A/N: Okay, so Bella and Edward are reunited and all is well. However, some people weren't too happy that Tanya was all but forgotten once he saw Bella. Please remember that they are "just friends" although Tanya does want more. They don't have a physical relationship so there wasn't any cheating. This is a girl's chapter but some info is revealed. We're going to see a lot of Bella, Esme, Alice and Rosalie but there may be some Edward/Bella too. Thanks to those who review and provide me with feedback. Make me so happy. I would love to hear from a few more of you. Please, pretty please.
Disclaimer: Twilight and its characters are owned by Stephenie Meyer. I do not own Mr. Astley or any of his songs. Lastly, I do not own or take credit for any mention of any or all of the pop culture. No copyright infringement is intended with the posting of this story.
Chapter 13 "Where Do I Begin?"
BPoV
It's not even nine in the morning. That woman has absolutely no right to have that much energy at this ungodly hour. I've been awake for over three hours and, if I don't get at least two more cups of coffee into my system, I will be a candidate for zombie land.
"Excuse me. I need to change my table for one to a table for three," I inform the hostess.
"No problem but the wait might be a few minutes longer. Is that okay?"
"That's fine. The other two guests aren't here yet anyway."
As I loiter in the waiting area, my phone vibrates with a text from Alice.
Sorry make that a table for four - 3 u - Alice
I roll my eyes at the text before returning to the hostess to change the number of guests from three to four. She informs me that the wait time will be the same and will let me know when the table is available.
I'm curious as to who the other person Esme is bringing. I smirk hoping it might be Edward. Hmmmm . . . Edward for breakfast . . . I mean breakfast with Edward. Yeah, that's what I mean. Unfortunately, I know he's at the hospital. "Who could it be?" I wonder if poppa bear has been roped into joining us for breakfast. I imagine Esme and Alice literally roping and dragging a reluctant Dr. Cullen along. I have to admire that man. Any person able to put up with momma bear and her cub Alice has got to be a saint . . . or a drunk I laugh.
I decide to wait just outside the door. After my last meeting with momma bear and her cub at work, I do not want a repeat performance of that three ring circus. It is just way too early in the day for high pitched screams and rib crushing bear hugs in the middle of a small restaurant.
On second thought, perhaps waiting outside in the cold wet Seattle morning is not the best decision I've ever made. As the brits might say, "I'm freezing my effing bollucks off." In hopes of warming up a bit, I wrap my arms in front of my chest rubbing my hands up and down my arms. When that attempt to warm up fails I yank the extra-long sleeves of our hoodie over my hands before sticking both hands in the kangaroo front pocket.
The thought of our hoodie has me feeling like a silly love sick teenager instead of the strong confident independent 26 year old woman I am. My inner silly love sick teenager mind wanders back to last night and Edward and his hello kiss and our comfortable conversations and our constant need to remain connected through even the slightest touch of our hands.
I wonder if Edward feels that immediate inexplicable connection between us. I cringe hoping it just isn't me being a silly seventeen year old girl. For the first time since I had set out on my adventure, I'm conflicted at the sudden momentary flashes of settling down, of a career, of a home life, of a family. I attempt to bury those thoughts of being shackled down. I still had so much I wanted to see and wanted to experience. I couldn't . . . My unnerving thoughts are interrupted by a loud car horn and the sound of a female voices calling out my name.
My eyes follow the direction of the voices and I spot a far too energetic waving Esme and Alice exiting their car. I shake the unnerving thoughts away as I smile and wave back. Unexpectedly, the third breakfast guest exits the car; it's not Dr. Cullen unless he's in disguise as a woman and not just any woman. No, this woman is an impeccably dressed 5'9" amazon with silky honey blonde hair, ice cold violet blue eyed, and a body to die for.
I know I'm a strong confident independent woman but, being on the other end of her ice cold stare; I literally shrink into my extra-large hoodie. Then it suddenly dawns on me; my heart began to race. Is this amazon woman with the death ray eyes the woman Edward so subtly failed to mention as the person who might be up all night thinking about him? My breathing hitches and the blood drains my body as the women approaches. I get a much better look at this drop dead gorgeous diva and all my confidence shatters.
As expected, I'm pulled into a bone crushing bear hug by Esme and Alice. Death by bone crushing bear hug or death ray glare, I'll take the bone crushing bear hug any day. Resigned with the fact that I won't be released until I reciprocate, I have no other alternative but to give in and return their hugs. My tight embrace only makes the women laugh and hug tighter if that is even possible. We pull away as Esme turns to amazon woman.
"Rosalie this is Penny slash Bella." Esme turns to me and giggles, "That never gets old."
I roll my eyes in exaggeration as she stuck out her tongue.
"Bella, this is Rosalie Hale, Alice's best friend."
I smile reaching my hand out in Rosalie's direction. To my surprise Rosalie extends her hand to mine as we greet each other.
"It's so nice to meet you Bella but if you will excuse me for just a moment." Rosalie removes her hand from mine and walks into the diner. I see her stop to speak with the hostess for a moment before following the direction of the hostess's stretched out arm.
Rosalie makes her way to the woman's room just as the hostess pops outside informing us that our table is ready. We enter the warm restaurant and follow her to our table.
As we settle in, Rosalie exits the woman's restroom looking around for us. Spotting us, a huge grin crosses her face as she strolls to our table and plops down next to Alice. What surprises me is that not only is her smile genuine but she is now wearing designer prescription glasses.
"Oh my God, that is so much better. I can see again," chuckles Rosalie in relief. "Please forgive me for being so rude a moment ago Penny slash Bella but I'm as blind as a bat and one of my contacts fell out in the car. I couldn't see a thing."
"Oh great," I thought to myself as I smile at Rosalie, "she stunningly beautiful and genuinely sweet. I hate her."
"I don't understand why you don't just wear your glasses more often," admonishes Alice. "You get that whole sexy librarian vibe going with them on."
"Alice! I can't believe you just said that in front of me," snorts a playfully shocked Esme.
In a low seductive Marilyn Monroe voice Rosalie whispers, "Oh Alice, you know I only wear my glasses for Emmett and only on special occasions." Then she winks at Alice and they both laugh out loud.
Emmett? Who's Emmett if she supposed to be thinking about my Edward all night long?
Trying to control my nervous voice I ask, "Who's Emmett?" to no one in particular.
"Oh I'm sorry Bella. Emmie's my hunk of a man boyfriend," purrs Rosalie as her finger drew lazy circles on the table.
Esme and Alice eye each other. "Please don't get her started on Emmett. We'll never get her to shut up. By the way, Emmett's my cousin and one of Edward's best friends," informs Alice.
"Boyfriend! Yes! Fist pump. Sexy amazon librarian woman has a hunk of a man friend. Yeah, all is right with the world," I think to myself as I laugh along with Esme and Alice. But my revelry is quickly squashed, if Rosalie isn't thinking about Edward, then who is?"
While Rosalie playfully sticks her tongue out at Alice, I admonish myself for judging Rosalie so harshly. I'm ashamed and should know better than to judge a book by its cover so to speak. If I am being completely honest with myself, I think . . . I think I'm jealous.
Our waitress drops off menus and takes our order of four very large coffees.
"Are you sure you need any more coffee this morning you two." I wave my finger in the direction of momma bear and her cub bear.
"I haven't had a drop of java this morning," Esme responds.
Oh brother, if this is how this woman is without a caffeine fix am I in for it now.
We perused the menus as the waitress drops off our coffees. The waitress takes each of our breakfast orders but my jaw hits the table when I hear Rosalie's order.
"Um, let me see. . . I'll have the three egg breakfast special. Make the eggs over easy and sour dough toast please, extra butter on the side. Does the special come with hotcakes?"
The waitress nods a no.
"Then add a small stack of chocolate chip hotcakes on the side." Rosalie scans the menu once more. "Yeah, I think that's it." Rosalie smiles satisfied with her order.
"Ummmm Rosalie, I don't mean to be rude, especially because we've just met, but how do you keep that," I wave my hand up and down her body, "rocking body eating like a truck driver?"
Before Rosalie answers, Alice steps in with a deadpan response. "She inherited a very fast metabolism from her father's side of the family. She eats like that all the time. We hate her. If you feel the need, you can hate her too. You have my permission."
Rosalie sits with a smug smile on her face as Esme scolds her baby cub for saying hate.
"I'm sorry Rose. I don't really hate you. I simply despise you with my entire being for your fast metabolism and I damn you to Hades," apologizes Alice in a sugary sweet fake voice.
"Oh Alice, I love you too. Kissy kissy." They turn and throw air kisses at each other.
"All right, all right enough you two. Let's get down to business," commands Esme.
Suddenly, there is silence as I feel all eyes settle on me.
"Now Bella, I want to know everything and I mean everything about you but, more importantly, I want to know exactly what is going on between you and my baby boy. And you better not tell me nothing is going on because after that kiss," Esme fans herself, "I witnessed last night don't you dare say nothing is going on."
Nervously, I gather my thoughts before I regale the group with the story of how Edward and I met. Without interruption, I speak about my parents, about my promise to Charlie to get a college education that would afford me a good job in today's economy and my promise to him that once I finished college I was going to live my life. The three women intently listen to my story but it's my last bit of information that piqued Esme's interest.
The waitress serves our plates as we silently began to eat. I'm thankful for the interruption of my interrogation. I spy Rosalie's food and shake my head as we continue to eat.
Esme breaks the silence. She faces me before questioning, "So what do you mean by live your life?"
In all honesty, her tone frightened me. I've never really had to answer to a parent before. I basically took care of my mom and then Charlie when he had his heart attack. For all intent and purposes, I've always been the parent thus me phobia of being shackled down.
I stall answering Esme's question by shoving a huge fork full of food in my mouth but that woman is relentless. She continues her stare until I swallow my food and sip from my coffee cup. Yeah, she's not going to let go of that one.
"Like I said, my grandmother left me a small amount of money. I saved the money to travel the country. Before I even think about being shackled down with a job and adult responsibilities, I want to see things and meet people and I want do things I might not get a chance to do once I start working and having a family. I don't just want to say I wish I could or wouldn't it be nice to. . . Does that make sense?"
"Such as?"
"Okay, for example," I explain, "Late last summer, I traveled to the northeast to see the leaves of the oak trees and the maples change colors. I even got a part-time job working on a farm that taps the maple syrup. Anyway, I've only ever lived in areas where it's either all grey and green or all sunny and brown. I really wanted to be able to say I've seen the leaves change. I've seen the season change. Don't get me wrong, I'm not saying if I was to settle down I couldn't see that but it wouldn't be spontaneous. With a job or a family, seeing the leaves change would have to be penciled in during vacation time or when the kids weren't in school." I pause looking over the edge of my coffee cup. "I know I'm rambling. It's just how I am." I shrug my shoulder at my own self-assessment. "I like knowing that I can get up and go on the spur of the moment. I want my life to be an adventure." I laugh, "After all, I am my mother's daughter. I got my father's stubbornness and my mom's love for adventure. That's a dangerous combination."
"How long do you stay in one place?" Esme's tone turning more serious as our conversation continues.
My phone vibrates just as I was about to answer her question. I look at my screen and see it's Charlie.
"Excuse me for a minute. It's my dad."
"No problem, go right ahead sweetie." Esme, Alice and Rosalie continue to eat quietly as I answer the call.
"Hey dad, what's up? . . . uh huh . . . okay, if you're sure . . . I'll have to get back to you . . . I'm not sure what my work schedule for Christmas week is gonna . . . okay, I'll let you know as soon as possible . . . I love you to old man. See you soon. Bye."
I sip my coffee and another fork full of food before Esme continues with her interrogation.
"So how long do you stay in one place?"
I shrugged my shoulders nonchalantly. "Oh, it just depends on what I'm in the mood for and if I can find a part-time job to help with my expenses."
"Aren't you scared to travel the country all alone?" Rosalie asks quietly. "You really are brave. I don't think I would have the courage to do what you're doing. I know my parents would never allow to do what you're doing grown woman or not."
I snort at Rosalie's declaration recalling my dad's reaction to my news. "Believe me Rosalie my parents are none too happy about what I am doing either. My dad and I had several knock down drag out fights about this. At one point, he called and told my mother on me like that was going to make a difference. When Charlie finally realized I wasn't going to change my mind, he insisted on teaching me some basic self- defense moves."
Searching through my backpack, I yanked out my keys. "And as a going away present he got me this." I hold up small can of pepper spray attached to my keychain.
We all laugh but there is a look of motherly concern on Esme's face.
"So what are you doing here in Seattle?" This time it's Alice's turn to interrogate.
"Actually, I graduated from U-Dub. I got my bachelors and master there. I love Seattle but when I was in college I was so focused on my studies that I didn't have the time to truly appreciate all that the city offers. On my holidays or vacations, I would go home to Forks. I would tidy up the house and cook as many frozen meals as possible for my dad."
Alice nearly spit out her coffee at that statement. I give her a quizzical look.
"I've never even seen the Fremont Troll! Can you believe that!"
"Hey, I've lived here all my life, well except when I was in college, and I've never seen it either," declares Alice.
"Exactly, my point! See what I mean. You've been here all your life so why haven't you seen the troll," I laugh. "Let's make a date. We'll all go see the troll together. What do you think?"
Esme narrow her eyes at Alice as she and Rosalie nod in agreement.
My phone vibrates again. I pull it out of my pocket and grin when I read Edward's name.
Not on break but just wanted to say hi – hi – E
Hi back. Having an interrogation breakfast with momma bear, Alice and Rosalie – B
Omg – how did that happen? So sorry gotta go – E
I look up from my phone only to be met with three sets of happy sparkling eyes and wide grins. With that, I feel a blush from the top of my head to the tip of my toes if that's even possible.
Saving me from further embarrassment Rosalie chimes in, "So how long do you plan on staying in Seattle Bella?"
"I'm not really sure yet." I answer honestly. "I've always wanted to see the Space Needle's New Year's Eve firework show. The last few years I spent New Year's Eve in Forks usually alone because Charlie always volunteered to work holidays. So this year it's definitely the Space Needle. I'm trying to save some money to go to Canada or Alaska to see the Northern Lights early next year, late January or February. After that, I'm not really sure although my mind keeps wandering to Hawaii. I would love to zip line in Maui or parasail or hike up a cliff and then jump off into the ocean. Thinking out loud now, maybe travel to Europe, stay at hostel. In Scotland there's a month long festival in August. Doesn't that sound amazing?"
I'm fully aware that the more I talk about my non-plans the more subdued Esme becomes. I feel the need to change the subject fast.
"Okay, enough about me. I want to know all about you. I already know Rosalie has a hunky boyfriend named Emmett but what about the rest of you. Alice, you said you went away to school. Where did you go? What did you major in?"
Alice energetically talks about college, how she and Rosalie met and bonded over the need to someday dominate the world and they both giggle at the memory. She becomes it bit more subdued, almost a different person, discussing her desire to start her own business. She confides that she is nervous about starting a business in this economy but feels confident she can make her business a success. .
Alice continues to talk about her business while I inhale another cup of coffee. We sit in somewhat comfortable silence as we finish our meals. I laugh to myself noticing that Rosalie is the first to finish her meal despite the fact that she's had the most food. There's simply no justice in the world.
"Bella, I hope you don't mind my eavesdropping on your conversation with your father, after all I am sitting right next to you," she laughs, "I couldn't help but hear but it sounds as if your Christmas plans with your father have fallen through. Am I right?"
I shake my head in acknowledgement. "No biggie, he usually works holidays anyway. We were going to spend Christmas morning together but one of his deputies asked if Charlie wouldn't mind covering his shift. My dad would do anything for his deputies. He's loyal that way. I'm sure I'll find something to do."
Without hesitation, Esme suggests, "I would love for you to spend the day with us!"
"Esme thank you. Your offer is so kind but I wouldn't want to interfere in your family celebration. I'm a complete stranger. What if I went into your house and robbed you. What would you do?" There is absolutely no way I am spending Christmas with Edward's family. First, I don't know if he is seeing someone and second, he'll think I'm some sort of stalker chick.
"Then I would call your father to come and arrest you," she retorts.
Alice reaches over placing her hand on mine, "Bella, Bella, Bella. We don't know each other very well but there is one thing you must have figured out by now. Momma bear always gets what she wants. So what time will you be there? "
Rosalie nods her head in agreement as Esme triumphantly beams.
"If you're sure I won't be too much trouble, then I kindly accept your invitation." I pause for a moment. "I love to bake during Christmas. If my landlord allows me to borrow the kitchen I'd love to bring some Christmas goodies as a thank you for your kind invitation."
Esme taps her pursed lips with her finger and rolls her eyes side to side in thought.
"I have an idea. You will pack a bag and spend Christmas Eve, Christmas and the day after Christmas at my home."
Before she can finish, I interject a most emphatic, "No."
Alice and Rosalie huff, roll their eyes and shake their heads again.
"Esme there is no way I am going to spend Christmas week with you and your family. No way!"
If I was being honest with myself, I would love to spend Christmas with the Cullen family, Edward in particular, but I really don't want him to think I have stalker tendencies.
"You listen to me young lady . . ."
"Oh no, you're in trouble now. She used young lady," sighs Alice.
"Christmas week, that's even better than three days."
"No, no I didn't mean Christmas week I meant the week of Christ . . ."
"As I was saying, you are all alone for the holidays. You don't know when you will be able to visit your father. We have more than enough room and you can help me with my baking. You won't have to bother your landlady for the use of her kitchen. I have more than enough room in mine for two bakers. Now that's final young lady."
"Esme, I'm sure I will be scheduled to work a couple of days next week. I can't just come and go as I please in your home."
"Bella, I have been married to a doctor for almost thirty years. I'm use to people coming and going at all hour of the day and night."
She has an answer to every single one of my objections. Raising my hands to my side, "I surrender. Just tell me the time and place. I'm all yours."
In a pixie voice, Alice teases, "I told you," as Rosalie shakes her head in agreement.
"Esme, I have one very critical question. What about Edward? What will he think about a complete stranger staying with his family? I don't want him to feel uncomfortable with my presence."
"If it makes you feel any better, we probably won't even see Edward at all next week. The residents usually cover the holidays. So Christmas day will most likely be my husband, Alice minus Jasper, Rosalie and Emmett, you and me. We usually have family and friends drop in and out all day but very informal."
Esme's invitation to spend the week with the Cullen family has eased my mind. Edward must not have a girlfriend. If he had, she wouldn't have invited me into her home.
And with that, my Christmas week is planned. The rest of the meal we chit chat about Christmas traditions, places to visit in Seattle, the Fremont Troll and New Year's Eve.
Despite the numerous refills to my coffee cup, I stifle a yawn, my lack of sleep finally hitting me.
"Well gals, it's been fun and I really hate to eat and run but I need to take a nap before I head off to work later this afternoon. I didn't get much sleep last night."
Self-satisfied grins spread across Esme and Alice faces.
Esme graciously insists on treating us as we argue over the bill. Knowing she always gets her way, I graciously thank her. We hug goodbye as I make my way to the bus stop and they cross the street to their car.
Alice shouts, "Bella, where are you going?"
I point to the bus stop as Esme's lips narrow and she shakes her head no. Without even being asked, I roll my eyes and walk in the direction of their car. Esme smiles as I get in the back seat. Yeah, I learn fast. I am a college graduate after all.
I give Esme my address as Alice enters in the GPS. We sit in comfortable silence listening to Alice's Ipod watching the passing scenery. While riding in the back seat, Rosalie and I also exchange contact information. We take selfies to accompany our contact information. Alice gets in on the action sneaking a natural shot of me humming to a song. She sets the picture to her contacts before informing me she also forwarded it to Edward.
I know Edward's busy but I send him a quick text informing him of my newly arranged Christmas plans. I don't want him to think I orchestrated this in any way shape or form.
When we arrive at the boarding house, I thank Rose and Alice for having breakfast with me. Esme gets out of the car, inspecting my current residence, then hugs me goodbye.
"I know we can be a bit overwhelming but you'll get used to it." She gives me one last embrace before she whispering, "and we're going to do something about that," tilting her head toward the house, "young lady. Oh, and don't think I didn't notice that you avoided my question about Edward. Good thing I have you all to myself next week," she winks.
I know there's no point in arguing with this dynamo of a woman. Just then my phone vibrates.
Don't worry. I should have warned you. Mom always gets what she wants. - nice picture btw - E
A/N: So, how did you like girl time? On a side note, the first time I posted this story, some readers thought Esme to be a bit overbearing. Well, she is but her family loves her that way. I'm desperate to read your thoughts in a review.