I do not own the characters, they belong to Stephenie Meyer.
Chapter 3
Edward's Aunt and Uncle ran a boarding house in Phoenix, they had a room and graciously offered it to me. I was trying my best to settle in and found comfort that there were a few other guests staying with them besides me. One was a sweet young girl named Tanya Morgan; I had a sneaking suspicion that she had a thing for Edward Mason. She always perked up and smiled when he came to visit me, he was kind and wanted to check in on how I was adjusting. Tanya was in her early 20's and was on her own, trying to make the best out of her situation. She was pregnant and unmarried, a big taboo in this time. It didn't give her the best reputation.
"Bella, will you help me please?" I threw my feet off the bed and walked out of my room. Tanya was struggling up the steps with some groceries. She was 7 months pregnant approximately and was struggling with these last few months. I grabbed a bag from her and held out a hand to help her up the steps. "You are a lifesaver! Most don't want to be seen with me now."
"Nonsense! I'm just doing what any decent person should have done had they been in my room," I said giving her a smile and leaving her to sort through her things in her room. I headed downstairs and saw Esme Cullen at the sink. Esme was such a sweet woman! She reminded me so much of my mom and it was a comfort to be staying with her. It didn't make me quite so homesick. "Would you like some help, Mrs. Cullen?"
"Bella! You are a sweetheart!" She said as I stood next to her and began drying. Seemed she stayed home and tended to the house while Dr. Cullen was out. "If I'd had a daughter, I would have been so proud if she was just like you. I'm sure your own mother was proud of you."
"Oh, that's kind of you to say," I felt my mood damper. I missed my mom so much. "Can I do any shopping for you? Help take a load off of you?"
"That would be wonderful!" She wiped her hands on her apron and walked me over to the little table that held a list. "It seems to be the normal things. Just a few small items. The Piggly Wiggly isn't far from here. Just about 10 minutes away. You'll head over to Fenrir Rd, turn left and that will put you on Main. You'll see the store from there. Will you be ok on your own? Perhaps one of the tenants, such as , could escort you?"
"There's no need for that! It's not far and it's light out. I'll be ok," I said with a smile. I took the money and list from her and headed out. I wasn't great with directions but thankfully Phoenix wasn't a huge city currently. There were definitely some sketchy areas of town, I could see shadows in the alley. I hugged my coat close to me and kept walking. Once I made it to main street, I saw that Mrs. Cullen was correct, I could see Piggly Wiggly and was grateful to be around so many people.
Looking at her list she had needed eggs, lettuce, oatmeal, mincemeat, and potatoes. She had given me 10 dollars, it was crazy to think that I could only buy one of those things in 2022. I grabbed what I needed and stopped to look around a little. It was so interesting the differences. I looked around the store, it was so vintage and adorable. I wish we had one in Forks. Once I was checked out, I headed out to a bunch of men waiting.
"Well, looky here," one of the men grabbed my arm and pulled me to him. My groceries falling to the ground. "Isn't she a beauty?"
"Please," I whimpered and tried to get away. "I need to go…"
"Oh, she needs to go," one of the men mocked with a laugh. "I think we need a better view." He tried getting my jacket off but I fought hard to keep it on.
"Excuse me, she seems to be unhappy." I was so relieved to hear a familiar voice. The man kept his grip on me but I was able to see Edward there waiting. "Release the lady, or I will call the law. My guess if a few of you are wanted."
"Let her go, Caius, this is too much work." Caius apparently agreed and released me. Edward motioned me to come towards him, I did as quickly as I could. Once they were gone, we grabbed the bag of groceries, the eggs had broken.
"Ugh, the eggs are done for…" I said making a face, "Thank you."
"I'm glad I could help ma'am," Edward pretended to dip a hat like the cowboy would have done back in 1800's. A small laugh came from me as I curtseyed to him. All jokes aside, he put a strand of hair back behind my ear, his fingers trailing my jawbone. "Are you okay, Miss. Swan?"
"I'm fine, thanks to you," I smiled, a little unsteady just from his touch. I barely knew this man but felt such a connection to him. "I don't suppose there's a return policy for those eggs, huh?"
Edward gave a small chuckle and shook his head, "Miss. Swan, you say the strangest things." I suppose I did sound strange. I tried to watch what I said but sometimes I did say something that only someone from 2022 would understand. He took the remaining bag from me and we began our walk back.
"So what are you doing here? Shouldn't you be at work?"
"Ah, we had to get a few things and I hated to send my mom at night for them. You can understand why now," I nodded, he was such a kind hearted man who had the biggest heart for his mom. "You might think to take someone with you next time."
"Your aunt suggested it, but its still light and I didn't think anything would happen…"
"Everything is ok there, right? They're treating you well?"
"They're fantastic!" I said as we reached the steps of their home. "Esme, uh Mrs. Cullen, reminds me of my own mom so much. It's a huge help since I'm so far from her. Thank you again for helping me back."
"Of course," He handed me the bag and gave me a smile as he planted a small kiss on my hand. "Goodbye Miss. Swan." For a few minutes, I simply stared as he walked away to his own home. Once safely inside, I slid down the door and tried to hush the feelings stirring inside me. I didn't belong here. I shouldn't be feeling things for Edward Mason, but his chivalry had stirred something.
A/N: I really hope y'all are enjoying this story! Please leave a review and let me know!
