A/N: Sorry for the delay getting this chapter out. I honestly had trouble thinking of what to write, but then I sat down this evening, and Edward just told his story. I just typed. And we had so much fun together along the way. Gotta love that man!
There are two songs for this chapter:
Keep Holding On by Avril Lavigne
And
Right Round by Flo Rida
Disclaimer: Stephenie Meyer owns Twilight, and all the characters. But I can make them all dance! Oh, Yeah!
Again, I want to thank all who left a review. I really appreciate that you took the time to let me know what you think.
Now, without further adieu …
Enough of this crazy stuff! Just shut up and post the chapter already…
*** BM ***
Chapter Eleven – Oh, God, She Was Beautiful
EPOV
For the tenth time in as many minutes I wondered if she was alright. The girls had just disappeared, dragging Bella in the direction of the ladies' room. Emmett had assured me it was just 'girl stuff,' but I was beginning to get a little freaked out. It didn't help that Jasper was so uptight and kept looking in the direction the girls had gone with a pained expression on his face. It also didn't help that everything seemed to be a joke to Emmett, a joke that I had apparently missed somewhere along the way.
Suddenly I saw Jasper stiffen, think for a moment, then totally relax as he looked at Emmett with a smile breaking on his face. What. The. Fuck? It seemed something had suddenly made him very happy. Emmett then turned to me like I was his long, lost best buddy.
"So, Edward, you from Seattle?" Emmett spoke to me with a genuinely interested look on his face. The first genuine look I had seen from him since I sat down. I think I just stepped into the Twilight Zone. I almost looked around for Rod Serling. I thought it best just to answer him.
"No, I'm from Chicago, actually, but now I live in…" I stopped as I saw his eyes move to something beyond my left shoulder. I turned my head to follow the direction of his gaze, and I saw her.
Oh, God, she was beautiful! I was dumbstruck. For a moment, I couldn't have moved if the place had been attacked by aliens in space suits with ray guns. I just stared.
As I watched, I saw her hesitate and say something to her companions and then I saw the blonde answer her. I saw a look of relief cross her face and a small smile flit across her lips.
Oh, God, she was beautiful! My heart was in my throat as I repeated to myself: Don't mess this up, Masen! Don't mess this up, Masen! Don't mess this up, Masen! Oh, God, please don't let me mess this up!
She approached me slowly, stopping three feet in front of me. Oh, God, she was beautiful!
I tried to smile, only half succeeding, and I hoped I would be able to speak. It felt as if a family of frogs had taken up residence in my throat when I opened my mouth, but I was able to force one word past them.
"Hello."
"Hello." Her voice sounded like that of an angel, so musical I almost expected to see wings growing from her shoulder blades.
I couldn't take my eyes from hers as I said, "I'm Edward Masen. Would you care to dance?"
The angel spoke again and replied, "Bella Cullen, and I would love to."
Oh, God, she was beautiful! And she had said yes. Move, Masen! Move, Masen!
I extended my right hand and she placed her left, surprisingly cool, hand in mine. Maybe it just felt so cool because mine was so hot. Please don't sweat, Masen! Please don't sweat, Masen!
Almost by divine design, the moment our hands touched, the DJ began another song. This time it was a waltz. I heard the opening bars of Avril Lavigne's "Keep Holding On." It was so perfect I couldn't believe it. My smile broadened at the thought. She saw and smiled brightly right back. I walked with her to the edge of the dance floor, before taking her in my arms.
"Viennese Waltz?" I asked.
Her face showed her surprise as she nodded. I could see she was taking short, shallow breaths, and I just knew she was anticipating our dance as much as I was. Thanks again, Mother! Don't trip, Masen!
We began to dance.
You're not alone, together we stand
I'll be by your side, you know I'll take your hand
When it gets cold and it feels like the end
There's no place to go, you know I won't give in
No, I won't give in.
My feet felt like they barely touched the dance floor. Our steps were perfectly matched. It was almost impossible, because we had never danced together before, but it was perfect.
Keep holding on,
Cause you know we'll make it through, we'll make through
Just stay strong
Cause you know I'm here for you, I'm here for you
There's nothing you can say, nothing you can do
There's no other way when it comes to the truth
So keep holding on
Because you know we'll make it through, we'll make it through.
I completely forgot about the dance, we moved almost automatically. Our steps weren't fancy, but flowed beautifully just the same. I never took my eyes from hers as we whirled around the dance floor. The other dancers just seemed to move aside, making room for us to dance. It was perfect.
So far away, I wish you were here
Before it's too late this could all disappear
Before the doors close and it comes to an end
With you by my side I will fight and defend
I'll fight and defend
Yeah.
We danced, looked in each others eyes and listened to the lyrics. They seemed to say it all. I would fight for her, and I could see she would too. Why did I feel like I already knew her? Why was she so familiar? I felt as if I had known her forever, almost as if she had always lived at the edge of my memory, as if I had been just waiting to find her again to remember her.
Keep holding on,
Cause you know we'll make it through, we'll make through
Just stay strong
Cause you know I'm here for you, I'm here for you
There's nothing you can say, nothing you can do
There's no other way when it comes to the truth
So keep holding on
Because you know we'll make it through, we'll make it through.
Oh, God, she was so beautiful! She even smelled beautiful. Like strawberries and fresh-cut wildflowers. Even the smell seemed familiar, like something from a dream. I never wanted to be parted from her. With only half a mind, I wondered why. We continued our dance. She felt so right in my arms. This moment felt so right. I felt that if the world ended right now, I would be okay, because I was finally complete. I could tell, from her eyes and the expression on her face, she felt the same. There was no confusion on my part. It was just a fact: Pure and simple.
Hear me when I say, when I say I believe
Nothings gonna change, nothings gonna change destiny
Whatever's meant to be will work out perfectly
Yeah, Yeah, Yeah, Yeah.
La-da-da-da, La-da-da-da, La-da-da-da-da-da-da-da-da-da
Yes, that's what this was, what she was: My destiny. I had been born for this moment. I just knew it. She was my other half. She knew it too.
Keep holding on,
Cause you know we'll make it through, we'll make through
Just stay strong
Cause you know I'm here for you, I'm here for you
There's nothing you can say, nothing you can do
There's no other way when it comes to the truth
So keep holding on
Because you know we'll make it through, we'll make it through.
Our steps changed slightly, slowing down, as we both moved from the classic Viennese Waltz, to a more modern version, my hand left hers and joined my other around her waist, as her hands moved around my neck, and her head rested on my chest, fitting perfectly. With the aid of her heels, her forehead was level with my lips.
Keep holding on, keep holding on
There's nothing you can say, nothing you can do
There's no other way when it comes to the truth
So keep holding on
Because you know we'll make it through, we'll make it through.
We ended our dance barely moving, wrapped in each other's arms. We fit! She was perfect! We were perfect with each other.
We were startled out of our little world by applause. We looked around, each a little embarrassed by the attention. Neither of us had noticed that the crowd had backed off as our dance took over. Now they were showing their appreciation for our little show. We looked back at each other, each of us smiling, and I held her hand as she dropped into a graceful curtsy. I gave a slight bow at the waist, then quickly ushered her from the dance floor.
"Oh, my goodness! You two were so beautiful together! Oh, Bella!" Alice grabbed Bella and began hugging her while she bounced in place.
She released her and turned to me. I was almost frightened I would get the same treatment, but she just pointed her index finger at me and said, "And you … WOW!" Then she turned to Rosalie, giggling, and said cryptically, "Rose, do you suddenly feel like an 'ugly step-sister'?"
What? I thought, but apparently the blonde got the joke, because she laughed along and said, "I sure do. Why don't we take the two dumbfounded farm boys," indicating Emmett and Jasper, "and do a little dancing ourselves at this little ball."
With that, Alice and Rosalie led Emmett and Jasper onto the dance floor, leaving me alone with my Bella. I turned to her and couldn't help smiling as I led her to the table.
She was smiling as she said, "I think Alice and Rose will make sure the boys give us a little privacy."
"That's great." I smiled at her. "What was up with that 'ugly-step-sister' remark?" I couldn't keep the confusion from my expression as I looked at her.
She actually giggled. This perfect creature giggled, and it was the most charming thing I had ever seen a girl do. "Oh, I think they were referencing to Cinderella, me. Of course, that would make you Prince Charming." She was still smiling and then she bit the corner of her mouth with her perfect white teeth.
I stopped breathing. Oh, God, she was beautiful! Her mouth was so … Snap out of it, Masen! I chastised myself. Focus! Focus! I reluctantly brought my eyes back to meet hers. What were we saying? Oh, yeah, Cinderella, Prince Charming, yeah, Focus!
"Well, you are certainly my idea of Cinderella, but I'm definitely not a Prince, but I'll work on the 'Charming' part." I smiled at her. I couldn't seem to stop smiling. I don't know how charming I could be, but she could charm the pants off the Pope!
We talked for the next two hours and we completely forgot about our surroundings, Emmett, Jasper, Rosalie and Alice. I completely forgot about Jake. Bella filled every corner of my mind. I wanted to know everything I could about her. What was her favorite color, her favorite season, place to vacation, and hobby? I wanted to know what kind of music she liked, who was her favorite group, the books she read and did she enjoy sports.
I told her about my love of hiking, guitar and, with a somewhat shy smile, dancing. She told me about her love of piano, swimming, and dance. We debated the pros and cons of classical music verses modern, and we both agreed that each had their good and bad points, and in addition agreed that we liked both.
I told her about my summer hiking adventure, and I told her about my best friend, Jake. She told me she and her brother, Jasper, were the adopted children of Dr. and Mrs. Carlisle Cullen. Rosalie, Alice and Emmett were also part of the family as foster children.
I told her that I lived with my Uncle Charlie, who was a police officer, while my parents were in Malaysia where my father was transferred for work. She told me that Emmett and Rosalie were a couple, as were Jasper and Alice.
I told her I thought she looked more like Emmett than Jasper, at which time she told me of her resemblance to her mother and Jasper's to her father. She told me of their death in an accident. I told her about my Aunt Renee.
I told her I dreamed of one day visiting and hiking every continent at least once. She told me that six of them were okay, but Antarctica was really cold. I laughed at the seriousness in her voice, then at the fact that she looked almost surprised at what she had said, but then she laughed too.
She was so easy to talk to. We had so many things in common. I felt as if we could discuss any topic we chose with as much ease as discussing the weather. If we disagreed, we let it go and simply agreed to disagree. I had to admit, she was, without a doubt in my mind, the perfect girl! Oh, God, she was beautiful!
I suddenly realized we were in a dance club and had only danced together once. I got to my feet, held my hand out to her and asked once more, "Would you care to dance?"
And she replied once more, "I would love to."
The music was a little different this time, as the DJ started a new song. This one was more modern, as the opening bars of "Right Round" by Flo Rida began. I suddenly wondered if this was such a good idea, as Bella began to sway in front of me to the beat of the music. Oh, fuck, yeah, this song was perfect.
My hands reached for her waist as my hips began to sway with the beat too. As the music changed from the intro, my legs bent slightly at the knee and I pulled her toward me, my right knee going between her legs as we swayed in time, our hips keeping perfect time with the beat.
As I watched her, I knew Bella was really getting into the music. Her hands raised above her head as she let her body take over, her movements getting sexier by the moment as she let the music take her over.
Oh, God, she was beautiful! My breath was coming in short bursts, as I watched her, unable to keep my hips from grinding into hers. My jeans were suddenly very tight!
She turned in my arms, in perfect time with the music, and let her body sway as her knees bent and she slowly dropped into a near squat. I nearly died! Damn! She was killing me! I watched as she rocked her hips in time to the music and turned her head to look up at me. Then she slowly, slowly, raised herself, brushing the front of my body with her back as she arose, and her eyes never losing contact with mine. My hands went automatically to her waist, wrapping my arms tightly around her, pulling her close to me. Her arms came up and behind her head to go around my neck, her face turned up to mine, her lips a fraction of an inch from mine. I couldn't stop myself, when the music suddenly ended, my mouth met hers.
Oh, God, she was so sweet! I had died and gone to heaven! Her lips were cool, smooth as marble, but surprisingly pliant. I hadn't nearly had enough when she pulled back breaking the kiss slowly, her chocolate-brown eyes wide and slightly glazed over. I knew they mirrored the look in my own.
I felt someone at my left side, taking my arm, and pulling me along. I tore my gaze from Bella's and looked to see who had hold of me. It was Alice, and she was deftly half pulling, half dragging me back toward our table. She was really strong for such a small girl. I looked to my right to see Rosalie doing the same with Bella.
They seated us at the table before Alice said, "Now, if you will excuse us, we will take care of two little problems for you," she said, jerking her thumb over her shoulder at Emmett and Jasper, who I could now see staring at me with murder in their eyes. "You'll have to excuse them, Edward, seeing Bella with a guy is a new experience for them. Bella, we should probably leave soon, just to be safe. Sorry, honey. Come Rosalie." And with that, Alice and Rosalie moved quickly to Emmett and Jasper, grabbed their arms and effectively dragged them to the other side of the room.
I looked at Bella and I could tell she was very uncomfortable. "I am so sorry about that, Edward. Please forgive them. Jasper and Emmett are very protective of me. They really mean no harm."
"That's okay, really it is. It's kind of good to know you got two guys like that looking out for you." It suddenly struck me that I didn't know when I would see her again and it hit me that, in all our talking, I still didn't know where she lived. "Do you live here in Seattle?" I asked.
"No, actually we just moved here from Alaska. We live in a small town about two hours from here. We're just visiting Seattle."
"Really, me too. Jake and I decided to stay the night here after our three-month hike before going home." I looked directly in her eyes, "And I'm so glad we did."
We just sat there for nearly a minute, just looking at each other. I pulled myself together and asked, "Where are you staying in town?"
"The Fairmont Olympic." I nearly had heart failure. Fate definitely wanted us to meet. This was almost spooky, I thought, as the theme song for Twilight Zone played in my head.
I shook my head slightly, giving her an I-can't-believe-it grin, and said, "You're not going to believe this."
She looked at me, and then slowly began to comprehend what I was referring to.
"No, no, this is just too much." She shook her head, but her gaze never left mine. "Don't tell me you're staying there too?"
"Well, okay, I won't tell you, then." I gave her a serious expression, but couldn't help the grin that took over. "Does it seem to you as if Fate really wanted us to meet?"
A hint of sadness touched her eyes as she replied, "I never put much faith in Fate. He always seemed to be taunting me. But if that's what brought us together, then I will never doubt him again."
Oh, God, she was beautiful! I leaned my head slowly toward her, wanting to kiss her again more than I wanted to take my next breath, but I also wanted to give her a chance to say no. I saw her eyes drop to my lips and I saw her breath catch in her chest, but she didn't pull away. My lips met hers again.
I can hardly begin to describe what kissing Bella was like. The first time I had barely had a chance to even register that I was kissing her; it was that much of a surprise. But this time, I knew what I was going to do before I did it. I had a chance to relish the feeling. And the feeling was unbelievable. I felt as if an electric spark passed between us as my lips first met hers. It flew through my body like lightning, making a brief stop at my heart before traveling straight to my groin, while igniting the rest of my body along the way. My jeans were suddenly tight again.
I had kissed other girls before, hell this was far from my first kiss. But, somehow, it felt like the first time. Nothing I had ever felt before even came close to comparing to this. Time stood still. My arm moved around the back of her chair, closing around her back and pulling her closer to me. I felt her hands move in my hair, pulling slightly, holding my head to hers. My body was on fire. How had this little kiss done this to me so quickly? I remembered the way she had danced that last dance with me, and the fire burned hotter. I opened my lips, letting my tongue move softly against her lips, willing them to open. Her lips parted and I was rewarded with a sigh as she surrendered her mouth to me.
"Bella!" Alice was beside us and we both jumped slightly at the rude interruption, pulling apart slowly.
"I'm really, really sorry, sweetie, but I think we need to go now. I really think we need to go now!" Alice was apologetic, but insistent.
"Emmett or Jasper?" Bella asked Alice, looking her in the eye.
"Both," was the answer.
"Oh, God," she turned to me. "I am so sorry Edward. I really must go." The look on her face told me she would rather walk on glass as leave this club right now. But it looked as if she had no choice as she arose from the table, preparing to follow Alice.
"When will I see you again?" I could not let her leave without making some kind of plan to meet her.
I saw her brow furrow for a moment, and then a mischievous look entered her eyes. She looked me straight in the eye and mouthed the words "Six Twenty-three. One hour." Then she gave me a wink.
Six twenty-three? Six twenty-three. Six-twenty-three! I was slow, but I finally caught on. Six twenty-three, in one hour. I smiled at her and gave her a wink in reply, nodding my head slightly.
She walked off with Alice, well, was pulled away by Alice, if I wanted to be accurate. I watched her go, and I watched her turn her head to look at me twice as she left, each time giving me one of those beautiful smiles. Then she disappeared among the crowd at the door and was gone.
Oh, God, she was beautiful!
I jumped up from the table, my eyes scanning the crowded dance floor. I had to find Jake. I spotted him by the bar, a lovely lady on each arm, and I could tell he was charming the pants (he wished) off both of them. Well, too bad! We had to leave. Now!
Six twenty-three in exactly, looking at my watch, fifty-eight minutes. Damn! I wondered, as I pulled a reluctant and clearly shocked and flabbergasted, Jake toward the entrance, if I could survive the wait. Fifty-seven minutes, and counting.
A/N: Are you as excited as I am to find out what will happen back at the hotel? I really don't know what will happen until they get there. I know what I want to happen, but usually Edward and Bella have ideas of their own, and they force me to listen to them.
In the story, Rosalie speaks of Emmett and Jasper as "farm boys." Does anyone know where I got that phrase from? PM me and let me know if you've guessed it.
Again, thanks for reviewing. Let me know what you think. Go to my profile for a link to my Twilighted thread. We can discuss what's coming up at the hotel. Or, if you like, you can PM me.
I love you guys,
*** May all your dreams be filled with Edward ***