Okay, guys I've thought for a long time, and the ending of the story...IS GOING TO BE A CLIFFIE! Bahahaha...(no this IS NOT the end of the story) but I'm just saying, that is how I'm going to continue my sequeal...IF i get the affirmative replies of my lovely readers, and to know that you guys will read it! Now, HERE IS THE NEXT CHAPTER! And also, next chapter, the FIERY RED HAIR MAN WILL APPEAR O What is going to happen then? Ohhh... BAHAHA...Oh yeah, I have a HUGE art project that's due next week...so I'm not going to be able to update until FRIDAY next week which is June 6th, 2008. LOL...okay ENJOY THIS CHAPTER! And thanks you guys for all the great reviews!
I woke up with the three certainties in my mind. I didn't know how I could fall asleep but to my delight, it was dreams of Edward that I had fallen asleep for.
I slight wave of anxiousness and nausea would overwhelm me soon. I lay in my bed, remembering what day it was today.
Today was Thursday and tomorrow I'd have to go camping with Alice. Not exactly the most exciting thing to do, considering I had an abnormal ability to attract danger and a complete klutz. How was I going to survive three days without Edward by my side? How was I ever going to?
I could only shroud my minds for a few minutes until I heard Alice's soprano voice.
"Bella! Get up! Work time!"
I flipped away my bedspread and walked to the door, opening it swiftly, but a huge mistake.
It seems Alice had wanted to knock and since I had opened the door so quickly, instead of the door, she hit my chest, with a bit too much power than I could comprehend from the pixie that stood in front of me.
"Ow." I didn't know what else to say. I'd already been too big of a klutz before and if there was somthing I was good at, it'd be suffering pain.
"Oh my gosh! I'm so sorry Bella! You just opened the door and..." Her voice trailed off but I just lifted my hand, encouraging her to stop as I bounded for the washroom to shower. She should know by now I don't bruise easily. Being klutz did help me develop thick skin...
I entered the bathroom, slipped off my sweats and shirt and showered. The warm water brought a tingling sensation throughout my body, momentarily washing away all the fears I had for tomorrow.
I kept on wondering...maybe I could break my record of falling down in one place non-stop, thanks to the uneven grounds and to my horrible vision. Definetely, I would never allow myself to let Alice drag me into another death trap. Then I thought of Edward.
I strained to figure the bits and pieces of puzzles that'd been scattered when Alice interupted. The puzzle was missing its' final piece last night...Edward was telling me something...but like a pixie child, Alice ruined the puzzle. Scattering everything back to how it was before anything started. Of course, we know how to solve it again but...I hated the time that was built up to achieve that one point in time.
I wringed my hair, soaked with water in the bath tub and stepped onto the plsuh carpet that was placed in front of the shower. I dried off my torso and wiped my face then started to examine myself.
My wet, strangled wet hair covered parts of my face, hiding my ears and cheeks. The brown, boring eyes looking back at me had some shadows under it. This was not going to help with the camping trip, which I knew required every ounce of my concentration to not trip and fall. I was wondering, if I returned, would my face be covered with scratches...but that was just too horrible to think about.
I completely dried off, slipped into a bathrobe and headed for my room.
As always, Alice had prepared another set of clothing. Today it seems, to restore some happiness, the clothing wasn't very elegant and exotic. A pale blue lace shirt with a thin black overcoat laid on top of my drawer. Slung over it was a black knee length skirt with a floral pattern running down diagonally. Definetely not something I would have picked to worn.
I examined myself in front of the full length mirror, taking in the half sleepy, half excited woman staring back at me. Without a second glance, I stepped out into the kitchen, to be welcomed by the smell of eggs and toast. I glanced over at the blonde cooking breakfast for his girlfriend and me. I looked at Alice who was reading another of her fashion magazines. If she had so much time, maybe she should consider going to work...though I doubt that was necessary.
"Alice, I'm ready."
The Cullen parents were quite wealthy themselves, but with Edward's law firm, it only grew wealthier. Carlisle, the father of the family was a doctor, specializing in the brain. He'd been on the news sometimes, when a miracle finding or unbelivably difficult brain surgery was successful. His face was also unbelivably handsome, even with gray hair running through his pale blonde hair. His features were quite similar to those of Edward's. Pale, green eyes, straight nose, and full lips. They truly did look so alike.
Esme, the mother of the Cullens was a well known, and highly respected estates agent and now turned stock market genius. She had reportedly been able to make over a million dollars every year, mingling with the stock market and such. Of course, she was retired and living a very wealthy lifestyle, but she still donated to charity and from time to time she would be on television as well.
It was amazing how her heart shaped face, honeydew colored hair, pale blue eyes and divine features fit so well with Carlisle. They looked so beautiful together and so true. I couldn't but envy them, as I envied Alice and Jasper.
I walked into the bathroom, waiting for Alice as she brought out her vanity bag. Today, she seemed to put much less make up than normal, not as little as she had when she told me about the camping trip...but still abnormally low amounts of vanity products.
I sat silently, looking at the transformation. Alice had put on pale blue eyeshadows, eccentuating the top I had on. She then transformed my normal lips into plump, pink full lips with lip gloss. I was actually much happier when she controlled the amounts of beauty products she put on me. She blowdried my hair, letting it run in wavy curls as my natural hair did its' stuff.
Sitting down in the chair across from Alice, I ate the toast and waited for Jasper to finish preparing the egg. Sliding it into my plate and sitting next to Alice, they both looked up at me. This was definetely a dangerous duo.
"Umm...Bella, for tomorrow..." Alice must have thought I forgot...or something...why else would she bring it up? I mean...how can I forget? It was like being sent into prison, locked up for three days and with the magnetism of danger I could attract...very unethical.
Jasper seemed to pitch into the conversation now, answering Alice's unfinished sentence.
"Edward has a business trip on Friday and for the weekend. So he needs you to go too. Now, you won't be able to go camping with us." His face was somewhat sad, as was Alice's. But mine? Well, of course I had to put on a facade to hide the unimaginable burst and explosion of happiness that overwhelmed me.
I was free! I didn't have to go! Gosh, I had to thank Edward someday...
"Oh." Simple and hard to decipher, what a great response. I didn't want to show just how happy I was, that I didn't need to go.
"Well, guess I better get going to work...I might need some briefings on what's to be expected tomorrow for the business trip."
"Okay, see ya later Bella." Their bass and soprano voices intertwined with each other. It was almost like their voices could sing the joyous happiness they felt for each other, their love for each other..everything.
I could only continue to envy the couple.
Walking to the door, I put on a pair of pale blue flats and walked out of the door.
As I walked out, the smell of fresh cut grass hit me like an iron weight. I was never much of a fan for grass as i held my nose, walking past the garden until I saw a shiny Volvo parked a few cars down from the entrance of the apartment.
Getting out of the car, was the Adonis god of my dreams, Edward. His bronze hair was combed back, revealing the span of his marble forehead. His eyes were excited as he grinned at me, half jogging half walking in front of me.
"Your personal chauffer has arrived, Ms.Bella."
As we were driving down the streets, I decided to ask the question that'd been boiling within me since Alice had interupted our conversation.
"Edward, what were you going to say before Alice interupted?"
His body was tensed and his hands on the steering wheel were clenched. His eyes turned solid emerald as he continued to look up front. He must be ignoring my question.
"Um, I'll tell you later."
All I could do was put it off...
The silence this time was slightly pained. I wanted so much to ask him what he was going to tell me last night but I didn't want to push Edward anymore than I already did. His driving turned somewhat faster as we continued down the path that was to the law firm.
"Oh yeah, Alice told me this morning you were going on a business trip and that I was required to come?" Gosh, I was horrible at breaking the silence.
"Yes, we'll be going to Los Angelas and the client there needed to sign something before he leaves for England. I wanted you to come so you'd get some first hand experience on building client relationships and so forth."
I nodded my head in response. Letting the knowledge of three days with Edward in Los Angelas sink into my head. This was definetely going to be a unforgettable weekend.
Reaching the usual parking spot we took, Edward gracefully, as always, walked to my door and helped me out of the car. We walked in silence to the elevators and waited. The doors swung open, revealing the same man that I had seen look at me suspiciously before when I went to buy sandwiches from the deli.
His fiery red hair still stuck out everywhere, his feline eyes sneered at me and his mouth looked like he was smirking. He exited the elevator and walked out into the parking lot. I only snapped back into reality when Edward held onto my hand, leading me into the elevator.
My heart was never going to rest when he touched me. it quicked and blood rushed twice the speed it normally did. Butterflies set flight again but then a wave of disappointment crashed into me as he let go, drowing all the butterflies.
My eyes and face probably reflected how I felt when I heard Edward's velvet chuckle emanate from his body as he put two long pale fingers on the sides of my mouth and pushed them gently upwards, making me smile.
"Now, isn't that much better?" His grin was dazzling, revealing his Colgate model teeth. My head was spinning out of control and not because of the elevator ride. He was much too good at this game of dazzling...what an unfair advantage he had!
I could feel my cheeks reddening, ever since Edward came along, I was able to tell when I'd blush. I only stared back slightly, my eyes only met his for an instant until the elevator doors opened.
We stepped out into the grand lobby and continued to walk the same path to our offices. As we walked, I could feel little knives stabbing at me from the glances taken by my co-workers, as I called them. They must think we were together or just wanted the same oppurtunities I had as Edward's assistant. Certainly, I would not ever give up on this fortunate blessing. Never.
As we parted into our own rooms, I plopped down onto my leather armchair and started to wonder. Was it really such a coincidence that Edward had a client and on the same day as the camp experience? Maybe he was saving me...? Then again, I'd never know unless I asked him.
I summoned up all my courage and decided I would need it if I was to ask why he wanted me to go to this business trip. I was worried...maybe he would think I was reluctant and decline the offer...but, would he?
I knocked softly on his doors and with the velvety voice that welcomed my entrance, I opened the door to find Edward already looking back at me as I entered.
"So, what would you like?" His ever alluring voice was so calming, letting all tensions I had been building up to ask him loosen and melt.
"Well...for the business trip...could you fill me in on some details and what was the reason?"
"First off, you'll be leaving your apartment at the same time as usual and bring your passport," he took a slight pause and continued, "Also, you should bring a change of clothing, though it's not necessary...considering you could buy whatever you need in Los Angelas."
"And the reason for my trip there?" I still wanted to know that...it was the main purpose of coming into this room. Besides wanting to see Edward's face.
"Well, it was actually urgent and unexpected. But the main reason was that I thought you might have needed some first hand experience. Considering you should be able to interact with clients, forge bonds and lastly, because you're my assistant." His crooked smile played across his face, dazzling me and making my head feel light.
"So...is there going to be some required costs...and such?"
His smooth voice laughed lightly and grinned back at me.
"Of course not, besides, all business trip costs will be provided by the company. You won't spend a penny. Especially with me around."
"Well...I guess that's better...but...nevermind." I was about to ask if he knew about Alice's crazy schemes to get me to go camping with her but that was probably going to be a bad idea. I mean...he might think I would be nosy and asking senseless questions.
"Well, thanks for this oppurtunity. I'll let you continue on with your work then."
"Okay, good bye."
"Bye."
I exited his room, my marshmallow legs making walking a slightly difficult thing to do. Not only that, but my head was pounding with the reverberations of my heart. I really needed to stop thinking about things that weren't ever going to happen.
When the clock was nearing seven, a slight knock broke the concentration I had on a stack of files I was looking over, of cases that'd been previously examined and acknowledged by Edward as cases I should familiarize myself with.
"Come in." I called in a slightly tired voice. I hadn't notice just how tired I was until my eyes laid on the sight of my dreams. His perfect bronze hair, smoldering green eyes perfect figure willed me to sleep and dream about him.
"Well I was thinking you'd like to join me for dinner before your departure for Los Angelas."
"And you won't be accompanying me to Los Angelas?" A tsunami of panic and disappointment flooded me, crashing into every nerve I had. My mind was in hysterics, was he trying to tell me he won't go? But this was his business trip...he could easily just say he can go by himself...
"Of course not, but it'll be your last dinner for this week before going to Los Angelas."
His smile and concerned emerald eyes shone through the wave after waves of despair I had when I thought Edward wasn't going to be there. Allowing me to calm down, I looked back into him. By now, he had crossed the room in a few quick strides with his long legs and was about to sit down.
"Well, let's get going then." I was only half way to the jacket holder when Edward took hold of my jacket, offering to help me put it on again.
"You know, I have more than enough ability to put on clothing..." I warned, in a slightly teasing and sad voice.
"Well I do hope so. Besides, I want to help you dress. You know how you are...a klutz. So if I can do anything, I'll try my best to minimize your chances of knocking down a lamp or worse, the files stacked dangerously high."
I blushed and after putting on the jacket, with Edward's help again, scrambled to file all the folders away. It only took a few seconds with the help of Edward and his superior knowledge of which file was which.
We were heading out of the office, attracting glances and stares from everybody at the office.
As we reached his Volvo, helping me into it and then gracefully walked to the driver's seat, Edward and I were talking about how Los Angelas was quite hot and that I'd probably not require longsleeves.
Oblivious to where we were headed, I was much too concentrated on the conversation flowing between me and Edward, the car stopped. We were stopped in front of our apartment. This took me by surprise to a momentus degree.
"Am I going to cook for you? I mean, I can cook but it's not going to be anywhere near the food you eat..."
The Adonis god neared his head towards mine as he whispered into my ear.
"As much as I would like you to cook for me, Alice has told me to drive you home and she has prepared us dinner."
"Us?" I was dumbstruck and that definetely showed on my face as Edward emitted an angelic chuckle.
"Well, you didn't really think I was going to allow her to leave me out of dinner with you, now did you?"
I shook my head as Edward helped me out of the passenger seat. When did he move from the driver's side to mine? His beauty was truly breathtaking and made me forget whatever I was doing.
We walked to the door, so close our hands could touch each other's. I had such an urge to hold his hand. To feel every contour and every muscle that were firm with strength, yet gentle when it had contact with my delicate body.
Ringing the doorbell to the loft, I could hear a soprano voice that could only be Alice, yelling over the clattering of dishes for us to wait. Then the door opened, revealing a short pixie with cropped black hair smiling back at us.
We entered the loft, quite casually for me but Edward was slow and took in everything. From my graduation diploma that hung on the wall in the living room to the picture of me and Alice in our old rented room, in university.
After our tour around the quite small but cozy loft, we made our way to the kitchen, with Jasper at the counter, slicing up something I couldn't tell as his back was towards us.
"Hey Jasper." Me and Edward called in unison.
Jasper looked up at us, his blonde hair was clipped away from his forehead with a hairpin that had a pink heart on it, shining brightly under the fluorescent kitchen lights.
I bursted into laughing, with Edward's beautiful laughter ringing in my ears and melded into my own laughter.
"Wow Jasper, when did you get such a cute hairpin?" I couldn't help but laugh as I strained the words out of me, I was holding onto Edward's shoulders for support. He was chuckling beside me, looking at Jasper with mischevious eyes.
"Jasper, I knew my sister was persistent and persuasive, but you've just proven her abilities to a whole new level."
Jasper's pale face blushed as his back was turned towards us again, chopping away while ignoring our comment.
"Come on Jasper, we were only joking. Besides, why did Alice make you wear that?"
"She said she didn't want the food I made to have hair all over it, so she made me wear it." He answered dryly with as much strain as he could achieve, as I knew he'd probably want to rip the hairpin off his head right now.
Just then, the pixie girl that we'd all agreed on was definetely a dangerous person bounded into the kitchen and jumped onto Jasper's back as he was done chopping.
"Why are you guys laughing at Jasper! I thought his hair looked good in a hairpin! Besides, I found his hair in one of my toast this morning. I had to find someway to get his hair out of my food."
"But to torture a full grown man into wearing a heart hairpin so he wouldn't drop a strand hair into your food is taking precautions to a whole new level, Alice." Edward's voice was no longer humourous but sympathetic.
"Well he had no objections! Besides, he looks so adorable in it!" She stuck out her tongue at Edward and continued to lie her head back onto Jasper's neck. Jasper leaned his head slightly back and kissed her waiting lips. Then Jasper continued on with the food.
Within minutes, we were seated at the dinner table, eating the food Jasper had cooked. To my disappointment, Jasper had taken off the hairpin, stopping us from bursting into laughter once and for all.
"So, Edward, when are you going to tell me you were dating my roomie? And Bella, I'm your best friend and you don't even tell me such big news!"
I could feel my cheeks blushing a crimson red as I focused on cutting the chicken breast on my plate.
"We aren't officially dating, Alice. Besides, I don't think Bella would appreciate it, nor will she acknowledge that."
"Are you serious? The girl's been sleep talking about you for the whole week!" Jasper now joined the conversation, definetely revealing something I didn't want to know, or anyone else to.
"What!?" I just couldn't believe Jasper had told Edward! He knew how embarassing it was for me to sleep talk! Now he was using it against me! He must still be mad at me for laughing at his hairpin but...still, it was mean.
"Bella, just think back to your dreams. What were you dreaming about? I could hear you from outside saying Edward's name endlessly. It's sometimes annoying too."
Yep, he was definetely getting back at me, but...was it true?
I could feel the rush of blood to my cheeks, making my already blushing cheeks, even more crrimson. I looked up at Edward and my heart was beating out of control. His smoldering eyes showed so much content, fascination and bewilderness. His eyesbrows were furrowed and his full lips were pulled up on the corners, revealing his perfect rows of teeth.
"You were dreaming and sleep talking about me?" His voice was teasing but with a hint of anticipation for an answer. I didn't know what to say, he was so perfect that anyone would dream about him...but then I thought about how he thought people looking at him oddly was uncomfortable for him...
I just stared back at Jasper as he pulled his lips into a large grin. I didn't want to say anything but thankfully, Alice had asked a question.
"So, where are you guys going to be living in Los Angelas? And Bella, oh you have to get me something there!"
"Uh, sure..." I was delighted that Alice had saved me from having to answer what Edward had asked. I just hoped he didn't ask me...it was somewhat embarassing for the man you loved to know you dreamed about them...and I didn't even know if Edward appreciated it.
"Well, the client will be in Hollywood to departure for his flight soon after we arrive so we'll just have almost a full weekend to vacate, considering Bella missed her camping trip."
So in fact, he did know...Was he invited? Now I felt horrible for fearing the camp trip if Edward was there...with a guardian angel there...I could face anything. Anything.
The dinner ended and soon we were cuddled up on the couch watching an old silent romance story. They truly did make me cry...the intensity of the lover's eyes, the way they'd kiss, the moments they shared together that called out in vain for them to continue. For Edward, he was more focused on the vintage cars.
My eyes were streaming down tears as I watched, I could feel passionate eyes watching me as I cried. I looked to the direction of whom was looking at me, Edward. He was looking at me now, ignoring the movie completely and reaching his hand to brush away the tears on my cheeks. My heart felt like a blizzard was attacking it, chilling the very insides of my chest. It wasn't painful or anything, but so delightful that he cared. It was an indescribable feeling.
"Thanks." I replied, my voice cracking.
Our bodies were on two different pads of the couch but soon, we were right on the edge of the cushions, our hands slightly touching from putting it on our laps. I could feel his smooth skin on mine, his eyes kept mainly on me for the whole movie, to which I did not understand why.
When the movie was finished, Edward had to leave and a wave of sadness took over me. I didn't quite want him to leave...in fact, I wanted him to stay with me forever...to just embrace me like he had during the movie when I cried, allowing me to lean my head on his chest and slightly soaking his shirt.
"Goodnight Alice, Jasper."
I walked Edward to the door, slightly lightheaded still from the contact of our bodies made during the movie.
"Goodnight beautiful Bella, may sweet dreams be dreamt by you."
"Goodnight and the same goes for you, Edward." This was it...the moment I had waited for so long...I wanted so much to kiss him goodnight...even if it was on his cheeks. But then, I thought back to all the consequences that could happen if I rushed this. I didn't want to do anything stupid and to pressure Edward.
I stood at the door, leaning against the door frame as Edward turned back towards me. His lips were in a slight grin...then it happened.
He leaned closer to me, his eyes closing ever so slightly, as mine did too. I was beginning to feel my legs turn weak as his sweet breath and lips were only a few inches away from me. The sweet breath that would make me melt and my heart skip several beats. I was ready to embrace...to feel his full lips on mine...everything seemed so right at that moment...
Another cliffie, OF COURSE! Come on guys, you don't expect me to end with a complete no-cliffie chapter did ya? I need my readers to be on the edge of their chairs. And to find the answer...? 15 REVIEWS! What else was I going to tell...OH YEAH! Thanks for the support of my lovely readers :) Especially those who support a guy writing fanfics. Yes, I'm TOO in love with Twilight for my own good, but I'm really proud of it. I think only me and another friend (guys) will admit it...I go crazy about it...I know everything, I've read the whole series around 9 times now. (All 3 books) Okay, this is turning out to be a long author's note, sorry guys. 15 REVIEWS AND NEXT CHAPTER WILL CHANGE EVERYTHING IN THE STORY!