A/N Stephenie Meyer owns Twilight and these characters.
Chapter 10: Figuring Things Out
We sat in a small booth in "The Violin's Strings" surrounded by happy patrons. The luchtime rush had hit and various waiters and waitresses were flitting from kitchen to table in a hurried state. I sat opposite my nosy brother who had refused to stop peppering me with question since we left the park. We were thankfully interrupted by a waitress. I ordered a simple mayo and turkey bagel whereas my glutonious brother asked for half the menu. To say the waitress left stunned would be an understatement.
"So who is she?" Emmett was never subtle.
"She's..." I stumbled, flustered over our non-existent relationship. "A mystery" I finally ended after being left helpless. I thought about all our brief meetings and there probable irrelevance to her. She probably thought of me as an annoying older man bothering her. A nuisance. But I couldn't stay away from her.
"Can I at least get the name of the girl?" Emmett grinned, enjoying my discomfort.
"Bella" I said reverently.
"Bella" he repeated uncertainly. "So how did you meet?"
That's when my story began and I retold him every single detail, from her cryptic statements to her flirtish smiles. Emmett nodded along only interupting with the odd comment. I finished by divulging our last encounter of when she slippped into the taxi, my jacket draped over her tiny frame.
"Talk about whiplash, huh" he stated in disbelief.
"Your telling me" I agreed. By this time the waitress had laid our food on the table and we begun to eat in silence as we both began to think about my predicament and its resolution.
"So, what are you going to do about Seth?" Emmett asked while shovelling lentil soup into his mouth.
"He's obviously more to her than she thinks?"
"Even it's only one-sided and not reciprocated, he's still involved in her life" he added. "The harsh truths of unrequited love"
"She's just so perplexing" I felt so exasperated by this situation. Finally I had found her and she wants to run a mile from me, giving me no answers and no signals.
"You have her number right?"
"Yeah, but what diference does that make when she dosen't want to hear from me and is likely not to answer" I answered incredulously.
"Well, what else do you know about her?"
"She sweet, gorgeous, witty-" I started but was quickly cut off by Emmett grin. "What" I asked impatiently.
"Hook, line and sinker" he declared simply. "Look, I know you might not want to hear this at the moment, but maybe you should back off from her, let her come to you" Emmett adviced, pulling out his wallet. "I just think think this twenty year old girl is confused about a tough situation between you, Seth and her parents death" he emphasised her age to signify her immaturity, but I knew better.
"Emmett, it's not that simple" I was reminded of the predictions. "I just know, she's important" I helplessly explained to him. He looked cynical to my vague attempt to justify my actions.
"It is though, Ed" he persuaded me. He began picking up his coat and shrugged into it. He stood and studied me. He hoisted his gearbag over his muscular shoulder and headed for the door. He left me with only one piece of advice.
"If you really like her" he struggled to say 'like' but continued. "You'll find a way" he ended confidently with an encouraging smile.
"I'll see you at tomorrow's dinner" he left with a wave.
I sat at the restaurant comtemplating my options, gaining little relief or insight from my brother. I was left with few options.
One, I could distant myself from her completely and try forget about this week and Garrett's list. Sure, I could continue to advise Seth but remain indeferent to his personal life and only have little contact with him. That would be painful.
Two, I could slowly try infiltrate my way into Bella's complicated life hoping that it would resolve itself by itself. This could also end badly as she was extremely stubborn and defensive.
Finally, I could plot my way into her life. She could see it and our potential future surely. I just need a plan to try and invade my way in. Ideas began to fill my head and one stood out from the rest. I pulled my phone from my pocket and began to dial the number that may lead to my faith. I held the phone up to my ear waiting for a reply. It came quickly.
"Hello" said a breathless voice.
"Hey Seth, its Edward Cullen from 'The Inner World'' I reintroduced myself remaining polite.
"I know, I know" he responded quickly "I'm so glad to hear from you, I was hoping you would get a chance to take a look at a few picture or ideas I had in reference to the latest issue"
"Sure, exactly I was thinking we could meet up early next week" I suggested.
"Perfect, I just need to make sure that Marie is free" he replied hopefully."
"Marie, sure she's welcome" I said trying to remain calm as my plan began to form without little encouragement.
"I'm positive lunchtime on Monday will be free, so how about the same place as last time" he proposed.
I couldn't belive what I was about to do but what one does for love is sometimes unthinkable.
"Actually it's my birthday next Thursday and I'm having a get together at a bar for it. Your welcome to come. Maybe something more relaxed than another meeting" I implied hoping he would take the bait.
"Really, we'd love to come" I cringed at 'we'.
"Great" I answered forcefully, my mind reeling at the thought of seeing Bella again. It would be easier relaxed atmosphere. Maybe we might even ditch early. "Goodbye then"
"Okay, I'll see you then!'
I ended the call and felt more settled now I knew I would see Bella soon. Is stood and left the restaurant and headed for my apartment. Now I would just have to battle through dinner with my parents. They would be mystified at my new found social life but Cullens alway enjoyed a party.
Maybe I could avoid the dinner if I played my cards right with another simple phone call My phone still in handed, I began to dial again this time with a little less confidence and bracing myself for my mothers wrath.
"Edward, darling" my mother is probably jubliant to see my caller id. "It's so good to hear from you"
"I know, it is" I agreed honestly, yet she must have notice the hesitation in my voice and sensed my fear. A mother's instinct.
"You're not cancelling tommorrow, dear" she demanded, her voice gone from sugary-sweet to 'don't-mess-with-me-or-else"'
"Mom" i started knowing that it was her weakness. "but, there is a consolation prize for my my busy Sunday evening"
"And what is it?" she asked irked
"I'm having a get together for my birthday on Thursday" I answered hoping this would resolve the crisis. I heard a little gasp at my excuse.
"Oh Edward, really, I must start planning straightaway for this. I can't believe your only telling me now. Thursday. Well I settle everything and you just have to show up" my mother began to ramble and plan. I sighed with relif that things were fally into place easier than I had anticapated. She quickly said goodbye without and complaint. Before i i put my phone away I notice the message icon blinking in the corner and opened it quickly.
It was from Bella.
I know what you're up to ~ B