Hi, Everyone! We all know I own nothing, right? Sadly,
not even Chocolateward.
I could just cry.

Everyone is expressing their desire for these two to get
over their insecurities, already … but alas! It is not so
easily done. Besides, if I got them together already,
what would we do with the other 27 chapters? ;)

I also have already had people express their desire for
Edward to help Bella with her virginity 'issue.' I will tell
you only one spoiler, here and now … this Edward is like
Originalward. He is not going to deflour her before he
puts a ring on it. Lemons are not the reason this story
is rated M. Sorry, not sorry…

Much thanks goes to Fran for beta-ing this story, not once
but two times. You are amazing! *mwah*

Chapter 3

"No, I can't," Bella pleaded. "I don't … do galas, or balls, or events. Please, Dr. Newton. Please don't make me do this," her voice wavered, and her eyes filled with tears.

"Not going isn't an option this time, Bella," Mike's voice was quiet but forceful.

"Why is it different this time, Mike?"

"It's different, because this year you are the 'Golden Girl.' Saving the life of Matthew Stafford's mom put you directly on the radar of the Board of Directors."

"I'm no glad-hander, Mike, you know this. You need to go back to whoever demanded this and convince them that-"

"No can do, pretty lady," Mike shook his head sympathetically, and gently squeezed Bella's shoulder. "There comes a time when you need to play the role that scares you. It's time for you to put a face to the fame."

"You don't understand. The only class I ever failed was Public Speaking. They're gonna want me to stand up there in front of a crowd of schmancy people, and smile as they hand me some Doctor of the Year award," her big, doe-eyes were opened wide, and the tears began to spill over. "I'll have to be catheterized!"

"Why ever would you …" Dr. Newton began to laugh, as the meaning sunk in. He knew she hadn't intended to make a joke, but he couldn't help but laugh. "I promise, I won't let them make you do anything more than stand and wave from your seat."

Bella swallowed hard, nodding her head in defeat. She suddenly had the urge to contract malaria on December 9th, maybe her friend Lauren could help her out, she thought. Lauren had access to all sorts of infectious diseases, working with the CDC, and as of that moment, illness had never sounded so appealing. If she were sick, then Mike—Dr. Newton, the Chief of Staff—would surely excuse her.

As if he could hear the cogs working in her brain, Mike shook his head, grinning at her. "Don't think that you're going to worm your way out of this. Bring a date. That's an order."

Bella rolled her eyes and walked away defeated. It was November 3rd, and even with a full four and a half weeks' notice, Bella knew she would not be prepared for this event. Every year, the Board of Directors hosted a fund-raising Gala, where they boasted of this year's achievements, and presented the award to the 'Doctor of the Year.' When Mike cornered her in her office as she was preparing to leave, he happily announced that she had been chosen this year. He seemed to think he was bringing her 'glad tidings of great joy.' She guessed that if she were like most people, it would have felt that way. Being as she was not like most people, it was overwhelmingly, unwelcome news.

All she wanted was to do her work. Saving lives and healing people, quietly and discreetly. She didn't go into medicine as a means to become rich or famous, but both seemed to be happening. Last month, she had refused a photo sitting for a major medical journal. She had hoped to keep her face out of the 'medical press,' but that was not to be. They simply found pictures taken for her externship program and edited those to place on the cover. Her days of operating beneath the radar were over. The procedure she had developed—building on the methods taught to her, and fusing them with a new, break-through method that had been developed in Germany—had saved Mrs. Stafford's life. She had been told by other Cardiologists that she was not a surgical candidate, and to get her affairs in order, but Bella could not find it in her heart to give up. She knew it would be a risky procedure, but the patient and her family were willing to try whatever hope she could offer.

She drove home, with No Doubt and Alanis Morissette blaring through her sound system, and trying to figure out what to do. She ended up calling Alice at five the next morning, knowing she would already be up, making whatever goodies she had planned to sell at the shop.

"Talk to me," Alice answered with her signature greeting.

"Alice." It was all that Bella was able to choke out between her sobs.

"Oh, sweetie. You sound like you need a girlie day," Alice jumped into planning as she skittered around her kitchen, putting last-minute touches on the muffins and cookies she normally made, as well as the apple and pecan pie tartlets, and the pumpkin cheesecake bars she would be making throughout the month.

By the end of their very short conversation, Alice had promised to be at her place by eight am, with all five of those famous vampire movies. They would watch the movies together as they talked and ate their weight in cheesecake, and whatever chocolate she could finagle out of Edward. Not surprisingly, Edward sent three dozen of Bella's favorite, assorted chocolates as well as a thermos of his coffee, and a pound of the freshly roasted, cinnamon pecans he had just finished as Alice rushed into the store.

Edward felt terrible that Bella was in a bad way. He was frustrated that Alice couldn't give him any details about whatever was bothering the beautiful woman who haunted his dreams. He had yet to say anything to Bella about knowing where she lived or to ask her why she would go out of her way every day.

Deep inside, he knew the truth. He knew that Bella felt as deeply for him as he did for her, but he hated to think that way. He thought her to be out of his league. He was happy to share the same space with her every day, gazing at her as she perched unknowingly on the pedestal that his mind had built just for her. He didn't seem to understand that it might be painful to her to fall from such lofty heights.

In spite of the fact that he didn't deem himself as worthy of her regard, he knew she was a true friend, and friends tried to encourage each other when they were feeling low, right? So, he decided to text her some much needed well-wishes. What followed was an interesting conversation that lasted well into the evening.

While Bella and Alice watched their movies and Bella cried around mouthfuls of chocolate, pastry, and nuts, her phone was never out of her hands. Alice beamed as she watched Bella come out of her funk, and glow at the texted attentions of her brother in law.

Having explained to Alice about the Gala, her phobia of large social gatherings, her lack of appropriate attire for such an occasion, and her dateless state, Bella felt the knot inside of her stomach begin to unwind. Alice assured her that there was a solution to every problem. Alice encouraged her to fill Edward in on the situation, knowing that he would volunteer to be her escort. Edward was as gallant as he was self-deprecating.

Alice tells me that you are having a rough day. I am sending you comfort foods, and my fondest hopes that you feel better.

Thank you, Edward. I appreciate the coffee and treats. I will be okay once I have had a good cry and some girl talk, I am sure. Thank you for your concern.

You will always have that, even if you don't want it. I come by my worry skills naturally … You've met my mother, right? LOL

Well, worry-wart, stop. I am fine. It's just a situation at work that I have to figure out.

Alice has a great set of shoulders. If they are not strong enough, there is always mine! ;)

Stop! LOL Winky faces make me giggle, and the movie is at a serious part.

Serious scene, you say? Is the sexy vampire sparkling? ;) ;) ;)

You, sir, are a jerk! : )-

No thanks, I have toilet paper…

Ugh! I will keep in mind that you like to text potty humor. *shudder*

You are giggling. I know you are.

Whatever…

Uh-huh! You just confirmed it. So, tell me truly … is there anything I can do to help with this 'situation'?

Alice says I should get your male perspective … so here's my little book. Settle in.
Every year the hospital hosts a fundraising Gala event. At said event, the Doctor of the Year is awarded, and generally makes a speech. As you know, I am extremely awkward about being the center of attention. I do NOT do speeches or schmooze. I do NOT dance. Anyway, this year, I am the recipient of the award and have not been given the option of backing out. I am expected to be there in fancy clothes and on the arm of a date. (Something I have never done) My boss assures me I won't be called on for a speech. Alice says she'll get me gussied up after finding the 'perfect dress.' I have no idea what to do about the date.

That's simple. I'll take you. I am a wonderful dancer, and I will keep you from falling on either your face or backside.

-LWTC-

My heartfelt thanks to all who are following this story,
and for every review!
*huggles*

You should all go check out the blog Fran has started to help
promote fledgling authors, as well as stories that are not
getting the notice they should be.

pif fics of the month at blog spot DOT c om (remove all spaces and make the symbols)