Disclaimer: I own nothing.

Author's Note: Sorry this took me so long. I actually did not plan this far and I'm not really a writer so this might turn out ugly. haha

Previously: "Oh yes, Edward drove me." The woman slowly turned around. I gasped. It was Her. She was even more beautiful than I had imagined. Her hair flowed around her face perfectly. Her skin was flawless, and I could see the light freckles that were scattered upon her cheeks. My eyes connected with hers, and I felt like she was staring right into me."Oh Edward, remember that girl I've been trying to get you to meet for years … this is Bella."

Chapter 6

Bella. Bellaaaa. Belllll – lah, What a beautiful name. It literally belongs to its owner. Bella. She was so much more than I could ever imagine. Bella, Bella. I couldn't help but repeat the beautiful name until it hit me.

"What did you just say?" My eyes were still connected with Bella's. My mind was feeling cloudy.

"I've been trying to get you to meet Bella for years…" I tore my eyes away to Jody. Are you kidding me?

"Are you okay Edward?" My eyes diverted to Carlisle. He was finished wrapping up her ankle and pulling her pant leg down. Funny, I never noticed what she was wearing before in my dreams. I mean she's always wearing clothes - I would have noticed if she wasn't, but she was wearing a purple t-shirt that had NYU in white letters and gray sweat pants. It was simple and comfortable yet still attractive.

"Yeah Edward, you look like you've just seen someone come back from the dead…" Not the dead…my dreams. I could only nod my head. My eyes roamed her face. Her beauty was perfection. My eyes connected with hers again, and I couldn't break away. Why would I even want to?

"So Bella, you know the drill. Take a couple of aspirin when you get home. You need to rest, I actually mean it. You shouldn't go in tonight. Call in sick. And keep your foot elevated and put ice on it right away. Bella? Bella?" Her eyes tore away from mine and looked toward Carlisle. She leaned over and grabbed the crutches.

"Yes, I know. I'll take aspirin every six hours or until I feel the pain. I'll put ice on it and rest – I know. I'll call you if I need anything. But I actually don't work in the library anymore, I got a job at a publishing company." I barely comprehended the words she spoke because her voice was beautiful too! It was pleasant, soft, and smooth - not a annoying high pitch squeal that many women speak to me with.

"Wow Bella! That's great! Congratulations." Dad pulled her into a hug. Oh how I wish I was him.

"Yeah Carlisle, so you don't get to hog her anymore with your late night dinners." Wow, Dad must be close with Bella – late night dinners, hugs, what more is there?

"It's not my fault Bella likes to come visit me after she gets off work. Plus I only worked all those night shifts because I knew Bella was mostly likely to need me then."

"What!? You've been working night shifts for the past three years because of me?" This explains all the late nights. Hell I would give up my all of my daytime to be with her too.

"Well, yes."

"What about Esme?" Mom knows Bella too? Wait if Dad and Mom knew Bella why didn't they tell me?

"Oh don't worry, she encouraged me. She cares about you too you know." Well apparently not about me.

"Carlisle, you guys know how much I appreciate everything you've done for me right?"

"Yes, of course we do. So when should we celebrate your new job? Esme will want to do something …. big, so we should plan something that you are comfortable with before we tell her." Yeah, big is the right word.

"Big – right. We can just go to the diner. When do you get off?"

"Six. So I'll call Esme with the good news. Edward could I have a minute with you?" I couldn't find my voice, so I nodded. I watched Jody and Bella walk, well in Bella's case, crutch into the hallway to give us privacy.

"Are you okay Edward? You look upset." Oh I think I'm a bit more than upset.

"Dad, why didn't you tell me? You know her! I can't believe you know her!"

"What are you talking about?"

"Bella! Bella, Dad. She's the woman from my dreams! Why didn't you tell me about her?!

"Wait Bella is the same woman from your dreams?"

"Yes! And you, Mom … Jody, and even Bob! You all knew her! None of you were planning to tell me? Were you just going to let me be miserable and with Alice on my case for the rest of my life? Why – oh god, I'm not good enough for her am I? That's why. She's beautiful, kind, and normal. She's got a normal job, and then me. Being an actor – it's not good for her. You were disappointed in me be- " SMACK! "Ow! What the – Dad!?"

" Edward, shut up. I'm sorry I didn't recognize Bella. I only saw the sketch the one time on television. I'm not sure about the others… Edward, we all love you, and we're proud of you. Don't ever forget that. But right now you're being really stupid. You are a good man; your mother and I raised you to be one. We would only be disappointed in you if you forgot that."

"Dad, I'm sorry. I know you and Mom raised me to be a good person." It's always nice to know that I don't disappoint them or at least I haven't yet.

"It's alright son… so you going to ask her out?"

"Dad, come on! You want me to ask her out and have actual conversations with her – I can't even speak in her presence!" Great now, Dad's laughing at me.

"Let's go. I've got to get back to work." I watched Dad leave the room and heard him say his good-byes. I peeked my head out the door to see Jody standing next to Bella whispering something. I stood up straight and walked out of the room. Jody and Bella saw me and started for the elevators. I was surprised by the speed Bella was making; she must have a lot of experience using them. The elevator door opened with the usual exchange of nurses and doctors; we climbed in and rode down to the first floor. The doors opened, and Bella started forwards. As she crutched out, the bottom of her left crutch knocked into the doorway. Bella stumbled but caught herself and mumbled something.

"Watch it Lucy." What? Who is she talking to?

"Uh, who's Lucy?" I looked to Jody, and she busted out laughing.

"Lucy and Ricky are her crutches. Lucy is on the left – Ricky on the right." Bella's cheeks were turning pink. It was extremely attractive; everything about her was. "Bella named them because they're frequently…. acquainted."

"Clever." Bella's face was extremely red now. But the idea was very clever. I realize I actually haven't said a word to Bella; I've directed my words to Jody. I need to man up, and say something. We made our way outside to the parking garage. I'm really amazed at Bella's strength or maybe her stubbornness, but she hadn't complained for a wheelchair – I know I would have had one from the hospital room.

"Edward, I'm going to drive Bella's truck, but thank you for bringing me here." How could Bella drive here? She sprained her ankle… unless she drove herself! It was only her left foot, so she would be able to drive because you only use your right foot anyway. Wow Bella was stubborn as a mule. Usually stubbornness is a huge turn-off, but I'm finding Bella to be so …. adorable?

"Um, actually it's in the shop…" Alright, here's my chance.

"I can – you could – I mean" Nice going Edward, you're a professional actor and all you can do is stutter.

"Don't worry Bella. Edward will give us a ride to the diner." I only nodded and walked toward my car.

The car ride was extremely silent to the diner. I parked in front of the diner and left the car running as I opened the backseat door for Bella and Jody.

"Thanks for the ride and I'm sorry for the inconvenience." She wouldn't even meet my eyes. I am an idiot. Before I could reply she was already at the door of the diner.

"Isabella Swan!" Even her name is beautiful! "Don't you dare go back in the kitchen! You go straight to your table!" Bella nodded and went inside. "Aren't you coming in Edward?"

"Well, I thought it was a private th- "

"Nonsense! You'll be joining us too. When was the last time you had dinner with your parents? Hmm?" Jody didn't even wait for an answer and went inside. I turned off the ignition and went inside. What I saw brought my goofy smile to my face. Bella was at my table. She was sitting right across from my seat with her foot propped up with an icepack. I walked over and sat in my chair. Bella looked up in surprise.

"Edward -You're staying?" I got goose bumps at the sound of Bella saying my name.

"Yes…unless you want me to go?"

"No! I mean, only if you want to."

"I want to stay."

"Okay."

"So you worked in a library?"

"Yeah, how did you know that?"

"You were talking about it earlier at the hospital…"

"You remembered?" Her cheeks turned a little pink.

"Yes. So why a library? Did you want be a librarian?"

"When I was a freshman, the library was looking for student volunteers, and I needed … to do something with myself. Then eventually I was hired for the night shift."

"You went to NYU?"

"Yeah how'd you know?"

"Uh, your shirt."

"Oh…" Her cheeks were turning pink again. It was lovely against her fair skin.

"So schoolwork wasn't enough for you?"

"Oh, I was swamped. I had to keep my grades up to keep my full ride." Wow. She's smart too.

"Full ride? That's impressive. So why did you need to do something with yourself?"

"My parents had just died. The work was supposed to keep my mind off it, but that didn't work. But then I met Jody and Bob. They got me through it, and they keep me going."

"Oh I'm so sorry Bella. I shouldn't have asked - I should have known - I feel like an ass now - I can't even imagine my life without my parents -Crap, I'm being selfish - this is not about me - I'm a complete idiot!" Why do I turn into a complete fool around her?

"Edward stop! Before - you wouldn't - even speak one word - now you can't stop!" Bella was laughing hysterically. Her laugh was… musical. It wasn't too loud or too squeaky, it was perfectly natural. Even though I think I should be offended, I couldn't help but laugh with her.

"Did Edward tell a joke?" Bob came in with two cups of hot chocolate and sat them down.

"No, but why do you sound so surprised?" I was little offended of Bob's tone.

"Because you, Edward, you are not funny." Bella continued with her hysterics as I sipped my hot chocolate.

"Thanks Bob." Bob left for the kitchen, and Bella calmed down and turned serious.

"You know I couldn't imagine my life without your parents either. Carlisle is my unofficial doctor at the hospital; he's had to stitch and wrap me up countless times. Usually after fixing me up, he takes me to the cafeteria, and we have a late dinner. Sometimes Esme will come too; that's how I met her. She's been like a second mother, well third if you count Jody. I just wanted to say thank you for sharing." Bella's eyes were watery with threatening tears.

"I'm actually grateful that you were there for them. I felt, well I still do feel guilty about not being around much. But honestly, they've never mentioned you before, which is insane because I can see they care about you so much." I feel so comfortable around Bella; I completely understand why my parents care for her.

"That would be my fault. I asked them not to talk about me; I really don't like attention. Carlisle and Esme love talking about you all so much; I didn't want all of you to know about me and feel like….like I was intruding into your family." She's modest too. Could she be any more perfect? Before I could respond, her phone went off. She gave me an apologetic look before she answered.

"Hey Em, what's up? ….. At the diner wi -" She looked stopped and looked at her phone offended. "They hung up on me!" Bella laughed her beautiful laugh, and I couldn't help but stare wondering what stupid girl would hang up on her.

"Bella! Sorry I hung up, but I will take every opportunity I can to eat! Especially here.... Edward?" I looked up instantly recognizing the loud booming voice. Hello stupid girl. Wait, wait, wait, wait, wait just a minute, Emmett knows Bella too. And has her phone number!

"Edward, I didn't know you knew Bella. Anyways - " Emmett abruptly started to laugh. "What did you do this time?" Clearly he was talking about her injury.

"I slipped on the stairs… but don't you dare change the subject. What can't you fix my truck?" Oh, I see. Bella took her truck to Emmett's. But he still knew her and Rosalie must have met her too. I don't understand why no one has said anything to me.

"Hey, I'm sorry I can't do anything for it. The truck needs Rose's magic, and you know she won't touch it since she found out you've got Eleanor."

"Who's Eleanor?" I was curious about this Eleanor. Was she another mechanic? Was she another inanimate object? Was she….was she her girlfriend? Please God don't let this woman be a lesbian!

"What Edward? Are you jealous of Bella's hot girlfriend?" Please no.

"Emmett! Just because I don't date much doesn't make me a lesbian. So stop telling people that! You know some of them actually believe you." Thank you, God. She's not a lesbian! I couldn't remove the goofy smile off my face if I tried.

"Date much? Please Bella when was the last time you went out on a date? I swear you're worse than Edward." Oh thanks Emmett. Bring me in this too.

"So who's Eleanor? And what does she have to do with the truck?" Hopefully I changed the subject.

"Bella's truck is dying, but me and Rose, well she used to, keep fixing it for her. But it's gotten to the point of no return for me and only Rose can user her ways to get it running. But one day Bella brings in Eleanor, a classic sky blue 1965 Pontiac GTO convertible, for a checkup. Let's just say Rose refuses to touch the truck now since she knows Bella's got Eleanor kept in storage." Wow. Too bad I know nothing about classic cars. But how long have Emmett and Rose known Bella? He has known her long enough to know she doesn't date much.

"I'm sorry Emmett, but I love my truck. Plus Eleanor was my dad's; I don't feel comfortable driving it yet."

"Well you better get use to it fast because your truck is officially dead." I looked at Bella's face and saw tears forming. The sight made my heart hurt, and there was nothing I could do.

"Hello Bella! Congratula- Edward? I didn't know you'd be here." Let the fun begin.

"Hi Mom."

OoOoO

Dinner had been great so far. Bob and Jody brought food for everyone including themselves. I did receive a strange look from Bella when Bob brought me the Soup Special – I'd never been so conscious of eating soup before. But I loved how she interacted with my family and I couldn't help but stare at her. Now I was feeling braver around Bella, and the comfortable conversation flowed easily between us. Every one was done eating by now, and Emmett was telling random stories from our childhood. I was still staring at Bella, and I noticed her sleepy eyes.

"Bella, you alright?" Every time I said her name out loud, my skinned tingled.

"Oh Bella, I'm sorry! You must be exhausted, and you need your rest. You need to get to bed." My mother can be so…maternal.

"I'm alright. I can walk there." Bella started to get up.

"Nonsense Bella! Edward will take you home." I looked around the table to see five smug faces.

"No, I don't want to impose." I was already pulling Bella's chair out and holding her crutches for her. She gave me a forfeiting smile, said her good byes, and made our way to my car. "I'm sorry I only live just down a few blocks."

"Don't worry, I only live a few blocks away too."

"Then why did you drive here?"

"Usually I don't, but I felt like it today. So where too?" I am one lucky man. If I hadn't drove to the diner, than I wouldn't have been able to give Jody a ride to the hospital to find Bella– which reminds me, I need to make several angry phone calls asking why no one told me they knew Bella.

"This is it." I didn't even remember getting directions Bella.

"Why are we here?" I looked up the building only to be confused.

"I know it's not much…" I looked at Bella; she was embarrassed? I don't understand. Bella was already out of the car and at the entrance of the building. I jumped out to follow her. "You don't have to come with me. I'm sure you've got somewhere to be." I only shook my head and watched her climb the stairs. God she was fast on those things. She made it to the third floor and my heart stopped. She had her keys in the door turning the lock.

"Are you serious? You actually live here?" My mind was still confused trying to figure things out. Suddenly Bella had a stern look on her face.

"Is there something wrong with my apartment?" She turned to go inside. "I'm sorry not all of us can live in big fancy condos." No she had it all wrong.

"No Bella wait! It's not like that; it's just … how long have you lived here?"

"Almost a year. Why?" Her face was skeptical.

"I'm sorry if I was being rude… but I thought that apartment was vacant - It's been for years – I've never seen anyone come or go – I don't even remember seeing boxes - " I stopped talking at the sound of Bella's laughter.

"Do you always talk this fast?"

"No" only when I'm around you "… so I better get home."

"Edward. Thank you for driving me home. I'm sorry for the inconvenience – I know it's late."

"No it was no problem. I only live two steps away." Bella had a puzzled look on her face. I pulled out my keys and put them in my door.

"Oh I'm sorry. I just assumed – I'm sorry for being rude."

"No, you're fine. It was a honest mistake. But I'm sorry if I seemed rude, I've lived here for about four years, so I was just surprised that you've actually lived next door to me for a year."

"Well, I worked nights and slept during the day. But if it makes you feel any better, I didn't know either. I actually did know who you were until this morning."

"But didn't you say that my parents like to talk about us….?"

"Yes they do. But I actually didn't really know you were so … famous. Not until this morning when I was watching random things on my DVR this morning – it was an interview with Leno or something. But even then I didn't know that it was you – Carlisle's son Edward." Maybe she didn't see it. Maybe she never saw what Alice either. "I – I thought the interview with Letterman was really sweet though. I hope you find your dream girl." Oh shit.

"Di-did you watch the, er , rest of the show?"

"Uh no, why?" Thank God. Now that I've found Bella, I don't want her to know I've been looking for her. It's seems so…. creepy and stalker – ish.

"There was supposed to be a girl who could play the piano with her toes, but she had to leave so I was just letting you know so you wouldn't be disappointed."

"Oh. Could she really play with her toes? Was she any good?"

"Yeah, it was amazing." I looked down at my watch to see that it was really late. "Wow it's really late. You should go get some sleep. Remember to keep your foot elevated and take some more aspirin. I'm surprised your foot's not throbbing by now."

"Alright Dr. Cullen. Good night. Thanks again." Bella's door was open.

"You're welcome. Goodnight Bella." I pushed opened my door exhausted. Today was an emotional rollercoaster. I brushed my teeth, stripped off most of my clothes, and plopped down on my bed. I thought about everything that happened today. Isabella Swan was definitely the woman of my dreams. She's beautiful, smart, hardworking, caring, and stubborn – she's just so… perfect. But did Bella see the sketch? Why didn't my family tell me about her? I would need to make those angry phone calls in the morning. Why did Bella give me a strange look when I got the Soup Special for dinner? Does she think I'm weird for eating soup? Random question entered my mind as I fell asleep.

OoOoO

I woke up startled and covered in sweat. I looked at my clock. 3:47 AM. That was the night I stopped having dreams of Bella Swan.

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AN: So please tell me if this is really horrible because I will stop. haha honestly i will. i actually wrote part of an epilogue, but i hate when people just end their stories. but i hate really good stories that turn really stupid more.