Disclaimer: All Twilight characters belong to Stephanie Meyer! Also various lines are taken from both the Twilight Saga and Notting Hill.
Another update! I hope you all enjoy the next chapter in Edward and Bella's story. All reviews, follows and favourites are greatly appreciated!
Lots of love
Meetings
Half an hour after Edward's departure, Bella found herself standing in front of the mirror analysing her appearance. She was not vain; on the contrary, Bella had always found herself spectacularly average - a six at best.
But if Edward Mason… the man, who famously dated the stunning Tanya Denali and a whole other string of gorgeous models and actresses, called her beautiful, before proceeding to give her the best kiss of her life, well then surely there had to be something there… right?
Bella still couldn't see it. Sure, her skin was pretty good; smooth and unblemished but it was ghostly white like paper.
Maybe it was her hair, she reasoned. She had always loved her hair. It was dark brown, and fell in thick waves down her back. She remembered when she was eight years old; Charlie had made her promise never to cut it. 'It reminds me of your mother,' he said 'when we first met… she was the loveliest creature I had ever laid eyes on.'
It was no secret that Charlie had been desperately in love with Renee until his dying breath. There was always a very miniscule part of Bella that resented her mom for never returning her father's feelings. If she had, maybe he still would have been with them today.
She shook her head furiously, shoving the dark thought deep into her mind. It wasn't her mother's doing. The cancer. It was just fate. God's plan, if you will. She loved Renee with all her heart, and wouldn't trade her for the world.
Bella continued studying her face; the brown eyes that she inherited from her father, her slightly pointed chin and prominent cheekbones. Her lips, the bottom slightly plumper than the top, still rosy from the incredible kiss she had shared with Edward. Bella assessed her reflection vigorously but failed to identify what on earth could be so appealing to him.
Yes, she grudgingly concluded; she was not unfortunate looking. But she was no Tanya, with her bouncy strawberry blonde curls and vibrant green eyes.
Bella huffed, and bent down splashing cold water into her face, deciding to chalk the whole ordeal up to pure chance.
…
Two days later
…
"Jasper!" Bella called, walking through the apartment, ringing her hair out with her hands. It was raining again. Shocker.
"Jazz!" Bella shouted again, frustration growing by the second. It had just gone five o'clock, meaning, Jasper should've finished his shift at Newton's Olympic Outfitters an hour ago.
"JASPER WHITLOCK!" Bella yelled, only to be greeted by loud snores. Jasper lay on the floor of the living room, left leg half on the sofa suggesting he had fallen off during his deep slumber. His blonde shaggy hair was stuck to his face and his mouth was wide-open, drool falling down his chin. How attractive, she thought sarcastically.
"Jazz," she said in a softer tone, shaking his shoulder.
"Huh," he grunted "B-Bella?" he questioned.
"Hey buddy," she said, laughing quietly at the dazed look on his face "What do you fancy for dinner?" she asked, standing up.
"Pizza?" he replied hopefully.
"We had that last night," Bella chided.
"Howwa about a burger" he opted, stretching.
"Two burgers coming right up" Bella affirmed, "How was work?"
"Meh," he followed her to the kitchen, one hand down his pants, he was such a gentleman. "I need to be high next time I deal with Newton. That guy is driving me up the fucking wall."
"I know the feeling," she said sympathetically. She pulled out the ingredients from the fridge, double checking the expiry dates.
"Also, someone called the landline when I got home"
"The landline?" she queried, startled. She forgot they even had one.
"Uh huh. Quite a weird call and all."
"Oh?"
"Yep. Some dude was asking for you."
"Who?" Bella's full attention was now on her roommate, burgers long forgotten.
"Dunno. But he had a really funny accent. He kept on babbling about wanting to see you again"
Bella stared at Jazz who had now situated himself at the kitchen table, long legs spread on the chair next to him in a very relaxed position.
"What else did he say?" She asked urgently.
"Uh… Oh! He hopes you will be able to come to the Four Seasons at Seattle tomorrow around four o'clock He said he's in the Presidential Suite but he isn't going by his normal name."
Bella stared at Jasper gobsmacked. Not only did that piece of information officially confirm it was Edward (because who else did she actually know could afford the Presidential Suite at the Four Seasons?) but; Jasper had also managed to memorise the whole message.
"Wow" she said, speechless "Well, what was the name?"
"Umm"
Bella tapped her foot impatiently.
"Some kind of cartoon character, I think"
"Yeah Jazz but what one?"
"I don't know Bells, I can't remember everything!"
"You remembered the whole fricking message but you can't even think of one goddamn cartoon?!"
Jasper's own grey eyes widened at Bella's tone. His gentle, kind, sweet roommate was turning slowly from a kitten to a tigress, and it was scaring the ever-loving shit out of him.
"H-he left his number Bells" he said, shaking a little at the crazed look on her face "I wrote it down and all!"
"Where is it?" Bella realised she was acting a bit out of character right now, but c'mon. This was Edward they were talking about!
Jasper practically ran into his room frightened of further agitating her. In any other circumstance she would have laughed at the whole situation. Her six foot four roommate was cowering under her mere stare.
He came back, a proud look spread across his handsome features, and a coffee stained note in his hand. "Here" he said, before Bella snatched it from his hand. "Y'know," Jasper continued, as Bella reached for her phone, "this is becoming quite an abusive friendship. You can be pretty damn scary Swan." Who was he kidding? He had nearly shit his pants.
She rolled her eyes and dialled the number.
"Hello?"
"Hi, um, Edward? This is Bella Swan? We, uh, met at the bookshop the other day? Then y-yesterday I may have spilt coffee on you. I'm sorry about that a-again." She babbled off into the phone, her fierce façade falling and shy persona making another reappearance.
"Bella! Of course I remember you" Edward chuckled
"Hey! Well um, I'm sorry to bother you but my roommate Jasper said you called earlier?" She twisted her chocolate strands around her fingers, and bit her lip in a nervous gesture.
"I did, I just wanted to thank you again for yesterday."
"Oh!" She said, disappointment washing over her "Yeah, it wasn't a problem. Glad I could help."
"I, uh, also wanted to ask, if you could possibly come to see me tomorrow? I'm staying at the Four Seasons in Seattle."
Bella's heart skipped a beat, and she froze.
Edward mistook the silence as a negative response "If you can't make it. I mean, Seattle is a while away from Forks, and of course you have work and a whole lot of other-"
"Edward!" Bella interrupted "I'd love to come."
She heard a huge sigh of relief echo through the phone, making her giggle.
"T-that's great!" he enthused "I'm in the Presidential Suite"
"Very swanky" she said teasingly, prompting him to snicker.
"Yeah, I guess you could say that" she could hear him smirk through the phone, "Just ask at the desk for an Aladdin"
"Aladdin?" she asked amused.
"Hey! It was my favourite film as a kid," he said in mock defensiveness
"I meant no offence, I'm partial to a good Robin Williams movie"
"I can't disagree, he was a great man" Edward said wistfully.
"You met The Robin Williams?"
"It was only brief. At the Oscars a few years ago, he congratulated me on my nomination."
"Talk about a name drop" she said jokingly.
"You were the one who brought him up" Edward joked back. "Anyway, I better go now Bella."
"Okay"
"I can't wait to see you tomorrow."
She smiled widely at that.
"Me neither" she whispered.
"Bye"
"Bye Edward."
Bella shakily pressed disconnect on her phone, and stared out the window of the kitchen with unseeing eyes. All she could picture was Edward's glittering emerald eyes, his red lips swollen from their kisses, his flushed cheeks.
Snore
The petite brunette broke away from her daydream and turned around slowly, only to find Jasper in his previous position, stretched out on the kitchen chairs, fast asleep.
…
At 15:58, the next day Bella found herself standing outside Edward's door. She decided to wait an extra few minutes before knocking, in the hope of not appearing too eager, but she found herself vibrating with excitement. She looked down herself, checking she had no toothpaste marks or food stains on her dress. It had taken her at least two hours to choose an outfit, because really, what do you wear when visiting a global megastar at a five star hotel?
She had finally opted to wear a grey knit dress that clung to her curves, black tights and black boots, casual but also classy. Alice would most definitely approve. She had also straightened her hair so it nearly hit her waist in length, and applied some lip- gloss on her lips. She was ready.
Unable to cope with the raging need to see him, Bella knocked thrice, only to be welcomed by a beautiful blonde in a business suit.
Bella stood back, gaping at the blonde's beauty. Tall, golden curls falling down her back in a waterfall, and violet eyes. Who the hell has purple eyes for Gods sake?
The goddess raised a questioning eyebrow at Bella "name?"
"Um, Bella Swan?"
She looked down at the clipboard in her hands, "There's no Bella Swan on my list" she said coolly.
"Oh uh, Edward is expecting me" Bella said, intimidated by the blonde's resting bitch face.
"I see. Stay here." She commanded, before turning around and stalking back into the room, slamming the door in Bella's face.
Rude.
Bella contemplated turning around. It was evident that Edward was keeping their exchanges a secret, so maybe it was best she just disappeared. She did not want to cause any trouble for him. As she went to leave, the door opened again, revealing the snooty blonde.
"Come in Miss Swan." She said in a professional tone. Bella did detect however, an underlying sense of distaste.
The Presidential Suite was huge. There were substantial glass doors, which led to a massive balcony that overlooked Seattle's waterfront. There was original artwork decorating the walls and the colour scheme of rich brown and cream made the room appear almost tranquil. The living area was large with the sofas placed around a 62'inch plasma screen television and built in fireplace. It was then Bella saw two suited men chatting on the sofa.
Edward's employee turned sharply towards her, "There are several journalists here, waiting to interview Edward on his new movie," She said lowly, "until then you may stay here and please do not reveal your purpose for being here under any circumstances."
Bella nodded furiously.
"Sit." She said, pointing over to the sofa where the men sat.
Bella resisted the urge to salute and edged towards her appointed seat. The two men that were engaged in conversation, stopped, curiously watching the beautiful woman sit before them.
The first man coughed, before leaning over to the girl. "Hello, I do not believe I've had the pleasure of meeting you" he held out a hand, a kind smile on his face. "The name is Marcus, I'm representing New Moon Magazine" New Moon was the highest selling tabloid magazine in America at the moment, often starring Edward on the front cover. Bella placed her hand in his, hoping it wasn't clammy. "This is Caius," he continued, gesturing to the blonde man on his right "he's with Vogue".
Caius took this as his cue to talk. "So, who are you?" he asked rather superiorly. "I'm Isabella Swan, I'm representing…" think Bella think "Tiger Beat Magazine". Seriously! Her inner voice screamed; do they even make that magazine anymore?
"Tiger Beat?" Caius said, unmistakable disgust apparent.
"Wonderful" Marcus continued. "How long have you been working with Tiger Beat?"
"Uh- three years."
"Splendid" Marcus gave her an encouraging smile, ignoring his friend who just watched the exchange, revulsion radiating from him.
"What did you think of the movie?"
Bella froze, although she greatly admired Edward's movies, she wasn't a religious fan like others.
"It was great!" she said, in what she hoped was an enthusiastic tone.
"Really?" Caius interjected "I thought it was Mason was quite dry."
Bella immediately felt extremely protective over Edward. Sure, she didn't even know what the name of the movie was, but there was no doubt in her mind that Edward would have put his heart and soul into it.
When she watched his Oscar nominated performance in "Recollections" she noticed how his passion for acting practically shone in his eyes. She remembered sobbing in the cinema when his character died at the end, the sheer pain that controlled his features as life slipped through his fingers.
"Well I thought it was excellent," Bella stated "Ed- Mr Mason's zeal for acting in every single role is always clear. He puts everything into the character. Sure the plot itself may be dry," she spat out the word "but it was his performance which brought it to life."
"Ahem"
Bella snapped her head around to find the blonde standing in the doorway, staring daggers at Caius. Behind her she could see Edward, who had an unreadable expression on his face.
"Mr Volturi" The blonde spoke coldly "You're up."
Caius slightly stunned by Bella's tirade walked towards the door.
It did not escape Bella that the goddess has sent a small smile in her direction before commencing Edward's next interview.
"Wow," Marcus said, equally astounded as Caius "I never thought I'd see Caius Volturi lost for words."
He gave her a gleaming smile. "Miss Swan, you are rapidly becoming one of the most interesting women I have ever had the honour meeting."
…
"Bella?"
Bella had waited an hour for Edward to finish up his interviews. It wasn't that bad. She chatted for half an hour with Marcus, and was quite astounded (and a little amused) when he gave her his card, if she ever wanted to take the next step up in her career.
She turned to find Edward leaning against the doorjamb, arms crossed. He wore a white shirt, top two buttons left undone, with black trousers. She swore that her mouth was watering.
Bella stood up, "Edward! Hey!"
"I'm so sorry that you had to wait" Edward apologised, walking towards her "I honestly thought I'd be done by four." When he finally reached her, he took both of her hands into his, gazing at her, green meeting brown.
"It's fine, it was great to meet Marcus"
Edward grimaced "the same can't be said for Caius" he said, bitterly.
Bella took her hands from his to cradle his face. Edward raised his on, holding them to him, looking at her as though she was something precious. It sent warm sensations down her spine.
"Yeah, I kind of lashed out on him earlier" her cheeks going slightly pink.
"I heard," his eyes turned softer "Bella what you said… thank you so much."
"It was the truth Edward" she said strongly "I may not have seen every single movie you've been in but I do recognise passion. You love what you do."
"I do" he watched her carefully, hands still holding hers against his cheeks "but no one has really truly grasped that. Sure they think I'm a good actor, but they think the passion is just apart of the character. Not just me."
Bella smiled at him.
He bent down, nudging his nose against hers. "Can I kiss you Bella" he breathed "I've been dreaming about it since I left your apartment."
How could she deny such a request?
She pushed her lips against his. They caressed each other, learning the other's lips. It was different to the scorching kiss in her hallway, but just as perfect. He held her like she was glass: fragile and beautiful. They kissed slowly but adoringly. He slipped his tongue into her mouth, commencing their sweet exploration.
Bella never wanted to leave. She could stay like this forever.
"Go out with me tonight?" he asked against her lips.
Bella groaned, but not out of pleasure. "I can't, my friend's are doing dinner tonight." She pulled away. Then a light bulb dinged in her head. "Buuut…" hope flashed in Edward's eyes "you could come with me."
He stayed quiet.
"I mean it's really chilled and they are really not the excitable types. Not that they wouldn't be excited to meet you, because well you're you. And my best friend Alice can be, a bit hyper she'd be totally respectful…"
"I'd love to come."
Bella stopped.
"Really?"
He smiled, "I want to meet your friends," he pushed a lock of hair behind her ear, "and I really want to spend more time with you."
Bella lit up, unable to believe this incredible man would be coming to meet her best friends in the whole world."
"Seven?" she asked, desperately seeking final confirmation.
"Seven." He repeated, before meeting her lips again.
…
Sorry there wasn't much Edward in this chapter, but I can promise exciting times lie ahead. Next chapter, we will be meeting Esme, Carlisle and Emmett! We will also be seeing more of Alice.
A lot more fluff to look forward to also, so please be patient ;)