My Beautiful Disaster
Chapter Seven.
The tips of his fingers ran along the thin rim of the glass he was holding. His chair, positioned near the door, had his eyes glued, and he waited as patiently as he could for his sister to come back. He was almost jumping in his seat. The glass jiggled in his shaking hand as he waited. A smile stayed on his face as he sat, his eyes locked on the door knob he wished would turn. He couldn't wait for Alice to arrive home. He had to play 'Bella'.
After she had left he had become overly determined to finish the piece he had written. As soon as he put the name on the piece on the top of the page, and million notes and chords seemed to fly into his brain, connecting with the already formed music. It seemed to fit so beautifully, almost as if he was meant to write this piece. He hadn't written such a piece in so long. He had time to write music, but nothing ever sparked such interest for him before. The music formed without him thinking. All he had to think of was 'Bella' and even the name gave him a vast trail of notes to exercise and follow. It was magic, what was happening in his mind, and he wondered briefly what was doing it. He had never met this Bella before, wasn't sure if he ever would - but there was an unseen connection there, with her faceless name. And it seemed to lead him in directions he never knew existed.
This new found knowledge made him more than enthusiastic about using his 'new' talent. He kept his feet firmly on the floor as to not let them walk to the piano he had been sitting at all day. He'd hardly eaten, afraid that if he moved the brainwave he was having would disappear. He dreaded waking up tomorrow and finding that none of this was real.
He closed his eyes, sleep wanting to wrap him up but he refused. He quickly shot his eyes open once more when the image appeared. It had been over a month since he'd seen the woman in the car, and somehow he still found himself thinking of her. Her upset features and the anger in her face; it still caused him pain. He had no connection with this woman, would probably never see her again, but something kept her image locked in tightly in his brain. It annoyed him that he didn't know her; know her story. Night after night he would think up plausible problems that would cause such hurt to appear on a face, but he never came up with one that struck a chord. He wanted to forgot her, had tried many times to. But something stopped him, or rather he couldn't stop himself.
The sudden jolt of a key in the door alerted him, and his body straightened fast. Alice walked in the door, her tiny feet dancing across the floorboards as she cam into view. From the large expressive smile on her face, he knew something had happened - something to make her truly happy.
All thoughts of playing the piece flittered from his brain the moment he saw that smile. For he'd seen it before, so many times. And it had always fallen sometime after. It was… A Guy.
"What happened?" He asked cautiously.
She kept smiling, the thought that he was worried apparently never crossed her skilled mind as he dropped her coat onto a coat hook, kicked off her shoes. The radiant smile that brought a glow to her dainty features never failed. She looked directly at him, sparks flying in her eyes. It was so obvious, but yet she still tried to fool him.
She shrugged rather too enthusiastically. "Nothing." She tried to speak in an even tone, but it didn't really work.
Then she floated into the living room, her footsteps muted as she danced over the carpeted floor. Edward was hot on her heels. He wouldn't let her get away with this, this time.
She sat down at the table, running her fingers along the small lines decorating the wood. He sat down next to her, his eyes boring into her face, which she kept down to the table. "Who is he?"
Her eyes shot upwards, a wary look in her eyes. She knew what he could do; knew the damage he'd done to the others that had hurt her before. She didn't particularly want to tell Edward about this guy, because Jasper was special, and he was so… gentle. It seemed like he wouldn't hurt a fly.
A wistful look set across her face, and somewhere deep inside Edward, he sighed. His shoulders relaxed, for he realised that although she had been hurt many times, and had thought herself in love many times, he'd never seen her so… glowing before. All the other times she'd been hectic, frantic with excitement. The nameless guy he had yet to know anything about seemed to have warmed her heart so much, that all the anxieties melted away from her, just at the thought of him. This calmed Edward considerably.
He laid his large, warm hands palm down on the table. And edged them towards his sister, eventually putting his palms over hers. She looked up with a smile, but still didn't mutter a word.
He would start slowly.
"Does he have a name?" He asked cheekily. Normally she would have slapped his hands away by now, but her smile just grew and grew, images of the guy floating across her eyes. It was heart-warming to watch.
She nodded. "Jasper", was all she divulged.
He cocked his head to the side. "Age?"
"24."
Edward nodded. Alice was only 21, but three years didn't make a difference. He was almost 25 himself. Only one year younger. He couldn't do much harm.
His eyebrows closed together, a look of confusion covering his beautiful face. Worry wrapped around Alice's body, afraid that he would object to Jasper. She'd only known him a few hours, but they had been absolutely perfect. Edward couldn't ruin this for her.
He finally, to Alice's relief, explained his confusion. "I thought you were meeting up with Bella today,' For a second his thoughts drifted to the music he had created, and he sighed letting his brain follow the enchanting notes. Then he shook himself back to Earth. 'How did you meet Jasper if you were with Bella?"
Alice seemed to breathe now. "Jasper is Bella's best friend. He was at her house when I arrived. He opened the door. It was just… magical."
He looked at his sister, love written in his gorgeous eyes. Something in him decided that this guy, Jasper, was a good guy. He didn't need to worry - for Alice could look after herself. The other guys had been jerks, but this guy… seemed, from what he was hearing… okay.
He swing around his chair, ready to get Alice to listen to his piece. And then a thought sprang into his mind. "Will I ever meet this Jasper guy?"
She rolled her eyes at him like he was stupid. And then she looked down. "I'm not sure if anything will come of it, really. We've only just met. And I don't even know if he's already with someone…" She dragged off, not wanting to tear up with her brother there.
Truth was she'd never felt like this before. Right now, she had the urge to run back to Bella's house and spring straight into his arms, just to be close to Jasper - a person who would have been a stranger only hours before. She felt safe with his presence around; something she'd never felt before with other guys. And they had a link; a bond, that she knew wouldn't easily be shattered. But whether she'd ever see him again was uncertain. She wanted to, but he might not feel the same way. She was somewhat tied with her feelings binding her.
Edward came a hugged her from behind. "Tosh. Of course he loved you, why wouldn't he? He'd be a fool not to. You're sweet, cute, caring, kind, and amazing. If he failed to notice that, he isn't human."
She began to giggled. "Be serious, Edward."
"I am. If he doesn't feel it now, he will soon."
She turned and hugged him more securely. Breathing in his familiar scent, she suddenly felt tired. It had been a long but eventful day. Edward's eyes saw hers start to drop.
She shook her awake, and she groaned. "No, no,' he said, lifting her from the chair and putting her wobbly legs on the flooring. 'I've got something to play to you. 'Bella', in fact. I thought you'd be curious…"
As soon as the name of the piece was mentioned, her eyes lit up once more - this time with excitement and curiosity. Edward laughed, and started to lead the way to his piano.
Once there, he sat down on the seat, letting his fingers gently rest on the keys. In his head, the name Bella repeated, and the notes he had played for hours today came flooding back to him in a tidal wave. He relaxed completely, feeling Alice by his side watching, and let the notes and music ripple over him. Then he began to play.
Alice watched as his eyes closed and the feeling of the music took over him. She'd watched him play hundreds of times, more than she could remember. But the more she watched, the more relaxed and confident he felt as he played. Her breath was taken away by the emotion he dropped note by note into the piece. She almost gasped, but held in in for fear of distracting him. He looked like he was a million miles away, on a planet of his own. Once single tear ran down her cheek as she watched this beautiful moment. It felt special; only meant for her eyes. She was prided to have a brother like him.
He finished, the last note echoing over the cool coloured walls. His eyes flickered open a moment after the note rang out, and his hands landed on his lap. He turned to his sister - a person who's opinion had always mattered - and felt happiness spread as he looked in her eyes.
"That was… amazing, Edward." She stuttered.
He sighed. "Thank you."
Her face lit up. "Bella would absolutely love it, you know." There was an evil spark in her eye, which went unnoticed by her usually so observant brother.
He looked down, his eyes glancing back at the keys he had played moments before. "Ha. Maybe. But that's if I meet her, of course."
Alice footsteps were heard leaving the room, presumably to go to her bedroom; a place she'd wanted so much before hearing the piece. She left, but called out as she walked away, "Oh, you will Edward!"
"When?" Curiosity at who her friend was sparked in him.
He heard a small laugh. "Tomorrow. When you tutor her piano!"
He heard her footsteps quicken as Edward's brain caught up with what she had just said. He jumped in the air, and then ran in the direction Alice had just left.
"ALICE!"
Her giggled were heard all the way upstairs.
-.-.-
I stand outside the door to Alice's house 15 minutes early. I am always early when I am nervous. It's just one of the many weird things I do. I stand just before the steps, rolling back ont eh balls of my feet, wondering if I'll ever feel brave enough to take steps up to the door. I sigh, how hard can it be? Completely un-hard. So, with the little courage I have, I climb the five steps and stand directly in front of the door. My hand reaches for the doorbell, but I hesitate.
Damn you, Alice Cullen!
I didn't want to do this, you know. I never asked for this. I never once mentioned to Alice, 'by the way, I write music and really need to play piano. Do you have anyone to teach me?'. I was forced, namely by Alice, and my love struck friend Jasper. I was actually pushed out the door this morning, on strict instructions that I had to go, and not go somewhere else I pretend I went.
I look around hesitantly. No-one was around. I looked up at the many windows connected to Alice's house. I couldn't see anyone looking out for me. I could run.
Then I shook my head.
I'm not running away from problems - made lovingly by other people - this time. I stand my ground, check my watch, but still don't press the bell.
Alice is a wonderful friend to have. Apart from Jasper, I've never had a really great friend. She just brings out the best in me, I suppose, and I can feel that we'll be life long friends. And I truly appreciate that she wants to help me. But really? Does she had to get her brother to give me lessons? Is it really necessary? I mean, sure, he brother sounds like a nice guy from what I was told. But I'm sure if I looked I could get another teacher…
Okay, who am I kidding. I have one reason for not wanting to do this.
It's all going too fast. I've wanted to have a career in music for years, literally. I've been singing since I was five. I've been writing lyrics since I was ten. And this is something I really want to do. On that day Charlie told me he wanted me to sing as a career, that just got the ball rolling. As soon as Jasper found out he was overly supportive. The only thing that was stopping me from going further was the fact I had nothing to play; nothing to put music to lyrics with. Now, I almost do. I just started thinking about doing it as a career, and suddenly it's on top of me. I want time. Problem is, time doesn't want me.
The door opened, bringing me from my thoughts.
I tried not to look dazed, thankful it was only Alice.
She smiled widely. "I've been watching you for the last ten minutes. I kept thinking, okay, she'll press that bell in a minute. And then you didn't. Were you ever gonna come in?"
I laughed, trying unsuccessfully to hide the lush that no doubt appeared. "Yeah, I was just…"
She laughed, urging me through the door. "Come on - just get in!"
I was lead into a large hall, where Alice took my coat and hung it on a rail. I tried not to stare at the obvious glamour of her house, and tried not to think about what she must have thought when arriving at my shabby flat yesterday. I took those thoughts quickly out of my mind, surprisingly quite eager to start learning. I flexed my fingers.
"Are you ready to learn the wonderful art of piano playing? From my extraordinarily talented brother?" While he words swept into my ears, her arm slipped into mine and she guided my through many corridors, right into the heart of her house.
Knots started to tie in my stomach, and that horrible feeling of knowing you'll never be good enough sunk in. I felt like running out that door, leaving my coat behind to do the piano playing for me. This was useless, I was never going to be able to do it! But something inside told me it was something I must do.
"Yep. Give me what you've got." I laughed, and she laughed with me.
-.-.-
Edward sat waiting at the piano. He was breathing deeply, trying to rid the nerves that were building up. Ten minutes ago he'd heard someone outside. He'd slid into place at the piano, waiting for the doorbell to ring. It never did - he considered that he was hearing things. But then he heard Alice's quick, light footsteps running down the stairs, along the hall and to the door. The small squeak had alerted him to the door being pulled open. And then he'd heard it.
Her voice.
It was something angels would be proud of. It was sweet, like honey, and dripped off her tongue, even though he couldn't see her. She had stuttered at first, but even that was buttery. He felt himself melt inside. But soon after, the nerves returned to torment him.
He wondered what she would be like. Bella, the woman who's name gave him music. She was enchanted, surely. There was something completely special, he knew, and couldn't wait to meet her.
Their footsteps neared the door, and he fidgeted. Standing, he fixed his appearance quickly, and then look up, just as the door opened.
Once look at her face, and his dreams and nightmares came true.
He almost gasped.
He tried not to look too shocked.
Alice looked at him expectantly. She shook her head at him, telling him to introduce himself. In the end Alice did the introductions. "Bella, this is my brother Edward. Edward,' she announced louder than any other word in the sentence. 'this is Bella."
He struck out his hand, putting on his best smile and trying not to think that this was the same woman he'd seen a month ago. The same woman he'd had visions of. The same woman he'd tried to escape from. The same woman who he felt the need to know, was somehow in his room, in his house, near enough to touch. Yeah, it wasn't working.
She looked at him hesitantly, a look of confusion in her eyes, presumably because of the shock he had produced at her sight. He smiled once more, encouraging her not to think the worst. It seemed to work; she gave him the most breathtaking smile he'd ever seen. Sliding her hand into his large one, she felt the spark. One look at him and she knew he'd felt it too.
"Come over to the piano, and we'll begin with the basics." He stated warmly.
She agreed; she'd agree to anything that he said.
He was gorgeous.
A/N; I wasn't sure of how to end this chapter, so I ended it here. I want to apologize so much about the lateness of this chapter. I'm so sorry, but I've been so busy with exams etc. that writing hasn't really been on my list of things to do. I've written the longest chapter of this story so far, though, to hopefully make up for it. I only have one more exam to do, so after that there will be more regular updates. Again, I'm really sorry for having you wait.
I hope this is sufficient enough for you. I enjoyed writing this, especially he interaction between Edward and Alice. I'm loving the brotherly side of Edward. It's cute.
Anyways, please review this chapter. Reviewing makes me want to write more, so the next chapter will be up sooner if you drop me a nice little review. Just click that lovely large box...
