BPOV
It was 5:00 in the morning and I was bouncing off the wall. I couldn't believe it, it was Saturday morning and we were officially leaving for London. The only thing that could have made this day better was if I found Angela, Jasper and Ben on this train.
Last night been exciting. After Edward left, Alice and Rosalie broke out a bottle of champagne. Why they had a bottle of Dom Perignon Alice's sock drawer I had no idea but I was so high with my acceptance that I actually forgo my usual alcohol ban and partake a drink with them. I had called Charlie and he was thrilled for me but a little wistful. I think he wanted me to go Cal Poly so he could see me more. The last few years had been hard on us both. It was still a possibility that I would get in Cal Poly and Rhode Island was a hell of a lot closer to Goleta then Nottingham, England.
After I spoke with Charlie I had called Angela and caught her getting ready to go to homecoming. It made me a little homesick – the liquor probably didn't help either. We spent an hour on the phone talking about different our lives were from where we were 4 years ago. I was getting ready to go London and she was getting ready to go to San Marcos High School homecoming. We were both jealous of each other as she always wanted to go to Europe and I missed my old school. She, Jasper and Ben were hoping to come to England in April during their Spring Break. If that worked out we were planning to meet up in London during the weekend. I didn't get to bed until midnight and was currently bouncing off the walls with too little sleep and too much caffeine.
"Jesus Bella, calm the fuck down," Edward said watching me pace the platform, puffing on a cigarette. He had been in a grumpy mood so far but I attributed it to the early train that Alice had put us on. Alec was currently looking me like I had a 2nd head and Emmett and Rosalie were oblivious to everyone but themselves.
"Chill out Edward," I said sticking my tongue out him. He just smirked at me while I looked at the tunnel for the umpteenth time. Looking my watch I realized I could probably get another cup of tea from vendor.
"Bella, you are going to be in the Loo this entire trip if you keep drinking" Edward called me as I bought my tea.
"Edward you are going to need an iron lung if you keep smoking," I replied. That earned me a giggle from Alice who was leaning on Alec and an unladylike snort from Rosalie. Both Edward and Alec stomped out their cigarettes, turning red.
Just then Alec noticed my bag. "Ya-Isabella what kind of bag is that," he asked sniggering.
"That Alec is my father's army bag from when he was in the service," I replied, pushing my bag between my legs, wishing I had the matching army jacket.
"That fucking thing is ugly as sin," he told me.
"It got my dad through 2 tours in Vietnam. I love it and it has character," I said simply, looking at my bag. My dad had sworn it was lucky and I believe him. It was like having a piece of him with me.
"Stop it Alec," Alice said, stroking his arm. "I like it very retro Bella."
"Thanks Alice." The train started rolling up to the platform.
The ride from Nottingham to London is just under 2 hours. Alice had chosen a 5 o'clock departure time so we could have breakfast with their respective parents and get a full day of sightseeing in before heading off tomorrow afternoon to Paris.
Our train pulled in 5:10 and we were on the way to London at 5:30. We arrived at 7:20 to see Edward and Alice's, Rosalie's and Emmett's parents at the stations. That left Alec and me the odd ones out. For the first time I felt really sorry for Alec as he stood to the side with me. His parents lived in London too but they were in New York on business. I got the impression from Edward and Alice that his parents traveled a lot and he was alone quite a bit. Like me he was an only child. It made me think of Charlie and how much he cherished our time together.
Watching our friends with their parents, I turned to Alec and said, "You know Alec, I don't know about you but I really miss my dad."
"Well Yank, you can't miss what you don't have," he said smirking at me.
I turned away – so much for trying to be nice I thought. "I guess, well I am excited about today – I can't wait to see the Tate," I said trying again.
"I would imagine its pretty amazing compare to anything in that hick town in California you are from," he said smugly.
That got me – like Santa Barbara was a hick town or the fact that LA was only a couple of hours away and I had been to the Miracle Mile more times then he had probably ever cracked open a book. "You know what Alec," I said sweetly, "you should really come and visit me in California during winter break"
"And why is that Yank," he said smirking at me like I was going to prostitute myself.
"Because I would love take to you to the La Brea tar pits so I could push you in with your Mastodon brethren," I told him, smiling at his expression and turned around. Edward and Alice were coming with a handsome couple that I assumed were their parents.
"Bella, these are my parents Carlisle and Esme Cullen," Alice said taking my hand and pulling me to her parents.
I felt like I was 10 years old all over again, "Hi Mr. and Mrs. Cullen, it's nice to meet you," I said shaking hands with both of them.
"Likewise the pleasure is ours," Esme said. She was an incredibly beautiful woman with Carmel colored hair and deep green eyes. I could see where Edward got his coloring. "Both Alice and Edward keep talking about you."
"Mum," Edward said, shaking his head.
"Bella, good to meet you," Carlisle said. He was blond with Alice's blue eyes. Edward and him looked exactly alike while Alice looked like Esme minus the coloring.
"Thanks," I said blushing.
"Now children, we are going to drop our bags at home and meet up with everyone for breakfast," Esme said as Carlisle and Edward went to grab the bags.
"Bella, where are your bags," Carlisle asked picking 2 of Alice's cases.
"Right here," I said, shifting my bag on my shoulder.
"That's all?" Disbelief lighting up his handsome face.
"That's all," I answered, smiling.
"Edward – marry her – your back will never go out," Carlisle said laughing as I went beet red.
"Okay boys," Esme said once the laughter died down, "Stop bothering the poor girl and take her bag."
"Oh that's not necessary," I said, "Its not that heavy."
"Nonsense Bella, I insist," she told me taking my arm, "So Alice tells me you want to design art in school. I studied Art History myself in university."
Alec was staying with the Cullens and all of us walked over to their car. They had taken a chauffer car from their home. As the man opened the door for us, I started thinking of Charlie picking me up from the airport in his 1980 Buick La Sabre. I used to call it the Batmobile. Yeah, using a chauffeured limo – that's normal for me. Judging the way the others handled the situation this was completely normal for them.
"Your first time in a limo, Isabella," Alec asked, looking me.
"Yup – unless you count the time my dad helped parked them when President Reagan came to Santa Barbara. He had to help with the overflow and school was out that day," I said, smiling at the memory. The president had attracted a number of wealthy patrons and Charlie had been responsible for directing the traffic so there wouldn't be an overflow in the parking lot. He let me sit in the front with him when a couple of parking attendants didn't show.
"Figures," he said. Prick, I thought, I wonder what I ever did to him.
"What was that Alec," Esme asked.
"Nothing ma'am," he said sitting straight up.
The drive to the house didn't take very long and before I knew it we were parked in front of group of townhomes. The area reminded me of Upper East Side of New York. The area was beautiful with a lot trees. If I hadn't seen the skyscrapers I would have sworn we were in a suburb somewhere.
The chauffer let us out of the car and I looked around again. "We live in Knightsbridge Bella," Alice explained, "it gives us a wicked view of everything and we are located by the best stores, restaurants, you name it"
"Wow," I said. This was truly amazing. I knew that Alice and Edward were well off but I didn't realize by how much. In fact this was a little intimating, "Alec do you live by here?"
"My family lives down the street," he answered, "What about you Isabella, where is your house."
"I live in Goleta – that's by –"
"By Santa Barbara right," Carlisle said opening the door for us.
"Yes – how did you know – have you been there?" I asked surprised. Carlisle had been the first one to have inkling of where my hometown was.
"I gave a lecture there last year in the university's business department," he explained.
"Yes, we took a tour through wine country afterwards, lovely area," Esme replied, "Now please come in."
Walking through I realized this had to be the most elegant house I had ever step in with the exception of Hearst Castle. It was simply stunning. The house actually had a skylight, a freaking skylight. The early morning sunlight made the marble floors sparkle. The muted color scheme seemed to glow.
"Mr. and Mrs. Cullen, your home is beautiful," I said breathlessly, feeling severely out place now. My house could actually fit in this foyer I realized to myself. I gave a nervous giggle thinking of Charlie's plaid recliner by the marble staircase.
"Thank you darling, Alice why don't you show Bella around and Edward get Alec settled in," Esme said.
"C'mon Bella, let me show you around," Alice said grabbing my hand. With that Hurricane Alice started bounding up the stairs.
"Alice slow down or I will never find my way back," I squealed as we ran down the hallway.
"Oh don't be silly," she said stopping at a door with a poster of the Royal Ballet on the front, "This is my room."
I walked inside and was assaulted by every one of senses. Alice had the most beautiful room I had ever seen. It was so tastefully done in lavender and yet comfortable at the same time. There was a dressing screen, walk in closet and queen sized canopy bed in the room. She had an attached ensuite bathroom and an amazing view of Hyde Park from her terrace. Yes, Ms. Cullen had a freaking terrace, which she opened to let the fresh morning air in.
"C'mon Bella, you will want to see this view – I know you want to draw from here," she shouted at me. She knew me too well…
"Okay – you win – wow, Alice, this is amazing," I said.
"Let me should you to your room," she said, grabbing my hand again, taking me back to the room across the hallway. The room she took me was spectacular. There was no question about it. There was a queen size bed in the center of the room with an iron wrought bed frame. This room also had a terrace and adjoining bathroom. It was had a terrific view. I was in heaven.
"Alice, I think we should forget Paris and stay here," I said, looking for a place to put down my bag. I was afraid to drop my dad's bag on the floor here like I did in the dorms. Some long ago microbes or particles from Agent Orange might contaminate the Persian rugs.
"Oh stop," Alice said, smiling at my exuberance and me.
"Ladies, how are you doing," we heard Edward say. Turning around he and Alec were watching from the doorframe. Edward had an amused expression that mirrored Alice's while Alec was just looked snide.
"Admiring the view, I just told Alice you would probably have to drug me to take me back from Trent," I replied, opening the French doors to allow fresh air into the room.
"Getting a taste of the good life Isabella," Alec asked smugly.
"What do you mean by that Alec," I replied, not really paying attention.
"This has to bit overwhelming for a girl from some hick town in California," He said, with that smug look on his idiotic face.
"Alec," both Edward and Alice exclaimed.
I turned around slowly, "You know what Alec I really don't know what you have against California or Goleta for that matter? Is just me who offends you or the state itself? In fact have you actually been to California? If me you find offensive I can live with that but don't diss my home state asshole."
Alec turned red and was about to say something when we heard Esme said, "Children if you are settled we are going to have bunch."
"Edward, you and Bella go down, Alec and I are going to have a talk," Alice said, glowering at Alec.
"Alice," I started say.
"Don't worry Bella," she said gesturing at me to go.
"C'mon Bella," Edward said taking my arm as we made our way downstairs. I heard the door close behind us.
"I am so sorry Edward, I should have kept my mouth shut," I started to say as we walked to the staircase.
He looked at me like I had lost my mind and pulled me aside to an empty room. "Isabella there is no reason for you to be sorry."
"I don't want to be a source of tension for them," I said, get more upset by the moment.
"Bella, you shouldn't put up with this period," he told me.
"I have in the past," I replied. The air was a little charged between us all the sudden.
"That's the point it was wrong, I was wrong, Alec is wrong," he put his forehead against mine and my heart started to race, "Bella, I need to tell you something." His green eyes were both smoldering and fearful at the same time. How was that possible?
"Kids, come down – breakfast is ready!" Carlisle called.
"We better go," I said gently pushing Edward away, the intensity of the moment making me a little uncomfortable.
He nodded. "We can talk about it later," he said quietly.
We walked down the case. Alec and Alice were right behind us, neither one looking happy. Esme and Carlisle were waiting for us and there was an amazing spread on the table.
Alec looked at Edward and me. I could have sworn I saw a light go off in his head. He smirked at me again. "Isabella, I am sorry, I will try and be civil," he said.
I just nodded, not wanting the weekend to be anymore awkward then it already was. Alice smiled when she realized we were not trying to kill each other. But she frowned when she noticed things were a little strained between her brother and me.
After brunch we left to go site seeing or rather go the Tate Modern and National Gallery. After a brief argument, Rose and I got our way and we taking the Tube much to Alec and the Cullens' chagrin. Fortunately the number of people around us made it hard for me and Edward to have a private moment.
The rest of the day was full of activities and the parents wanted to take the kids out to dinner and the opera house. It was a magical day but it really drove home to me how different I was from them. The restaurant was Ivy and the menu was extremely pricey, it was my birthday all over again minus the snide comments from Alec who was being civil for a change.
Looking at the menu I skipped a starter and went straight to the meal. No amount of persuasion from Alice, Rosalie, Emmett or Edward could get me to change my mind and Alec remained blissfully quiet. The Cullens refused to let me pay for the meal or my opera ticket. The show was the Le Boehme. I had never been to the opera before loved it immediately. The performance was powerful and I was in tears watching Mimi's death.
After the show, we went back to Edward and Alice's house. Rose and Em came to have dessert and left with their parents. Afterwards, I helped Alice pick up the plates and bring them to kitchen. One thing I did realize was Alice and Edward were not as spoilt as I once thought. After brunch was served, they got up and cleared the dishes even through the Cullens had full serving staff. They were responsible for some small things like keeping their room neat and clearing the dishes for small gatherings. In fact while Alec and I were there, Alice and Edward were responsible for our needs as we were their guests.
"Okay Bella, what's going with you and my brother," Alice asked me carrying in the silver service to the kitchen, "you two have been dancing around each other all day."
"Nothing more crazier then usual," I replied, starting the sink so I could rinse the china before stacking it in the dishwasher.
"Pardon me for saying this but bullshit," she snorted putting her hands on her hips.
"Alice let it go," I squeaked.
"Really what happened?" Alice asked, clearly not willing to let it go.
"Fine, when you and Alec were having your talk, Edward and I went downstairs. I apologized for my behavior and he pulled me into your dad's office. You could say we had a moment," I said uneasily. Alice stared at me with her brother's trademark smirk, "Before you get any ideas nothing happened."
"Did you want something to happened," Alice asked quietly drying the tea service she just cleared.
"I don't know to be honest. I really hated Edward for a long time Alice. I know he is trying to make up for it now but he was incredibly cruel to me for a long time. It hard enough being his friend sometime, acting something I don't even know he feels would things awkward. I don't want that, especially even the fact I am leaving soon," I said matter of fact, closing the dishwasher.
Alice turned off the light, "What if he really feel something – would it change things? See where things take you in the next few months?"
"Alice, I am going back in the States in July for good. Even if you brother felt anything for me other then guilt and we both acted on it we have an expiration date. Even before you say there are plane rides, letters and phone calls, long distance relationships rarely work. I also can't afford that kind of relationship. You and I come from 2 different worlds," I stated as we walked upstairs.
"What do you mean by that – here come out to my balcony we can a cup of tea and talk," Alice said, passing me a hot cup of tea.
"It's pretty obvious Alice you guys are filet mignon and I am chuck meat." Alice looked at me like I had grown a 2nd head, "C'mon Alice its not a secret where I come from – like Alec said I come a small town in California. My dad is a state trooper, my house can fit in your foyer. I am going to be up in hock paying off student loans. And I am not complaining I am being realistic," I said, taking sip of the tea.
"Bella for a smart girl you are barking mad. I think Edward does like you and part of that is because you different and unique," Alice said, raising her eyebrows daring me to contradicted, "that has nothing to do from what your father does or how much money you have in the bank. If you don't want to start a relationship with Edward because you are going to be leaving that's one thing but don't give up because you don't have a trust fund. That's ridiculous."
With that we hugged and said good night and I left Alice's room. It had been a long and confusing day. We were scheduled to leave tomorrow at noon so that might we could sleep in a little. I had every intention of taking advantage of that. I walked to my door and had the oddest feeling like I was not alone. Turning around I saw Edward in the hallway, his intense green eyes on my silhouette.
"Edward," I asked, a little confused.
"Bella," he was startled – he obviously hadn't realized that I had noticed him.
"Everything okay," I asked him.
"Can I talk to you for a moment?" he asked walking over.
"I guess," I answered, "Do you want to speak in my room?"
"Sure," he said running his hands through his hair.
I opened the door and we walked into my room. "Edward were you eavesdropping," I asked.
"Not intentionally," he said, "I was going to get a book from my dad's library and overheard you and Alice speaking."
I turned bright red. "Oh – what did you hear?"
"Nothing you should be ashamed about," he told me smiling.
"I see," I replied.
"Bella – I want you to know I find you fascinating, you are amazing," he said taking my hand.
"Edward-" I started to say.
"Don't worry – I am not going to say something that would embarrass you – but know this, anyone would be honored if you dated them," he said kissing my cheek, "Good night love."
I touched my cheek and watched him leave. It was tingly – the whole situation was completely surreal.
