20

EPOV

"Who Are You?"

There's something really strange about waking up in a house that fully belongs to you. A place that I don't pay rent on, where I don't share walls with my neighbors. Where I don't worry that my parents or, once upon a time, my sister would knock my door down, asking for a handout.

For the first time in a long time, I just lie in bed after my alarm goes off, enjoying the quiet of the morning. For the first time in a long time, the day is my own; well, some of the day is going to be occupied with tasks for my cute new neighbor, but I can't say I'm mad about that.

I'll be overseeing the delivery of a few items of furniture for Bella as she wraps up in Forks. I know that while she's ready to move on, today can't be easy. So, I'm planning on having dinner for us and letting her vent or whatever it is she'll need. After a cup of coffee and a quick shower, I let myself into her house and begin the fun game of waiting on the delivery truck.

I know she wants to go furniture shopping when she's here, so I'll be ready and available with my truck to take her around. I send Bella a text to let her know that everything is moved in, and I'm waiting before I try Alice. I'm pretty sure Alice is my best friend now, and I'm surprised to feel that way.

"I thought you were doing Bella's bidding today?"

"Hello to you too. It's funny; I was just thinking that you might be my best friend." I can hear her suck in a breath.

"Edward … I don't know …"

"Don't get all sappy on me, Alice," I tease because I can feel the tightness in my throat. I've wanted us to be close for years.

She sniffs before clearing her throat. "Right, so what do I owe the pleasure of this phone call?"

We talk about how she's bringing her boyfriend Jasper to visit this weekend so we can finally meet. She's excited for this to happen away from our parents, and I'm excited that she has someone who's supportive of her but doesn't put up with any shit.

"How are things with Bella?"

Sighing, I glance out the front window. "The same. She's closing out her apartment today, and I'm waiting on a delivery for her."

"When are you taking her out? For real."

"I don't know what to do about that. We don't really know much about each other. What if I plan something, and she's not interested?"

Alice chuckles softly on the other end of the line. "Oh, my big brother. Can I offer you some advice? As someone who has dated a lot of people, just ask her out."

"Easy for you to say."

"Look, if you're really that worried, pick out two things, make sure you would be happy with either, and let her choose. And do it soon. A girl like that won't be available forever, Edward."

I know she's right; it boggles my mind that someone as beautiful, funny, and kind as Bella is single now. "I'll plan something for next week. Maybe her friend Jess can come watch Wanda."

"Or, plan it for Friday. Jasper and I are driving up after work, and we'll be tired. We could watch Wanda, and I could make some notes on decorating for Bella. Then we'd have all day Saturday to hang out."

I can see the delivery truck slowing to a stop in front of the house. "You'd do that for me?"

"Yes! And Jasper loves dogs. If I could find him some Cactus Cooler, he'd be a happy camper for the weekend. Trust me."

I let out a breath I didn't realize I was holding. "Okay, the delivery guys are here. I'll ask her out today when she gets here."

Alice wishes me luck, and I tuck my phone away and go out to greet the movers. An hour and a generous tip later, all her new furniture is assembled and placed where she wants it. I still haven't heard from her, but I lock up and head back to my house to wait. I have all this time to try to plan our date.

But after I make lunch and settle in to do some research on what's around us, I hear a car door slam nearby and a bark that sounds suspiciously like Wanda. I grab Bella's spare key and walk across the street to return it, but there's no answer when I knock.

Welcome home! Text me when you're ready for dinner. I'm thinking Chinese.

Bella, please text me back, are you okay?

I'm starting to worry. If I don't hear back from you by noon, I'm using the spare key.

A good ten minutes goes by before I slip the key under the doormat she bought yesterday, sending her a text letting her know and slinking silently across the street.

I don't know what happened today. I don't know if she's hurt or sad or angry. I just know that I never see a single light turn on inside her house for the rest of the day and well into the evening, and she never texts me back.

And Wanda doesn't make another sound all night.