A/N: A big thanks to the beta bestie and awesome lexiecullen17 for being my very own Char.
Drkvctry and princessbella24: they rock with their kick ass reviews. So a huge Shout Out to them!!
Come by twitter to chat il_bel_mondo or check out the thread on the twilighted forums.
Whtchwmn75 was my 150th reviewer...YAY!!!!! so she'll get ch 11 before I post.
It all belongs to Stephenie Meyer :(
BPOV
Today had been an anomaly, and I was doing my best not to freak out. Today there had been some seriously weird shit happening; I couldn't explain any of it for the life of me. People had been bringing me 'treats' throughout the day, and I wanted to punch each of them in the mouth. It wasn't that I didn't appreciate their niceness...not at all. In fact, I had enjoyed many of my treats (mmm coffee cake)...but it was totally creepy.
And on top of all that weirdness, Edward would be in our dorm soon...close to or sitting on my bed. Lying in my bed. Oh my god, I really needed to get it together. I knew that Charlotte could see through me. She told me that she thought messing with my ipod was for "the greater good." Greater good my ass. And now, she was doing it again. I could only imagine the havoc she was trying to cause now.
"Paula Dean, unless you want me to shove a stick of butter up your southern ass...hands off my ipod," I said sternly but with a smile. I had to admit it was a little bit funny that she had found a song, aptly titled, 'Sex God,' as well as the forty other sexual songs. I had no idea where she found the time for it.
However, ipod thievery aside, Charlotte had done tons of research for the project and sorted everything out into neat little packets. I was formulating an extensive list of how Charlotte could possibly get everything done during the day when she broke out into laughter. Her loud guffaws bounced off the walls of the stairwell that led to our dorm room.
"Sugar, I thought if I helped get him into your head...you might make the effort to get him into your bed," she giggled, another burst of chuckles filling the echo friendly stairwell, before looking over her shoulder at me and winked.
"Well, well there, debutante. You're kinda dirty." I laughed along with her as images of 'Edward the Sex God' flashed through my mind in various states of undress just as we rounded the corner and opened the door on our floor.
"Oh my god, Charlotte," I said, stopping in my tracks completely. "Edward is coming here...and soon!" I could hear the panic creeping into my voice as she fiddled with the doorknob to let us into our room.
"Sugar, calm down. Just be your usual brash, mean, yet charming self," Charlotte drawled, a wicked grin spreading across her face. "It'll be okay. But...you might want to put your panties away." My face heated as she nodded towards the basket on the floor that held my clean laundry (my underwear resting on top). "Or..." she continued, "you could leave it out and give him a picture of what you've got on under those glorious vintage jeans."
With that, we fell on the bed, completely overcome with a case of teenage giggles, the kind that is shared with your BFF as you divulge all of your inner-most embarrassing moments. In the midst of our laughter, the ridiculousness of the events of today triggered some old memories I'd tried so hard to keep hidden. Suddenly, my snorting giggles turned to hiccups and choked sobs.
Without saying a word, Charlotte enveloped me with her arms and stroked the back of my head, calming me down. As my sobs became less frequent and my awkward, hitched breathing began to even out, there was a loud knock at our door. Great, Bella, you freaking drama queen...Edward's here, and you look like a hot mess!
Charlotte looked me over quickly, taking in my splotchy skin and puffed eyes, before leaning in and whispering to me, "Go freshen up in the bathroom, sugar, I'll get the door." Thank God for Charlotte. I smiled my appreciation at her as I slid off of my bed and trudged towards the restroom to clean up.
Once inside the tiled haven, I sat on the edge of the tub and tried as hard as I could to push my less than happy thoughts down deep. A few shallow breaths later, I stood, crossed to the sink, and washed my face, attempting to remove the salty tear streaks. My eyes rose to take in my reflection, and the image almost looked nothing like me. I smoothed the front of my clothes and tried (in vain) to reign in my wild hair.
After a final intake of breath, I turned the knob and opened the door to our room. I glanced around the room nervously and then did a double take. No Edward. Instead, sitting on our small table was a large vase of yellow and purple flowers. They were amazing, but they only added to the freakishness of the rest of the day. Looking at the gaudy display, I almost began to hyperventilate. You nerd, you don't even know if they're for you. Right, I do have a gorgeous, loving roomie who happens to have an adoring boyfriend. With those thoughts, the calming response kicked in -- the one I had learned in therapy -- I slowed my breathing to an even tempo.
"Wow, Char, those are really pretty," I gushed out as I tried to hide the panic from my voice. "Did Peter send those?" Charlotte's eyes stared down at the card, and her face looked anything but happy. In fact, she looked...confused. Why would she be confused?
"Bella, honey, they're for you," she said, pulling her eyes away from the card as her trembling fingers passed it over. "They really are wonderful, huh?" I raised my eyebrow at the forced tone of excitement in her voice.
I looked down at the card and read it over and over. What the hell was going on today? My inner voice usually sounded so sure. Where was that confidence now? I held on to the card and read it for the third time.
Bella, Everything means something and some things mean everything.
That was it. There was no signature, no anything. My mind was reeling, trying hard to decipher the cryptic, coded message. Is it even a message or just a cheesy line? My gut was adamant that it was definitely a message. I just needed to figure it out.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
ChPOV
Had I been wrong to encourage...no, help Alice in trying to get Edward and Bella together? It hadn't even occurred to me what the ramifications of sending her anonymous gifts would be. And I was now feeling a little bad about it. I never thought that it would trigger this kind response, though. Bella had, not even five minutes ago, been nestled in my arms...sobbing.
I answered the door to a delivery guy from the florist. He said that he was only told to deliver the flowers here for Bella. Coupled with her reaction to her earlier gifts, I had no idea how this would go over. Yesterday, Alice and I had gone over small gift ideas. We had both said nothing too extravagant or large. A simple breakfast and a few new tunes. Understated...very Bella.
I don't remember her saying anything about a ginormous flower arrangement, and I was most definitely going to need to speak to the tiny fairy...and soon.
From the corner of the room, Bella complimented the flowers, asking if Peter had sent them. I wondered briefly if I should lie and say yes, if only to prevent another breakdown. But as I stared at the note, I knew I needed to be honest. After the ex-roommate and crazy, stalker boyfriend story Bella told me, I vowed to be one-hundred percent truthful.
Keeping that promise, I handed her the card and waited tensely for the reaction. I only prayed that she wouldn't break into hysterics again. I really needed to speak with Alice and reroute our tactics. Bella stood there, card in hand, looking completely lost. Just as I was about to question her about it, there was another knock at the door. Later. We'll talk later.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
EPOV
I crossed the quad as time drew me closer to Bella's dorm. I had mentioned in passing to Alice that I thought of taking some food to the study session tonight. She had hurriedly excused herself telling me that she would talk to me later.
I had tried (unsuccessfully) to get her to share an update on the secret mission. She wouldn't budge, not telling me a damn thing. She had said it was indicative to the plan that I remain clueless. I was only to be charming towards Bella. Translation: don't be an over-aggressive, chauvinist asshole. Smooth, really?
Standing outside of the pizza joint we had last 'studied' at, my phone chirped with a new text. I looked down and laughed as I read the message. Sometimes my sister scares the shit outta me.
Edward, don't you dare remind of her of your last attempt to play nice...step away from the pizza place. -Al
I whipped my head around, searching for my twin in the crowd, but of course she wasn't there. Damn her for knowing what I was up to. Standing there, probably looking like a lost puppy, I tried to decide what else I could take over there. My phone pinged again. Right on time, you scary sprite.
Besides, I have it on good authority that Bella loves Chinese food. Kung Pao chicken and crab rangoon. Thank me later. -Al
I grinned down at my phone, almost believing that my sister could see my face. Of course, I already knew what thanking her later would mean--a large ridiculous gift. I made my way to the Chinese restaurant that was around the corner and place the order. So coffee cake and kung pao. Hmm. My inner voice smirked at yet another similarity between Bella's and my tastes.
Gathering up the food, I started the short walk across campus. As I approached Bella's dormitory, I tried my hardest not to groan. A few of the girls (like...six, actually) from my frat's sister sorority were blocking the path that led to the entryway into Bella's. Their faces were all painted up with a shit ton of makeup, and their smiles almost looked predatory.
I glanced from face to face quickly, only to be met with hopeful looks. I knew those looks. My God, really? They can't be serious. They're trying to corral me. It was like one of those old western movies, the ones where the cowboys--up on their horses--surround the cattle and drive them the way they want them to go. I might as well have been branded right then and there--because that was exactly what they were trying to do.
"Edward Cullen," a saccharine, sweet voice started. I didn't recognize her, per se, but the emblem on her lame pink cardigan...I did. Why couldn't our sister sorority be one of the down-to-earth, cool girl ones? Instead, we get the blond brigade of bimbos. "We," she paused waving her hand around the semi-circle road block, "heard that you're newly single."
Without pause, the girl to her right spoke up. "And since Pi Phi is your sister sorority," Don't remind me... "it's only rational to think you'd be asking one of us to Sigma Alpha Epsilon's invite next weekend." That girl didn't wait for my response, either, and I suddenly realized that they had rehearsed this. She nodded to the next girl in line, giving her the cue to take over.
"Edward, seriously, it wouldn't be right if you asked someone else. And since this is one function you can't skip..." She trailed off as she reminded me how much I disliked being in a fraternity and how I was obligated to attend the invite.
The fourth girl jumped in and added, "Especially since Tyler is no longer vice-president...and we all know who Em will get to fill his spot..." She smiled and nodded at me. I felt the heat rushing to my face as anger bubbled up in my chest. These chicks were seriously grating my nerves, and I needed to get to Bella. Yes...just think how Bella will react to eating cold-ass kung pao.
The fifth girl said something, but I totally blocked it out while listening to my inner voice, which was so kindly reminding me of the potential wrath of my dream girl. But I wasn't too concerned right now. She may have tried to be venom and piss and anger, but I had seen her sweet and caring and helpful to drunk chicks she didn't even know. I hoped she could potentially be like that with me. I heard the annoying fake giggles of the wranglers in front of me and waited for them to finish.
The last girl cleared her throat, drawing my eyes to her before she spoke her part in the act. "I mean, Eddie," I cringed at the nickname everyone knew I despised, "have you seen some of the homely, unattractive girls on campus this year? And when Emmett graduates and you're put in place as president, you have to have one of our girls on your arm," she cooed out, reaching to run her claws down my arm.
That was it, the straw that broke the camel's back. I had tried to be polite and listen to their little act, but I couldn't do it. "If you'll excuse me, ladies. I have a date," I said sweetly, nodding towards the groups of student dorms behind them. "She'll rip my head off if I bring her cold food." I held up the bag of food for them to see. Suddenly, their collective faces fell, and they turned to eye what wasn't Greek housing. I tried my very hardest not to grin. It came off as more of a smirk.
As I brushed past them, the fifth girl spoke up. "Edward Cullen, you can't be seriously dating some low-rent, regular girl!" I didn't bother to respond to her temper tantrum. My body relaxed with each step that brought me closer to Bella....and Charlotte. Don't fool yourself, Edward. This isn't a real date. Shut your face. I'll get a date...and when I do, Bella will be mine.
With thoughts of Bella floating around in my head, I almost didn't hear the chirp of my phone. I was only a few feet from her door when I got it, and I almost let it go unnoticed. But, I figured it might be Alice, so I stopped, placed the brown paper sack of food on the ground, and retrieved my phone. The alert was from an unknown number and there was no message, just a picture.
I opened up the picture and saw a snapshot of me carrying Bella across campus the other night. Taking a closer look, I saw Bella's face staring up at me adoringly, probably taken during one of the moments she was babbling incoherently. I wondered who would send this to me...who could send this to me. I was beginning to feel nervous, but I silenced my sub-conscious's questioning and attributed it to one of Ali's minions.
I forwarded the text to Ali, telling her that it was a nice shot and to thank whoever sent it. Then, I added that it was also a touch creepy and asked her minions to cease the paparazzi moments. I replaced my phone and made it to Bella's door. Charlotte quickly answered and looked surprised that I was there.
"Am I early?" I asked nervously. Her expression softened instantly. Her smile was bright, and I almost thought that I had imagined the shock previously gracing her face.
"No, sugar, not at all. Bella just received a huge bouquet of flowers, and I thought maybe it was another delivery." She winked and mouthed 'nice' as she stepped away from the door to let me in. I was tremendously confused. And then I saw it. A huge arrangement of yellow and purple flowers sat in the middle of the room.
I snapped a quick--and hopefully unnoticed-- picture of the flowers and sent it to Alice with a message. 'WTF, Ali? I thought we said no grand gestures!!!!'
I hurriedly closed my phone and turned towards Bella. Her face was splotchy, and she looked terribly upset. "Hey, Bella," I spoke softly, trying as hard as I could to remain cool and calm in her presence. "Those are some nice flowers. Who sent them?" As I spoke, she turned her attention to me and the bag in my hands.
Suddenly, her eyes went wide, and she threw her hands up in front of her. "Oh no, not another gift. Who asked you to bring me something?" She looked as mortified as I felt. How can she possibly think I would help someone else gain her affections?
Shaking my head, I raised the bag up in front of her. "What are you talking about? It's not a gift. No one sent it. I just thought we could eat while we studied," I rambled, hoping that my answers sounded reasonable.
Her face dropped and suddenly turned red with embarrassment. "Oh," was all she said as she crossed to the small table situated in front of the couch. She cleared off the clutter and then motioned for me to set the bag down. With Bella's back to me as she rearranged the clutter, I looked over to Charlotte, looking for some sort of guidance. Charlotte just shook her head no, and I left it alone.
"Edward, honey, why don't you have a seat on the couch?" Charlotte instructed me, leaning in close to Bella before whispering something into her ear. Bella nodded quickly and walked off into what I assumed was the bathroom.
Charlotte mouthed a quick 'sorry' as I sat, confused and unable to speak. Without saying a word, Charlotte set our packets and some reference books at the edge of the table in a neat little stack. Before I could offer up any help, she had already set a few paper plates, napkins, and silverware on the table. I tried to stand and verbally offer to help but, Charlotte wasn't having any of that.
She patted my knee, smiled, and told me to sit back down. Then, she looked towards the door that Bella had disappeared behind. "Be right back, Edward. Just sit right there," she said as she walked to the door and poked her head inside. I took advantage of her distraction and scoped out the room. It looked almost the same...but it was a bit different in the daylight.
As I was ogling, I saw Charlotte in my peripheral vision, and I knew I had been caught. I let out an embarrassed half-cough, half-laugh and shifted uncomfortably on the couch. Her eyes narrowed as an evil grin grin widened on her face. "Alright there peeping Tom, I'm gonna grab some sodas from the vending machine. What would you like?"
"I can get them, Char. It's not a problem." Easy there, bitch boy...why don't you offer to scrub their floors next? Alice said to be charming. Charming, yes. Waiter, no! I was so busy admonishing myself that I hadn't noticed that Charlotte crossed to the door.
"No way, sugar. You bought dinner. So we'll buy drinks. What's your pleasure? And if you say something smart, I'll smack that pretty face of yours." She winked to let me know she was joking and laughed at what I'm sure was my awed expression. Why do they always have to call me 'pretty' right before they threaten me bodily harm?
"Coke is fine...Dr. Pepper is better, if they have it," I said, stumbling through my words. My pulse quickened. Without Charlotte's presence, Bella and I would essentially be alone right now.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
BPOV
I stood in the bathroom, trying to calm down. My hands gripped the counter tightly. I had to will these thoughts of Mike away. I was tired of living in fear--that's why I had moved away from Florida in the first place (outside of my dad's impending divorce). I didn't want to be that fragile, breakable, scared Bella anymore. I had told my mom as much before she enrolled me in self defense classes and sent me to a therapist. Par for the course after being violently stalked for months, right?
I counted backwards from ten and forced my breathing to calm itself for the second time today. I decided then and there, just as I had in Florida, that I was finished being afraid. And with that thought engrained in my brain, I decided to give Edward a chance. He deserved as much, I figured. As long as he didn't behave like a neanderthal or an over zealous 'frat boy'...I would try not to be a spiteful bitch.
I fixed my make-up and turned to the door. There, watching me with curiosity written all over her face, was Charlotte. "Darlin', I'm going to grab some sodas from the machine. Try to not rip his head from his body, mmkay?" she commanded me.
I simply smiled. "I think I might actually give him a chance. I can't seem to shake him out of my head or my dreams. So, why not?" I answered while questioning myself.
Charlotte smiled a knowing smile and then left me to my thoughts. I heard her close to the door to our room as I emerged from my bathroom's safety. I tried not to let my breathing hitch. Sitting on my couch was Edward, my hypothetical 'sex god'. More than that, though, he looked like he belonged there. Lame, Bella. Stop referring to him as if he were a god-damned throw pillow! Right, got it.
I was suddenly very nervous. I felt my heartbeat quicken as a blush rose to my face. I wrung my hands together, only to find they were clammy and slick with sweat. Great. Then it only got worse because Edward was looking...no, staring at me. The deep intense green of his eyes flickered in the light, and I had a deep desire to run my hand along his cheek, just under those beautiful eyes.
Slow your roll, Swan. You've been a bitch to him since you met. I know, but all I want to do is curl into his body. Yeah, I'm sure that will go over well, crazy. Sorry I've been a bitch, but... hold me?!?!? Right. Understood.
"Hey," I spoke softly, afraid my desire for him was showing on my face.
"Hi, Bella. You hungry?" Edward's eyes went from me to the bag on the table.
"Depends on what you brought." Shit, that came out bitchier than I intended. To try and tone it down, I attempted a smile.
"Chinese food. I brought my favorites...since I didn't have your number to see what you wanted." He rushed out the last part nervously, and I knew that I needed to start from scratch with him.
I slid into the seat next to him and relaxed into the cushion, trying to look friendly. "I love Chinese," I smiled, hoping it appeared genuine. "Good choice. What did you order?" He looked excited as he opened the bag and pulled out a few containers, naming each as he set them on the table.
"This is sweet & sour chicken and this is fried rice...and white rice...I wasn't sure which you preferred." He sounded unsure of himself as he looked at me. I smiled and pointed to the container of steamed rice. I didn't know about eggs and rice *shudder*. He grinned back at me. "And these two boxes are kung pao chicken. It's my fav, so I bought an extra box."
I was sure I gasped audibly because suddenly Edward's eyes were on my face, and the unsure look was back on his. "That's my favorite, too. Oh my God. All that's missing is..." Before I could finish my sentence, he pulled out the wax paper baggie that held my other favorite, "crab rangoon."
I almost shrieked at the immediate appearance of my second beloved Chinese food...ever. "I mean, who could say no to sweet cream cheese and tender crab meat wrapped in phyllo dough that's fried crispy?"
Before Edward could respond to my rhetorical rant on the delicious Chinese food in front of us, Charlotte strode back into our room, hands full of soda cans. And Edward, being a gentleman, stood and took them off her hands. "Edward, sugar, thanks," she drawled out and shot me a mischievous look. "Since you're being so nice, I should probably tell you that I dropped your Dr. Pepper. You might wanna wait to open it."
"Thanks, Char," he smiled. "But I have to ask....accidentally or on purpose?" His head cocked to the side as he assessed her response.
Charlotte laughed her full girly laugh. "I plead the fifth." She held up her hands in denial. Edward cocked his head even further to the side before breaking into a beautiful grin. "Can you blame me?" Charlotte chuckled. "If it exploded, then Bella here could have offered to wash it for you, and we'd be studying you topless."
Edward raised his hand to his mouth and feigned shock. "Who knew a sweet southern girl could be such a sexist?" Both of them now erupting into loud guffaws. I was entranced by their easy conversation. Since when did they become friends? And where was I?
She playfully slapped his arm before he turned to sit back beside me. As his back was turned to her she gave me a thumbs up accompanied with a wide, excited smile. Uh-oh, wonder what she's got up her sleeve.
Fortunately, nothing happened right off. We all finished eating in relative silence, each of us enjoying the food. As we got towards the studying part of the evening, Charlotte started in.
"So, Edward, what other classes are you taking?" She tried sounding coy. It may have fooled Edward, but I knew she was up to something.
"I have a few other classes in English Lit. and a music self studies one." Music? Hmm. "Yes, Bella, music. I play piano, and this course allows me the freedom to compose at my own pace and turn in a recording with the sheet music to the professor," Edward responded. Oops. Apparently I voiced that thought out loud.
"I didn't mean...I mean, that sounds really great." Wow, I sounded like a tragic idiot. Charlotte made this fake coughing noise as she tried to cover her laughing at my expense.
"Sugar, maybe you could play for Bella one day?" she interjected into the already tense moment.
"Would you ever want to come hear me play, Bella?" A sly crooked grin slid into place leaving me stunned and unable to form words.
"Sure she would," Charlotte answered for me. "Now, Bella told me you're in a fraternity?" Oh God shoot me now...or strike me with lightning. Just save me. And then I wasn't the only one who looked uncomfortable. My eyes flicked to Edward, who had shifted in his seat next to me. "My Peter is in a fraternity," Charlotte continued sweetly, "And while most frat guys are arrogant, self-centered asses...he is not. So, Edward, maybe there is hope for you yet." I gupled. I had had no idea that Peter was a frat boy. Dear Lord, she must think I'm a judgemental bitch.
She took in my expression, quickly shook her head no, and grinned widely at me. Maybe Charlotte could read minds. Maybe I was just that transparent. Either way she knew and gave me her answer. Translation: No harm no foul. Thank you for small favors.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
EPOV
As the girls were having some sort of silent conversation, my phone chirped. I almost choked on the swig of soda I had just taken. It was from Alice, and it wasn't good news.
Edward, No one here took that picture. -Al
I had no idea how to deal with this or even what this meant. Should I tell Bella about it? No things are finally looking up with her!! Before I could make the decision on how to proceed, my phone pinged again.
Nor did I have anyone send flowers. I'll ask around....was there a card? -Al
My heartbeat became erratic as I started piecing things together. Someone else was interested in Bella...either that, or she was seeing someone else already. Fuck that, mine! The possessiveness was already evident in how I felt about Bella. In my opinion, neither one of those options was acceptable. As Bella stood and excused herself to the bathroom, I saw my opportunity.
"Charlotte, who sent the flowers?" I whispered. Her face paled.
"Didn't you?" she stammered out in hushed tones, fear creeping its way onto her face.
I shook my head no. "Was there a card?" I asked, trying hard not to sound tense. But her reaction and my gut were screaming things at me. And they were not good.
Charlotte stood and crossed to the flowers. She picked up a business card sized envelope and handed it to me. I slipped the card out and read the weird message printed on it. Hearing the water being turned on in the bathroom, I shoved the card back towards Charlotte. She replaced it just as I relayed the message to Alice in a text.
Bella came back out and smile sheepishly at me. "Bella, how would you like to split up the workload for the project?" I asked, trying to distract myself from playing twenty questions with her. I figured that interrogating her would only result in the return of 'Bitchy Bella,' and I had no desire to have that happen.
"Oh," Charlotte perked up at my question. She narrowed her eyes at me in warning not to say anything to Bella. "I copied a bunch of reference texts and split it up according to her life periods. I also made an overall packet for each of us to study from. If you'd like to do additional research or whatever...that's cool." Wow, Charlotte, is super organized.
Charlotte and Bella began talking about points each of them would cover and how they'd like to present. Bella obviously wanted to go first and get her section out of the way. I agreed, not really focused on the discussion. She would present Charlotte's work. Another chirp from my phone only soured my mood more.
Edward, Someone lied and told cab girl to deliver the flowers. They may be pretty but are not good news. -Al
I wanted to call her right there and demand that she tell me what the hell that meant, but if I did that, I would need to clue Bella into what was going on...not just the weird flowers and picture...but the whole secret operation. And there was no way I could do that right now. I needed more information before I told her. With the next phone ping, I wanted to hurl it into the wall. How much worse could it get?
Edward, You need to ask her about her past. Call me as soon as you leave. -Al
What the fuck was I going to do? I couldn't exactly blurt it out. Hey, Bella, I heard your ex was an ass. Since my conscience refuses to be okay with googling you...care to tell me all about whatever has you scared? Yeah, that'd go over brilliantly. First, I need to talk to Charlotte --since she knew about everything-- and she could tell me what to do. As I looked to Charlotte, I could feel the worry and tension as it knotted my muscles and made me feel ill.
She caught my look and diverted quickly, throwing me a loop in the process. "Edward, what frat are you in?" I almost growled. Leave it to Charlotte to keep bringing up the one aspect of my life that Bella abhorred. Why? Why do you keep talking about the frat? She was supposed to be helping me out---at least I think she was. At least, she had been giving me sideways glances and thumbs up all night.
I answered quickly, not wanting to talk about it any longer, but her whole face lit up like a fucking Christmas tree. "Don't y'all have a little party or something coming up?" Oh, she's good. I would never doubt the master again.
"Yeah, Char, we have our formal invite coming up next weekend. It should be fun." I tried hard to sound thrilled over the event.
"Hmm, next weekend?" I nodded, and I saw a plan formulating behind her eyes. "My Peter was in SAE. Can alumni attend?" she asked, the excitement in her tone now evident.
"Of course. We welcome the alumni to hang out with us anytime. Will he be in town next weekend?" I knew it was a dumb question as she had basically said as much.
"Perfect, and do you already have a date?" she asked but already knew the answer. As I shook my head no, her grin grew exponentially.
"I was actually going to ask Bella to be my date." I looked quickly away from Charlotte and brought my eyes to the beautiful girl beside me. Her face was a mixture of surprise, happiness (possibly), and a touch of hesitation. Bella didn't answer, though. She just sat there, her mouth opening and closing emitting no sound.
"Of course she'll go with you," Charlotte giggled, breaking the tense quiet. As I was paying attention to Bella, I hadn't seen her cross the room to the closet. "We can all go together!" she added, laughing and giddy over the situation. And damn me, everything clicked. Charlotte was almost as conniving and manipulative as Alice. God help us all if they teamed up for real. That woman had planned the whole evening's events. Minus the impromtu flowers from the unknown suitor.
"I d-d-don't know. The last one of those I went to was with Mike." As soon as that name fell from her lips, her body visibly tensed and her jaw clenched tightly. Bella diverted her eyes to studying the floor. From the other side of the room, Charlotte nodded her head, telling me silently this would be one of the few chances I would get to ask the question burning on the tip of my tongue.
"Who's Mike?" I asked innocently. It wasn't the exact question I needed to ask. I knew who he was, but I still didn't understand what had happened between them.
Bella never looked away from the floor and took a few deep breaths before she answered.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
BPOV
God, are you serious? I finally decided to give the guy a chance, and everything I thought I would have time to explain (in the distant future) had just opened up like a live can of snakes. I had two choices. One: I could spill my horrid ugly past and watch him run screaming from the room--or-- Two: I could give a blase explanation of who Mike was, and before questioning could commence, I could divert and accept his offer of a date.
I inhaled through my nose and exhaled slowly through the mouth. I couldn't look at him. Edward had this way about him that I knew would break my resolve. The floodgates would open, and I wasn't quite ready for a second round of that tonight. Option two it is, then.
"He's an ex that didn't take our break up too well," I glossed over before continuing on quickly. "So, Edward, what's the invite's theme?" I took another steadying breath, hoping that he would take the hint and allow me to divulge everything at my own pace. I barely looked at him through my lashes as I awaited either the onslaught of questions or details.
Please understand. "Um...well, it's called SAE Frost. Everything is winter themed." Smart boy, he went with the date. I gave him a weak smile. "Lame, I know. I hate these functions and would rather not go," he complained, my eyes growing wider each second. Edward looked seriously uncomfortable, but he recovered fast. "I mean...you're the only person I'd really want to be there with."
Looking at Edward, I felt terrible. God, I'd been such a bitch to him, and I broke him. He sat there, eyes filled with doubt and uncertainty. It was unsettling to see him like this. As much as I hated frat boys, I liked the cocky and sure of himself Edward. Where had the self assured smirk and the fire in his eyes gone?
I thought over my answer. I had committed to giving him a real chance. And once I committed to something, I did it all the way. That would mean accepting his invitation to the invite. In a previous life, I had been the quintessential girlfriend to a guy who lived and breathed his fraternity. And even though I was no longer someone's girlfriend *cringe* I knew I hadn't reacted the way I should have to Edward's invitation.
Put your big girl panties on, bitch. It's time to act right. I don't even know if I can do that anymore. Can, what? Act like a grateful girl who just got asked out by the guy she's been fantasizing about? Bitch please! Finally, I allowed the undercurrent of excitement to flow in, rolling through my body in heavy waves.
The face aching smile that formed at the mere thought of being Edward's date claimed its spot on my lips. "Great, Edward, I would only want to go with you, too. But I have to go shopping. When is it? Friday or Saturday? Shit, I'm sorry it's been so long since I did this...any of it." I sputtered about aimlessly as I thought of the last 'date' I had been on. It was a long time ago.
The luau beach party that Mike's frat had thrown right before I broke up with him was bananas. Suddenly unsure of myself, I needed to make sure that 'invite' in Jacksonville meant the same thing in Seattle. "What does SAE's invites consist of? Just to refresh my memory."
With that question, the crooked grin that he'd worn that first night at the Blue Moon was back and in full force. "It...well...it starts with me picking you up for dinner." Edward cocked his head and looked...I mean, really looked at me. Instantly, my panties were wet and internal screams of how my body reacted to him sounded through my skull.
"Then, just imagine your high school prom only with more alcohol and dance floor groping," he laughed, although it sounded strained. I tried to hold back a giggle at his look of discomfort as he realized what he had just said. "I mean, not that I'd be groping you on the dance floor...," he backtracked, "I mean, not that I wouldn't want to or...what I meant was...shit, never mind." I was mesmerized and couldn't look away. His awkwardness made him all the more endearing, but the loud rustling that was coming from the closet tore my attention away from him. But, lord, how I wanted him to grope, molest, and assault me on the dance floor.
Back at the closet, Charlotte emerged holding...Oh fuck no! In her hands was the mysterious white garment bag. "Bella, you don't need to go shopping. We have everything we need right here," she stated as she patted the plastic bag before shimmying it in the air.
"What's in the bag?" I had wanted to ask, but the voice wasn't mine. It was deep and velvety and intoxicating. And before I could stop myself, I answered him.
"It's a surprise," I stated. He eyed me skeptically. "Really, I don't even know what's in that bag." I threw my head in the direction of Charlotte and the mystery zipped behind the white plastic.
"And neither of you will know until Saturday," Charlotte drawled out all sweet and innocent. Innocent my ass, she's a damn dirty devil.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Charlotte divied up the rest of the workload, explaining that both Edward and I were stubborn as mules, and that she would take lead. That way she could 'parent' our behavior. God love her. Charlotte was fabulous even when she was being a bitch.
When we were finished, Edward helped us clear the remnants of dinner (because apparently he's actually a gentleman) before gathering up all of his stuff to leave. As I led him to the door, he leaned in so close to me that I could smell him. His scent was intoxicating. Layers of sex and ecstasy and man. It had to be the pheromones because for the life of me, I couldn't place the elements of his entrancing scent. Suddenly, I was very aware of his lips, which lingered next to my cheek, very close to my ear.
"I left you my number on the table. And, Bella, I'll make you trust me. Please remember that I'm not him." I tried not to gasp at his voice's silent plea. But before I could respond, he was out the door, waving goodbye to Charlotte.
As the door closed, Charlotte erupted into a joyous bought of chuckles. I was positive that he could hear them from the hallway. The door was not that thick. And the 'sex god' would have to be deaf not to.
"Sssh, he'll hear you," I groaned, and she toned it down luckily. "I need a drink. And you..." I said, pointing adamantly at her, "You will tell me what's in that bag."
Charlotte grinned evilly at me. "Puh-lease, sugar. You will do this my way. That way you won't freak out and ruin this all." She placed her hand on her hip as she slung the bag over her shoulder, blocking me from getting to it. "Give me five minutes, and we'll grab a drink. Where do you want to go?"
Without thinking, the words left my mouth. Jesus, my filter must be on the fritz tonight. "Alice told me that Jasper runs that bar we were at the other night. They'd like me to come back." I laughed, embarrassed by my admission. "Since, I need to get over being in front of people, I might as well do it there...and drunk."
"Alright then, darlin'." She sauntered back towards the closet to choose this evenings wardrobe choices.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~
EPOV
I texted Alice as I left Bella's dorm and let her know I was on my way home. I was still riding high on the fact that Bella had said yes. Bella's going out with me! Nothing else entered my mind other than telling Alice. My phone chirped in my hand, merely seconds later. Alice responded to my text as if she was waiting by her phone, saying that she'd meet me at the apartment.
I walked throughout the quad, still on cloud 9. I was so happy that I barely noticed the gaggle of Pi Phi girls glaring at me. I smiled at them before turning and heading towards my place. Five minutes later, I had comprised a list of things I needed to know and to get done. First, I needed to get all of the details on the invite from Emmett. Then I would know exactly what I'd need to get.
Funny thing was...even when I was with Tanya, I was never excited to go to one of these functions. I did them because they were mandatory. But this was the first date that I couldn't wait for. I mean, I was amped and thrilled and a hundred other adjectives. As the anticipation built, so did my excitement.
But, Alice, my dear, sweet, evil twin ruined it for me not even two steps into the door.
"Edward, this is terrible! What crazy shit is going on?" she hollered at me.
"What are you talking about, Ali? It's not terrible. She said yes." What the fuck was her problem? Wasn't that the goal of the whole damned ordeal? "She. Said. Yes." I repeated slower, enunciating every word as I placed my hands on her shoulders to keep her still.
Alice's eyes narrowed and then widened as understanding finally hit her. "That's great. I'm so happy for you, Edward," she smiled sweetly. Then, just as suddenly the cheery fairy was replaced with the angry pixie. "So she'll be with you on Saturday?" I nodded, completely unaware of where she was heading.
"I'll have to make sure that someone keeps an eye on her at all times. Just until I figure this shit out and rectify it." Her tone was filled with malice. There was practically steam coming out of her ears. She was seriously pissed.
"Hold on, Ali, what the hell are you talking about?" I'm confused." The irritation over my twin's frantic behavior had me worried.
"This is what I'm talking about," she yelled as she handed me two printouts. They were the two pictures I had texted her earlier. With the excitement over Bella, I had forgotten of her possible other admirer. "I asked everyone who helped today," she scowled. "None of them took or sent the picture. As for the flowers, I went to the florist that Tricia had been sent to and showed them the picture." She paused to catch her breath.
When Alice was upset or excited, everything came out in one long gush. "Ali, slow down and tell me what they said," I commanded from her, desperate to know what had her twisted up like this.
"The florist recognized the arrangement instantly. He thought it was weird someone would request those flowers by name. Some people might do it by seeing them because they all go well together, but never by name." She stopped again as she waited. Waited for what? She wants you to ask. She doesn't want to say it unless you want to know. Umm, you realize it's probably really bad, then, right? In true Alice fashion, she was trying to protect me, even though she knew I would ask.
"Why never by name, Ali? Did he tell you?" I crossed the rest of the way into our living room and took a seat on the couch. I looked up into her worried eyes as they turned fierce. Shit, I knew that look. Whoever was responsible for whatever this was, would pay. What had she said when I first got here? 'Figure this shit out and rectify it.' I had to know. There was no other option. "Alice, just tell me," I sighed.
She came closer, sitting on the cushion next to me. Her hand grazed the side of the picture in my hands. She pointed first at the large yellow flowers that resembled sunflowers, only they were entirely yellow. "These are yellow chrysanthemums." She looked over to me. "He said they mean secret admirer." Okay, so I had some competition. No worries.
"These," she pointed to thin purple twigs, "are lavender." Lavender is good, right? It's in all that smell good shit. "He told me they mean distrust, Edward. And then, these are..." her finger landed on the bright purplish/pink blooms with a yellow center, "hold on, let me get the paper." She walked over to the notepad by the phone.
As she crossed back to me she spoke sadly and full of hesitation. "Those are rhododendron..." she took a deep breath before continuing, "Edward, they stand for beware." She situated herself next to me as she turned her knees to mine. "Did you ask her about her past?"
And there it was. Should I be patient and wait for Bella to feel comfortable and share it all with me, or have Alice tell me what she knew?
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
So what should Edward do?
Leave a girl a review and fill me in. Have you ever had to 'rectify' someone for someone else???
Want the next chapter in full before I post?? It'll go to reviewer 200 :)
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