Fated
Chapter 3
A/N: I want to thank my Beta for helping me with this chapter and preventing me from uploading something that would have been of a subpar level. Thank you, StormyMonday! Also thank you to all who have read my stories and left reviews. I love reading them!
"How are you feeling today, Bella?" Charlie asks as I walk into the kitchen. I pour myself a cup of coffee and take a seat at the kitchen table between him and Patty.
" I'm feeling much better. Staying home and resting this week has really helped me heal. I'm ready to go back to college and work tomorrow."
Charlie frowns. "Are you sure? Don't push yourself. If you need more time, take it." I can tell he misses me since I've moved closer to college. He's been lonely since my mother died 2 years ago, but he refuses to date. He says no one can hold a candle to my mom. I hope someday that I am lucky enough to fall in love as deeply as my parents did with each other.
"I'm sure, dad. I really can't afford to miss any more class time or work." I point at the sugar bowl in front of Patty and she slides it over to me. "Shouldn't you be getting back to work also?" Charlie is the sheriff in Cazenovia, New York. He doesn't get paid a lot, but he gets to make his own hours and comes and goes as he pleases.
"Cazenovia's a small town, Bella. There really isn't that much going on. I could be gone two weeks before anyone would notice. But, if you are going back to school and work tomorrow, I guess I will head back home early tomorrow morning."
"You know you can visit anytime dad, right?" To not make Charlie uncomfortable, I avoid his eyes as I talk. Charlie and I are not comfortable expressing our feelings with each other.
"Yes. I know. Maybe I will surprise you again sometime soon."
"I'd like that."
"Have you heard from Edward?" Patty interjects.
I lower my eyes and stare into my coffee cup. "No, and don't expect to. He made it clear that he wants me to stay away from him. He thinks his job is too dangerous for me to be around him."
"He may be right, Bella. Being a cop, depending upon the city, can be a dangerous job." Charlie is always trying to keep me safe.
"I don't think his resolve will last. From what I've seen, he's infatuated with you and won't be able to stay away from you for too long. Why not get yourself all slutted up and parade around in front of him. Show him what he's missing out on. That should do it. " Patty says.
Charlie sticks a finger in each ear. "I don't want to hear this." Patty snickers at him.
"That is so not me, Patty." Placing my elbow on the table, I prop my head up, leaning my chin on my fist, trying to imagine what it would be like to dress seductively. I would probably be uncomfortable with the situation.
Remembering the phone number I wrote down at the library, I jump up and walk to the hall closet. Searching for my jacket, I find it and pull the piece of paper out of the pocket. I hold the piece of paper in my left hand while punching in the numbers with my right. After two rings a woman's voice answers.
"Hello."
"Hi. Is this the person selling the English Literature book?"
"Yes, it is. Are you interested in it?"
"What shape is it in?"
"It's never been used. I'm asking $30 for it."
"That's a good price. I'll take it. Where can I meet you?"
"Can you meet me in 2 hours at the college library? At the tables past the receptionist's desk?"
"Sure. I'll see you in 2 hours!"
"Okay, I will see you soon. Bye, Bella."
"Bye." I hang up. " Hmm... I never told her my name," I say to myself.
Ms. Fray's scowl is boring into the side of my head as I walk past her, pretending not to notice. There is only one other person in the library, standing by the large tables. It's a woman, not much older than I. She is pixie-like, thin in the extreme, with small features. Her hair is deep black, cropped short and pointing in every direction. When she sees me, she smiles deeply. Her long legs move gracefully as she walks toward me, in long sweeping strides. She reaches out her hand and I shake it.
"Hi! I'm Alice!"
"I'm Bella, Hi."
"I know who you are, Bella."
"You do?"
"We both have a common friend, Edward."
"You know Edward?"
"I'm his partner at the police department. We're very close. He's told me about you."
"Really?" I'm surprised to hear that Edward has spoken to someone about me.
"Yes. He likes you. Why don't we have a seat." Alice motions toward the chairs at the tables. We both pull out a chair and sit next to each other. Alice grabs the English Literature book on the table and slides it in front of me.
"Here's the book. Is this the one you need?"
The cover is still stiff as I open it and flip through the pages. It looks new. "Yes, it is, Thanks." I pull cash out of my pocket and hold out $30 to her.
"Keep it, Bella. The book is yours." She waves my money away with her hand then turns to look me in the eyes. "Edward is not one to date much. He puts all of his time into his work, so when I hear him talk about a girl he has just met, I know she must be something special."
My voice lowers to a somber whisper. "Edward said that I should not be around him because it's too dangerous."
"That's Edward. He can never just relax and let himself be happy. He always has to worry about everyone else. Sometimes, Edward gets so caught up in his work being a cop and protecting people, that he forgets to leave his authority at the door when he is off duty." Alice shakes her head.
"I'd say that sounds about exactly right, but what can I do about it?"
"Don't let him boss you around. Go to him and tell him that you are a grown woman and can make up your own mind whether you are worried about being put in danger. If you stand up to him, he will back down." Alice places her hand on my shoulder. "He said you two have a class together, is that right?"
"Yes. He teaches my Self Defense class."
"Perfect. You can talk to him after class."
"Do you really think I will be able to change his mind?"
"I know you will. I've seen it."
I stay quiet contemplating her words.
"I like you, Bella. I think we are going to be good friends."
"I like you too and I think you're right!"
Alice grabs a piece of paper sitting in a tray on the table, and a pen, and scribbles her phone number down, and hands the paper to me. "Here. Take my number. If you need any more advice from me, or just want to chat, give me a call."
"Thanks. I'll let you know what happens with Edward." I take the piece of paper and tuck it safely in my jeans pocket.
"I wish I could stay and chat with you longer, but I'm on duty and have to get going."
I notice Alice is not in police inform.
"Edward and I are in a special unit on the police force that does not require us to wear a uniform for some of the work we do. It's our job and the type of criminals we deal with that makes Edward worry about your safety, but you couldn't be safer with him protecting you. Good luck and if you need me to knock some sense in him, I'll do it, just let me know." Alice stands up and pushes her chair in. I do the same. As she gives me a tight hug, a chill wraps itself around me as I hug her back. Her skin is icy cold.
"I'm going to miss you, Bella."
"I'm going to miss you too, dad. I think Jacob and Patty are going to miss you too. They enjoyed playing board games with us all week." I give Charlie a quick hug. I can tell he doesn't want to go.
"Take care of my little girl, Patty," Charlie says as he gives Patty a hug.
Patty and I watch Charlie get in his blue Ford Taurus and drive off, our arms locked around each other, waving goodbye.
I turn to look at Patty. "I was hoping he would leave early enough so I could ask you for a favor."
Patty looks inquisitive. "What is it?"
"Could you help me to dress a little more...um. Sexy?"
Patty's eyes light up like it's Christmas. "Bella! Are you serious? I thought the day would never come! I can help you..."
"Woa! Hold up!" My arm is outstretched, palm out, facing Patty. " I just want to dress a bit sexy. Not go crazy with it."
"Sure. We can do that. So, Operation Slut it up for Officer Fine Ass is on?"
I laugh. "Oh, Patty. Is this even worth trying? I don't know how to be sexy. I've never even had a boyfriend. I hope he can't tell I'm still a virgin. If he found that out, he would really stay away from you think I can pull this off?"
"Of course you can, Bella. Take a deep breath and relax. Honestly, it doesn't really take much to turn a guy's eye. " If he isn't giving you the attention you want, make him jealous. Talk to another guy and look like you're flirting. You know, stand close to him while you're talking, bat your eyelashes, brush your hair back. Those kinds of things."
"That is so not me. I don't know if I can do this, but I'm going to try."
"Come on. We have a lot of work to do! " Patty takes my arm and drags me into the house and upstairs to her bedroom. She tosses a dress at me. It's a plain, black, backless dress. I strip off my clothes and pull the dress on over my head. I'm pleased with the way it looks on my reflection in the mirror. It is form fitting and ends thigh high. A bit sexier than I'm used to dressing, but I'm willing to give it a try.
Patty rummages around on her closet floor and comes out holding two black leather, ankle-high boots. "Sit down and hold up your foot," she orders. She squeezes one boot onto my foot. It's a little tight. Same with the other one. Next, Patty drags me into the bathroom and starts running a curling iron through my hair. As she is doing that, she uses her free hand to start gathering some makeup on the vanity and organizing it.
"I don't want a lot of makeup. Just a little."
Eyes on either side of me are turning in my direction, surprise etched in their faces, as I walk down the hall, feeling more self-conscious than ever. Craig, leaning against a door, eyes me up and down without so much as a word. As I pass, a chill races up my spine.
After several tugs, the heavy gymnasium doors finally give way. Loud clacking sounds echo off the gymnasium walls as my boots hit the floor. Slowing my pace to quiet the sound, I reach the end of the line of students and take my place. Edward stands at the front of the class next to Officer Tabers, looking majestically beautiful in his police uniform. His statuesque elegance is stunning.
Edward's gaze rolls along the line of students, glancing over me at the end, then he looks away. His eyes quickly dart back to me and settle upon my new attire, looking lost in thought. "I hope that's a good sign," I think to myself.
"Everyone pair up for exercises," Officer Tabers orders.
As everyone is shuffling around, my partner from last time jumps in front of me and stands, staring at me with the same sneer on his face like last time. I'm about to tell him to take a hike when Edward comes up alongside him. Edward grabs his arm roughly and whispers in his ear. The muscles around Edward's jaw tighten. The guy pulls his arm out of Edward's grasp and walks away to find another partner.
Edward glances around the room. "Looks like you're stuck with me for a partner, Bella," He says as he moves closer to me and smiles. I return the smile.
Following Officer Tabers' instructions. Edward grabs my wrists, one in each hand. I force my hands down hard, breaking free of Edward's grip. Trying to show Edward that I am not weak, I use more physical assertion then I need.
"That was really good, Bella. I'm impressed. Are you feeling better?" Sincere concern shows in his Ocher eyes.
"Yes, much. Thanks for asking." A hint of sarcasm in my voice. Now it's my turn to be the aggressor. I grab Edward's wrists in my hands and hold them tight. Instead of breaking free, Edward moves in closer to me.
"Bella, I wanted to call you a hundred times and ask how you were, but I think it's better this way."
"Better for who?" You?"
"Me? No. Better for you! I'm trying to be chivalrous!"
I let go of Edward's wrists and use an icy tone in my voice. "Chivalrous? By not allowing me to make my own decisions? I am a strong, independent, young woman, Edward, and I can take care of myself and make my own decisions! You are only five years my senior yet you treat me like a child!"
"What am I doing?" I think to myself. I came here to entice him, not fight with him. I have to try to restart this conversation. I straighten my posture pushing my chest out and flick my hair back with my hand, the way Patty showed me. I see the guy next to us turn toward me and eye me up and down. I look back at Edward, trying to project confidence and sex appeal.
Edward's jaw tightens as he lowers his voice and steps in closer to me. "Aren't you having enough trouble getting attacked without asking for more trouble by dressing that way?"
I am horrified. How could he say that to me? This isn't what I wanted. I feel so rejected, so embarrassed. I do the last thing I wanted to do, and run out the gymnasium door onto the school lawn, like a child. I walk up to a wooden shed on the property and lean against it, arms crossed over my chest, tears filling my eyes.
After a minute I feel a warm hand on my back. "Bella, I'm sorry. I didn't mean to hurt you." Edward walks around to face me. I turn my head towards the shed so he cannot see my tears.
"Hurting you is the last thing I want to do, I promise, Bella. I'm...doing this... all wrong. I just want to protect you and instead, I'm hurting you! Please forgive me." Gently grasping my chin with his thumb and forefinger, he turns my head toward him.
"Edward. You have to stop treating me like a child. You can't order me to not be around you, and then come up to me and comment on how I dress, or anything else for that matter. You have to stop acting so bossy. I'm never going to do something just because you tell me to do it. In fact, that would make me want to not do it!"
"So I'm finding out." Edward oozes sarcastically as he frowns. "I'm sorry Bella. Being a cop makes me have to make decisions for others. Many times those decisions are life or death ones. I have to learn when to turn off being a cop. I do respect you and know you can make your own decisions. Besides, regardless of how hard I try to stay away from you, I cannot." Edward sighs.
He tucks a flyaway piece of my hair behind my ear. Then he wipes away my tears with his fingers and looks into my eyes. "I promise I will stop treating you like a child, but I cannot promise I will stop trying to protect you. Does that sound good?"
"Yes," I nod my head. All of my anger and sadness gone. So happy that we are finally communicating as equals.
His lips look so lush and full, I wish I was kissing them. I bring my lips in close to his, closing my eyes, I brush my lips up against his. Part of me wants to take the lead, but another part of me is screaming for him to take over and save me from the fright of not knowing what I'm doing. I press my lips against his a little harder. As if he can tell what I'm thinking, he wraps his arms around me and places his hands against the small of my back, pulling me in closer to him, kissing me deeper. His sweet, manly scent is like a drug. I'm lost in time and space, only feeling his lips on mine and his warm arms wrapped around me. No thoughts running through my mind. No fears. Just something that feels so right. I wrap my arms around his neck as he holds me close, kissing me.
After a few minutes, he gently pulls his lips away from mine and talks softly. "As much as I want to continue kissing you, I'm afraid if anyone sees us, I may lose my job teaching this class."
I nod and let my arms drop from around Edward's neck and begin to pull myself away. He keeps holding onto me with his arms around my waist. "Can we continue this later, tonight?"
"I have to work."
"What time do you get done?"
"Not until 11:00pm. Do you want to come over to my house around 11:15?"
"I'll be there," Edward says in the sexiest voice I've ever heard, plants a soft kiss on my forehead, and then lets me go. We both walk back into class and continue the exercises. At the end of class, we say goodbye to each other, gazing into each other's eyes for a second before I walk away to my next class.