofas or bean bags and ate a sickening amount of takeaway food.
Of course, Emmett ate atleast three times the amount the rest of us did, probably the same amount as all of us combined.
We all spent the evening laughing, chatting, and filling each other in on the things we'd been up to. Emmett took great pleasure in announcing that he was finally going to get his car fixed, and the young male 'Dude' that had answered the phone earlier sounded 'rockin', and had assured him that their best mechanic was prepared to take care of it, just as I'd requested when Rose had called me back earlier at work. I remembered the conversation with glee.
"So, what's up Bella?" She asked when we had said hello's and exchanged pleasantries. Rose had never been one to beat around the bush.
"Well, I've got a friend, and their car's a heap of junk, but they're strangely attached to the thing. It's in need of a good mechanic, and I thought you'd be perfect for it." I desperately hoped she wouldn't pick up on the fact that I hadn't mentioned my friend's name, or whether they were a male or female. Luckily, she didn't.
"Okay, do you know the make of the car?" I grinned.
"Um, Rose? This is me, Bella?" She snickered, and I giggled.
"Yeah. Guess it was a long shot. Have you given them my number, or the office's?"
"I sent both, but I think they'll sort it through the office. I've gotta go, I'm really busy, but would it be okay if you make sure you do this one? It's special."
"Fuck yeah!" I giggled at her enthusiasm for a car she hadn't even seen yet. "Bella Swan, when do I ever turn down a car? The mystery adds to the need to do this one myself."
"Okay Rosalie, thanks. We'll get together soon, okay?"
"Sure. Have fun with Wolfy." I rolled my eyes, and then realised that was exactly what Emmett called Jake too, and I smiled to myself. They were a match made in heaven.
"I will Rose. Bye."
"See yah Biatch!" And then the phone cut off, and I went back to my work.
"So, Bella, when are you coming out with us again?" Emmett asked as we sat around the table in the lounge, playing cards, me next to him, and Edward opposite us. Esme and Carlisle had left a little while ago, and so had Jasper, leaving me, Emmett and Edward. It was about twelve, and we'd all been drinking, so we had loosened up a bit.
"I have no clue Emmy. I was knackered after today, you know?" I slammed my card down on the table in frustration. "I so want to find that band!" Emmett smirked at Edward across the table from us, and took another gulp of his beer.
"They sure sound good, right Eddie?" Edward looked annoyed, but he put his card down on the table and smiled, although I could tell it was forced.
"Yeah." He shrugged, feigning nonchalance, and I was confused. Moments ago, we'd been laughing and joking together, now he couldn't meet my eyes.
"Anyway, let's talk about something other than little-ol-me. Shall we?" I looked at the boys, and they both smiled, genuinely now, and we continued our game. Effortless conversation flowed once more, and so did the alcohol.
"You knows Bella," Emmett slurred as we dropped down onto my bed a few hours later. Edward was snoring in the living room, spread out on the floor, Jasper had left shortly after Carlisle and Esme, and me and Emmett had managed to help each other to my room. "We all wuvs you, but my Eddie wuvs you more." He sighed, and I snuggled up to his huge, warm side. "I tink, that you should get him to go on a date wiv yous, he like it when I told 'im."
"Mkay Emmy." He turned to face me, a big smile evident on his face as my eyes drooped and I felt myself being dragged into a drunken sleep.
"Weally? You get Eddie on a date, wiv yous?" He mumbled.
"Yesh Emmy. Sleep, now..." Moments later, I was out cold.
When I woke to the sound of my alarm clock sounding the next morning, I groaned and reached beside me for a pillow to put over my head, but instead was met with a warm body. I gasped, and opened my eyes.
Instead of an empty King size bed, I was on the edge of one, with a sleeping Edward on his side, facing me. His face looked peaceful, and showed no signs of stress. His bronze hair flopped over his forehead, and I laughed quietly as I took in it's messy state on top of his head. The laughter stopped abruptly with a groan, and I squeezed my eyes shut. My head was throbbing. I should so not have let Emmett talk me into drinking those cocktails last night. Or those many beers, or the bottle of wine we shared.
Just then, Edward whispered three words, but they froze me, halting my breath and all sounds around us. "Bella. Love you." He muttered, and then he reached out blindly with one arm, and pulled me towards him by my waist. I had no doubts that he was asleep. What was he dreaming? Did I want to know? I felt an overwhelming sense of panic rising in me, and my breath started to quicken. I struggled free of his hold and leapt from the bed, rushing straight to the bathroom. I slammed the door behind me, and I heard Emmett's loud protest, albeit muffled, through the wooden door. Edward's sleepy voice then asked what the hell had happened, earning him a thump from Emmett as I heard the bed shift and footsteps on the floor.
"Bella? Are you in there?" Edward asked. I put my head in my hands and sank to the tiled grey floor. I took a quiet breath, and managed a shaky yes. "Are you alright? You sound, breathless."
"I'm fine Edward!" I snapped. "Can you guys just, get ready and go?" I wanted them to leave – no, needed them to leave – and soon. I was on the verge of breaking down.
"Um, okay. Are you sure?" Edward's still weary voice almost made me change my mind, and tell him to go back to sleep, but I needed him to leave, now.
"Yes. Tell Emmett I'll call later." I heard shuffling, Emmett's protests, and when I eventually heard the front door click shut about ten minutes later, I sighed and slowly emerged from the bathroom.
One of them had made my bed, and there was a glass of orange juice and a note on the bedside table. I ignored both, and walked through to the living room. It had been cleaned up, and I spotted a plastic bin bag in the corner by the front door full of bottles and the takeaway pots. Walking quickly into the kitchen, I took some Tylenol and guzzled a glass of cold water.
I thought back to the night before. We'd spent the night drinking and messing about, and when Carlisle and Esme had left we'd opened the tequila and played around with random combinations for cocktails. I was certainly paying for it now though, and I'd bet the others were too.
I dropped onto the sofa, and felt something dig into my bag. With a moan, I reached under myself and pulled out a phone. Edward, Carlisle and Emmett all had the exact same phone, so I pressed a random button and smiled when I saw the photo of Emmett's beloved car as the wallpaper.
He'd bought the damn thing a couple of months ago, and it was a wreck. He always said when asked about it that he was 'waiting for the right mechanic' to fix it, and we all just agreed that he'd probably end up doing it himself anyway.
I quickly dialled Esme's number on Emmett's phone, and waited for her to pick up. "Hello Bella." She answered when she picked up. I wondered how she knew already that it would be me. I glanced at the clock on the wall. They couldn't have gotten there already, and I had assumed they were going home anyway.
"Um, hi Esme. How did you know it was me?"
"Edward called me a moment ago and said Emmett couldn't find his phone and that it'd probably be with you, so if you called to say that he'd pick it up in work if you didn't mind bringing it in for him."
"Oh no, that's fine." My heart jumped at the mention of Edward, and I answered slower than she was probably expecting.
"Bella, are you free for the morning?" She asked slowly, as if afraid I'd say no if she spoke too quickly.
"Er, I think so. I don't have work until two, but I might go in a little earlier, around lunchtime. Why?"
"I was wondering if you'd like me to bring over some breakfast. I'll bet you're not feeling great if Edward's condition is anything to go by." She sounded amused, and I smiled to myself.
"No, I don't feel great. If you're sure it's no trouble, some breakfast would be great."
"Okay, I'll be over shortly. Make sure you've taken some Tylenol, and take a nice warm bath. See you soon Bella."
"Okay, thanks Esme. See you soon."
I quickly went to take a hot bath, and the steam helped relax me. I thought more about this morning. Edward had been talking in his sleep, and he'd said he loves me. Is that normal? I mean, could Esme actually be right? Suddenly, I remembered with perfect clarity agreeing to go on a date with Edward to Emmett. I groaned and slapped my hand on the side of the bath. Wrong move. It stung, a lot, and within minutes it had bruised. I sighed and got out of the bath.
I had just switched on the coffee machine once I was dry and dressed casually when I remembered the note in my bedroom. I wondered who it was from. In a quick decision I went to my room and opened it up.
Hey Bella,
Emmett told me what you discussed, about a date. I'd love to take you out sometime, if you want? It can just be a friendly dinner if you prefer, I don't mind. Also, please can you call me later, and assure me that you're alright. You seemed upset this morning, although I had to make that decision through your bathroom door. Anyway, I hope your dinner with Sue and Charlie goes well tonight.
Edward.
Oh God. He wanted to take me on a date. Should I go? Wouldn't that be wrong, with my friend? Was Esme really right? Saving me from a full blown panic attack, was a knock on the front door, and Esme's cheerful voice calling, "Breakfast Bella!"
I quickly let her in, and then went to pour us some coffee. We sat down on the sofa, and Esme opened the brown paper bag she'd brought with her. A mouthwatering aroma wafted through the room, and I inhaled deeply. She giggled at my reaction, and I was sure I blushed.
"They're my famous blueberry muffins. I made them on my first date with Carlisle." I took a small bite out of the one she handed me, and I think I might have moaned. Then I realised what she'd said, and I almost choked. She looked panicked, and quickly patted me on the back. "Oh I'm sorry Dear, I didn't mean to be so blunt. I assume you've read the note then?" I looked at her, realising she knew what Edward had asked. I nodded, and swallowed the delicious treat. She smiled tentatively. "Are you going to go Bella? I know he'd love to take you out."
"I, I don't know, Esme. He's one of my best friends, isn't that a bit, weird?" She shook her head, and rolled her eyes. It reminded me instantly of Edward.
"Bella, did Edward or Emmett ever tell you how I met Carlisle?" I shook my head no, and took another bite of the blueberry delight in my hands, still warm.
Esme smiled, and launched into her story. "In High School, I was one of the most popular girls in my grade, but I never wanted to be. Carlisle was the most popular boy, handsome and blond, with a brain and compassion for life that would rival everyone." I could see the love shining in her eyes as she spoke of her husband. "We never spoke once throughout school, yet we were expected to date. It was strange. Anyway, when I was older, in my late twenties, I was with a man, and I got pregnant." Suddenly, her facial expression shifted. She looked, sad. "When the baby was born, he was a days old, and he, he died." I gasped, but otherwise stayed silent. "I had an accident soon after, and Carlisle was my Doctor. He helped me grieve, and he looked after me. I knew then he was the man I was going to marry, and I was right." Her face had brightened considerably, but she had tears rimming her eyes. I put the muffin on the table, and took her hands in mine.
"Esme, I'm so sorry. I didn't know," She smiled and shook her head.
"Don't worry Bella, you didn't know. I have two beautiful children whom I'm very proud of, and I love them very much. I've never forgotten my first little boy, and I never will, but he's not here now. Emmett and Edward are, and we're talking about your date with Edward now." I groaned and she giggled.
"So what I'm saying is, me and Carlisle were friends a long time before he eventually figured out I liked him, and vice versa. It was almost five years after my accident when he finally asked me on a date." I giggled. "He wanted to be sure I liked him, or so he said. I think he was just scared I'd say no." I laughed again, and so did she. "So, you've been friends with Edward a few years, go on a date, and see how it goes. If it's absolutely horrific, you don't have to do it again." I took a deep breath.
"Okay Esme, I'll go." She beamed and quickly embraced me. I smiled into her shoulder. "It's only so those bimbos that chase him can't get close for now Esme." She laughed heartily, and I laughed softly.
"Thankyou Bella. You have no idea how happy it will make him." She looked so sincere, I almost believed her. How could Edward love me? Me?
Once we'd finished our breakfast, me and Esme sat on the balcony with a cup of coffee each and just had a chat. It was so easy for me to be around Esme;she had a calm exterior and she was a very loving person all round. She just made you want to be close to her, to tell her all your worries and problems. It was unnerving at first, but you can't be uncomfortable around Esme for long, oh no. I learnt that pretty quickly.
When it finally was time for me to go into work, Esme left with a hug and a kiss on the cheek and promised to call tomorrow to see how the family dinner went. I then called Jasper, after taking some more Tylenol.
"Hi Jazz, how're you feeling this morning?" I asked when he eventually picked up.
"Hello." He sounded cheerful, perky, and I wondered what he'd taken to cheer himself up this much. He usually got quite bad hang overs. "I'm fine actually. Am I still coming into work with you this morning?" He sounded excited for the first time since Alice had left, and I was pleased something had made him happier.
"Er, yeah. If you're up for it?"
"Sure Bells. Sounds good. What time are you coming, or do you want me to pick you up? I've got a surprise for you actually." I raised my eyebrows.
"Oh? Okay, I'll come and pick you up. I'll leave in about, ten minutes?"
"Sure, sounds cool. I'll see you soon."
"Okay, bye Jasper."
"Bye Bells." And then he hung up quickly, and I was stunned. My Brother, who had been morose and depressed almost, since his girlfriend had left the state, was cheerful? Something is going on, I thought.
Twenty minutes later I pulled up outside Jasper's town house and beeped the horn to alert him of my arrival. I looked up just in time to see Jasper, walking out of his house, hand in hand with a short, black haired girl. I smiled when I realised who this was. But shouldn't she be in Alaska? Jasper locked the front door behind him, but Alice surprised me by whispering quickly in his ear, and then skipping lithely to the car door, the driver's door.
"Bella! It's so good to finally meet you!" Her high, soprano voice ran out as she opened the door and leaned in to hug me fiercely. I giggled.
"Um, hi, Alice?" She laughed, high a tinkling, like a fairy.
"Yep. The one and only. Jazzy's told me so much about you Bella, I feel like I know you already." I heard my Brother's chuckles, and then he wrapped an arm around Alice and tugged her into the back seat, closing the car door for me.
"Hey Bells. I can see you've already met my Alice." He sounded so loving as he said it, His Alice. Alice's soft laughter rang out again, and I saw my smile adoringly at her in the rear view mirror.
"Yeah, I met her." I smiled at Alice, and she grinned and winked. "So, I assume this is the surprise, right?" Jasper looked suddenly worried, and Alice's smile, vanished momentarily.
"Can we tell you the rest when we get to work?" Jasper asked quietly, and I nodded, forcing a smile for my already panicking Brother.
"Sure. Well, you're about to see the mad house that is, Black Recording Studios!" I did some Jazz hands and she smiled again, her bright, blue eyes sparkling.
When we finally pulled up at the studios, I leapt out of the car, barely remembering to grab my bag, and closed the door, eagerly, and anxiously, awaiting the surprise my Brother had in store for me, that apparently included his girlfriend too. I was impatiently tapping my foot whilst Jasper and Alice got out of the car, and I noticed Jasper was tightly clasping Alice's hand in his own. Alice laughed when she saw my foot moving on the tarmac, and Jasper smiled briefly.
"Right, Bella, I haven't been entirely honest with you." He began, and instantly my mind was spinning, trying to think of what he could have lied about. I didn't have to think about it for long. "I've known Alice for four years Bella, and we've been dating for most of them. I'm twenty six now, and I have a good career, a great house, and I'm really settled her in Cali, and I have an amazing girl to share it all with, so I've proposed to Alice, and she said yes." He gave me a few moments to process this, and then he started talking again. "And I don't know how to, explain, but I think I'm going to go back to my real parents' last name, Whitlock. I know I've always been a part of the family Bella, a Swan, but I've been thinking about this for a while, and I think to start a life with Alice, I need to embrace my old family name." I let this sink in, and none of us uttered a word.
Jasper had been adopted by my Mother and Father when he was four years old, when his parents were killed in a horrific robbery gone wrong. Jasper had always been a part of the family, and I'd been born the year before he moved in with us. We clicked instantly, and I'd always thought of him as my Brother, despite him having different parentage, and looking completely unlike me. I'd only found out when my Mother died that Jasper wasn't my real Brother, and it'd taken me a long time to adjust to the news. Eventually though, I decided it didn't matter that we didn't share blood, because he would always be my big Brother, and I'd always be his little Sister. He's been Jasper Swan ever since then, but now, he wanted to go back to his real name, Jasper Whitlock.
"Um, Jasper, that's, well I, okay." I nodded, and smiled at my Brother and his girlfriend. She was smiling slightly, but Jasper looked sad and confused, but, slightly hopeful?
"Bella, I know it's a lot to take in, but are you okay with it? I've spoken to Dad briefly, and he says it's up to me, but I want you to be okay with it too." I walked forward and wrapped my arms tightly around him, my big Brother.
"Jazz, you're still my big Brother, so I don't care what your last name is, as long as you make sure that you come with me to family dinners, 'coz I don't think I'll be able to handle them alone." I felt his chuckle as he wrapped his arms around me and rested his chin on the top of my head.
"Oh Bells, of course I'll still come to the dinners. I would never leave to to that without backup." I laughed into his chest and stepped back when he moved his arms. "There's something else too though, um," He looked to Alice, and she took my hands gently.
"Bella, I'm pregnant." I grinned, and hugged her carefully.
"Wow, Alice, Jasper, that's amazing!" Alice laughed joyfully and I joined her, and then I heard Jasper's relieved sigh.
After a while of talking outside in the car park Jasper quickly called Dad. He announced he was officially going to change his name back to Whitlock, and he told our Dad that he was marrying Alice, and that she was thirteen weeks pregnant. Dad was shocked at first, and then he chuckled loudly down the phone and congratulated both of them, inviting Alice to the dinner that night and then saying he was going to call Sue at work and tell her the good news.
When we finally made it into the building, my arm was linked in Alice's and Jasper was walking along behind us happily listening to us chatting.
I showed Alice the best places in the building, and then we went to my office, where she and Jasper sat on the sofa with the spare laptop and began helping me look for the mystery band once more. We all had a great time, and when Billy popped in at almost four pm he was pleasantly surprised to find Jasper with me. Jasper introduced Alice and Billy, and Alice greeted him just as exuberantly as she had greeted me. He asked lots of questions, and smiled and laughed with us, and then he asked me if I'd like to come and meet the group that had been scheduled for quite some time to visit, and were supposedly very good. I left Jasper and Alice in my office and followed Billy down to the audition room to hear them play a set.
I walked into the room we'd been in the previous day and saw the group in the booth, all ready and waiting to play. Me and Billy took our seats, then he gave them a thumbs up and they nodded before starting.
The group was made up of three people, two women and a man. Siobhan and Liam were dating, and Maggie was Siobhan's younger Sister by two years. They were very good singers, all three of them, and they were definitely the kind of group Billy would sign. One look at his face whilst they were singing told me he'd pretty much made up his mind, and I smiled to myself. I loved having the job of telling people when they were getting signed, especially when they were as good as this trio.
When they finished, we both applauded them, and they smiled and walked through into the room me and Billy were in, taking seats on the other side of the table.
"So, how do you think it went, Liam?" Billy asked, smiling at the only man in the group. He looked happy with how it had gone, and he smiled right back.
"I think it went pretty well, maybe not our best, but good enough to be signed maybe?" He looked hopefully from me to Billy, and I glanced at Billy beside me. He was grinning widely, and then he nodded ever so slightly in my direction. I beamed at Liam, Maggie and Siobhan respectively, and then I put my hands on the table in front of me.
"Congratulations you three, you've got yourself a deal." The beautific smiles on each of their faces as they embraced each other, and then us, was payment enough.
"Have we got a new band then Sis?" Jasper asked when I returned a little while later to my office. I smiled as I sat in my chair behind my desk.
"Sure do. They were really good, Billy's sorting them out with an agent, although he said I should wait it out for this mystery band. He's not giving me another group or artist until I've found them apparently." I rolled my eyes, and then realised it was a habit I'd picked up from Edward, and I smiled as I thought of going on a date with him. I had realised I was looking forward to the prospect of it now, rather than worrying. Esme had put my mind at ease during our morning together, and I hoped that Edward would still want to when I called him.
"Oh that sounds, strange. He must be really desperate for this band." Alice said curiously, smiling at me from the sofa.
"Yeah, he is. And he's got good reason. They're amazing, oh wait, I have a recording on here. I'll play it to you."
I quickly found the recording on my computer and played it to my Brother and his Fiancée, and they both were silent all the way through, exactly as me and Billy had been. They were enthralled. When it finished, I found I had been stuck in the same bubble as I'd been the first time I'd heard them. I looked to Jasper and Alice for their reaction.
"Wow, Bella they're amazing! We have to find them, there's no doubt." She shook her head determinedly, and jumped up, a big smile on her face. "Bella, I noticed you don't have a secretary? Everyone else around here does, why don't you?" I frowned, not knowing what she was getting at.
"Well, no I don't. I've never needed one, I've always been able to cope fine."
"Well, I need a job, I'm not gonna freebie of Jazzy, so why don't you persuade Billy to hire me as your secretary?" She was beaming with joy, and I couldn't help but smile. Billy had been offering to hire someone to help me out for months, and I'd always politely declined, but to have Alice working with me, it'd be a great way to get to know each other and work harder on the mystery band!
"Alice, you're a genius!" She squealed happily and clapped her hands. Jasper smiled and wrapped an arm around Alice.
"Calm down Ali, Bella hasn't asked Billy yet." He was smiling indulgently at her, and no one could mistake the love they had for each other. I still couldn't believe he'd kept her a secret for all these years, and only mentioned her for the first time a month ago!
"Oh Jasper, don't be such a pessimist. You know as well as I do that Billy will hire me Alice if he thinks it'll help with this band, come on Alice let's go and ask him!" I took her hand and we made our way quickly to Billy's office.
We turned the corner, chatting happily and excitedly like school girls when I bumped into something, or someone. "Oh shit! Sorry, I-" I broke off when I looked up and was met with Edward's shining green eyes. "Hey, Edward?" he smiled crookedly, and I felt my heart jump a beat. What is going on with me today? He asks me on a date and this happens every time he smiles? Nu Uh, not right.
"Hey Bella. Who's your friend?" He smiled at little Alice beside me, and I let her introduce herself.
"I'm Alice Brandon, soon to be Whitlock, and I can't believe you're actually here, Edward flicking Cullen! Wow, I didn't think I'd be seeing you again." Edward smiled, and he looked like he suddenly recognised her, but suddenly what she said must have registered. I was still confounded. How did she know him? When had she seen him before.
"Oh of course it's you Alice! Um, soon to be Whitlock? Bella?" He looked to me for help, and I smiled softly.
"Jasper's changing his name back to Whitlock, and he's marrying Alice here. How do you two even know each other?" He looked back to Alice, and his smile returned.
"Bella, me and Alice went to High School together in Alaska. When I left and moved here with my family, we lost contact."
"Woah, it's really a small world. Now you're dating my fiancé's little sister! It was then I noticed I was still really close to him, and I took a quick step backwards.
Once Edward and Alice were reacquainted, Edward said he'd meet us sometime later, and he'd go and see Jasper. I didn't even know what he was here for, and I didn't ask in time. "So, that's the guy you're dating?" Alice asked innocently as we resumed our walk to Billy's office. I looked at her face, and saw she was smirking.
"We're friends." I said firmly.
"Yeah, friends that go on dates?" She said knowingly in a light tone.
"What? How did you find out?" I asked incredulously, stopping us in the hall. She turned and smiled at me with a shrug.
"Edward told Jasper he was gonna ask, and Jasper told me this morning."
"I didn't know everyone knew." I sighed, and we carried on walking.
"Bella." Alice began. "Please, please, please can I plan your outfit for your date? Don't say you're not gonna go, 'coz I know you are. Please? I won't make you look stupid, I promise!" I sighed, and looked at my new friend.
"Okay Alice, as long as it's not too dressy." She beamed at me and I could almost hear the cogs turning in her head.
"Oh, hello Bella, Alice. What can I do for you kids?" Billy asked as we knocked and walked into his office. He was smiling widely at us, and I was sure he would let Alice come and work here, with me.
"Hi Billy, right, so me and Bella were thinking it'd be a lot easier to find this band, which is totally awesome by the way, if we had more people, so I'm here to help as Bella's new secretary, although you have to hire me first of course." I didn't even get a word out, and Alice marched forwards and sat in one of the black leather chairs infront of Billy, her legs crossed professionally. Billy looked taken aback slightly, then he grinned.
"Um, okay Alice. You're er, hired." Alice clapped her hands, and smiled over her shoulder at me.
"Great, thanks Billy. So we'll go and get looking right away." She got up and marched back to me, pulling me through the doors. I waved and smiled at Billy as we left, and he laughed heartily.
"Woah Alice, don't hold back or anything." I laughed as we descended in the elevator. She smiled at me as she fixed her spiky black hair.
"Well, holding back doesn't get you very far, so you have to go for it. I had a feeling it'd go fine, and it did, so we're good, and now you've got yourself an amazing secretary!" She was so excited, I couldn't help but feel it too.
"How'd it go baby?" Jasper asked when we re-entered the office.
"I've got a new job Jazz! He agreed right away." I nodded as Jasper looked to me for confirmation, and then he wrapped her in his arms and placed a kiss on her head. I noticed Edward leaning against my desk then, looking intently at something on the desk, and I walked over.
"You alright Edward?" I looked down and saw he was looking at the flyer for the mystery band. He looked thoughtful, and then he turned his head and smiled at me.
"I'm fine Bella, how are you? You seemed, edgy this morning." I grimaced, and I knew I should apologise.
"Yeah, I'm fine. Look, I'm sorry about this morning. I er, didn't feel too good, and I didn't want you two to be there. Sorry." I shrugged, and Edward smiled gently.
"Ah don't worry about it, we were just worried about you. Oh yeah, did you have Emmett's phone? He's gone to the mechanic's already, so I said I'd come and get his phone for him. He's pumped that he's finally gonna be able to talk to a decent Dude about his car." I snickered, and Edward looked confused. "What did I say?"
"Nothing, nothing. The mechanic, is not exactly, a Dude." He looked confused. "I'll show you, hold on." I quickly opened my laptop, and found the pictures I'd stored on there from the party I'd gone to with Rose a couple of weeks beforehand. I opened one, and Edward grinned when he saw it.
"Ah, so that's the mechanic?" He pointed to Rosalie standing beside me in the picture, and I nodded with a grin. "And he doesn't know?" I shook my head, holding back my laughter.
"Neither does she, she thinks it's one of my girl friends." He laughed out loud, and I laughed with him.
"He's gonna be mad you know." Edward said when we'd caught our breath.
"I know, what time did he go?" Edward checked his watch.
"About two hours ago." Just then, Edward's phone started ringing, and he quickly answered. "Hello, Mom?" I heard a distinctly un-Esme sounding voice booming through the phone, and I giggled. "Yeah, I'll pass you over." He held the phone to me and whispered, "It's Emmett." I smiled, and took the phone.
"Hello Emmy."
"Don't Emmy me Isabella Swan!" Emmett yelled. I giggled. "It's not funny, why didn't you tell me you were sending me to a hot mechanic? I went down there, covered in grease and shit, and she looks at me like a piece of meat, says 'your car's pretty cool', and then she just does her thing without talking to me once!" I laughed loudly at Emmett's tone, and he growled.
"I'm sorry, Emmett, but it was too, good a chance to pass up!" I giggled, and then he finally sighed and laughed with me.
"Bella Bean, you could've warned me!"
"I'm sorry."
"No you're not." He grumbled, and I agreed that I wasn't sorry at all. "Is she single?"
"Yes Emmett, that'd be why I sent you there. Duh."
"Oh cool, can you see what she thought of my amazing good looks and charm?"
"Yes Emmett. I'll ask her. I'll call her in a minute in fact, and let you know. Okay?"
"Okay, ta Belly Boo. Is Eddie still with you?"
"Yep."
"Okey doke, hand me over pwease."
"Alright, bye Emmy."
"Bye Belly."
I gave the phone to Edward, and then sat down at my computer to close the pictures. A few minutes later, when Edward got off the phone, he said my name softly, and I looked up at him. "Did you really agree to go on a date with me Bella?" He was closer than I'd thought, his face inches from mine, and I could feel his breath fanning across my face.
"Um, yes. If you, still want to." He smiled a dazzling smile.
"Of course I do Bella, are you free Thursday?"
"Er, yes. I think so. I have a day off."
"Okay, great. Thursday then?"
"Sure." I smiled, and his own smile widened. "What did Emmett say to you?" I asked then, and he looked puzzled.
"It wasn't Emmett then, it was my Mom. She told me she'd spoken to you, and I should ask you again about the date." Ah, so it was Esme.
"Oh okay. Don't look so worried, I haven't been slagging you off to Emmett or anything." He grinned, and moved back. I took a deep breath, and shut down the computer. I looked over at the sofa, expecting to find Jasper and Alice there, but they'd gone.
"Don't worry, they went to the toilets. Apparently Alice's pregnancy means she goes a lot." He winced, and I assumed Jasper had told him that piece of information against his will.
"Ah okay, are they meeting me at the car?" He nodded.
"You've got your family dinner now haven't you?"
"Yep, Alice is coming too. Typical. I'll be the odd one out, again." He smiled, and gently squeezed my hand.
"Well, I've gotta go see someone quickly, but I'll text you later, see how you're getting on."
"Okay, thanks Edward."
"No problem. Have fun."
I met Alice and Jasper at the car, as Edward had said, and then we drove quickly to Dad and Sue's house. It was about half an hour away, and we had lots of playful banter and laughs on the way. It was nice getting to know Alice;she seemed to be really bubbly, cheerful, and chatty, and she certainly kept Jasper happy. She was also a great listener, and she listened with rapt attention whilst I told her some embarrassing stories of Jasper's childhood, and then whilst he told some of mine.
We eventually arrived, and we walked up the path to be met by Sue in the doorway. "Hello Jasper, Bella, and you must be Jasper's Alice!" She called cheerfully as we approached the door. I smiled as I took in my soon to be Step Mom.
She was quite tall, with russet skin and shoulder length black hair, just like Seth and Leah had. Her eyes were a dark brown, and her eyelashes long and dark. She was a very pretty woman, and I could see the resemblances her Daughter bore.
"Hello Dear, how are you?" Sue hugged me tightly as I walked in behind Jasper and Alice, and I kissed her cheek.
"I'm great thanks Mom, you look well." She smiled at me when she released me, and I knew it was because she was pleased I called her Mom. She'd smiled exactly the same moments ago when Jasper greeted her as Mom too, and then Alice had also called her Mom, and she'd almost bounced with joy.
"I am, I'm happy." I looked down at her left hand in mine, and saw the sparkling ring on her finger. I lifted it to look closely, and I smiled at her.
"Mom, it's beautiful." Dad walked down the hall then, and wrapped an arm around Sue.
"I should think so too." He chuckled, and kissed the side of her head. She leaned into him, and I smiled at how comfortable they were with each other.
"Come on you two, let's go and have some dinner, eh?" Sue said happily, gently leading Dad towards the kitchen. He smiled as he turned, and I returned it. I was so happy for him, to see him finally be comfortable with someone other than his Daughter and Adopted Son after my real Mom died.
My parents had split up almost ten years ago when I was fourteen and Jasper was seventeen, and then shortly after Mom had remarried a Minor League baseball player, Phil Dwyer. They were ridiculously happy together. It could have all gone downhill when I foolishly fell pregnant after a drunken one night stand, but Mom and Phil were there for me. Charlie didn't know how to cope, and sent me to live with Mom in Jacksonville until the baby was born, and then we made the hard decision to let Mom and Phil raise my Daughter as their own. There was no way I was ready to have a baby, let alone the fact that it wasn't legal. When Mia was born, she was a gorgeous baby, all blonde curly hair and big blue eyes, like her Father. She also looked like Mom, so it wasn't hard to pass her off as Mom's baby, although many thought her too young to be having another baby. Jasper flew out shortly after her birth, and we told him everything. No one knew that I was Mia's Mother except for me, Jasper, and Phil, Mom and Charlie, and I planned for it to stay that way. Me and Jasper stayed for two months, and then we had to leave. It was hard, but I knew it'd be harder to leave the longer we stayed. We'd kept in regular contact, and Dad had even spoken to Mom a few times. They'd seemed to be getting on better, which made me and Jasper happy.
Suddenly, I was called home from my new job as Billy's intern three years later when I was just nineteen, and me and Jasper met at the house where Charlie was waiting. He told us Phil and Mom had been killed in a car accident, and Mia had been taken into Phil's Sister's care. Because Jasper wasn't a blood relative, he couldn't take Mia in, and I wasn't yet old or financially stable enough, so we couldn't do anything but make sure Tia and Benjamin, Phil's Sister and Brother in law, knew we wanted as must contact as possible with Mia. They agreed begrudgingly, and sent us irregular updates every now and again. She was eight years old now, and I'd only seen her three times in her entire life. They lived in Egypt, and it was costly to get both the funds and time to go and visit, and they wouldn't come to us. It was a painful agreement, but one we had no choice but to adhere to. Neither of them knew of Mia's real parentage, and they'd never really like me or Jasper, so they didn't want us having too much contact with her. Unless I wanted to unearth a lot of old feelings and wrong doings I had no option but to leave Mia with Tia and Benjamin, however much it hurt. I knew my name was on the birth certificate, but no one had access to it unless Charlie okayed it, so I wasn't in danger of anyone discovering that I was her Mom by accident.
Over dinner we discussed Dad and Sue's wedding plans, and then it moved to Alice and Jasper's plans, and plans for the baby and moving Alice into Jasper's town house. We agreed we'd all help her move, and as soon as possible too. She wanted to be with him as soon as she could and vice versa. I was insanely pleased for them all, but I felt lonely.
As Sue and Alice were serving up the peach cobbler, I excused myself to go to the bathroom. I locked the door and walked to the sink, looking at my reflection in the mirror, when suddenly, I felt my phone buzz in my pocket. I pulled it out and saw I had a new text.
Hey Bella, hope the evening is going well, and you're not too odd, although you're anything but normal ;) E x
I smiled and replied.
Hi Edward, it's alright, but I do feel a little like I'm intruding. Thanks, but you're not really normal either, so we're a perfect match ;) I'll bet your evening's a lot more eventful than mine. B x
It didn't take long for him to answer, so he must have been waiting for my reply.
Don't worry, I'm sure your family love having you with them. I always thought we were. I'm at home on my own, with a big bowl of chips and some beers watching some crap of the tv. Not eventful at all. E x
Oh. I hesitated over the keypad, not sure what to reply about the perfect match thing. Why had I put that? I'm so stupid. I decided to ignore that bit, and ask why Emmett wasn't about. They lived together, and I wondered what he was doing that Edward couldn't join in with.
Where's Emmett at then? I would have thought you'd be with him whatever he'd up to. :S B x
Moments later his reply arrived.
I didn't really want to go on a date with my Brother and his 'hot blonde mechanic'. So really, I have you to thank for my night of aloneness infront of the tv. E x
I gasped. Wow, Emmett must have called Rosalie back when he got his phone and asked her out already. He sure didn't wait around to find out what she'd thought of him.
Oops, sorry about that. XD He didn't waste any time did he? I'd have thought he'd wait a day! B x
You know Emmett. He has no patience. You owe me now. You're definitely letting me pick where we have our date. E x
Damn, really? I had a really good place in mind as well. B x
Well, you owe me now. I'm stuck in whilst you're having fun, Emmett's having fun, even my Mom and Dad have gone out tonight! -.- E x
Lol. Well, if it's any consolation, I'm not having that much fun either. Wedding and baby plans, sooooo not my thing AT all. B x
Make your excuses and come and see me then? Pick up a film on the way or something? E x
Something in that text made me really consider it. I could say I had to do something for work, and then make my escape and spend a night in with Edward watching films and taking the mickey out of the poor actors like we loved to do.
Give me five minutes, then call me and say you need me urgently. Something about the mystery band. Thanks :) B x
Okay, speak to you soon. E x
I quickly freshened up, flushed the toilet, and went back downstairs and rejoined the others.
"Oh, sorry Bells, the peach cobbler's all gone." Jasper apologised when I walked into the kitchen. The others all looked at me as if I'd just arrived, and hadn't spent the entire evening sitting on the outskirts of their conversations.
"Ah don't worry, I'm not that hungry anyway Jazz."
"Okay."
I waited anxiously for my phone to ring, and when it eventually did what felt like hours later, I almost sighed with relief. I stood and excused myself from the table, stopping in the doorway. "Hello?"
"Hi, erm, we have something on the mystery band. I know who they are." Edward said in a slightly sill accent. I had to try not to laugh.
"Oh! Wow, okay! Hang on," I looked at my family looking at me strangely at the table. "They think they've got something on the band, I'm gonna have to go home and get my laptop. Is that okay?"
"Sure Bells, it's fine." Dad said, and the others nodded.
"Thanks, yeah I'm on my way home now."
"Okay. That's great." He quieted his voice slightly. "See you soon Bella." I smiled.
"Yeah, talk soon." I hung up and forced an apologetic look onto my face. "Sorry guys." Dad shrugged.
"There's nothing you can do."
"Um Dad, would you be able to take Jazz and Alice home later? I've gotta take my car." Dad smiled.
"No, it's fine. I can take them. Go Bella, before your colleague calls back." I smiled, and looked at Sue. Her expression shocked me. She looked, knowing, and she was smirking slightly. I smiled and nodded to her, and she smiled back. Alice had the same knowing look as Sue, and Jasper was just smiling at Alice beside him.
"Okay, thanks Dad, Sue. I'll see you soon Jazz, Ali."
"Yeah, bye Bella. I'll get your number from Jazz and call you about the date you said about earlier." She winked, and I knew she was referring to my date with Edward.
"Okay, sure. Bye." I quickly made my way to my car, and then drove to the local DVD rent store as quickly as I could.
I grabbed two movies I knew Edward wanted to see, and one I wanted to see, and then quickly drove to Edward's house.
It was quite close to Jasper's, and had the same floor layout, but they were decorated completely differently. Jasper's was modern and simple, but Edward and Emmett's town house was a full scale bachelor pad, complete with a big gym in the basement.
I pulled up outside, and Edward came to the door just as I was getting out. "Hey you!" He called. I looked up and gasped. He was standing in the doorway, big bowl in one hand, with black sweats on, minus a shirt. He was topless. I'd never seen him topless except for when we were swimming, and the last time that we went swimming was over two years ago. I quickly grabbed the DVDs and walked up the path after locking the car, careful to keep my eyes off of Edward's toned torso. "You got away unscathed then?" He teased, a twinkle in his eyes as I reached him in the doorway and he moved aside to let me in. I smiled up at him.
"Sure did, and I got some good movies to choose from too." I waved the cases and walked through to the living room whilst he closed the door and followed me.
I perched on the edge of one of the sofas and put my bag down on the floor, then I spread the DVDs on the coffee table to choose from. Edward sat on the sofa and it bounced me up. I laughed and righted myself, only to miss the edge of the sofa with my arm and toppled sideways, straight, into, Edward's, lap.
"Shit, sorry." I mumbled. I was looking straight up, into Edward's intense green eyes, and I was enraptured. He didn't move, just sat with me lying in his lap. I'd twisted my wrist, and slipped, resulting in my fall and subsequent position.
"Don't apologise, Bella." He breathed. I could sense it happening, but I couldn't move. His eyes were glued to mine, and I couldn't get them unstuck as he slowly moved down, towards me, towards my lips.
"Eddie! Eddie, where are you Bro?" Emmett's loud voice snapped the spell, and I jumped, falling off Edward's lap onto the floor. I hit my head, hard, and cursed loudly as Edward quickly bent to try and help me up.
"Are you alright Bella?" He asked, and then the living room door banged against the wall as Emmett flung it open.
"Oh, shit, sorry Eddie, Bella." Emmett went to leave, then he stopped, and looked accusingly at us. "Hang on, you're meant to be with Jasper and Alice, with Charlie and Sue." He folded his arms across his chest and smiled wickedly. "What, are you doing here?" Edward gently lifted me up, cradled in his arms, and layed me on the sofa.
"Shut up a minute Em, Bella's hurt her head."
"What? Bella!" I heard Rose's voice and then she burst past Emmett and rushed to me, shoving Edward aside. "Bella, what the hell did you do?" She tutted reproachfully and smiled.
"Rose, what the Hell are you doing with Emmett?" I smiled, and she grinned deviously.
"I could say the same Bella." Emmett snickered, and then I felt a jerk on the end of the sofa and then Emmett's face was peering over Rose's shoulder.
"She couldn't resist my amazing charms Belly Boos, what can I say?" He winked, and I giggled.
"Alright you lot, Bella hurt her head, now would you give her some room?" Edward said calmly, but firmly, as if he'd just realised I was being mobbed, and Emmett rolled his eyes and got up to stand beside Edward. Rose scowled and sat on the edge of the sofa.
"I'm not moving lover boy. She's my friend." I smiled at Rose's sharp tone, but Edward didn't even flinch, and Emmett grinned.
"You go baby!" He did a quick fist punch, and Rose gave him a sharp, no nonsense look. To my absolute shock, he completely shut up and stood beside Edward solemnly.
"Bella," Edward began, coming to kneel beside me. Not a good idea Edward, I thought. His chest was right infront of me, and I couldn't help but look over him. He had an eight pack! When did that happen? I was sure he didn't have that two summers ago! I looked back up when he cleared his throat and blushed. Damn, he'd caught me checking him out. "Like something you see?" I could feel my blush deepening, and I needed to come up with a witty retort. Think Bella! Aha, I poked my tongue out and smirked.
"Well, I've seen better." I shrugged nonchalantly, and then had to try even harder to not laugh when both Emmett and Rose cracked up. I looked at Edward's expression;he looked shocked.
"I see." And then, he did the one thing he knows I can't fight against. It renders me completely immobile, and he knows it. He tickled me. Mercilessly, for about five minutes until I couldn't breath properly through laughing.
When I eventually caught my breath, Emmett and Rose had left, and I was pretty sure I'd heard them go upstairs to Emmett's bedroom two floors up. Luckily, I wouldn't be able to hear anything they should get up to from the ground floor.
"Are you done insulting me?" Edward asked with a satisfied smile. He was sat back with his legs folded underneath him on the floor, and I was still on the sofa, recovering.
"Yes," I said quietly. "It was totally your fault though." I scowled, and he grinned his crooked smile I was growing to love, with one eyebrow raised. "You were totally goading me! I couldn't compliment you, or it'd make your already huge head even bigger, so I had to insult you." I shrugged, and smiled at his bewildered reaction.
"I, do not have a big head. And does that mean, that should it not increase my ego, you would have complimented me?" He smirked again. He knew he had me backed into a corner.
"Oh, shut up Eddie. Let's watch a film." He smiled, but didn't ask me any more questions.
Ten minutes later, we were still arguing over which film to watch. "This one got crap ratings, so we should watch that one!" Edward wanted to watch 'Hall Pass', and I wanted to watch 'Paul'.
"Maybe, but that doesn't mean I won't like it!"
"Oh come on Bella, you'll watch anything usually." He sighed, exasperated, and I decided to let it go. I smiled, and he raised an eyebrow. "What?"
"Edward, I wanted to watch that one in the first place." He sat up.
"What? So we've just, Jesus Bella." He smiled and shook his head as he set the DVD up, and I pulled myself off the floor to spread out on the sofa.
"Um, Bella." I looked up at Edward, standing right infront of me.
"Yes?" He smiled.
"You're gonna have to shift over a bit so I can sit too."
"There's another sofa over there." I pointed to the small sofa, and I knew it to be the much lumpier, way more uncomfortable sofa.
"Bella, if you don't move yourself, I'll be forced to intervene." I hugged the cushion beneath me tightly, and he grinned mischievously. "Alright, you asked for it." He quickly picked me up, turned us around, sat down and made himself comfortable, all whilst he was still holding me, and then layed me down so I was lying across his lap, my head on his shoulder and my legs across his onto the sofa, whilst his were crossed underneath him. "Comfy?" He looked down at me, and I nodded a silent yes, before turning my head to see the television better.
When I opened my eyes, I was confused. Instead of my white bedroom ceiling, was a black one with tiny silver stars was above me, and I could feel something hot surrounding me. I looked slightly to my left. Oh God. I'd fallen asleep in Edward's lap. His right arm was wrapped around my back, and his left was across my lap, resting lightly on the top of my right leg as I sat on his crossed legs sidewards. His chin was resting on top of my head, and I could hear his heart beating evenly;my head was resting on his chest. Without moving too much, I shifted slightly, and closed my eyes, falling quickly into a deep, peaceful, sleep...
When I woke again, I was in a different position. Edward had obviously shifted us whilst I was asleep, because we were now laying horizontally on the sofa. He was behind me, against the back of the sofa, and I was tucked into his tall frame with his left arm slung over me gently and his right under my head as a pillow. His hot breath was fanning the back of my neck, and I felt comfortable. I couldn't fall back asleep, but I soon found I didn't want to.
Sleeping with Edward, it felt right. Cosy. Comfortable. And I didn't want it to end. After a while, I felt his breathing speed up, and then his hand was drawing lazy circles on my stomach, where his hand was resting. "Edward, are you awake?" His hand stilled momentarily, then began drawing again as he whispered.
"Yes. Are you?" I laughed.
"Yes. Obviously."
"Good. Because I wanted to make sure you knew, that this doesn't count as our date. I'm still taking you out on Thursday." He sounded so confident, so sure, that I couldn't help but smile. I'd been hoping he'd still want to see me Thursday, and it made me feel better to know that I would be.
"I know Edward. I want to go out with you on Thursday too."
"Great. I'll pick you up about three then, and we can spend the evening together too, if that's okay?"
"Sure is." I heard and felt his sigh.
"Thankyou Bella. So, the date is set." I smiled, although no one could see it.
"Yes, the date is set." And I couldn't wait for the next two days to pass so I could have another date with Edward.
A/N: So , You Discovered A Piece Of Interesting Information About Bella's Past , And Were Introduced Briefly To Her Daughter , And Bella Met Jasper's Girlfriend/Fiancée Alice , And She Found Out More About Their Relationship , And Alice Is Pregnant ! Let Me Know Whether You'd Like Mia To Be In It More , Or If I Should Leave That Story Untouched :) Also , I Need Some Ideas For Cool Dates Edward Could Take Bella On , If You Have Any Ideas , I'd Be Happy To Read Them . Reviewers May = Sneak Peaks
Also, I'm Not Gonna Be One Of Them Writers That Has To Have A Certain Amount Of Reviews To Post Again , I'll Post When The Chapter's Ready And The Deadline Is Up , Or If I'm Feeling Nice I'll Post Early :D But The Reviews Are Appreciated Still , If You Have The Time.