"The Question Room"
Chapter One: "Would you change a past decision?"


It felt as though the lights were getting brighter and the room warmer. How long was this supposed to last anyways? How many more questions? I twisted my fingers in my sweaty palms.

As the interviewer took her place in the chair across from me with a fresh cup of ice water, I got my answer. It was going to be a long day.

"You said 'fate has nothing to do with people's choices'. Have you ever made the wrong choice? Would you change a past decision if you had the opportunity?" She said before taking another sip of her water and placing it on the side table. I would be lying if I said this took me by surprise. I knew the moment the words left my mouth they would be brought up again. However, that didn't stop me from taking a moment to reflect on my past.

The first glaring memory, sadly enough, was when I lost my virginity.

I guess it wasn't really when, but with whom I lost it to. At first I thought he was a great guy. My dad liked him well enough so did Alice, Angela, and Rose. He fooled us all, but the most significant thing was he fooled me into loving him.

My stomach twisted a little of the thought of him.

I looked up into the eyes of the interviewer; they were a beautiful chocolate color. She looked at me patiently with a smile. My heart began to race as I decided to share this dark moment in my life.

Man did I need a shot of tequila.

"His name was Jesse," I told her. "I was 18 at the time and had just arrived at Cornish College of the Arts. My roommate Alice had convinced me to go out to the local college hot spot to possibly meet some boys. That night we both met two amazing guys. Alice met her current fiancé that night and have been together ever since. However, Jesse, was a whole other story."

I took a moment to decide where to go from here.

"Jesse was that guy that always kept his appearance clean and neat. He had fun with his friends but rarely got drunk or acted outrageous. It was as though he were trying to prove to everyone how well behaved he was. To be honest it did get a little annoying after a while, but he was never rude or mean to anyone so how could you be angry at him from trying to be the best person he could? Well, you couldn't really.

"Jesse and I continued to see each other after that night. We were together three months before I decided it was time to take it to the next level. The whole thing wasn't some big romantic night full of fireworks and a bed of roses. It wasn't as painful or scary like people say either. It just was. He whispered I love you and I whispered it back; just us in his dorm room. I didn't have any expectations when it came to sex. I knew the facts and I knew how it worked."

My mind was no longer focused on the camera or the interviewer. They were blurred and far away now. My mind was only set on the past.

"For four whole years we were boyfriend and girlfriend. As graduation approached it was just assumed by everyone, me included, that we would get married. So, just like everyone thought, he proposed the beginning of our senior year telling me he wanted to get married right after graduation.

"I was excited. I had just received my Wedding Planner and Coordinator certificate, I was already working with my first client, it was my last year in college, and I had the love of my life on one knee proposing marriage. I would be lying if I said I wasn't thrilled. Everything was working out so well. Somehow I allowed myself to fall into dreamland where I thought nothing could go wrong."

I let out a small laugh.

"Cloud 9 is a great place to be… until you fall flat on your ass. With three months away from the wedding I began to notice changes in Jesse. They were subtle but became more and more noticeable as graduation and the wedding approached. I waved it off as him not really wanting to be around all the girly wedding planning. Most guys don't. That wasn't the case; far from it in fact. He soon broke off the engagement saying he wasn't ready for marriage and he didn't really think we were meant to be anyways."

Repeating his words still tasted bitter in my mouth. A single tear escaped from my eye and I swiped it away quickly. I don't know why I was upsetting myself; I was more pissed now, than upset.

"I was devastated of course and embarrassed. The save the dates were already sent and I had a stack of invitations in my dorm room. I kept going over in my head what I had done wrong. Did I say anything? Did I do something? How were we not meant to be? We had worked together so well, I thought everything was fine. My friends told me it had nothing to do with me, that he was just a pig. I didn't really believe them.

"Graduation passed quickly and the wedding date soon followed. Fortunately, I never bumped into him again, but Alice did. She found out he was engaged to another girl and had been seeing her for the past year. Apparently she didn't even know about me, I still don't think she ever did."

Silence filled the room. I continued to stare at the floor.

"I gave him everything, all of myself. I put so much into that relationship, but looking back I realize that I was really the only one giving anything. I suppose when you are in love you are truly blinded by the person that holds your heart. You don't think; you don't see what is going on around you."

My eyes finally met the interviewers. She had a sad smile on her face and pity filled her eyes. I felt disgusted with myself again.

"So to answer your question, yes I do have choices I wish I could change. I think everyone does. But, there is nothing I can do about that now is there?"


"Okay, I have an opening at 3:30 this afternoon. Think you and Emmett can make that?" I asked Rose as I stared at the Google calendar on the screen.

"Shit," Rosalie cursed. We had been on the phone for thirty minutes trying to hash out some details and get her and Emmett in to meet with me. I would have offered to meet at my apartment later but I needed all of my paperwork and resources within reach.

"You can't do that either?" I said with a little frustration.

"No, I can. Just Emmett can't. He has a team meeting at three and I don't think he will get done until later," She told me a little irritated herself.

"Babe, it's okay. I can make the next meeting right?" I heard Emmett tell her from the other end of the line, "Maybe Edward could go with you? He is free today I think."

"Who is Edward?" I asked Rose.

"Oh you remember, it's Em's brother," She told me before speaking to Emmett again. "I am going to say okay on this as long as you promise to make the next one."

He agreed and I booked her for the afternoon. I stole a quick glance at the time and realized my next appointment should be here soon if not already waiting.

"Hey Rose, I have another meeting with a bride. I have to go." I said.

"Okay, I will see you at 3:30. Later babe," She said.

"See ya," I replied before hanging up.

Just as I began to put the finishing touches on the new "B.O.B." laying on my desk Courtney's voice came through the speaker phone.

"Your appointment is ready to see you now Miss Swan," She told me.

I hit the reply button, "Thanks Courtney, I will be right out."

After making sure all of my paperwork was together I stole a quick glance at my reflection in the full length mirror on the back of my office door. I felt good today so I wore my favorite charcoal dress pants with a cream silk blouse and a cute blazer with a matching flower pin. My Jimmy Choos Alice had bought me for Christmas gave me that extra confidence boost that I needed.

"With a good pair of shoes, I can do anything," I thought to myself.

I grabbed the new "B.O.B" off my desk and headed out into the lobby. Courtney, who was waiting just outside the door, began to give me the run down.

"Brides name is Lesley. M.O.B's name is Sylvia Conner and her husband, is a politician and they are conservative. It is obvious that Lesley has a better relationship with her father than her mother. Sylvia is a bull and wants nothing but the best, but Lesley seems like a doll. So go easy on them," She told me handing me the final paper work that I needed.

"Will do, thank you Courtney," I laughed as I pushed open the door to the meeting room.

Lesley was seated on the black suede couch next to her mother wearing a cute floral dress completed with a cardigan and colorful flats. Her hair was brunette and hung just past her shoulders in soft curls with a head band to match her outfit.

Definitely conservative, but sweet.

Her mother was wearing a black dress suit with pearls and a good sized pair of black heels. Her hair was cut chin length and teased just enough to give her volume. Make-up was subtle yet elegant.

All business.

"Hello, I am Isabella Swan. I am the wedding planner and owner of B. Marie Weddings," I said with a smile as they each took my hand to shake.

"Hello, I am Lesley and this is my mother Sylvia," Lesley said softly.

"Well, hello to both of you and congratulations on your engagement," I said with a genuine smile.

I really liked this bride already.

"It is so good to meet you Mrs. Swan," Sylvia said as I went behind the small desk and took my seat.

"It is Miss actually but you can call me Bella," I told her.

"Oh how pretty," Sylvia said.

Lesley sat there with a small smile on her face. She and I both knew mom was in control, but Sylvia was about to get a wakeup call.

"Thank you you're so sweet," I shuffled a few papers and grabbed a pen, "Alright, shall we get down to business?"

They both nodded in agreement.

"Okay. As you know B Marie Weddings has only been in business for eight years, however we have grown at a very rapid rate and I can honestly say it is because my business partner and I have worked hard for it," I said, this was the same speech I gave to every mother and daughter who came through the doors and it hadn't let me down yet. "We have also been successful because we are the best of the best. Every single wedding we have planned and coordinated has been a success."

Sylvia and Lesley nodded in agreement.

"However what sets us apart from other wedding planning companies is we communicate with our clients. We actually want to give you exactly what you want and not just 'our version of what you want'. This requires communication on both ends. I can't do my job if you can't give a little. I can't give you the wedding of your dreams if you can't listen as well. When the bride or mother of the bride cannot listen or communicate we have what a lot of people would call a 'bridezilla' or a "mom-ster of the bride.'"

I paused to let them understand. I hated having to say this to our clients, but I learned quickly that if you wanted to stay in control you had to show the client who was boss. And that would be me.

Lesley looked to her mother then back to me. She looked a little nervous but I remained calm. Sylvia was still quiet, obviously trying to listen.

I softened my voice and leaned forward a little to speak directly to Lesley, "I understand this is your day and I understand how important it is to you. Marriage is a wonderful thing. It should be celebrated and rejoiced in a very beautiful way. Your wedding day is the time when two people, who are madly in love, vow to share the rest of their lives together. It is the ceremony of two souls joining together as one."

I looked to Sylvia then back to Lesley. Their smiles showed me that they agreed whole heartedly.

"However I want to tell you now, we do not tolerate the so called 'bridezillas' or 'mom-ster of the brides'. We may be a business and you may pay us to help make your wedding day special, but we are also human beings. We demand to be treated as such. Even though this is going to be one of the best days of your life, it is also going to be a very emotional day. However that doesn't give you a 'treat-people-badly-and-get-away-with-it' free card. I have an amazing staff. They are hard workers and care deeply for our clients. When you come to B Marie Weddings you become family. We will fight for you when necessary and we will do everything in our power to make you happy. However even you understand that there are some things that are just out of our control. This is where the communication and trust comes in. Do you think the two of you can communicate with us?"

They both replied with a "yes."

"Do you think you both can trust us and our judgment?" I asked.

Again they both nodded with a "yes."

"Well then, welcome to the family," I said with a genuine smile.

"So how did it go this morning?" Alice asked.

I looked up from my computer screen to find her leaning against the door frame.

"A lot better than expected, I was a little intimidated by her mother but once we sat down and talked I realized she just wants what is best for her daughter." I curled one leg underneath me as Alice took a seat in one of the lounge chairs on the other side of my desk.

"As all mothers should," she said.

"True." I replied. "So what's up?"

"Nothing, my brain was just about to shut down so I stepped away from the computer for a moment," Alice said.

I nodded even though I knew she was up to something.

After a moment of silence I couldn't take it any longer, "Okay what are you up to?"

"What do you mean 'what are you up to?' Do I have to be 'up to something' all the time?" She said looking offended.

"Yes," I laughed.

Alice was always up to something. Whether it was planning a surprise birthday party, girls night out, fixing me up on dates, buying me a new pair of shoes even though she knew I hated it when people bought me things, or just anything to keep her occupied in her free time.

She crossed her arms and pretended to pout, "I do not."

I gave her my famous 'yeah, right' look, and then went back to my work that was on the screen.

"Okay Jasper has this new friend from work who is really sweet and cute, new to the area, has two older sisters and an amazing relationship with his mother. He enjoys the outdoors, waffles, and has a big thing for baseball." She told me all in one breath.

I was amazed how much information she could find out about people, and a little creeped out.

"How do you know he likes waffles?" I questioned.

"Long story," she waved me off, "I told him a little about you and he said he would be up for a blind date!"

She practically bounced up and down like a three year old getting ice cream.

"Geez Alice," I sighed in exasperation, "Do I have to? I have Rose's wedding coming up and work is piling up plus I have to go see my dad an-"

"You always have excuses Bella!" Alice practically shouted at me.

I was taken a little a back. She looked really upset this time. Alice never raised her voice like that unless she was frustrated, hurt, or angry.

In that moment I decided silence was my best option and stared at my hands.

Alice sighed, "I am sorry for raising my voice, but there is always something going on Bella. You have gone on how many dates since Jesse? Three?"

When I didn't say anything she continued, "I understand you were hurt and I saw what it did to you Bella; I can still see what he did to you. But you can't go on being afraid of opening up to someone anymore."

"I am not afraid," I snapped.

It was Alice's turn to give me the 'yeah, right' look.

"Look, I am not asking you to marry the first guy you are attracted to but I am asking you to try a little harder. It is really unhealthy to work as hard as you do. When was the last time you took a vacation anyways?" Alice asked with a smile.

"It has been a while," I admitted. I wasn't going to say two years out loud though.

"You are a wonderful person Bella, I just want to see you happy," Alice said softly.

I smiled at her, "I love you; you know that right?"

Alice laughed and stood from her chair, "Yeah, I know. It turns out I am a very lovable person."

I rolled my eyes, "I really have to get some work done before Rose comes in though. So if you don't mind, get the hell out of my office."

"Geez Bells, you are so grumpy today," she teased before prancing out of the room.

I went back to my work but my mind could not focus on anything. Alice's words kept repeating in my head like a broken record. I was happy. Wasn't I? Feeling a wave of exhaustion I leaned back in my chair and tried to relax. The business was very successful and we were always planning something. My relationship with my family was good; I talked to Renee and Charlie every Sunday. What else did I need?

According to Alice, I needed a man. No, I just needed to get laid.

"Maybe I do need a vacation," I whispered while rubbing my temples.

"Not until after my wedding," a voice said jolting me forward.

Rose stood in the doorway with her hands on her hips.

I smiled and got up to hug her, "You scared the shit out of me."

"And you are scaring me, what were you doing? Talking to yourself?" She said.

"I heard the best conversation you could have was with yourself, so I thought I would give it a try," I told her.

She looked at me sadly and patted my shoulder, "Oh honey… we need to get you laid."

I laughed loudly before heading back to my desk to grab my Jimmy Choos that I had kicked off.

"You are a little early aren't you?" I asked looking at the clock.

"Oh well, you know me. If you are on time you are late, if you are early you are on time," Rose said.

"Well have a seat I was just finishing up your 'B.O.B.'" I told her.

"My what?" Rose asked confused.

"B.O.B. stands for 'Bridal Organizer Binder," I explained as I began to insert all her paper work into the binder.

"Oh, how cute." She said, "You and Alice are really into acronym's huh?"

"I guess we are," I laughed, "Hey, wasn't someone supposed to come with you?"

"Yes, Edward. He is meeting me here in a few minutes." She told me.

"That is Emmett's brother right?" I asked, I had heard about him here and there but never really met him. I had not met Emmett's parents yet either.

"Yep, he is a sweetheart too and engaged. However," She lowered her voice to a whisper and leaned in close, "I don't really like his fiancé she is a total bitch."

"Really? Why is he engaged then?" I asked.

"I think he feels obligated but she is all wrong for him. She almost never comes to any family dinners doesn't even talk to Esme, and you know how much I love her. Basically they only do what Tanya, that's her name by the way, wants to do. He doesn't realize how much she controls him," She sighed and sat back.

"I guess love does blind people," I said.

Courtney's voice came over the speaker, "Um, Miss Swan? There is a man here saying he is supposed to meet Rose. Do you want me to send him in?"

Rose immediately hopped up as I gave Courtney the go ahead.

I stood from my chair as Rose came over to fluff my hair and straighten my jacket.

"What are you doing?" I asked her trying to fend her off.

"Nothing, your hair just looked funny," She replied.

"Uh, thank you?" I said giving her a 'what-the-hell' look.

"Uh, hello," a voice said.

I turned to see who it belonged to.

Well, hello there.

He stood half way through the door wearing pair of dark washed jeans and a blue sweater with the long sleeves pushed up to his elbows. His hair was a golden brown with a little untidy look to it. The cut of his jaw made my knees quiver and my stomach flutter and his eyes were a deep sea of green that I wanted to swim in.

Good Lord this man was fine.

"Edward!" Rosalie squealed giving him a hug, "So glad you could come, thanks for standing in for Emmett. I know it has to suck for you."

He flashed a loving smile at her and hugged her back, "It's not a big deal."

"Well, it is to me," She told him.

"Who is this?" He asked nodding in my direction.

"Oh, sorry! This is Bella, my best friend and practically sister," She said making me blush.

"Ah, the famous Bella you always talk about," He snickered wagging his eyebrows.

My cheeks felt like they were on fire, "Rose!?"

"I don't tell him anything important, I just mention you now and again," She explained.

I rolled my eyes and gained control of myself, "Hi, I am Bella Swan. Not everything you heard is true."

"Well, that is too bad then," He teased staring into my eyes.

Oh sweet baby Jesus.

I smirked at his playfulness and shot a look at Rose.

"Shall we go to the meeting room?" I asked them both trying to distract from the current subject. They agreed and we made our way across the lobby.

"Rosie!" Alice squealed as she joined us.

She and Rosalie exchanged hugs as I rounded the desk. Edward hung back by the door seeming unsure of what to do with himself.

"Alice, this is Edward, Emmett's brother and best man," Rose said.

Alice shook his hand while giving me a smug smirk, "Oh, well very nice to meet you Edward."

"Same. Rose has told me a lot about you girls, does Angela work here?" He asked.

"No, she works at Olympic View Elementary teaching first grade," Alice told him, "She is so great with kids."

"Oh, that's right. I forgot Rose told me that," He said.

"I hate to break up the big introductions and all, but we do have to talk about your wedding day," I said to Rose.

"Well, excuse us," Alice said plopping down onto the sofa.

I laughed and took my seat at the desk as Edward and Rose took theirs next to Alice.

"Since you are not an ordinary client, I have already taken a liberty into researching some ideas," I told Rosalie.

"Oh you have, have you?" She seemed intrigued by this.

"I have been your best friend since high school Rose, you would think I would know you just a little bit by now," I said with an abundance of sarcasm.

"Okay, tell me what you think I think my wedding day should be like," She challenged.

Rose knew I was good at my job, and I had every confidence that I had already nailed down exactly what she would want. Perhaps not all the small details, but definitely the overall feel of their wedding day.

I gave her a small smirk.

"I see an intimate ceremony overlooking the bay with Seattle's sky line as the back drop just at sunset; perhaps on the back of a quaint cruise ship. As the sky begins to fade and the ceremony is closed with a kiss the guest will make their way to the inner part of the boat where the reception hall awaits them. The ship will then set sail and the celebration will begin. It will be an evening of lights and elegance; romance in a sophisticated and unique way with plenty of food and alcohol for everyone. There will be an impeccable taste of music by an excellent DJ I happen to know, who will start things out soft and then smoothly turn things up for everyone to dance and be merry. The evening will end just off the shore of a private beach with a beautiful display of fireworks. Then you and Emmett will be transferred from one boat to another that will take you to the private beach so that you may depart for your honey moon."

I paused a moment to smile at Rosalie's face. It was priceless.

"Does that sound anything like what you would want?" I challenged.

It was silent for just a moment.

"Oh my God," Rosalie said, "This is going to be fantastic!"

I smiled pleased with myself, "That's what I thought."

"Emmett is going to freak," Edward said with a smile. "He loves boats so the fact that you have them marrying on one is going to blow him away."

"I know!" Rose squealed, "This is so amazing. I know we still have the fine details to get nailed down, but yes! That is exactly what I had in mind! How did you know?"

"Oh please," I said waving her off, "You have mentioned a wedding on the water ever since high school. Plus, you and Emmett are all about being fun and unique but having the whole family surround you. It wasn't hard to come up with the idea, in fact I feel a little guilty about taking all the credit."

I laughed just as I caught Edward's gaze.

God he is gorgeous.

"Well, you have me impressed for sure," Edward said his eyes holding mine.

I blushed and looked to Rose and Alice who were both giving me that look. The same look they always gave me when they approved of a guy they thought to be up to parr.

He is engaged. He is engaged. He is engaged. I chanted to myself.

I looked up to find him smirking at me as if he knew what I was thinking.

I was in such deep shit.


A/N:

I know this story seems to be going slow. However, I am really trying to pick up the updating pace. I am at the end of my spring semester so this should help. Sorry to have such an erratic schedule.

Not sure if you guys are into goodies and such. I created a blog where I can post stuff about things I love, but mainly it will be used for posting goodies about the two stories I am writing. So if you want to see some of the Question Room goodies you can check out .com/

Please review to let me know if I am on the right track. Your opinions matter! xoxo