Edward was already waiting for me downstairs, leaning against the railings. He smiled indulgently at me, and then held out his hand, which was holding a paper cup of what I assumed is coffee.
I smiled in return.
I continued down the stairs quickly, while still being mindful of the steps.
"Hey," I said, smiling as I approached Edward.
"Hi," Edward replied, handing out the cup to me.
I thankfully get it from him, and took a sip. I looked up to Edward and see that he was looking at me.
I averted my eyes and looked around us. From the corner of my eye, I see Edward take a sip from his own cup before looking at me again.
"So," he started, "shall we go?"
"Yeah, sure." I said, steering us to the right direction, "This way."
We mostly walked in silence, although Edward would occasionally ask me random stuff about our surroundings.
After a few more minutes of walking, we have finally arrived at the Museum of Modern Art.
By lunchtime, Edward and I were done with the tour of the museum and were both starving. We've both decided to go to the Halal Guys, opting to give Edward the complete New York experience.
We were just standing in line, waiting to have our orders taken. The crowd is a bit busy, given that it is lunchtime.
"I can't believe I actually saw Van Gogh's The Starry Night in person." Edward said, his eyes held awe in them.
"Yeah, me too." I agreed, nodding. "It was beautiful."
"Sure was," Edward said, grinning at me, "Bella, thank you for accompanying me today. It means so much." He continued.
I looked at him, and smiled.
"It's nothing, Edward." I said.
"Well, I had a really great time." Edward continued, looking happy.
"Me too-"
"Bella!"
I was startled to hear my name and paused for a second before I turned to the direction I thought I heard it from, and I was totally not expecting to see who called me.
"Hi, Paul." I said, my voice slightly shaking.
"Bella, I thought that was you." Paul nodded, walking over to us.
I forced a smile to my lips, not really wanting to be in this situation right now.
"So, uhm…" I stammered, trying to find something to talk about.
"What are you doing here?" Paul asked, beating me to it. I noticed how his eyes kept on darting over to where Edward stood beside me.
"Oh, this is Edward Cullen," I said, gesturing to Edward, "a friend from home."
"Hi, I'm Paul Lahote, Bella's friend." Paul said while extending his hand to Edward for a handshake.
"Nice to meet you, Paul." Edward said, grasping Paul's hand, his voice slightly cold.
I looked at them while they stare each other down. I noticed how their grips on the other's hand have tightened, but it seems no one is backing down.
I cleared my throat, and the two of them snapped out of whatever it is they were having and looked at me.
"Uhm," I started, "It's our turn to order, Edward." I said, tilting my head to the cart.
"Well, then. I better get going." Paul said, looking at me.
Yes, go.
"Nice to see you, Bella." Paul said, "And Edward." He continued after a beat.
"Likewise," Edward said, although given by his expression, it really wasn't.
Paul was just about to turn his back to us to leave, when he faced us again. I caught the glimpse in his eye and I just knew.
"We're still on for tomorrow night, Bella?" Paul asked, looking smug.
"Yeah," I muttered under my breath, looking at the ground.
"Do you want me to pick you up?" Paul inquired, sounding hopeful.
I looked up at him sharply. What are you playing at, Paul?
I narrowed my eyes slightly before answering.
"No, I'll meet you there." I said, looking at him.
"Well," Paul shrugged, "there's always a next time." He said, winking and smirking at me.
Oh, I want to slap that smirk off of his face.
Edward quietly cleared his throat beside me and Paul looked at him, giving him a conceited smile.
"I should really get going now," Paul said, looking triumphant, "Bye, guys." He said before turning on his heel and walking to the opposite direction.
"Bye," I whispered to his back.
I slowly looked up to Edward to find him already looking at me.
"What?" I asked him, wondering why he's looking at me like that.
"Nothing," Edward said, shaking his head.
He turned abruptly and headed to the cart to place his order.
I think I heard him grumble asshole under his breath, but I wasn't so sure so I let it go.
I walked over to join him at the cart and place my order.
We mostly ate in silence, since I can sense that Paul's appearance has dampened Edward's mood. He hasn't said a word to me since then, and I tried not to pry.
After a few more moments, Edward cleared his throat and looked at me in the eyes.
"So, you're dating that Paul guy?" Edward asked brusquely.
"No," I said, looking down at my plate again.
"But you're going out tomorrow night." He insisted.
"It's just one date, Edward." I uttered, exasperated.
Edward took a deep breath and looked away from me. I bit my lip, looking for my words.
"Edward," I started, almost reaching out for his hand.
Edward looked to be deep in thought, his brows furrowing vaguely.
I don't get it at all. Edward seems upset over Paul, and it confuses me.
He has no right to feel that way, given he has Irina.
But given how he reacted, it seems as if what's between me and Paul is bothering him.
I was brought out of my musing when I heard a distinct sound of a phone ringing.
Edward fished his out of his pocket and looked at the screen. He looked at me briefly before going back to his phone.
"I have to take this." He told me before standing up and walking over to the corner of the restaurant.
I followed his movements, still contemplating what his problem was.
After a minute or two, he returned to our table, pocketing his phone before sitting down.
"That was Irina," he said distractedly, "just checking on things."
I nodded silently, not knowing what to say. My mind is a mess right now.
"Look, Bella," he began, "I'm sorry if I was out of line earlier."
"I just don't get it, Edward." I whispered. "You come here wanting to talk, but when we had the chance, we didn't really talk about the most important thing."
"I know, I'm sorry." Edward looked down at his plate, screwing his eyes shut.
"Stop apologizing." I snapped. Edward looked contrite, his brows furrowing further.
"You confuse me, Edward. You said you wanted closure, and that's why you wanted to talk, but I think we didn't get it." I remarked, feeling the adrenaline simmering in my stomach.
Edward was quiet for a few moments, looking as if he's stewing over what he's going to say next.
"Maybe," he whispered under his breath, "I don't want closure anymore."
AN: Thank you!