Chapter 2! Ready for more sickly sweet goodness? Cause I am.

Disclaimer: I own nothing. I just borrow characters (and songs) to use for my own amusement.


Chapter two: The playful conversation starts, counter all your quick remarks, like passing notes in secrecy.

"Bella. Bella!"

I jumped and blink rapidly, trying to figure out what was going on. My boss, Mrs. Evans, is staring down at me in concern.

"Are you alright?" she asked.

"Yeah." I groaned. I had fallen asleep. I was supposed to be cleaning up the last of the tables before we left for the night but I sat down and…fell asleep.

"You're lucky we're closed," she sighed.

"I'm so sorry, it won't happen again." I blurted out, feeling terrible.

"You're not sleeping enough, kid."

"I know, I know. I have a lot going on right now and I just…somethings got to give, you know?"

She nodded in understanding. "I get it but I think you should have the next two days off, okay? We're doing okay here, with the new bartenders and all…"

"Are you trying to fire me?"

"Two days," she snorted. "Not a lifetime. Besides, you'll be leaving all this behind soon anyway."

It was true.

Once things became more settled with my 'Hollywood' job, I'd quit both of my jobs because I couldn't imagine working three jobs—not only that but I wouldn't need to work three jobs.

Hopefully, even if only for a while, I'd be able to live in comfort. God knows I deserve it. These last few years haven't been easy for me in the slightest but that's expected when you pretty much dropped everything to move to a big city.

The only thing I didn't drop was my boyfriend, James. He was the one who convinced me to move to this big city to peruse my dream. He was the only one who believed in me.

My parents didn't exactly approve of my dream. They wanted me to stay in Forks, marry a boy that I had been friends with since I was a little girl, and became a housewife.

They tried to talk me out of leaving with James, the boy that I had known for less than two years, saying that they'd allow me to attend college if I stayed behind.

James offered freedom and so I readily accepted his offer to escape.

In hindsight, I was foolish. In love but still foolish.

James and I just recently broke up, he wanted to 'Experience life' before he settled down permanently with me. And yet I still get flowers from him weekly, so you know I don't forget him.

That's literally what the card says 'I love you, don't forget me.'

After promising my boss that I would relax a bit, I was dismissed. I tucked my large jacket over myself and headed out into the cold New York air.

It's not the safest to walk at night, far from it actually, but since my old Chevy kicked the bucket a couple weeks ago, I didn't have a choice. I had pepper spray at least—something my father had given me way back when he actually still gave a crap about me.

Okay, that wasn't fair. I knew that deep down my parents truly did care about me. They were just having a hard time showing it because I had given up their dreams for me.

I knew that if I took the time to call them, maybe—just maybe—they'd be warmer to me these days. But I was terrified, terrified that I was wrong and that they'd still hate me and want nothing to do with me.

It was easier being oblivious, honestly.

I made it home without any incident. After grabbing the mail, I took the stairs up to my little apartment. I was pleased to note that only two of them were bills. I had done a pretty good job this month balancing everything out.

I was proud of myself.

It was late, already near two am, but after my shower I couldn't find it in me to fall asleep. Damn shower. I should've just gone and passed out face first in bed but I smelled like booze and cigarettes, not something I wanted my sheets smelling like.

So what does a girl do when she can't sleep?

That's right, tumblr and twitter.

No, that was awful and I don't recommend it. No matter how tired you are, those sites always manage to keep you occupied for hours. You literally don't even notice the time passing.

But that's what I did anyway.

Edward Cullen E_Cullen

Another fantastic day on set. So glad to be back in my comfy bed tho. :) #Tiredbuthappy 1m

It's been a week since the charity fundraiser, a week since I met thee Edward Cullen and got him number, and so far Edward and I haven't text each other once.

It's not that I didn't want to, and not that I haven't started to on several occasions, but something always came up. Whether it be the fact that I was exhausted, working, or just didn't want to bother him while he was surely busy filming.

Since it both seems like we're up, why not now?

But then again his tweet led me to believe that he just got home and he's about to pass out. What kind of asshat would I be if I interrupted him?

I clicked on the picture that was linked in his post. It was his face adorably peeking out from under his covers.

I favorited his tweet and, giggling as I did so, I tried to make myself look half as cute before snapping a picture and uploading it.

E_Cullen Beds are indeed comfortable as all hell #minesbetter #Bejelly

And seconds later I got a few comments and favorites, my favorite comment being from my little brother Seth.

Seth Swan SethiebearSwan

BellyButton Race car bed for the win, big sister #Bowdowntotheking

SethiebearSwan You win this one! #racecarbedop

I snickered to myself as I tweeted it and switched over to browse my tumblr.

I missed my little brother. He was the only one that kept in contact with me, cared about me it feels like sometimes. He turns eighteen next month and he plans to come out here to be with me while he attended business school.

Still didn't know how my parents felt about that but I'm sure I'd find out soon.

I hadn't even browsed three posts when my phone buzzed.

I'm very jelly-E

It wasn't a twitter response, no he one up'd me and sent me a text instead.

Please I bet your bed is waaay better-B

This lumpy old mattress that I had wasn't that great but it got the job done and left me with very minimal aches. Yet I could hardly wait for the day when I could buy a mattress that felt like I was sleeping on a cloud.

It's nice but it's missing something-E

Like a warm body to cuddle with? That's what this bed is missing-B

You read my mind-E

I giggled and kicked my legs wildly.

Might I suggest a boyfriend pillow?-B

I think a Bella pillow might be better-E

Score 1 for Edward Score 1 for Bella

I scuffed, okay he deserved sooo many more points for that comment but I wasn't about to lose this.

Mmm, that could be arranged…for a price-B

Oh, rly?-E

I require a buffet style breakfast and a mattress that feels like clouds-B

DONE-E

I grinned feeling both silly and happy in this moment.

If you weren't kidding, I'd be over there in a heartbeat-E

You're really willing to cuddle with a girl you don't really know?-B

Is it weird if I say I feel like I do know you? Not nearly as much as I want to but inside, it feels that way-E

My heart thumped erratically as I knawel on my lower lip.

I knew what he meant.

It did feel like we knew each other. The conversation was easy, effortless, and fun. To me, it didn't even pass through my mind that I was talking to a really big celebrity, he was just Edward.

No I know what you mean.-B

I want to get to know you, every last detail if you'll let me.-E

Only if you let me do the same in return-B

Deal-E

So, tell me then, how was your day?-B

That was easily the best place to start. Gotta start easy before we can get into the deep heavy questions, even if they were very limited at this time.

As much as I felt like I knew him, felt the connection in my heart, I didn't know him. I knew what the media thought of him, and what little he did give during interviews.

Very good. We shot two scenes. Not as many as the director wanted to get done but this movie is very tricky…both for me and Jessica.-E

Oh yeah, the porno movie.-B

LOL-E

Would you believe me if I said that was an autocorrect? .-B

Not in the slightest. But yes, it technically is just a porn but with a bit more depth.-E

Even porn has a plot-B

Do you spend time analyzing porn plots, Isabella? May I get an invitation to help next time-E

I flushed bright red.

I had heard about his newest movie through many of the gossiping ladies that are in and out of the diner. It was a book saga called the Dark series and Edward got cast as the lead 'bad boy'. I picked up a copy of the book but have yet to read it myself.

I'll have to make time for that soon.

What can I say? I needed a hobby and that seemed like the best-B

*Snort*-E

*eye roll*-B

But in all seriousness, I have yet to read the books. I only know that they have blown women away. I suppose is should read it and see what it's all about-B

It's not a bad read. 10/10 would recommend-E

Lmao, kk I'll start reading it tomorrow during my break-B

Good!-E

:P-B

So, how was your day, pretty girl?-E

I grinned

Worked my butt off as per usual. Ended up falling asleep during my night job instead of cleaning the tables off like I was supposed to. Thankfully my boss understands that juggling two jobs is a nightmare.-B

Two jobs? Ouch-E

What can I say? New York is expensive. It's all good though. Soon enough, I'll be down to one.-B

I'm glad. A pretty girl like you shouldn't be worked to the bone-E

You can be my sugar daddy if you'd like-B

Really?-E

NO!-B

Gosh I was embarrassed that I even joked about that. What if he thought that's what I was after? My shoulders slumped and I felt saddened at the thought.

I'm not a…you know, I don't go for guys because of money. In fact, I hate gifts from people in general. It always makes me feel like I should give back, ya know?-B

Relax, I know you're not after me for my money. You forget, I've been in this business for a long time. I can tell when someone has other motives-E

I sighed in relief.

Who says I'm after you at all, Mr. Cullen?-B

And now I'm wounded :'(-E

Poor baby-B

Meanie-E

:D-B

Shouldn't you be sleeping?-E

Oh, you don't want to talk to me, it's cool. I get it…I'll just…go.-B

NO-E

Shouldn't you be the one sleeping? I'm sure you have to get up to play Mr. Sexy in the morning.-B

I do but I don't want to stop talking to you-E

I smiled so wide, my cheeks started to hurt.

We have tomorrow, and the day after that, and the day after that-B

Very true. Alright, pretty girl. I'm going to hit the hay. I'll text you first thing-E

Goodnight, sweet dreams :)- B

Sweet dreams to you as well, pretty girl-E

I set my phone down started to wiggle around in bed, doing a silly little dance.

Sleep came much easier after my little chat with Edward. Even though I felt like a livewire inside, I still managed to roll over-and cuddle with my phone if I may add-and fall asleep.

My alarm woke me up a five am on the dot. I stumbled out of bed and into my bathroom to take a shower. The hot water did wonders for me and soon enough I felt awake enough to function. I dried off, wrapped the towel around myself, and did my hair and makeup.

After that I went and slipped on my waitress outfit. The diner that I worked at wasn't as informal as it may sound. It was actually a very formal place that opened up at six in the morning and was open until midnight. The regulated outfit was a pair of black slacks/or skirt/ and a white button down with sensible and clean shoes.

My version of this outfit was a black skirt that fell just above my knees, my white button down, and my converse—which were thankfully deemed acceptable by the owner.

After making sure I was looking good, I popped some leftover mac and cheese in the microwave—breakfast of the champions, I know—and went to retrieve my phone and bag.

3 new messages

I grinned

Good Morning, pretty girl. Hope you have a wonderful day.-E

Ah, shit, what am I thinking? It's four thirty. So sorry if I just woke you up-E

I giggled at him.

I would've kicked your ass had I not slept through that text, even if I did have to be up by five. I need all the minutes I can get-B

My apologies, ma'am-E

It's all good, you didn't wake me…today. :P-B

And good morning to you as well! Hope you have a great day on set-B

My last new text made me frown. It was from James.

It wasn't strange to hear from him, not in the slightest, but I had been wishing that he'd just stay away instead of popping in and out like he loves to do.

I deleted his text and went to get my breakfast.

I will now that I got to hear from you-E

Smooth-B

That's my middle name, Edward Smooth Cullen-E

Doubtful but still cute-B

Fine, fine. It's Anthony. I wonder, what is your middle name, pretty girl?-E

It's Bella Pretty girl Swan-B

Knew it-E

:P it's Isabella Marie Swan, I was named after my grandmother-B

You have a beautiful name-E

Would it be weird if I said you have a handsome name?-B

Maybe but I'll take it-E

Lol, good to know!-B

Gotta go, pretty girl. I'm wanted back on set-E

Good luck! Er, is that the right sentiment?-B

It's perfect-E

:D-B

Have a good day at work-E

I made my way to work with an extra pep in my step. Even my coworkers noticed my extra peppy mood but they just chalked it up to the fact that I had a coffee in my hand.

Yeah me and coffee were bffs.

But that wasn't what was giving me the high. Okay, well maybe it was a mixture of both but I was definitely leaning toward Edward.

Sadly, not even the high I got early in the morning could keep me from getting a sour mood. Saturday was a busy day and we had all the assholes coming out to either dine with their wives or with business partners. In both cases, the husbands/bosses seemed as sour as ever and who did they take it out on?

Me.

Lovely.

I was yelled at three times before noon, had someone step on me twice, and had several drinks spilled on me 'accidently'. Not to mention I witnessed a husband and wife split, and it was ugly. She threw a glass across the room and nailed one of my coworkers in the head with the breadbasket.

The husband just sat there texting while she flipped her shit.

Needless to say, they were kicked out and banned.

During my lunch, I walked down the street to the small bakery and ordered myself a pastry and some juice.

I settled in one of their back tables and pulled out my phone, smiling as I saw I had several missed texts.

What's your favorite color?-E

What's your favorite flower?-E

What's your favorite fruit?-E

Perhaps, I should wait for your answer before I just spam more questions. Yes, that seems like a good idea-E

Hmm, let's see. My favorite color is yellow but it often changes, my favorite flowers are lilacs, and I looove oranges. Your turn-B

Brown is my favorite color, I don't really have a favorite flower…hmm, I suppose if I truly had to pick something, I'd say that freesias are pretty neat. My favorite fruit is grapes or strawberries. Still at work?-E

On lunch break, you?-B

A quick break while they fix some things on set-E

Was your sexiness too much for the set to handle?-B

I think so.-E

Tone it down.-B

You wouldn't be saying that if you were here ;)-E

Mmm, I probably would-B

That was such a lie. I'd probably tear my shirt off and jump him before he could blink.

You're wounding my ego-E

You'll survive-B

Perhaps-E

Dork-B

This dork wants to know what your favorite food is.-E

Nuh uh, you asked three. It's my turn now-B

Fineee-E

Favorite movie, favorite Band, Favorite food-B

Avatar, Crown the Empire, all food is my favorite. Your turn.-E

Marley and Me—hands down the best movie ever; sorry it even beats out yours, Hands like houses or Parachute are my top played on my IPod right now, and Mac and Cheese. Also, narrow it down to one, you hungry hungry hippo.-B

Hungry hungry hippo? My new nickname?-E

Yes, it's settled. Brb, changing your name in my phone-B

It was fun to tease him and it was fun when he teased me. This was what I meant by it being effortless. I didn't have to think before I said it, which yes gets me in trouble sometimes but not so much with him.

Fine, I'd say hamburgers are my favorite food. Also fries. You can't have one without the other.-E

That's better-B

Favorite video game, favorite sports team, favorite book. Go, go go.-E

I'm a sims sort of girl, always have been. Ew sports. Lol, kidding. I'll have to go with the seahawks and mariners, I'm a Washington girl after all. Favorite book, oh boy. There are so many amazing books out right now. Okay, hmm, I'll go with an all time favorite—Harry Potter. I would read these all the time, over and over again if I could. Sucks that my old copies got destroyed during my move. You? go, go go.-B

A lot of my stuff either got destroyed or mysteriously vanished on the trip down here. Secretly, I still think that James chucked boxes of stuff that was mine out of the truck before we left so that he could fit more of his shit in.

Because let's be honest, when we got here, he had tons more than I did and I was so sure he had complained for days before we left that I was the one with more stuff.

Grand Theft Auto, baby. I'm a bad boy at heart. Is it bad that I kind've cheer for whoever is winning? I'm just that kind of dude. Oh yes, harry potter hands down. You're from Washington, huh? What part?-E

Hey, it's my turn. But yes, I'm from Washington. A little town called Forks. My three questions-final questions for now because my lunch is almost up- are where are you from?, what's your favorite place to visit?, and what's one thing you can't live without?-B

I was born and raised in oxford. My favorite place to visit is my hometown. I don't get to go home much these days with my busy schedule, it's on my list of things to do though. And the one thing I can't live without is wifi, or my phone. My phone has wifi so yeah my phone. You?-E

Well I already answered where I was from :P I think I'd love to visit the UK one day. I haven't really been anywhere besides New York and Washington. I'd love to see everything and I'm glad I'll get the chance soon. And I'll have to agree with you, my phone is pretty important…my phone and food.-B

You're a girl of my own heart-E

:D-B

;) -E

That's one way to get rid of a bad mood, I thought as I made my way back down the street to work.

The rest of my shift wasn't so bad. I managed to get through it with limited added stress and before I knew it, I was free to leave. I had to run home because I was running a bit behind and I still needed to change.

Thankfully, being at the studio didn't exactly require me to look red carpet ready and so I ended up at the recording studio in a pair of pink pajama pants and a black tank top and over course with my trusty chucks on my feet.

Emmett was there today, which was a pleasant surprise. He wanted to check up on everything and make sure I was feeling comfortable and pumped about things, which I was.

We talked about the layout of my album. I was to have thirteen songs on my first album, the next album of mine could always be longer or even shorter depending on things but for now that's how things were looking.

I have still yet to decide which thirteen of my songs would be on the album. I let Emmett pick out a few of them along with Nick and Dayton who were also helping me with this album.

As of today I have 5/13 songs picked out. Only four of those were recorded.

You'd think picking from my plethora of songs I had already written would be easy but it wasn't, not when you had people going through each song with a fine toothcomb.

I mean, don't get me wrong, they were all very pleased with the fact that I pretty much came ready to roll but they couldn't help but give advice about what would sound better in this verse or that.

I took it all in stride because to be fair, some of their suggestions did work better. I suppose it was the artist in me that was still grumbling about my work not being good enough, even though that wasn't the case.

When the boys decided to go out for lunch, I declined because I was in the zone, I flipped through my flimsy notebook and tried to pick the songs that I wanted.

Yet when I'm stuck in a rut, where do I go? Social media, of course.

Taking a picture of myself with my guitar in my lap with my notebook just to my left, I uploaded it.

Bella Swan BellyButton

Descions, Descions… #Inthestudio #Whyarechoicessohard?

I let out a breath and let my fingers tumble over the strings of my guitar.

My fingers continued to idly play with the strings until it started to sound like something useable.

I didn't think, just let my fingers do it all and listened.

Soon enough, I started to hum along with the song—trying my hardest to keep it committed to my memory.

"hmm," I hummed. "hmm…hmmm…the playful conversation starts, counter all your quick remarks…hmmm…"

I smiled, at least I still got it. I was the bomb at putting together songs, if I do say so myself. If I could get myself completely relaxed and mind blank, the lyrics would tumble out of me faster than one could blink.

Only my mind wasn't blank this time.

My mind was constantly drifting to a certain someone, a someone who hasn't been in my life long but certainly long enough to leave an impression on me—my heart, my mind.

"This is me praying that, this was the very first page, not where the storyline ends….hmmm, hmmm…"

Quickly before I forgot the lyrics I had so far, I jotted them down in my notebook.

It was a good thing too because my fingers stopped mindlessly moving after a while and I never force them to continue. I dropped the song and moved back to making decisions.

I'll admit, I was proud of myself. The total number of songs decided, at least on my part, went up from 5/13 to 9/13 by the time the boys came back with leftovers for me.

I let them at my choices while snacked on what they brought back. Of course, they never yay'd or nay'd anything until they heard me perform it so I did have to stop stuffing my face long enough to belt out at least two songs for them.

But hey, we were getting places!


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