Disclaimer - The usual about me not owning Twilight. But my mum bought a really nice cardy the other day.
Sorry it's been a while, but college work, two poorly kids and visitors have worn me out! I can't see how long this story is going to be, but Bella and Edward will be smooching VERY soon, I promise! Enjoy and review!
Chapter 10 – Dinner
I woke early the next morning, I made my way to the bathroom to get washed and dressed. I could hear Alice pottering about in the kitchen. I joined her once I was decent.
"Morning hun. How are you?" She looked worried.
"I'm fine. I just need to make a list of what I'll need for dinner tonight." I moved round the kitchen checking cupboards and the fridge pausing only to scribble on a piece of paper every now and then. "Right, I'm off to the shop. You staying here?"
"Yeah. I'll make a start on preparing the place." Alice's mouth formed an 'o' "Will Rosalie need anything special?" Typical Alice, thinking of everyone, wanting to please the whole world. "I'll phone Edward, see if there's any special requirements." She dashed out of the kitchen.
I made my way slowly around the supermarket placing things I needed in the trolley. I was nervous about meeting Edward's sister this evening, what if she didn't like me. What did it matter, it wasn't as if anything was going on between us, no matter how much I would like there to be. I placed a couple of bottles of wine in the trolley and went to pay.
Alice had been working like a demon and it showed when I returned home. The house was not only spotless, but she had trailed fairy lights all over the front room and kitchen. Candles covered practically every surface and the table had been laid out as if it were in a Michelin star restaurant.
"Oh, Alice. It looks wonderful. How have you managed to do this in so little time?" I was amazed. My little cousin was a force to be reckoned with when it came to parties.
"It's nothing. Now get in the kitchen and make a start." She bustled me to the cooker and helped me to empty the shopping onto the work surfaces. "I spoke to Edward, Rosalie doesn't need anything, just a high backed chair and easy access to the bathroom. Apparently, she's really looking forward to meeting us. I've got to phone Jazz and Em, make sure they're dressed properly." She danced up to her room, phone in hand.
I washed my hands and began peeling potatoes. After putting them on to cook slowly, I chopped some onions, carrots and garlic. I slowly fried the onion and garlic before adding the fresh mince. While the meat was browning, I put the wine in the fridge to cool and dug out some essentials for my sauce. Once everything was prepared and I'd drained off the cooked spuds, I left everything on the cooker so I could get myself ready. It was six by the time I'd changed. I rushed into the kitchen, mashed the potatoes with some butter and pepper. I poured the meat; sauce and veg into a lasagne dish and spread the mash over the top. It went into the oven to slowly cook. Everything should be done when everyone arrived.
Jasper and Emmett arrived early as usual with some beer. I grabbed my brother as Jasper put the bottles in the fridge.
"You better behave tonight!" His innocent face did nothing for me.
"Bells, why on earth would you say that?"
"Because I know you. This is important to Alice." And me I added silently. "Don't get hammered and ruin it for her.
"Scout's honour." He kissed my forehead as he took an open bottle of beer off Alice and sat on the sofa.
"You got kicked out of the scouts" I glared at him as the others laughed. Alice squealed as there was a knock at the door. She flew out to let our guests in. I went to check on the food. I heard the voices in the front room as I poured myself a glass of wine and went to join them.
"So, Rosalie, what do you look for in a man?" I could not believe Emmet. The woman had just come out of hospital and he was cracking on to her. My brother was unbelievable. As I walked in to give him a slap I heard a weak laugh.
"I like my men like my coffee, strong and sweet." I saw a beautiful woman smiling at my brother.
"Here she is chef du jour." Alice introduced me with a flourish. "Bells, this is Rosalie."
"Lovely to finally meet you, I've heard a lot about you." She gently gave me a hug which wasn't as weak as she looked.
"Lovely to meet you too." I could feel the dreaded blush heat my face as I realised that Edward had been telling her about me. "Dinner's almost ready." I announced to everyone. Rosalie handed me a box.
"I brought something for desert. It's nothing much, just my way of saying thanks." I could smell the rich chocolate before I even opened the box. Inside was a huge chocolate fudge cake. From the rough peaks in the chocolate topping, this was homemade.
"It looks divine. Did you make it yourself?" Where did she have the time?
"No, Edward did. I just watched." I looked at him in surprise. I knew he could cook, but this was different.
"Thanks, both of you. I'll start serving dinner." Everyone followed me into the kitchen. I noticed Emmett hovering by Rosalie who needed a cane to help her stay upright. I smiled to myself, Emmett was smitten. She was nothing like his usual bimbos.
Dinner was a success as everyone ate and talked. The laughter that surrounded us made it feel as if time stood still, just in this room. I caught Edward's eyes and blushed as I cleared plates from the table to put into the sink.
"Thanks." He mouthed as he watched Emmett flirt with his sister. It looked like Alice was right in inviting him. I loved my brother, but he was such a child sometimes it got embarrassing. His easy going manner was obviously helping Rosalie forget her trouble, if just for the night.
"Bella." Rosalie's voice shook my thoughts away. "Could you help me to the bathroom please?"
"Of course." I had a feeling I was going to get the 'sister talk' that I'd given plenty of times myself. She held onto my arms as I led her up the stairs. I sat on the top step as I waited for her to finish up. When she came out, she sat next to me.
"I just wanted to thank you for this evening. It's been nice to be me again."
"Don't mention it. It was actually Alice's idea."
"I know, but it's because of you that I don't feel like just a survivor, your food and brother have helped me feel like a person again. A woman." She blushed slightly at the mention of Emmett. She was truly beautiful, even with the pallor that her treatment had given her. The scarf she wore to cover her hairless head was the richest red silk I had ever seen and brought colour to her cheeks.
"It was just food and a stern talking to." I laughed. "I'm glad you're enjoying yourself." She took my hand in her own.
"Edward had talked about you so much, I feel as if I already know you."
"He does?"
"I don't think he realises exactly how much he does it. I wanted to thank you for giving him something to think about other than worrying about me. He's excited about this ad campaign you got him involved in. The picture is beautiful. I want you to know that I've never seen him like this before. I mean, he's had girlfriends before, but they were only passing flings. I think he's falling for you.
"B-but we've only known each other a few days." I was gobsmacked.
"Love doesn't follow the same rules." She looked at me wisely. "I can see the same look in your eyes that I see in his." She stood up to make her way to join the others. "I would just ask you to always be honest with him."
"I-I-I will." I smiled gently. "Is the part where you tell me not to hurt him or you'll hunt me down?" She threw her head back and laughed.
"Something like that. How many times have you given that speech?"
"A few." We made our way back downstairs laughing. Edward looked at Rosalie laughing with a far away smile on his face. I went to get my camera while Alice served desert. I snapped a few pictures of Jazz and Alice being all couple-y as always. I managed to get some of Emmett and Rosalie looking nervous and flirty. I even got one of Edward roaring with laughter at something Emmett said.
The night seemed to end all too soon, but everyone could see that Rosalie was getting tired and was trying to keep herself awake.
"Come on Rose, I'll get you home." Edward's voice was gentle as he helped her to her feet. "Thanks guys for a great evening. It's our turn next time. I work as a chef and Bella's meal put me to shame." He smiled his crooked smile at me, my heart stuttered.
"Oh dear. I don't think you've seen competitive Edward. He hates being outdone by anyone." Rosalie smiled at her brother before giving me a tender hug. "Thank you. I'll see you soon?"
"Of course, you can't get rid of us that easily." Emmett had to bend to give her a long hug, which was so unlike any of his bone crushers that he usually blessed me and Alice with. Rosalie laughed as she got hugs off Jazz and Alice before letting Edward lead her to a waiting cab.
"That went well." Alice jumped up and down, clapping her hands. "Emmett's in love with Rosalie, and Edward couldn't keep his eyes off you all night." There was a sparkle in her eyes. "I think that's the first time he hasn't had to watch his sister every minute thanks to Emmett here."
"I'm-er…Love?" I'd never seen Emmett lost for words before. Alice, Jasper and I laughed at him as we headed to our respective rooms, leaving him stood in the hallway, a goofy look on his face.