Chapter 7:
"Okay, now put your finger on this button," he tells me with his hands over mine. His body is so close and my mind is swirling. But I manage to push the button. "That's it!"
"Really?" I ask. How can a contraption that captures real life so well, be so easy? I don't understand it at all.
He nods, smiling at me. "Really, Bella."
I turn slightly, smiling at him. So utterly happy about being able to truly capture memories. And well, I guess his presence was only adding to my attitude. It's really something, his eyes, his handsome smile, and his tender, caring patience. His mood seems to have flipped. He's happier, lighter. The dark and stormy that once was, was no more.
"You don't give yourself nearly enough credit," he says, brushing a lock of hair out of my face.
My breath catches and I can't help but blush. But as I do, I also stifle a yawn. Sleeping on a train isn't exactly the easiest thing I've ever done. Nor was it comfortable. But I'm glad it's morning and the birds are chirping.
"Besides," he says smoothly, "you're going to have to know how to use it for your journalism. You're going to be wielding a camera like a professional when I get done with you."
We are standing in the middle of Chicago's train station. Both of us need to stretch our legs. And the conductor was kind enough to tell us that the train would be stopped for at least a half hour while they did some maintenance to it.
"So, Bella," he says, breaking the utter silence. "Have you ever been to Chicago before?"
I shake my head. "No, not ever. Honestly, I've never even left my town before yesterday."
"Well, then, what do you say we get our things and catch a later train? I'll show you around the city and you can take some pictures. We can make some memories."
I think about it for a moment and honestly, the idea sounds wonderful. While I really do want to make it out to see Hollywood, I would like to take in anything else that is along the way, too.
"Why that sounds like a famous idea! I'm in!" I tell him with a smile, linking my arm through his. With my burgundy day dress straightened and gloves in place I grab my purse and suitcase, ready for an adventure.
"Let's start right here," he says as we step out onto the bustling street. "This is the Hemmings Daily, the largest newspaper here in Illinois."
I'm absolutely stunned, taking in the magnificent building. "Wow," I manage to utter in the face of the powerful print palace.
"Stand here," he directs. "I'll grab a picture of you and you'll have it forever."
I stand right beneath the breathtaking sign and wait while Edward backs up and snaps a photo of me. The way he tells me that I'll have the picture forever makes my heart skip a beat. It's an amazing feeling to know that I'm going to be able to remember this day forever.
"That was a good one. But we're going to have to pick up some film soon."
"Sure, certainly. Do you think we'll be able to find any while we're out?"
He nods. "Absolutely, we'll stop by a drug store, they should have some there."
"I can't believe I'm right in front of the Hemmings Daily, oh goodness."
"I know, that must be high up there on a future journalists goal list."
"Well," I say softly. "I would much rather work there, but visiting sure is a rush, too."
He smiles and pats my arm.
We stop in a little café to have some coffee and a pastry for breakfast. It's scrumptious, and Edward tells me all about some of his travels, while we plan out what we're going to see.
I learn that he's been to California already. He used to work for President.
"I used to work with John Boy."
"Really?" I ask, setting my coffee down. My eyes are wide with wonder and excitement. "I actually just toured the White House."
"Nice place? Huh?"
"Oh yes, it's beautiful."
"It is. But there are things that happen there I wouldn't wish on my worst enemy."
I nod. I understand politics. Unlike most people from my town, I chose to grasp what was going on around us. Especially with the Cold War. I wanted to be informed and not just stick my head in the sand.
"He's a lovely President, but you're right, no one is perfect."
He hums in agreement.
"So what did you do when you worked there?"
He shrugs. "Many things really. But one thing in particular was the Department of Defense. I can't say much about it. It's very hush-hush, but it was quite the interesting job."
"I bet," I whisper in awe. I can't fathom ever working in such a prestigious position.
Our talk is short-lived though, because the café fills up and we have places to see. We continue on, looking at all the beautiful architecture. I'm thrilled to be able to see all of these sites.
We stop outside of Wrigley Field. "This is the Cubs stadium."
"Oh, I know," I tell him, nodding.
"Yeah? Are you a sports fan?"
"Well, more so my father, but I enjoy a good ball game every once in awhile. Sometimes I even listen in when my dad has one going on the radio."
"Really. Who knew? But that is a real lovely attribute in a woman. Would you like to go in and check it out?"
My eyes go wide and I smile. "I'd love to. I think that'd be really neat."
"Alright then, let's go."
As we walk into the stadium, his hand slips into mine and my heart stops for a brief moment. I suppose it's just a gentlemanly thing to do, to show me around somewhere that he's familiar with. But, my gosh, I'm really rather liking holding his, it feels really nice.
We look out onto the gorgeously manicured lawn. The pure white bases and all the seats. It's really a moment where you have to just stand there and take it all in.
And as I'm standing there it feels almost like the place is so big it's going to swallow us whole.
"This is... This is incredible," I breathe.
"Yeah, it's pretty great," Edward says, putting an arm around me.
Again, my heart does a weird thumping pattern and my head swirls for a moment. I wonder if this is the ladylike thing to do. To let a man hold me close, one who I barely know. But yet, I still feel very drawn to him.
After we take a few pictures and find some more buildings to ogle, my stomach starts to grumble. I'm starving.
"Let's grab some lunch," Edward suggests.
I happily agree, even though I'm slightly embarrassed he may have heard my stomach.
We spend the rest of the day eating delicious food and sightseeing. I find myself very comfortable in Edward's presence, which surprises me. But I'm so very okay with it, since he's turning out to be a great traveling buddy.
What'd you think?
How about Bella?
Or Edward?
3 see you soon!
