Last time I meant that my chapters are too long to be describing what I was trying to say, I know my chapters are really short.

Chapter 12 — No more tears

EPOV

Bella had finished her lunch a few moments ago and she had lain back down on the bed, claiming that she was 'more stuffed than a thanksgiving turkey'.

I smiled at her silly expression, just savouring the moment and being able to look at her beautiful face without getting caught.

A few seconds later a small frown formed between her eyes and I could just imagine the worry that would be reflected her expressive chocolate brown eyes.

She heaved a heavy sigh and sat up straight, allowing her hair to form a curtain around her face. God, how I so desperately wanted to brush it away and kiss her senseless. I tried to steer my mind away from such thoughts, before I did something impulsive like actually kiss her.

No matter how tempting those full lips were.

"I really do hope that I'm not fired." She said, interrupting my thoughts and fiddling with her hands in her lap.

"Alice said that she took care of it" I responded, knowing that my time with her was almost up.

I had so many things to say to her, and she had so many things she needed to hear. I had such a thirst to know anything—everything about her. I wanted to know which movies made her cry, what her favourite song was, what she thought about when she woke up in the middle of the night.

So I decided to start small. There would be time for my stalkerish tendencies later.

"Bella…" I started slowly…no need to freak her out just yet, "I just wanted—"

An annoying ring tone sounded from the cupboard. Saved by the bell, I thought dryly. Of course, of course we would be interrupted when I had something to ask her, the question that had been burning in my mind since the say that I had met her…which I realised with a start, was less than three days ago.

(A/N That's what I'm talking about. around 20, 000 words, and only three days to show for it. Utter ridiculousness. Oh well, after this chapter, I can get things moving a bit quicker)

"I think that's mine" Bella said, quickly scurrying to the closet and rummaging in her back until she pulled out an old purple Nokia 3020. It was quite possibly one of the crappiest mobile phones I had ever seen, and it was scratched and chipped all over. (Google it)

"Hello, this is Isabella Swan speaking" How adorable, only Bella would answer her own personal phone with her full name. A small crease appeared between her eyes, and I resisted the urge to wipe it away.

She sat back on her haunches, whist I sat down on the corner of the bed, I was trying my hardest to prevent eavesdropping on her conversation.

"…Black? OH! Mr Black, yes, of course I remember you."

She laughed lightly, and the sound pained me. Only once had I been blessed with causing this exquisite sound; I vowed that I would make her laugh more often.

"Oh! Really? Thankyou so much! Umm…today? From four 'til nine?...Yes…okay…thankyou!"

Four until nine? As in nine pm? A meeting with her landlord? No, she wouldn't be so exultant at the thought of her landlord. A job offer perhaps. She had hinted at financial problems, but Bella wasn't the type to ask for charity from anyone and she would say no more on the subject.

Her eyes shone with relief, she quickly said her goodbyes and hung up on the stranger.

I did not expect what happened next. She launched herself at me, catching me in a fierce embrace. I could only fall back on the bed and hug her back, too intoxicated by her unique fragrance to do anything else.

I cautiously dropped my head to the crook of her shoulder and breathed her in. So overwhelming was the scent of her skin that I completely forgot about the phone call, or its implications. None of that mattered now.

The only thing that mattered was her.

BPOV

I realised after I threw myself at him that it probably wasn't a good idea. I didn't want to let go though. He was so soft, so warm, so there. His smell was so exhilarating, and it calmed me at the same time. I blushed as I realised that we were in a slightly compromising position.

It was so stupid, why had I launched myself at him anyways? I wasn't usually this clingy with people…albeit there were no people in my life to cling to.

His hands rubbed lightly up and down my back. It felt so good. I trembled slightly. This was nice, just being held, just knowing that someone was there, it made all the difference in the world.

eI felt him exhale into my hair and as his mouth watering scent washed past me I came to my senses.

He was the first kid. The son of the president of the United States of America. I couldn't do this, I just couldn't. I had to get out now, before I got in too deep. With shocking clarity I realised that out of the three says I had known Edward, I had broken down, crying in front of him; and now, I had tacked him to the floor, with no explanation, no reasoning.

He must think I was a lunatic. I was pretty sure that I was. I closed my eyes and breathed him in deeply one last time, I couldn't let myself be so vulnerable in front of him again, but I just wanted to savour this one moment, the one moment where I could just pretend that he was mine.

I sighed and slipped out of his comforting embrace and sat back on the bed.

He looked at me quizzically, not as if he was shocked, or surprised by my actions, but as if he was realising something for the first time.

I blushed deeply as he continued to stare, unabashed. I realised that I would have to come up with a reason for hurling myself at him.

"I…uh…they had an opening." No need to tell him it was at a trashy local diner.

"They want me to start today."

"Oh, and I guess you're very happy about this recent development?" He asked, always the polite gentleman.

"Yes. Well. Now I can pay off my bills easier…you won't believe how much a second job will help me."

"Maybe you can buy another means of transportation. The poor old monsters almost had it" He grinned an easy grin and I couldn't help but smile back at his taunting.

"Bloody Volvo driver" I quipped back

(I don't know if this will make any sense to non-Australians, it was an ad a while back on TV. Anyhoo)

"Better than a rusted old Chevy."

"That's what you say now, but when we get in an accident we'll see whose car comes out on top"

"The best case scenario there is that the old thing gets totally mangled and they'll have to sell it for scrap metal."

"Edward!" I laughed a little and he joined in. It was nice. Just light superficial laughter…I needed more of that in my life.

Our chuckles died down and I bit my lip, raising my eyes towards him. His eyes probed mine with a quiet intensity for a moment.

"And now you have to go" he said, his beautiful eyes calm, and resigned.

It was a statement, not a question. I sighed softly. It almost seemed as if he wanted me to stay. Like he didn't want me to go. I looked down and mentally reprimanded myself for such thoughts. Of course he didn't want me. Why would anyone want me?

"Yes. Thankyou Edward…for…all this. And for the lend of your clothes." I discreetly inhaled again, a slightly diluted form of his smell still remained on his old clothes. There was a pause.

"Unfortunately…I don't have anything to change back into."

"That's where you're wrong." He got up, causing the bed to rise slightly.

He made his way towards the closet, and opened it to reveal a tour guide uniform, I missed it before when I got my phone.

He pulled out the new uniform and smirked. I managed to rip my gaze away from his perfect face to look at my uniform. It really wasn't that funny.

I groaned softly as I took in the new uniform. It consisted of a white blouse and a blue tie, with a form fitting beige jacket that was synched in at the waist with a red belt. It was all topped of with a blue a-line skirt that sat just above the knees.

It was classy and sexy at the same time. Definitely not a look that worked for me. The best I could manage was trashy and awkward. I didn't actually have to wear that thing did i?

Edward pulled at the tie and I saw that a not was attached. I quickly snatched it away when I saw that my name was on it.

Bella

Yes, you do have to wear it.

It's the new tour guide uniform!

Now you don't have to wear that scratchy
woollen one! This is cotton. Cotton breathes,

Embrace the cotton!

I designed it especially for you.

You should feel special, and not complain.

Edward will love you in it.

And it's even free of charge!

I blushed slightly after the line about Edward

I feel like we're such good friends already,

but I know that I have to let you experience the

things I've seen so you can feel like we're friends too.

Trust me, its inevitable...

There are also a number of inevitable things that

are going to happen whether you like it or not.

So just embrace it, and don't be afraid.

I know you don't think it, but you are beautiful.

Love,

Alice!

I breathed in, overwhelmed by her generosity and genuineness. I quickly folded the note and slipped in the front pocket of my backpack, aware of Edwards' eyes on me.

He didn't say anything, he just simply handed me the uniform and directed me towards the en suite so I could get changed.

I changed into the uniform and tried to make it a little baggy on my body. I felt uncomfortable in this, but Alice was right about one thing; Cotton breathes.

Before I stepped out of the bathroom I hugged Edwards' clothes tightly to me and inhaled deeply. He smelled so good. Sooner or later he would realise that I was no good. I was broken and lifeless and cold. He was the opposite, always so warm and…there and whole. I tried not to let any tears out. I repressed all my feelings in that moment. I really didn't want to have an in-depth self analysis about my feelings for him. It was better to just let it slide.

I timidly stepped out of the bathroom. Edward was facing the other way, his hand running through his fashionably dishevelled hair. I smiled and took him in, in all his gloriousness. I hadn't noticed what he wore today, to distracted by his perfect face.

He was wearing suit pants and an ivory button up that was untucked and crumpled, probably from when he was sleeping. The first two buttons were undone, and it hinted at his muscular chest.

He noticed me standing there and smiled.

"Hey. You're out"

A different look crossed his face and I wasn't sure whether to blush or run. I settled for biting my lip and meeting his eyes in confusion.

"Alice doesn't mess around" He said.

No shit.

The way he was eyeing me…it made me feel exposed and vulnerable. I didn't like feeling like that in front of guys. It brought back bad memories. Memories of when I dated Tyler.

It was a dark time. Of course, I was too dumb and naive to look at what had happened in his past relationships, I was just happy that finally a good looking guy, with substance, had taken the time to talk to me.

He said he loved me, and I thought I was in love with him. I was wrong. The first chance he got, he pressured me into situations that I never would have been in if it weren't for him.

Situations that I couldn't handle. That I couldn't escape from.

Until I ran. I made arrangements to move to D.C, as far away as I could get from that rainy little town, within reason and still with good facilities for Charlie.

I hated what everyone was saying about me. That I was a slut, pregnant, with Tyler's child. They were rumours that he had spread, once he got angry and realised that I wouldn't give him what he wanted anymore. That I wouldn't be his submissive little bitch and answer to his every beck and call.

The bruises cleared, and eventually the physical pain faded. But the heaviness on my soul never did. I developed a severe aversion to men. I hated them. I hated them touching me, or even looking at me. Because every time they did, it would remind me of him what he used to do. It made me sick.

Until now. Until I met Edward. Everyday he was restoring my trust in men. Everyday he was making me think I could be honest and open with him.

I didn't like that my wall was crumbling. I realised that I had been standing with a faraway look in my eyes for a long time.

I cleared my throat and offered a small smile to Edward, who seemed concerned. Probably for my mental health.

"Thanks again for everything today." I took a deep breath and gathered my belongings.

"Here" I said, pressing Edwards clothes into his hands.

I went to leave the room, but Edward caught the back of my jacket.

"Bella?" I turned around

"Yeah Edward?"

"Will I see you tomorrow?" he asked cordially

"Um, why?" I couldn't help it. The poor guy, almost every time he saw me I would burst into tears. Not an encouraging response. So why would he want to see me tomorrow?

"You can tell me all about how the job went"

"Oh, well, I guess I will see you then"

He offered a smile, which I returned timidly.

As I walked to my car I went over today's events in my head. I had slept, in a bed, right next to him. He told me about his parents, he didn't try to take advantage of me…and he wanted to see me again.

I felt right in my decision to hold back my feelings when I was with him.

I made a pact to myself.

No more crying. No more making him watch me, while I pathetically clung to him, crying hysterically. No more tears.

And most important of all…no more eating spaghetti in front of him. I had gotten it everywhere.

Hello fanfictioners.

I know it's been like a month or more since i updated, and I'm really sorry.
I don't have any excuses, I'm just lazy. Hopefully, hopefully, I will update more often.
But I really can't make any promises.

On another note, I've had a chest infection for the past two weeks Woo! Not. I caught it from my semi-formal,
which was in the last week of October, and I'm really over it lol. And! I have 7 assignments due next week. Woo. Fun. I havent even started one. *sigh*

Also! I just had to mention the presidential elections! What does everyone think of the new American president?

I watched it today (cause i was at home sick) and its actually Wednesday over here, and they showed us like the massive lines for voting, and the speeches etc.

Anyways, i hope you enjoy and don't come after me with a large bread stick, and plan to beat me to death with it.

I really need to live.

anni93