A/N: Yes, I finally updated. And I truly apologize for leaving that last chapter like that. It occured to me that a lot of you were a bit disappointed with how I ended that last one with a cliffhanger. But really, anxiousness can be good at certain times. LOL. So, anyway, here's the anticipated chapter! Please do enjoy. :)
Disclaimer: I do not own the characters that I used. Though, I do own the storyline.
Chapter Six: Lunch and a Spoonful of Surprises
EPOV
I sat on the edge of my bed, fidgeting and contemplating about our lunch today with the Swans. I honestly couldn't believe that my dad's words yesterday never sunk in until now, and the nerves were impossibly starting to kick in through my system. I went to stand in front of the mirror, appraising myself from head to toe. I was wearing a button up white shirt with red t-shirt underneath and khaki pants to complete the casual attire. I guess I looked decent enough for a Saturday lunch.
Satisfied with my reflection, I turned my heels and plopped on the bed, the lower half of my body dangling on the side. Several thoughts mercilessly pounded on my head; a stream of enthusiasm filled me up as her presence today crowded my mind. I just saw her yesterday at school, sat next to her in Biology, yet those facts didn't lessen the unsettling feeling in the pit of my stomach. It was seriously ridiculous; puzzling, even. After that accidental night, I've been having these weird reactions towards her. And it was very annoying not knowing why. It was just a simple kiss, for heaven's sake! How can such a simple thing create this big of a mess in me?
I was abruptly freed from my thoughts as I heard a car pull into the driveway. It took me quite a while to decide on my next actions. I gulped a massive amount of air to calm myself down before leaving my room and descending the round of stairs.
"Come in. Carlisle's been waiting." I heard my mother spoke.
I saw her gently close the door as our two visitors cautiously stepped inside the house. Police Chief Swan looked nothing different today, only he was wearing something more comfortable instead of his usual blue uniform. His daughter settled in a crisp white blouse and blue jeans, her chocolate brown hair flowing freely at her back. I couldn't tear my eyes away from her face as absolute amazement took over her features. Childishly, I hid myself at the top of the stairs, just enough that she wouldn't notice me. It wouldn't hurt to observe her for a little bit, would it?
Bella continued to scan the house with her eyes, her lips forming that perfect 'O' every once in a while. She didn't fail to notice my baby—a six foot concert grand—placed at the corner of the living room. She absent-mindedly hobbled towards it and brushed its surface hesitantly, as if her mere touch would damage the smooth exterior. Seeing that interest in her eyes, I made a mental note to play for her later.
"Do you play?" Rosalie asked. Bella turned around, her eyes widening a little as she consumed my sister's sudden appearance. Perhaps her forest green eyes also took her by surprise.
"Uh, not really." I heard her say. I can't be sure, but she really looked nervous and a bit intimidated just by talking to her.
"I'm Rosalie. You?"
She offered her hand to her and Bella gracefully shook it. "I'm Bella."
"Well, Bella. Make yourself at home. If you ever need anything, don't hesitate to ask, alright? I'll just be in the kitchen helping mom prepare our lunch."
After Rosalie strolled towards the kitchen, Bella let her eyes wander around the living room once more; giving a further look on everything she might have missed when she stepped in. I already felt euphoric just staring at her, noting that hint of admiration gleaming in her chocolate brown orbs. I watched her move as she headed towards the long mahogany table caulked with rows of picture frames. The colored images were of me and my sister during our earlier years. We have quite a ton since Esme and Carlisle had the silly habit of capturing our every move when we were still young. So literally, every moment we had in our life was just a click away.
Even from afar, I could clearly see her expression as she pondered over each picture at the table. She would smile every once in a while and I couldn't help but wonder which of the pictures amused her like that.
Without even thinking, I climbed down the stairs, my steps as light and muted as possible, and stood only a few inches behind her. She was so lost in her thoughts that it felt like committing a sin to interrupt her. But of course, I just couldn't stand here and act like she's not around. I'd have to talk to her sooner or later.
"Hello," I finally greeted. My voice sounded as unobtrusive as I intended it to be.
I had to stifle a laugh as I saw Bella nearly jump in her place. She abruptly turned around to face me, her expression still that of bewilderment. I flashed a crooked smile at her direction and, just like what I wanted, her features instantly eased up into a soft smile. Heat also flooded on her cheeks, giving them that beautiful shade of crimson red that gave life to her pale skin. It was absolutely—and undeniably—cute if you ask me.
"You have a very lovely home," she praised.
"Thank you," I smiled again. "I'll be sure to pass that compliment to Esme."
"Your mother must've spent quite a time with the decorations."
I leaned into the mahogany table beside her, my head slightly shifted to the side to glance at where she stood, and spoke, "Well, I wouldn't say that."
"Why?" she asked, her eyebrows scrunched up in confusion and curiosity obviously written on her face.
"Let's just say she had spent most of her precious time on stalking me and my sister with the deadly camera."
At my statement, she simultaneously directed her attention to the framed images on the table, realization gradually dawning on her. I could see that same amusement on her face when she figured out my earlier words.
"You're really close with your older sister, aren't you?" she questioned, her eyes intent on mine and Rosalie's picture at a birthday party. In that image, I was giddily smiling, my two front teeth missing in action, while Rosalie's face was messily smudged with spaghetti sauce. Really, couldn't my parents even take a nicer shot?
"Quite," I responded. "We're not really that comfortable talking about some things but we understand each other. More than so, I think. I feel like I'm portraying a lot of different personalities when she needed help. Personal adviser, love guru, fashion stylist, finance specialist. Name it."
She laughed a carefree laugh at my answer and I couldn't help but be mesmerized with the sound. Her laughter was utterly infectious, unquestionably transmissible, so it was no surprise that I found myself joining her in merriment.
"Edward! Bella! Lunch is ready!" my mother called from the dinner table. Bella and I walked together, her pace much slower than mine. I was aware that her steps were as calculated as possible, perhaps to avoid tripping and humiliating herself in front of my family. She seemed to lack the necessary balance and coordination for a human person to survive, and for that, I felt a bit worried for her. I discreetly assisted Bella from behind, my arms already prepared to catch her incase she stumble or fall. We eventually reached the table, and it was a success to make it here without leaving her scathed or bruised. She took the empty chair beside her father—the one coincidentally across from where I sat.
The lunch had been peaceful with only minimal talks between my dad and Police Chief Swan. Mostly, they talked about our small town issues: low crime rates, the increased number of patients in the hospital these past few years since Carlisle started working there, accidents, misdemeanors and other stuff I'm hardly interested about. I glanced across the table to see Bella attentively listening to both of our fathers' tedious conversation. She would cock her head to the side from time to time, and a crease in her forehead would appear while she tried to catch up with their discussion. Never before had I seen a girl so riveted with soporific subjects such as the ones they were talking about. And though other guys would find that a bit creepy or unusual, it appealed the exact opposite to me. Somehow, it was her added charm.
I almost jumped in my seat as Rosalie, who sat just beside me, purposely stepped hard on my foot. I had to bite hard on my tongue to not scream from the pain. I threw her a daggering glare but she didn't seem to give a care about what just happened. With a low voice, I asked, "What the hell is that for?"
"Keep your eyes on their sockets, Edward. The girl will practically melt into a puddle just by your stare," she answered, her tone as subdued as mine.
If it was possible for a guy to flush, then it wouldn't hurt to admit that I just did. Did I seriously stare at her from across the table? Was it that intense that Rosalie even mentioned Bella 'melting into a puddle'?
"Edward, dear, is there something wrong?"
My head jerked up and, almost instantly, my forest green orbs met her chocolate brown ones. They were shadowed with something I couldn't quite decipher and her expression revealed nothing, to my dismay. I would probably be stuck in my reverie until now if I hadn't heard Rosalie chuckling at my expense.
"No, no. Everything's alright," I managed to response.
Rosalie continued her laughing spree but, right now, I couldn't care less if she did. After quite a while, the plates were finally cleared from the table and we all decided to settle on the snuggly couches in our living room. I still noticed Bella eyeing the piano and I wanted so much to play for her. But, sadly, I couldn't find the right timing or the right way to mention it.
"Hey, Bella." I tilted my head to find Rosalie speaking to her. "I could play for you if you want."
What was that? My sister who can't even bear breaking a single nail would now play the piano? And as much as I know, she can't even play a single elementary piece! What was she up to now?
Bella's eyes lightened up with unadulterated joy when she heard Rosalie's offer. I guess the girl really longed to hear and see someone playing the grand instrument. She went to occupy the empty space beside Rosalie, sitting just nearly close to where my sister sat. I saw Rosalie as she sucked in a deep breath, her fingers fondled over the black-and-white keys but the pressure she exerted was barely enough to press them. Quite frankly, the anticipation was killing me. I wanted to know if she enrolled herself in a piano class last summer or if she learned the instrument all by herself.
Absolute tranquility drifted inside the room and everyone's probably as excited as I am for my sister. She broke the lingering silence when she spoke, "Oh! I forgot I had my nails redone just this morning, so I'm afraid I can't play for you today."
Bella's face fell at her words but before she could move from her place, Rosalie continued, "But Edward here can take my place. I'm sure my dear brother wouldn't mind, right?"
So that was her real plan. Sly, Ms. Rosalie. You tricked me there.
She got up from her seat and walked towards one of the available couches to settle in. She gave me a quick glance and a sneaky smile before turning her attention on the now empty space beside Bella. With all the guts I could muster, I sauntered towards her and moved into the exact place where my sister perched before. With our close proximity, I easily felt her tensed up as our elbows accidentally touched. It was like Biology again, only now we didn't have our desks in front of us, but plain black-and-white keys that were waiting to be played by someone who really knew how.
Instinctively, my long fingers started dancing along the smooth keys of the piano, pressing each one with passion and accurateness. I had started playing this instrument since I was a little child. It interested me enough to spend countless hours perfecting all the piano pieces I owned and, eventually, I learned to perform each one of them flawlessly, even with my eyes shut tight. Bella seemed to loosen up a little as the beautiful melody of this piece overtook the awkward silence that encapsulated the living room before. I glanced at my side to look at her face and my breath hitched as soon as I did. Her eyes were closed and utter serenity graced her features. It was such a sight to behold. I had to gather enough drive to tear my eyes away from her. All too soon, the notes trailed off and a deafening applause proceeded to fill the atmosphere.
"That was really fascinating, Edward," she said, that same smile still lightening her face.
"I'm glad you liked it."
"Beethoven's Moonlight Sonata is truly a wonderful piece."
My eyes abruptly widen at her statement. How come she knew this piece when she couldn't even play the piano? "How did you know it was the Moonlight Sonata?"
Her cheeks redden at the unintended sharpness of my tone. "My mother used to play the piano when I was still a child, and I often hear her performing this exact piece. She tried to teach me how to play on my own but, for some odd reason, I just couldn't get myself to learn. After hearing that song for a couple of times, Beethoven's brilliant masterpiece just literally stuck on my head."
Unbelievable. Bella's an obvious fan of the classics. Now where can you find another girl like her? She continued to surprise me with every single detail about her and her personality. She intrigued me like no one has ever done before.
"I suppose we'll be going now," Police Chief Swan declared. "Thank you for the fantastic lunch. It was heavenly!"
Esme laughed heartily at his compliment while Carlisle and Rosalie accompanied them towards the front door. I was still transfixed from my seat, my eyes following Bella as she finally walked out the door. Rosalie, having noticed my unusual behavior, moved in beside me and gently nudged my shoulder with hers.
"I actually like that girl. She's different," she confessed.
I snickered. "Rosalie, you prefer a lot of other girls over Tanya."
"That's not true!"
"And how can it be not?" I questioned her.
"First, you haven't brought anyone at home except your girlfriend so how could I 'prefer'—as you quaintly put it—other girls if that was the case. And second, Tanya's just…" she trailed off, her features in deep concentration, "exceptional. That's all."
I rolled my eyes. Rosalie never liked Tanya and all my attempts of knowing what could be her reason behind such hostile attitude just miserably failed. "Yeah. Exceptional. Right."
She poked me playfully with my sarcasm. "You should give me some credit, though. I know you long to play for Bella. I did you a huge favor there."
Even if I wanted to disagree with her, I just couldn't. She was right. Ever since I saw her eyeing the piano, the urge to play for her suddenly arose in me and I couldn't deny the great feeling it left behind when I did. I never performed the classical pieces I owned for anyone besides my family. Tanya never appreciated the kind of music that I play and, somehow, I couldn't blame her. Never before had I seen someone so fond of the classics.
…Except her.
I was reluctantly pulled from my reverie when Rosalie once again spoke, "You can repay that favor with your amazing love guru advices later."
I laughed. How can such a beautiful lady like my sister hold so many love dilemmas? I wouldn't know.
On their own accord, my fingers ran over the black-and-white keys once more, creating that same melodious rhythm of Beethoven's Moonlight Sonata. I guess, after today, I wouldn't mind playing this song over and over again.
Can ayone here play the piano? Unfortunately, I can't. But I do know the piece that I included here. So, yeah. I hope this chapter's worth the nerve-racking anticipation. LOL. :)
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