Disclaimer: I don't this – this is fun and not for profit
Chap 11: Strolls
BPOV
The rest of the week flew by. Alec and I remained in our détente for the rest of week. He treated Alice like a queen and she was extra bubbly. He left me alone so I didn't feel the need to slap him every five minutes.
We spend each day touring the city or rather Rosalie giving us special tours as she spent her summers here. At night we went out to the some of the underage clubs and I found myself really enjoying it. Edward and I acted as normally as possible around each other while stealing a kiss or two when no one was looking. Rosalie suspected but didn't say anything. Alice was so happy she was oblivious to everyone. Every night she and Alec slipped in my room or Edward's to make out or have sex. They weren't very quiet about either. Sometimes the four of us had to leave just to avoid the happy couple.
It was finally our last night in Paris, we decided that for this one we do things individually. Rosalie and Emmett were going clubbing while Alec and Alice were going to the Opera again. Edward and I were playing it cool so everyone assumed that we studying tonight after a quick dinner.
A couple of times that week, Alice had pulled me aside to ask me if something was going on with me and her brother but I just shrugged my shoulders and said nothing more different then usual. That was not was entirely untrue as we still hadn't defined what we were to each other.
It was around 3:00 clock now I was returning back to the apartment after mailing some letters to California. I had promised Angela a few weeks back to mail things from Paris when she found out I was going. She was dying for a French postmark to go with all the English ones she had received over the years. I was taking my time on this walk as I hadn't had much to time to myself over the last week.
It was still strange being around people this much having the spent the last three and half years mostly by myself. This afternoon I was taking the long way around to the apartment. The week had been incredible, my dad had been right. Missing this experience would have tragic. I was slowly becoming a middle-aged person and I was only 17.
My favorite part had been when the Louvre. Much to everyone's irritation, I had been back 3 times this week. After the first two visits I had snuck back by myself into the Louvre. I had to buy 2 more sketchbooks since I had been here. In my care package to Angela, I had sent several sketches so my friends back home so they could have taste of Europe. Last night, I had called home to check in with my dad and Angela had stopped by with her parents. She told me that she, Jasper and Ben were planning an European trip and wanted me to come with them. They were going to play across the continent with Ben managing the dates. I would do the cover art for the posters.
It sounded like a great idea but with everything happening with Edward it was a lot to take in. I ended up telling Angela a little about him. She knew we were getting along but was shocked that we were actually kissing. We stayed on the phone for over an hour taking about it. It was a good thing I had a bunch of phone cards to cover the bill but I freaked Alice and Edward out. They ran out in a panic to the phone where I was making my call. After I convinced them I was on the phone with my friend back home and was not going to be kidnapped by white slavery personnel, I introduced them both to Angela.
Flashback
"Well," Angela said, after she said goodbye to both of them, "they are definitely protective of you. Are you sure that was the asshole who was bothering you last year?"
"Ange, I couldn't explain this even if I tried." I answered her back.
"Look think about the summer, I know it's early but it's going to be awesome," she told me.
"I will," I told her.
"Also don't let anyone pressure you. I am sure that Edward is a nice guy but you need to think of yourself," she said.
"Thanks," I said, "I miss you babe."
"Me too," she asked, "Hey listen do you have Internet access?"
"Yeah," I said, thinking of the school directory that had just been created.
"My parents finally bought a computer and I have an AOL account, we can electronic mail now," she said.
"Awesome, Trent has a website, you can find my electronic mail under the directory," I told her.
"Cool, look for a message from when you get back," she said.
"Will do, have a good night."
"You too."
I really didn't know what I wanted from Edward. Actually scratch that, I knew exactly what I wanted from him. The question was whether what I wanted was a good thing. I really liked Edward, more then I ever thought I could. Especially this past week I had gotten to seen another sweet side of him. He was incredibly romantic. There had been a few times when the others weren't looking that he would slip something in my bag like a flower or a note. Yesterday the girls and I had been the Champ Elysses and when we came back there was a Nirvana CD on my bed. He was an amazing kisser, not that I had a lot of experience but I could not imagine anything better. When he kissed me it felt like the world only existed between us, it was heavily intoxicating experience. If Alec was anything like Edward (and I shuddered at the thought) I could see why Alice gets so swept away.
I knew that most girls in Trent and probably the western world would be dying to be in my position right now. If I were more impulsive I would be jumping into this. However there were some things I couldn't ignore. No matter how sweet he was being to be me right it was not too fast in the past that he was a complete asshole to me. If someone had told me 2 months ago that this would be happening with Edward, I would have thrown up at the thought of him ever trying to touch me intimately. There was fact that I had a gut feeling that Edward was hiding something from me. It looked like every now and then that he wanted to tell me something but couldn't.
Then there was the inescapable fact that I was going to be leaving. Even if I did stay to help Jasper and Angela with their tour, I would need to leave Europe by August to be back in the States in time for school. I also missed my dad and wanted sometime with him before I started college. Renee would want a visit and that would mean a trip to Florida. Realistically I was looking at a 6-month romance at best. Edward would be in England for school and I would be in Rhode Island or California.
There was the old saying, "Some happiness was better then no happiness at all." However that statement didn't taken into account the immense depression of losing someone you loved. Intellectually I know one of the reasons I had not fully committed to Edward yet was that I was very close to falling in love with him. It wouldn't be take much for me to cross that line.
I crossed the street to get back to the apartment and saw Rose and Alice coming up to me. I started to realize that they were not walking they marching. Rather Alice was marching and Rose was trying to contain her. "Oh crap," I said to myself.
"Isabella Swan what's going on with you and my brother," she said tapping her miniature foot in front of me.
"Alice what you talking about," I asked cautiously.
"I caught my brother sneaking into our room and putting this on your bed," she said handing me a note.
"Sorry Bella, I tried to stop her," Rosalie said looking at her shoes. Any other time I would have found this hysterical, Rosalie Hale at a lost for word and embarrassed.
"Did you read this," I asked sternly, looking at Alice.
She swallowed and blushed a little, "No of course not."
"Then you know I am going to you this is none of your business," I told her, shoving the note into my purse.
"C'mon Bella, talk, I know something is going on with you too," she pleaded at me.
I just glared at her, "What is with you and your obsession with me being your brother?"
"Ladies, why don't we go to the café," Rosalie said breaking in.
We both nodded at her and went to little café next door and ordered some coffee. "Bella, you know I would love to see you with Edward," Alice said.
"I know you would but have you stopped to think abut what this could do to our friendship if didn't work out with your brother?" I asked her.
"That would have nothing to do us," Alice said confidently.
"Think about Alice, really think about that," Rose said, "You would be in really tough place and you would have choose your brother if things ended badly."
"Hardly, besides, it wouldn't end badly," Alice said confidently.
"Really Alice, you do realize that I graduate in July and will be going back to States?" I reminded her with a raised eyebrow.
"Yes but you applied to English schools, you don't have leave," she said.
I started laughing, "Alice do you have any idea how home sick I am," I asked.
She stayed quiet with that one. Alice got the difference between being a train ride from home and being an 18 plane from your loved ones.
"Look to answer your question, something did happen but we taking it slow to see if we both what to pursue anything," I said, not wanting to deny the obvious.
"That's a good idea," Rose said shooting Alice a look, "go slow and see where the two of you want to go with this."
We sat there for few moments, drinking our coffees and went back to the apartment. "Bella, you have to let me do your hair tonight," Alice said, taking my arm.
"Sorry, Alice, I don't feel like playing Bella Barbie," I told her.
"C'mon, you want to look good for Edward," she asked.
She had me there. "Okay but nothing over the top," I warned her.
"Don't worry," she said, "You're going to love it!"
Three hours later we were ready to go. Alice had bought out the red dress I had worn the night we went to the Opera in London. She pulled my hair up in a French twist and left a few pieces to frame my face. She used a minimal amount of makeup and convinced me to wear my contacts. With a part of platforms, I was ready to go. Rose and Alice had left earlier with their significant others.
Edward and the guys had disappeared to a cigar bar earlier while we had coffee. Rose had nearly had stroke when they came back in smelling like stale tobacco. She made all of them shower and fumigate before they could come back into the living room. As a result I hadn't seen Edward all day and had been in my room studying after Alice worked her magic. Around 6:00 I heard a tentative knock on the door. I giggled to myself, it looked like Edward was nervous.
"Just a second," I said getting up and smoothing my dress. I opened the door and there stood Edward. He was there in a pair of dark slacks and a charcoal gray sweater. He looked amazing.
"Wow," he said taking me in, "you look amazing, absolutely breath taking."
"Thank you, you do too," I said shyly.
"Hah hardly," he said, leaning in a little and gave me a gentle kiss on the lips, "Well I was going to suggest dinner in since we had the whole place to ourselves but I think this calls for something different."
"Don't be silly," I told him, "I am more then happy to stay in."
"You might be, but I am not," he said winking me, "Let me get our coats."
We got bundled up and went outside. The air had a crispness to it, it was wonderful. "Where are we going?" I asked.
"You'll see," he said with a smirk and to my great surprise, he led me to the Metro.
"Edward, you are actually volunteering to go on public transportation," I teased him as we got on the train.
"You know something Bella, the first time that we ever really talked was on the bus the night of your birthday," he said, ignoring my jab.
"I remember," I said, remembering the night, the first night we ever really connected.
A few minutes later we were passed by the stop for the Louvre. "One of the things I love about you is your passion for art," he told me coming closer to my ear, "I know you have been sneaking out to come here when you thought no one knew. Bella I always know when you leave, call it a 6th sense." I shuddered with his closeness.
The train finally stopped by the Seine. We got off and went out to the curb. "Most of Bella, I know how much you miss your home," Edward said, taking me towards the pier, "I cannot bring your family to you or take you the beach but I thought I could give the water for a few hours."
"Are we having dinner on the river," I asked excited.
He started laughing, "No love, we having it on the boat there," he said pointing to dinner cruise, "you can even see the model of the Statue of Liberty."
"Edward," I said truly touched.
"And don't start about money, this is a date so its my treat," he said hugging me close to him.
"Okay," I nodded, kissing his chin a little.
"Love, you better stop that," he said, "I wouldn't responsible for missing dinner."
"Okay," I giggled again.
Taking my hand, he led me to the boat and helped me on. In French, he confirmed the reservation and had us seated. Fortunately this menu was in both English and French so I didn't his help to translate.
The waiter came up and did a double at us. Guess he's gay, I thought to myself.
"Bonjour," the waiter, "Je ma taime Michel."
"Bonjour," I said in halting French, "Parle vou Anglo?"
"Ah American, how charming," Michel gushed changing my thoughts on his sexual orientation by the way he was looking me.
"Yes, she's American and I'm British, Michel, can we please see the wine list?" Edward said a little irritated.
"Why yes of course," Michel said, a little fluttered, "your girlfriend, she is how do you say enchanting."
"Thank you Michel," Edward replied dryly.
As soon as Michel left, I started laughing, "Edward want was that all about?"
"I just don't like other blokes staring at my date," he told me, "I am sorry did I embarrass you?"
"No, it was just a little silly. To be honest I thought he was gay and was checking you out before he started speaking. So much for gaydar," I said shrugging my shoulders.
"Are you mad about me calling you my girlfriend, I am mean I know we haven't put a label anything yet," he asked, little concerned.
I shook my head, a little relieved to see Michel coming back with the wine list. One thing I had learned in my time in France and Europe, they were definitely more liberal with liquor here the back home.
"Here you go," Michel said, handing the list to Edward and proceeded to start describing the specials of the house.
"Thank you," I said after he was done.
Edward looked at the wine list, "Bella would you like a glass?"
I thought about for it minute and decided why not, it wasn't like I had never had a drink before and it was really special night. "Sure why not – but please keep it to white, I am not used to red wine."
Edward's eyes opened slightly but he recovered and ordered a small bottle of white wine for our table. "Why the sudden change – I don't think I ever you seen you do anything off the cuff before. You know you don't need to prove anything," he said quietly.
"Edward believe it or not I have had a drink before. Charlie has let me have a glass of champagne for special occasions since I was 16. I will let you in on a little secret. Last summer on a beach camp out, Jasper and Ben got a couple of fake ids and bought a couple of cases of beer from the 7/11 by the university. Then they went to the reservation at Santa Ynez bought a couple box of fireworks – it was the 4th of July and it's legal to buy them on reservations. Anyway so we were on the beach, Ben, Angela, Jasper and me, drinking the beer. Jasper and Ben decide its time to lite up the fireworks and now we are all fairly drunk at this point. I am trying to figure out what I am going to tell my dad so I have stopped drinking so I can be somewhat sober when I go home. Angela's dad is a minster so she stopped drinking too at this point was drinking coke with me. Jasper and Ben are having a pretty good time with the sparklers. Angela and I were sitting on the blankets. They were arguing which set of fireworks should be lit first. They weren't paying attention and were standing too close to the box with the sparklers. They were pretty drunk at this point and Ben tripped over the box. The next thing we knew they had lit the entire the box of fireworks," I said laughing at the memory of Jasper and Ben tripping over each to get away, "They ran to into surf fully clothed."
Edward laughed, "I wouldn't of thought you had in it in you Swan," he said, holding my hand.
"Well I tend to act my age more when I am home," I said honestly, "but I am no rebel."
"I would love to see that side of you one day," he told me, his eyes smoldering at me.
I blushed as on cue, "I'd like that."
"Really," he asked.
"Yeah, you are a good guy," I told him honestly, "I misjudged you.
"You had reason, I am glad you gave me a second chance," he said quietly.
"Me too," I said, smiling at him, patting his hand.
"Bella, I know I said I wouldn't pressure you and I met it, but have you given anymore thought about us," he asked quietly.
I nodded thinking to the thoughts I had this afternoon. "I read your note. By the way you should be more discreet – your sister caught you sneaking into our room."
"Ouch – she say something," he asked his ears turning a little red.
"A little," I told him, "Don't worry Rose was there – she calmed her down a bit."
"Sorry."
"Don't worry – she gave me a lot to think about," I told him quietly.
The waiter came a few minutes later with the wine. We ordered our dinners and held hands. We stay off less sensitive subjects and just enjoyed the atmosphere of the boat. Edward pointed out the various sights of the Seine and Paris as the tour went on. After the courses were served we got up and took a tour outside. Putting on my wrap we stood by the railing. "Edward," I said quietly.
"Yes," he asked, looking me earnestly.
"I have been thinking about our conversation. To be honest I am scared," I told him.
"I see," he started.
"I am not sure, you do," I said looking into his eyes. "I am scared about a number of things. Lets be honest, we have an expiration date."
"What do you mean," he asked confused.
"We both know I am going home in summer. At the very least, we would have to break up the summer, doesn't that bother you?" I asked him.
"Bella, first of all I know you are going back to the States but I still want to try this., whatever it is. Secondly I don't believe we are destine to break up just you are going back. It's not boing to be easy but I don't think its impossible," he told me, taking my face in his hands, kissing my forehand.
"I am scared," I whispered.
"Me too," he told me.
"How come?" I asked.
"I have never felt this way about anyone," he said, leaning his forehead on me, "you are special and amazing. My heart belongs to you and that makes me very vulnerable. You are the only person who can really hurt me."
We stood there for a moment till I finally said, "Edward I want to try."
"Really Bella," he said, the excitement in his voice made me smile, "you don't have to do this make me happy."
"You're silly, I am doing this to make me happy," I told him, kissing his neck, "but don't think you are getting any from me anytime soon."
Laughing he picked me up and kissed me passionately against the railing. "I wouldn't dream about it," he told me, "I just want to concentrate on making my beautiful girlfriend happy."
"You're doing a great job of it," I said smiling against this face.
"Good – I plan to do more," he said smirking.
"Well I am not going to stop you but I think we are about going to dock," I told him, looking at up.
"Fuck, you're right, we better go back in," he said putting me down. Together we walked back to the dining room and gathered our things to leave the boat. Once outside Edward insisted we walk for a while.
"I am not ready for the evening end," he explained putting his jacket on me.
I nodded not wanting it to end either. We walked around for a couple of hours taking the sites of city one last time, stopping to kiss every once in a while. Finally we were back in front of Rose's apartment.
"Fancy a coffee," Edward asked pointing to the small café Rose, Alice and I had sat earlier today.
"Sure," I said.
Sitting down, he asked, "So what did you think of Paris?"
"You know I am glad I came, so I guess I should thank you for putting this bug in Alice's ear," I said, smirking at him.
He laughed, "Hey this was practically a free trip!" he said.
"You're right but you and your sister strong armed me into it," I reminded it, "the one about me Edward which I am sure you already know, is that I am stubborn to a fault."
"You don't say," he replied drily, taking a sip of his coffee.
"Hah, cut it smartass," I said, throwing a wrapper at him, "but my dad was right I was in danger of turning an old lady."
We stayed for a few more minutes and returned back to the apartment. The others weren't back yet so we had a few minutes to ourselves. We used that time wisely in on the couch – I didn't trust myself in a bedroom with him. After a while we said goodnight.
"Night bye sweet dreams," he said kissing my forehead.
"You too," I said kissing him back.
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