Not mine. :(


Ch. 3

I Am Still Painting Flowers For You

"Can we ask if she's single because baby you're fucking beautiful." Emmett smirked stepping forward and kissing her hand. He was just being playful, he was being a good friend because he saw the way Edward was looking at her. She blushed, Bella felt a little happy. These boys seem friendly enough.

"Hi guys." She whispered. Edward stepped forward but Jake and Jasper got to her first. He couldn't help but feel a little jealous, he doesn't even know her…but he wants to. They started chatting with Bella and she felt herself shy away a little. She didn't want to become attached to any of them. They were nice. She could tell. But she knew it would only hurt worse to connect. Because soon, they would have to un-connect…when she dies. Edward noticed her shyness, he smiled at the idea of a shy girl. He likes that in a girl. He wants that in a girl. He's very outgoing, very loud and out there, he wants a girl who can be shy and only comfortable around him. He moved forward.

Bella noticed new shoes and as soon as she looked up she gasped for air. Edward's breath hitched in his throat as his honey hazel met her chocolate ones. Neither knew what was happening. Butterflies filled her tummy. Chills ran up and down his spine. At the moment in time, without either knowing, they had connected in the most official and most eternal way. They were destined. They were fate. But neither recognized the signs. Neither had fallen in love at first sight.

"Edward? You alright?" Jake asked. He had noticed Edward freeze. He waved his hand in front of Edward's puzzled face.

"I um…I yeah I'm ok. Hi, I'm Edward." Edward replied and stuck his hand out of for the mysterious girl named Bella. Bella's eyes were too caught up, she was still staring. She felt a nudge at her side and she immediately snapped out of her love struck glance. Her cheeks reddened and heated up at the idea of her staring for so long.

"Hi Edward…I'm Bella." She whispered. Her tiny, cold, fragile hand touched his large, warm and rough hand. Edward felt a little concerned as he noticed how bony her wrist was, how weak her grip felt, how icy her skin was. Was something wrong? He gave her a look but she just smiled in a friendly way and he forgot about his doubts.

"So do you know what kind of photo shoot this will be? Like the theme?" Jasper asked her. She grabbed her binder and flipped to the scheduled appointments.

"Well it seems like it will just be a natural theme, colored background, white occasionally and lots of different outfits for you guys." She replied.

"Ok cool thanks." Jasper and Jake walked off. Emmett noticed Edward's interest in Bella. She was very beautiful but Emmett couldn't help but wonder if something was wrong with her. She was frail looking. Worn out. Her skin was cold to the touch. He figured it might just be the long work days and air conditioned office but something in the back of his mind just wouldn't stop nagging.

"So Bella are you a photographer too? Or just Angela's assistant?" Emmett questioned casually. Might as well get to know her, and obviously Edward was too tongue tied to even mutter a squeak. He wanted to know her too. Bella's heart froze, she felt her eyes water a bit and she looked down, her long bangs falling in her face. She pushed them back, adjusting her loose bun. She had to give up photography. Had to give up her passion and become an assistant instead. Her sickness wasn't going to let her continue what she loves most.

"I um...I used to be. Not anymore really, but I used to carry a camera everywhere I would go to document and create memories, every picture captured has a story within it somewhere. It's a real art form." Bella's response was simple. Emmett smiled at her.

"That's a nice way to look at it." She smiled back slightly before sniffling.

"I'll be back, I forgot something in the van." Emmett waved to them both before leaving. Bella and Edward were alone. They felt shy, but somehow or another this magnetic force drew them closer to each other until they were standing in front of each other. Edward stared at her, looked her up and down, examined her. He had never felt such knots in his stomach. He had never felt his heart beat skip every other one. He was scared shitless because of this.

Bella stared back, through long lashes. Her gaze was gentle, Edward didn't feel so nervous with her looking at him. He felt at ease. He felt at peace. Bella could say the same even though his occasional once over made her feel a tad self-conscious. She knew she wasn't beautiful. Ever since she started losing more and more weight, ever since she lost that sparkle in her golden hazel eyes. Edward wanted to get to know her. Wanted to understand everything about her.

"I like flowers." His eyes widened after what had just fell from his mouth. Did he seriously just say that? Flowers? Really Edward? He mentally slapped himself upside the head. What an idiot! What a dumbass! She probably thinks he's a fucking retard now. Bella giggled slightly before looking up at him. He towered over her small frame.

"I do too. My favorite are white roses. They're non-stereotypical." She whispered. His heart fluttered. Hers skipped a beat.

"Really now? Very interesting. What else do you like?" Edward was intrigued now and he knew if random shit kept coming out of his mouth she'd answer in some way.

"I don't know. I like the ocean. I like cloudy days. I like rain. I like sunshine. I like iced tea. I like reading. What more do you want?" She cocked her head to the side, crossed her arms over her chest. Edward couldn't help but find that extremely cute.

"That's enough...for now." She smiled genuinely. How is it possible that one guy, one guy she just met...make her feel this way? She felt more alive. Felt more at ease. And as much as she hates to admit it...she could find herself falling for him.

Edward could see there was more to her than meets the eye. He could see she was unique and beautiful and wonderful and someone he'd really want to read and figure out. She is the kind of girl he'd like to get to know. Only question is...will she open up for him?