Bella's Fear and Edward's Stress
Ch3 The Perfect Date.
Narrator's POV.
So we left off with two young lovers drive nine hours to have dinner. Well, that's a little over the top for my taste but Edward being rich and a vampire probably thought that was just a small treat. Isn't funny how these two haven't even made it there yet and his perfect plans have changed and changed again, but not all changes are bad, are they? Well, that's soon what Edward will find.
Bella's POV
After sitting in the car for so long, it was nice to get out and stretch. I look over at Edward, getting out like nothing's wrong, and of course nothing is wrong with him. Vampires and their stupid ability to not be bothered by anything. Muttering to myself internally can only make my irritation grow even more but once Edward wraps his arms around me, I'm back to smiling and forgetting everything that I was thinking before. The soreness, the irritation, the long drive here, everything goes away and all I'm left with is my gorgeous boyfriend with his arms around me. At this point I'd go anywhere he wanted to lead me, this time its to a fancy restaurant and from the outside it looked very nice. I looked up to see a sign that read: 'Osteria Mozza' and from that I guessed this was an Italian restaurant. Which I guess would make sense.
"Italian?" I asked just to double check.
"It seemed fitting, wouldn't you say?" Edward answered with a wink and a smile, he even held open the door. "Now, shall we?"
I laughed slightly. "I guess we shall." I answered as I walked inside, this place was amazing. "Wow, … look at this."
"Nothing but the best, … well the best I could hope to get you to without too much complaining." Edward joked with me but then his lips touched my forehead and I didn't care.
Looking around I could see why he would want to come back to such a lovely little place. It wasn't as big and over-the-top as I'd thought it was going to be but its still very classy. I saw outside they had valet parking and he clearly said they take reservations so that's a sign that they are doing well, right? As we walk in, I can see it's a little busy and the noise level is no worse than most places but its not really a quiet, one-on-one, date night place.
"… Its under Cullen, Edward Cullen." Edward finished talking to the lady behind the counter just as I was turning my attention back to him and we followed her through the aisles.
She lead us off somewhere away from everyone else, I should have seen this coming but of course I didn't. Edward made these reservations ahead of time so of course he would have made sure we had some privacy. We entered a quiet room with a very large table … looking as if a whole party of people could eat in here. Clearly this room doesn't see too many couples dining alone but when you're dating a rich guy that likes to throw money around, you can get just about anything. Of course this is more than I had hopped for and yet, I almost feel like smiling instead of arguing with him. This was a lovely idea and now that I'm over my irritations from the drive getting here and the dress, I'm having lots of fun. That could also be because Edward hasn't let go of me since we left the car. … Yeah, its probably got a lot to do with that.
"Okay, here we are." The lady said as we got seated. "Thank you for taking interest in our private dining in The Primo Ministro Room! An elegant space that's perfect for entertaining in a dramatic fashion. All private events feature the cuisine and personal attention of Executive Chef Matt Molina and Pastry Chef Dahlia Narvaez, under the direction of Chef/Owners Mario Batali, Joe Bastianich and Nancy Silverton. Please enjoy your evening and your meal. Your server will be right with you."
"And now, explain?" I turn to him and demand.
He simply smiles making my heart beat faster. "I told you, I remembered this place and wanted to bring you here." Edward explained as if that would answer all of this.
"You bought out the private room that's made for what, 20 people? Just for the two of us?" I demanded again only I couldn't stop smiling once I watched his smile growing with every word.
"It's a room for up to 30 people actually." Edward corrected and reached across the table to grab my hands in his. "And even still it makes for a very nice date night room, don't you think?"
"Yeah its nice." I answer back simply.
"… Really?" Edward asks soundly slightly off guard. "No arguing that its too expensive, or too fancy, that you had to dress up for this? I'm a little shocked Bella. Happy but shocked."
I laughed. "I thought about it but really this is a nice place, not as bad as I had feared it would be and I complained enough … for now." I explained happily. "This will be a lovely date Edward."
"I'm sure it will be perfect Bella." Edward replied.
Then a small framed but very beautiful women walked in with a couple of menus and a pad. "Ciao, il mio nome è Rosetta e io sarò il vostro server." The women spoke what sounded like perfect Italian and I'm pretty sure I understood some of it. "Hello, my name is Rosetta and I'll be your server."
"Ciao, io sono Edward è Bella, siamo pronti per ordinare." Edward responded and again perfect Italian only in his beautiful voice which can only make another language better.
"Very good Sir, can please go on." Rosetta mused looking completely dazzled by Edward, as most people are.
"We'll make this very simple, we are going to try everything from your pasta tasting without the wines of course." Edward was smiling brightly at me and for once the beautiful women in the room didn't make me feel completely out of place.
I glanced down to hand over our menus when I saw the pricing. "Edward, what are you doing? You can't order that just for me?" I whispered under my breath. "That is way too much food and too much money to waist just on me. On just one dinner when both of us will have to appear to be eating the food."
He simply squeezed my hands in his and smiled. "Relax and enjoy, Love" Edward spoke softly and it was pointless to argue.
Rosetta was already walking away with our order and by the time I'd call her name she'd be leaving the room. It was ridiculous the things he did sometimes for just one little human but then again Edward and the Cullen's always go over the top one way or another. All of them are rich, powerful, and vampires so they can pretty much do whatever, whenever, and wherever they wished.
"I'm simply guaranteeing that you'll find something here you will enjoy. This way we'll know for the next time we come here." Edward said simply and the urge to argue was stronger now.
"But we can't just … No, forget it." I stopped myself and simply leaned my head down onto our intertwined hand.
"Aww, what's wrong Love?" Edward asked quickly. "Does your head hurt, I have some Aspirin if you need any?"
"Why do you… oh, never mind." I started and then stopped myself again, of course he'd pack for any kind of set back in his plans. "No, its not a head ach, I'm fine. I'm probably just tired."
"I know this was a long trip but I swear it will be worth it Bella." Edward explained sounding apologetic and sympathetic.
"I'll be alright Edward, I promise." I answer without lifting my head from our hands, however, I turn my head to kiss his hands.
"If you want to leave early to get home sooner, Bella, we can?" Edward suggests softly. "Or we can go somewhere else."
I sat up again, looking shocked. "Edward relax." I say soothingly. "I don't want to leave, I'm just a little tired so no worries."
"I'm not worried, I'm just … well, I just want tonight to be perfect." Edward answered looking down at our intertwined hands.
"But it will be." I answer back. "A date with you or even just anything with you is always perfect Edward. No matter how much I complain or argue about things, its always perfect."
He looked shocked. "Really?" Edward asked taken aback. "But, … but what about all my planning? Waiting for you to get well again, planning the perfect date, finding the right place, planning and packing for the long trip, getting Alice to buy the new outfit, getting you to agree to come, making sure no one gave the surprise away. You mean all of this was a waste of time?"
I couldn't stop myself, I started laughing. "Oh, I'm sorry Edward." I apologized after seeing the look on his face. "I didn't mean to laugh, I know its not funny. You should just see your face."
"You're laughing at me now?" Edward burst out. "I can't believe how, how … this makes no sense!"
"Oh Edward calm down." I begged trying to calm myself down. "Its okay, everything is still going as you planned."
"No its not." Edward said letting go of my hand now. "Nothing is going as I planned. Not the trip here because you hated it, not the dress Alice bought because it ripped, the place is not any good because you think its too expensive and unnecessary because I don't eat, the surprise factor was ruined because you hate those too, and of all things, you really didn't want any of this!"
The door to the room opened then and in walked our waitress and a few other young girls all carrying, what I can only guess is, our food. Edward must have been ranting too much to pay attention to the rest of the restaurant because he seemed surprised to see them entering. He quickly regained his composure though. The ladies came in carefully carrying trays of food, it all smelled so good, and made a circle around the very large table. One by one they started placing plates of different pastas onto the table for us. Then as they finished putting down the plates they brought, the women left taking the huge trays with them. All without a single word. The only people in the room now, our waitress, Edward and myself.
"Hello, here we go." Rosetta said happily and without the Italian first, must be for the introductions only. "The full pasta tasting menu for the table of two in the private room."
"Yes, thank you." Edward responded without any real emotion and without taking his eyes off me, not in a good way.
She didn't seem to notice. "Yes. … Its quite a bit of food, if at any time you need something warmed, please let me know." Rosetta continued completely unaware of the mood in the room. "All fine dishes with or in this case, without the wine. First dish is Farfalle with fughi misti e noci, then Cappelletti di Vitello burro e salvia, and Garganelli Verde with ragu Bolognese, Rigatoncini all'Amatriciana, Pici with wild boar ragu, Strawberry Gelatina with strawberry gelato, Crespelle al Fragola with sauteed strawberries and spiced almonds. Seven dishes in all and all perfect. Enjoy."
I have to admit I wasn't paying as much attention to the poor girl as I probably should have. In fact it took the door closing before I realized she'd even left the room. I was completely fixated on Edward and the intense stare he had been giving me this whole time. I was unsure if it was directed at me or not since he didn't stop long after Rosetta left us alone again. I was expecting him to yell or something but instead he just stared at me. It worried me.
"Wow, this looks … great huh?" I said a little shaky. "Yum."
He took a deep breath and finally looked away. "Eat whatever you'd like Bella." Edward said simply as he rose from his chair. "This dinner was all for you. I'll be right back."
"Wait, where are you going, Edward?" I asked as I grabbed his arm when he tried to walk past me, towards the door.
"Nowhere." Edward spoke then sighed. "I'm just going to step outside for a moment. I need a minute to think, Bella."
"Edward, what's wrong, please?" I begged hoping he would stay but looking at him now tells me he wasn't going to listen.
"I'll be right back." Edward answered seemingly uncaring.
And in a split second my heart sank to the floor, he was so upset with me that Edward couldn't stand to be in the same room anymore. He was barely looking at me as he tried to leave. It was as if Edward couldn't wait to leave sight of me. I was beginning to loose my mind. I had single handedly ruined our date without even knowing it and I was drawing a blank on how to fix this. Edward was going to walk out that door and I'm terrified that he might not return … or if he does, nothing will be solved. And its my fault.
My grip tightened. "Edward please!" I begged again knowing my hold on him wasn't going to do me any good. "Please stay?"
He looked down at me in confusion. "Bella, … what's wrong?" Edward asked and he kneeled down so he was at eye level with me. "Bella, your heart is racing and you look frightened?"
I tried to take a deep breath but it was stuck. "Don't. Leave. Please." I begged him carefully once again. "Please?"
"Bella." Edward sighed and took my hands in his. "You know I will be right back. I'm not going anywhere without you."
"Please." I begged once again, unsure what I was asking.
He took a deep breath and kissed the back of my hand. "Alright Bella, I'm truly sorry for worrying you." Edward apologized and without releasing my hand, he took his seat again. "I won't leave Bella, please just calm down. Alright Love?"
It was too late, tears were falling without permission now. "I'm, I'm … so, sorry Edward." I apologized as I wiped the tears away.
"Oh Bella, please don't cry." Edward breathed softly but I couldn't stop and soon I found myself wrapped in his arms curled on his lap. "Bella, Love. Please, its alright. I promise, everything will be fine. Calm down, I'll stay Bella. You know I won't leave."
I felt bad for crying like this, for making his feel so worried about me like this, but I couldn't stop the tears or the aching sobs. All Edward wanted was to have a perfect date with me and all I've managed to do was ruin everything. I ripped the dress, I complained about everything he has been doing for me, and now I've broken down crying in the middle of the restaurant. My only way to process this was that we were in a private room, alone. That still didn't change that fact that I must be the worst girlfriend ever.
I took my time calming down in his arms. "I'm … so sorry Edward" I sighed as I wiped the last few tears away. "Please forgive me, I didn't mean to make suck a mess here." I curled tightly into him as he held me comfortingly in his arms.
"Oh Bella, no." Edward sounded defeated and sad again. "Its my fault, I'm the one that tried to force this on you. After all, I know how much you hate things like this but I made you anyway."
"No boyfriend should get complaints for trying to be sweet." I answered feeling completely stupid and defeated myself. "You're always trying to do nice things for me and all I do is complain."
He lifted my head so I had to look at him. "I'm the luckiest boyfriend in the world Bella. The day you agreed to be mine made sure of that!" Edward said with determination and passion. "I never want you to think otherwise, you hear me. Bella I love you, complaints and all. I just wanted to so something special for you."
"Well, if that's all you wanted then we could have stayed at home and spend a whole day together. Just the two of us locked away." I told him honestly and smiled slightly. "Just being with you is special to me, Edward. Just laying wrapped in your arms is what I want. Its all I ever want. All I need to keep me happy." I leaned forward and kissed his stunned expression. "I'm sorry Edward."
"So, … all of this was really just a waist." Edward asked rhetorically then looked down at me with his crooked smile.
"Sorry, but it wasn't a total waist. You didn't mind the dress thing so much in the car." I pointed out hesitantly. "You were staring."
He glared down at me now. "You DID do that on purpose?" Edward half asked has accused with shocked and amusement.
I am slightly embarrassed but after I caught him staring the first time, I did do it on purpose. After the stupid heels ripped the dress and it went clear up my hip, I thought for sure Alice would have killed me. I was complaining about that too, when I noticed Edward staring at me. … Staring at the length of my leg, and a part of me was internally smiling with glee. Of course, I didn't rip the dress on purpose. But after I noticed he was starring, I couldn't help myself, I wanted to enjoy making him stare like that. But I also can't let Edward know that I was enjoying this.
"I don't know what you mean." I tried to sound as innocent as possible but the blush on my cheeks had to give me away.
"Oh no you don't, Bella you were teasing me." Edward accused again and his glare was more pointed and narrow but he wasn't getting angry, if anything he seemed more amused.
"But I didn't do anything, honest." I tried again but I had to hide my face in his shirt if he was ever going to believe these lies.
He lifted my face again, gently pulling me up until our lips touched. "My little angel has a bit of devil after all." Edward whispered softly against my lips before kissing me again.
After kissing like that for who knows how long, Edward carried me and placed me back into my own chair. We sat there smiling together as I started eating some of the food that he had for us. I guess it couldn't have been all that long because the food was still mostly warm. I ended up trying a little bit of all the plates, everything looked and tasted so good. Edward even joked that he felt bad that he couldn't eat it since I made it all look so great. Rosetta came by to check on us a few time to see if anything needed warmed up or if we needed more drinks. The service was great considering we were in a room separate from everything else and probability very easy to forget about. All in all a great dinner.
…
Edward's POV.
As we were leaving the restaurant I caught Bella smiling up at the sky. It pretty late and a cloudless night so most of the stars were out. The night sky used to be a beautiful sight to me, now it couldn't possibly hold my attention with Bella beside me. I wrapped my arms around her waist and stood behind her as she got lost in the wonderment of the sky. When she was finally ready to leave, I turned her and kissed Bella under the stars. She smiled up at me and took my hand as I walked her to my car. We didn't say anything as I opened her door and helped her inside. We didn't say anything as I pulled out of the parking lot. We didn't say anything as I started driving the long journey home. We didn't have to say anything, we knew. No matter what complications happened tonight, no matter what problems be faced, this night was perfect.
"Can I have that pillow now?" Bella asked after a short while of driving. "I think I'll take a little nap while you drive home."
"Of course, Love." I answered happily as I reached into the bag and grabbed out the small blue silk pillow I brought for her.
"Thanks Edward." Bella said happily and curled up with my jacket he stole from the back seat, I offered her a blanket. "But I like your jacket more and I'm not really cold. I want this."
I chuckled softly. "Alright then, keep it." I agreed and smiled. "Sweet dreams, Love. I hope your nap is restful."
She was drifting off to sleep the second her head hit the pillow. Bella was so … she was my everything and I loved to watch her running around, being so full of life and tripping over everything. But nothing could take my breath away like the sight of her innocence as she slept. It was like she went back in time. Back to a time where her biggest worries were getting good grades in school and not falling over her own feet, breaking a bone or two. Now her worries are increasingly more dangerous and that too was my fault. There have been many times when I've watched her sleep and wonder, what does she see in me that she would allow so much risk to be placed on her daily life? But it doesn't matter the answer, Bella and I could never leave each other. We tried that once, also my fault, but it only ended in disaster. We both almost died, from the mere pain of loosing the other and literally from my stupidity. But Bella, with the help of my sibling Alice, saved us both. Now we know we can not live without the other. We have to stay together in order for us both to be happy. Together forever.
…
The drive home seemed to fly by, I guess the stress and worry over getting everything to be perfect and then the fighting with Bella had made it a much longer trip than it could have been. I was back in Forks before too long and Bella peacefully slept the entire ride. She barely stirred when I pulled into the garage at home. Alice and Jasper were waiting there for us but said nothing as I pulled Bella into my arms. I was careful not to wake her as I carried her from the car. Alice smiled brightly as I passed her and they followed me up to the house. Jasper said nothing but his thoughts were very happy to see us home. He seemed to be hiding something from me though and if I wasn't in such a good mood, I might have worried.
"Just let me lay her down first." I whispered under my breath, they followed silently behind me until Bella was laying in my bed.
She followed closely behind me as we went down stairs. "SO?" Alice blurted out the second my feet his the bottom steps.
"So, what Alice?" I asked as if I had no idea what she wanted.
"Oh, please don't make her beg Edward." Jasper complained on his wife's behave but mostly sounded amused.
"Edward that is just cruel!" Alice hissed at me. "You know very well that I've been patiently waiting all day to hear how this say went and I depend to know now! Tell me, tell me, TELL ME!"
He cleared his throat covering a laugh. "Tell her, please." Jasper begged teasing. 'Patience isn't in her vocabulary Edward.'
I didn't even try to cover my laughter. "Alright Alice, I get it." I answered just as she pounced on me and started trying to drag me cross the room towards the couch. "I'll tell you everything."
"You better, I deserve to know how my hard work pays off for those around me." Alice said arrogantly, she hopped on my lap.
"Alice take it easy now." Jasper spoke slightly firm. 'All day long, all night, nothing but gasps and shrieks. Whatever happened tonight had her emotions all over the place. It wasn't much fun.'
'Tell me, tell me, tell me, tell me!' Alice thought very loudly. "Edward spill it bro! You owe me an explanation of the date!"
"Umm okay, first off, no I don't." I answered sharply. "This was my date, my plans, my hard work Alice and I owe you nothing but the best taste in dresses every. Oh and by the way, it ripped."
Something between a cry and a shriek crossed her lips. "NO!" Alice snapped suddenly … loudly and I froze.
"Shhh, Alice if you wake her I'll hurt you." I snapped.
"YOU RIPPED MY DRESS!" Alice hissed again only in a hushed whisper, it didn't take away the sting in her voice.
"No, those shoes ripped HER dress." I countered sharply. "The dress got caught on Bella's heels while she was trying to change positions in the car. Its really an improvement if you ask me."
Looking pointedly at me, he raised his eye brows. "Well I'd say it must be some rip if its an improvement on perfection." Jasper commented simply, but I knew he was placating Alice. 'Please don't make my night worse just because you finally have normal male hormones. Alice has enough irritations to rant about.'
"Why, … how, … I just don't understand?" Alice mused. 'How could he keep that hidden from me! What happened?'
Come over, he pulled Alice from my lap and onto his. "Its alright Darling, you know you can't see everything all the time." Jasper reassured her calmingly as he held her in is arms.
In this moment I wanted nothing more than to go back up stairs and hold my sleeping Bella just as my brother held his wife. Alice was still ranting about how irritating it was that I could easily hide my date with Bella from her. How frustrated she was that the perfect dress was now completely ruined, in her opinion anyway. How I refused to tell her anything after hiding it from her. Alice was a very stubborn over grown child. Between her and Emmett it's a wonder how any of us get any rest around this house. I couldn't be bothered by her words or thoughts at the moment, all I want is to be back with my Bella. I would plan my escape soon.
"You will not, NOT until you tell me about the date!" Alice snapped at me again, demanding the information I was hiding.
I quickly realized there was no getting out of this and caved. I sat there explaining the perfect imperfections of the date. I told her all about the long drive and Bella's frustrations. I left out my impure thoughts and feelings about the improved dress but it was too late to hide them from Jasper. I gave great details about the restaurant and left out a few details I'm much too ashamed to explain. I got lost in my thoughts and nearly ran out on Bella. I made her so worried that she started crying uncontrollably. It broke my heart and in the end I was holding her in my arms. Where she should be now but instead, I'm down here talking about what's already happened. I quickly rushed to finish explaining the rest of dinner. Mused about leaving the restaurant and looking at the stars then I commented about the drive home. I told her that's when I realized the date I thought was ruined really was just as perfect as I wanted.
"Now, if you don't mind, I'm going to spend the rest of the night with my arms wrapped around the women I love." I said as I left.
"Have a good night brother." Jasper called as he turned his full attention back to his wife and more pointedly her lips.
I run up the stairs and back to my room. I left Bella fast asleep in the middle of the bed I'd bought just for her. Once I was in the room I made sure to close the door quietly behind me. The lights were off but I could still see clear as day, perks of being a vampire. Bella was just as I'd left her, sleeping peacefully. I stood there just in complete awe of her and of how this day has turned out. Perfect was what I was hoping for and all I found was how powerless I am in achieving perfection. Bella was right, perfection is just being around her, just watching her sleep, just simply holding her. All thing I wanted to be doing this very second. I carefully climbed into the bed next to her and wrapped my arms around Bella. She didn't wake but stirred slightly, rolling on her side and curling into me. She was just so adorable, her hand gripped my shirt tightly. My plans to end the perfect date consist of laying here as she dreamed.
Narrator's POV.
Two young lovers drive nine hours to have dinner. Its funny how these two have such different idea of perfection and yet young Edward's perfect plans have had to change. But not all changes are bad, are they? Sometimes the imperfections are truly perfection after all and we all could learn to appreciate what's perfect.