Disclaimer: I'm sad to say I'll never own Twilight. It all belongs to Stephenie Meyer. Dang it.
AN: I know, I know, I'm so update fail right now. Shall I list my reasons for not updating sooner? Well, let's see—writer's block, the lack of Internet for about six weeks, and the fact that I've been very, very busy are on the top of the list. Six weeks with out Internet is torture, let me tell you. :P I would've had this up Thursday, but I kind of got stuck and couldn't finish it. Then I wasn't home all weekend. But finally, finally I've updated. So review, please! I don't even know if this story's worth it, considering I only have five reviews and more alerts. :\
Also, I've made a website for my fanfics. I have pictures of the ship and such, so check it out and leave comments! The website's on my profile. :]
Playlist: [These songs don't really relate to the chapter, by the way.] Vegas Skies – The Cab, She's Finding Me Out – The Friday Night Boys, Tonight – FM Static
~.~
BPOV
After Edward left the room, I was left to ponder what I'd seen and heard. I still felt guilty for listening to their conversation, which had obviously been very personal, but I knew I couldn't really blame myself for staying. Alice had asked me to stay, after all, even though I had no idea why she had wanted me to. I couldn't be of any help, and I was just a third wheel—and uncomfortable presence in the room. Even though I couldn't figure out her reasoning, I had stayed because she was my best friend, like my sister, and had asked me to do so.
I could see no legit reason for Edward allowing me to stay, though. And after his nerve-wracking breakdown, I only felt like I was intruding. Edward seemed so broken, tortured. It was hard to watch him as his body shook with fierce sobs. Although I didn't want to admit it, I didn't think he was such a bad person after watching that. I could tell that he had a reason for leaving and having no contact with his family for so long, but I didn't understand why he couldn't tell anyone about it. Whatever it was, it caused him pain—that much was obvious.
I flipped on the TV and settled on a random channel, not caring what I watched. It was more a distraction than anything else. I checked the time and was shocked to find that it was only almost nine. Alice and Edward's conversation seemed like it lasted so much longer, but obviously, I was wrong.
I focused my attention on what was on the TV, forcing myself to pay attention to what looked like a documentary. I soon found out it was a documentary on the life of some sports star, and I was quickly bored. I clicked off the TV and sighed, looking around the suite. There wasn't much to do, and I couldn't clean to entertain myself, and I wasn't in the mood to read the books I brought. Glancing around again, my eyes finally resting on the glass doors of the balcony. I hadn't had the time to go out on it yet, and I was extremely curious as to what the view would look like.
I stood up and went over to the doors of the balcony, unlocking them and sliding them out of my way. I stepped out and was immediately hit with the chilly wind. I shivered slightly, but the overall warm summer temperature made it bearable.
The sky was dark, but very clear. The stars illuminated the night, making it easier to see the water sparkling in the moonlight. The ocean reflected the stars and the moon like a mirror, making it beautiful to look at. The air was filled with the smell of the salt water, but it also smelled clean, like the smell of the air after it rains. I took a deep breath, soaking it in. I leaned over the railing slightly, looking down at the water, closing my eyes and listening to the waves as the ship sliced through them.
"Bella?"
I turned around and saw Alice standing in the doorway of the balcony, her eyes tired and her spiky hair disheveled. Her arms were wrapped around herself, as if she was trying to keep herself warm. I smiled at her messy appearance.
"Hey, Alice," I said quietly. "What's up?"
She yawned and stepped up next to me, leaning over the railing like I had just been doing as I looked down at her curiously. She looked up toward the stars, breathing deeply.
"They're so beautiful," she breathed. I nodded, but couldn't help but notice that Alice's effervescent mood wasn't there. She was calm and serene, and that side of her I only saw when she had something on her mind.
"Are you okay?" I whispered, trying to be gentle about the subject.
"Yeah," she sighed. "My dear brother." She shook her head slightly, chuckling. "He's just so . . . frustrating."
I didn't speak. I knew that she wanted to talk about it, so I waited for her to continue and let out her frustration.
"He just doesn't get that we want to help him," she said, pulling her hand through her hair. "I know he's suffering through something. He just won't tell us what it is! Doesn't he realize that it hurts us to see him hurting?" A few tears escaped, but she wiped them away quickly.
"I love him to death," she continued, "but he just so damn cryptic about everything. He needs to loosen up and stop being so uptight."
She smirked and shook her head again, letting out a humorless laugh. "That'd sure make everything so much easier." She paused. "Nothing works out that way, though, does it?"
I didn't know what to say to that. I'd seen Alice upset before, but it was never anything so personal, so important to her. I was afraid that if I spoke I would only say something that would make it worse. I bit my lip as I thought of what I could say to her, and finally settled on the most harmless phrase.
"I'm sorry, Alice," I murmured, making sure she knew it was genuine by the tone of my voice.
She looked over at me and rolled her eyes. "Thanks," she chuckled. "Sorry I'm dumping this on you. I know I'm not usually this emotional."
"You have every right to be emotional," I told her gently. "You just saw your brother who you haven't heard from in years."
"I suppose." She passed her hand over her face and yawned again. She looked up at me then, a glint in her bright blue eyes. I eyed her warily as she turned her eyes away from me, a mischievous smirk appearing on her lips.
"He likes you, you know," she said, her voice lighter. My eyes narrowed at her, but my brows furrowed in confusion.
"What?" I said, shock lacing my tone.
Her smile widened. "Edward," she clarified. "He likes you."
I snorted at her. "Please, Alice," I scoffed. "He hasn't even known me for a day yet."
"So?" she said, her tone implying that it didn't matter. "First impressions are extremely important, after all."
I rolled my eyes and ran my hand through my hair, exasperated. "Even so, he doesn't like me."
"Bella," Alice sighed, standing straight and staring at me, a stern look on her face. "I'm his sister, and I know Edward well enough to tell if he likes a woman. Trust me."
"I don't believe you," I muttered stubbornly.
"You don't have to believe me," she said, shrugging her shoulders. "I'm Alice. I know everything." She quirked her eyebrow and smirked at me again, daring me to deny her comment.
"Yeah," I sighed, holding back my retort. "I think I'm going to go to bed." I felt a sudden wave of exhaustion wash over me, and I yawned loudly. "I'm really tired for some reason."
Alice huffed in annoyance. "You really need to learn to quit avoiding conversations."
"I wouldn't need to avoid them if I didn't get roped into them in the first place," I mumbled, causing Alice to roll her eyes at me.
"I guess I'll go to bed, too," she said. "I'm exhausted after all of the drama."
I nodded and turned to the doors, which were wide open. Alice must not have slid them closed when she came out. Neither of us spoke as we made our way to the bedroom. I supposed that there wasn't anything more that needed to be said anyway. I had a feeling that she would still be somewhat quiet tomorrow, not yet back to her normally exuberant self. For once, though, I knew I was going to miss that side of her.
I changed into more comfortable clothes, brushed my teeth, and fell into bed. I pulled the covers around me, expecting sleep to come slowly because of my buzzing mind. But thankfully, I fell into unconsciousness seconds after my head hit the pillow.
~.~
Morning came all too soon for my liking.
I cracked my eyes open to see the light of the sun pouring through the small window between my bed and Alice's. My initial reaction was to squeeze them shut tightly and let my tiredness take over again and fall back to sleep. But I noticed the time on the digital clock on the nightstand, groaning quietly. It was 10:36 A.M., and that was much later than the time I would normally wake up.
I looked over at Alice to see her still sleeping soundly. Her breathing was deep and slow, and she still seemed tired enough to sleep through the day. I didn't expect it, though. I wouldn't be surprised if she woke up minutes after I got up. I didn't want to wake her though, just in case she wouldn't wake up soon.
I quietly gathered my toiletries and a set of clothes and made my way to the bathroom. I turned on the showerhead, waiting for the water to become warm. I undressed and stepped in, sighing as the soothing water washed over me. I closed my eyes and just stood there, letting the stream of water pelt my back, where my muscles were sore and tight for some unknown reason. My mind was blank for once, but that didn't last long. My moment of serenity was interrupted as last night's dramatic events came rushing back to me.
I let them come, not bothering to push them away. It would be a useless attempt anyway. I felt horrible for both Alice and Edward, because I had no idea what either of them was going through, and I knew I wouldn't be helpful or comforting in any way. They were both in pain, but for reasons that were obviously different. I didn't know how I could help Alice deal with it, and I wasn't sure I'd be able to get through the trip if every conversation she had with Edward ended in hysterics. I would end up feeling so helpless if I couldn't do anything for her.
But Alice was right—if Edward would just cooperate and answer her questions, everything would be a lot easier. That led to another question, though. What was so important to Edward that he couldn't share it with his own family, the people who've taken care of him his whole life? I could think of very few things that I couldn't tell my mother. And that's why you could tell anything to your family—they would forgive you and still love you no matter how royally you screw up. No judgments, as Alice had said. So what was holding Edward back?
Of course, it was none of my business anyway. Although Alice was like my sister and the Cullens were practically my second family, I had no right to pry into their personal, family related problems. I wasn't truly family. If Alice needed me for something, support or comfort or just someone to talk to, I would be there for her. But I wouldn't ask questions and I wouldn't ask for any information.
I stepped out of the shower and dried off slowly, unsure of what I was going to do today. If Alice wasn't awake when I finished up my morning routine, I figured I would just explore the ship like I had been wanting to, possibly stop at some café, if there were any here at all. I wouldn't be surprised if this place was only stocked up with fancy, high-class restaurants.
I dressed and blow-dried my hair, thankful that Alice was a heavy sleeper. It took a little over ten minutes to dry my hair to its normal pin-straight, limp style. I ran a brush through it quickly, brushed my teeth and stepped out into the living room, immediately making my way back to the bedroom.
Alice looked like she hadn't moved an inch. She looked completely asleep—it didn't seem likely that she'd wake up any time soon. I grabbed my purse and searched around a moment for the room key. Once I located it, I grabbed my phone and some money and left the room with no specific destination in mind. I wandered through the hallways, admiring the beauty of the ship. Everything was spotless, just like I had first noticed when I stepped foot on the deck. There didn't seem to be one speck of dirt on the floors. I hoped I didn't have any mud or anything of the sort on my shoes. I couldn't help but think it'd be a shame to mar the cleanliness.
Eventually I found my way to the lobby, which was already packed with people. Some were dressed as if they were on a business trip, others looked like complete tourists with their cameras in hand, which was probably to be expected. I imagined I looked somewhere in between, just casual.
The walls of the lobby were lined with venders who were selling anything from jewelry to postcards. They were obviously employees of the ship though, because they all wore identical dark green polo shirts. The lobby was still very extravagant, though. The carpets and the decorations just screamed expensive—not to mention the huge, elegant chandelier that hung from the ceiling.
I made my way down the stairs and into the swirling crowd of people. Since the space was so wide open, I was able to weave my way through them without much trouble. I scanned the walls, seeing many fancy looking gift shops and a couple small restaurants. I was about to turn around and make my way back to one of the restaurants when I spotted the familiar sign of Starbucks. I couldn't help but chuckle a bit in disbelief. Who knew that such a high-class cruise liner would have a Starbucks? I would have expected some coffee shop with rare imported coffee beans and such.
I found my way to the door and walked in. I was a bit surprised to find that it wasn't all too busy. The place was less than half full—there were a few people seated at the tables in the corners, talking to each other quietly. It was a strange contrast to the Starbucks that I went to in Chicago. There it was always bustling with customers and people talking loudly, sometimes obnoxiously. I quite liked the difference, though. As opposed to the energy and noise, the calm, which I found here, was pretty relaxing.
After glancing over the menu for about ten seconds, I settled on something that wasn't strong—a French vanilla cappuccino. I had never liked the bitter taste of coffee, and I much preferred the blends that had more flavoring mixed in. I only ordered the stronger mixtures when it was early in the morning and I needed something to wake me up.
The young woman behind the counter looked around my age. She had sandy blonde hair and bright blue eyes. Her smile looked genuine as she handed me my cup, and her 'Have a nice day,' sounded authentic.
I walked over to one of the empty tables by the windows so I could look out at the people passing by. Unfortunately, there were a couple vendors blocking the part of the window, obscuring my view. I sighed and took a sip of my drink, wincing slightly as the hot liquid seared my tongue. I was silently wishing I had brought a book when the tiny bell on the door tinkled, indicating another customer. I looked up and was a bit shocked to see Edward walking in, holding a small Zales bag in his hand. I furrowed my brow, wondering who he could've bought jewelry for. He hadn't walked into the lounge last night with anyone besides Jasper. That didn't mean he didn't have a girlfriend, though. But then again, Alice had said he liked me . . .
But that didn't matter. It wasn't true anyway. Alice hadn't seen Edward in three years, after all. She wouldn't know if he had a girlfriend in the first place. But surely a guy as unbelievably gorgeous as Edward would have a girlfriend . . .
I closed my eyes briefly, trying to shut out the thoughts. It didn't matter if Edward did or did not have a girlfriend. He wasn't interested in me, and we barely knew each other. There was no point in me swooning over him, no matter what the meddling matchmaker Alice said.
"Bella?" said a soft, velvety voice.
I looked up, a bit startled to see Edward staring down at me. He had an adorable smirk turning up the corner of his mouth, his emerald eyes bright. I could see faint purple circles under his eyes, like he hadn't had the best night's sleep. I was pretty sure he had the same circles the night before, but I had tried not to pay too much attention to him, as I was trying to give he and Alice privacy. The circles under his eyes definitely didn't lessen his beauty, though.
"Oh, hi Edward!" I said, trying not to make it too obvious that I'd been thinking about him ever since he walked through the door. I smiled at him as genuinely as I could, and his smirk grew into a breathtaking crooked smile.
"You mind if I sit here?" he asked, sounding a bit uncertain and pointing at the empty chair across from me. His smile didn't falter.
I blinked, surprised once again. I quickly recovered though, smiling and agreeing. "Of course."
"Thanks," he smiled, pulling out the chair and sitting down. He rested his coffee cup and Zales bag on the table and leaned back in the chair. He trained his eyes out the window for a moment, and I did the same. The silence was somewhat awkward for me, but looking at Edward, you'd think he was as comfortable as he could get.
"So," he eventually said, his voice betraying his comfort façade. "I didn't really get to talk to you much last night." He chuckled, sounding a bit embarrassed.
"I guess not," I said gently, smiling sympathetically. I didn't want him to get the impression that I was laughing at him, because I definitely was not. I wasn't going to shy away from him just because he had something painful burdening his life. But, as I'd promised myself before, I wasn't going to pry.
Edward stared down at the lid of his coffee cup in silence after I spoke. He definitely looked uncomfortable now, and he wasn't doing much to convince people he wasn't. I wanted to say something—something that would loosen him up, but I was afraid that I would say exactly the wrong thing, and Edward would feel even more awkward. Not to mention that I would, too.
"I'm sorry about what happened last night," Edward suddenly mumbled, a slight pinkish tinge flushing his flawless face. His eyes were still studying his cup with great interest, avoiding mine. I silently wondered why. Was he afraid that I would laugh at him?
I didn't reply to his apology at first. I looked at him in confusion for a moment, curious as to why he was sorry. When he realized I wasn't going to speak, he peeked up at me, looking through his long lashes, and my heart fluttered a bit. He noticed my expression and his eyes flicked down quickly.
"You know," he mumbled, waving his hand as if that would explain what he was talking about. "The whole—"
"You have no need to be sorry, Edward," I interrupted, my voice gentle and sympathetic.
Edward shook his head slightly. "I do, actually. I hadn't meant to run into Alice. If I had known she would be here, I wouldn't have boarded this ship at all." He snapped his mouth shut loudly then, as if he hadn't meant to say so much.
I was still completely confused. I was back to pondering the same question—why couldn't Edward just tell his family what was going on with him? So they could help him? He had just confessed that he absolutely did not want to see his sister, and that gave me another tiny piece of information. He wasn't just avoiding his family—he was running away from them. I couldn't help but wonder what he would've done if he had run into his parents here. Would he have kept everything from them, too?
"I'm just sorry," Edward sighed, raking his hand through his hair. "Hell, I probably ruined you and Alice's vacation by showing my face."
I was taken aback by his comment. He sounded so full of loathing. Not for someone else, but for himself.
"Edward," I said, my voice still quiet yet reassuring. "You haven't ruined anyone's vacation. Alice is thrilled to see you." It was mostly the truth. She was happy to see him. She wasn't happy that he wouldn't tell her a thing about what he'd been doing the past three years, and why he hadn't kept contact.
He chuckled contemptuously. "Thrilled," he muttered, almost to himself. I wasn't sure if I was supposed to hear it. "I'm sure she is. I'll be damned if she doesn't want to strangle me by tomorrow."
I stared at him, wide eyed. If I was being honest with myself, I was a bit terrified of this side of Edward. This dark, self-loathing, sarcastic part of him was nerve wracking; it seemed as if he could break at any moment. I had to admit, it scared me.
The silence lingered, heavy and tangible. We were past being awkward; now it was just intimidating. Edward stared at the table, his cup, anywhere but me, and I stared at the top of his head, at his bronze mess of hair. Neither of us spoke, though I desperately wanted conversation—some lighter conversation. Anything to break the tension. I was resisting the strong impulse to call Alice and make her come down here, just so she could work her anti-awkward magic. Nothing could become awkward with her—unless she was meddling in your love life, which, of course, she tended to do from time to time. Or always.
"I'm sorry," Edward apologized. Again. He sounded frustrated with himself.
"Quit saying you're sorry," I commanded, making sure my voice didn't sound snappy. "You don't need to be sorry."
Edward looked up at me for the first time it what seemed like the length of the conversation. His eyes showed something that looked like—bewilderment?
"I'm—" he started, but cut himself off quickly. He paused, still looking into my eyes, searching them.
"If I can't apologize, I don't know what else to say," he sighed, chuckling. His voice sounded quite a bit lighter. I grabbed at the chance to lift the mood.
"Well, you could tell me what's in the bag," I suggested, indicating the Zales bag that rested on the side of the table. "For a girlfriend or something?" I could've slapped myself as I felt the blush color my cheeks. What woman would ask that question without making it obvious that she was interested? I bit my tongue and ignored the flush on my face, hoping Edward would just shrug it off.
He quirked an eyebrow and smirked at me, his eyes flicking to the bag.
"No girlfriend," he informed me. "Actually, it's for Alice."
I couldn't help but thrill a bit that he was single, even knowing I wouldn't do a thing about it. I knew Alice would be ecstatic, but I was keeping to my word. I wasn't on this trip for the guys.
"Oh?" I said, curious. Why would he be getting Alice jewelry?
Edward nodded and smiled. "Yeah. I figured since you never know what mood Alice might be in—and on the off chance that she could be furious with me today and want to bite my head off—I thought I might try and soften her up with a bit of jewelry."
"You definitely know our dear Alice," I laughed as he went to pull out the jewelry. "If you don't mind my asking, what'd you get her?"
Edward smirked and held the blue box in his hands. It was a bracelet—that much I could tell by the shape of the box, which was elongated.
"Well, let me show you," he said.
He flipped the box around in my direction and opened it up, revealing a beautiful silver bracelet. I let out a small 'oh' of appreciation, because it definitely was beautiful and completely Alice. The bracelet itself was made of silver hearts linked together. I leaned forward to study it further and noticed clear, sparkling little stones set in each heart.
"What do you think?" Edward asked, sounding expectant.
"It's beautiful, Edward," I breathed, my eyes wandering back up to his face. He was smiling at me, causing me to instinctually blush. "Are those real—?"
"Diamonds?" he finished for me. "They are. Sterling silver and diamond. Do you think she'll feel like chewing me out after she gets this?"
I chuckled and glanced back at the bracelet. "Doubtful. But it's always surprises with Alice."
"Very true," Edward agreed. He paused a moment and looked down at the bracelet, then up at me. "Why don't you try it on?"
I stared at him in confusion, wondering why he would want me to put on Alice's bracelet.
"You know," he hurried to explain, looking nervous. "Just to see if it'll fit. I'm sure if it fits you it'll fit Alice."
"All right," I nodded, still curious. I reached for the bracelet, but Edward stole it out from under my hand. I looked up, yet again befuddled.
"I'll do it," he said, focusing on freeing the bracelet from the box.
I waited patiently, my eyes never leaving Edward's face. I hoped that if I watched him long enough, his perfect mask of nonchalance would slip for a second and I might get a glimpse of what he could actually be thinking. I had heard that some people could be read like a book, they were so open with their emotions and not at all successful in hiding them. I doubted it would happen, though. Edward seemed to be the master of hiding what he was thinking and feeling behind a mask.
"Hold out your hand, please," Edward commanded softly. I did as he said and held out my left hand. He wrapped the bracelet around my wrist and clasped the hook together. I watched his fingers as he did so, and I hadn't missed it when his fingers lingered on my wrist for a moment. He quickly pulled his hands away, though, but I couldn't ignore the tingling sensation where his fingers had touched my skin. I wasn't sure if I wanted to.
"Perfect fit," I heard Edward say quietly. I didn't look up at him, though. Instead, I brought my wrist closer to me and studied to bracelet with much more interest than was probably normal. I didn't particularly care, anyway. I just hoped Edward wasn't able to see my blush.
"It's so beautiful," I repeated, wondering how much it had cost. I knew one thing—it cost a good deal more than any piece of jewelry I could afford.
"Yeah," Edward agreed, his voice sounding somewhat distant. My eyes slid up to his face, and I found him staring at me. His green eyes held a weird look of interest, and I suddenly felt extremely self-conscious. Even as I looked away and blushed yet again, I could still feel his eyes on my face.
Beep. Beep. Beep.
I jumped a bit at the unexpected three-tone ring that indicated I had a text message. Thankful for a distraction from Edward and his staring, I bent over to grab my phone out of my purse. I found it quickly and flipped it open to see that the text was from Alice. I pressed view and read it quickly.
Where are you?
I let out a quiet sigh of relief. I knew when I answered her text she'd come down here and save me from the awkward silence that was ensuing. I wasn't sure how much longer I could stand it without becoming more uncomfortable than I've ever been.
Im at the starbucks in the lobby. Edwards here too.
I pushed send and waited silently for her quick reply. I still didn't look at Edward, but the strange feeling that he was staring wasn't there anymore, and I was able to relax somewhat.
My phone beeped once again, and I opened it and read the message.
Im on my way! Be there in a few!
I slipped my phone back into my purse, already impatient for Alice's arrival. I figured it would be polite to let Edward know, so I turned my attention to him and spoke.
"That was Alice," I said. "She said she's coming down here."
Edward nodded, but he looked a little bit disappointed, and I wondered why. This man always left me confused. If I remembered right, this was somewhere around the fifth time he left me baffled. I figured everything he said was cryptic.
I began to reach for my coffee—which I was sure was cold by now—and remembered Alice's bracelet was still on my wrist.
"Oh, Edward," I said, regaining his attention. He looked at me curiously and I lifted up my arm a bit as I tried to unclasp the hook. "You might want this back. I don't think Alice would much appreciate her jewelry being worn my someone else."
"Let me get it," Edward said, moving my right hand away from the hook of the bracelet. He proceeded to remove it and rest it back in the box. He clicked it closed and set the box back into the bag, being quiet the entire time. I watched him as he did so, and I noticed that his unemotional mask was back. He looked completely at ease, but I knew it was a façade, since I had just witnessed it. I couldn't help but be annoyed by his mask of nonchalance. What was he hiding from everyone?
I grabbed my coffee and took a sip, only to set it right back down because it was cold and didn't have its normally appealing taste. The cup was still nearly full, and I felt it was a waste to leave it unfinished, but that didn't change my mind and make me drink it.
The bell on the door jingled, and both Edward and I looked around to see Alice walk in, looking as perky and enthusiastic as ever. She glanced around the shop slowly before finally spotting us. She beamed at the two of us, and I noticed the conniving glint in her eyes and they flicked between Edward and I. I tried not to scowl as I gave her a weak smile in return, the impatience I had been feeling at her arrival dulling.
She danced over to our table, smiling all the way and plopped down in the chair she pulled up.
"Morning you two!" she chimed, still looking back and forth between the two of us, suspicion lingering in her tone. I decided to let her know I was not at all in the mood for her meddling at the moment, so I narrowed my eyes ever so slightly at her and waited till she caught my eye.
"Morning Alice," I said, letting a bit of venom leak through my voice, hoping Edward wouldn't notice. "What's got you so giddy today?"
Her smile fell just a bit, only enough to notice if you were paying particular attention to her face. Her eyes narrowed, mirroring mine, as she understood my meaning behind my curtness.
You will not try to get Edward and I together, I tried to tell her with my eyes. He doesn't like me. It won't happen.
For a moment she looked she was going to defy me and do whatever she wished, as she usually tended to do. But after a few more moments of mutual glaring, she let out a quiet huff and turned away from me, focusing on Edward.
"Hey Edward!" she exclaimed happily, leaning towards him and giving his a peck on his cheek. I smirked as a brief look of shock flashed across his features. He glanced at me and I quirked an eyebrow, and he smirked too in response before he looked back at Alice.
"Hey sis," he smiled, although I noticed the smile didn't reach his eyes. "How'd you sleep?"
Alice shrugged and grabbed Edward's coffee cup. "Pretty well, I suppose. I slept in later than I wanted to, though." She took a sip and made a face, immediately setting the cup down, giving a disapproving stare at Edward.
"Are you ever going to stop drinking that cheap stuff?" she said reprovingly. "I swear, you're almost as bad as Bella. Can either of you ever buy something that actually has a taste?"
I rolled my eyes at her in exasperation as Edward looked at her with amusement etched across his face.
"Well, Alice," he said. "The less than appealing taste might have something to do with the fact that it's cold now, and that it isn't your coffee of choice, I'm sure." Edward chuckled and moved the cup closer to the Zales bag, inevitably bringing her attention to it.
All thoughts about distasteful coffee gone, she said, "What's in the bag?" Her eyes were shining with interest as she looked curiously at Edward, who was smiling in obvious triumph.
"No worries, Alice," he said. "It's for you."
You would have never thought Alice could've been happier then she looked then. A wide, toothy smile broke out across her face and her eyes sparkled. "You bought me jewelry?"
Edward nodded and smiled back at her. "I did. Go ahead and open it up."
"Oh, Edward!" she squealed as she snatched it up, ecstatic. She glanced into the bag before grabbing the box and clutching it in her hands. She stared at it for a moment, still beaming.
"Open it, Alice!" I said, rolling my eyes and chuckling. She looked up and gave me a half-hearted glare, annoyed that I interrupted the suspense she was building. She couldn't stay angry with me for long, though, because two seconds later she was smiling again and flipping open the box to reveal the sparkling bracelet.
Her eyes wide, she let out an audible gasp and set it down on the table. She launched herself over the table at Edward and gave him a lung-crushing hug. I smiled as I saw an amused grin spread across Edward's face.
"Thank you!" Alice trilled, releasing Edward and allowing him to breath again.
He laughed. "No problem."
I doubted Alice even heard him, for she was busying herself with trying to hook the bracelet around her wrist. Edward offered to help, but Alice just waved his hands away and proceeded with the task herself. When she finally succeeded, she held her arm out in front of her to admire the bracelet, still smiling. Edward and I watched her, trying to hold in our chuckles.
"So what do you want, Edward?" Alice said suddenly, resting her arms on the table and staring intently at Edward. He looked stunned for a moment as he looked back at his sister, but then he blinked and attempted to fake confusion, which he did very well. His brow furrowed and his lips turned down ever so slightly at the corners.
"What are you talking about?" he said, sounding extremely convincing with his bewildered façade.
"You may have been gone for three years," Alice said, narrowing her eyes, "but that doesn't mean I don't remember your ways."
"And what are my ways?" Edward asked, sarcasm leaking through his voice. I could tell he was only enlightening Alice, trying to get himself out of danger's path. And an angry Alice definitely meant danger.
She rolled her eyes dramatically. "You know what I'm talking about, and I'm not going to sit here and explain it to you. So how about you do us all a favor and answer my question."
"Alice," Edward said firmly, his eyes locked on his sister's. "I don't want anything." He paused, and I could have sworn I saw a spark of inspiration flash in his eyes. "But if you don't want the bracelet because you think—"
"Whoa!" Alice yelped, jerking her arm away from Edward's reaching fingers. "You are not taking this back. Don't even think about it."
I choked back a giggle, realizing Edward's strategy. I had to admit, it was definitely clever, and was 99.9% guaranteed to always have the intended result. And as usual, that one percent wasn't even thought of in the process. Alice could never throw out perfectly good—and expensive, I was sure—jewelry.
Edward smirked at his victory, his shoulders relaxing a bit. "Fine." He held up his hands a bit as if to surrender. "It was only a suggestion."
Alice scoffed and clutched at the wrist adorned with the glittering bracelet, as if protecting it. I looked back and forth between the two as Edward smirked triumphantly and Alice scowled at him in annoyance. The two were definitely related. Their reactions were just like the other's if they were to switch places in the situation.
After a few moments of silence, I couldn't help myself but laugh at the hilarity of Alice's reaction. I took one glance at her scowling face and burst out in a fit of snorts and giggles. Both Edward and Alice looked around at me in surprise, and then proceeded with their own separate, yet similar, responses.
Alice narrowed her eyes at me and settled back in her chair, her irritation substantial around her. Edward smiled crookedly and began to laugh along with me, his eyes crinkling a bit as he grinned widely. I couldn't help but notice that I hadn't actually heard Edward really laugh. The most I'd heard were chuckles, the same for his smiles—all I'd seen were smirks or half-hearted grins. But I paid more attention to his laugh than anything else. It was like music as it rang around us, matching his velvet voice.
"I don't know what you two are laughing about," Alice huffed, "and I don't really care. But can we just talk about something else?"
Edward and I calmed ourselves down before we replied, afraid that we might burst out into another laughing fit if we spoke too soon.
"Sure, Alice," I smiled, ignoring her still disgruntled expression. "What do you want to do today?"
She perked up quickly, but it was a slower process than usual. "I don't know what we're going to do this afternoon, but tonight let's go to one of the restaurants!" She smiled, showing her sparkling teeth and glanced between Edward and I. "It's supposed to so nice!"
"And by nice, I'm assuming you mean expensive." I stated warily, not willing to blow all my money on some fancy restaurant.
Alice, for what seemed like the fifth time in the last hour, rolled her eyes. "Quit worrying about money, Bella. Live a little." She waved her hand dismissively and turned to Edward, effectively cutting off my next protest.
"You'll come, right Edward?" she said sweetly. "Oh! And you'll have to invite Jasper, of course."
Edward smiled knowingly and nodded. "Of course I'll come. No doubt Jasper will, too."
"See Bella?" Alice said, turning back to me. "Everyone's coming." She used a tone that made it sound like that solved every problem.
I opened my mouth to respond, but was interrupted by Edward.
"Please, Bella," he said kindly, smiling crookedly at me. "Join us. If it's the money you're worried about, I'll pay for you."
I blinked at him, shocked. I knew the offer was only out of kindness, but it was pretty much impossible not to be dazzled by him when he smiled like that. So, in my daze, I nodded mutely and agreed. Alice smirked at me and quirked her eyebrow, her eyes glowing. Edward turned his eyes to the window, looking a bit embarrassed. I did the same, knowing that I was the one who had made things awkward.
"Well, I guess that settles everything," Alice said finally. "Edward, you and Jasper meet us at our suite a little bit before seven, okay?"
Edward nodded, but didn't acknowledge his understanding verbally. He didn't look over at me at all, I noticed.
"Great!" Alice trilled, smiling brightly. "Oh, and dress nicely, but nothing extremely fancy."
I wrapped my hands around my cup and clutched it nervously, not having nerve to look up at either Edward or Alice. Fancy restaurants meant nice clothes, and nice clothes meant Alice dressing me. Alice dressing me always led to me being forced into a dress. And not to mention those cruel death traps people called heels. A pair of heels plus one person who's particularly accident prone and klutzy equals disaster and humiliation.
Of course, that one person was me.
I couldn't wait for tonight.
AN: Oh, you have to love sarcasm! I know I do. :] Kind of uneventful, yes, but I'm building. Just hang on for the ride that's coming. ;]
Next chapter . . . I don't know. Soon. Maybe. Hopefully. :P
REVIEW PLEASE! They're the only things that make me want to continue this!