A/N Everything in The Twilight world belongs to Stephanie Meyer, so I am just playing with her toys.
Enjoy!
Bella's stomach was twisting and knotting riding up the elevator to Edward's condo. She couldn't believe the day was here. She felt like an elephant was sitting on her chest. The Rolling Stone people were due at Edward's in ten minutes. Edward sensed her anxiety and stroked Bella's cheeks, "Hey, no reason to be nervous love. I'm here, hell everyone is here. She cannot ask you a question that is any tougher than what you had to deal with at that podium." Bella agreed.
"I'm going to get Angela and Ben into the studio and set them up until the shoot is over."
"Bells," Rose giggled, "this is your opportunity to show the world how you feel about him. To show him, I know somewhere in the back of his head, he doesn't believe anyone could love him as much as you do. This is important; just throw yourself into it. Forget the Bella you knew and remember the Bella you became, the one you are."
They made her feel better.
"I can do it; this is going to be fun. I cannot wait for the music part of it, though, honestly." Bella finally answered.
"None of us can! We've never seen you two do this! Esme is already getting choked up." Rose said.
"Oh, she's in trouble when I play everything, the song I wrote for him. God Rose the look he gives me when I play it for him almost makes me stop breathing." Bella knew that part was going to be emotional for her.
"Well, hopefully, THAT will be a photo they capture." Rose thought out loud.
"Where is Alice?"
"Taking Jasper to the airport, he didn't want to get in the way of your week. He'll be back for the premiere." Rose said, trying not to make Bella feel guilty.
"That was nice of him, and lord knows all of us are going to be crazy busy. Especially with the movie thing this week." Bella said, happy for her friend.
"Right?" Rose remembered, "Don't forget Carmen is fielding the phone calls after this news goes wide, so don't rule out any more photoshoots. We have heard a rumor, but I'm not going to tell you unless it happens, but if it happens, holy shit, Bella!"
Bella rolled her eyes; she HATED that Alice and Rose did that ALL the time to her.
"You suck!"
Esme had gone downstairs to get the people for the shoot.
It was time.
Rose giggled and put her hand on Bella's shoulder, "Bella, it is about how you feel for Edward, so try thinking that way. You won't disappoint the other, stay close in proximity, it will channel your connection, your pull, and you'll be fine."
Bella nodded; Rose was right. They were doing this for each other, not for the world. They knew how they felt about the other, and that was all that mattered. Edward snuck up behind Bella and kissed her on the neck, "don't be nervous love. Try to have fun, embarrassing as it may be. Maybe one day, we'll be showing our grandkids these photos." Edwards' voice was insecure.
Bella turned around and got on her tippy toes, "Maybe schmaybe, of course, we will."
"God, I love you." Edward murmured.
"Don't forget that," Bella said seductively
"As if I ever could," Edward returned the seductive voice.
"God, do you two ever get tired of being gross?" Kate laughed.
"Hello to you too, Kate," Edward grumbled.
"Always so grumpy, Edward. Bella, you look lovely and nervous. Don't worry, and we came up with a great cover idea."
"K…." Bella hesitated.
"Well, your birthday is next week, isn't it?" Kate asked, making Bella more suspicious.
"Yes," Bella said, wearily.
"You are going to his premiere on your birthday?" She asked
"Yes," Bella answered again, wearily.
"Perfect! Anyway, the cover, we hope is going to have a birthday cake. In the middle of a table that you and Edward are going to sit on top of."
"Shut the fuck up!?" Bella hopped up and down clapping.
"No sweater vests for Edward, and no bridesmaid dress for you but a gorgeous dress and flowers in your hair, but yes, you get the idea."
"Oh my god, that is so cool!" Bella shrieked.
Now; she loved this idea.
"Somebody want to clue me in?" Edward asked, confused.
"Think about it, Edward, birthday cake, in the middle of a table, sweater vests, and a bridesmaid."
"Sixteen Candles," He groaned, then he looked at Bella and saw how excited she was.
"I guess I get to be Jake Ryan again?" He smirked.
"You are always Jake Ryan." Bella kissed him for his enthusiasm.
"Only because I'm not enough of a bad boy to be Johnny." He pouted.
"Get over it." Bella laughed.
Kate just laughed at the exchange.
"Continuing with that theme, we've got a red Porsche and a killer 80's outfit for Bella."
Bella's eyes went wide. Edward was trying to hide his annoyance since it made his Bella so happy.
"Eventually we want to get a nice shot of you two playing music, I haven't heard this yet, but I have a feeling that it's going to make my knees weak which means we need to capture something."
They both nodded.
"You do realize that this is a huge edition, we have to make it that way. So, there are going to be three articles in total. One about you four as a couple, the second about the fearsome threesome and their movie stuff and the last one about your movie with Emmett. It should balance everything out. So, we are going to be burning the midnight oil."
"That's fine, we needed to more musicians to record the tracks we are going to lay down today, so they are working on them right now. By the time we get to that, it shouldn't be a long time in the studio. Bella's good at hitting the mark within the first couple takes." Edward said, a little smug.
"This is just gross, and it's unfair too. Our audience, your audience, Edward, is going to eat it up. Believe me, as sad as they are to see you off the market, they are going to fall in love with Bella. Especially how much in love you two are. It makes me sick just thinking about it, so the romantics out there are going to go gooey."
"God, Kate, your opinion on love is sure positive," Edward said, looking at her, confused.
"Eh, one day I'll find someone. Hey, the security guy downstairs is cute."
"Garrett?" Bella asked.
"Yeah, him." Kate blushed.
"Um, I'll introduce you today." Bella grinned.
"Awesome, Now the two of you are going to be whisked away to get pretty! See you soon!"
Bella walked into the area where her hair and makeup was to be done, "Bella, so beautiful!" complemented, Lawrence, who Bella suspected was the very gay makeup artist, making Bella flush, "We are going to have fun today! Sixteen Candles is one of your favorite movies, yes?"
Bella nodded.
"You are living out a dream today, sweetie. Few people get a Jake Ryan. I am jealous."
Bella giggled.
"Edward is so jealous of Johnny from Dirty Dancing because he could never be a bad boy," Bella admitted.
"I cannot see that either, some crushes are meant to be just that, crushes," Lawrence said, playing with her hair.
Bella agreed.
"Close your eyes beautiful," He leaned Bella back in the chair, "Take a nap if you need to, I'm going to do your makeup and then your hair."
Bella took a deep breath and closed her eyes, surprisingly enough she was so comfortable that she did fall asleep.
She woke to a collective gasp.
"Bella!" Esme's voice cracked, "you look…"
"Like you are about to get married!" Rose finished Esme's statement.
"Nooo! They promised!" She looked at herself and saw the platinum rose and violet hairpiece and her hair was huge, but up, with a few curled tendrils hanging down. She was still in her Robe, so it was hard to argue. "I see that now, but I haven't gotten dressed yet." Bella was looking at herself and smiling. She could see it now. She liked it.
"Oh, I saw the dress you are wearing, it's very not bridesmaid at all, and you are going to love it," Rose promised.
"What about you? What are you doing?"
"Holy shit Bella how long have you been dreaming about having a moment like this? For me, …they have three very different looks, a pretty good portrayal of who I am. Alice is on her way up. I'm glad she's not going to miss this. She's got her camera and ready to document this day."
Bella sighed, and then remembered Edward.
Another person walked in, "I'm Vanessa, I'm your stylist for a part of the day. I understand you have another person who works for you?" She sounded envious and pissed, this was Rolling Stone Magazine, after all.
"Yes, she's on her way up. Alice Brandon, her label is MaryAlice." Bella almost growled.
"Oh, she was who you were wearing last month. Okay." She shrugged and went on. "This is the dress; what do you think?" Bella's jaw dropped. It was single strapped, ball gown, made with decadent fabric; Bella couldn't tell what. It had a purple flannel pattern. Bella had never worn anything so beautiful before. She hated admitting that to herself since Alice did not design it.
"Wow, it's beautiful!" Bella said when she was finally was able to speak.
"Custom made for you, so you get to keep it!" Bella's jaw dropped again. "So, let's get you dressed; your boyfriend is waiting."
When Bella emerged to where the photos were being staged just about everyone looked at her in surprise. "Wow, that dress was made for you," Kate admired.
"Thanks," Bella looked for Edward who was just in a white button-down shirt and jeans but damn he looked hot. The set had come together fast. A large round glass table was set next to rounded windows with pink curtains. Everything was dark except the chandelier above. She couldn't believe this was actually happening. Edward walked up to Bella, grabbing her hands when they both heard a man yell, "Do not even think about it, or we will have to put Bella back in makeup!" it was Sawyer, the photographer.
"Fine," Edward growled.
The assistant placed a white and purple cake that read Happy Birthday Bella and had 25 candles on it, in the middle of the table. Bella was taken by the hand, as Sawyer's assistant helped her on to the table. Bella was thankful she wasn't wearing any shoes. She was able to sit comfortably. That was when her stylist made sure her dress was perfectly placed, sprawled to her sides on the glass table. Then came Edward and Bella's flushing started while her heart sped up dramatically. Her blush had reached her neck.
"Bella, I know he looks good. Take a deep breath; you don't want to look like a tomato." She blushed again. She could hear Emmett laughing. That's all she needed to calm down.
Bella was caught in Edward's gaze, not letting up even as they lit the candles. She heard Sawyer say to Kate, "Well, this might be easier than I thought. Okay kids, slowly, very slowly lean into each other to get what you want. Wait until I tell you to lean in further."
Bella and Edward smiled radiantly, still gazing it was impossible not to lean into each other in the first place. Sawyer made them stop six agonizing times before they could finally kiss, and then they held that one too long.
"Okay, Bella, Edward blow out the candles together, and we have the cover."
Kate nodded; they sure did.
"We've changed things up a bit. We scrapped the car bit, too many different sets to shoot today, so we're going to your outdoor area."
Alice put Bella in jeans and a white, sleeveless, chiffon halter, with sapphire accessories and blue pumps.
"We need to get her hair done. Edward, you are in a black t-shirt, black blazer. We're going to go set up now. This shouldn't take too long if the last one is any indication." Kate muttered.
Bella couldn't believe how much better she felt once she was in her next outfit. Her hair was down, once again big but wavy and she was wearing a lot of makeup, but not too dark. The amount you need when you are shooting outside. She was finish checking everything out when she heard "I cannot get them to take them off, Kate! Sorry but I'm not going to force the stupid bracelet off her or him. Just deal with it and ask them what it's about! It's actually, sweet!"
Alice chuckled, "I was going to tell her it was a worthless effort, but they aren't listening to me."
"Fine," Kate grumbled.
Ah, Bella wondered when they would complain about their refusal to remove the red strings and Bella's refusal to take off the charm bracelet as well. She was glad Edward fought that as well. Besides that, she had on a huge sapphire bracelet, on the other hand, something that coiled around her arm that was made of nothing but diamond's and Sapphire's, a sapphire necklace, and the sapphire earrings Edward bought her.
"Well, they are listening enough to change my look for this shoot, so thank you, Alice! Lifesaver as always," Bella complimented her friend.
"Always," She agreed.
Edward managed to look gorgeous in about 5 minutes. Bella was jealous. Edward was already outside, enjoying the solitude and the sun when she made her way up, and she swore she heard his breathing hitch.
"Okay you two, I need to at least get a few pictures of you two together, face shots and what not so Edward you put your hands around her and Bella lace your hands this his and lean back into him." Sawyer rolled his eyes; this was going to be too easy.
They took about a hundred shots of their heads in just about every position, but it was hard to deny the photos of when they were looking at each other. The problem was that they needed a straight shot. There were plenty, and it was plain as day how happy the other was.
"Now you guys get to sit down and do what comes naturally… well not that, but first I need a shot of Bella sitting on Edward's lap, pretty much doing the same thing." Sawyer instructed.
The stylists came and made sure each strand of hair was in the right place. Again, Bella was resenting Edward's freshly fucked hair. There was nothing they could do to tame it. When Sawyer was done with that one, Bella remembered her revenge. So, she turned sweetly over to Edward like she was going to kiss him and instead pounced and pinned him to the ground, trying to tickle him.
It didn't work.
Her eyes grew wide in horror, knowing that turnabout was fair play.
"You're not ticklish! Fuck!" She yelled.
Edward gave her a menacing half grin and tickled Bella until he pinned her to the ground. She was laughing so hard her Belly was aching-he stopped and gave her a chaste kiss. "You're going to have to do better than that, Swan."
"Oh, I will just you wait." She accepted his challenge.
Edward pulled Bella up until she had her legs wrapped around him. He was picking grass out of her hair, with a sweet grin on his face.
That's when Sawyer told them to stop. He made Edward lay down with his hands behind his head, to give one of his panty-dropping smiles. Bella was positioned to lay on her back but on his stomach, angled. They shot over them. Bella decided to snake her way up into Edward's shoulders and wrapped herself around him like she usually does, and that was the shot that they were looking for. It seemed they were able to pose themselves quite well. It annoyed the hell out of Sawyer, but everyone else thought it was astounding, the gravitational pull they had.
"Okay, you two are done for now. We are going to do one more when you are in the studio, but I think we are going to wait until you start. Or not until you finish. We have Emmett and Rosalie to work with now."
"K…" Bella said sublimely, as they were both happy lying in each other's arms.
"We're going to give them a little bit longer to learn the songs." Edward used a lame excuse.
"Right!" Kate snorted. "Twenty minutes guys, I am trying to get this done so we can get this out, we've already got people doing the layout from these photos for the article online, and we have a lot more to do."
"K…" Bella said again as Kate growled and walked back inside with everyone else.
"Bella," Edward said, she could hear the adoration in his voice, "You are doing really well, thank you for doing this."
"Don't thank me, and I like taking pictures with you. I got the moment I've dreamed of my entire life."
"You're a natural at this." He said casually
"No, I can become 'fake Bella' like you are 'fake Edward' with your grinning that makes the world swoon."
Edward's smile deepened to a laugh, "I don't think they are going to use any of those either."
"I don't think so either. It doesn't look natural. I don't need the panty dropping grin for me to want to drop my panties." She giggled.
Edward groaned
"Are you going to be okay with all of those people watching us work?"
Bella shrugged, "Not like there is a choice and for the most part, they are songs we already know. If anything, we can work on the duet later, but I am curious to hear the lyrics you wrote for that part. I think it will be fun when we start recording. They are going to have to leave the room so, whatever, we'll get through it. The other shoots won't be this involved, will they?"
"No, the photos we took out here, that's what they are going to want. The interview will not be close to what Kate's will be, basic questions. Nothing too personal. Easy."
"Good. I like easy. Is Alice going to be able to do everything?"
Edward nodded, most likely, "She will now, I think I heard her say she was thinking just a tank top and shorts, so you're comfortable."
Bella let out a sigh of relief, "How are Ben and Angela doing?"
"They were fine; I just wanted them to know it before Rolling Fucking Stone Magazine came in."
"Good idea, hey, Edward, guess what?" Bella teased.
"What?"
"I love you."
"As I love you, let's get up love and get changed and have fun."
Bella let Edward pull her up. She was glad that she would hear the actual arrangement of their songs. Rosalie was going to try to get Kate to put off the shoots about their films until Monday or Tuesday, so they didn't empty their tank. The issue wasn't going to press that week. They were only going to preview it on their website and of course, leak it everywhere.
Before the third outfit change, Kate beckoned Bella and Edward into the room where they had been shooting photos of Rose and Emmett. Kate liked what Alice had put Bella in previously and gave her the look of approval. She would need to do another.
"I wanted to get a few shots of the four of you together, do you mind changing again? Then once you are in the studio and interview, you won't be bothered again." Kate begged.
Bella shrugged, she thought it was a great idea, she wished Alice could be in the shot.
"I'm going to put her in something she would naturally wear, especially if it's a family photo," Alice announced, and Rose agreed, she would be doing the same thing. Bella wore a black camisole with a black and red stripped handkerchief tank top over it with black skinny jeans and chucks. Rose wore a black camisole, skinny jeans, and black peep-toe heels. They only touched up the hair. Edward was now in a white shirt and a black blazer and jeans. Emmett was just in a black t-shirt and jeans. The two boys also wore Chucks.
It was a cute photo, Edward had his arms around Bella's waist, standing next to his brother. Emmett the same and Bella and Rose had their arms around each other. That shoot took the longest because nobody could keep a straight face. Kate didn't know if it was possible, but they got a few. She did like the spontaneous ones as well. She would have to figure it out when they were done.
"Now you can get comfortable," Kate announced,
Edward took off the blazer and headed to the studio, "finally."
xxxxxx
"Have any of you seen this before?" Kate asked everybody outside of the studio. Bella, Edward, Angela, and Ben were getting ready to start. Nobody had indicated that they had.
"We've seen Bella compose," Alice said
"I've seen Edward compose," Emmett added
"But we've never seen them play together. We heard the first song they did, and it was amazing. I'm excited we're going to hear them complete it." Rose also answered.
Kate looked at Esme, "Why do you look so choked up?"
Esme smiled, "I've never seen my son this happy. Both of my sons for that matter. I never thought it was possible. It is like a miracle.
When I heard that this was something Edward and Bella did together, that they bring out the best in each other when they compose together, my heart just leaped for Edward. Music has been so important to him and to have someone who he can share that with…Bella is someone who expresses how she feels about him this way. It is something so unique, something he never thought would happen. I know I am with my future daughter in laws, and I don't think I could have asked for better ones."
"Can I quote you on that?" Kate asked
"Absolutely," Esme answered, proudly, squeezing Rose's shoulders.
In the studio, Bella was getting situated behind the piano. She decided to keep on the red and white tank top and put on some shorts, abandoning shoes. She was looking at the sheet music and taking calming breaths.
"Bella, you wrote these songs?" Ben asked, amazed.
"No, most of them Edward helped with. The only one that's mine exclusively is that song Everything."
Angela sniffed, "That song is wow, you guys really like each other."
Edward laughed, "Just a bit. She's generous she wrote the majority of each part, I added instruments. You two are now a part of these songs. Sorry, they aren't going to be commercially available but still fun right? Plus, hey, Rolling Stone!"
"No, man, this is awesome. Ang and I play together sometimes, and we have a blast. I can see the appeal. We don't have a studio."
"Neither did he when I wrote the first song, that happened while we were out of town."
Emmett was a skilled producer, having worked with his brother all these years, so his voice piped in over the speaker, "You guys ready?"
Everyone looked at Bella, and she nodded affirmatively.
Bella started playing, then Angela joined in, as soon as she began to sing, Edward joined in with the guitar. She couldn't stop singing at Edward. Ben didn't join in until the second verse. They hit it the very first time.
Everyone else was utterly stunned, the words, the arrangement, hearing Bella and Edward singing together. It was more than they imagined.
"Wow," Ben laughed, "Bella…." He got quiet before he finished, "this was the girl you were always supposed to be. Sorry to bring this up in front of everybody but I am so glad you didn't end up with what's his face. There is no way you would have done this with him. You are a freaking genius, and the two of you together are amazing musicians."
Bella flushed, "Thanks."
Edward added Angela to a different part of the song and her vocals during one particular chorus, but he thought that it was pretty much perfect with those additions.
"You guys going again?" Emmett asked.
"Yep!" Edward replied.
"Ready Bella?" He asked, knowing the answer.
"As ever," Bella was in the zone.
Edward smiled more than he ever had. When Bella sang to him, it took every bit of concentration to remember what he was doing. When they sang together his whole body warmed, he worshiped this woman, and that would never change.
There wasn't a single person who wasn't smiling or crying. Kate did not know how her article could even appear to be balanced.
Bella looked at Edward, "I think we about nailed it. Em?"
"Yeah, I wouldn't change a thing I think you can move to the next one."
That's when Bella's nerves flared, "You've been working on the additions to this song right, Edward?"
"Yes, play what you wrote, Emmett is going to add in with the synthetic sounds, but it sounds great without. I am going to play the electric guitar, Ben has both the drums sets, Angela is going to take some piano and backup vocals. Do you want to run through it so you can hear everything?"
"Yeah, this has changed a lot. See, I didn't just write this alone anymore." Bella winked at Edward.
Edward gave Emmett the signal because he started the song. Bella closed her eyes so she could play it the way she wrote it and pick up on the beats as they went on. Bella got goosebumps and was shaking her head at Edward's genius with her eyes closed. She opened her eyes at the end, and she could feel her eyes smolder as she looked at Edward.
Kate yelled, "Now!" and the lights and camera they had rigged captured the best moment. She felt rather smug.
"Okay, let's do this, Emmett," Bella said confidently.
Bella and Edward sat across from each other, their thigh's barely touching as they angled out to play their instruments and they knew they would have to do the song again because the damn camera kept going off, but she was singing to him, he had that look. Kate understood precisely what she was talking about now. She didn't care how balanced the article sounded; this was going to do wonders for her career. She owed all of them pretty big for that.
They went through it one more time, without any disturbance from the outside, perfectly. They moved on to the last song.
The four huddled deciding to do the easier of the two duets with the journalist around. Edward explained where Ben and Angela were going to come into the song. He wouldn't tell Bella what lyrics he had written were until they started to play it. When they did, nobody expected Bella's reaction. She hopped off the piano, took Edward's guitar off his lap, she sat on his lap, crying, grabbed his face, "I fucking love you, do you know that?"
Everyone was silent, other than the sniffles from those trying to hide crying themselves. Emmett getting disgusted with Bella and Edward making out, but he kind of understood it.
"That is one moment I am obligated to write about, holy shit." Kate was talking to herself. She knew why she felt sick around them. Jealousy. She wanted it, she could see what Edward and Bella had, and it was something so unique that she would kill for. Most people would. Most couples didn't have that kind of chemistry. She was happy this was the last song, and then they would move to the interview.
Esme had her hand covering her mouth, tears streaming down her cheeks. She wished desperately that her husband was there to see this. There was no way a retelling of this with words and photos could accurately describe what had just happened.
Angela took the time Bella had afforded them to sit on Ben's lap and kiss him. It was a moment you would have to be emotionless not to get caught up in.
Bella broke the kiss, leaning her forehead was against Edwards, "Sorry, couldn't help myself."
Edward stroked her cheek, "You can do that anytime, love. I take it you like what I wrote?"
Bella said in a low whisper, "love it, Edward I swear to god if we were alone."
He chuckled and nodded in understanding.
Bella took a deep breath and pushed it out. "I'm okay, sorry about that guys. He took me by surprise."
"I'm good to go now," Bella promised, unable to get the goofy love stuck grin she had on her face. It reminded Edward of the other song Bella had written. He was glad they did end up keeping that between them.
They went through it twice so Bella could regulate her emotions and her voice. Then they were done.
If you weren't a musician, you would not know that what they had just done was almost impossible for most professionals. They had laid down three outstanding tracks in record time.
"Okay, well, let's take a break, and then Edward and Bella, you are up for the interview, and then you are done for the day, I still have an article to get up."
"Thank God!" Edward muttered.
"Oh, poor baby," Bella rolled her eyes.
"Kate let's go meet Garrett," Rose smiled, the constant publicist took the journalist out of the condo to do some matchmaking.
Sawyer and his assistant went down with them.
Ben and Angela congratulated the couple and thanked them for including them, but they needed to get home. They would keep checking the website.
"Proud of you, Bella, I really am," Angela said as she exited with Alice. Ben nodded in agreement.
Xxxxx
Kate was bubbly when she came back, and she had a date after all the work was done. Rose felt smug. Now it was time to put her on the publicist hat.
"Are you ready for this? Edward asked Bella.
"I think so. You?"
"I think so," Edward replied, kissing Bella's forehead and they walked into the living room, this was informal, no candid photos were taken.
"Alright, we are officially going on the record," Kate said, waiting for what happened next.
Everybody pulled out their recording devices and put them on the table.
Now they were ready.
Kate: Edward, it's quite apparent your relationship with Bella is different than any you've had prior. Do you think it has anything to do with the fact that she is not a co-star?
Edward: Is it different because she's not a co-star? Well, she's not a co-star, so our life is very different. Do I love her because she's not a co-star? I would have loved her if she bagged groceries.
Bella: I had no idea who he was when I met and fell in love with him. He didn't know who I was. I suppose we learned what the other did eavesdropping, but it made no difference.
Kate: You had no idea who he was?
Bella: No, and embarrassingly enough, I've still never seen any of his movies.
Kate: Surely, that cannot be…
Edward: I don't care.
Bella: I'm going to the premiere of his new movie. I know he's very proud of it. I like the idea of that being the first movie I see. I am in love with who he is, not what he does. He is passionate about acting, and I love that about him. That's part of who he is. I don't need to be a critic to admire that about him.
Kate: What about your book? Have you read it, Edward?
Edward: Yes, I didn't read it until I left for the press tour, she had already told me everything and more- plus she owned me wholly by that time. She also gave me what I guess would be considered the manuscript of everything that happened before her 18th birthday so I would know her better. It was an extraordinary sign of faith.
Kate: Why is that?
Bella: because only a few people have ever read it. I wanted him to know that I trust him, and I wanted him to know me.
Kate: When you met, you were not involved in the film industry as much as you are right now. You have a movie that you are casting this week correct?
Bella: Yep
Kate: And the book you have been adapting is in its first draft form.
Bella: Yes, it is. I am also researching my second book.
Kate: Do you think it will be tough as a couple dealing with life from behind the scenes while he is right in front.
Bella: I think the only thing that will be tough is the amount of attention he receives from Paparazzi, but that's a price I'm happy to pay. I think it's hard for any in this industry to deal with being separated, but we are dedicated to finding a way to make it work We agreed that we wouldn't let work affect our relationship. Neither one of us wants to be used to get the other. Our careers are based upon merit, not each other. So, unless it is something he really wants, he's not going to be accepting roles that I have written, and I am not going to write a screenplay that is just for him.
When we first started dating, he warned me over and over about what we are going to take on once this article comes out. I don't doubt it will be hard, but there is not a lot; I wouldn't do for him.
Kate: So, he won't be playing Masen in an adaption
Bella: I don't know where that rumor came from. First of all, I do not think there ever will be an adaptation for New Moon. I am way too much of a control freak to let that happen. He can answer for himself on the other question, but I sincerely doubt it.
Edward: Absolutely not. That story is way too close to her. I couldn't do or say those things to anyone, much less someone who would be playing her. It goes against every fiber of my being.
Kate: So, you have strong feelings about Masen.
Edward: Who wouldn't in my position? The thing is that Bella was 18 years old when that happened, that was seven years ago. She is a different person than she was back then. So, what is the point spending time ruminating about someone else from the past when we are trying to focus on the future?
Kate: Bella, have you seen Masen since you wrote the book?
Bella: Well, Kate, the last interview we had I told you no, and at that time it was true. I did see him, he was at one of my readings, as was his brother and sister.
Kate: How did that go?
Bella: I don't think there are any circumstances where it wouldn't have been awkward. We didn't speak at length. My book tour was painful, so having him there made it even more painful. Add in that Edward was in London. It wasn't a good day, but at the end of it, I left the bookstore, got on a plane to London and spent the weekend with him. I think being civil to each other is not too much to ask.
Kate: Because your best friend is dating his brother?
Bella: Yes. Because I was at one point very close to most of his family, I have a strong feeling that he will join our family because my best friend is more like a sister to Edward and me. So, we need to be grown-ups about it and move on. I would never do anything that would hurt their relationship. Their relationship is not about me, and I would never make it so.
Edward: I like Masen's brother. It was evident the first time I met him that he sees Bella like a sister. Her best friend, Alice, I think of as a sibling myself so who am I to begrudge her that happiness I have found. Sometimes love is not convenient, but we cannot help who we fall in love with. She is happy, and that's all that matters.
Kate: It seems that your friends and families have already meshed into one.
Edward: Sometimes, I think my mom likes her more than me.
Bella: (Smacks Edward). I love his family. Esme Cullen is one of the most amazing women I've ever known, and I am so glad she is in my life. His father, Carlisle, is very compassionate and funny. They are a great family. I am happy that they have taken such a liking to Rosalie and me.
Kate: Edward, you mentioned that Alice is more like a sister to you but not Rosalie, who could become your sister in law. Why is that?
Edward: Because Rosalie scares the shit out of me. (Edward barked out a laugh but then got serious again.)
Alice and I bonded as siblings immediately; it was bizarre. It just felt like she was my biological sister.
Rosalie is someone I consider a personal friend. She always will be. My brother loves her more than anything in the world. Her polar oppositeness is why she is so good with my brother; he's my polar opposite too.
When I first encountered these two, I had a feeling we were going to the same concert. I had a feeling that Emmett and Rosalie needed to meet each other, so he came with me. It was the right call. My brother has never been happier than he is right now.
Kate: How does she scare the shit out of you?
Edward: I was kidding when I said that. At first, she did. She's incredibly protective of Bella. She watched over me like a hawk. She is not afraid to say what she thinks, and I feel sorry for anyone who incurs the wrath of Rosalie Hale. I'm glad she's on my side. She loves the woman I love more than just about anything. I will be happy to have her as a sister in law. I already feel in a lot of ways that she is.
Kate: Bella, I know we touched this subject when we talked for the first time. The way you talk about Edward's mother is almost as a daughter. I can hear the affection in your words. What makes her different than your mother?
Edward squeezed Bella's hand, and she nodded she would answer it.
Bella: Esme is more like a mother to me now, than my mom ever was. Both of Edward's parents are people I know that I could go to for anything. I know that they will be here for me no matter what.
My mom had me when she was very young. She did not like the fact that my father would not leave the small town I was born in. She took off with me as an infant. I didn't know my dad until I moved in with him as a junior. She was just immature, and a pain in the ass growing up. I am so much like my father, grounded, responsible, realistic – I was the one taking care of her. When she married a baseball player, she did not want to stay home with me when he was on the road all the time, so I moved in with my dad.
I am glad that happened because you know what? My father died when I was a sophomore in college, and had I not moved in with him, I would have never known him. Sure, I would have never met Masen either. I also wouldn't be sitting here. Things happen for a reason.
Kate looked sad, but she had to ask the question
Kate: When was the last time you heard from her?
Bella clenched her teeth
Bella: I don't know, if I were to guess, I will very soon. Like I said to you before, Rose and Alice have been my family for eight years, and my only family since my dad died. Now I'm gaining family left, and right, it feels good. I've always wanted brothers and sisters and a warm mother and father who are together. It feels like a dream deferred but a dream coming true regardless. I count my blessings for that.
Kate: You do seem to fit in like a piece of a puzzle.
Bella: Thanks.
Kate: Okay, let's talk about music.
Bella turned bright red.
Edward grinned.
Kate: Bella, you wrote those songs, how exactly did this activity you two do together really come about?
Bella: It was the night before he was leaving for his press tour. Rather the morning of, I couldn't sleep. The lyrics, the bones of the song were growing like weeds in my brain. I was already missing him. So, around 4 am, and I slipped out of bed and just started hammering it out. I only had the lyrics and piano part down a few hours later. I could hear the guitar where it needed to be, but right when I was about to start working on that part, I noticed this guy over here staring at me like I was some sort of superhero.
Edward: I had no idea she was so talented. I mean I knew she could play, and she could sing, but to put that song together so fast, she is a superhero to me. She asked me if I wanted to work on the guitar parts of it, and it took us an hour, and it was finished. We heard the same thing. It was the most meaningful experience I've ever had. She wrote the song for me. I felt the emotion in every note of it. I wanted her to know that I felt the same way, so it was perfect that we equally collaborated on that song, doing the backup vocals, and playing the guitar. When I got on the plane, I was able to mix in violin and drums and sort of finish the song. I do not think it was mastered until today with Ben and Angela playing everything live.
Kate: Since then, she has written a lot more.
Bella: A lot a lot. Those songs other than the one you heard today were songs that were more about me purging my emotions when I couldn't be around him. I much prefer to compose with him, and he brings out a better musician in me because he is so good. You heard us finish that duet today. It was indeed a duet, and I didn't complete those lyrics for him, he wrote them. I wrote my part. When he heard my rough take on it, he knew instinctively that it would need a live band, and every instrument that was added was all him. The songs we work on together are the ones I love the most. We aren't releasing them for commercial anything so the experiences are memories I will truly cherish for the rest of my days.
Kate: But when do you switch from writing music to writing everything else.
Bella: That's what I meant by purging everything emotionally. I can get everything out and feel like I have put that part of me somewhere appropriate. I can hyper-focus after I do that. I was quickly able to work on our screenplay after I did that.
I imagine when we are both at home, I won't have a hard time with that. Because I think we'll be doing a lot of composing together regardless. I also made a promise to Rosalie than in this relationship; I wasn't going to lose myself or backslide into the same sort of behavior I had with Masen. As an adult, it's essential to keep up with your commitments.
Kate: We've talked about your compositions, but what about Edward's?
Edward: She's heard them.
Bella: His compositions are more classical. You have to know him well to understand what he's trying to say.
Edward: And she knows me well.
Kate couldn't help but smile.
Kate: From everything I've seen today, all of the people who have been around you both, pretty much your entire lives were moved beyond words seeing you together in the studio, why do you keep that so private?
Bella: Did you see how I reacted to his part of the duet? That's why. It's not something we do to show our feelings for each other to the world, that is not something we need to prove. Hopefully, they already know that. We do it because well because we both enjoy it. We are lucky that there is so much we have in common that we can spend so much time together, I don't think our bond would be as strong without that.
Kate: You do have quite a bond, like gravity.
They both shrugged.
Kate laughed.
Kate: So, I'm told that you two are buying a house together.
Edward: We are, we put in an offer this morning.
Kate: It seems like you have fast-tracked your relationship.
Bella: We are going by what feels natural. The progression of a relationship is different for everyone. I know I will never feel this way about anyone, and I don't want to. I have faith in us.
Edward: What she said.
Kate: I hate to ask you this, but everybody else will. Do you see marriage in the future?
Bella & Edward: Yes
They looked at each other and laughed.
Kate: Well, I guess that answers that. Do you two even fight?
Bella bit her lip—trying to hold back laughter.
Edward: We no different than any other couple. Yes, we have fought. We fight. Everybody fights, I would be worried if we didn't. We are honest with each other, about everything- and sometimes that can create conflict, but that is normal. When it's over, we are usually better off than we were before.
Kate: Okay, I need to know about the bracelet's
Bella blushed again, leaving Edward to answer the question.
Edward: I made them, I wanted her to know that I consider my twin soul or twin flame, and that is what they represent, for us at least.
Kate: You made them, Edward?
Bella: He did, and he got me this charm bracelet at the same time. From the first time we met, we have had a unique bond that only gets stronger. I feel like I've known and loved him my whole life. I am entirely at ease with Edward. Do you see now, why we don't take them off?
Kate: I do. I thought to have a twin soul was more difficult than having a soul mate?
Edward: It is, but it is also more intense. It's harder in that we have had our own difficult journey's and perhaps the hardest part of it is over, at least individually because if we had found each other earlier, I don't think we would be here. She was healing on her own, and I was finding myself. Our journey as a couple is not going to be easy. We are dedicated to seeing it through because there is just no way, I can imagine my life without her.
Bella: He stole my line. I feel the same way.
She nodded.
Kate: You guys have invited me into your lives more than any other couple or person I've ever interviewed. It's tough to find fault with you two. I wanted to ask Edward about last night when everyone was dancing. What were you thinking when Bella was dancing with your manager?
Edward: I could barely speak. I've always known she was a talented dancer, that she considers it one of her most significant accomplishments, but until I saw her dancing with people who I would put in the professional category. I felt like I'd barely seen a portion of what she can do. I enjoyed seeing the faces of her old friends, I could tell, really doubted she could dance the way she could. I had no idea that she was that clumsy when she was high school and just how much she has overcome. I was also just happy to see her enjoying herself so much.
"Well, I think I have all I need for this story. You know it's going to go live early tomorrow morning, a short piece revealing who you are Bella. I will post a few smaller stories throughout the week. The big article will be in the magazine.
I am probably going to be invited to talk about my experience. I hope that's okay to talk about what I've observed?" Kate asked.
"We wouldn't have invited you into our lives so much unless we were okay with that," Bella answered.
"Alright, I won't take up any more of your time today. I know we are setting something up this week for the rest of the story, so if I have any follow up questions, I'll ask you then. Thanks again. I can tell you're the real deal, but I wasn't sure how much I could take. Congratulations though, I see a future for the two of you. I don't say that often, not in this business."
"Thanks, Kate! We will wait for the pandemonium to begin."
A/N Pandemonium indeed! I hope you enjoyed these two chapters. Because the rest of the story is pretty much going to be about Bella and Edward's relationship going forward—I've decided that I will eventually add separate outtake's with varying POV's after everything is wrapped up! R/R would be appreciated!
Two Chapter Playlist
One Last Night
Timber
Love Me Like You Do
Cross your mind
Capital Letters
Candyman
Lady In Red
True
Moves Like Jagger
Americano
I put a spell on you
Witchcraft
Feel it still
Do what you want
Code Blue
Cool Kids
Fade into you
A Thousand Years
Everything
Just a kiss
Need you now
In your eyes