A/N This chapter is a bit longer than the rest because I had trouble finding a good spot to break it up at. Still don't own Twilight-I just play with the characters. Enjoy.
Bella POV
I woke up feeling myself shaking. I was still too sleepy to understand what was going on and vaguely wondered if I might be experiencing an earthquake. I gradually opened my eyes to see the pixie-like Alice shaking my bed trying to get me up. I looked over at the clock by the bed and groaned.
"Alice, it's only 7 in the morning. Go away."
"You've got to get up, Bella. We want to get to the beach early and need to grab something for breakfast."
"Ugh… okay whatever you say."
I dragged myself out of the bed with her watching because I knew she would just stay in my room until she saw me get up. I went to get a quick shower to hopefully help wake me up. When I returned I saw that Alice had already laid out my clothes for the beach on the bed. Luckily, today's selection wasn't as bad as it has been in the past. Alice actually chose a bikini that covered more than one small patch of me. I even had a cover-up to match the swimsuit.
Once dressed, I walked out into the main living room. Angela and Alice were already out there waiting for me. We decided to grab breakfast at one of the small cafes at the resort. We made our way over there and grabbed a light breakfast. Alice's plans consisted of finding a good spot on a lounge chair to sunbathe near a cute lifeguard. Angela was going to meet Ben, of course. I figured that I would stay by Alice in a lounge chair, but I wasn't really interested in looking for "eye candy" as she puts it.
After finishing breakfast, the three of us walked toward the beach. Once we met the beginning of the sand, we met up with Ben. Alice was scoping out the lifeguard stands and grabbed my arm heading toward a group of empty lounge chairs near one. Ben and Angela followed us there before heading off on their own in order to be able to find us a little more easily later on in the day. After putting my stuff down, I looked toward the lifeguard tower to see what Alice had seen.
The guy was certainly a sight to see. He was tall, very lean, and had very tanned skin. I couldn't be sure, but I thought he might be at least part American Indian based on his skin tone. His long black hair was pulled back in a rubber band. He was beautiful to look at. I probably could have looked at him longer, but I was afraid of him glancing my way and catching me staring. I turned my head in the other direction and gasped.
"What is it?" Alice asked.
I turned to her quickly and said, "Mike works here too. He's coming this way handing out beach towels to all the guests."
Before I could escape, he reached our chairs. "Hey Bella," he said.
"Hi Mike," I replied.
"Here's a towel for both of you," he said handing us each a towel. "Do you need me to help you put sunscreen on?"
"Umm… no I think I'll be fine for now… thanks," I answered not even able to imagine what he just said. It was too disgusting. Luckily, I kept the grimace off my face when I answered him.
"Okay, well I'll check back later after I get around to the other guests here," told Mike.
"See you later," I responded hoping I would never actually see him again.
After he left, I turned to find Alice laughing at me over what just happened. "It's not funny," I told her.
"The look on his face when he asked about putting sunscreen on was priceless," she said.
"Ugh… I don't want to think about Mike and sunscreen together in the same sentence again. It might make me sick."
I removed my cover-up and applied a generous portion of sunscreen on my skin because, let's face it, I don't tan. I might as well keep myself from burning to a crisp out here by keeping the sunscreen applied all day long. I pulled on my sunglasses and looked around the beach where Alice and I were lounging. There were a lot of people, old and young, that were having fun out here today.
To my left a beach volleyball match was taking place with only two guys involved. I couldn't clearly make out who the guy on the side closest to me was. All I could tell about him was that he was tall, thin but muscular, and had hair that was bronze in color. That color reminded me of something that I couldn't quite place. Instead of thinking that line of thought further, I looked toward the other guy that was playing. He was absolutely huge. Although a bit scary looking due to his size, he was very good looking with short, dark hair and what appeared to be a constant smile on his face.
The big guy seemed to be more interested in girls though, because he would smile and nod his head toward every decent looking one he saw. It caused him to miss quite a few points since he wasn't paying as much attention to the game.
I turned away from the scene to take out my book. I didn't want to pack too many items like books for my trip, so I settled on a Jane Austen book I owned, which contained multiple books within the book. I flipped through to find the beginning of Pride and Prejudice. It was one of my favorite love stories and I must say that I've always been in love with Mr. Darcy. Alice was already busy reading the latest fashion magazine and commenting periodically to herself about the styles that all the stars were currently wearing. I ignored it all and settled in with my book.
I had just reached one of my favorite scenes in the book when out of nowhere I get hit in the shoulder by a volleyball.
"Ow," I muttered rubbing the shoulder with my hand.
The volleyball had landed near my feet, so I reached down and picked it up looking towards the volleyball net. The two guys were jogging toward me, and my breath caught as I saw the second one fully. The bronze hair belonged to the very same guy I ran into at the airport. I quickly tried to take what little control of myself as I could because he was even more of a god without a shirt.
I noticed out of the corner of my eye that the lifeguard had hopped down from his tower and was making his way over to us.
"I'm going to have to ask you guys to either stop your volleyball game or leave the beach so that you aren't bothering our guests," the lifeguard told them.
"Emmett just hit the ball a little too overzealously," the bronze-haired one spoke who I just recalled his name as being Edward. "We can still stop playing if that's what you want since I don't want to cause any trouble."
"I think I would prefer that," the lifeguard told him. "I like to keep beautiful women from being beaten up by stray volleyballs," he continued smiling at me.
"Uh… thanks," I told the lifeguard hesitantly.
"You can call me Jacob," he responded. "What might your name be?"
"Bella," I told him.
"Well, it's a pleasure to meet you Bella. I hope to see you again soon."
I smiled and nodded watching him walk back to his tower. Edward and the other guy, who I heard was Emmett, were still standing by us. Emmett was sort of pouting, which I took to be because he couldn't play volleyball anymore. Edward, on the other hand, looked a little upset but I couldn't understand why. I decided to ignore it for the time being and maybe he would cheer up soon enough.
I looked toward Alice who had put her magazine away at some point during this business. She was looking between Jacob and Edward before giving me a knowing look.
"What?" I asked her watching Edward and Emmett sit down in the pearly white sand in front of our chairs.
"We'll have to discuss this later," Alice said and I groaned inwardly.
"So," Alice spoke up turning to the guys, "who wants to play a game?"
"What kind of game might that be?" Edward asked cautiously.
"Twenty questions," Alice answered pulling out her cell phone and typing something in.
"What are you doing?" I asked her.
"Sending a text to see if Angela and Ben want to join us," she answered. She finished her text and looked up again. "I'm Alice by the way," reaching out to vigorously shake Edward and Emmett's hands.
"Hey, nice to meet both of you," Emmett said grinning.
"Hi Alice, I believe we met at the airport," Edward spoke. "I'm Edward just in case you didn't remember and this is my older brother Emmett."
"Ohhh… I remember!" Alice squealed. "Bella! You remember Edward, don't you?"
I felt the blush creep up my face and said, "Yes, I remember."
Looking around, I saw that Angela and Ben were making their way back toward us. The more the merrier I thought hoping that this was going to be a more tame version of twenty questions. Knowing Alice, it might be even worse than I'm used to. I saw that Jacob was eying all of us.
Alice saw Angela and Ben come up and more introductions were made so everyone knew everyone's name at least. "So let's take this somewhere else," Alice said.
"Great," I muttered allowing everyone to get ahead of me since I was not the least bit interested in any game Alice came up with. It would just lead to more embarrassment on my behalf I'm sure.
Edward turned around a few steps in front of me and asked, "Bella, are you coming?"
"Bella!" I heard someone call behind me before I could respond to Edward. I turned around to see Jacob jogging up to me. "Are you guys leaving already?"
"Alice wants to play a game and decided we should go to a different location," I told him.
"Well, I hope you have fun," he said.
"Thanks," I told him and began turning back toward Edward who was still waiting for me with an expression I couldn't quite describe on his face. If I didn't know better, I would think he was jealous, but I knew that couldn't be it. I mean, let's face it, why would someone that looked like that be jealous of another guy talking to someone like me. Edward could have anyone he wanted with his looks. I'm just a plain Jane.
Jacob grabbed my arm gently before I could walk off. "Bella, would you like to go out sometime?" he asked.
I was surprised that he would ask me out. Jacob couldn't compare to the god-like qualities of Edward, but he was still very good looking and seemed nice enough. I didn't know anything about him, which made me a bit hesitant to say yes to his request. Jacob did seem to be at least more on my level as far as people I could date. I decided that even though I would like to give Jacob a shot and go out on a date with him, I couldn't do that in front of Edward. I knew Edward didn't like me in that way, but it still felt wrong to say yes to Jacob in front of him.
"Can I think about it?" I responded.
"Of course," Jake said while giving Edward a look that I didn't understand. "Let me know when you decide."
"See you later," I said watching him jog back to his tower. I turned and gave Edward a little smile, "Ready?" I asked.
Edward smiled and linked my arm through his as we made our way back in the direction everyone else had gone in. I wasn't sure where Alice was planning to play this game, but I didn't have long to wait in order to find out. As soon as we cleared the beach and some greenery within the interior of the resort, I saw all of them splashing around and laughing in one of the pools that contained a miniature waterfall.
"Bella! Edward! You finally made it," Alice shouted over to us right before Emmett dunked her under the water.
We laughed at her shocked expression when she came back above the surface. I hopped in the pool followed by Edward. The pool itself wasn't that deep. It was probably only six feet deep at the deepest part. I was glad I didn't have to worry too much about keeping myself above the water. We gathered together in an area that would allow all of us, including Alice, to touch the bottom.
"Okay, for those of you who either haven't played twenty questions before or just haven't played using my rules, I'm going to tell you how we're playing," Alice lectured. "Whoever's turn it is will ask a question that each of us will answer. The person asking the question doesn't have to answer it if they don't want to. This way we all get to learn little tidbits of information about one another and get better acquainted. Now who wants to go first?"
"Me, me, me," Emmett began.
"Okay, pick your question," Alice told him.
Emmett put his finger to his chin as if he was thinking really hard about a good question to ask all of us. He snapped his fingers quickly and said, "What's the most embarrassing thing you've ever done?"
To make things simpler, we decided to go around in a circle to answer the questions. Since Alice was standing next to Emmett, she answered first by saying, "I was once playing truth or dare and got dared to go skinny-dipping at La Push. It was all fine until Bella's dad, the chief of police, showed up and caught me. I ended up getting lectured not only by my parents that night, but also by Chief Swan."
"Whoa, your dad's the police chief where you're from?" Emmett asked amazed.
"Yes, he is," I answered.
"That's so cool," Emmett responded.
I was next to Alice so I quickly tried to come up with an embarrassing moment. It seems to be more difficult when you're armed with an arsenal of moments like that, but such is my life.
"Umm… well, Alice forced me into this beauty pageant one year in junior high. I was a nervous wreck to walk out on the stage in front of all of those people with the bright spotlights focused on me. I couldn't walk very well in high heels and the lights blinded me once I got on stage, so I ended up tripping and falling off the stage."
I blushed again as everyone laughed at my story. I turned to look at Edward who was standing in the water next to me. "I don't think I can top that," he began. He sat thoughtfully for a moment contemplating what he would offer I imagine. "Okay," he started, "there was this one time that I really like this girl. I was just about to tell her how much I liked her when she accepts an invitation to go out with another guy."
"Bro, that blows," Emmett exclaimed.
He couldn't possibly be talking about Jacob asking me out, could he? I mentally shook my head deciding that there was no way Edward could think of me in that way. We only just met yesterday and barely knew each other. No, he was definitely referring to some girl in his past. I can't believe any girl would turn this guy down though. I came out of my thoughts realizing that I had missed everything that Ben and Angela had said about their embarrassing moment.
"Okay the next question is…" Alice began, "are you a virgin?"
I couldn't help the groan that escaped after hearing the question. I of course had to answer the damn question so I quickly said, "Yes" to hopefully get it over with. Shockingly enough, I heard Edward respond with a "Yes" as well. That wasn't something I expected. I figured that someone who could have anybody would have some experience in that area, but found myself secretly pleased that he didn't. What in the world am I thinking? I came back to reality and heard the rest of the group respond with "No" one by one.
Okay, now it was my turn to ask the question. Even though I cared about what Emmett and Ben had to say, if I was honest with myself, I was more interested in finding out more about Edward. "What are you currently involved with as far as a job or college goes?" I asked. "Before anyone answers, I'll even volunteer to answer my own question. I've graduated from college with a degree in English Literature. I started writing a rough draft of a novel when I was in my last year in school, which has been picked up by a minor publishing company. Once I figure out how to make some corrections to the story, it should actually be published and available to the public."
"That's great, Bella," Edward said. "I recently finished up Medical school and even though I probably could have gone anywhere for my residency, I chose to come back home and start my residency here in the same hospital that my father works in."
All I could think about was the fact that he's a doctor on top of everything else. Edward is just… perfect. I don't know any other way to describe him.
Ben answered, "I finished up school with a degree in computer science. I've got a few job offers for people along the West coast, so we'll see what happens."
"I'm excited because I just got hired to work as an elementary school teacher in our hometown of Forks, Washington. It's a dream job for me and I can't wait to start it in a few weeks," Angela responded enthusiastically.
"Well, I've been out of school for a little while working as a personal trainer here in the panhandle of Florida," Emmett began, "but I really want to open up my own fitness center, so I'm currently working on raising money and scouting out possible locations."
"Yay, my turn!" Alice exclaimed. "I accepted this job working for an interior design company, but I haven't picked the location I want to work at yet. That's part of the reason why our vacation destination is here. I was hoping to get a chance at some point while we're down here to run to the company's location in Destin and check it out firsthand."
Edward and Emmett both looked at her for a moment before Edward spoke up, "Who owns this design company that you're going to be working for?"
"I haven't met her in person, but her name is Esme Cullen," replied Alice.
"Since you're from around here," I began, "have you heard of Esme Cullen or at least know where the company is located?"
Edward smirked and said, "I think we might be able to help you with both of those. We happen to know where the company is located and also know Esme Cullen, too."
"That's great!" I told him looking over at a smiling Alice. "Do you think Alice can meet her sometime soon?"
"I think both of you can meet her," Edward responded his eyes twinkling. "Just let me get the time figured out and I'll let you know."
"Okay, what I want to know for my question is…" Edward began, "what are your favorite hobbies? I'll go ahead and say that I like to listen and play music in my spare time."
"I like to play chess," Ben said. "It's stupid, I know, but I really like the logic of the game and trying to out think your opponent."
"It's not stupid at all," Angela said giving Ben's shoulder a squeeze.
I was happy for her. They seemed to make a cute couple. I'm not sure how everything will be able to work out for them after this vacation is over, but I hope it can. She's definitely found a nice guy that's worthy of her.
Angela spoke up next, "I like to go around to various places taking pictures. I've always love photography and particularly like going to parks to take candid shots of people."
"I like video games, sports, and women," Emmett said.
I haven't known Emmett very long, but that answer doesn't surprise me a bit. I wonder what he would be like when he finally finds the woman of his dreams. I hope I'm there to see that, although unless it happens in the next week or so, I doubt that will be the case.
It was now Alice's turn and I knew exactly what she was going to say her hobby was. She didn't disappoint me when she excitedly said, "My hobby is shopping!" All of us laughed at her exuberance.
The group looked to me waiting for my response. Of course, Alice and Angela knew me well enough to know that my hobbies consist of reading and writing. "Well, my occupation and hobby kind of goes hand in hand. I love to write, but I'm also a big reader. I read a little bit of everything, but my favorites are still the classics like Jane Austen and Charlotte Bronte."
"What's one thing you want to experience while in Florida?" Ben asked us. "I know that I for one want to experience some really good seafood."
Angela looked thoughtful before replying, "I think I want to see a really nice sunset." She lightly laughed and continued, "I must sound like a hopeless romantic with that."
"Hey, we can always try to catch the sunset tonight," Ben told her, "then we can go out to dinner at a seafood restaurant."
Alice and I smiled at how Ben managed to create a perfect opportunity to take care of both of their wishes while spending more time together with each other.
Emmett looked confused for a moment. He finally said, "Well, I'm from around here so I'm not sure what I really want to experience that I haven't already… Oh I know, there's an amusement park near here that we could all go to one day," he said excitedly splashing around in the water like a little kid.
"An amusement park, seriously?" Edward questioned.
"Yeah, it'd be fun, Eddie," Emmett replied.
"Don't call me Eddie," Edward said grumpily. "Okay, maybe we'll try to go there one day."
"I have to go to Seaside," Alice said excitedly. "There's supposed to be all these great shops there. I think I'll take Bella there with me tomorrow."
"Wait, what?" I sputtered hearing my name. "Alice," I whined, "I never agreed to go shopping with you. Why can't Angela go with you instead?"
"Angela is busy," Angela spoke up laughing.
"Come on," I continued in my whiny voice. I looked around the rest of the group with pleading eyes, but to no avail. Everyone was either looking amused or outright laughing at my predicament. No volunteers for help on my behalf.
"Don't worry, Bella," Alice said, "I won't make you shop all day. I figure that you'll have plans for the evening," she continued with a knowing look.
"Fine," I relented throwing my hands up and inadvertently splashing everyone around me.
Edward smirked at my little tantrum and I splashed him in the face with water. His retaliated by dunking me underwater. I almost stomped my foot, but decided to at least try to act my age once again.
"Bella, tell us what you want to experience while you're here," Ben said bringing me back to our game.
I thought about this for a moment. I really wasn't sure what I might want to see or do here. "I'm not sure," I finally answered honestly. "Maybe you guys should just surprise me with stuff to see and do here, other than shopping," I clarified after taking a look at Alice's expression.
Edward finally got his chance to answer. He said, "I've spent most of my life here, but there's a small beach near here that I would love to take the love of my life to. That is, I would love to take her there once I find her," he continued.
That sounded like such a nice and romantic thing from where I was sitting. What I would give to be that girl some day.
We continued on with our questions for another hour or so. I managed to learn a lot about Emmett, Edward, Ben, and sometimes even surprising things that I didn't know about Alice or Angela.
Finally, Edward spoke up, "Before it gets too late in the day, Emmett and I should head back home. Would you guys care to meet back up for dinner somewhere?"
I looked to Alice and she told them, "Sure, how about we have dinner around seven. You can either come back here to meet us or we can meet you at a restaurant, your choice."
"We'll come back here," Edward told her flashing a crooked smile my way.
"Just come on up to the room," I told them. "We're in 314."
"See you in a few hours," he said before we all got out, toweled off, and they departed.