Disclaimer: Stephenie Meyer owns Twilight and characters.
I am so so so sorry about the long lapse in updates. I went out of town to visit my mom and dad last weekend and have been so busy with work that I haven't had any time to write. But I'm back now and hopefully the updates will continue as they had before. I hope you enjoy this chapter!
Chapter Seven
I sat in the plush royal blue chair with Bella in my lap. Around me, many anxious freshmen filled the chairs and couches. Most looked nervous, but excitement hummed in the air. Only one person stood out. I frowned as I glanced at my roommate, who sat hunched in his chair, a dismal look on his face as if someone had forced him into this room.
Didn't he want to be at college? I just didn't understand him. I looked away and focused my attention on the five seniors that stood in front of the group. I recognized Shelly from the previous day.
"I wonder if there are a lot of rules," Samantha whispered nervously from the next chair over.
"I hope not," Bella replied. I looked at her face and saw her eying the older students. "I mean, we aren't at boarding school or anything."
My hand went to the tip of her ponytail and I began twisting the silky strands around my fingers. "That's true, but they also want us to build good habits for the rest of our college days."
Samantha and Bella both rolled their eyes at me and I fought a smile. As different as they were, they were sure alike in many ways.
"So says the scholar," Bella giggled, patting my cheek. "You know, babe, college is about having fun too."
"I know," I said, sticking my lip out a bit. Bella's giggle turned into a laugh as she kissed my pouting lips. "We will have lots of fun," I said when my lips were free. I put a huge emphasis on lots and Bella's smile grew.
"Man," Samantha said, resting her chin on her hand. "You two make me miss my man."
"Aw, I'm sorry," Bella said. "That must be so hard."
"It's all good," her roommate said with a sigh. "I'll manage, I'm sure."
"Excuse me?" A microphoned voice echoed through the room and we turned out attention towards the front. Bella leaned over and picked her notebook up off the table and held her pen ready. "My name is Brady Howard and I'm the head RA here at Branner Hall. On behalf of the other RA's, I would like to welcome you all to the Hall."
A few people applauded at his words.
"First, I'd like to give the RA's a chance to introduce themselves." Brady handed the microphone to Shelly, who began the introductions.
I continued to twist Bella's hair around my fingers as I listened and watched.
"Now," Brady continued when the microphone returned to him. "Just remember, there are one hundred and twenty-eight of you and only five of us. We aren't going to have you all introduce yourselves, but be sure to come up to us in the next couple of days and tell us something about you. Also, because there are so many of you, there are a few ground rules that we maintain."
I heard Samantha groan next to me. "I hope there's no curfew," Bella whispered.
"Expecting to be out late?" I asked next to her ear. I watched her face grow red and immediately wanted to know what thoughts were going through her head. "What are you thinking?"
She bit her lip, then turned her mouth until it was against my ear. "You. Me. Alone. Bed," she breathed against my ear.
I couldn't help the grin that spread over my face. I turned her head until I could answer back in her ear. "I'm sure Samantha would leave us alone, if we asked."
Bella's face burned even hotter. I gently kissed her flaming cheek.
"Okay, so rule number one. We have designated men and women floors for a reason. After ten, only the assigned gender may be on that floor."
Bella and I groaned in unison, our heads leaning against each other. I heard Samantha's snicker.
"Rule number two," Brady continued as my dream of sleeping with Bella in her room faded into the black abyss. "We don't have a curfew, or a bedtime. But between the hours of ten pm and six am, we have quiet time. Please refrain from loud noise during the times. Rule three, no alcohol in the building."
Around me, I heard moans and groans at that rule.
"There is also no smoking in the building," Brady added.
Those last two rules, I completely understood.
After going through the last of the rules, Shelly stood up to discuss various functions that were going on throughout the campus. The first football game would be on Friday and she encouraged all of us to attend. Before the game, there would be a pep rally in the quad. I looked at Bella and she nodded.
Homecoming week would be the second week in October. The infamous rival football game against CAL was also in October. Shelly went on to tell us when the last day of the quarter would be in December, the first day to register for class, the annual Fall Festival at Branner Hall. She told us about the study group sessions on Saturday, the Sunday brunches, the monthly activities.
Eventually my head began to spin and I had to stop listening. I glanced down and saw Bella dutifully taking notes, her hand flying across the page as it filled with her messy printing. I saw her place stars by the activities she wanted to attend and I saw the excitement growing in her eyes. I closed my eyes and took a deep breath. I thought of baseball practices and classes and the ensemble I was required to participate in as a music major. How many hours were in a day? I was going to have to have a discussion with the power to be and explain that I needed much more than twenty-hours in one day.
Finally, the buzzing voice in my head stopped and I managed to open my eyes. I saw Shelly sit down and hand the microphone back to Brady.
"You were right baby, this year is going to be amazing," Bella said, practically bouncing in my lap.
I smiled at her, not wanting her to see the uncertainty brewing within me. Bella deserved only the best from me, especially since she put up with so much. "That it is," I said, keeping my voice light. "I'm really looking forward to the football games."
"Okay, if I could have your attention for just another minute," Brady said, cutting through the murmur of conversation that had begun to fill the room. "I just want to add one more thing. College is about many things. Yes, you are here to learn and yes there are a lot of things outside of the learning to do. It's all about finding a balance. Don't let yourself get swept away with either one. Learn, better yourself as a person, but don't forget to have fun along the way. On the flip side, have fun, indulge, but don't forget to learn!"
Laughter echoed through the room.
"So that's all from us, I really hope you all have a successful and funfilled year! Oh, and the dining hall is opened for lunch and don't forget that orientation starts at one!"
A cheer went up and then the room filled with excited conversation as the freshmen stood up and began making their way out of the room. I noticed some headed straight for the dining hall, while others made their way upstairs to their room.
"So what do you guys want to do?" I asked Samantha and Bella as we stood. "Do you want to check out the food?"
"Yeah," Bella said, tangling her fingers in mine.
"I could eat," Samantha said with a laugh. "Do you want to ask your roommate if he wants to come?"
I glanced over to the chair he had occupied earlier and saw it empty. "I could run upstairs and see if he's there," I said. I didn't want to be rude.
"We'll wait for you outside," Bella said, going up on her tiptoes to kiss me quickly.
I left the girls and hurried up the three flights of stairs. I went to my room and found Matt already sitting at his computer. "Hey man," I said, poking my head into the room. "We are going to go to the dining hall and grab some lunch. Then we will head over to the football field for orientation. Would you like to join us?"
He let out a huge sigh. "I suppose. I have to eat anyway."
I watched as he tapped a few keys and then shoved away from the desk. What was with him? "Not too excited about college?" I commented as we walked into the hallway.
Matt moved his shoulders. "Dad wants me to get 'the best education I can.' I wanted to go to a tech school and get a degree in electrical engineering, but that wasn't good enough for him. It would be 'wasting my potential.'" Matt rolled his eyes. "So here I am."
I didn't really understand his attitude. But I also knew that most people didn't share my history and wouldn't understand the intense need I felt to make Carlisle, Esme and my father proud. I wasn't sure how to respond to him. "Oh." I finally said.
Matt shrugged his shoulders again. "Whatever, I'll take the classes, get the grades and eventually get out of here."
"That's true," I muttered, moving down the steps a bit faster than normal, eager to get back to Bella.
"I saw your girlfriend during that meeting," he said, a bit more enthusiasm in his voice. I tried not to be bothered by it. But my effort to not worry was destroyed by his next words. "She is hot."
"She is beautiful," I agreed through my teeth. "We've been dating for almost two years," I said firmly, trying to let him know that Bella and I were in a serious, committed relationship and not just a casual fling.
"Hm," was his only response.
We reached the ground floor and exited the building. Samantha and Bella were standing in the grass, talking animatedly. I stood for a just a second, watching Bella as she laughed, her chocolate eyes sparkling with her happiness. The sunlight hit her hair, bringing out the red streaks that hid within the brown.
Love for her and pride that she was mine filled me. When I reached her side, her hand immediately found mine, her fingers lacing through my own. "Hey baby," she said.
"Hey, this is my roommate, Matt," I said using my other hand to point at the slightly shorter boy standing next to me. "Matt, this is my girlfriend Bella and her roommate Samantha."
Samantha smiled and stuck out her hand. "Nice to meet you," she said in her normal, bubbly way.
"Likewise," he said in a slightly distracted way. He turned to Bella next and stuck hand his hand. My eyes narrowed a bit as I watched her delicate hand slide into his. "Bella," he said.
"Nice to meet you," she said, echoing Samantha's words. She pulled her hand away and her eyes flickered to mine. I gently squeezed her hand and led her towards the dining hall. The four of us entered the crowded room and for a second, we could only stand and stare.
The room was huge. Large tables surrounded by eight chairs filled one half of the room. The other half was dominated by the food buffet that lined the walls. I saw signs above each station announcing the type of food each served. In the center of the half circle of food counters, stood the drink station.
"So many choices," Bella said hesitantly, obviously feeling overwhelmed.
Samantha laughed and began skipping towards the other side of the room. "First one to get food should grab a table," she said. "See you guys in a bit."
Bella and I walked a bit slower to the buffet. Matt disappeared from my side, heading towards his own pick. I felt a pull on my hand and I stopped. Bella was looking at me, concern written all over her face. "What's wrong, sweetheart?" I asked her.
"I don't like him," she whispered. "He's creepy and there's just something completely off about him."
"I won't let him be alone with you," I said softly. "I won't let him touch you again," I tried to reassure her.
"I'm not worried about me," she answered. "I know you will protect me from anything. I'm worried about you. You have to live with him."
"I'll be fine, don't worry." I kissed her forehead and smiled down at her. "He's just a little strange, that's all."
Her arms wrapped around my waist. "I will not let another person hurt you," she said intensely.
I placed my arms around her shoulders and kissed her hair. Then I smiled against the top of her head. My Bella was definitely a fierce protector. A lioness protecting what she considered hers. "He's nothing," I said softly, trying to keep my laughter out of my voice. "Honey, I promise you that. Like I said, he's a bit strange and yes a bit creepy. But I think he's just unhappy."
I felt her chest expand as she sighed against me. Then she looked up and smiled. "I'm sorry to overreact. You are just so precious to me and have been through so much pain, I don't want you to ever hurt again."
"I know," I kissed her forehead again. "I love that you feel protective of me. But love."
"Yeah?" she asked, biting her lip.
"I can take care of myself, I promise."
A laugh sputtered from her as she kissed me flush on the lips. "I know babe." She linked hands with me again and we once again entered the world of the crowded dining hall. It never ceased to amaze me how the world could just stop when I am in Bella's arms. "So what do you want?"
"Um," I scanned over the signs, shocked at the variety. "Perhaps just a sandwich?"
Bella nodded and I pulled her over to the counter under the "Deli" sign. The steel counter was filled with platters holding every type of deli meat a person could want, cheese, bread and a huge variety of condiments. I pulled two trays and two plates out, putting one set in front of Bella. Then I grabbed four slices of wheat bread, knowing it was her favorite and placed two on her plate. "Thanks," she said as she reached for some turkey.
We took our time, building sandwiches that would we wouldn't be able to fit our mouths around. We added chips to our plates, then headed over to the drink station. I got a glass full of Coke, while Bella filled hers with lemonade. After we got our drinks, I started to lead her over to the tables. Just as we were walking away, her eyes lit up and I followed her, laughing the whole way, to the dessert table. She studied it and then chose a huge chocolate chip cookie. She glanced at me as she placed it on her plate. "Today's special because it's our first day."
I tried to hold back my smile as I chose a brownie for myself. "Sure Bella," I managed to say.
"I want to avoid the freshman fifteen," she added as we walked away. "But once in a while won't hurt."
"Not at all," I agreed. I didn't think that would be a problem for Bella. We found Samantha and Matt already sitting a table. "Hey guys," I said as I sat down.
"Hey Edward," Samantha said. "You guys hit the sandwiches, nice," she observed as we placed our trays on the table.
Bella and I sat down and I saw the Chinese noodles on Samantha's plate. It looked surprisingly good. Matt's plate was loaded with macaroni and cheese. "I thought college food was supposed to be bad," I couldn't help but say.
Matt swallowed his mouthful of cheesy noodles. "Apparently there are some things about college that aren't bad." His lips tilted up.
"So what did you guys think of the meeting this morning?" Samantha asked. "I know Edward and Bella don't like rule number one."
Bella hid her face behind her huge sandwich. "Its fine," she said as she took a bite.
"I guess the rules make sense," Matt commented. "But I wish they would have the noise block end a little later in the morning. Six seems so early."
"True," Samantha said. "It is super early. But I think a lot of people have early classes."
"Not me," Matt said, scooping up more pasta. "My first class isn't until eleven."
"That's awesome," Samantha said with a sigh. "Mine is at eight."
"Me too," Bella and I added together. We smiled at each other.
"Ugh," Matt groaned. "Figures."
"Sorry," I said, a bit sarcastically. I turned my attention to eating my sandwich. I felt Bella's hand land lightly on my thigh, squeezing gently. I winked at her and she smiled.
After we finished eating, we headed for the football field. It wasn't too far away so we decided to walk. It was another beautiful California day, the sky completely cloudless. "I could get used to this," Bella commented as we walked.
"Get used to what?" Matt asked.
"The blue sky, the sun," Bella said, tilting her head up as if trying to take in all the sun she could.
"Not much sun in Forks," I added. "It's one of the rainiest places in the United States."
"Oh ugh," Matt said. "I could never live there, that sounds horrible."
"It's not bad," I said, defending my home.
We arrived at the football field with about five minutes until it started. Freshmen wandered around showing off their Stanford attire. In fact, I think Matt was the only person I could see that wasn't wearing something that said Stanford on it. I shook my head.
"What?" Bella whispered.
"Nothing, just noticing my roommate's lack of school spirit."
"He seems to lack just about everything," Bella said. We went up into the bleachers and found a place to sit.
Orientation began much like a pep rally. The marching band was there and they led us through the school song. A huge screen had been set up and we were instructed to follow the bouncing ball. After singing the school song a few times, the student body president came onto the stage that was set up at the fifty yard line. She talked for a few minutes, guiding us through a power point presentation. She talked about the importance of class and gave helpful hints for being successful.
After her presentation, we were divided up into small groups to begin the tour of the school. Bella, Samantha, Matt and I managed to get into the same group. I found the tour to be the most helpful part of the day, it was so nice to finally see where everything was. As we walked, I saw several of the buildings where I would have classes.
"I know the campus seems huge right now," our tour guide said. "But in a few years it will seem small," Bella snuck a look at me and I saw the smile teasing her lips as my words from yesterday were repeated. "In fact," the guide continued. "Eventually it'll seem as small as your high school."
Bella did laugh at that. I thought of tiny Forks High and my soft laughter joined hers. No way this huge campus would ever seem as small as that.
The last stop on the tour was the baseball field. We passed through the entrance of Sunken Diamond and climbed the steps. When we reached the top, the field spread out in all its glory in front of me. The grass was a brilliant green color, newly mown, the lines in the outfield fresh. The white chalk of the baselines stood out against the brown dirt. The field looked clean and fresh and for a second I wished I had a bat in my hand.
The stadium held four thousand seats and I imagined the exhilaration of playing in front of so many people. I imagined the roar of the crowd, the frenzied excitement that followed a dramatic play.
I couldn't wait.
"I can't wait to see you play here," Bella said, echoing my thoughts.
"I can't wait to play here," I answered
Our group started to move back down the stairs to exit the stadium. I looked over my shoulder at the field one more time. I felt Bella tug at my hand. When I turned to her, she smiled and led me down the stairs. "You'll be back Monday," she said as we hit the bottom. I saw the smile teasing her lips and I bent to kiss her.
"I know," I said as I lifted my head again. "It's a beautiful field though."
"Truly is," Bella remarked. "Just like everything here, it seems."
"Agreed." We followed our group back to the football field and once again took our places in the bleachers.
"I'm going to love it here," Samantha sighed when we were seated. "Everything is so open. I really want to check out Lake Lagunita, it sounds like fun."
"We should definitely plan a Saturday afternoon there," Bella added. She looked at me. "We can invite Alice and Jasper."
I thought of my sister and smiled. "Yeah, she would love that. My sister, Alice--,"
"And my best friend," Bella interrupted.
"And her boyfriend Jasper," I explained to Samantha, seeing the confusion on her face. "They go to Berkeley, so we plan to see them pretty often."
Samantha nodded in understanding. "So they are our rivals, huh?"
Bella and I laughed. "Pretty much," I said.
"You'd like Alice," Bella said to Samantha.
I nodded agreement. The two girls were so similar.
"She's not really your sister," I heard Matt mumble from beside me.
I am not a violent person. In fact, I hate violence with a passion, I don't even like to watch violent movies. My life has had enough violence in it to last me a lifetime. I have known enough pain to never want to inflict it on another person.
But right now, I wanted nothing more than to punch Matt in the nose. Lucky for him, I have been on the receiving end of enough punches to refrain myself. Before I could comment, the student body president was calling for attention again. As she began to speak, I felt Bella rubbing her hand along my arm and used her gentle touch to calm me down.
I didn't get Matt, I don't understand why he seems so adamant to constantly remind me that my family isn't really my family. Obviously, I know Alice isn't really my sister, Emmett isn't really my brother and Carlisle and Esme aren't really my mom and dad. But they opened up their hearts and home to me. They made me apart of their family, it didn't matter how long it had taken me to find them.
I know it sounds childish, but I didn't want to be reminded that they weren't really my family.
The pressure from the hand on my arm increased. "It's okay, baby," I heard Bella say softly.
I realized then just how stiff I was sitting and I forced myself to relax. Bella leaned against me, her cheek resting on my shoulder. I relaxed further, enjoying her slight weight against me. I tuned back into the speaker in front of me and let my darker thoughts go. I realized that she was finished talking and now everyone was standing and getting ready to leave.
"Well," Samantha said as we walked out of the stadium. "It's just about five, so we have still have two hours until the barbeque and bon fire tonight. What do you guys want to do?"
"Hey Matt!" The yell for my roommate interrupted our conversation.
Matt groaned as he turned towards the yell.
"There you are Matty, I've been looking for you all day!"
The owner of the voice came to a stop in front of our group. He was a decent looking guy, tall and athletic looking. His light brown hair touched the collar of his Stanford shirt and he looked at Matt through pale blue eyes. "Hi!" he said cheerfully to our group.
He definitely wasn't the type of person I would expect Matt to hang out with.
"I'm RJ," he said.
"It's nice to meet you," Samantha said, always friendly. "Are you a freshman too?"
"Yep!" he said enthusiastically. "I'm in Roble Hall."
"Oh okay, cool!" Samantha said. "I'm Samantha."
"I'm Bella and this is Edward," she said pointing at me. "We are all staying in Branner Hall."
"Cool," RJ said smiling. He looked at me, his eyes narrowing just a little bit.
"I'm Matt's roommate," I said, figuring that was what he was trying to figure out.
It worked. His eyes widened and he smiled at me. "So you're the one that is going to have to put up with my brother for the year."
"Brother?" I said. These two didn't seem anything like brothers, much less twins.
Matt rolled his eyes. "For the last time, you aren't my brother." He glared at RJ.
I saw the hurt flash in RJ's eyes and he looked down at his feet. An awkward silence fell on our group. Bella's hand slipped into mine and I looked down to see her looking at RJ with sympathy in her brown eyes. I squeezed her hand gently.
"Um, we were just deciding what to do until the barbeque," Samantha said hesitantly. "Maybe we should just walk over to the main quad and hang out there. RJ, you are more than welcome to join us."
"That sounds good," Bella added. "And you should join us," she directed at RJ. He looked up and smiled at Bella. I found myself moving closer to my girl, at the same time knowing I was being ridiculous. As if she sensed my thoughts, she tightened her grip on my hand, sending a silent I love you through me. I smiled and moved back to my original position.
We started walking silently towards the main quad. I was very curious about RJ and why Matt had reacted the way he had. From what I could figure out, RJ had to be adopted. It explained Matt's reaction to me.
We found an empty picnic bench in the quad and sat down. I straddled the bench and Bella sat in front of me, her back resting against my chest.
"So," Samantha said when we were all seated. The tension around us hadn't dissipated on the walk.
"I'm sorry about that," RJ said quietly. He glanced at Matt who was glaring at his hands. "Obviously Matt and I aren't really brothers. But my mom has had a lot of problems and she's been in and out of rehab or jail for pretty much my whole life." He shifted in his seat and I could feel the unease radiating from him.
"You don't have to tell us," Bella said softly. I gently ran my finger up and down her arm, tenderly caressing the exposed skin from her pushed up sleeve, enjoying the feel of her soft skin beneath my finger tip.
RJ smiled at her. "It's okay. Matt's parents are my foster parents. I go live with them whenever my mom falls off the wagon." He looked at Matt again. "They are more like parents to me, than my own parents." Matt raised his head, looking RJ in the eye. "But they aren't," he finished quietly.
Pieces fell into place as RJ explained his relationship to Matt. I understood why he resented the fact that I was adopted. He felt RJ was an intruder in his family and he looked at me the same way. It definitely didn't make it right, but at least I could in someway understand where he was coming from now.
"Edward," Bella said quietly, gaining my attention.
"Yeah?" I looked down at her and gently ran my lips along her hair.
"I need to go to the bathroom, will you come with me?"
I smiled, still resting my lips on her hair. "Of course."
She sat up and excused herself from the table. I followed her lead and walked with her to one of the buildings in hopes of finding a restroom. When we rounded a corner, Bella turned to me and stopped. Her eyes roved over my face, as if she was looking for something. When the brown orbs met my own, I found myself drowning. "Bella," I whispered, suddenly realizing that she didn't really need a bathroom.
She needed me.
Her hands slid up my arms until they were around my neck, her fingers tangled in my hair. I wrapped my own arms around her waist, pulling her flush against me. Our lips touched, gently at first, but then more intensly. I moved my lips against her, trying to stay gentle, but driven by the desire to devour her. To make her mine. I pulled her closer to me.
Without warning, she broke away and buried her face in my neck. Her hold, if possible, tightened around me. I felt her hot tears hit my neck. "Hey," I whispered. "Honey, what's wrong?"
"It's so different," she whispered against my skin. "I miss Alice and Jasper, Rosalie and Emmett."
"I know baby, I do too."
"Samantha seems nice enough," she continued softly, her face still nestled in my neck. "But the boys, I don't know, there's just something off."
"I understand what you are saying," I said. I pulled her back, cradling her face with my hands. I used my thumbs to wipe at the moisture clinging to her lashes. "Listen to me, my love. The bond we share with Alice, Jasper, Rosalie and Emmett, it's not something we are going to share with everyone. Our friendship, our connection with them is rare. I remember thinking during one of the first times that we all hung out, just how close you all were. The way you share everything and keep no secrets. I knew then just how special the friendship was." I kissed her lips gently. Hers moved tenderly against mine and I broke away before I could get carried away again.
"I'm so thankful you are here," she said sincerely. "I couldn't do this without you. I don't know how Emmett and Jasper did it last year."
"Me neither. But you are stronger than you think you are. I can see you and Samantha becoming friends."
Bella nodded within my hands.
"And I highly doubt that after today, Matt will hang out with us much. He seems most content in front of his computer."
"You're probably right," she sighed. "Don't get why with all the people assigned to Branner Hall, you end up with the creepy one."
I laughed softly. "I'm sure there are a lot of bad roommates. I don't know if RJ will hang out with us if Matt doesn't, but even if he does, he doesn't seem too bad."
"I guess." Bella smiled up at me. "I think I just got an attack of homesickness. It felt so awkward sitting at that table, made me really, really miss our friends."
"I understand completely."
She smiled again, a little sheepishly this time. "I didn't really need to go to the bathroom. I just needed you."
"I already figured that out." I smiled at her, then rested my forehead on hers. "I'm here Bella love. I'm always here."
We kissed again, then linked our hands together and made our way back to our awkward new group of friends.
a/n Once again I just wanted to thank you for all the amazing reviews. We didn't quite reach 45 on the last chapter...we got to 42, which is still awesome.
I hope this chapter was all right, I will admit I had a small case of writer's block, but I really wanted to get it out, since it had been so long. Please let me know what you think!!!!!
