Previously on European Romance-

The elevator dinged, and the doors opened, revealing a large and gorgeous room. I hadn't realized that we went up so high, because we got out of the elevator at penthouse level.

Chapter Three-The library

I was amazed, to say in short. The floors were mixed marble, and there were expensive throw rugs strewn awry. Two leather couches were facing an enormous plasma screen television. Large windows opened up to show the whole city below us. A spiral staircase led up to a second floor, which you could see partially due to a balcony. Connected to the living area was an open kitchen area with an island. Stainless steel kitchen supplies were strategically placed around.

I showed my amazement without concealment, which was obvious to both Alice and Edward. Alice simply nodded, understanding of my reaction, but Edward scoffed. Why that arrogant son of a-

Edward interrupted my thoughts. "Yours's and Bella's room is upstair,"he forcefully spoke, gesturing only to Alice. I must've dropped my bags in my reaction because he picked them up and handed them to me. "Watch your stuff, please" he said, as rudely as possible. Any kindness previously in-between us was gone.

"Sure," I spat back. Meanwhile, Alice whisked him away and appeared to be sternly speaking to him. He was retorting just as sternly.

I didn't like being such a burden to him, as much as I didn't like him. I wondered what kind of job he had to have such an apartment; maybe a doctor or lawyer. But he looked so young.

I looked around one more time before climbing the stairs. When I reached the top, I was just as amazed as I was before.

There was a long hallway with caramel colored walls and floor. The hallway had four separate doors, two on either side. I had no idea which one was mine and Alice's. Thankfully, she was now by my side, taking it inas much as I was. "Wow," she breathed, "those stairs were monsters."

"I think that they are worth it," I said, while taking in my surroundings. Even the hallways in this house were eloquent.

"Yeah, I agree. Edward is so lucky," she sighed, enviously. She was so lucky, to have such a good gene pool. "What does he do?" I questioned.

"Oh," she said, understanding my reasons for questioning. "He's a writer. You may have read some for his books." She said this casually, making me curious.

Alice continued down the hallway, and opened the second on the left to reveal a large room. It had the same qualities of the downstairs room; very modern with great window. The room had the same floors and walls as the hallway. There was only one bed, and it had a beautifly made white duvet cover on it. I didn't mind sharing a bed with anyone, especially Alice.

I and Alice set our bags in the corner. "Do you want to unpack now?" she asked. "We could do that or go downstairs and hang out with Edward," she spoke jokingly.

I probably looked disgusted, because she laughed. "I'm just kidding."

"Wow. You're so funny," I replied mockingly. "What's his problem anyways?" I questioned with angst in my voice.

"Oh. I'm not sure. I spoke to him, but he was a wall. I couldn't get anything out of him. He's probably just upset that I invited you to his house without consulting him," she spoke smoothly.

"Oh… I can go, Alice," I said, feeling very much like a burden. I've always hated intruding, which may have been the reason I had only a couple friends in high school.

She looked mortified. "No! I mean, please don't. He's just grumpy. I think he had a girlfriend that dumped him," she pondered. "He may have actually loved her. She was probably just leeching off of him."

I had a sudden pang of grief. Why does that affect me so much? I don't even know him.

"That… sucks." I mentally noted that I would try to be kinder to him. I mean, I was staying in his home, charge free.

She nodded but didn't respond. I didn't think that she wanted to talk about it. I felt as if there was more to talk about there. Her eyes lit up, ignoring the awkward feeling. "Let's have dinner," she suggested. "It's getting late."

I suddenly realized that I was hungry. I hadn't eaten since this morning, at the airport. I actually thought for a second that I smelled food. Alice sniffed, as if she smelled it too. "Edward made food!" she exclaimed. She rushed out of the room, and I followed slowly, but eagerly. I for some reason wanted to appear casual.

I arrived downstairs and Alice was already in the kitchen. Wow, she was fast. She was reading what appeared to be a note. When she was finished, she looked up, almost disappointed. She dismissed these feelings, and beckoned me over.

I rushed over to find beautifully made food. When Alice went to the opposite side of the kitchen to get utensils, I quickly read the note.

Went out. I made dinner for you and our guest.

E

I could sense the anger in his writing; especially in our guest. Despite this, it was in perfect writing. It looked almost as if it belonged in the 1800s. It made sense, if he were a writer for a living.

By then, Alice had returned with forks and knifes. She began to serve what he had made. It was obviously Italian food. We sat down and ate, and didn't speak much. Alice looked deep in thought, so I didn't bother her.

After dinner, I felt like going for a run. I was never athletic, so it was a real challenge for me. Yet, I was motivated, due to the abundant food I had just eaten. So, I ran upstairs and opened my bag.

I took out some exercise clothes; which weren't really created for exercise. I decided to wear an old Forks High School t-shirt. It spelled out, "Forks High School Battle of the Books." I wasn't proud of who I was in high school. I was certainly not popular. I was okay with that though. For my bottoms, I just wore Nike spandex. I wasn't trying to look pretty. On top of that, a simple pony tail. On my arm, I stuck my IPod for music. I was probably just going to listen to the Beatles to drown out my panting.

Alice came into our room, took in my attire, and told me to be safe. Also, to call her if Mike jumped me. I would call her before the police; she was very aggressive.

Once I got downstairs, I pressed the elevator button and waited. The doors opened, and I stepped in. I pushed the button labeled "L." I received some weird glances once I got into the lobby. I started running when I was outside Mikes line of sight.

The scenery was beautiful; ancient buildings, parks, cafes- everywhere. I wished I lived in an area this populous. I was drenched in sweat when I saw a cute library at the corner of the street. No cars were on the road, so I jogged over.

On either side of the library door, there were little trimmed bushes. Christmas lights were strewn on the outside of the library. The door was maroon and paneled with glass. As I opened the door, there was a little jangle of a bell. Cute, I thought to myself. I was a sucker for cute decorations.

The library wasn't busy at all, and there was no one currently at the front desk. I shrugged, and continued to the rows and rows of books.

I usually read the classics; Wuthering Heights, Romeo and Juliet, To Kill a Mockingbird. And I read them over and over again. But, today, I felt more inclined to visit the romance section. Weird. I skimmed over the cheesy titles, and the authors, when suddenly I stopped in my tracks.

I read a title- "Violent Ends," by Edward Cullen. Oh my goodness. I began to read the summary.

A bad ending to a perfec-

I heard a throat clear behind me. I slowly turned around, expecting to see a stranger, but saw Edward, in the flesh. My face turned red, and I quickly put away the book.

"What are you doing here?" he questioned, angrily. I assumed that he knew what I was reading. "Oh, I was just running, and saw this book store." I realized that I didn't like him and spoke, "But I don't have to explain myself to you." My annoyance was obvious. He replied with a simple, "Okay."

He turned to walk away, but I stopped him. "What are you doing here?"

"I'm the bookkeeper on Saturday nights," he replied coolly. "But I don't have to explain myself to you," he spoke, quoting me.

I huffed and ran out the door. Not upset, just angry. I continued down the street, pondering what just happened.

Then, I heard a familiar voice calling at me.

Thanks for reading. There was some more (hostile) ExB time. It'll get better. I kinda like the relationships that develop from pure hatred. Please review! Haven't gotten any yet. I will update ASAP.