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Chapter Nine: Strike Out
Paris!
The City of Paris has about 2,160,000 people living there and it covers about forty one square miles. Some of the attraction of Paris includes: The Eiffel Tower, Notre-Dame Cathedral, The Arc de Triomphe, The Louvre Museum and the Champs- Elysées.
Kerry loves Paris. As much as Kerry loves Paris, Renee loves it even more. They love Paris so much that they are going wedding dress shopping there for a whole week, both of them – together. Leaving me alone in the house, for a whole week! Completely alone; Phil is in Texas on a business trip and won't be back until after the double mint twins.
I have the whole week planned out. Okay, maybe not the whole week. I have the first night planned out. It involves lots of pizza, chick flicks and my two favorite men—Ben and Jerry. I'll just wing the rest of the week. But, it doesn't matter, I'm alone! I can walk around naked singing show tunes if I feel like it. Not that I will, I hate show tunes.
"Remember to call the florist while I'm gone," Kerry bickered as I carried her suitcases to the door. "I want everything planned out before I come home."
Sure, I'll call the florist. Right after hell freezes over…twice.
"Of course, don't worry about anything. You're going to Paris, for a week!" I worried that I was sounding too excited so I changed the subject. "Why isn't Edward carrying your luggage? This is really heavy, what did you do, pack a dead body?"
I turned back to Kerry to see her checking herself out in her compact mirror. She smacked her lips together and gave herself a slight pout. She wasn't even listening to me!
"I am carrying her luggage," I hear from the top of the stairs. "I agree this is about the weight of a dead body."
I bit my bottom lip, "What the hell am I carrying?"
Kerry snaps her compact shut and flips her prefect hair off her shoulder. "Bella, you have my makeup. Seriously, how can you even be related to me?"
I blew a piece of hair that had fallen over my eyes and mumbled, "I ask myself the same question every day."
"Sorry, what did you say?"
I picked up her makeup "kit" and hurried to the door, "I said we need to hurry or you and mom will miss your flight!"
Edward and I packed my mother and Kerry's luggage and makeup bags. They both brought makeup bags. I don't understand how two people can own so much useless crap. Renee would have helped us but she said she just painted her nails. She couldn't have a bad manicure when she arrived in Paris. What would the French think of Americans? She has to represent our great country!
Edward was driving us to the airport. I was forced to go along for the ride to discuss wedding plans, because we haven't talked about the subject enough in the past couple of months. If someone even mentions the word wedding during my week alone, I was going to puke.
After an hour of listening to Kerry babble on and on about her stupid wedding they were finally gone. If I was driving I would have dropped their asses off at a corner but since Edward was in control we had to do the whole goodbye-I'm-really-going-to-miss you hugs.
The ride home was completely quiet. I didn't know what to say to him. Every time I tried to bring a subject up, I would chicken out and shut my mouth.
I was looking out the window when I felt my front pocket vibrate.
I looked down at the caller ID and groaned quietly. I took a deep breath and flipped open my cell phone. "Van! I was just thinking about you."
"Hey Bella, are you in tonight? "
In? In for what? I don't remember making plans with my fake boyfriend. I have plans: eat an unhealthy amount of food and not weigh myself afterwards.
"What's happening tonight?" I asked happily as I looked at the review mirror to catch a glimpse of Edward's eyes.
"The same thing you do every third Tuesday of the month. Go bowling with my dad," He said in such a tone then I slightly winced. He seemed angry with me. I tightly closed my eyes in guilt. I totally forgot about my monthly date with Lou. I felt like a horrible friend.
"I knew you would forget," Van said with a sigh. "When I heard my dad mention your name, I thought I might have to remind you to come. He's looking forward to seeing you."
I can't believe it. Van is guilt tripping me. He has no reason to guilt trip me. When he went away to find the meaning of life or whatever, I went over to Lou's house and kept him company. I was the one who went bowling with him and his friends who can't keep their hands to themselves.
"Of course I'm coming," I exclaimed in a happy tone. I wasn't going to pick a fight with Van when Edward was sitting next to me.
"He's sitting right next to you, isn't he?"
I huffed, "You know me so well!"
Van cracked a laugh, "You are shameless, Swan. So I'll see you tonight?"
"I wouldn't miss it for the world," I said completely truthful. "See you later."
"Yeah and Bella," he added quickly. "Don't bring Edward."
Why would I even think about bringing Edward? He would never talk to me again if he finds out that I hang out with a bunch of old men for fun. But, on the other hand, Lou is team Edward. He can help convince him that I'm perfect in every way.
"Sure, I'll ask if he would like to join us. He's sitting right next to me."
"Bella, don't!"
I place the cell phone firmly on my right shoulder, coving the mouth piece. Edward was already glancing my way at the mention of him.
I smiled, "Van and Lou would like to know if you want to join us for a game of bowling?"
Edward looked confused but laughed. "Bowling? I don't know; I'm a horrible bowler."
I could help but giggle. I've been doing that a lot since I met Edward. Giggling, it seems so lame. "Come on," I pressed. "What else are you going to do? Your worse half is on her way across the big ol' ocean."
He smiled, "Alright, I would love to come." He didn't correct me on the 'worse half' remark. He either agrees with me or didn't hear that part.
"Great!" I put the phone back up to my ear. "Edward and I will see you at seven."
"Bella, seriously you can't bring him!"
God, what's his problem. He can't tell me who I can and can't bring to bowling night! Edward is coming and there's nothing Van can say that will change my mind.
"Don't be ridiculous," I laughed covering my anger. "Five hours isn't that long to be apart."
"Bella just listen, Courtney –"
I interrupted him before he could finish. "I can't wait to see you, bye!"
After I hung up the phone I sat in the passenger seat confused. Courtney, who the hell is Courtney? I don't remember Lou having another kid. She must be a long lost cousin or something.
--
Edward went inside before me, I told him I was going to wait for Van outside. I waited for five minutes and eventually got bored. I decided to wait for him inside where the bugs can't eat me alive.
Before I could even walk through the bowling alley's doors I was pulled into the bushes. I was being abducted, which shouldn't have surprised me as much as it did. I mean I do have the worse luck on the planet, so of course I would get kidnapped. But, as I was being pulled down to my death, I wasn't thinking that I was going to die. No, I was wondering if I left the iron on. Because dying and having my mother's place burn down? That would just be tragic.
My mind finally registered that I was being abducted so, I let out a blood curling scream.
"Bella," a familiar voice whispered harshly. "Shh, it's me."
"Van! What the hell are you doing?" I narrowed my eyes to make out his face. I felt a sting on my left arm I looked down and frowned. "You idiot, I think I'm bleeding."
"Serves you right, you wouldn't answer your cell phone!"
My stomach did a flip-flop. I didn't answer because I was with Edward all day long. No Kerry interruptions, just Edward and I. My memory subsided and I felt a surge of anger, "What is so important you couldn't talk to me like a normal person?"
He threw a twig at my face. Its official, we were acting like brother and sister. "Like I tried to tell you five hours ago on the phone and when I stopped by your place, but you weren't there. Courtney, the girl I'm….I'm seeing works here!"
"What do you mean seeing?" I thought about what he said some more. "You have a girlfriend? You're…you're cheating on me?"
"She's not my girlfriend, I just see her from time to time. But, she thinks that we are a couple."
"What do you mean see –" I mentally slapped myself. I'm twenty five years old and I was thinking like an innocent child. "You're sleeping around with her. You're supposed to be my boyfriend."
I was genuinely hurt. I didn't know why I felt the way I did about the news that Van was sleeping with another girl. I didn't even like Van in that way.
"Mommy, there's someone in the bushes!"
Van and I both stopped talking and breathing. We moved into the shadows of the bushes so the little girl couldn't see us as clearly.
"What did I tell you about lying, Avalon. Do you want to wait in the car while everyone else has fun?"
"Mom! There's really someone in the bushes –"
"That's enough," The mother pulled the little girl harshly along.
I let out the breath that I was holding and rubbed my temples.
"You're here with me as my boyfriend, I'm here with Edward as his fiancé's maid of honor and Courtney is here as your friend. And I'm sitting in the bushes, in the dirt. Have I mentioned lately that I hate my life?"
"We can rise above this," Van said standing up. He held out a hand to me, I grabbed it. We were going to have to get through this mess together.
"What do you suggest we do?" I asked, brushing the dirt off my backside.
"First, we need to get back in there before everyone gets suspicious."
"Then?" I pressed. I really needed more information than that.
Van remained silent as we walked up to the door. I was about to ask him again when he snapped his fingers.
"We can't be seen together whenever Courtney is around. Every time you see her, pretend you have to go to the bathroom. I'll do the same. As long as we aren't in the same area, I don't see a problem."
"Edward is going to get suspicious," I stated as I put on a smile. Lou and the others were starting to come into view.
"Let him," Van said putting an arm around my waist. Courtney obviously wasn't anywhere around. "He can be your knight in shining armor. Tell you what a horrible boyfriend I am. That's what you wanted, isn't it?"
I turned to him, hurt. "Van, that's not what I'm trying to prove."
"Its fine, I get it." Van tightened his grip around my waist as we moved closer to the group. "Show time," he whispered softly into my ear.
Van offered to get everyone's drinks. Of course, I knew his motives behind his actions. Courtney works at the bar. What kind of name is Courtney anyway? I wondered if she was pretty as I watched Van walk away.
"So," Lou's voice entered my thoughts. "How are things going?"
I ripped my eyes away from Van and frowned at Lou. "Horrible, nothing is going the way I planned."
Lou reached up to ruffle my hair. "Everything will work out," he said sure of himself. "He's here isn't he?"
I let my eyes wander to where Edward was standing. He was up next: I was excited to see how he would do. He said he wasn't very good at bowling. Maybe I can be better at something than he is. He may have beaten me at yoga, but I'm pretty good at bowling. I've been coming here every Tuesday for years.
Edward grabbed a ball of the convergent, my breath hitched as his arm muscle flexed. I was transfixed as he walked gracefully up to the line letting the ball go flying down the alley. Everyone and every sound vanished as the ball rolled straight down the middle of the alley. When the ball hit the center of the pins all sound came back, he got a strike.
I could hear all of Lou's friends cheer while Edward came walking back to the table. Edward is good at bowling too!
"I thought you said you weren't good at bowling," I pointed out as he sat down next to me.
He shrugged his shoulders playfully, "Beginners luck."
I turned forward, "Yeah, whatever."
Edward started to say something but I wasn't listening. I was too distracted by Van jumping up and down like a mad man behind a gorgeous woman. She had long curly hair that ended just past her shoulders. Her hair was an auburn brown color that literally glowed when the light hit it. She was a knock out; why was Van waving his hands over his head?
"What?" I mouthed harshly. I'm sure Edward didn't see me. He was looking down at the table.
He was pointing his fingers toward the bathroom, than it hit me. That was Courtney, holding all the drinks. She was coming over and I was still sitting there like an idiot.
"I can't remember the last time I had this much fun," Edward was still going on. Wait, what was he saying?
I missed everything he was saying! I wanted to continue to listen to him to figure out what he was saying before but I had to interrupt.
"I have to use the restroom," I shouted suddenly.
I got out of my chair before anyone could even register what I had said. I turned on my heel and ran as fast as I could. Just as I ducked behind the lockers located near the bathroom, Courtney and Van appeared by the table delivering the drinks to everyone. I peeked my head around so I could hear what they were saying. It was hard to make out every word because of the noise but I managed.
"Mr. Bennett," Courtney said sweetly. "I'm so happy to finally meet you. Van does nothing but talk about you."
Lou looked honored. He loves Van, he's always happy to hear that Van loves him back. I looked over to Edward, his expression was starting to change. He could sense something was going on.
"I'm Edward," he introduced himself kindly. God, I know what he's doing. Why does he have to be so nice?
"Oh," Courtney said placing her hand over her chest. "I'm so sorry, how rude of me. I'm Courtney, Van's girlfriend."
Shit.
Edward's lips tightened into a line and Van's face turned a light shade of white. Edward was about to say something but a group of teenagers started to cheer and yell next to me. I couldn't hear a thing. I narrowed my eye so that I could maybe read his lips. Then the teenagers started to move in that general direction blocking my view. I tried to look around them, but there was not point. By the time they cleared out Courtney was gone along with Van.
I picked myself off the floor and walked carefully back to the table. I made sure I had my facial expressions under control before I reached the table. My mother always said I can be read like an open book.
"Does anyone know where Van has gone to?" I asked happily. If I know Van, which I do, he had told everyone that he has work to do or he has gotten sick and had to go home. He is worse with confrontation than I am.
Edward shifted in his seat, "He said he was feeling a little sick and he'll call you later."
I looked over to Lou and he gave a small wink. Was Edward protecting me? Why doesn't he just tell me Van is cheating on me?
"I see," I said sitting down, a little stunned.
"I can drive you home if want," Edward offered sweetly.
Edward and I stayed at the bowling alley for another hour. The Van incident was quickly forgotten because I never laughed so hard in my life. Edward wasn't kidding, it really was beginners luck. He not only scored the lowest but he injured himself and others in the process.
"How's your foot?" I asked as we walked to his car.
"Better than Betty's," Edward admitted quietly. Edward dropped a ball on his foot and when it rolled off the ledge it landed on the unsuspecting Betty's. She's a trooper though, she'll be fine.
The ride home was pleasant. We recapped the events of the night laughing and joking all the way home. I felt so comfortable around Edward, it surprised me. Most people don't understand my humor, but he gets me.
We're perfect for each other!
I was half expecting Edward to bring up Van and Courtney. He never even hinted toward the subject. I wanted to know what Van had said to him even more now. I told myself I would call him later to find out.
"Are you sure you're okay staying here by yourself?" Edward asked as we pulled up to my mother's place. He put the car in park and looked at me with smoldering eyes.
"Of course, I'm a big girl." I laughed gathering up my bag, "Thank you for your concern."
"Okay," Edward said looking down at the steering wheel. "I guess I'll…Talk to you later."
I slid out of the car, not wanting to leave. I had my chance to stay with Edward and I blew it. It didn't matter because a nigh alone is what I needed. Of course I can stay by myself; I've only been taking care of myself since I was five.
"Thanks for the ride," I said leaning back into the car before I shut the door.
What a silly question to even ask. Will I be okay staying by myself. I walked up to the front door without looking back once; I knew if I did I would change my mind. When I got inside and shut the door, I heard the ignition of Edward's car start up and fade away.
He was gone, alone at last.
--
I don't know why I was acting like such a baby. I finally get the place to myself and I'm being ridiculous. I've been living on my own for years and I have never been scared. Why was I jumping at even the slightest sound? I picked up a magazine trying to distract my thoughts. Another noise came from outside. I jumped up and threw the magazine half way across the room.
It's all Edward's fault, doubting my ability to stay by myself; I'm not a little kid! But, why am I freaking out? Maybe there's a masked murderer on the loose and he's stalking outside. I could have sworn I just saw something move outside the window.
I heard another noise and screamed. It was only eleven at night. No one could possibly be asleep yet.
"That's it!" I shouted. I sprinted up stairs to where my phone was charging. I quickly dialed a number by memory.
A husky voice picked up.
"Edward," I said quickly. "Come back, I need you."
AN: Bella and Edward are going to get closer in the next chapters!
As I said in my authors note in my other story, I am a senior and taking some college courses. My work load is crazy. Updates might be slower. I have some Comp 1 essays to write and a have a lot of yearbook things I must attend to. I'm editor this year! And why didn't anyone tell me applying to college would be so stressful and expencive?? I'm applying to UF (unversity of Florida) and it is costing me nearly 40 bucks!! Gah, and that's only one out of 4 I'm applying to...
Special thanks to Toptoyea for reviewing every chapter and pushing this story over the 300 mark. I thought it would never happen. Welcome to the story.
Review if you feel like it! I hope to hear from you.
