Chapter 8- If I Knew

December 13th, 2015.

6:20 PM

BPOV:

"So, you're willing to talk to him now? What held you up in the first place?" Connie bickered and I furrowed my eyebrows. To be quiet honest, I have no idea why I stopped talking to Edward or why I never replied back to his texts.

As I put the cups down on the set up dining table, my mind raced back to Easter and I stood up straight.

"Oh, so now you remember the time you decided to 'break free' from Cullen." Connie snickered and rolled her eyes. I huffed and pouted.

"You okay, Bella?" I jump and see Edward behind me with a concerned look on his face. I straighten up and slightly lean on the dining chair.

"Uh, yeah I was just thinking." I replied and Edward walked over with a jug of water.

"Well, if it's about finals, don't over think it! You'll do fine." Edward gave me a warm smile and I blushed.

"Actually, I was wondering if we could talk? Maybe not tonight but later on? I mean- "

"Bella," Edward lifted my chin so my eye met his gaze. "We can talk once you're comfortable. Just tell me when and I'm your guy." I smile slightly and nod my head.

"Okay." I say lightly. Our gaze locked for a moment and was broken as the doorbell rang. We both pulled away and I excused myself to answer the door.

"I'm so happy your mom invited me over for dinner!" I chuckled and pulled Tanya in for a quick hug.

"I'm happy too! It was a good idea for all of us to pull away from our work for a night." Tanya and I hooked our arms together and walked into the main part of the house where everyone was gathered. She proceeded to greet everyone and I turned to got to the kitchen to grab a few things. As I was heading out, I locked eyes with Edward and gave him a warm smile. Perhaps destiny was a little flexible at times.

DFDFDFDFDFDFDFDFFD

Everyone chatted during dinner all while Tanya and Edward kept a small distance yet remained friendly, Jake sniffling through the meal, Alice and Jade catching up on school and Emmett talking to Demetri about football. I knew the poor guy missed Rose, but she would be back to visit in no time.

Edward and I made brief eye contact and gave each other a smile each time and each time we did, I felt my heart flutter slightly. The adults kept chatting and finished up their meals and I offered to take the dishes back to the kitchen and start cleaning up.

As I was in the kitchen, Carlisle entered to grab some dessert.

"So how has school been treating you, Bella?" He asked nicely and I smiled.

"It's been a little challenging but I'm loving it so far. Actually I wanted to ask you a quick question." I said as I wiped off my hands with a towel.

"Of course, ask away!"

"Well, I was wondering if you are willing to take on any volunteers at your clinic? I want to go into the medical field, but I'm not positive if it's exactly for me." I sigh a little defeated as I say those words out loud.

"Bella, the medical field is great to work in if you have the right mindset and are willing to work hard. And to be honest, you are an intelligent young lady and making the decision to come into the clinic to volunteer is the correct option. Many people need that hands on experience before they can fully decide if they want to become a doctor or work in the field. Hell, even Edward had to come work with me for a week before he was actually comfortable with it all." Carlisle gave me a warm smile. "Email me a resume and I will have you pick volunteer times with my front desk assistant. How does that sound?" I smiled widely and nodded.

"That sounds perfect! Would it be okay if I started once winter break started?" I asked, excited. Carlisle chuckled and patted my shoulder.

"You may start whenever you'd like Bella. Now don't spend all your time on the dishes! I made some yummy banana crème pie, so come outside soon!" He said as he picked up the pie and headed towards the dinner table. I took a deep breath and exhaled. Why was I so scared to ask him a simple question? I shook my head and giggled.

"What's so funny?" I jumped and saw Edward leaning against the counter. I roll my eyes and get back to the dishes.

"You do that often; you know?" I said and heard him get closer to me.

"Oh really?" He whispered in my ear "Exactly what do I do, Isabella?" I looked up at him and saw his smirk. I rolled my eyes and him and swatted his chest which only resulted him in laughing.

"You have a habit on creeping on me, you creep!" I shake my head and smile.

"Well you are an easy target-"

"Watch it, Cullen!" I narrow my eyes at him and he reaches into the cupboard to grab plates for the dessert.

"Or what, short stuff?" He looked over at me and winked, grabbed the plates and left. I stood shocked for a moment and chuckled. Edward Cullen was definitely something else. Somehow, the air felt different, lighter, and even fresh. As if the chemicals in the air where injected with serotonin. I shook my head at my silly theory. The only conclusion I could come up with was that Edward and I were finally on a lighter note.

DFDFDFDFDFDFDFDFDFDFDFD

About an hour later, the guests left and both Edward and I shared a smile before he left. I helped mom quickly clean up the kitchen and I hurried to my room and grabbed my phone. Somehow, this anxiety washed over me and I bit my lip.

"It's not or never, Bells. Talk to him, be his friend. You miss him." I sighed at those words and I didn't realize just how much I truly missed him. Perhaps creating a distance from him or the denial of not missing him actually put a toll on me.

I scrolled through my contacts and hesitated slightly over his name. Fuck it, he knows I'm texting him tonight anyways so it shouldn't be too much of a surprise.

B: Hey, you! :)

I sent the text quickly and tossed my phone on my bed. He'll reply later I think. I pulled out my pajamas and headed toward the bathroom.

DING.

That small sound made me stop dead in my tracks. It's either him or someone else. My stomach filled with butterflies and I bit my lip. Before I knew it, my feet were racing toward the bed and my hands fumbling with my phone.

E: Hey, short stuff ;)

Thank you lovely folks for reading! I am so sorry for being late to post, but I have been dealing with some personal problems which needed to be tended to right away- Hence the late post! But I am so excited with the direction I am taking this story (Finally!) and I hope you lovelies will enjoy this journey!

XOXOXOXO vampiresim.