First things first…..again…..
Disclaimer: I do not own "Twilight" or "Funny Face" and I have nothing witty to say about it today.
Hello my lovely readers! First off I would like to thank those of you who reviewed the last chapter. As always, they put a big smile on my face. Also, thanks to those of you who added me to your Story Alerts/Favorites this time, those make me smile also. I decided to skip ahead a little bit in hopes to move things along a little more. There are a couple of flashbacks in here but not that many. Anyway….this is a really long chapter, over 4,000 words long. I was going to split it in two but I just couldn't bring myself to do it. One reason is because, since I work for a college, we have a three day weekend this weekend. I will not be posting during that time because I seriously need some down time. I will however try my best to post the new chapter by next Wednesday. So, I hope this will make up for my soon to be absence. Still no janitor's closets but who knows what might happen next chapter….
READ ON!
BPOV
Two weeks had passed since the fateful day at the bookstore that changed my life forever. I stayed busy most of the time with all the business of modeling but I couldn't have been happier. The great thing about this job was that I got to spend the majority of my time with Edward and then I had him all to myself afterwards. We would leave the shoots and talk for hours about our childhood, favorite books, music and our dreams for the future. The more time I spent with him, and the more I talked to him, the deeper I fell for him. I wasn't sure we had made it to love yet but we were getting close, of that I was sure. We still went by the bookstore to visit with Sue and sometimes Emmett would be there. He and Edward had really hit it off as friends and that made it even easier to be with him. Now, he just had to win over Charlie whenever he got to meet him. Charlie was shocked to hear my news and thought it was all a big joke just like Emmett. I assured him it was no joke and that I was really the new model for Cullen Designs. He was excited and happy for me.
Flashback
"I'm happy for you Bells. You have always been beautiful. They couldn't have picked a better girl for the job."
"Thanks Dad, that's sweet."
"I mean it. Hey, do you think they'd be interested in hiring me? I mean you did get all of your good looks from me."
I laughed at him. He always knew how to make me laugh.
"Oh hush Dad. You're too much, but I love you."
"Love you too, kid."
I told him about Edward during that conversation too and he was a little more hesitant about that subject. I think he was secretly hoping that I would never ever date or get married. Father's are funny that way. He assured me he was happy that I found someone so nice and that he promised to keep the guns locked up whenever Edward finally got to meet him. Emmett had Edward absolutely terrified of Charlie and, no matter what I said, he was scared to meet him.
Flashback
"Edward, it's fine. Emmett is just trying to scare you. You know how he likes to play around with you. It won't be that bad, I promise. Charlie will love you."
"I don't know Bella. I mean, I practically assaulted you the first time I saw you and then kept attacking you those first couple of days. Oh God, he's going to see the guilt written all over my face. He's going to shoot me right as I walk through the door isn't he?"
I couldn't help but laugh at him and he just narrowed his eyes at me in concern.
"Stop Edward, seriously," I said squeezing his hand. I wouldn't lie to you. It will all be fine. Just be your wonderful, charming self and everything will go smoothly."
He smiled at me then, still nervous and I couldn't keep myself from giving him a reassuring kiss which seemed to wipe away all of his worries.
End Flashback
I hated to admit that this whole experience with the magazine had been more fun than I could have ever imagined. I think Edward, Alice and Rosalie had a lot to do with that. Edward was so gentle and patient with me as I got the hang of posing. I couldn't imagine ever working with another photographer. There was something about working with someone you cared so much about that made it easier, more fun and light. Alice and Rose were there through all of my wardrobe fittings and changes making sure that I was absolutely comfortable in everything I posed in. They had kept their promise to Edward, not that we had ever doubted them. They had become two of the best friends I had ever had and I hoped I could keep them and Edward forever. Today was the day my first issue would hit the stands. Instead of doing the standard issue, like they usually do, they decided to use this issue as my introduction to the fashion world and the public in general. Meaning, that my face and body was plastered throughout the whole magazine. They had done a variety of poses of me in evening gowns, casual wear, club attire and even a swimsuit much to my chagrin. They also put in an interview with me so their readers could get to know 'the girl behind the face' as Alice said. They didn't normally do this kind of thing for their models but Alice and Rose believed it would help their readers to connect with me more, that it would make me more real to them. They were even toying with the idea of me having my own column in each issue where I could write about life in general, my favorite books or music, or just anything that I wanted to share. I was thrilled with the idea. It would finally give me the chance to use my Journalism Degree. They were throwing a big party in the ballroom they actually had in their building, tonight in celebration of my first official issue and I was happy that my friends and family would get to be there to support me. Charlie would be there so Edward was a nervous wreck.
Flashback
"Edward! Guess what?"
"What?"
"My dad is going to be able to come to the party next week! Isn't that great?"
"Um…yeah, that's great. I guess we'll finally get to meet then."
It was so funny to me that he wasn't nearly as intimidated by Emmett as he was my father and Emmett was a giant compared to Charlie.
"Oh come on Edward. I told you not to be so nervous about it. Besides, we'll be in a crowded room. There would be too many witnesses for him to shoot you," I said grinning at him.
"Very funny Bella," he said trying to look serious but I could see the little hint of a smile on his lips.
End Flashback
Charlie wasn't the only one who would be there. Edward's parents were coming too. They had built this business and made it successful. They had retired a few years ago leaving their children to handle it all. I would be lying if I said I wasn't nervous to meet his parents but he gave me reassurances, just as I did for him, that they would love me. Sue was coming also and so were her children Seth and Leah. Jacob and Billy would be coming along also with Jacob's mysterious fiancée. No one would tell me who she was, not even her name. Renee and Phil were even coming all the way from Florida. She thought it was the greatest thing ever that her daughter was a model and made it a point to tell everyone she met that they should pick up the next issue of Cullen Designs. I'll admit, I was nervous but I was just happy that I was going to be surrounded with so many people that I loved. It was 4:30 and the party started at 7:00. Alice had already informed me that I would be getting ready at the Cullen Designs building. She still didn't trust me to dress myself or do my makeup so I just went along with it. I grabbed my things and headed downstairs to my truck. She wanted me there by 5:00 because she said it would take that long for all of us to get ready. I walked out of the door of my apartment building and was surprised to see Edward leaning against his Volvo. He was seriously the sexiest man I know and he was all mine.
"Edward! What are you doing here?"
"I thought you might like a lift and that it might be nice to spend just a few minutes alone together before the busy night tonight."
"That sounds great actually. You are the most thoughtful man ever."
"Only for you love, only for you."
I leaned up on my tiptoes and gave him, what was supposed to be a quick kiss, but Edward wasn't having that. He wrapped his arms around me and immediately deepened the kiss sending my heart into a frenzy. It was amazing that he still had the same affect on me as he did that first day he kissed me. The feeling hadn't gotten old yet and I had a feeling it never would. We finally broke away panting for air.
"I'd really love to continue this Edward but Alice will have both of our hides if we don't get over there to get ready."
He groaned and pinched the bridge of his nose, which I had learned he did when he was frustrated or annoyed.
"Yes, you're right. She sucks the fun out of everything," he pouted.
"Aw, you're so cute when you pout but seriously we have to go."
We quickly got in the car and made our way to Cullen Designs. We made it upstairs at 5:05 and I knew we were probably in for it. We walked in the door to see Alice pacing back and forth until she turned to look at us with a look of absolute annoyance.
"Where the hell have you two been? I said 5:00, didn't I? Does anybody ever listen to me? We don't have time for this. We have to get ready. Everything has to be perfect. How is it supposed to be perfect if nobody will do what I ask?"
Edward grabbed her by the shoulders to stop her from the pacing she had started up again.
"Ali, calm down. We are only five minutes late and that's my fault. I'm sorry. Now, everything is going to be great tonight. You always throw one hell of a party and tonight isn't going to be any different. Now, Bella's here so you, her and Rose can all get ready for the night. I'm going to go to the other room and get ready myself. Take a deep breath, okay?"
She took a deep breath and smiled at him.
"Thanks Edward, you're right. Now beat it."
"Nice," he said before walking out the door.
"Come on Bella. We've got work to do."
By 6:45 we were all ready for the party. Rosalie had left earlier to pick up their parents and Alice went ahead into the ballroom. I had to stay behind since they wanted to introduce me as I walked in. I was so nervous about being the center of attention but I took comfort knowing that Edward would be by my side the entire time. It was nearing 7:00 now and my nerves were even more tense than before.
"Bella," I heard Edward breath behind me.
"Hi," I said shyly blushing at the intense look in his eyes.
"You look amazing, more than amazing, stunning."
"Thanks, you look great too."
He really did. Alice had decided to let this be more of a casual yet formal event so Edward got out of wearing a tux or a suit. Instead, Alice had put him in a black button down with silver pinstripes running through it and simple black slacks. Wearing all black was definitely a good thing for Edward. He looked even sexier than usual, if that was even possible. She had put me in a silver dress, which I now saw was on purpose so I would match Edward, and the tallest pair of heels I had ever worn. As if I wasn't nervous enough, I now had to deal with these death traps. Edward saw my distress, leaned down to kiss my cheek and smiled at me reassuringly. Then he took my hand and led me towards the doors of the ballroom.
"Relax Bella," he said squeezing my hand. "You are going to be wonderful tonight. Everyone will love you."
"I hope so," I replied as he chuckled at me.
"Love, I would never tell you so if it wasn't the truth. Now, just enjoy your night. This is all about you and all for you."
"Okay."
He knocked on the doors and they were slowly opened to reveal a ballroom full of people. I was grateful that the ballroom wasn't one of those huge affairs and that Alice had kept the invite list to a minimum. My nerves tensed up again but were calmed a bit when I looked to see the smiling faces of my family and friends. The sight of them made me feel better about the night because I knew, no matter what, they would still be there for me tomorrow. Even if all of this blew up in my face, even if the leaders in fashion I met tonight thought I was terrible, they would still love me and accept me tomorrow. Even the man beside me would still be there for me. I had no doubts about that.
"Ladies and gentleman. May I have your attention please?" I heard Alice say from beside us.
"I would like to introduce the newest addition to Cullen Designs and our new cover model, Miss. Bella Swan."
The room erupted in applause, mainly from my family and friends and I could feel the heat rise to my face as I was brought into the center of attention.
"Go Bells!" I heard Emmett yell from the crowd and looked to see Sue smack him on the head for being such a loud mouth. I saw Seth laugh at their display until Emmett glared at him and he quickly moved away.
"Please be sure to come by and introduce yourself to her. We are proud to have her working with us and look forward to many successful years with her here. Thank you and everybody have a great evening. We hope you enjoy our little party."
The band started playing then and Alice started walking our way.
"Okay Bella, we have several people for you to meet. It won't take too long but we need to get started."
"Alice, could I go speak to my family and friends first? I mean, just for a few minutes. I haven't seen my parents, especially my mom, in a while. I'd like to at least say hi."
"Sure, that's not a problem. We really should wait for Rose anyway. Their flight was delayed a bit, so they are running a little late. Once they get here, we'll all come over and then we'll get you out there on the floor to meet everybody else."
"Thanks Alice. I really appreciate that. Come on Edward," I said practically dragging him.
"Slow down love, they aren't going to disappear."
I laughed at him.
"Oh hush Edward. You just want to delay meeting my father as long as you can."
"Well, are you sure he doesn't have a gun somewhere on him. I mean he is a cop, he knows where to hide those things so no one would ever know it's there."
"I'm sure Edward. Take your own advice and relax."
He smiled at me nervously and shook his head in agreement.
EPOV
"Dad!" Bella yelled as she ran to her father and hugged him.
"Hey Bells, you look incredible. You were beautiful before but you are a knockout."
She swatted him on the arm.
"Oh hush Dad," she said smiling as she turned to me offering her hand. I took it and she pulled me toward her and her father.
"Dad, this is Edward Cullen, the guy I told you about. Edward, this is my father, Charlie."
"Pleased to meet you sir. Bella has told me so much about you."
"Has she now? Did she tell you about my vast gun collection?" He asked, raising his eyebrow at me. I knew it, I'm going to die right here.
"Dad! You promised you would be good. Stop trying to scare him off."
"I am being good Bells, just giving the boy a hard time. Lighten up kid, I'd never shoot you. Not in this big of a crowd anyway. Too many witnesses."
I shifted my eyes to Bella and she started laughing.
"I told you so. Dad, seriously. Be nice. Edward is a wonderful man and he treats me very well. Isn't that what you always wanted."
"No, I wanted you to wait until I was dead to find a guy and get married. I suppose if you have to date he'll do," he said grinning at me with that same mischievous look that Emmett had.
"I promise you that I will be good to her Chief Swan. I was incredibly lucky to find her and I don't have any intentions of doing something hurt her or ruin what we have. I already told Emmett that, if I did, I would deliver myself personally for any punishment he deemed worthy. The same goes for you. I suppose you could both be part of that. Emmett said they would never find my body. I suppose you could help him cover his tracks. Right?"
Charlie laughed loudly at my statement.
"True, that's definitely true. I like you though, kid. I think we'll let you live a bit longer. That alright with you Bells?"
"That's more than alright with me Dad," she said smiling up at me.
"Thanks Chief Swan. I appreciate that."
"No problem kid and call me Charlie."
Okay, Charlie."
Bella squeezed my hand and gave me a look that said I told you so as I breathed a sigh of relief. Meeting her father wasn't that bad after all.
Once the introduction to Charlie was over it was time to meet Renee.
"Hi Mom," Bella said as she hugged her mother.
"Oh Bella, you look so beautiful."
"Thanks," she said as she turned to wave and smile at the man beside Renee.
"Hi Phil. Thanks for coming."
"We wouldn't have missed it for the world Bella. I think Renee would have literally had a fit if I even so much as joked about us not coming."
"You're probably right."
"Hey stop talking about me like I'm not here you two. They used to do this all the time when Bella lived with us," Renee said as she looked at me and shook her head.
"Sorry Mom. You know I love you. Mom, Phil, this is Edward Cullen. Remember I told you about him when I called."
"Oh," Renee said smiling at me, "this is the young man that's swept our little Bella off her feet. Damn Bella, I raised you right. You found yourself one hot piece of man."
"Mom!" Bella yelled and turned bright red.
"What? It's the truth. You really are a very good looking young man."
"Um…thanks Mrs. Dwyer."
"Oh no, please call me Renee. After all, you are practically my son-in-law."
"Oh God, Phil you should have kept her home."
"Oh Bella, I'm sorry I'm embarrassing you. I can't help myself. I promise to be on my best behavior. I'm so proud of you honey. This is a big deal and such a great opportunity."
"I know. I never imagined I would be part of something like this."
"She really is a natural Renee. It's been great working with her and getting to know her," I said.
"I'm glad. She deserves to have all the happiness and success in the world. That's all any mother ever wants for her child. Now, you be good to her."
"Yes, I will. I'm afraid I've been threatened with death and a cover up of said death if I'm not."
"Charlie and Emmett?" She said directing her question to Bella.
Bella nodded.
"Who else?"
"Oh, those two. Emmett is just like his father. Don't let them worry you Edward. They are both all talk. I'm the one you have to worry about."
We all laughed at that and talked a little while longer until someone came up and tapped Bella on the shoulder.
"Jake! I'm so glad you could make it," she said hugging him.
So this was Jake. I had heard Bella talk about him before and I admit I was a bit jealous. They had practically grown up together and had dated briefly. Bella said that dating didn't work out for them because it felt too awkward. She said it was like dating her brother and that they decided to just go back to being friends.
"Hey Bells," he said. "You know I wouldn't have missed this. Bella, a model? I would have never imagined that. You were always basically a tomboy growing up. I don't even remember you playing with Barbies."
"That's because I didn't. I was too busy climbing trees and getting muddy and bloody with you and Emmett."
"We were quite a team."
"Yep. Jake, this is Edward Cullen. He and I have been seeing each other for a couple of weeks now. Edward, this is Jacob Black my childhood friend and once fellow mischief maker."
"It's nice to meet you Jacob."
He shook my hand and gripped it hard in what I assumed was his attempt to give me the same message Charlie and Emmett had given me.
"You too Edward."
"So, Jake. Where's this mysterious fiancée of yours. Oh, yeah about that….."
"Jake?"
Bella and I turned to see who was calling for Jacob and Bella smiled.
"Oh, hi Leah. It's good to see you."
"Yeah, hi Bella. Jake, honey? Mom needed to ask you something about her car."
"Yeah sure, sure. I'll be there in a minute babe," he said leaning down to give her a quick kiss.
We watched Leah walk away and Bella turned to Jacob with wide eyes.
"Leah Clearwater is your fiancée?"
"Yeah."
"Oh my God Jake! I thought you two hated each other. I know she hates me."
"She doesn't hate you Bells. You two really don't know each other that well, that's all. Besides, things change. One day we hated each other and the next we were all over each other in the back room of the garage."
"Whoa Jake," Bella said holding up her hands to him. "I so don't need any details about that."
"Aren't you happy for me Bells?"
"Of course, I'm just in shock. No one would tell me anything about who your fiancée was. I never expected it to be Leah. I'm happy for you though. Tell Leah that if she wants a great dress that I can get her set up with Alice. She'll make sure she has the dress of her dreams."
"Thanks Bells, I'll do that. Well, I should get over to Sue. It was nice meeting you Edward. Be good to Bells, she's one of a kind."
"Oh I know and I will."
"Good," he said as he smiled at me and shook my hand.
Maybe he isn't so bad after all.
"Bella! Edward!" Alice called.
We turned to look for her and saw her parting her way through the crowd with Jasper being dragged behind her. Then I saw Rose and my parents.
"Mom! Dad!" I couldn't help my excitement. They had been overseas for a few months and we had all missed them so much.
"Edward!" My mother cried running to me and hugging me tightly.
"Hi Mom! I missed you."
"I missed you too honey."
Dad made his way over and hugged me once Mom let me go. He stepped away and patted me on the back.
"Hi son. You look good."
"Thanks."
I turned to introduce Bella but she wasn't by my side. I turned around to look for her and noticed her a few feet behind me.
"Bella," I said reaching my hand out to her.
"Come here love, I'd like you to meet my parents."
She hesitantly walked toward me and accepted my hand. Once she was beside me I dropped her hand and wrapped my arm around her waist.
"Mom, Dad, this is my girlfriend, Bella." I wondered briefly if she would be okay with me calling her my girlfriend. She hadn't introduced me as her boyfriend to her family but maybe she thought it would make me uncomfortable. We would definitely need to talk about this.
"Bella, this is my mother and father, Carlisle and Esme Cullen."
She stepped forward towards them and reached out her hand to shake theirs.
"It's nice to meet you Mr. and Mrs. Cullen."
My mother was having none of that. She leaped forward and embraced Bella as if she were one of her own.
"Oh, please call us Esme and Carlisle dear. We are so pleased to meet you," she said pulling away from Bella.
"Indeed we are," my father said offering his hand for Bella to shake.
"We have heard nothing but great things about you from both Edward and Alice. I think Alice talks about you as much as Edward does."
"Oh," she said blushing, "sorry that they had to bore you with little ole me."
"Oh no dear," Esme said, "we were more than happy to hear all about you. Our Edward has never taken to a woman like he has with you. I was beginning to fear we would never have grandchildren from him."
"Mom! We just started dating!" I cried.
Now it was my turn to be embarrassed by family members with no filter.
"What, it's true son," Carlisle said. "Someone's got to carry on the Cullen name."
I closed my eyes and pinched the bridge of his nose.
"Uh oh," Alice said, "everybody step back he's going to blow."
"I am not going to blow. I'm perfectly fine."
"Aw look, he's embarrassed Alice," Rose said. "I don't believe I've ever seen Edward blush."
"Oh hush you two," Esme said. "You're embarrassing your brother in front of his lovely girlfriend."
"Thanks Mom."
"Yo Bells! What's the deal with this food? It looks like elf food and that is not going to work for…..Oh sorry," Emmett said.
"It's okay Emmett. I wanted to introduce you to my family anyway."
"Everybody this is Emmett Swan, Bella's brother."
"Emmett, this is my mother Esme, my father Carlisle, my sister Alice and her boyfriend Jasper and my sister Rose."
"It's a pleasure to meet all of you," he said but I saw his gaze linger on Rose. She seemed to be pretty interested in him herself. How could I have missed that before? He was exactly her type. They would be perfect together. I looked down at Bella and saw that she had noticed too. She was grinning widely as Emmett and Rose continued to stare at each other.
"It's a pleasure to meet you as well Emmett," my father said snapping Emmett's attention back to the rest of us. He smiled and blushed a blush that would rival Bella any day.
"Alright Bella," Alice chirped. "It's time to get out there and mingle. Edward, Jasper and I will go with you. We'll see the rest of you later. This shouldn't take long."
"Take your time," Emmett said as he walked towards Rose.
I had a feeling those two would be inseparable soon.
"Did you see that?" Bella said.
"What?" Alice asked.
"Emmett and Rosalie were completely smitten with each other."
"Really? I didn't notice," Alice said.
"Yeah, I saw that too love. I'm glad though. Rose has been so lonely and she needs a good guy in her life for a change. Emmett is perfect for her."
"Well, I guess your family is being invaded by the Swans," Bella said smiling at me.
"I wouldn't have it any other way, love."
I smiled and leaned down to kiss her before we set off to introduce Bella to the crowd.
Phew! Long chapter right? I hope all of you enjoyed it. I thought having a party to introduce Bella would be the best way for everyone to meet. I especially wanted Edward to meet Charlie and for Emmett and Rosalie to finally come face to face with one another. I'm thinking about writing a one-shot about what happens with Emmett and Rosalie at the party. Anybody interested in reading that? Well….enough of my rambling. Review if you like and let me know how good or bad you think this was. Until next time…..
