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Chapter Seven
Edward and I strolled the streets until the sun had completely set. A cool breeze crept through the streets, following us; eavesdropping on our conversation.
"Bella, Bella."
Only smiling with my eyes, I wondered if he'd noticed I blushed each time he murmured my name. "Yes?"
"To be honest," he started in a playful tone, "I don't know anyone else named Bella."
"If I'm being honest as well, I don't know anyone else named Edward."
"That's a shame. Edward is a great name," he teased.
With each step we took, Edward revealed something new about himself while interrogating me, but never getting too deep. For that, I was grateful.
"I hate olives, but I refuse to order a martini without them." He spoke animatedly, but I was certain he was no longer buzzed. This was just who he was- carefree; happy.
Nodding appreciatively, I revealed that I preferred green olives to black.
"What are your thoughts on Ferris wheels?"
I admitted that I was terrified of them.
"You have a fear of heights?" Edward questioned, wrinkles forming on his forehead and between his eyebrows. He looked all too concerned with my confession.
"It's a legitimate fear." I stared at family walking towards us, smiling politely. "What are you scared of, Edward Cullen?"
Rubbing a hand over his chin, he groaned. "I'm scared of the way you keep using my full name."
"That's not something to be scared of. Are you not going to give me a real answer?"
Edward mused for a second before humming. "Not yet."
"Then your fear must be extremely embarrassing," I remarked sarcastically
"More embarrassing than being terrified of a Ferris wheel?" Edward inquired. "I think not."
Laughing out loud, I shook my head and informed him that he was wrong. "Don't cheapen my fear of heights."
"Don't assume my fear is embarrassing."
"Is it?"
Edward cleared his throat. "Maybe I'll tell you someday."
I wouldn't push him for an answer. If he wanted to tell me, he would. Someday.
"That's where you work?" I nodded towards Newton's Olympic Outfitters. "It's...huge."
"The only sporting goods store in town. There's also a location Port Angeles and, more recently, Seattle."
Our pace slowed as I asked why he didn't want to work in Seattle.
Edward yawned and walked closer next to me, but not ever really touching me. "I went to school for four years in Seattle. I have nothing against the place. I did my time."
"Then why Forks?"
He thought for a moment. "Family."
"You care about them," I said decidedly. It was silly; of course he cared about his family.
Opening his mouth to speak, he paused before saying, "Yes, Bella. I do."
Maybe we weren't so different after all. He was only here because of his family; I was only here because I had to take care of Renee.
"Can we go somewhere?" he asked, pointing towards Newton's Olympic Outfitters.
I nodded. I had time to waste. I'd waste it with him.
A/N: I'd venture to guess that E's fear is of clowns. The ones who hang out in drains and, you know, kill people. Thanks for reading.