Chapter Seven
"I'm sorry," I replied blushing. I wished for once in my life I could be graceful, that I could get through an entire day without running into someone or falling over something. Was that too much to ask?
"It's ok," he chuckled still holding me. I was suddenly aware of our close proximity. My face burned even more with this new realization.
"What are you doing here?" I asked.
"Just decided to drop by," he replied as he let go of me. I suddenly felt like I was missing something. His touch had left a burning feeling, a longing.
"Oh," I sighed as I walked around him and sat my things on my desk. The room was still piled high with boxes and bags. I noticed Alice was no where in sight.
"Jasper stopped by and took Alice to breakfast," Edward said as if reading my mind.
"I was wondering."
"Would you like to get something to eat?" he asked, leaning against the wall.
"Actually, yeah," I laughed as my stomach started to growl. I hadn't eaten since early the day before and was quite famished.
"We could eat on campus or I know of a diner near by," he offered.
"What's better?" I asked as I took my hair brush from my duffle bag and started to comb through my wet hair.
"Personally, I like the diner," he replied smiling his lopsided grin.
"The diner it is," I sighed as I pulled my hair back into a ponytail. It would take too long to dry and my stomach was protesting loudly. I needed to get some food in it before it decided to jump out of my body and get it itself.
"I'm just going to run upstairs and get my keys, I'll be back in a few moments," he said as he stood up straight and opened the door.
"Alright, I'll be ready," I told him as I turned to finish my routine. Just as soon as he closed the door, I grabbed my deodorant and applied a thick layer. With it being so hot, it was necessary. Putting my deodorant back, I grabbed my toothbrush and toothpaste and ran to the bathroom. Brushing my teeth at the speed of light, I hurried back to the room. Throwing my toothbrush and paste into my bag, I grabbed a pair of black flip-flops from my duffle and slipped them on. I was undoubtedly looking frumpy, but I didn't have time for primping.
As promised, Edward came back to the room. He knocked on the door lightly and I opened it too see him smiling brightly at me. I noticed he was wearing a white polo shirt and a pair of jeans. I internally admitted that he could make anything look good.
"Ready?" he asked.
"Yeah, just let me grab my phone and keys," I replied as I ran over to my desk. I picked up my keys and grabbed my cell phone off my bed. Going through my duffle, I found my wallet and pulled out a few bills and slid them into my pocket.
"Alright," I said as I turned to him.
"Got everything?" He asked.
"Yeah," I replied as I walked back over to him. He moved aside so I could walk out the door. Closing it behind me, I turned and locked it. It was then I stole a glance at him and noticed he was looking at me. I redirected my gaze hoping he hadn't caught me looking.
"I think you'll really like this place," he said as we started to walk down the hall.
"What do they serve?" I asked as we started down the stairs. My legs were protesting the movement. They were extremely sore.
"About anything you could imagine," he chuckled.
"So if I wanted a polka-dotted dodo bird egg, I could get it?" I laughed. Looking over at him, I could see he was amused. Not many people understood my sense of humor. They often found it a bit odd and in turn they found me weird.
"I'm not for sure if they carry those. I must comment on their deep fried unicorn, though," he laughed. I couldn't contain myself, I burst out laughing. But I didn't mind, it felt good to be around Edward like this, so carefree. I had never been able to be so free around anyone before.
"I don't care much for unicorn, I'm much more partial to kangaroo," I giggled.
"Nothing like a little thunder from down under," he laughed. I snorted when he said it. I definitely hadn't expected him to say that. His sense of humor was very attractive. I could feel myself being drawn to him.
We reached the first floor and walked into the lobby. It was filled with people going through the same process I had gone through yesterday. A large line of people stood at the front desk waiting to be checked in. Today was the last day to move in; it was going to be crowded on campus today.
Shuffling through the crowd of people, we made our way outside of the building and walked to the student parking lot, still laughing at our silliness.
"I hope pancakes and things of that manner will be ok?" Edward asked as we reached his shiny silver Volvo.
"That sounds perfect, I'm a little burnt out on kangaroo and mythical creatures," I replied scrunching my nose. His lips twisted into what was becoming my favorite crooked smile and he opened the door for me.
"Great, unicorn gives me heartburn," he laughed as he closed the door and walked around the car and opened the driver's side to slip in. I had never been so carefree and playful with anyone in my entire life.
"Sleep well last night?" I asked him as he started his car.
"Not really," he sighed.
"Me either. That mattress is going to be the death of me," I groaned rubbing my sore neck.
"I have no qualms with my mattress; I do have a few with Emmett,"
"Pranks?" I laughed.
"You don't want to know," he groaned as he put the car in reverse and backed out of his spot.
"Come on, you can tell me," I urged him. I knew from the moment I had met Emmett that he was a big joker.
"He put something in my bed," he answered. I could tell that he was trying to avoid the subject.
"What did he put in it?" I inquired.
"It was nothing really; I kind of just over-reacted,"
"Edward, tell me, please?" I asked. It was at that moment my cell phone went off blaring Debussy's Claire de Lune throughout the car. I knew before I answered it, it was my mom.
"Hello," I said as I flipped open the phone.
"ISABELLA MARIE SWAN! WHY HAVEN'T YOU CALLED ME?" she shrieked. I held the phone away from my ear, unable to stand having the noise directly funneled in.
"Mom, calm down," I said as I put the phone back to my ear.
"Calm down! I've been waiting to hear from you. I was worried to death!" she exclaimed. My mom had a way of blowing things way out of proportion. If she had checked her email she would have seen that I was ok.
"Mom, is your computer on?" I asked getting a bit annoyed at her.
"Yes."
"Look in your email please," I said as I looked over at Edward. He seemed to be amused overhearing my mom's outburst.
"I don't understand why, but ok," she replied. I listened to the other end of the phone. The clacking of a keyboard and a few clicks of a mouse could be heard.
"Oh," she sighed. I could hear the embarrassment in her voice.
"I wasn't for sure if you would be in from work when I got here and so I figured an email would suffice until today. I was going to call you later," I laughed.
"Sorry sweetheart,"
"It's ok,"
"So, tell me, how do you like it there?" she asked.
"It's alright. I miss dad and you," I sighed.
"I know and we miss you sweetie. But I think it's good that you're getting out there and making something out of yourself," she replied. She hadn't had the opportunity that I had. She had gotten pregnant during her senior year with me and married at the age of 18. She had to be mom and take care of my dad and me. She had high hopes for me to say the least.
"Yeah. Is dad at work?" I questioned her.
"Yes. It's another busy day in Forks," she laughed. My dad, the sheriff, had the easiest job in, probably, the entire world. The crime rate there was practically zero, and when a problem did arise it was usually only a speeding ticket.
"Tell him I said hey when he get's home."
"Will do. Oh, before I forget. You're dad put some money in your bank account,"
"What!" I exclaimed. I had given them specific orders when we spoke of college that they weren't to put money in my account unless it was an emergency. I was going to get a job and take care of myself. They had too much to worry about to be giving me money.
"Bella, don't protest. He only put fifty dollars in there. He couldn't bear to think of you not having any money."
"I have money. Don't put anymore in there. I will be getting a job," I groaned.
"Fine, but remember your education comes first. If we have to, your dad and I can take out a loan or even a second mortgage."
"No. Like I said before, that's not happening,"
"You're just as stubborn as Charlie. But, I'm sorry Bell's. I'm going to have to get off here. I'm meeting Sue in an hour,"
"Alright, I love you mom."
"Love you too, bye."
"Bye," I replied as I hung up the phone. I had completely forgotten that Edward was with me. I had also not realized that we had come to a stop.
"Sorry about that," I sighed as I put my phone away.
"Don't worry, I have parent's too," he laughed. He got out of the car and before I could turn to open my door, he was there, holding it open for me.
"Thanks," I replied as I got out.
"You're welcome," he said offering me his arm. I was a bit taken back by his boldness. But I took his arm anyway.
"So, I believe we were discussing an item Emmett left in your bed," I laughed as he opened the door.
"Not that again," he groaned as he ushered me in.
"Yes, that again," I giggled. Standing in the diner, I couldn't help but think how quaint it was. It was decorated in a fifties theme and had the feeling of Al's on Happy Days. I instantly loved it.
"Can I get you two a booth?" a chirper old waitress asked us.
"Yes please," Edward answered. She led us to a little corner in the back. It was slightly secluded and comfortable enough. We took our seats across from each other.
"I'm Mary. I'll be your waitress. Here you go, take your time," she said as she handed us a couple menus.
"Thanks," I said as I smiled up at her.
"You're welcome dear," Mary replied smiling as she walked away.
"I know what I'm getting," Edward said as he put the menu down.
"I'm glad you do," I groaned as I searched through the large list of breakfast foods, unable to decide.
"Could I get you two something to drink?" Mary asked as she returned.
"Yes, I'll have a coke, what do you want Bella?" Edward asked looking at me.
"Coke, please," I replied still studying the menu. She left to retrieve the sodas while I continued to scan through the lists of food items.
"Need a suggestion?" Edward laughed.
"Yes, I have no idea what to choose. Everything sounds so good," I sighed.
"Their pancakes are good. The breakfast platter is Emmett's favorite. And I think Jasper would recommend the hamburger," he said.
"I definitely couldn't eat the breakfast platter," I said as I eyed the mass amount of food that came along with it.
"I didn't think so," he chuckled.
"Pancakes sound good," I replied as I sat down the menu. It was then Mary returned.
"Here you go, are you ready to order?" She asked sitting the cokes down in front of us.
"I think we'll both have an order of pancakes, please," Edward said as he studied my face for an objection.
"Alright, two orders of pancakes it is," she replied as she took the menus from us.
"So, are you going to enlighten me about the gift that Emmett left in your bed?" I asked as soon as she was out of earshot.
"You're not going to give up are you?" He laughed.
"If you don't want to tell me I understand," I sighed disappointedly.
"I tell you what, let's make a deal," he bargained. I looked into his green eyes and saw a twinkle of what I could only imagine was mischief.
"What type of deal?" I asked suspiciously.
"A game of twenty questions. You can ask me some questions that I must answer and in turn I will ask you some questions that you have to answer," he replied. I didn't see any harm coming from this, it could actually be fun.
"Alright," I replied smiling.
"Ladies first," he said gesturing towards me.
"Ok, well, what did Emmett put in your bed?" I questioned him. He redirected his gaze towards the window and tapped the table.
"A blowup doll," he answered quietly. I couldn't help but snicker.
"Sorry," I giggled as I contained myself.
"It's alright. I guess it was a little funny, considering I thought it was Jessica at first," he chuckled. Mary then approached carrying a tray with our pancakes.
"Here you go dears," she said as she put the plates and silverware down in front of us. As well as pitcher filled with syrup.
"Thanks," Edward and I replied as she walked away.
"I do believe Jessica hates me," I sighed as I took the pitcher of syrup and poured some of the amber liquid onto my steaming pancakes.
"Alice told me what happened," he replied. I felt myself blushing, knowing he that knew about my little incident with Jessica.
"Oh," I sighed too embarrassed to say anything else. Taking my fork, I sliced through the pancake and stabbed it.
"Don't be embarrassed. She should have locked the door," he comforted as he poured the syrup on his pancakes.
"I know," I replied in between bites.
"So, I noticed your ring tone was Debussy. Do you listen to that type of music often?" he questioned me before taking a bite.
"Actually, yes. My mom is a big fan of classical music and always played it around the house. Debussy is one of my favorites. What about you?" I asked a bit shocked that he had recognized Debussy. Very few people would be able to pick it out.
"I have a rather large CD collection to be honest. But Debussy is one of my favorites," he answered looking at me intently.
"I love music," I said as I sliced through the pancake making bite size pieces.
"And reading, I take it?" he asked taking a sip of his coke.
"Yes, reading is my favorite thing to do. I could read for hours," I answered before taking a drink of my soda. Taking another bite, I was full. I put my fork down and pushed my plate away.
"Are you finished?" he asked eyeing my half eaten pancake.
"Yep," I laughed.
"You said you were a music major. Do you play an instrument?" I asked as I watched him eat. The light coming from the near by window made his hair appear almost copper like in color.
"Yes. I play piano," he answered.
"Impressive," I replied. My mom had sent me to piano lessons when I was younger. But, I unfortunately never caught on.
"Ah, I do ok," he answered. I had a feeling he was being modest.
"Could I get you something else?" Mary asked as she approached our table.
"I'm fine thanks," I responded.
"I'm fine too," Edward replied.
"Alright, here's the check, just bring it to the cash register when you're ready to pay," she said as she walked away leaving the bill at the table.
"I'm paying my half," I said as I took out my money.
"Nonsense," Edward laughed.
"Really, I can take care of it,"
"Bella, it's on me. I invited you here," he said. Our gazes locked momentarily and coherent thought was just not an option for me.
"Are you ready?" he chuckled bringing me from my momentary haze.
"Yeah," I replied amazed that he had that effect over me. I slid out of the booth and followed him to the cash register. I could see that arguing over paying would be useless so I allowed him to pay. I would, however, find a way to return the favor.
"Thanks, come again," Mary said from behind the cash register. She was smiling brightly at the two of us.
"Thank you," I replied as I turned to leave with Edward.
"Bella, I was wondering if I could ask you one more question?" Edward asked me when we reached his car.
"Um, sure, I guess," I replied. I couldn't foresee any problems arising from him asking another question.
"Alright, I'll wait until we get in the car," he said. He opened the door and I got in. He then proceeded to go to the driver's side to get in.
"You were asking?" I inquired as he shuffled around in his seat.
"I'm sorry if this makes you uncomfortable. But what happened between you and your ex-boyfriend?" he asked as he put his keys in the ignition. I instantly stiffened in my chair. Why did he have to ask that question? I wasn't ready to tell him. I wasn't even for sure how he would take it.
"Bella," he said bringing me from my thoughts. I hadn't even realized I had spaced out.
"Oh, sorry. I don't know if I should tell you," I sighed. Unable to look him in the eye, I kept my eye on the passing by scenery.
"You can tell me anything," he replied. I could detect a hint of disappointment in his voice that I didn't trust him. But that wasn't the reason behind it at all. I was worried that he would think differently of me and that's not what I wanted. I just wanted to be accepted.
"We, well, we didn't see things in the same way," I told him. I looked over to see him nodding for me to continue.
"He had bigger plans for the relationship than I had. He saw us getting married and all that comes along with it. He wanted me to stay there for college."
"And that is what was worrying you?" Edward asked me. I had yet to tell him the rest.
"There's more."
"Oh."
"He felt that since he loved me so much that I should love him the same way. I wasn't really for sure how I felt about him. I mean, I liked him obviously. But when I looked at him I didn't see myself having kids and having a house with him. I couldn't get past us just being friends. I realized this and I told him," I sighed. I could feel tears starting to flow down my cheeks. As the words slipped from my mouth I was reliving the whole ordeal. I felt a chill run down my spine, causing me to shake.
"Are you ok?" Edward asked as he pulled into a parking lot in front of a mall and parked the car. He was gazing at me fully now.
"Yeah," I replied as I wiped away the tears.
"I'm sorry I pushed you," he said as he took my hand in his.
"It's ok," I sighed feeling instantly comforted.
"So you realize that you love him, now?" Edward asked solemnly.
"No!" I exclaimed. I was a bit shocked at my reaction.
"There's more?" Edward guessed.
"Yes."
"Care to tell me?" he asked.
"You'll keep this to yourself?" I asked. No one actually knew what happened, besides the two of us. My mom and dad didn't even have a clue.
"Of course," he replied.
"It was right after graduation. I had made my decision to come here and I knew I couldn't continue to lead him on any further. He didn't deserve that. I went to his house to talk. I wanted him to understand that I still wanted to be his friend, as we had been before we took it to the next level, and that I was sorry I let things get so out of hand. When I started to tell him, he went berserk. He wouldn't accept that I didn't love him, he told me I was just trying to fool myself and that he would prove it," I told him. It was then I began to sob the memory was still fresh.
"Did he, did he hurt you?" Edward asked rubbing his thumb gently across my hand.
"No. He tried to, I think. He started kissing me. I tried to push him off, I was too weak. He tore off my shirt and started to do undo my pants. I don't know what made him realize what he was doing wasn't right. But just as soon as he let go of me, I jetted from his house and haven't been back since," I answered, tears streaming down my face. I had just told him about the most horrid thing that had ever happened to me.
"I'm so sorry Bella," Edward said pain present in his tone. I turned to look at him. His brows were creased.
"No, I'm sorry. I really shouldn't have let it get that far," I replied as I wiped away my tears.
"Surely, you don't blame yourself?"
"Not entirely."
"You are not to be blamed at all."
"I didn't have to let things get that far. As soon as I realized the relationship was one-sided I should have broke it off," I sighed. I had thought it over many times and everything pointed to that mistake. If only I had told him when I found out, things wouldn't have gotten that far.
"Bella, you are not at fault. He had no right doing what he did," Edward said. I could detect anger in his tone.
"I'm sorry, please don't be angry," I cried.
"I'm not angry at you Bella. I'm angry that you blame yourself and that you, being such a wonderful person, was subjected to that," he said as he leaned over and took me in his arms, holding me close to him. It was as if I fit perfectly, like I belonged there. A few more tears escaped and landed on his shirt, staining it.
"Sorry for your shirt," I said as I pulled away wiping away the remainder.
"It's ok, I'm here any time you need me," he replied.
"Thanks," I said smiling. Looking at him, I could see he was sincere.
"Are you ready to go back to the dorm?" he asked.
"Yes."
"To the dorm's it is," he said as he put the car in drive and pulled out of the parking lot. I was glad he had pulled over. I didn't want him to see me like this, besides every one else.
"I had a good time today," I told him as we pulled onto campus.
"I did too. I hope we can do it again," he said as we came to the student parking lot behind our residence hall.
"Me too," I replied as he found a spot.
"Everyone is going to go looking around campus this evening to find our classroom buildings and such, would you like to go?" he asked before getting out the car.
"Yes, I was actually going to go out by myself and find the buildings," I admitted.
"You shouldn't go out by yourself," He said as he turned to open his door. I opened mine and got out. It was already extremely hot and it was just over twelve thirty.
"It's alright, I'm used to doing stuff on my own," I told him as I shut the car door.
"But that was in a small town. Things are different here," he said as we walked to the dorm.
"I'm a big girl. I'll be ok," I laughed as we reached the door. He took out his card and swiped it. Permitting us entry, we opened it and walked in.
"Bella, I really think it's a bad idea for you to be out walking around on your own. You should have Alice, Rosalie, or someone else with you," he said as we stood in front of the elevator.
"Edward, don't worry, I'll be fine," I said as the elevator opened. Two giggling girls walked off, they were obviously staring at Edward and it was making me quite uncomfortable. Couldn't they see me standing right there beside him? We walked onto the elevator and seeing no one else wanted in he pushed the button.
"I still think that it's unwise," he sighed as he pushed the button to the fourth floor.
"Ok, I will at least attempt to call someone if I want to go out alone," I told him as the elevator started to rise.
"Alright. Know that I expect to be called," he replied eyeing me seriously.
"Fine, fine," I grumbled. The elevator stopped at the fourth floor and we got out. We walked to my room in silence.
"I'll be by later with Jasper and Emmett," he said as we stood outside my door.
"Alright, see you then," I replied smiling. Even though I had ended up crying, I had, had a wonderful time. Being around Edward was just so easy. I loved every moment.
"Bye," he said as I opened the door. I walked in and closed the door as I saw him turn to walk away.
"Where have you been?" Alice asked before I could turn around.
"I went out to eat breakfast with Edward."
"Sit down and stay. I'll be right back with Rosalie!" Alice exclaimed as she directed me to a chair and shuffled out of the room. I didn't know what she was doing and I was getting nervous. Was she angry I had gone out to eat with her brother?
(A/N: First, I'd like to say sorry it took so long to update. This week is final's week and I managed to find time to write this chapter. (lol, to be honest I was procrastinating and writing this when I should have been doing other things). But anyways, I'd like to say thanks to everyone who has reviewed and voted. A special thanks goes out to my beta Shanbug07 (thanks a ton). So, what do you think of this chapter? What does Alice have to say to Bella? Will she be angry that she is hanging out with Edward? Is this more than friendship between Bella and Edward? Review and tell me what you think. Oh, I still have a poll on my profile regarding my stories, please take it if you have the time! I will post the results of it soon.)
