A/N: So how are things? Got it figured out? I hope not, or there's no mystery, right? One good thing about new fanfic writers is we're enthusiastic about our reviewers. Every word helps me to improve!

I have to shout out to my ever patient beta, Dani

And to TEAM CLEAN and the Camp –xoxo

SM owns all things twilight

Chapter 9 –Time and Titillations

Friday was the scheduled day for treatment team, a discussion of care and changes felt to be most helpful for each resident. The psychiatrist usually chaired the meeting. This would be my first, since arrival, and Creepo was scheduled to be there for continuity of care. What a painful way to begin the weekend.

The conference table was still empty at six in the morning; the early time was understandable but painful nonetheless. I found my seat and took a few deep breaths. The meeting wasn't until 6:15, and I was amazed I had made it on time, and in one piece. Jessica arrived, plopping down on my right, bubbly and energetic. She was wearing a bright pink, green and yellow top which reminded me of something.

Rainbow skittles.

Jessica commenced talking non-stop about the upcoming dinner party as I sipped on my large café mocha, nodding and praying for the others to arrive soon.

This is why I'm always fashionably late.

The torture of small talk before an event was just one pet peeve. In the midst of the one way conversation, I noticed a large coffee at the other end of the table. I raised my eyebrows at Jessica, questioningly.

"Oh, that's Edwards. He ran to his office to get something, mumbling about timeliness, as usual – he's always early." Jessica inserted this comment seamlessly between her discussion of slacks versus a skirt and tights, depending on the weather tomorrow evening.

Figures he'd be an early bird.

I was almost finished with my first cup of java, which meant I would have to respond more frequently to Jessica if more people didn't show. Stabbing myself with my pen seemed preferable. Alice waltzed in on cue, saving my flesh and my sanity.

I swear she's clairvoyant.

She took the seat on my left, followed by Rosalie and Emmett who arrived together. Rose continued to beam with the joy of new-found love, or great sex, or both. Emmett looked like a loyal companion, hanging on her every word. He even pulled the chair out for her to sit down.

"Wow, whipped in less than 24 hours, huh? Nice." Edward mumbled. He walked in, retrieved his coffee and his seat, and continued to look irritated.

Emmett just shrugged, unbothered. "We haven't used whips yet, bro, but I'll let you know."

Blue Eyes dropped the issue and, instead, looked in my direction. "Are we planning on starting this, or not? Its 6:16."

I knew he unexplainably dazzled me, but I was not going to tolerate his undermining my authority. It didn't help that I was upset with him. Even though I tried to understand, I was hurt and angry over his dismissal last night. If he felt as strongly as I did, how could he pretend that we hadn't confessed our feelings to each other? He sat there stoic, waiting for my response.

"Edward, I will gladly begin when all key staff arrive, especially James, since he has been treating the residents up until two days ago. Your time is valuable, I'm sure, but I hope you can place the quality of our patient care above yourself for another few minutes."

He let out an exaggerated sigh, running his hands over his hair which was already a bit longer from when we first met. Still no golden bronze locks, like the ones in the picture he'd sent me, but longer than a buzz cut. I started daydreaming about his hair. I thought of crawling across the table to see if it was long enough to yank.

Really, Bella? Hair fetish at six in the morning?

"My apologies, Dr. Swan," oozed from his beautiful lips. He recognized the display of authority and placated me with a biting remark. I'm sure I would pay for this, indirectly, later tonight.

Wonder if he's into spanking?

You're hopeless.

Angela and the other staff arrived within minutes, including James. He made a point to call out "Morning Edward. Morning, Bel, Jes."

I watched him push back his chair, balancing on the back two legs. I was aghast at his continued arrogance.

So, you shorten the names of women, huh?

Interesting.

Alice stared back with the fire of Hades in her eyes, daring him to call her 'Al.' He just nodded and squirmed uncomfortably at her unspoken warning, leaning over to speak with the nurse tech to his right.

Let's get started, shall we?" I introduced myself formally for the minutes of the meeting, verbally noting each staff member present around the table. The resident cases were discussed at length, using progress reports from nurses, activities, and groups. James offered useless comments in an attempt to joke. Each time, they fell flat on everyone except a few, who probably felt it necessary to laugh, given his position.

We finally came to Ms. Hiller and her progress reports. This was a priority case for me because of the uncertainty of her diagnosis. She didn't seem to fit the DSM-IV criteria for any major psychiatric illness other than Psychosis Not Otherwise Specified at this point. I opened her file using the computer, projecting it onto the screen for discussion.

When her face sheet and picture were shown, James blurted out, "Oh yeah, the new onset schizophrenic."

I dropped my pen on the table abruptly. "I use patient names when discussing treatment, James, and they're not their diagnosis." The room grew quiet from my outburst, but I didn't care. I'd be damned if he was going to dismiss this young girl due to his incompetence.

"I guess everyone has their own style," he replied, providing a smiling façade. "We were more casual during my training, I suppose. A relaxed atmosphere while working promotes better performance, compared to an uptight one, I'd say."

Ass!

"Well I prefer my treatment teams to include brainstorming and excellent care. I don't think identifying the patient's as symbols of their illness promotes that very well." My irritation with him had been building since we met. Try as I may, I couldn't stop myself from replying. The banter was doing Landie no good, and I tried to move along the discussion by asking for reports on her room change and medications.

James refused to let the issue go, his injured ego unable to stand the public undressing. He spoke up before Jessica could begin her report. "Well you did just finish your residency, right? So I understand your need for going strictly by the book, Bel."

Oh no he didn't.

Calm down.

Hell no!

My temper won the battle once again. I challenged him with a bluff, hoping my instincts were still as good as they had been in the past. "Would you like to share with the group where you completed your training, James?"

Please God, don't let it be Ivy League.

His eyes fidgeted as he responded. I knew I had him. "I finished my clinicals in California 6 years ago." He was hiding something and I knew it.

My innate predatory reflex switched on, pressing me to ask for more and go for in the kill. "Oh, which program did you matriculate from? I have friends at UCLA and UC San Diego."

"Well my basic science years were at Diabhal University in New Mexico, with clinical rotations in various affiliated California hospitals," he answered curtly.

"Isn't that the medical school which lost its accreditation a few years ago?" Edward chimed in from across the room.

That was my line, Blue Eyes.

Edward had been eerily quiet the entire treatment meeting. I had even checked periodically to see if he was paying attention. He always was, seemingly engrossed in each case, just reserved. Yet, now he chose to speak. It was kind of endearing that he felt the need to help me.

James turned from me and looked at Edward with anger – and fear? "It's applying for re-instatement. There were unnecessary citations that the school is challenging. But its 7:00 a.m., and I'm sure you don't want to hear the entire story, do you? Aren't you the time czar, Edward?"

"Oh joy, a pissing contest!" Alice whispered to me under her breath.

I cleared my throat loudly. "Let's move on."

I discussed the differential diagnoses I was considering for Ms. Hiller. Everyone around the table seemed pleased for the confrontation to have stopped. Jessica reported that Landie was more coherent and cooperative this morning after the change in rooms yesterday. I asked Alice to schedule her for psychological testing next week, if Ms. Hiller could tolerate the time commitment.

I then turned my thoughts to our blue eyed music therapist. Ms Hiller had been an organist all her life, and music was something that her former self should relate to.

"Edward, how do you feel about her being in one of your groups? She may not participate fully, or even manage staying the entire time, but I'm hoping it would benefit her."

His eyes lit up from across the room and he stopped frowning at James. "I think that's an excellent idea, Dr. Swan. I'll plan her schedule starting next week, if she maintains this recent improvement over the next few days." I was excited over his willingness and comfort with taking such a seriously ill patient into one of his groups. The review of Ms. Hiller ended.

We arranged discharge for two residents while assigning care for the next two new arrivals who would cap the census again on Monday. James aggressively asked for Mr. Pulsifer, a 69 year old man from the Skokomish Tribal Nation located southeast of the retreat. His son was a friend of Carlisle's from Seattle, and was concerned about his dad who was living alone on the reservation. There seemed to be early signs of vascular dementia and he was asking for a full assessment. I cringed as James explained he was "part California Cherokee," and would like to oversee his care.

Because all Native Americans are the same?

Idiot!

My relationship with Jake and the Quilette tribe had exposed me to several neighboring tribal nations growing up. I knew Mr. Pulsifer would be a difficult case, and that the "People of the River" were very proud. If this was early dementia, then the loss of control and autonomy would be devastating to him. Knowing that James was going to perform the assessment made me ill. I took the other patient, avoiding any further arguments, but promised myself I would talk with Carlisle this weekend concerning Creepo. I adjourned the meeting and watched the staff scurry from the room as quickly and orderly as possible.

Confrontations are like fire drills, they sure can clear a room.

I laughed out loud when only Lil' Firecracker and Rose remained. "That went well, huh?"

They laughed with me, pushing their chairs back to imitate James. "I'm 1/60th Quinalt! Does that count?" Rose mocked him with her best Creepo voice.

"I've got you beat 'Ro', I'm 1/40th Hoe Tribe myself!" Alice followed her lead, causing me to double over in amusement.

"Enough, enough!" I pleaded. "I can't take anymore! So, are you guys coming over tonight? I was going to make tacos."

"I'm there!" Alice beamed.

"Oh, I can't!" Rose frowned. "I promised Em I would come over to his place and help Esme with some of the preparations for tomorrow."

Emmett and Jasper lived on the third floor of Carlisle and Esme's home. They had preferred the amenities of Esme's nurturance, and the maid service, versus the independence of the cottages. Jasper had been treated as family for years. He was thrilled when Edward didn't want to live in the house. The full chef's kitchen and living arrangements were additional perks that helped lure Jasper to the Retreat with the Cullens.

"It's ok, Rose. We'll miss you, but I'm sure you'll be enjoying yourself with – Em, is it?" Alice teased.

We laughed again, parting ways to finish up our last duties for Friday. I was excited for the weekend to come.

*****

Alice knocked on my door at 8:30 p.m., carrying a bottle of tequila, margarita mix, and a bag of limes. She dropped it all on the floor when Rio came prancing up to her, twisting his body and dancing around in a circle.

"He's so sweet, Bella!" She played with him while I brought the chips and homemade salsa out. I placed a bowl of food down for Rio, tempting him to leave Alice's side.

"Thanks, Alice! Margaritas, huh?"

"You mentioned Mexican food and I had to provide the libations! I even brought the salt and lime, although I'm not drinking myself." She was beaming.

"What? I'm not gonna drink without you, Alice. How pathetic is that?"

"Bella, I've had very bad experiences with drinking, plus I live on a natural high! I'll stick to my Dr. Pepper, thanks. But I do make a mean ass margarita, and you're gonna try it!

Rio whined as I rolled my eyes. I knew there was no arguing with her. We munched and talked as she showed me her technique for the 'mighty margarita.' I took a sip, smiling. She was right- it was great. We sat on the floor in my living room and began discussing the dinner party. Operation 'Catch a Chef' commenced in full swing.

Alice continued to give me the standard 'I don't want to lose his friendship lines' when it came to Jasper. "It's too important to me. What if he doesn't want it, too? I can't bear to lose him in my life."

"Can you bear to watch him start a life with someone else? Because if you keep waiting, it could very well happen," I argued. "What if he feels the same way? What if he's not certain you want more than friendship with him?"

"I flirt all the time, Bella!"

"But you flirt with almost everyone, chica. He notices you, believe me. But I think he feels like it's just you being you. We need more of an extravagant display from our Lil' Firecracker…one he can't deny is for him." I started thinking.

"Like what?"she asked, intrigued.

"Like a Boom Boom Pow!" I turned my CD player on full blast. We laughed while dancing around the room to the Black Eyed Peas. The bass shook the pictures on the wall while we squealed like schoolgirls. Rio ran to the bedroom to hide from our giddiness.

The exact plan for Alice was laid out during my second margarita, and the alcohol made it seem foolproof for tomorrow night.

Operation 'Bag BlueEyes' was another issue. I only discussed it superficially because I couldn't bring myself to tell Alice about the late night chatting. That was something sacred to me, just between us. I wasn't willing to share it. I did admit my attraction to Edward, and my nickname for him.

Alice assured me that she saw a connection between us. "This is the most alive I've seen him since…well, in a while."

I sobered up quickly, setting down empty glass number two. "Whoa – wait a minute, firecracker. Since when? You paused."

C'mon! I'm dying here!

"Well, Edward was in a long-term relationship before coming here," she divulged.

Damn.

"Her name was Tanya. Edward met her during his last year of college and she latched onto him immediately," she paused.

"I see. What was she like?"

"Well, she was pretty, I suppose, but definitely self centered in a bad way. She was controlling of Edward, which is what I hated most about her." Her words were like oxygen, I couldn't get enough.

I kept looking at Alice, not blinking.

"I know, I know. You want details, my obsessive freak? Let's see—blonde hair, athletic, small frame, a little shorter than you, blue eyes. Happy?"she asked.

I took a breath. I did feel better knowing the details. Alice knew me too well. "Thank you. So—did he love her? What happened?"

Alice frowned. "I hate to tell you this again, Bella, but some of those answers are not mine to give. He seemed to care for her, but she was so demanding of him. I only touched base occasionally with Edward after college; we were both so busy pursuing our careers. But what happened exactly? I don't know. "

"Ugh! I knew he was scarred by something, or someone. It has to be her." I bit my nails nervously.

"I don't think he loved her like that, Bella. He never looked at her the way he does you. But I do know things happened to Edward which made him shut down. He won't let any of us in, except Carlisle, on rare occasions, and you. There are personal things about Edward you still don't know, and I swore to him I would never tell his business. I would have promised him anything to have him back with us. He has to be the one to let you in, Bella." She seemed nervous even telling me that much.

"What do you mean have him back?" I was confused.

"He stayed in Canada for over a year without contact. He still takes off occasionally when he has time off. When he finally agreed to stay here at the Retreat, we were all hoping he had conquered whatever demons were bothering him. "She shrugged.

"Can I at least ask if it involved Tanya, the change in his personality?" I asked.

"You can. But I honestly don't know how much of a role Tanya played in all of this. I just know that I want Edward back. We have him physically, but it's not the same. I want the charming, witty, fun-loving guy we all grew up with! Your Blue Eyes."She giggled.

I laughed. "He's not my Blue Eyes. Not yet anyway."

"That's my girl! But, Bella? Can I ask one question?"

"Shoot, Alice!"

She grinned mischievously. "Why is it just 'Bag Blue Eyes'? You just want to carry him around with you? "

I spit my margarita across the room. "You're right, chica. Who just wants to bag him? Bang him it is!"

'Operation Bang Blue Eyes' wrapped up the night, and I was buzzing and giggly from the tequila. I had already shimmied out of my pants into my thong as Alice was shutting the door. The old country song, 'Tequila Makes My Clothes Fall Off,' was written for me. A trail of clothes was left behind me as I made my way directly to the computer. I sat down, naked and tipsy.

[E Cullen is online.]

[E: You're late, sexy.]

[B: What? Alice just left! And since when am I on a schedule with you? You think I'm sexy? *blush*]

[E: Oh I know-I heard her. Black Eyed Peas? Seriously?! I have to tutor you in music. Yes, you ARE sexy.]

[B: Mmmmm. I think you're hawt yourself, Blue Eyes. I wanted to spank you for your behavior in treatment team today.]

[E: LMAO. You did, huh? Well James is an incompetent ass. I'm talking to Carlisle about him tomorrow.]

[B: Me too! We should do it together. We should do lots of things together.]

[E: Bella, are you drunk? LOL]

[B: NO! Well, maybe a little. I don't usually drink much, and Alice made these margaritas. Now I'm all hot.]

[E: Haha. Well maybe you should change into your PJs or something.]

[B: I'm already naked.]

[E: You are not.]

[B: Come over and see.]

[E: You're killing me.]

[B: I bet. *eyeroll*]

[E: Why don't you walk out on the patio and I'll peep at you through my window. It works for some people.]

[B: Ah! I was just walking by that night!]

[E: Ooook. *eyeroll* LOL]

[B: WTV. That's my eyeroll! You stole it.]

[E: Yeah, I stole it-Haha. So...are you going to the dinner party with anyone tomorrow?]

[B: Are you trying to be funny?]

[E: Maybe. LOL. But seriously, are you going?]

[B: Yes, Edward, I'll be there. Should I prepare myself to be called Dr. Swan and be directly ignored?]

[E: Wow. I told you this is best for now, Bella.]

[B: So is that a yes?]

[E: No. I won't ignore you. I'll only be there to see YOU, Bella.]

[B: That just gave me goose bumps!]

[E: All over?]

[B: Uh-huh.]

[E: I bet my friends are at attention for me again, huh?]

Traitorous nipples.

[B: Ugh. I can't believe you take advantage of an autonomic reaction.]

[E: What? LMAO. I can't help it if your body finds me 'titillating.']

[B: WTV!! Haha. I was cold.]

[E: You said you weren't cold.]

How does he always corner me like this!

[B: Fine! My nips were hard from excitement.]

[E: And the first day we met?]

[B: Then, too.]

[E: And now?]

[B: Definitely now.]

[E: Bella, you have no idea what you do to me. Just so you know]

[B: Then tell me!]

[E: I will. One day.]

[B: Tease!]

[E: Right now, I need a moment.]

[B: A moment for what?]

[E: Haha. You really don't have ANY idea.]

Does he mean he's going to whack off?

No way!

Is he telling me that?

Why won't he give in if he wants me?

[B: I could help you with that.]

[E: *groan* You do. Nightly. Goodnight, Sexy.]

[B: Goodnight, Blue Eyes.]

[E: Bella?]

[B: Yes?]

[E: Don't be late tomorrow.]

[B: Quit coming early! LOL]

[E: Hmm. That's impossible with you.]

[B: Night Edward!]

[E: Night.]

I planned on hunting down 'thumper' myself, needing a release from all his sexual taunting. But my mind kicked into overdrive as usual, blocking my intentions.

Tanya.

I wanted to ask him about Tanya, a woman I knew nothing about. Nevertheless, she caused insane jealousy to stir in my veins. She had to be involved with him pushing everyone away. I went to bed rehearsing how I would ask him tomorrow, if given the chance. The liquor took over as I drifted to sleep.

Time.

Time is up Edward.

A/N: Reviews titillate BlueEyes and ME!!!