Hey everyone! I'm back with my longest chapter yet- I hope you like it! Also, there's an Author Note at the bottom. I need your help in deciding what EPOV you want to see. Read at the bottom for more info!
Oh! I almost forgot- links for the girls' outfits and their apartment can be found in my profile.
There's a little bit of lemonishness in this chap, nothing huge, just an FYI. Okay I'll shutup!
Thanks for reading, as always :)
Don't own itttt, but SM does.
My alarm clock took the shape of a five-foot-tall pixie with jet black hair.
"Rise and shine sleepyhead!" She yelled, lightly bouncing on my mattress. That's a no-no, especially before my morning coffee.
"Alice, you better have"-she interrupted me before I finished- "Coffee? Check!" she exclaimed proudly. I grumbled my thanks as I sat up.
"What time is it, Al?" I asked in my typical gravelly morning voice. My eyes squinted open to look at the alarm clock, but she answered me before I was able to make out the neon numbers.
"It's 8:00, which means you have exactly one hour to get your perky little ass into the shower and get yourself dressed. I set out a gorgeous tank and jeans for you- and flats! You're welcome; they're on your desk. I bought some bagels from Rose's and my favorite place, Bagel Broker! We can eat on the way, chop chop!" She danced out of my room before I had the chance to say anything more; and definitely before I had the chance to veto her outfit of choice.
I grabbed my cup of coffee and meandered into the spacious bathroom. I turned the water on hotter than normal, eager to ease my sore muscles. Five hours on a plane- three turned sideways- will do that to anyone. Although looking back, it was totally worth it.
I stepped into the steaming hot shower and gasped at the great heat. After a minute I felt my muscles relax, and my mind wandered to the day before.
Edward was too sexy for his own good, and I couldn't stop wondering about what his body looked like beneath the simple v-neck t-shirt shirt he wore. From what I could see, it was buff, but not too buff. Such long and lean muscle and his biceps looked so firm. I allowed myself to imagine that he was in the shower with me.
My hand trailing over my breasts and leading down my soaked stomach wasn't mine, but his. He was whispering in my ear, telling me how beautiful I was, how badly he wanted me. I began making little circles on my clit, rubbing and kneading while I felt myself getting closer to finishing already. I thought about what he would look like coming and I had to hold in my moan as I found my sudden, intense release; my legs nearly giving out with the power of my orgasm.
I opened my eyes and immediately blushed when I realized what I'd done. Of course it wasn't the first time I'd enjoyed some time one on one, but it was the first time I'd ever imagined a specific person with me.
I've had boyfriends, dated them briefly, but never really felt satisfied with them- really satisfied. I've heard about when you're more connected with someone, the sex is better. Maybe I;ve never been connected to someone that way, yet. I'm not a virgin, but I've still never had an orgasm during sex. I wonder if Edward could have changed that… I need to stop thinking about this now before I stay in here all day. But I should definitely do that more often, talk about intense! Whew.
I rinsed off and stepped out of the shower. As I dried off, I thought about why I ran off yesterday. I felt betrayed at the time, angry that he hadn't told me who he really is. But how are you supposed to tell someone you're famous without sounding like an absolute ass? I can see why he wouldn't or couldn't tell me. I wish I would have realized all of this before leaving…
I walked into my room and closed the door. I sighed deeply when I realized it was too late. He's gone, and I'm a bitch. He's probably moved on anyway to someone sexy, rich, and famous, like he is. It was foolish of me to even entertain the idea that he felt the same way I felt about him.
I shook my head in order to clear it and looked down at the outfit Alice picked for me. It was my size. I laughed as I thought about her- who had assuredly already bought an entire wardrobe for me before I even moved here. Going together today is just for her. I decided then that I wouldn't be the typical Bella. It's time to enjoy life a little bit- enjoy shopping with one of my best friends. I would be a new Bella. I'll actually try to enjoy shopping- it's the least I could do for Alice.
Once I got my outfit on, I discovered I absolutely loved it. It was an aqua/teal scoop neck tank top with dark skinny leg jeans. I didn't feel suffocated in them because they were stretch, and I loved my shoes. They were a Steve Madden silver flat. Comfortable. I love you, Alice. I blow dried my hair and left it wavy, gathering it to the side of my head as I put it in a low side ponytail. I wanted to show off the awesome knitting on the back of my shirt, and I left a few tendrils loose by the side of my face. After guzzling my coffee, brushing my teeth, and applying some lip gloss, I was ready to head out. I grabbed my clutch and was off to find Alice.
Even the hallway looked roomy. I walked down to Alice's room and knocked on the door.
"Come in Bella!" Alice chimed. I walked through the door and gasped- it was gorgeous. The walls were white, not eggshell, not cream, white. Her large four poster bed had white and cream pillows covering it. Everything in her room was a hue of white, save for the black screen on her fireplace. Yes, she had a fireplace in her bedroom. French doors led out onto her balcony. It was every princess' fantasy. Leave it to Alice…
"Alice, your room! It's beautiful!"
"Thanks! I've been working on it for a while, and finally found that gold picture frame from a flea market last week and knew my masterpiece was finished! We can do something with your room if you'd like. You know, make it more Bella-esque?" I could see her practically salivating at the idea. Her puppy eyes were out in full force and her bottom lip was pushed out. I couldn't help but laugh at the sight. But what could I do? I have no design experience. A pair of the greenest eyes flashed in my mind. Hey, if I never see the guy again- my heart felt heavy at the thought- then at least he helped me discover my favorite color.
"Actually, Alice, I do have an idea…"She looked like a kid on Christmas morning. "I'd like to paint the walls green"
"Wow, that's ballsy! I like it! It would go really well with your light furniture Rose and I put in there. We can pick up the paint tomorrow- let's go!" We headed down the hallway toward the front door, when she stopped.
"Oh! Want to take a quick look around? We made it pretty dark last night to freak you out," she giggled. I was curious, so I readily agreed.
We walked to the right and through the small but stylish dining room, which I'm sure is never used. Rose and Alice aren't very good at cooking. And by not very good, I mean they probably would ruin boiled water. In the center of the room was a large oval table, and I immediately thought of the dinner parties we could have here.
Next to the dining room was the kitchen, which I loved. It was so light and open, and the range was amazing! It had a large hood above it, and was nestled in white marble countertops. Yes, this is home. I should pinch myself.
"Alice! Jesus, you can't even cook!" I yelled.
"Yeah, but isn't it pretty?" she smiled as her small hand caressed the marble. She walked out of the kitchen. "Okay, last room. The living room! My favorite room in the apartment. It's perfect for movie nights. You game for one tonight?"
"Yeah, that sounds great" I said as I took in the large comfortable living room. It really is perfect for a movie night. There was an L-shaped couch nestled up against the back walls with a big, soft bench to set popcorn on. Across from the couch was a huge 52-inch flat screen. DVD's adorned the sides of the television, encased in a stylish cabinet. This place is awesome. I'm never moving out.
"Did you decorate this place? It's fantastic" I said in awe.
"Rose and I both did, although you know Rose. She's not too picky, plus she's just happy the place has a garage so she can work on her car." I laughed. That's so Rose.
"That's true, we live with our own grease monkey. Let's get going- where are the bagels I was promised?" I looked around the kitchen but didn't see them.
"Come on, they're in my car waiting for us. This is going to be a blast!"
We walked out into the large entryway. Alice was prancing out the door in a gorgeous lemon-colored dress and brown sandal… things. To me they looked like death traps; to her they were like tennis shoes. We got on the elevator and Alice pushed the down arrow.
We walked through the indoor parking garage and got into her car. "Aw, Alice, you match your car." Alice owned a yellow Porsche 911. Ridiculous. Cars are just something to drive, not a fashion statement. "Did you do that on purpose?" I asked.
"My Bella, I do nothing by mistake. You know this" she looked at me and we burst out laughing. God I missed her. I missed them both. We pulled out of the garage and out of the parking complex. We were having a great time listening to her 80's playlist and reminiscing about our college days. We were halfway to Melrose when Alice changed the subject.
"Bella…" Alice started. I knew by her tone what she wanted to know. She wanted to know what happened between this Edward person and me. Now's as good a time as any, and once I get this out we can go on with our day. I decided to see how well known this Edward Cullen character really was.
"You don't have to tell me, but I know there's something else. There's something else there, B."
I looked at her as we stopped at a light at a busy intersection. I held her gaze. She knew I was going to open up.
I took a breath, and slowly said, "Edward Cullen." Her face went from confusion, to disbelief –which I knew would happen… why would he ever want to date me?- to shock, all in about two seconds.
"Edward Cullen. Edward Cullen is the Edward you met on the plane?! Isabella Marie Swan! Holy shit! How did you not fall apart when you first saw him? He's like super A-list! Personally, I prefer blondes, but damn! Edward fucking Cullen?!" Okay, so I guess he is pretty well known.
"Alice, I haven't exactly been going to movies and buying gossip magazines the last two years, have I?"
"You're right. Sorry Bella. So how did it all happen? Start from the beginning and if you value your life at all you'll leave nothing out!" She threatened. She was freakishly strong for how small she was.
So I told her about everything- his eyes, our conversation, leaving nothing out. We parked her car and got out just as I was getting to the bad part.
"Okay, it sounds like you guys made a real connection, so what gives? What went wrong?" She probed. I went on to explain the paparazzi and the fans swarming him, and how I found out who he was by looking at the cover of an Us Weekly. I told her about me leaving.
"And the worst part, Al, is that he never got my number. I left before he had a chance, but I was just so overwhelmed by everything. I have no way of contacting him, and I'm starting to see that I overreacted. He never actually lied to me, he just didn't mention that he was practically God's gift to women.
Alice put her arms around me and nodded at me sympathetically. "Don't worry. I have a feeling things will all work out. I bet he's going crazy trying to find you." Could she be right? Probably not. He's forgotten all about me by now. But letting Alice in on what happened had put me in a better mood. I gave her a genuine smile.
"Come on, let's go shopping before I change my mind!" I said. She squealed and practically dragged me into the ivy covered store.
"Bella, meet Fred Segel" I looked around and giggled at her introduction while curtsying.
"Charmed, I'm sure" I added.
Fred Segel. Kitson. Lisa Kline. Curve.
We went to all these places and more. Before lunch. My stomach growled and I felt lightheaded when Alice suggested we stop for lunch. I wholeheartedly agreed.
We hopped into Alice's car and drove to the little restaurant a few blocks away. We opted to sit outside on the patio since it was such a nice summer day. We ordered our drinks and I excused myself to the restroom. I walked through the upscale eatery and into the bathroom, holding the door open for a woman about my age. We were the only two in there.
"Thanks," she said, and as she looked at me something flashed on her face. Recognition.
I was a little confused, because I was certain I didn't know her, but smiled and said, "You're welcome."
I was just about to get into the stall when I heard her speak.
"Excuse me? Are you Bella?" she asked, hopeful.
"Yes? Can I help you?" The girl was gawking at me now.
"Can I have your autograph?" She began quickly rifling through her huge boho-chic purse, I assumed for a pen or something to write on. Why, I wasn't sure. What the hell?
"What?" was all I managed to say. I collected my thoughts and added, "Why? How do you know my name?"
She looked at me like I should know. "You're on the cover of Star Magazine! Here, I have it in my purse somewhere..." She began frantically looking through her purse again, this time for the magazine. I didn't doubt that she did have the magazine in there with how huge her purse was.
Normally I would book it the hell out of there, but I had to see it. I had to see if it was true.
"Um, what? Excuse me, wow… I'm what? Can I please see it?" I asked, completely flabbergasted. My mouth had gone as dry as the Sahara.
Eventually she found the magazine and handed it to me, along with her pen. I saw the title and gasped, dropping the magazine to the floor. My hand immediately went to my mouth. Now I really felt faint. I knew I heard a click while we were looking at each other before the crowd of people descended!
There, on the cover of Star Magazine were Edward and me, making googly eyes at each other and, yep, grinning like idiots. At least I was right about that part. The caption below read, 'Mystery Girl Steals the Heart of Edward Cullen', and below that in small script read 'Could this girl be Edward's next leading lady? Who is she? Find out inside!'
I bolted, apologizing for dropping the magazine. I made my way out, tripping twice, to Alice, who was looking worried.
"Bella, are you ok? What took you so long?- Are you alright? You're as white as a ghost! Here, sit down, take a sip of your water…" She sat me down and put the drink in front of me. I took a small sip, to wet my dry as a bone mouth. When I could finally swallow again I said to Alice, "We have to go. Like, now. I'm on the fucking cover of Start Magazine!"
"What!" she exclaimed. I threw some money down on the table, for our drinks, and we hastily grabbed our things and left. I told her about my bathroom encounter. We were about a block from her car when she turned around.
"Uh oh, Bells. We better get there quick. There's a dude with a pretty high tech camera a block away, headed right for us… That fucking chick in the bathroom must have called! I know there's a number right on the magazine that you can call anytime. I used it once when I saw Megan Fox at a club." She guiltily looked at me.
"It's okay Alice, let's just get in your car and get outta here."
We hopped in the car and left. Our shopping day was over.
We stopped on the way to grab a copy of the magazine. I needed to know what it said, damn my curious nature. I called Rose to tell her we were coming home early, and she decided to take the rest of the day off for a movie marathon. It must be nice to own your own PR firm. Alice jumped back into the car and threw it in my lap, demanding that I read it on the way home.
I read, "The brunette beauty has been identified as Bella. Edward was heard yelling her name as she swiftly took off via cab. Could it be the first lover's quarrel between the two? How long have they been dating? Our sources speculate that it's still early, because Edward's not been photographed with another woman since Tanya Denali last April. Their relationship ended after he caught her cheating on him with old rival, Jake Black. We still don't have a last name, but one thing's for sure- Edward Cullen has his gorgeous green eyes on her. We here at Star Magazine will keep you updated on any developments with the couple people are referring to as 'Belward'. If you see anything, email us at"- I stopped reading there. I would have to think about the stuff with Tanya Denali, who I already hate, and Jake Black later. Belward? What the hell is that? Ohhh... I get it. Heh.
"Wow…" Alice said after a full minute of silence.
"Yeah…" I added.
"Well, how do you feel about it all?" Alice timidly asked.
How do I feel?
Apart from being photographed after a five hour flight, looking like crap… and today being surprised by the magazine, I actually felt okay. I hate being the center of attention, but if it was with Edward, then it didn't matter to me. I stopped thinking about it when I realized it didn't matter. He was a great guy, and even though things were over between us, it was worth it. If I ever see him again, I'll tell him. And I'll tell him how sorry I am for overreacting.
Alice is still waiting on an answer…
"I'm fine. A little embarrassed. But fine." I said, genuinely.
"Good!" she chirped. "Because that was awesome!" I laughed along with her, and realized we were almost home.
"I can't wait to tell Rose what happened…" Alice said. Shit. I never told Rose about who Edward really was. Alice noticed the change in my demeanor and she knew what was going through my mind.
"Don't worry about Rose. You know she'll understand- she knew you weren't ready to share that information last night. She should be home by now, preparing for our movie marathon. I can tell her everything when I get inside.
We pulled into the parking garage and I still couldn't get over how lucky I was to be living here. We took out my eight shopping bags and Alice's ten, and made our way to the elevator of the twenty story building. We made our way up to the sixteenth floor, and walked down the hall to the apartment. As soon as we walked through the door, the smell of popcorn assaulted me. It literally made my mouth water. We never got a chance for lunch, so now I was ravenous.
"Hey, bitches!" Rose called out from the kitchen. "Come help me with all this junk!" We went in and helped haul all the candy, popcorn, and drinks into the living room. I sat in the middle of the couch with Alice to the left, leaving the extended end for Rose. She got up and walked in front of the tv.
"Okay, first things first. Movie recommendations?" she asked.
"Pretty Woman!" Alice yelled.
"I'm good with that!" I seconded.
"Pretty Woman it is!" Rose decided.
She put in the DVD and dimmed the lights. She walked over to the couch and lay down in her favorite spot. The movie was about to start when Rose pushed the Pause button.
"Bella, don't you have anything to tell me?" She accused, but lightheartedly. She raised her perfectly sculpted eyebrow at me. She must have seen the magazine cover.
"Yes, Rose… I'm so sorry I didn't tell you sooner; I didn't know how to tell you something like that."
She gave me an understanding look and hugged me briefly before I went into telling her what I told Alice. By the time I was finished, she looked pretty impressed. That wasn't an easy task.
"Wow, B, I didn't know you had it in you! I can't believe you left a huge celeb like Edward Cullen high and dry like that with him chasing after you! He's got it so bad…"
"I don't know, I doubt it Rose." I said, feeling down. I looked up at her and swore I saw a smug expression on her face. I did a double take but it was gone when I looked back.
"Whatever you say" She smiled as she pressed Play.
We started the marathon at two. It was now going on nine, and we had gone through three movies- Pretty Woman, Sleeping with the Enemy, and Erin Brokovich. Hey, call it a Julia Roberts kind of day.
"Hey Bells, you have your phone on you?" Rose asked.
"No, it's in my room, why…?" What was she up to?
"No reason. You might just want to have it on you at"-the clock chimed nine o'clock-" right now actually. You never know who might call you." I looked at her quizzically but got up to get my phone.
I heard a ringing as I opened my door, and walked over to answer it. The screen read 'Unknown Number'.
"Hello?"
"Hi, is this Bella?" I gasped audibly into the phone. I knew that smooth voice. It sounded timid, hesitant. My heart sped up to insane levels; I was sure he could hear it. I took a deep breath to calm myself before answering.
I was sure he could still hear my trembling as I answered, " Yes, this is Bella…" Could it really be him? Calling me?
"Bella." I heard a sigh of relief on the other end of the phone. He continued on. "It's Edward, from the plane? God, you probably think I'm such an ass. I got your number from your friend, Rosalie Hale."
"Rose gave you my number? But how did you know how to find her?" I was in complete shock. He looked for me.
"I remember you telling me about your friend Rose who owns her own PR firm. I searched for her and called her as soon as I found her number. I asked for your number after explaining everything to her. She made me promise not to hurt you again before she would give me your number… she told me if I did that she would, how did she so eloquently put it, cut off my balls? Do you think she'd really do that?" he asked, nervously chuckling into the phone. I love that sound.
Think of something witty to say! "That all depends on if you keep your promise, I suppose", I laughed, too.
"In that case, I think I'm safe." He quipped, reassuring me. "Listen Bella, I want to apologize to you"- I interrupted him- "No, Edward, I should be the one apologizing. I shouldn't have run off like that. It all just happened so fast. I didn't know why everyone was taking pictures of you, and then I looked over to the magazines and saw you plastered on almost every cover! I just freaked." I explained.
"Us." He said simply.
"What?" I asked, confused.
"They were taking pictures of us, Bella. Did you see the cover of Star Magazine today? We do make quite the cute couple," he didn't laugh like I expected him to. I hoped he was being serious. I began laughing. "You're laughing because I said we make a nice couple? I'm hurt, Bella."
I laughed a bit more before explaining. "No Edward, I'm not laughing at that, I think it's great. I've just never heard a guy say 'cute' before!" We had a good laugh over it and talked about other words that sound weird coming from guys. Like 'duvet'. And 'tinkle'. He sighed before finishing his previous thought.
"But really Bella, if I would have just been honest from the get go we wouldn't have had this problem, and I wouldn't have been calling every Whole Foods in LA County. Plus, I could have asked you out a lot sooner…" Wow. I have officially died and gone to heaven. I smiled as I pictured him on his cell phone, personally calling 411 a hundred times, trying to find out if that Whole Foods was the store where I worked. And did he say 'asked out sooner'? Was he going to ask me out?
"You do have a point…" I teased. We laughed, for the hundredth time since being on the phone. I heard him take a large, calming breath.
"Bella, would you have dinner with me tomorrow night? At my place? Er, to avoid any unwanted attention?" He sounded nervous. It was adorable.
"I'd love to." I answered simply. I tried not to sound too overexcited, but I was through the roof. I can't believe what a complete one-eighty my day had taken. And tomorrow night, I would be having dinner with Edward. At his place!
"Thank you for giving me a second chance. I promise you it's the last chance I'll need. How does seven sound- I'll pick you up? Is that alright with you?"
"Yeah, that sounds great, Edward." We talked for a while longer, and after exchanging information like his phone number and where I lived, we hung up.
As soon as I hung up the phone, I squealed like a little girl, but I wasn't alone. Alice and Rose were there in the doorway for God knows how long, screaming along with me. They ran and tackled me to my bed and we talked and gossiped excitedly for hours. Alice would pick out my dress and heels- ugh heels-, and Rose said she wanted to do my hair and makeup. I agreed and basked in the perfect second half of my day.
I went to bed nervous and excited for the next night.
A/N: OK, it's up to you guys- do you want to see what Edward was doing the day Bella was shopping and witness the phone call with Rosalie? See how he reacted when he saw the Star Mag cover? Or should I start EPOV from the day of their date (the next day)? It's up to you! Leave me your answer in a review, I'm really torn so you have to help! Thanks again for reading!
-Mel
