I'm sorry this took so long to post! I have tons of excuses but you probably heard them all before. Thanks to all my readers who took the time to review, I really appreciate it. This chapter has lots of Bella and Edward interaction so I hope that makes up for the short chapter. Enjoy!
Disclamier: I don't own Twilight or any of its characters.
Bella POV
I left the bookstore in a daze. I didn't even bother to put my hood up or take out my umbrella. My house was not that far from the little bookstore so seven minutes later I found myself on the my front porch.
A few years ago, when I returned from college, my dad's house was still the same. Some yellow cupboards, a ratty old couch, an ancient stove, and miss-matched curtains. However, when I agreed to move in with my dad, I remolded the house to look…friendlier. The walls were painted with pastel colors and lined with pictures of the whole gang. The ratty couch was replaced with new sofas and recliner chairs and the whole kitchen was brought up to date. It felt more like home.
I entered the house and sat down on a blue kitchen chair. I finally allowed myself to finally fully think about what just happened. The gorgeous guy that I had stared at was named Edward—just thinking of his name made my heart quicken.
What did he mean when he said he missed me? Did I know him from somewhere? No, of course not, I reasoned. I couldn't have forgotten a face like that. But why did I keep on feeling like I have seen him somewhere? And another thing, what did he mean when he said he was tired of staying away from me? The thought of him trying to stay away from me sadden me.
Why?
Why do I blush every time I think about his hand cupping my face? Why did I feel so honored when he called me beautiful? Why was I so sad and disappointed when he said he had to go? And dammit, why was he so confusing?
He said he would see me tomorrow. Did I want to see him? My heart says—more like screams—yes but my brain is sending out warning signs. What if he's an axe-murderer or something? But that didn't sound like Edward. Wait, I barely knew him. How do I know what sounds like him and what doesn't?
Ugh, all this analyzing and thinking was going to end up giving me a headache. I needed to distract myself.
So for the next few hours I dusted the coffee table, vacuumed the living room, did the laundry, talked to Alice on the phone, made my bed, and lastly cooked for Charlie. Just when I was putting the finishing touches on the pasta, the door opened, signaling my dad's arrival.
"Bells, are you home?" he yelled from the doorway.
"Yeah, I'm in the kitchen," I yelled back. I heard his feet pound on the floor as he got closer and closer.
"Mmmm, smells good," Charlie commented while sniffing the air contently. Charlie had dark brown, curly hair with a little bit of gray sticking out of it and gentle brown eyes. He had a soft smile on his face and was still wearing his police uniform with his badge hanging proudly on his chest.
"Thanks, it will be ready in a sec," I informed while I took out the plates.
"Alright, I'll be in the dining room," Charlie stated and gave me a gentle kiss on the forehead as he passed by me.
Five minutes later, we were both sitting at the dining table. We talked about our day quickly and the rest of the time we sat comfortably eating. The silence didn't bother me. Charlie is not the talkative type and I got that trait for him. That's what made living with him so easy; we both respected each other's privacy. Well, most of the time. After I washed the dishes, I got ready to leave to Alice's house for Family Night.
"Dad, I'm leaving," I called out to him from the front door.
"Alright have fun," he replied distantly. He was probably watching some game on the TV.
I got into my monstrous red truck and drove off. The car ride wasn't long but it still gave me time to think. I decided that I wouldn't tell anyone about my strange morning because nothing had happen. Nothing. I just introduced myself to a stranger. That's all.
But why did I feel like it was so much more?
Edward POV
It killed me to leave Bella like that. The only reason I didn't stay and talk to her all day was because I had to teach Tyler how to play piano. I walked as fast as I could to my apartment and made it just in time. Jasper was just pulling my driveway when I arrived. To say it was awkward with Jasper after the whole me-learning-about-Bella's-condition thing is an understatement. It was obvious the next day that he was on Rose's side. Now all he did was drop Tyler off and pick him up. We barely talked.
"Hey," he greeted me shortly as I walked up to his car.
"Hey," I answered back quietly.
"Hello, Mister," Tyler also greeted me while he hopped out of the car. I've tried several times to get him to call me Edward instead of Mister to which Tyler politely replied that I was his teacher and therefore he had to address me as Mister.
"Hey, buddy, are you ready to learn some new songs?" I asked Tyler, already knowing his answer.
"Yup!" he answered enthusiastically, giving me a wide, toothy grin. And with that I said goodbye to Jasper and Tyler and I made our way to my prized piano.
The Next Day
I kept my promise to Bella and returned to the bookstore. Though, I had to admit, I considered not showing up at all in more than one occasion. Not because I didn't want to see Bella but because I was beyond nervous. What if she didn't like me? What if she called me a stalker again? What if she rejected me? What ifs continued to plague my mind as I entered the familiar bookstore.
I stood in the entryway for awhile. What now? I didn't even know if she was here. I ran my hand through my hair in frustration and breathed deeply. I finally reasoned that if she was in fact here then she would probably be at the same place she was yesterday. So I started on my way to the big red chair and I sighed in relief when I saw that she was indeed sitting comfortingly in the chair.
Oh, god. What do I do? Smile and introduce myself? Would that be too forward? Wait a sec, I'm Edward Masen and I've dated many girls. I have tons of girls fall at my feet on a daily basis. So why was I so nervous about talking to Bella?
Because Bella is special.
And with that in my mind I marched right up to where Bella was sitting. Her beautiful, brown hair framed her face as she concentrated on the book before her.
"Hi," I greeted, standing right in front of her.
"Hi," she replied, not even glancing up.
"I'm Edward," I introduced myself, hoping she would glance up from the book she was reading.
"That's nice," She didn't look up. Damn. I stood there stupidly, thinking of what I could do to get her attention.
"Are you planning on leaving anytime soon?" Ouch.
"Um, yeah, sorry," I apologized lamely. "It's just that I noticed that you were sitting alone and thought…um, perhaps...you wanted...some...company?" I continued uncertainly, running a hand through my hair nervously.
"Look, I'm sure your nice and all, but I'm busy and—" She stopped short when she lifted her head up and finally saw me. She looked dazed just like every time she 'met' me. She is so adorable. "I mean…It's just that…my…boyfriend wouldn't like that very much." Bella bit her pink lip and twirled her brown hair around her forefinger nervously, a dead giveaway that she was lying.
I was 99.9% sure that she didn't have a boyfriend. She wouldn't have asked me out if she was in a relationship, that I was sure of.
I frowned at her, wondering why she felt the need to deceive me. "You're making up a boyfriend to get rid of me," I stated rather then asked.
"What! N-No I am not!" she replied hurriedly, her brown eyes widening.
Oh, really? "Look, if you want me to leave then just say so." Dammit. I knew it was too good to be true. There's no way I can be with Bella. I might as well go home and move on. Yeah, psh, sounded easier than it was. Bella wasn't someone you could just get over. I would always remember her.
"I do have a boyfriend," Bella persisted.
I snorted in disbelief. Well, you have to admire her persistence."Really? Then what's his name?" I challenged, quirking an eyebrow in question.
"Uh, um, B-Brad?" she stumbled.
I restrained a laugh. "Let me guess, his last name is Pitt?" I asked, trying to hide the pain behind amusement.
Bella shook her head stubbornly and crossed her hands across her chest. "No. I was going to say Paisley."
This time I actually did laugh. "Paisley? Brad Paisley. That's the best you got?" I sighed in mock disappointment.
"Hey! It's the best I could come up with in such a short notice!" she exclaimed defensively.
I smiled before my face grew somber. "Am I really that annoying that you had to make a boyfriend up to get rid of me?" I asked, needing to know.
"No, of course not." Bella shook her head. "You're actually a nice guy and all. It's just that I am having a terrible day and I guess I'm in a bad mood. I'm sorry, I was so rude and—"
I held my hand up, cutting off her apology."It's fine, we all have bad days." I felt a smile grace my lips. She didn't find me annoying or stupid. I cheered giddily internally. Maybe there is hope after all.
Bella grinned back before she bit her lip and shyly ducked her head."Can I ask you a question?" She peeked up at me uncertainly. If she continued looking all beautiful and bashful at the same time I would do anything she wanted.
"You just did," I teased, smiling fondly at her. "But, go ahead, ask away." Anything to hear her voice.
"Am I really that pathetic that it's obvious I don't have a boyfriend?" she asked, averting her eyes again.
My eyes widened immediately. Was she serious? "Are you kidding? I can't believe someone as beautiful as you is single," I stated, looking into her eyes, hoping I was getting through to her. "I knew you were lying because well, you're a terrible liar." I finished nervously, hoping I didn't offend her.
I didn't. She laughed. I loved her laugh. "Damn, and here I thought I was brilliant at lying."
"Afraid not." I chuckled as I sat down next to her. "Now, tell me about this bad day of yours."
Bella smiled at me before beginning."Okay, so I fell down the stairs and then I spilled hot coffee down my shirt; did I mention the coffee was freaking hot? Twenty minutes later, my truck wouldn't start so my dad had to take me. My dad is the Police Chief so he gave me a ride in his police car, which was awful…."
And with that we laughed and talked until sadly I had to leave. But I came back the next day…
The Next Day
I walked into the bookstore, excited at the prospect of seeing Bella again. I practically ran to where she was sitting. When she came into view, I walked eagerly up to her and I poked her shoulder
"Hi," I said, walking around so I was facing her. Bella looked up at me from whatever book she was reading and her beautiful brown orbs meet my eyes.
"Hey," she answered cautiously, studying me curiously. No doubt trying to figure out why a complete stranger was talking to her.
"I'm Edward," I introduced myself smoothly for the fourth time since I met her. I held my arm out to shake hands. Her warm hand grasped mine and I couldn't resist bending down and kissing the back of her hand. She blushed, my lips tingled.
"I'm Isabella, but call me Bella," Bella replied, smiling slightly.
"It's nice to meet you, Bella," I said honestly. "I was just looking for a book and I noticed a beautiful girl sitting all alone and I couldn't stop myself from introducing myself," I told her, explaining my sudden presence. Bella blushed and visibly relaxed once she realized I wasn't going to kidnap her or anything. "Um, so what book are you reading?" I asked curiously, wanting to start a conversation.
"Oh, I'm just rereading Romeo and Juliet," she answered, picking up the book and showing me the cover.
"Seriously?" I raised an eyebrow.
"Yeah, what wrong with that?" she questioned defensively.
"Nothing, it's just that it's not a book I would reread," I said truthfully. And with that I sat down on the floor next to Bella's chair and we engaged ourselves in a discussion of Romeo and Juliet. Soon, we were laughing and talking like we have known each other since we were babies. Later, though, I glanced at my watch and saw that I had a short amount of time left to get to my house and meet up with Tyler.
"Bella, I'm sorry, but I have to go," I mumbled sadly as I stood up.
"Oh, okay." Was it just me or did Bella look as disappointed as I felt?
"So, um, it was nice to meet you," I said, trying to prolong my exit.
"You too," was her reply. I turned around to leave but her voice stopped me.
"Wait! Will I see you again?" she asked as she ducked her head shyly. My heart fluttered. She wanted to see me again.
"Yes," I promised, winking at her before leaving.
Soon, going to the bookstore became my daily routine. I would walk into the bookstore and hear that familiar bell jingle. Restraining myself from running like a madman to where Bella was sitting, I would walk confidently. Bella was always sitting on the big comfy chair, reading. Actually, one time she was drawing but I didn't get a chance to see what it was before she closed her notebook. Anyway, I would walk up to her and introduce myself. She, in turn, would also introduce herself—blushing of course—and we would converse.
I wish I could tell you about all the meetings and conversations I had with Bella. But I could probably go on forever, describing her humor, her beauty, her wit. She made me laugh every day. She made me happy. My talks with her were what I looked forward to everyday when I woke up. I learned something new about her every conservation. She never ceased to surprise me.
I felt so comfortable around her. I could talk to her for days and never get bored. She was amazing. Practically perfect.
And remember when I said no one could love someone in just two weeks? Well, I just proved myself wrong. Yup, I am irrevocably in love with Isabella Marie Swan. I am in wholeheartedly in love with a woman who can't and never will be able to remember me the next day.
I am so screwed.
Something is wrong or right,
I think of you all night.
Can't sleep 'til morning light,
It must be love
There's nothing I can do,
All that I want is you.
Look what I'm going through,
It must be love
Seeing you in my dreams,
Holding you close to me.
Oh, what else can it be?
It must be love
It must be love, it must be love.
I fall like a sparrow and fly like a dove.
You must be the dream I been dreaming of,
Oh what a feeling, it must be love
It Must Be Love- Alan Jackson
So did you like it? I tried to introduce Charlie a little because next chapter Edward meets Charlie! Wondering how that is going to turn up? Review and I'll send you a sneak preview. Oh, and do you guys want me to continue switching POVs between Edward and Bella or should I just stick with Bella? Alright, and if I get up to 10 reviews then I'll update on Thursday, if not I'll still update on Monday, possibly Sunday. Anyway, I hope you had a great Memorial Day weekend. Remember to Review!
Until Next Time,
Valgal95
