Chapter Ten – Treacherous

BPOV

I'm more than a little shaken after my run in with Edward's wife. For the life of me I can't seem to figure out what exactly it is I could have done to offend her. Rosalie always referred to her as a bitch, but given her recent misinformation involving Edward and his looks, I didn't take much stock in her opinions of people anymore.

Jacob tries his best to resurrect our evening out after its disastrous beginning. I do my best to remain attentive, laughing where appropriate and interjecting with personal anecdotes as necessary. No matter how much I try to enjoy myself though, I'm acutely aware of his eyes on me from across the room. I still can't fathom why the universe would punish me tonight of all nights with his presence. He's untouchable, he's my boss, and most importantly, he's married. I'm trying to ignore the attraction I have for him and here he is, front and center. If I were a woman with weaker morals, I would think the world wanted me to say fuck it and take a stab at him.

I go against my better judgment and look over to where he's sitting. His wife is gone and I'm met with a pair of apologetic green eyes. I look for a beat longer than I should before I turn my attention back to my date. Jacob is the person I should be focused on, he didn't ask to take part in this train wreck after all. He's the safe choice, the smart decision and a great guy.

So why can't I get my mind of the wrong guy?

We finish our dinner and Jacob takes care of the check before helping me into my jacket and leading me out of the restaurant. I almost take one last glance at Edward's table, but think better of it. The drive back to my apartment is quiet, each of us lost in our individual thoughts. When we pull up outside my apartment Jacob, ever the gentlemen, comes around to open my door and help me out. I open my mouth to thank him when I'm safely on the sidewalk, but am cut off by the feel of his lips crushing into my own.

It's a gentle kiss. Not the searing, all consuming, lost in the throes of passion kiss you might see in a movie, but sweet and easy. It's safe.

He pulls back, holding both of my hands in his. I blink in surprise briefly, before dropping my head to look at the ground.

"I'm sorry for just going for it like that, but I had to try." Jacob sighs. "Can I be honest, Bella?"

"Of course," I say.

"I'm not going to lie to you, I'm insanely attracted to you and I honestly believe you and I could be great together." I can almost see the sadness in his eyes as he continues. "But, I don't think you're entirely on board with that idea. You might be the girl for me, but I'm just not the guy for you and that's okay. I don't want to waste your time trying to be him though."

"If I say it's not you, it's me does that make me really lame?" I mutter.

"No, Bells, it doesn't. I get it, really I do. If it's not right, it's not right."

I feel like dirt. Actually, I feel worse than dirt. Here I am with a man who's completely taken with me and I'm so dysfunctional that I can't even appreciate it. I'm almost surprised that Jacob's still standing here and not driving off into the sunset in search of a girl worthy of him. He's too nice for that tough.

"Well, I'm glad someone gets it, because I still don't," I sigh in defeat. Jacob chuckles and lifts my chin to meet his gaze.

"You're an amazing woman, Bella Swan, don't doubt that. I'm not Mr. Right though, but you'll find him," Jake says with a smile.

The problem being, I have found him, he just isn't available…

As if reading my thoughts, Jacob continues.

"I have a feeling I know who that lucky guy might be; it wasn't really hard to figure out after dinner. I would never judge you, Bella, but just promise me you'll be careful. I don't want you to get your heart broken, you deserve better than that."

Because of course Jacob Black would be able to figure out in one night what I haven't yet admitted to myself. Is it really worth denying anymore? I think on some subconscious level I knew the moment I met him. The attraction that started out as something purely physical had only grown since that day. It wasn't just his body that called to me; it was his smile, his spirit, his personality. Everything.

Somewhere along the way, I had fallen for Edward Masen.

"I don't think you have to worry about that anytime soon," I mutter. "Jacob, you've been amazing to me and I don't deserve it."

"Hey, stop talking like that. Everyone deserves to be treated well, okay? My mom used to say that there were some things in life you couldn't control and falling in love was at the top of that list. It'll work out, Bella; life is surprising like that sometimes. As for you and I, I'm more than happy being your friend for now."

"Thank you, Jacob. For everything," I say pulling him into a hug.

"Anytime, Swan. Don't be a stranger, okay?"

I watch Jacob drive off and take a deep breath, preparing myself for the inquisition I'll face from Alice once I walk in the door. What am I supposed to tell her? I had a wonderful time with an extremely considerate and thoughtful guy, but I'm too hung up on my married boss to appreciate that? Yeah, that'd go over well.

Luckily for me, Alice invited Jasper over shortly after I'd left and I find the two of them passed out on the couch when I come in. That'll hold off the questioning until at least morning, a fact I'm grateful for since I need to figure out exactly what I'll be telling her. I slip quietly to my room and close the door, fighting the urge to sink to the floor in defeat. I discard my dress in favor of my comfy college sweats and an old t-shirt. I switch off the light and crawl under the covers, wishing the darkness would just consume me altogether.

So I was finally able to woman up and admit that I had a thing for Edward. What did that change? Absolutely nothing.

He was still married to that god-awful woman and nothing I felt was going to change that. All this revelation could promise was heartbreak for one Isabella Marie Swan. If anyone will end up hurt from this mess, I had better believe it will be me. The smart thing to do would be to ignore my feelings until they went away on their own, but as Jacob had pointed out, that didn't seem to be happening anytime soon. Why must I be so self-destructive as to pine after the one man I can never have?

Thankfully, I've always been the "suffer in silence" type. The only acceptable plan of action for the time being is to push my feelings down as deep as possible and pretend nothing had changed. Obviously a relationship is entirely out of the question. Suddenly, Alice's advice of enjoying the view has taken on a whole new meaning. There's no rule that says Edward and I can't continue to be friends, no matter how much I might wish for more. I'm an intelligent, grown, strong woman. Why should I let something an inconsequential as some guy ruin that?

The next morning by some miracle I'm able to placate Alice by telling her that Jacob and I decided we were better off as friends for the time being. She starts to carry on, but something in my eyes catches Jasper's attention and he quiets her, distracting her with something else. I nod thankfully to him; Jasper's always been great at reading people like that.

On Monday, I don't see Edward until a few minutes before lunch. He strolls out of his office promptly at noon and is making his way to the elevator when he looks over to see me pulling a lunchbox out of my oversized bag. He looks at me in confusion, but waits a beat before he says anything.

"What no lunch with Jacob today?" He asks.

"No, we decided things weren't really going to work out for us," I mutter, keeping my eyes on my desk.

"Oh, I'm sorry to hear that, Bella. I got the feeling you really liked him," he frowns.

"It's okay, Edward."

"Bella?" He continues after a minute.

"Yeah?"

"I'm so sorry for Tanya's appalling behavior on Saturday. I couldn't even – it was so rude of her and I'm sorry you had to deal with it."

"Don't worry about it, Edward. It really wasn't your fault," I say with the best smile I can muster.

"Still, would you let me make it up to you? I'm sure you make a mean peanut butter and jelly," he says gesturing to my pathetic packed lunch. "But Addie, the waitress from the diner, has been asking about you and well, I'd love it if you'd come to lunch with me today. My treat."

"I'd like that, Edward," I reply. It's pointless to deny him when I'd only be hurting myself in the process. Because I like spending time with him and if lunches are all I'll ever have, that's enough for me.

It's amazing how quickly we fall back into our old routine. Returning to my daily lunches with Edward is like slipping into a comfortable old pair of jeans. Except for the fact that this particular pair of jeans is just out of reach of my closet. It's easy to laugh with Edward or Kate or Garrett or Rose over a turkey club at the diner. As easy a breathing. Why had I tried to deny myself this fact? It was all a wasted effort. I'd been happy since starting at Cullen Howarth, since meeting my new friends… since meeting Edward.

I was caught between a rock and a hard place as far as my feelings with him were concerned, but that was alright with me. As long as we could be friends, I could deal.

The weeks pass by in a blur of lunches, case notes, and filing. I start and finish my Christmas shopping in record time, covering everyone from Alice and Emmet to my parents; even managing to pick up a small gift for a certain green eyed employer. It seems like every aspect of my life is doing a perfect job at keeping me busy. Before I know it, the office is preparing to close for the holidays. When December 23rd rolls around, I find myself counting down the hours after lunch until it's time to pack up and go home. I feel like a little kid in school counting down to Christmas vacation.

"Got a minute?" Edward asks, snapping me from my thoughts.

"Sure, what's up?"

"Well, I have some news for you and I think you're going to like it," he says with a grin on his face.

"Alright, so what are you waiting for?" I laugh.

"Okay, well Carlisle has been in contact with Ms. Weber's therapist. She says that she's been making leaps and bounds in her recovery, which definitely has things looking up where the trial is concerned."

"Edward that's wonderful!" I say with a smile. I find myself thinking about Angela Weber from time to time. When I first met her, my heart was immediately broken for her. How anyone could survive what she'd been through and live to tell the tale was beyond me. But I saw something in her that day we spoke to one another. I saw a spark that, no matter how badly she was hurt, refused to go out. To hear that she was making the progress I knew she could was a relief.

"I know right? Here's the part I think you'll really enjoy though. Carlisle doesn't want to hinder her recovery any, so he's spoken with Angela and her family and they all agreed it would be best for us to fly out to Washington for a week or so after the holidays to continue preparing for the trial, interviewing family and friends and stuff like that. Since you're my assistant, you'd obviously be coming along," he says with a huge smile. I look at him in confusion, not quite getting where he's going with this. "Bella, you'd be going to Washington. You know, Washington, the state where your home town resides?"

"I could see my parents!" I nearly shout as the realization dawns on me.

"I was beginning to wonder if you'd ever connect the dots," he chuckles.

"This is great! Mom and Dad are going to flip when they find out!" I can barely hide my excitement, until I begin to think of what a time consuming matter the case will be. We're there to work after all, not visit the locals. "Are you sure we'll have time though?"

"Of course we will. We're guaranteed at least a few days of down time while we're there."

"Edward this is seriously the best Christmas present I could have ever gotten. I love my job!" I say laughing.

"Well, I'm glad I got to be the one to tell you then," he smiled. "I'm even more excited to hear the part about loving your job though. That means you won't be going anywhere for a while," he smiles.

"I wouldn't dream of it," I say. I know more than he does just how true that is. There's no place I'd rather be. I woke up almost every day now thankful that Rosalie called me that day. For what began as a throwaway job, it had quickly become my favorite place to be.

"Will I see you tomorrow night at the Christmas party?" Edward asks suddenly.

"Wouldn't miss it," I smile at him.

The next night, I find myself in front of my full-length mirror, adjusting my red sheath dress and hair. The Cullen Howarth Office Party was a longstanding Christmas Eve tradition and I wanted to look my best for my first one. Because let's be honest, I couldn't help but hope there would be more than one. I give my hair one last fluffing and decide that I'm as good as I'm going to get. I walk over to my bed and grab my black trench coat, pausing briefly to look out the window. It's been snowing all day and it only appears to be getting worse.

I step out into the living room and am met with a low whistle from Emmett.

"Looking good, Bells!" He smiles, coming over to twirl me in a circle.

"Emmett, stop. You're embarrassing me," I mutter.

"Don't be embarrassed, Bella. I didn't even get that much of a reaction out of him, so it must be true," Rosalie laughs.

"Please," Emmett says turning his attention to his fiancé. "You know how gorgeous you look, babe. I plan on showing you for the rest of the night when you get home."

"Ew! Okay, that's enough of that. You ready to go, Rose?" I ask shaking my head.

"You bet, Bella," she says with a smile. "What are you delinquents going to do while we're gone?"

"Jasper and Alice are out picking up some pizzas and movie. I swear, if it's one of those ridiculous chick flicks, I'm going to kill someone. I'm praying Jasper has the balls to say no."

Just then the door to the apartment opens and a disgruntled looking Jasper shuffles in covered from head to toe in snow. Alice bounces in behind him, seemingly unaffected by the weather. She stops to take a good look at me and nods in approval at my choice of outfit.

"What movie did you guys end up with?" Emmett asks cautiously.

"Accidental Love. It's this great new romantic comedy about—"

"I've heard all I need to hear," Emmett grumbles stomping to the couch.

"You think you're upset? I had to march through that—that blizzard for that thing! I'm from the south, we don't do blizzards," Jasper mutters. We all laugh as he shakes out his blonde hair, splashing snow all over the floor like a golden retriever. With a final warning from Alice to be careful in the snow, Rose and I make our way downstairs and hail a cab to the office.

The party is in full swing when we arrive. Garrett takes our coats and hands us each a glass of wine, ushering us over to where the rest of the employees are gathered around the many cubicles in the office's main room. Cheesy Christmas carols blast from a small radio off to the side of the room on a table filled with cookies and various other snacks. Edward finds his way to me and manages to convince me to join a game of charades they've started.

Everyone is in a good mood and there's a general sense of friendship in the air. Even Jessica turns to laugh with me from her seat perched on top of a desk as Garrett acts out his charade. I find myself feeling like a little kid again. We all get along very well, but being a law firm the office is always filled with seriousness and a slight tension. To see everyone gathered together and being themselves as opposed to lawyers and personnel is amazing.

An hour or so into the party, Carlisle announces that it's time to split up into twelve groups for the aptly named Twelve Days of Christmas Showdown. Kate grabs me and explains that as an office tradition, each group is assigned a number from the song The Twelve Days of Christmas. Whichever group sings, and or screams, their part the loudest wins a haphazard trophy and, most importantly, bragging rights for the rest of the year. I'm in a group with her, Jessica, Rose, and two other girls from HR, Lauren and Siobhan. We're given the line "seven swans a swimming," and while Jessica seems worried that our proximity to the end of the song will give the other groups an advantage, Kate remains confident that we can handle it.

The competition starts and we watch and laugh as each group leading up to us has their turn. When it comes time to deliver our own line of the song, we raise our voices as high as they'll go practically screaming out the words. We're clearly the loudest ones in the competition. None of the other groups can hold a candle to the power of five high female voices. The only group even remotely close to touching us is Edward's. He's been placed with Garrett and Sam. I must admit that for a small group, they really hold their own when it comes to "five golden rings." Garrett's voice rises above their in a ridiculous falsetto that almost bags the competition for them.

Almost, because we're declared the winners.

Carlisle calls our names at the end of the competition and from all the jumping up and down and screaming we do, you'd think we had just won an Academy Award. Kate and Rosalie slap a high five before turning to the boys and rubbing the win in their faces. I'm all smiles as I watch the exchange. The group of them acts like their own little family. I'm content to watch from afar when Kate calls to me, demanding that I join in on the gloating.

Suddenly, I don't feel like I'm watching from the outside. Somewhere along the way, I became part of this little family too.

We're almost too busy jumping around and victory dancing with our trophy to notice when the lights flicker once or twice before going out completely.

"What the hell?" Rosalie calls out. "Carlisle, what's going on?"

"Probably just some sort of short. I'm sure the backup generator will kick on in a moment or two," Carlisle responds reassuringly.

We all wait, talking quietly amongst ourselves. Sure enough, ten minutes later the backup generator kicks on and the room is once again bathed in light. Carlisle excuses himself from the room to make a phone call and returns a few minutes later looking concerned.

"Everyone!" He calls out, easily commanding the attention of the room. "I've been informed that they've closed off the city streets due to the severity of the weather. They're asking that we all remain in the building until further notice. When we're cleared for travel, we can all head home. I'm sorry for any inconveniences. We aren't entirely sure how long we'll be staying so, Garrett and Sam, if you'll come with me, there are emergency blankets and such in the basement we can grab, but we'll have to take the stairs in case of another power outage."

Garrett and Sam nod, heading toward Carlisle for further instruction. The mood in the room shifts and it's impossible to miss the disappointment running rampant through the once elated guests.

"Merry freaking Christmas," Rose mutters from beside me. "I'm going to go call Emmett and let him know we're stuck for the night. You alright here?" She asks me.

I nod and watch as she stalks off to her office to place the call. Kate has busied herself with dictating Jessica and Lauren in helping her get some cases of bottled water from the HR office. Not knowing what else to do, I decide to see if I can find Edward in this mess. I pass by plenty of disgruntled employees in my search, some cursing the weather, others whatever else they can find to blame. There's no doubt that the party has ended now that we'll be spending Christmas Eve stuck here.

I debate whether I should make any phone calls before it dawns on me that I don't really have anyone to contact. I could call my parents, but there isn't much they can do from out in Washington and I wasn't going to see them besides. Rosalie's phone call will be enough to placate Alice, Jasper and Emmett and the remainder of my friends are here at the office in the same situation. I'm feeling very lonely when I finally spot Edward talking animatedly to Carlisle.

I try very hard not to eavesdrop as I make my way over to them.

"She's going to kill me, Carlisle, absolutely murder me. You're sure there's no way I can leave? I could go on foot for all I care," Edward complains.

"I'm sorry, Edward, but my hands are tied. They're buckling down and closing off all forms of travel. I doubt very much your flight would be getting very far off the ground in this mess anyway. My suggestion is to call her. Tell Tanya that it's safer for you to remain here and you can fly out tomorrow if the weather improves. Not even she could be that heartless," Carlisle replies softly.

"Don't count on that," Edward mutters almost too quietly to be heard.

He looks defeated as he stalks off to his office to call his wife. I'm left alone again to wonder if I should follow after him. Now that I've seen firsthand what level of crazy Tanya resides on, I feel bad for him. From the sounds of things, they had travel plans for this evening that wouldn't be going as planned. I think about her comment and how she feels she barely sees Edward. This won't do much to help calm her down, that's for sure.

Suddenly, I remember the gift I got for Edward. He might have to deal with his bat-shit crazy wife, but maybe I could help brighten his night a little. I walk over to the closet where Garrett placed our coats and bags earlier and grab the long thin box from my purse. I start off down the hallway leading to Edward's office and stop in front of the door. I'm not sure whether or not I should knock, so I place a quick rap on the door before entering just to be safe. He doesn't protest, so I open the door figuring he must have already placed his call.

I'm wrong.

"Tanya there's nothing I can do about it!... So you'd rather I venture out and take my chances in a blizzard?... Is that right?... It's not like our plan would be leaving tonight anyway, we can reschedule and -… Are you insane? How exactly would I have planned this? Do I have an in with Mother Nature I don't know about?... No, this is in no way my fault!"

Edward has his back to me, facing the windows that look out over the streets of Chicago. The snow is coming down so hard and fast that it creates a sheet of white on the other side of the glass, making it nearly impossible to see anything other than the white flakes flurrying around outside. How could any wife in their right mind want their husband to venture out in that? Travel plans be damned.

I'm angry for Edward in that instant. Angry that the bitch on the other side of the phone cares more about plans that couldn't happen anyway than her own husband. I would never do that. I would sooner argue with him to stay than try to get him to leave. What the hell was her problem anyway? How could someone be so self-centered? I would—

I cut myself off, realizing that I was not only eavesdropping again, but venturing very close into dangerous territory with my thoughts. I start to turn around and walk out before I thoroughly embarrass myself, when Edward turns around and sees me. He looks at me in confusion and my only response is to throw him a half-hearted smile.

"Tanya look, I'm staying at the office. They've shut down the majority of the greater Chicago area and there's not a damn thing you or I can do about it… Well, I'm sorry you feel that way. I have to go," he mutters hanging up the phone before she has the chance to respond. "Hey, Bella. What brings you here?" Edward jokes trying to change the subject.

"Why do you stay with her anyway?" I blurt.

Edward blinks in surprise and I watch as his mouth ever so slightly drops open. I feel all the blood rush to my face as the severity of what I just said dawns on me.

Tell me I didn't just ask him why he doesn't leave his wife. Oh my God.

Way to go, Bella.

"Edward, I'm – Oh, Christ. I'm so sorry, that was rude and I shouldn't have said anything," I turned toward the door. "I'm going to go before I shove my foot any further down my throat."

"I don't know," he says as I start to walk out.

"What?"

"You asked why I stay with her," he says coming around the desk. "Sometimes, I honestly don't know why. I've never told anyone that before. I can't believe I'm telling you that now."

"Edward, I really shouldn't have said anything. It's none of my bus—"

"I think it's more obligation than anything else," he continues. "Sort of a lying in the bed I've made kind of mentality."

"I got you something for Christmas," I say suddenly. I'm not sure how to respond to what he's just told me, so I decide that a change of subject will do the trick. If we keep talking about Tanya, who knows what other bits of stupidity will fall from my mouth.

He smiles at what I've just told him. "Well that's very coincidental; I got you something as well."

I watch as he walks over to his desk and takes a small package wrapped in bright blue paper from one of the drawers. He comes to stand by me, coaxing me away from the door. He shuts it once I'm all the way inside his office and suggests we sit on the couch on the far side of the room.

For the first time since I've met him, things with Edward have become awkward. My idiotic question regarding his wife hangs in the air as we sit across from each other, unsure of what to say or do. Finally, I decide to just take a deep breath and pretend the whole thing never happened. Maybe if I try hard enough, it will be like it never did. I hand my present to him and chuckle lightly as he shakes it like a little kid on Christmas morning, trying to guess what's inside.

"Just open it, Masen," I laugh.

He smiles and nods, ripping the paper and pulling the top of the box. I watch as he looks down at the emerald green silk tie I picked out. I hadn't intended on getting him anything when Alice and I had gone shopping a few weeks earlier. Then, while we were walking through Macy's, I saw the tie. The color reminded me of his eyes and after making that realization there was no way I couldn't buy it.

"Do you like it? I know it isn't much."

"I love it, Bella. Thank you, really. I think I've just received my new favorite tie," he says with a huge grin. He makes a show of casting off the simple black tie he had been wearing all night and replacing it with mine. It looks good on him. It looks, right. The color brings out his eyes, making them shine impossibly brighter, as if they needed any help.

"You turn," he says handing me my own package.

I smile and make a show of my own, shaking the box. It feels heavy, but doesn't make a sound. I'm immediately intrigued. I can tell Edward's excited for me to open it, so I purposely take my time at pulling off the shiny paper. He grumbles something about me taking forever as I pop open the top of the cardboard box. I catch my breath as I look inside.

The box contains a silver plated clock. It's small, the perfect size to place on my desk. It looks like something out of a Tiffany's catalogue and knowing Edward, it just might be. The face of the clock is decorated with delicate embellishments engraved into the silver. The clock itself is a circle supported on each side by column connecting to a rectangular base. The base is engraved with a simple message:
To Bella, Thank you for everything. – Edward.

"I hope you like it," Edward says anxiously.

"Edward, I love it, but this is way too much," I protest.

"Bella, please don't say that. If it helps, think of it as more than a Christmas gift, because it is. It's my way of thanking you for everything you've done since you've started working here. You're not only the best assistant I've ever had; you're the best friend I could have asked for too."

I closed my eyes, fighting to keep my emotions in check. Every time I think I'm content with being Edward's friend, he goes and does something extraordinary that just makes me fall for him even harder than before. This clock didn't look like something you bought a friend though. It looked like… well, more. Was Edward feeling what I was or something close to it? Did he sense the energy I felt whenever we were together? The ease in talking to one another?

No.

There's no point in getting carried away, fantasizing that Edward would ever feel what I do. He's married. End of story. Game over. The clock was just what he said: a thank you for being his friend.

So why did it feel like more?

"Thank you, Edward. Really, thank you," I say smiling at him.

He smiles, telling me it was the least he could do and thanks me once again for my gift. Without really seeming to think about it, he leans forward and takes me in his arms, hugging me.

I freeze.

The way he held his arms around me doesn't feel very friendly at all. I felt my heart pick up, racing in my chest. I take a deep breath, trying to calm myself, which proves to be an even bigger mistake as my nostrils fill with the scent of him. God he smelled good, like some kind of expensive body wash and musk and… Edward. I bury my face in the crook of his neck, taking in more of him, as I feel a pull somewhere deep in my belly. He absentmindedly rubs his hands up and down my back and, God it feels good. It feels right. So right.

I can't stop myself from imagining his hands on other parts of my body. I imagine them caressing my arms, my legs, maybe even my thighs. I can almost picture his hands tracing lazy circles on my belly while I'm wrapped up in his arms in post-coital bliss. My head would lie on his bare torso while we caught our breath. I would traces the lines of his abdomen and occasionally let my hand slip lower, lightly teasing him and letting him know that I was ready for more, my toes curling in anticipation of where things would lead.

I sigh and it's enough to snap Edward out of whatever trance he'd fallen into.

He quickly pulls away from me, looking embarrassed and muttering an apology. I blink in confusion as I snap back to reality and out of my fantasy. I feel that uncomfortable tug in my belly and silently thank God that I was only fantasizing about what would take place after the fact and not about sex itself. I don't even want to think of where that might have gone.

I'm about to apologize profusely when the lights flicker before going out once again. The groans of disappointment from our co-workers are loud enough that we can hear them from behind the closed door and down the hall.

"Fucking super. Well, I guess we're not going anywhere tonight," Edward mutters.

"I'm sorry," I say.

"What are you sorry for?" He asks in confusion.

"I'm not—I don't know. It just seemed like the right thing to say," I mutter.

He chuckles and stands up. "Well, if you want, you can sleep in here. I'm sure my couch would be a lot comfortable than the office floor."

"Edward, it's not a big deal. Really, I can go stay with everyone else. Rose is probably looking for me."

"Please, I guarantee Rosalie is going to sleep in her office too. Besides, I have a blanket in here that's ten times more comfortable than whatever emergency shit Carlisle's brought up. Please? You'll be a lot more comfortable here."

"Um, well—" I began. The look on his face was enough to stop me. For some reason, he wanted me to stay and after our less than friendly hug a few moments before, I don't think I could deny him even if I wanted to. "Alright, I'll sleep here."

Edward walks over to the small closet in his office and produces a big comfortable looking blanket. The black couch is just long enough for us to each take an end of it and still be somewhat comfortable. Edward settles into his spot and I snuggle down into mine.

We're silent for a long time, each lost in our thoughts. The entire night has been full of surprises. When I left the house I had been expecting a simple night out with some of my new friends, celebrating the holidays and all the joy that came with them. What I got were several opportunities to make a fool of myself and a sleepover with Edward. To make matters worse, my feelings for him had only become more noticeable and would be harder to keep at bay after tonight.

My life.

I wrap the blanket over my head and will myself to disappear. I can't wait to close my eyes and fall asleep, putting this confusing evening behind me.

"Bella?" Edward says quietly.

"What is it, Edward?"

"Can I ask you something?"

"I guess that's fair since I asked you something pretty personal earlier," I try to joke.

"That you did," he chuckles. "If you could do anything, anything in the world, what would it be?" He asks, taking me completely off guard.

"I'm happy with my job, I told you that earlier."

"As glad as I am to hear that, I know it isn't what you want to do with your life. Rosalie mentioned you being unsure of where you wanted to go with your career. So imagine that the possibilities are endless. Imagine you could do absolutely anything, no matter what. What would you do?"

I'm silent for a minute, lost in thought. So many people have asked me this very same question in a million different ways and I never knew what to say to any of them. They were all worried after I'd graduated, fearful that I wouldn't ever get off my ass and pursue my passion. I never knew how to answer any of them when they asked. But coming from Edward, well, it's so damn genuine. I can hear in his voice that he doesn't want to know what I'm going to do with my life. He wants to know what would make me happy.

It means more to me than he could ever know.

"I'd tell other people's stories," I say after a moment. "I'd be a writer."

It seems so obvious; I can't believe it's never occurred to me before. Of course I wanted to be a writer. Not an author per say, no, something more along the lines of a journalist. I wanted to make people's stories heard. I wanted to listen and write them down and tell them to everyone who would listen.

My mind wanders to the day Edward asked me to interview Angela in a desperate attempt to get her to open up. I had loved just sitting there, listening and letting her talk. Watching her tell her story, however painful it might have been, and getting inside her head, understanding what she felt was amazing. To understand another person, to have their trust that you'll preserve their story, would be a gift. I'd always been a writer. When I was younger I could talk my father's ear off with all the stories I made up.

A writer. Isabella Swan, the journalist. It made perfect sense to me.

Edward seemed satisfied with my answer and snuggled into his own end of the couch, stifling a yawn.

"Merry Christmas, Bella."

"Merry Christmas, Edward," I replied.

And thank you.


I'm sorry that I'm late. I don't really have much of an excuse, I just didn't get a chance to update yesterday. As you can see, things may be moving forward in the Edward/Bella department. Not only has Bella finally admitted to feeling something, they had their first fluffy little moment, which I was excited to finally be able to write. I wonder what was going through Edward's head during that little long-lasting hug? Hmmm.
Stayed tuned to see what happens next!

Until next time!