A/N: Sorry about the extremely long wait. I've been real busy with school and One Act and I didn't have any time this week. But finally, today was a half-day and I wrote this chapter for you all! I hope you like it!
Stephenie Meyer owns all things Twilight.
BPOV
"Alice, please tell me that I'm an idiot." I grumbled, stabbing my spoon into the pint of ice cream in my lap. I had left work early today, after Edward hadn't shown up for the past three days. I decided that since he wasn't at work, what was the point of me being there? I spent my time with James, hanging out in my office. We had grown closer over the past few days after Edward and I ended our little "meetings." Okay, Edward didn't end them. I did, I thought to myself as Alice pondered my question.
"I'll say it. You're a fucking idiot, Bella!" Rosalie yelled from the kitchen, while she was waiting for the popcorn to finish popping in the microwave. I shoved a spoonful of Chunky Monkey in my mouth and chewed, a pout forming on my face. Alice grimaced and patted my hand.
"I'm going to have to go with Rose's opinion on this one, sweetie. Have you talked with him lately?"
"Not since Friday," I put my ice cream on the coffee table and curled up on the couch. My phone buzzed, spinning on the table next to my ice cream. Rosalie came in and plopped down next to me, placing the bowl of popcorn on my stomach. She picked up my phone and sighed.
"It's James. Again. How many times has he called today?"
"Eleven," I mumbled into the cushion. James took me "under his wing", as he said, and showed me the ropes around the office. He even took me out to lunch on Tuesday, which surprised me.
"Bella, you never actually gave us a reason on why you stopped macking with Edward. Spill," Rosalie said, shoving a handful of popcorn in her mouth. Alice rubbed my back comfortingly as I hunkered deeper into the couch.
"I was being distracted from my work, I didn't want anything to interfere with my new job." Alice's hand stilled and Rose snorted.
"Seriously, Bells. Even I know that's a load of crap." Rose munched on more popcorn as I groaned internally. I hated that these two were the only ones who could see through my lies and actually notice my insecurities. At times, it was a mixed blessing. I rolled over onto my back and stretched out, taking in a deep breath.
"I'm scared. Plain and simple. I'm scared of falling for him, which is a definite possibility. I don't to be hurt again," My throat tightened uncomfortably and I coughed, hiding a sob within it. All of a sudden, Rose and Alice were on top of me, comforting me.
"We don't want you to be hurt again either. It was horrible watching you after J-" Alice began, but I cut her off. Hearing his name would be too hard, making this situation even worse.
"Don't, don't say his name. You know what? I'm tired. I'm going to take a shower and then go to bed. I'm meeting James for breakfast in the morning and I want to get a good night's sleep." I forced myself into a sitting position and then got off the couch. Rosalie stared at me with guarded eyes, while Alice's glistened with tears. I have to get out of here before I break down, I thought quickly.
"We'll stop, Bella. Promise." Alice whispered, reaching out to me. I closed my eyes and shook my head.
"I'm real tired, Alice. Sorry," I mumbled and retreated like the coward I was. Once safely locked in the bathroom, I turned on the shower and crumpled to the floor, gut-wrenching sobs ripped out of me. I was too scared to admit my feelings and I knew that it would come back one day and haunt me. I guess today was the day.
EPOV
I growled when I heard the front door open and Emmett and Jasper shuffled in.
"Dude, this place reeks! Holy shit, what the hell happened to you?" Emmett exclaimed when he entered the living room. Jasper politely started to clean up the empty beer cans and pizza boxes that littered the floor. I was sprawled out on the couch, my shirt hung across the TV and my baggy sweats dirtied from pizza and other unknown substances.
"Bella. Bella happened to me and it fucking sucks, that's what." I grabbed the beer I had been drinking before they arrived and took a long pull from it. I let out a loud belch and crumpled the can in my hand, letting it fall to the ground. Jasper eyed me disapprovingly and kept cleaning.
"She dump you, bro? Why didn't you call? We could've done our Man Tradition!" Emmett smacked me upside the head and I kicked out at him. Jasper cleared his throat, holding the empty Chinese take-out container in one hand.
"I think he already beat us to it, Em. Jesus, Edward, you're one ripe son of a bitch." Emmett leaned down towards me and inhaled deeply. The look that appeared on his face was almost comical, and I was pretty sure that I would've laughed if I was in the right mood.
"Roll in your own shit, have you? Get in the shower now. This is no way to score chicks at a bar." I ignored my giant dumbass of a brother and turned over onto my stomach.
"What the hell?!" I yelled as I was picked up and slung over Emmett's shoulder. He carried me into the bathroom, dropped me in the shower and turned the water on, full-spray. I screamed loudly as the ice-cold water hit me square in the face. I scrambled to my feet and fought my way out of the shower. Emmett grunted and shoved me back in, coming in with me and held my arms by my sides. Jasper leaned against the sink, arms crossed on his chest, a smirk on his face. I glared at him through bloodshot eyes.
"I think it's time you sober up and go back to work. Rose said that she's been spending a lot of time with James and working overtime." Emmett said loudly and began scrubbing my chest with the bar of soap on the shower-hanger. My jaw clenched when he mentioned James' name. What the hell was she doing with him, anyway?
"Let go, you ass. I can wash myself." Emmett dropped his arms, but he still stayed in the shower.
"Dude, Bella's got you all worked up, hasn't she? Do you have something for her?" Jasper said from the counter. I looked over at him, water dripping from my face. He nodded and left the bathroom. I had known Jasper long enough that I didn't even have to tell him anything, he just knew.
"Will you leave now? I think I can handle this on my own." I turned around to face Emmett.
"I will, if you promise to go back to work tomorrow." I closed my eyes and tilted my head back.
"Fine."
"Good. Don't forget to wash behind your ears," He said as he stepped out of the shower and wrapped a towel around himself.
Emmett and Jasper stayed and watched some football with me, but I didn't pay attention at all. My mind was more focused on Bella. When they finally left, I continued to sit on the couch, staring at the blank TV. I stayed there until the sun began to shine in my windows, and then had to fulfill Emmett's promise.
BPOV
I adjusted my skirt and ran my fingers through my hair, tousling it even more than what Alice had made it. Both Alice and Rosalie had squealed with utter joy when I told them my plan this morning. As I climbed out of my car, I made sure I unbuttoned one more button on my blouse and hiked up my skirt even more. I stumbled in my stilettos while walking to the other side of my car to grab the bag of bagels I had stopped to buy on my way to work. I checked the parking lot, noticing that James' car wasn't there yet. Perfect, gives me enough time to set up. I hurried in, setting the bagels on his desk. I put my briefcase and other set of clothes behind my desk and placed myself strategically on his desk. I felt kind of stupid, sitting in an empty office building. I began to doodle on a piece of paper and quickly straightened when I heard the front door open. James shuffled in tiredly, but instantly perked up when he saw me.
"Shit, Bella. Give a man a head's up before you do something like this," He placed a hand on his chest as he staggered backwards dramatically. Deciding to play along with his 'fantasy', I leaned forward and batted my eyes. I mustered up the most sultry voice I could manage and James' mouth hung open.
"I'm sorry, James. But I have something that will make you feel better," I motioned with my finger and he was at my side in an instant.
"Really?"
"Really. How would you like a bite of a hot, warm, fresh…bagel?" I dangled the bagel from my other finger, a grin splayed across my face. James' stared at me, stunned and then he began to laugh. He bit into the bagel and chewed with his mouth open, something he had learned annoyed the crap out of me. He kissed my cheek and I noticed that his shirt was unbuttoned and his tie was screwed up.
"Did you dress yourself in the dark or what? Here, let me fix your shirt," I pushed him back and undid his tie. He moved closer when I tugged on his tie. I felt his breath fan across my cheek and I could smell his cologne. Neither of us heard the door open or anyone walk in. But we did hear the loud clearing of a throat.
"Am I interrupting something?"
Edward.
EPOV
I had an odd feeling in the pit of my stomach the entire drive to work. It grew even more when I saw the only two cars in the entire parking lot were Bella's and James'. My stomach dropped to the floor when I saw Bella undressing James' on his desk. My heart shattered as I cleared my throat, which was tight with emotion.
"Am I interrupting something?" James jumped back from Bella and her eyes grew wide. I quickly took in her appearance and the shattered pieces of my heart disinagreted and blew away. She wasn't undressing him, she was dressing him. Just look at her, sex hair and everything! Didn't take her that long to find someone new…
"Edward!" Bella gasped, her voice deep and raspy. If I wasn't so devastated, I would've been extremely turned on.
"Shit," James muttered repeatedly as he rubbed his hands over his face.
"I can explain," Bella slid off the desk and stumbled. James didn't notice and I acted on instincts. I gathered her in my arms and we both stiffened. She feels so damn good…
"Sorry about that," She whispered and buttoned up her shirt.
"Can I talk to you in my office?" I said as coolly as possible, but I was positive that my voice was shaking. Bella nodded and I followed, shutting the door behind us.
"Edward, it wasn't what you think. James and I aren't together, I promise you- I cut her off by hauling her against me. She let out a startled squeal when I crushed my mouth to hers. Hearing her words released something in me and I couldn't stand not having her in my arms. I felt her wrap her arms around my neck, pulling me closer to her. I picked her up, carried her to the couches and fell on top of her. I broke the kiss and buried my face in her neck, breathing heavily. Her hands tunneled in my hair and she panted loud in my ear. Relief flowed through me that Bella and James weren't together and my heart began to mend.
"What was that all about?" She gasped, kissing my cheek. I shook my head and blurted out,
"I'd like you to come with me and meet my parents this weekend. Emmett said he was going to bring Rose along." Bella was quiet and I felt stupid.
"Yes…?" Oh shit, she wasn't supposed to say that. I climbed off of her and went to my desk. Bella continued to lie on the couch, which gave me time to send Emmett a quick text message.
"Dude, take Rose to M & D's this weekend. Told B she'd be there. Sry. Edward." The phone vibrated in my hand and I flipped it open.
"Fine. P.S. I hate you so much."
BPOV
I waited at my apartment door Saturday morning, my overnight bag tight in my hands. Edward and I had returned back to our normal routine the entire week after the 'misunderstanding'. He called me last night to tell me that he would be at my apartment at quarter to nine, which didn't make me all too excited. A knock on my door jerked me out of my reverie and I answered it. Edward stood there, looking perky and exquisite.
"Morning, Bella. Ready for the drive?" He took my bag out of my hand and began walking down the hallway. Emmett had picked up Rose last night and brought her to his parents' house. I didn't question it; I was just happy Edward was talking to me again.
"How long is it?"
"Oh, long enough."
"Where do your parents live?" I asked as I got myself settled in the car. Edward slid in and started the car. He handed me a cup of coffee, made exactly how I liked it.
"A little place called Forks, a couple hours out of Seattle." I choked on my coffee, scalding my lips with burning hot liquid. Edward looked startled at my reaction, but continued driving. Internally, I was a mess. I vowed years ago I would never set foot back in that town, but here I was. I just hoped what I had left behind was no longer there.
Hooray for a long chapter! CLIFFY! Please review because you love me! Next chapter up tomorrow, and I actually mean it this time...really. I do.