Disclaimer: All publicly recognizable characters, settings, etc. are the property of their respective owners. The original characters and plot are the property of the author. The author is in no way associated with the owners, creators, or producers of any media franchise. No copyright infringement is intended.

~0~

~~Edward~~

I closed my eyes behind my Ray-Bans as Emmett drove me to the hotel.

I'd thought that I would be able to sleep well in my own bed, but last night, all I could think about was Bella.

I'd drank way too much at mom and dad's house, spent most of the night on my guitar, accompanied by Jasper on piano, trying to work out how to play a particular song on Bella's playlist. Later in the evening before driving me back to my condo, Jasper had taken me aside to tell me to snap the fuck out of it and that I couldn't mope and be all emo until Bella had the chance to come to terms with the fact that we were meant to be together.

'She'll need some time, Edward. You need to be strong enough to able to give her some space.' he'd said.

He was right.

In exactly thirty minutes the start of this official junket would begin and I'd need to be open and accessible to a myriad of journalists, photographers, assistants, hair and make-up artists and, most of all, Heidi and Rosalie. I needed to be focused.

"Edward, darling!" Heidi air-kissed both my cheeks as she guided me to sit on a low and uncomfortable chaise lounge in one of the private hotel meeting rooms. Emmett nodded to me and closed the door.

"You look a little worse for wear," Heidi smirked at me.

"Hello Heidi. I'd say it was nice to see you, but I've seen the schedule and I'm already exhausted by it." I said flatly.

She laughed loudly. "God you're fucking adorable Edward; you even look sexy when you're trying to be a prick." She tapped the papers on her knee and crossed her ankles. She was wearing an extremely short skirt.

"I have a little something in my purse that will perk you up instantly; just say the word." She raised an eyebrow at me.

I inhaled, feeling my nostrils flare. "No thanks, I don't think the studio would appreciate me being photographed or giving interviews while I'm off my face, do you?" I snapped.

"It was just a suggestion, Edward, chill out a little. It's going to be a big day. I need you to be...your normal charming self." she gushed.

The door opened and in walked Rosalie. She looked immaculate, well rested, not at all like she had attended some glamorous Hollywood party.

"Edward. Heidi." She greeted us curtly and sat opposite me. "Can we cut the pleasantries? I just have a few questions and then I'm happy to go."

I took a deep breath.

Fuck my life.

~0~

Forty minutes later, we arrived at a warehouse. The set designs and props looked familiar. It was like stepping into some sci-fi movie. It wasn't until they started shuffling through the wardrobe that I realized the theme. It was a glamour inspired flashback to the early 80s film, Blade Runner. They'd decided to style me like a young Harrison Ford. When Rosalie appeared after two hours in make-up, she was quintessentially the Daryl Hannah 'Pris' pleasure model replicant. My mouth gaped as she walked up to me. Her tight Lycra clothing didn't leave anything to the imagination and the thick black band of make-up across her eyes was downright provocative. She was every bit the young, gorgeous glamour model; and she knew it.

The photographer knew exactly what he wanted. I zoned out as they placed me around the various sets with and without Rose. It was a blur of clothing changes and test shots. Then Rosalie came out in the fourth and final incarnation. She wore a clear PVC trench, high black boots and tiny leather mini-skirt. Her hair was a shock of spiral curls, her make-up made her look years older than her still teen youth. When she turned to face me, I think my jaw dropped. The trench was completely see-through; the only obstructions were two small love hearts in hot pink, stitched strategically over her nipples.

I couldn't help but internally groan. I doubted this sudden switch to being a sex siren was her idea. It was blatantly obvious that this whole deal to sex up her image was staged by her douchebag manager. Rosalie was no saint, but to date her wholesome good looks and her actual talent had got her great roles. Now, she was balancing on a fine line between sex-goddess and mega slut. I was having flashbacks to Tanya, wondering what the hell Rosalie was thinking.

I knew the pictures would be tasteful - it was Vanity Fair - but I also knew that a lot of teens looked up to Rosalie. I thought it was premature to go down this road. She was seriously getting really shit career advice. I couldn't believe the studio would allow this to happen, but of course it would be about them benefiting somehow, regardless of what it did to Rosalie or anyone else in the process.

I can't deal with this shit.

Thankfully I didn't have to pose with 'robotic slut' Rosalie. I was having a tough enough time as it was keeping my mouth shut about the whole sorry affair. When we finally finished up, I stole a moment in the dressing room alone. For the first time in weeks, I craved a cigarette. Slow toxic death seemed like a treat when I compared it to the torture of this shoot.

I checked my phone. I had a missed call from Bella, a voice message. Fuck!

"Hey Edward, it's Bella. I just wanted to call and say hi. You're probably on set though. Um, I left my phone charger at the hotel and my phone battery is about to die." She paused, sounding apprehensive. "I just wanted to let you know I'm visiting my dad in Forks. He doesn't have Internet access, so I feel like I've stepped back in time! It may have something to do with the fact I'm sleeping in my old room, which is exactly how I left it. It's pretty bizarre!" Her voice was light. It unnerved me. "Um, sorry for rambling. I'm sure you're probably really busy, getting ready to fly to LA? OK well, um I'll see you soon. Bye."

I listened to her voice, and pulled my hair. She didn't even know that I'd come to LA a day early. She sounded kind of normal yet apprehensive about revealing she was in Forks. I dialed her number, but it was switched off; her battery was already dead.

Bella sounded like she always did, as if thinking I was with Rosalie was OK with her. She honestly thinks that I just want to be her friend. I couldn't wait any longer. I dialed an operator.

"What name please?"

"Charlie Swan, Freesia Drive, Forks, Washington."

"One moment please," she stated, then after a brief pause, "I'm sorry that number is private. Can I assist you with another number?"

"No, thanks."

Shit! Of course Charlie Swan's number is private; he's the goddamn chief of Police.

Hearing Bella's voice had tipped me over the edge and my emotions were spiralling out of control. I was a complete wreck.

There was a knock.

"Yes," I responded.

"Edward, we're leaving in ten minutes to go back to the hotel," said Emmett through the closed door.

The rest of the day went quickly. Back-to-back interviews with newspaper and magazine reporters. They were given a maximum of three minutes with me to ask the same inane questions about the film. These were the same questions they asked before the theater premiere of the same film six months ago.

I got through it - just.

Saturday morning saw me on yet another studio photoshoot. It was relatively laid back, I was simply required to pout and look vacant. Rosalie was cool, distant. Then there was yet another round of back-to-back interviews, this time with International media, some with translators. I perked up considerably when I was interviewed by Australian reporters; the now familiar accent made me happy, almost jovial, but as soon as the interviews concluded, my thoughts returned to Bella and what she may be doing.

I listened to her voice message again. I miss her.

There was a brief stop back at the hotel and then we were off to pre-tape a television talk show. I'd barely had time to breathe; the schedule was exactly what I had feared and my physical exhaustion exaggerated my mental one. No wonder Heidi offered me drugs again this morning.

Before I knew it a private car came to collect me from the television studios to take me to the Burbank office of Liam Berty. Liam was in his late fifties with greying hair and tired eyes.

"Edward." he shook my hand. "Edward, Edward, Edward. Great to meet you, no this is fucking fantastic, me and you, talking it over, making the future, whad'ya say Edward?" he punched me in the arm a couple of times and led me to a huge shiny leather sofa.

"Thanks for seeing me on a Saturday. I'm sorry this was the only time they could arrange." I said politely, though I guessed that with Liam, as with most industry people, weekends were unheard of; they all worked 24/7.

"No problem. For my stars, superstars, Edward, time is of no essence. It's a pity we can't go to dinner, but I understand they keep you on a short leash for these publicity tours," he chuckled. "So they should; gotta strike while you're hot in this damn town!"

I think I nodded inanely.

"The film, Edward, the FILM. Two fucking years of my life, blood, sweat and balls, Edward. It's my baby; it's going to be fucking amazing. You're going to be fucking amazing. Everyone is going to be fucking amazed. I assume you've read the script?"

"Yes, but not the book."

"Oh, the book." Liam laughed unpleasantly and did a pretend 'stick the fingers down the throat' gesture.

"I have no doubt that you'll be able to bring this character to life, but it all hinges on the female lead. Screen test OK with you? Just a formality. The camera fucking loves you as we know, fucking eats you up, but it's the chemistry." He snapped his fingers in my face. "The sizzle, Edward, that's when the big bucks come rolling on in. Now, the girl, the talent, the tits and ass, the cute and sassy. Hey, just kidding man," He slapped me on the shoulder. "Of course, we're after compatibility and charisma and style" He winked. "I have a shortlist, but it's all up to you Edward, whatever you're comfortable with, gotta be the right girl for you. Got my first choice written up in this envelope right here." He tapped his jacket pocket. "Just a little bet with myself, no pressure, let the chips fall where they fucking may, right?"

He got up and mixed us both a drink. He didn't ask if I wanted a Manhattan but that's what I seemed to be now holding.

"Now, I hope you're good with traveling Edward, because we may have to shoot the film in Australia. I've spoken to Carmen, your agent; we've worked it all out between us, you don't have to worry about one little detail except being in front of that camera and giving us the goods. After you finish filming in Europe you and your new hot co-star," he patted his jacket pocket again, "will be off to the land Down Under."

My brain pretty much stopped processing as soon as he said Australia. Bella.

"Australia?" I queried. "Why there?" I didn't give a fuck why, but I needed to seem at least semi-coherent.

"Fantastic sound stages in Queensland. I did my last movie there. The crews work like bulls and the financial incentives make it look cost effective for the money suits. You'll love it, beautiful place. Surf, nice restaurants, all the girls are babes."

Filming in Australia. I downed the drink. I tried to stay calm, but it was no use. Now I wanted this part, bad. It was like some divine intervention, coincidence or fucking destiny.

"Liam, I want this part. I'll spend the next few months getting into character research. I'll do whatever it takes," I asserted.

"Yeah Edward, I can count on you. I can smell the Oscars with this baby!"

He shook my hand, hard. "The role is yours. I'll get you another drink. We can talk about your character some more after we cast the girl."

When I got back to the hotel, I was flying. All I could think about was filming a movie in Australia and being with Bella. I need to speak to her. I suddenly thought of my mom.

Maybe she still has Chief Swan's number?

I called her cell; it went to voice mail.

"Mom, it's me. I need to know if you still have the private phone number for Charlie Swan? I have to speak to Bella. Call me back?"

I was exhausted, but my day wasn't over. I unzipped the garment bag that was hanging on the back of my suite's bedroom door. It was a perfectly tailored grey Armani suit, latest design, spectacular. I fingered the cool smooth Italian made fabric. I reflected on how much had changed for me over the last two years. I'd gone from wearing plaid and store bought Levi's, to wearing a suit that probably cost in excess of twenty-thousand dollars.

If this was the suit they'd given me to wear for the night, I could only imagine what Rosalie would show up in. I made a mental bet with myself. It will be either sheer or short or both and will definitely accentuate her cleavage.

I showered, dressed, obsessed about mom calling me back with Charlie Swan's number. Before I knew it we were at the venue for the DVD launch party.

It was a blur, meeting industry bigwigs, producers, advertising and marketing gurus. They were all the same fake and image conscious people I always met. I was polite, I appeared engrossed when they went on and on about their successes in the industry, their achievements. It was one huge ego trip. I absorbed it, commented when a reaction was warranted, but really, I didn't need to say a thing. They could talk for hours without a breath, and rarely asked you anything unless it was in direct relation to themselves and what I could do for them.

The reprieve for the evening was an embarrassingly short meet and greet with four female fans that had won a competition. Rosalie had disappeared, no doubt checking her makeup. I chatted to them; they were adoring of me and eager to ask questions about the new film. These fans were the reason I'd gotten so far ahead in this industry in such a short time. Their loyalty was voracious, and all it took to make them ecstatic was a few pictures, a couple of autographs. Edward Cullen the celebrity actor. I played the part better than any character, because I was just being myself. I loved giving them what they wanted, being open and focused on them; it just about made the whole junket worthwhile.

The contrast between the industry people and these ordinary fans was so vast that when I broke it down in my head I was in a mild shock.

Hollywood is a mirage, smoke and mirrors, deception and falsehoods.

The fans were real people, genuine, unaffected – like Bella. They were in awe of me, but I was just - me. They only knew me through the characters I portrayed and the reportage of me through the media.

"You're just so nice!" Did she think I'd be an asshole?

"You're so tall!" OK, I got that a lot, it was hard to get perspective from watching films and seeing printed photos.

They seemed to be almost dazzled by me. I could see that by meeting me face to face, their perceptions were being challenged. It perplexed me.

Is that why I feel so calm and grounded when I'm sitting with Bella in the bar? She just treats me like I'm a regular guy, no big deal.

God, why in the hell, how in the hell could I expose her to this industry?

The paps would follow her, the media would report every detail about her life, dredge up everything in her past. She wouldn't have any of the freedom she now takes for granted. She'd have to give that all up to be with me.

Am I worth it? No! I'd have to shield her from it, for as long as possible.

I chatted to the fans for as long as I was allowed; Heidi's assistant whisked them away and straight towards Rosalie, whose scowl was replaced with a forced smile as she was introduced to them. God, I hope she plays the 'nice' Rosalie, and isn't condescending to them in any way. I won't hold my breath.

I looked at my phone. Mom hadn't returned my call. Desperate, I tried calling her again. It rang four times before her voice mail clicked on. I sent a text to my dad.

Dad, is mom with you? Can you ask her to check her messages I need to talk to her.

I went to the men's room; the shiny black tiles made me feel like I was in a cavernous nightclub. I looked at myself in the mirror then closed my eyes. I felt frustrated and nauseous. All I wanted was to be sitting next to Bella in Laurent's, sipping a whiskey, our thighs touching. I stood with my hands braced on sleek black basin, imagining Bella's lips as she sipped wine from her glass, her eyes as she watched me play the guitar, her cheeks flushing pink when I kissed her cheek.

Fuck. Fuck, Fuck.

I was shocked out of my recollections when the door opened and someone walked in to use the urinal.

I walked back to the party. More people to talk to. My phone started to vibrate. Mom.

"Excuse me please, I'm so sorry, I have to take this."

I answered.

"Edward, is something wrong? I'm out to dinner with your father; my phone is at home in my other handbag."

"Mom, I need Charlie Swan's number. His private home number, it's not listed and I was hoping you still have it, from when he used to help you with the charity work in Forks." I held my breath as I waited, trying not to get my hopes up.

"Well, yes, I think it would still be in my address book at home. I'll call you tomorrow with it. I assume you want to call and speak to Bella?" she sounded excited.

"Mom, can you call me back with the number when you get home? I can't wait until tomorrow, I have to speak with her tonight."

"I won't be home for another two hours, it may be too late to call her then."

"Mom please, I'm going insane. I need to speak to her."

"OK," she sighed. "I'll call you with the number when I find it. I'm not even sure where my old address book is, I'll have to look for it."

"Thanks mom, I really appreciate it."

"Have fun at the party Edward."

I slipped my phone in my pocket and walked back to continue the round of conversations. This time my smiles were genuine.

I will call Charlie Swan's house. I will talk to Bella tonight and tell her that she misunderstood. I will tell her that I'm not with Rosalie.

I felt a hand on my waist. I turned to see what Heidi wanted when I came face to face with the last person I expected to see. Tanya.

~~Bella~~

Elaine Yorkie's house was much like my dad's, but a little more run-down. The car in the driveway was a sporty Mini Cooper, vibrant canary yellow.

Charlie seemed nervous as we got out of the car and walked up the stairs. The door opened and there stood Elaine. She had medium length brown hair. She was just slightly taller than me, she looked about Charlie's age and she was pretty, a little make-up, light blue eyes, casually dressed and wearing a cute frilly apron.

"Hi Bella, I'm so glad to finally meet you!" she ushered us in, smiling widely at Charlie. He tentatively put his hand on her waist.

"Hi Elaine, it's great to meet you too."

"Quick, come into the kitchen. I've left Eric looking after the dinner. God knows what disaster will ensue in three minutes!" she smiled.

"I'm glad you already have something in common with Eric, dad!" I teased. Elaine laughed.

I followed Elaine into the kitchen and was greeted by a lanky, immaculately dressed Eric Yorkie. His hair was black, and swept across his forehead in a funky style. He had almost luminescent white teeth and soft warm hands, as he eagerly shook mine and then Charlie's.

"Hi Isabella, Chief Swan." he nodded and grinned.

"Um, just Bella, Eric. I only used to be called Isabella when I'd been caught doing something naughty, right dad?" I looked at Charlie.

"Yeah, real funny Bells," he smirked. "So Eric, how's the big city been treating you?" inquired Charlie, as Eric handed my dad a beer.

"Can't complain, Chief," he shrugged, but I caught a slightly mischievous grin.

I looked at Elaine and Charlie, they seemed anxious. Maybe they were nervous that Eric and I wouldn't get along? I thought I better put them at ease. Eric seemed lovely.

"Um, hey Eric. Dad said you have wireless Internet here?"

"Yep, we sure do. I can't be like offline for even a minute." he smiled.

"Thank God! I was hoping I could check my email? My techno-phobe father doesn't have an Internet connection at our place. I'm going insane!"

Eric laughed, and motioned towards my dad and Elaine. "Well, that will have to be corrected if you guys move in together! Or I won't be visiting often!" he laughed and my dad and Elaine both looked flustered.

"Oh come on mom, I'm not five anymore. That's why you got Bella and me here at the same time, right? You guys want to shack-up? I get it, it's cool with me." Eric grabbed my hand and started walking me to the living room. "We better leave these love-birds alone for a while, you know, so they can suck each others faces off!"

"Eric!" Elaine bellowed, but she was laughing. My dad's face was pale. I instantly liked Eric. He was in your face honest and that was so immediately refreshing to me.

We both laughed when we were out of the kitchen.

"You can use my laptop to check your email."

"Thanks; I bought my Mac with me. Do you think you can just like, hook me up to your connection?"

"Sure, we can both be social retards online together; I should really do some things too. No rest in my line of work." he chuckled.

I pulled my Mac out of my bag and handed it to Eric. He typed in the passwords to get me onto the Wi-Fi network.

"What do you do Eric?" I asked as we both sat with our laptops out.

"I'm a writer for The Stranger, it's like a free popular culture newspaper," he said as if it was no big deal.

I gaped at him.

"What?" He seemed surprised by my reaction.

"Um, like that's really cool?" I blinked at him, astounded by his nonchalance.

"Well, not really. I work horrendous hours; my editor is a complete douche. It's not as glamorous as it sounds. What about you? Mom says you're staying in Vancouver, you won a travel prize or something?"

"Um sort of." I felt weird. Here's Eric, he gets paid to write. I never thought I had the talent to be a journalist. Writing fictitious stories was more my thing. Living in a fantasy world; the story of my life!

"I wrote a short story. It was submitted to the Commonwealth Writers Prize, and I, won. That's why I'm staying in Vancouver; the prize was six months all expenses paid to live in a Commonwealth Country of my choice; to work on my novel." I could feel my cheeks blushing.

Eric stared at me. "Bella, that's fucking amazing! I'd love to read your work! How fantastic is it that we're both writers? You know, I've been slogging away on the film and theater reviews, a couple of interviews, that type of thing, but what I really want to do is get some of my pieces in the features section. If I can build up my portfolio, it means I can eventually move out of state, go somewhere exciting like California or New York. I'm still really starting out though; it's pretty competitive."

Eric was interrupted by Charlie clearing his throat.

"Dinner's ready kids."

Both Eric and I shot him an annoyed look.

"Dad, cut with the kids' thing please, we're both adults!"

"Oh, yeah, sorry."

We all sat at the dining table.

"Wine, Bella?" Elaine asked and held out the corked bottle over my glass.

"Yes, please Elaine." I purposefully didn't look at my dad.

Both dad and Eric had fresh beers, poured out of the can and into tall glasses.

"I'd like to propose a toast." smiled Elaine. "This is kind of emotional for me, because I'm meeting you Bella for the first time, and well, I mean I hope that we can become friends and you can confide in me, and know that things won't change when I move to your home..." she looked apprehensive.

Dad took over. "What we both want to say," he said as he took Elaine's hand, "is we appreciate you kids–um, sorry, that you both are supportive of our relationship, and that things won't change when Elaine and I are living together. Our home–and I mean that it will be yours too Eric–will always be there for you and we'll both be there should you need anything. We want you both to well..."

Dad was floundering. I stood up.

"I think I speak for both Eric and myself when I say it's obvious that you're both in love, and we're both extremely supportive and happy for you. I only hope that one day I'll find something so wonderful, to share your life with someone, to be able to trust them completely, for them to be the reason you get up in the morning and the reason you can't wait to get to bed at night." I smiled as my dad's face went pink. "I want that for you dad. You've spent so many years of your life being the chief, being my dad, being a man alone. This is your time to be the man that is happy, vibrant and alive and most importantly you can be the man that will share your love and cherish someone. I love you dad, and I don't tell you often enough." I didn't bother wiping away a single tear, as I walked over to bury my face in his chest, as soon as he stood.

"Thanks Bells, that means so much to me." His warm arms surrounded me.

He hesitantly pulled away. Elaine was standing next to him smiling widely, her eyes glistening. I hugged her as well, feeling overwhelmed with emotion. It wasn't just that they were moving in together, it was the tangible intimacy and connection I could see between them. I didn't just see my dad and his new girlfriend; I saw the union between two lovers that was unmistakably loyal and all encompassing.

It was beautiful.

My dad cleared his throat again, embarrassed. He was my dad, he was a man and he'd always been uncomfortable when I had expressed my emotions so openly. He shuffled and kissed Elaine on the cheek.

"Thanks Bells, that's great." he croaked.

"Well, I couldn't have said it quite as emotionally as Bella. Mom, I can see you're happy, and that's everything I want for you." Eric cuddled his mom and then shook my dad's hand.

The tension was gone. These people that surrounded me were already my new family, and I couldn't stop smiling through the entire dinner.

We each took turns asking questions, slowly getting to know each other.

"Well, I'm completely full, shall we wait a while before dessert?" said Elaine, after everyone had finished eating.

"Great idea mom. Bella and I will just, you know, get to know each other some more. We'll be in the living room."

"I'll help clean the dinner away first," I stated, gathering up my cutlery and empty plate.

"No, Bella, Charlie and I'll do that, you and Eric go get to know each other, you'll both be back to your own lives after the weekend, so..."

"Come on Bella, I always ditch cleaning up if I can." he chuckled, as he topped up my wine glass and we walked back into the living room.

"I thought your dad was gonna cry when you made that speech. Hell Bella, I nearly cried." he fake sobbed.

I smiled. I was happy for my dad. I reflected how the decisions I'd made in my life were mine. I should be happy for Edward and I should stop wallowing in self pity about what happened with Riley.

I can, I would move on, finish my novel, go back to Australia knowing it'd co-written a wonderful song, and I'd met an inspiring man, one that would affect me for the rest of my life. I could learn so much from Edward Cullen, I could learn to embrace everything that life throws at me, I could take chances, I could talk to people that maybe I would have been too shy around before. I will use this, whatever it is, pain, disappointment, longing, to be a stronger person. And I knew my life was enriched with just the memory of Edward and the knowledge that he existed.

I finally logged into my mail and sent the email to Jessica that had been sitting in my outbox. There was an email from Irina, just saying she had received everything. She had agreed to all the terms; that everything was relatively straightforward as I was still a U.S. citizen, and the paperwork would be filed under U.S. Law. All that needed to happen now was for me to sign on the dotted line.

I would be a joint copyright holder to 'Episode'.

My heart started beating rapidly. I wonder if Edward knows that it's almost a done deal?

"Ha!" scoffed Eric, as he looked at something on his laptop.

"What is it?"

"Look at this; he always gets the beautiful girls."

"Who?"

"Edward Cullen, that's who."

I felt my stomach clench at the mention of Edward's name. Was it like some trippy new moon or something? A lunar eclipse? Why in the hell would Eric bring up Edward?

Eric twisted his laptop around. There was a page of small thumbnail images, watermarked. They were all of Edward...and Rosalie.

My eyes bugged out of my head.

"Where...why do you have these?" I sounded shocked.

"I'm on the email list of all the picture agencies. They send me their photos, so we can buy them for the paper. Look at this; it says these photos were taken two days ago on the set of their new movie. I mean, look at that! How can anyone believe they aren't a real-life couple?"

My heart started pounding, my eyes scanning the various pictures.

"Why do you say that?" I questioned, trying to sound calm. I knew Edward didn't want anyone to know about him and Rosalie; my protective instincts kicked in. "It says that they're on set, it's just a scene they're filming." I said dismissively.

"Oh, that's a scene alright, but look at this," Eric scrolled down the page to show me several shots of Edward and Rosalie walking to a trailer. He was holding the door open for her, smiling as she walked passed him and inside. The next shots were of Rosalie leaving the trailer alone. Her hair was rumpled and she had a very satisfied smirk on her face.

I stared in complete shock.

"Edward was always into busty blonds," stated Eric, "and they were always into him. You can't tell me they were just talking in his trailer, and that's definitely not part of the scene," he snorted. "Lucky bastard."

"It sounds as if you know him." I hedged. I didn't feel comfortable telling Eric I'd met Edward. Eric worked in the media, and I knew Edward didn't want us to be seen together.

"Only in high school. Edward went out with Lauren Mallory in school - she was a nasty social climber. You know, corn silk blond hair, cheerleader type. Then when he started out in acting he dated that sitcom actress Tanya something-or-other. She was mighty fine," he coughed. "You know, nice figure. God knows how many other blonds he's had in since those two," he chuckled. I felt dizzy.

"Rumor has it he's meeting with that guru director to star in his new film. That reminds me, I think I have the book."

Eric went to the bookshelf and looked through, grabbing one off the shelf. He handed it to me, "Great book, good story. Edward will nail that character. I should really write a piece about it and run it as soon as he's signed. God, what was that director's name...he did that vampire film..." Eric said enthusiastically. He went back to his laptop and started typing frantically.

I closed my eyes and thought about the pictures I'd just seen. The photos of Edward were taken over Rosalie's shoulder, you could see the look in his eyes as his face moved to kiss her. Even when he was kissing her the look on his face was enigmatic. Oh god, he really loves her, it's so intense.

My heart broke even more. Rosalie's smile as she exited Edward's trailer. She looked radiant. She looked extremely pleased with herself.

There was no doubt in my mind that Edward and Rosalie had... they would have...

I grabbed my glass of wine and drained it. Eric didn't notice.

"Liam Berty," I stated. "He did that vampire film that won three Oscars."

"Yeah, that's him! Thanks Bella."

I sighed inwardly. Edward's happy and in love. I need to be happy for him.

"So have you spoken to Edward since school?" I queried, trying to erase the pictures from my consciousness.

"No, we didn't really run in the same social circles. I was a bit of a nerd at school. Edward was like, you know the popular musician type, funny guy."

"Oh." I said, deadpan.

"The only time I had anything to do with him was when we worked on the Yearbook. I think I still have it." Eric stood up and walked back over to the bookshelf. I clenched my eyes closed. Don't fucking do it, don't look at his Yearbook!

"God, this is embarrassing, we were sixteen."

My stomach plummeted and I felt light headed. Edward at sixteen; that was the year I was supposed to go to Forks High.

"Even then, Edward was, I suppose you could say above average in the looks department," murmured Eric.

I watched in stunned silence as he flicked through some pages then held the book out to me.

Don't fucking look, don't do it!

But, of course I did.

There was Edward, a younger, slimmer version. His hair looked longer yet less messy. His jaw was shockingly cut, even more defined than now. His pale throat was long, in fact his whole face and body seemed elongated, he looked lanky. His smile was a little different, was it his teeth? He's had dental work? His eyebrows were unruly, but in a natural way and his clothes were nothing designer. He was dressed like an average sixteen year old; wearing faded black jeans that were a little baggy with a plaid shirt and an ill-fitting suit jacket that kind of looked retro. Was it his dad's?

His eyes were crystal clear, and his skin glowed. Edward had beautiful skin now, seven years ago it was almost luminescent. Flawless, not a blemish in sight.

He was more beautiful than any boy I'd ever seen.

"So, what do you think?" Eric questioned.

"Um, I..."

"Well, was I a nerd or what? You can say it you know." He joked.

I looked back at the picture to see Edward was standing next to Eric, and I hadn't even noticed. Edward stood out so brilliantly on the page, nothing else had registered. I simply gaped at a young Eric Yorkie, with his blotchy blemished skin, his shoulders hunched with insecurity, and a painfully shy look on his face. He looked like an ordinary sixteen-year-old boy.

Edward at sixteen was simply in another class, he was just...extraordinarily beautiful, relaxed in himself, relaxed in front of the camera, even in his adolescent awkwardness.

I closed my eyes and pictured him now. Edward was no longer a boy. He was a man, and in my mind he was smiling down at me with a look of complete devotion and love – the love that he felt for his beautiful girlfriend Rosalie.

"Yeah" Eric chuckled. "You know, every girl I show that to has the same reaction. I may as well not even be in the picture."

"Oh, I didn't mean–"

"I'm just kidding Bella," he laughed. "I get it. Girls go fucking hot for the guy, they always have. I'm not jealous anymore. I wouldn't wish his life on anyone."

"His life?"

"Yeah, sure he can get any girl he wants. He's rich, but even before that his parents were always wealthy, so he's never really wanted for anything in his life. The guy seriously doesn't even need to work. You know, he's only had a couple of blockbusters and he's made more money than I will probably make in my whole career. Sounds great, right? But he can't go out in public without girls–women– trying to rip his clothes off; he has to have a bodyguard! I've seen the way Hollywood works. There are a lot of two-faced people. All they care about is money, image and fame. It's shallow, fucking shallow and lame. I would never want to be living that."

"But you write about it?" I stated.

"Yeah, and that's more than enough. I mean, at first I was sucked into the glamour of it, but it's really not that glamorous. Edward goes to Hollywood parties and has people fawn all over him, but surely after being placed on some Hollywood heartthrob pedestal, wouldn't you crack? I saw a YouTube video of him from last year; he was just trying to go to his friends' house without a heap of girls and photographers following. Some lame photographer practically knocked him over, then his friends tried to get him out of there safely and they were getting asked the most ridiculous questions about his personal life." Eric sighed and looked sad. "I bet he misses being an unknown in Forks."

I closed the yearbook and handed it back to him.

"You know, Edward's best friend Ben Cheney stole my girlfriend." Eric lamented.

I bit my tongue. Eric didn't seem to be Angela's type at all. "Oh?" I tried to sound intrigued.

"Well, she wasn't really my girlfriend, but I was seriously into her. I was going to ask her out, then suddenly she was with Ben Cheney and well, I guess because I hesitated I missed out." he sighed.

I kept biting my tongue. I couldn't justify purposefully lying to Eric; after all it was highly likely that he would become my stepbrother! The song is almost copyrighted; I'll have to tell my family eventually. But then again, I didn't want Eric to know I knew Edward and inadvertently let it slip about the song just yet. Eric was a writer, if he found out about the song, and me he could write a story on it, and I didn't want to do something that would put Edward in an uncomfortable position.

"I've met Ben's latest girlfriend. She's really nice." I kept it simple, continuing to type on my laptop as if it was no big deal.

"What?" Eric coughed.

"I went to a gig in Vancouver that Ben Cheney played with his band a couple of weeks ago. They were really good. I met his girlfriend, Angela. She was lovely. It was a great gig."

"Angela Weber?" he spluttered.

"Um, yes, that's her."

"Wow, she's still with him then. Um, Angela was the girl that got way." He sighed. "But you know, I've just started dating a girl in Seattle, and well, she's awesome. I wanted to bring her home to meet mom, but she had a family thing this weekend as well."

"How long have you been seeing her?" I was excited that Eric was the one to change the subject away from Ben and Angela.

"We've been working with each other for six months. I finally got the courage to ask her out and we've been together ever since. She's really great. Her name's Samantha."

"I hope I get to meet her, you know, before I go back to Australia. I was planning on coming back to Forks for Thanksgiving. I suppose now it will be a big family thing, you, dad, your mom and me. I think it's kinda cool. I've never seen my dad happier."

"I know, I saw the change in my mom when I came to visit a few months back; it took her thirty minutes before she gushed out how she'd been seeing your dad and that she was in love." Eric rolled his eyes.

"Oh, and is there something wrong with that, Eric? Are you not in love with Samantha?" I challenged him.

"Yeah, I guess I am. Bella, I'm a guy. I've gotta be somewhat casual about the whole thing. Us guys can't just, you know, go professing our love and shit. It's not what we do."

I smirked at him and he laughed.

We went back to typing on our laptops.

Maybe Edward was just being a guy too. He's obviously in love with Rosalie, yet he doesn't want anyone to know or it would be reported as just another Hollywood romance.

I thought of the Tom Cruise 'jumping on the couch' incident on Oprah...I just couldn't see Edward doing that. I felt my cheeks go red, just thinking about it, and then my stomach dropped. He could do that when he's ready to bring his relationship with Rosalie into the open.

But Edward seemed to be a private person. He wouldn't want the whole world to be in on his personal life. Eric was right; who would want everyone knowing who you're dating, where you go for dinner? There would be absolutely no privacy. It would be horrible. I know I'd hate every minute of it.

But what about the alternative; being with someone who wouldn't publicly acknowledge their relationship? Riley didn't. But that's because Riley never loved me. Of course that didn't count. Riley hid me away because I wasn't the one he planned his life with.

Edward's different; once he and Rosalie are no longer working together, surely he'll shout his love to the world? Edward didn't seem like the typical blokey male Eric was referring to. Or am I so deluded that I just can't see it?

~0~

A/N: A big warm Thank you to my beta and sounding board CandyTwi and to whomever nominated Episode for a hidden Star award! A big shout out to LisaMichelle17 - you know why : )

Come and visit me on the Twilighted forum,

www . twilighted . ?f=44&t=9959

because I'm lonely and we can all bitch about how horrible Edward's Hollywood life is and how Bella's assumptions are just…well they're just … WRONG!