DISCLAIMER: Stephenie Meyer may own them, but I can manipulate them. HA, HA, HA, HA, HA…cough. That's it for my Mandar laugh.
Chapter 4: Private Lesson
I woke up the next morning with one thing on my mind: dancing with Edward. Wait, excuse me, Mr. Cullen. He was my instructor aiding me in my poor dance skills. It was already difficult enough to dance, but he made it worse for I couldn't concentrate.
But today, I would have to focus. This morning I was working a shift from nine to one in the afternoon. Then, I would afternoon classes to attend to. Those classes would finish up around five in the afternoon. I won't be home until five-thirty and Alice won't be home until six. But Edward had a class then, so I had to push it back to six-thirty. Which meant I would run into Alice; I would have to make up an excuse later.
7:45 the alarm clock read. I rose from bed, showered, and brushed my teeth. I let my hair hang and finished my morning ritual.
8:20 I walked out of my room, fully-dressed and made myself some toast. Then, I locked up the place and walked to work.
My day progressed in a blur. I remembered the manager informing me my shift was over. I remembered raising my hand to answer a question, but not really sure what the question was.
I collected my books and notes from my last class – Spanish Literature – and stepped out into the streets of Seattle.
Subconsciously, I made it home. I placed my bag down, but then decided to move it into my bedroom. I went back into the kitchen to reheat last night's ziti. While it nuked in the microwave I anxiously eyed the time. What was wrong with me? It seemed it like time was taking forever. Finally, the microwave dinged. I swooped down to retrieve it from the microwave and curled up on our sofa.
But I couldn't eat. I was too nervous. Way too nervous. "Well, let's watch some TV, Bella," I said to myself. I must have been going crazy. I flicked on the TV and turned to last bits of the news.
"…the police caught up to them after spotting their name tags…" the TV blared. How pathetic? I thought. But, as if it were a drug, I kept watching the news, fascinated by the stupidity of some people.
Soon, I heard the front door open and Alice's jewelry jingling together. "Bella? TV?" she puzzled.
"What's wrong?" I asked innocently. She shook her head dismissing any notions. She walked past me suspiciously into her room. She reappeared five minutes later and headed towards the kitchen. She took a portion of the ziti and placed it in the microwave. While it was nuking, she came towards me.
"So, Bella, I was wondering if you wanted to go out with friends tonight. Or even practice our lesson?" she asked. I felt bad for keeping my secret, but it was no longer any of Alice's business.
"Sorry, Alice, but I have already made plans – to study…with friends," I lied. I was not good at lying and I was sure Alice was about to catch me. But, the microwave dinged and she shuffled back into the kitchen.
"Well, maybe next time," she concluded before taking in a mouthful of the pasta. I excused myself to wash my bowl and go into my room.
I silently shut my door and then frenzied around my room to gather everything I needed. I threw the Marc Jacobs' into my school bag along with a textbook (to keep my cover). I went into the bathroom to give myself the go-around where I even attempted to play with my hair. I was about to change clothes when I thought, he isn't THAT special. I sighed, threw on a jacket, and rushed out of my room.
"Have fun, Bella," Alice called out as I closed the door. I thought I saw I faint smile play around her lips.
I clutched the jacket closed as I navigated the windy streets until I reached the studio. Without hesitation, I strolled in to see the dance floor surprisingly clear.
"Hello…" I called out, but the studio seemed to be empty. I instantly felt uncomfortable being alone. I noticed half of the lights were switched off as if the place was closed. But that couldn't be true because the door was open.
Confused, I continued to walk to the middle of the dance floor when I spotted another door, slightly ajar. I remembered it because Edward had came through it before. I crept over and silently pulled the door open. I stepped inside a backroom, astounded by the sight.
This room was smaller, more intimate than the main floor. It must serve as an extra floor space. My eyes wandered over the interior of the place, but had to adjust for it was dimly lit. That was when I realized the source of light came from candles, lining the perimeter of the room. My gaze traced over the floor until I noted a figure, crouched in a corner with its back to me.
"Mr. Cullen?"
He rose from his heels and turned around. He slid the butane lighter back into his pocket while he still held a candle in his hand. The candle cast a glow on his face, illuminating his warm smile. "Is it too much?" he asked, his voice dripping with silkiness.
My heart melted and my breathing hastened. I was reacting to him, unintentionally. I shook my head and smiled. "No, no. Actually, it's quite toasting," I assured him as I removed my jacket. I placed my bag unto the floor and probed for my heels. As I slipped into them, I noticed a shadow cast over me. As I looked up, I met his face. My breath caught.
"Ms. Swan," he began, extending his hand, "would you like to begin?"
I continued to gape at him. My mind was screaming Answer him! Say anything! But instead of answering verbally, I held out my hand and he softly enveloped it in his warm hands. He led me out to the middle of the floor where he, again, embraced me into our starting position. He raised his arms in a relaxed stance while I followed suit.
"Now, Bella, what seems to be troubling you," he questioned. Immediately, he began to dance while I was beginning to catch my breath and move as well. Step back, step up.
"Well, first I do have questions that have been gnawing at me…"
"About dancing?" His left brow raised in wonder. I shook my head. "Well, go right ahead," he smiled. He let me go as he started demonstrating the forward ocho. His legs extended marvelously. My eyes traced over his legs until I blushed at my immediate visions. I needed to remember what my question was.
"My first question is how did you know my name?"
He smiled confidently. "Easy, I heard Mr. Johnson say it before I walked in." I mused over his answer. I guess it was possible, but Mr. Johnson was wheezing the whole time.
"Well, my next question is how did you get involved in dancing?"
He turned to me – still dancing – to answer. "Well, it all began when my mother started to teach dance classes. She would bring me here and I would watch in awe over how enchanting their moves were. So, at a young age, I enrolled into dance classes. Gradually, I found my calling in Latin ballroom."
I tried to pay attention to his words, but I kept getting lost in his beauty. My eyes ran over his eyes, his nose, and his lips. The way his lips exposed his teeth and his tongue as he enunciated every word. As if it was inviting me…
Soon, he helped me understand more moves. After I had the forward ocho, we started on the back ocho. Moments passed before I asked another question. There was one in particular I wanted to ask.
"So who was that girl yesterday you were dancing with?" I asked nervously. Please don't let it be his girlfriend.
He shifted tensely as he demonstrated a side step for me. "Her name is Tanya. She was my dance partner for my advance class. Now, we both teach various levels of dance."
"She is very beautiful," I pointed out, hoping he would answer.
"Yes, she is very beautiful, but I don't find her the least bit attractive."
"Oh, really?" I teased.
"Yes. You see I'm not attracted to blondes. I prefer brunettes," he smiled. I blushed. I became so distracted by his comment I nearly tripped in my heels. He noticed my blunder and instantly was at my side to help me regain my balance. He chuckled.
"Well, that's embarrassing," I muttered. Edward placed his hand under my chin so I would look into his eyes.
"No, it was real and beautiful. Just like you." I felt myself wanting to reach and touch him to make sure he was real, but I didn't.
I sighed, trying to slow my rapid heart rate. "Now, let's get back on track," I joked. "Now, Mr. Cullen, I need help on my footwork."
"What's wrong with it?" he questioned.
"Well, it doesn't look like Tanya's. I mean she has skill…"
Before I could finish he was shaking his head. "That wasn't skill she displayed, that was attitude."
"What?"
"Her attitude is what made her moves the way they were. She was being sexy. For the record, you could be sexy, too." He had brought his hand to caress my cheek. Blush riddled my cheek as I rolled my head back at his touch. My eyes closed in delight.
"I don't think I can." I was lost in his touch.
I felt his lips at my ear. His breath teased my skin as he whispered, "Trust me, you already are."
I stared back to look at him and slowly he bent down advancing towards me. Gently, he placed his lips onto mine. His kiss was soft and pleasurable. They moved against mine, patient. Thoughts swam throughout this encounter.
What are you thinking? He's your teacher!! This is inappropriate. You know better Bella.
I drew back and he frowned. "What's the matter?" he asked.
"You're my teacher, Mr. Cullen," I whispered.
"Bella, during class hours, I'm your instructor. After hours, I'm whatever you want me to me."
Moments passed by us again. I thought about his statement. I wanted to kiss him again. I didn't care that he was my teacher. I wanted to feel his lips on my again. I reached up on my toes but just my lips brushed his cheek as he turned his head away.
"This doesn't feel right," he muttered, "not here." he gestured towards the room. "You're right, I am your teacher."
I looked down, disappointed. "Well, maybe I should go. It's getting late anyways." I wanted him to kiss me again. I thought he wanted to kiss me.
"Yes, I think that's for the best." He, too, ducked his head. We both stood there in an awkward predicament, unable to take action. My heart returned to its normal rhythm and my breathing slowed.
I finally turned to retrieve my bag. The candles softened into wax puddles. I slipped on my jacket and hurriedly walked out on Edward, leaving him conflicted.
I quickly paced back to my apartment, not bothering to change my shoes. The wind felt unusually cold on my face. That's when I noticed silent tears rolled from my eyes. These tears were not from my agitation caused by the chilled windy weather. These tears were in response to Edward. I was hurt by his contemplation. But I had to understand he was my teacher first. Tonight we were bordering the line. But I wanted to cross it with him. I had only met him, but he seemed so…real. Yet, I would want to touch him to make sure he doesn't fade away.
I climbed the flights of stairs. At the apartment door, I fished – tear-blinded – for my keys. I was so shaken up that my hand trembled as I lined the key up to the lock to insert it. I sniffed away any lasting emotions, so I wouldn't alert Alice. I locked the door behind me. In the dark, I walked towards my room. I shut and locked the door to keep Alice from questioning me. Before I could change, I sat on my bed, staring out my window.
It was a starry night. I closed my eyes and did something I haven't done since elementary school. I made a wish.
Star light, star bright, the first star I see tonight
I wish I may, I wish I might, have the wish I wish tonight.
I wished that I would make the right decision regarding my feelings for Edward.
So some may not like it and some do...It made me upset at first but then I said "Hey, I want to hear what Edward has to say on the matter." please review if you want to know what Edward thought of this encounter...
This is a bittersweet kind of chapter. If you love...review. If you hate it...review. If you like wishing on stars - guess what? Yeah, go and review.
