Disclaimer: One day I will own my own Edward, and he'll love me, and adore me, and sparkle in the sunlight. But for now, I'll borrow Stephanie's.
EPOVWaiting. It seems I have spent forever doing it. It doesn't get any easier, despite public belief. Waiting stays the same; it's patience that changes. I suppose if you are doomed to an eternity of sleepless existence, patience just comes to you. I was once a patient man, until Bella Swan entered my life. Now each passing moment between when we part to when we reunite is painful. I have no patience during the waiting anymore. But I still wait. I wait for her. For ninety years I waited to find her – and I'd wait another ninety all over again, just to see her smile and blush. I made myself patient – I had to be. Still…I hated waiting.
I looked down at the exterior of my volvo, and inwardly groaned. After sharing the frightful news that I was to be under his command for the next two days, Charlie had graciously offered to drive me to work each morning. I had agreed. At the time, I thought I was doing the right thing, pleasing both Bella and Charlie in one go. Foolishly, I had forgotten my Volvo. I could not run here – that would look suspicious. And so, to keep up my act, I had had to drive here. This meant leaving my volvo parked out on the street for two days. I winced. I couldn't believe I was doing this. What if it got damaged or broken whilst left here? I sighed, regretting my acceptance of Charlie's offer.
I heard the front door of the Swan residence open, revealing a fluttering heartbeat and clumsy-sounding footfalls. Quickly, I exited the volvo and rushed to her side. I pulled Bella into a tight hug, and inhaled deeply. What I smelt made my throat burn with thirst, and yet I had never smelt anything more wonderful in my life. My heroin; and I was addicted.
"Morning Edward, what a nice surprise," she sounded it. I chuckled, but said nothing. I was going an entire day without her, and the idea terrified me. I liked this. Bella safely tucked away against my chest, where I would let nothing hurt her – not even her own clumsiness.
I gently touched my lips to her forehead, before leaning down to kiss her softly. As usual, I heard her heart beat erratically, and her mouth move quickly on mine. Fierce, passionate, fiery. The longing flowed off her in waves; she wanted me, I knew she did. And I wanted her – if only she knew! Her searing skin, her heavy breath, the taste of her lips and the feel of her tongue. It was so hard to resist the urge to want her – to have her. She always pushed it – making life difficult. Was that her goal in life? To make mine difficult? The thought didn't stop me from kissing her back. I let my tongue trace the form of her lips, and she moved her hands roughly through my hair. I pulled her closer. I knew I shouldn't, but surely I could slip up…just once? My hand crept slowly beneath the edge of her top, and I felt her shiver as my cold fingers grazed her stomach. Did I dare move my hand any further?
"What the hell is going on here?" Immediately I pulled away from her, and I smelt the rush of blood as she flushed furiously with embarrassment. Standing in the doorway, was a purple-faced Chief Swan. Was his hand just where I thought it was?
I groaned quietly. Of all days to allow myself some self-indulgence, I had to pick right here, right now, didn't I? This was the first chance I'd had since my return to really show Charlie how much I loved Bella, that I was a good guy, and that this time I was sticking around – for good. But instead he had caught me with my tongue down his daughter's throat and my hand inching up her blouse. Brilliant.
"Nothing, Dad," Bella's quiet voice mumbled from beside me.
"Didn't look like nothing!" Charlie's face was no longer purple, but instead it was glowing bright red. Looked like he was about ready to have his way with you on my front porch – that's what it looked like! I was relieved he didn't speak aloud his thoughts.
I turned my face up in apology, and tried to sound sincere. "We're very sorry, Chief Swan. It won't happen again." My tone was serious.
"Yeah, it better not," he threatened with a nod. Or I'll hunt you down and gouge them glittering eyes out! Did Charlie just describe my eyes as 'glittering'?
Bella turned to face me, and she instantly had my full attention. "I'd better go," she said, sounding almost sorry she had to. I nodded, and bent down to kiss her once more – on the cheek this time. Better keep it conservative for now. I could still hear Charlie muttering next to us. She gave me a heart-warming smile – the blush still playing on her cheeks making it only more beautiful. I would do anything for that smile.
I watched as she ran to her truck – and though it truly was the world's slowest motor vehicle that was still technically deemed 'road worthy' – she was gone far sooner than I would have liked. Gone for the whole day. Gone some place where I couldn't see her, and know that she was safe. Panic surged within me.
A very grumpy Charlie pulled me from my thoughts. "All right you," he almost growled. "Let's get going – I don't want to be late." I nodded in agreement, and then turned towards the cruiser.
I moved to the passenger's door, and was almost inside when Charlie called after me. "Sorry, Edwin, you have to ride in the back." I could almost hear the smile in his voice, as he finished locking the front door of his house. "Not legally allowed to let you sit up front with me." I knew he was lying – I had seen him drive Bella around in the front seat before. But I was already off to a shaky start, and anything I could do to redeem myself was a must. I decided to let Charlie have his fun, and slid silently into the back.
The Chief, who seemed determined to look professional and powerful, soon joined me. He wore his hat to drive, donned his gun belt and his badge looked shiny – as if polished. He even slipped on a pair of black sunglasses. Sunglasses in Forks. Almost as handy as taking your own sand to the beach. "Ready to go?" he asked. I'm gonna make your life hell, pretty boy. I nodded, and tried not to smile.
As we pulled out of the drive, I looked wistfully at my silver volvo. I hope it knew I still loved it. I'd parked it as close to the curb as possible, and there was nothing to hide it from the view of oncoming cars. There was no reason it should get hit or scratched. Still I worried about my precious vehicle.
Charlie was loving this – as Bella had suspected he would. I could see his eyes darting up to the rear-view mirror every so often to look at me through the iron cage that separated the backseat from the front. Wish I could throw you in jail for the way you were touching my daughter this morning he thought. I didn't blame him – I had let myself loose control a little, and that was unacceptable. When with Bella, keeping in total control was essential. I hadn't been lying when I'd said it would never happen again. Still, my future father-in-law wanting me behind bars was decidedly a bad thing.
"So," Charlie started. I raised an eyebrow in polite curiosity. "How old are you again?"
"Seventeen," My reply was instant. It was horrible that I had become so good at lying. And yet at the same time, it was a relief that everyone believed me.
"Seventeen, really?" You don't look seventeen. I bet his lying! I was a little disappointed in Charlie – he wasn't very original. Everyone thought I looked older than what I was. It would have been nice to hear I looked younger for a change. Or even for people to just accept it, without suspicion – just once! Oh well.
"Bella is eighteen," It was a statement, not a question. He obviously knew the age of his own daughter. But I found it rather an odd thing to say. His thoughts defined his actions. Why is Bella with a younger man? I'd prefer she be with someone older, more mature, who won't mess about like an idiot. I smiled to myself – I couldn't help it. I wondered how Charlie would react if he found out just how much older I was than Bella. It was an effort not to laugh.
The car trip continued for a few moments in silence. Well, verbally at least. In his mind, Charlie was ruthlessly planning my day. I tried to block it out – best not to know about it until I was forced to do it. I let my mind wander, and as usual, it drifted to Bella. It had been nearly fifteen minutes since I had last held her in my arms. That was fifteen minutes too many for me. I imagined her stressing over this mornings little slip-up on her way to the hairdressing salon. Where was it she was assigned to go again? I'd have to ask her later.
Eventually, we arrived at the Forks Police Department. It was an old, brick building with well-kept gardens, and a black tile roof. I exited the car to further observe my surroundings. Three or so other cruisers were already parked in the lot, and the road was wet from the rain. The building had very few windows, and I sighed woefully. I quite enjoyed watching the rain.
I heard the car door slam behind me as Charlie go out of his cruiser. "Alright, follow me," he said in a rough voice. I still hadn't been forgiven for being sprung this morning. As we walked, I noticed he gripped his gun and threw me looks of longing. Dream on old man, I thought. The bullet wouldn't even dent me.
I entered the front office of my non-existent nightmares, and took in my surroundings. It was incredibly plain – dark-blue carpet and off-white walls. The words "Forks Police Department" were plastered on the south wall in black block letters, and a few brightly coloured paintings peppered the walls. They did little to brighten the room.
Straight ahead was a tall, pine desk. Behind it, sat what I assumed was the receptionist. She had dark-brown, frizzy hair that was pulled back and plaited, and a wavy fringe that fell onto her face. Thick, black make-up was caked under her eyes, accentuated by her pale skin, which made me want to ask what she was rebelling against. She wore a black, loose fitting jumper and was listening to an up-tempo song on her ipod. I hated ipods. With my extra-sensitive hearing, I was able to hear the song being played, which was fair enough. But then, I would hear the song repeated a split second later as the mind registered the music. It made for a strange weave of sound that irritated me to no end. This case was no different.
Charlie and I approached the desk in silence, and stood waiting for the secretary to look up. She didn't. Her hazel eyes were buried in a book and she was far too engrossed in her music to notice us. I glanced at the badge pinned neatly to her sweater. Shanee. An old-fashioned name, and one I could relate to. I liked it. Beside me, I heard Charlie cough politely. This caught Shanee's attention, and finally, she looked up at us.
Immediately, the strange and eerie weave of music that ipods produced stopped. Instead, I could only hear what was coming out of the speakers – not her thoughts – making the lyrics understandable for the first time. Her mind had stopped registering the song. Her mouth gaped open, and her eyes all but fell onto the desk in front of her. I tried not to smile. Oh-my-God! Her thoughts screamed at me. Can I touch it?
"Morning Sharnie," It seemed I wasn't the only one whose name Charlie had trouble remembering. I didn't know why, but I found that thought comforting.
Shanee was having trouble speaking. It would seem she couldn't quite get the message from her brain to her lips. After a few moments of simply gaping at me, she managed to splutter two syllables, "Morning."
I allowed her a smile. It wasn't anything special – not like the smiles I reserved for Bella, or when I wanted something from a teacher at school. It was just a friendly, carefree smile. And yet I still managed to once again knock the breath out of the poor girl. What is this marvellous specimen? She thought.
"This is Edwin, he is here for work experience," Charlie sounded impatient. He really was no fun – couldn't he see I was enjoying myself here? Though it was at Shanee's expense, I was sure she didn't mind. My unusual talent made me qualified to make that analysis.
"H-Hello Edwin," she stammered. What are you and where do I get one?
I politely corrected her, "It's Edward, actually. Edward Cullen." Her heart was like a war-drum in her chest – it was a wonder Charlie couldn't hear it. My lips twitched as I tried not to burst into laughter. I was sure Charlie would see that as inappropriate.
She couldn't manage speaking this time, she just nodded. Oh snap, he is so ridiculously gorgeous! Where do I get one – where do I get one! I bet he isn't single. I bet. If he isn't, I hope he has brothers that are. How disappointing for her – I didn't. Oh, who cares – you can still look at him! She fumbled with some paperwork in front of her, before producing it for us both to sign. I heard her thoughts as I scrawled my signature. He'd look so good on my bed!
We returned the papers, but she still didn't take her eyes off me. Most people would have found it off-putting, but I found it highly amusing. Soon, we were ready to leave. I smiled in farewell to her, and she practically melted in front of me. I decided quite liked Shanee.
"See you later, Sharnie," Charlie said to her, "And for God's sake, stop drooling would you?" He added in a furious mutter. I watched as she blinked her eyes rapidly in an attempt to shake herself back to reality. I heard her departing thoughts as we left. They need to make more of those.
Charlie led me through a door to the right of the front office. It led to a hallway with the same colour scheme as the previous room. We followed the hall to a white coloured door towards the end. Behind it, I could hear the thrumming of heartbeats and – as Charlie opened the door – smell the different scents of the elite members of the Forks Police Department. My throat burned as venom sprang into my mouth.
I turned into the room and as usual was met with the drawling thoughts of those around me. I tried to block most of them out as I walked with the Chief of Police down the centre aisle. On both sides, small cubicles were cluttered with even smaller desks, each carrying the basic old computer, an old phone and an even older cop. We finally came to the desk I assumed was Charlie's. It didn't surprise me that he didn't have his own office – the place was obviously under-funded, and too cramped to allow room for it.
Charlie seemed determined to ignore my presence, and started rummaging through a lower desk draw once we reached our destination. Where the hell did I put that file? I heard him think. I decided to remain standing, and wait to be seated. It was polite, and I really did want Charlie to like me by the time this was all over. I lent against an over-flowing filing cabinet and waited patiently for Charlie to find his lost paperwork.
"Morning Charlie," A soft, but friendly voice greeted us from behind.
Instantly Charlie abandoned his search and abruptly stood. His tiny eyes seemed to glow in the direction of the voice. I could hear his mind thinking; Oh God, that voice, I love that voice. "Morning Alyssa," He mumbled quietly. Was the Chief of Police blushing?
"Who's this?" the gentle voice asked. I could hear Charlie's thoughts go off. But offcourse, she looks at Edward, Edwin – whatever the hell it is! Look at her; she's gone into a daze just like the rest of them. She looks just like bloody Bella whenever his around – all mushie and doey-eyed. Why won't she look at me like that? Just once, why can't she look at me? How very curious. It would appear Charlie had a crush. Ahh she's too good for you…what's the point – she's clearly not interested.
How very amusing. Charlie did have a crush, and he was down right embarrassed about it. I saw the longing in Charlie's eyes as he watched whoever was standing behind me. Who was she, I wondered. It didn't look like Charlie was about to introduce us, and so I turned to see for myself.
Leaning against the wall of the cubicle was a pale-skinned woman, smiling warmly. She was middle-aged, or there about, and in full police uniform. Her eyes were a deep green, and her hair a brown so light it was nearly blonde. She was tall, and though she wore her police jacket un-zipped, you could see she kept quite a decent figure. My eyes flashed quickly to her nametag, which hung loosely from her breast pocket. Officer Hope. I inwardly smiled at the name. Alyssa Hope.
"I'm Edward Cullen," I said, in a voice I knew was unnaturally soft – like silk. She glanced at me, and I observed her closely. Her eyes – like Charlie's – were dancing with longing. And lust; there was lust there, as I was accustomed to seeing. I could hear her heartbeat fluttering – it was light, like a gentle hum, unlike Shanee's, which went off like a bongo drum when she saw me. I soft blush barely touched her cheeks around her smile, and I could hear her thoughts screaming want me!
These were all the usual reactions – everything I was used to. The only problem here was, she was no longer looking at me. Her eyes gazed lovingly upon Charlie, and her mind whispered sweet nothings too him – though he could not possibly hear her. She was clearly too shy to speak them aloud. Charlie had aroused this particular reaction – not me.
My lips twitched frantically in my desperate attempt not to break into hysterics. Of all the many things I had expected to find here today – this was not one of them. An office romance between one Alyssa Hope and my temporary boss, Charlie Swan. And I was the only one who knew it. Only I could hear their thoughts right now, as they willed the other to take them there and then. Only I could see the real intentions behind those wistful looks and nervous glances. Before me stood two people in nervous love with each other. I realised I should pity them, but I thought it was downright hilarious, and vaguely pathetic.
I could see them averting each other's eyes, and saw their smiles grow each time they were unsuccessfully in their avoidance. Alyssa fiddled with her zipper and Charlie shifted from one foot to the other. They were a couple of school kids waiting for the other to ask them out. Was it like this every morning? Surely, if it were this awkward every morning, one of them would have plucked up the courage to ask the other out?
It appeared that Alyssa either hadn't heard me, or didn't care. She only had eyes for Charlie. He looks so good – got to love a guy in uniform! I had to disagree. But look at him; he isn't even talking to you. Clearly he isn't interested. He probably doesn't date colleagues anyway – too much of a gentleman.
Charlie kept his eyes on the floor. Which was probably a good thing. At the moment his mind was playing out a rather dramatic scene in which he and Alyssa ended up entangled, and I couldn't make out where he began and Alyssa ended. The whole charade made what Bella and I did this morning look entirely innocent. I shuddered. It wasn't the sort of image one wanted in ones head. Your girlfriends father making out passionately with some poor woman. It was times like this I hated not being able to forget anything.
"Well, have a nice day, Charlie." Alyssa beamed at Charlie, and I could almost see the waves she was emitting to Charlie, willing him to feel for her in the same way. Little did she know, there was no need. Charlie clearly did feel the same way.
"Yeah, you too!" He called after her. I watched his eyes linger on her tall figure as she sauntered away from my place against the filing cabinet. A blush was still glowing on Charlie's face, and he was plainly flustered. I could hear his heart jumping around erratically, as if trying to get out of his chest and follow the woman of his dreams down the hall. Charlie, you fool! Why didn't you say anything? Every morning you convince yourself you'll say something. And yet every morning you let this happen. So this did happen every morning? That's real nice, Charlie. Scared of a beautiful woman. What kind of cop are you?
As much as I didn't really like Charlie at this point in time, I couldn't help but feel for the man. He was in love with someone, and had no courage what so ever to step up and pronounce his feelings. Speaking from experience, I knew it was difficult. The whole thing was of course hilarious, but I still felt for him.
A thought then occurred to me. I wanted Charlie to like me – and after this mornings slip up, it was going to take something big. I was the only one who could help these two do something about this painful attraction they very clearly had for each other. I was no cupid, and I had little experience of matters of the heart, but I realised I had discovered a way to earn Charlie's respect. I smiled to myself.
Author's Note: What do we think gang? Read and review! Let me know what you loved, hated, laughed at, anything! Let me know how to improve! Big thanks to Shanee and Alyssa for letting me use their names. Huge thanks to Alyssa. Sorry Alyssa.