A/N: Hi, I'm back. I would have had this chapter up sooner but I have no clue how to work the website, so I get my friend to help me post and this week was kind of busy. This is one of my favorite chapters and also something I wrote in the beginning of quarantine. I hope you guys like it. Oh and I used the song "I found my love in Portofino" to write this.
CHAPTER 9
BPOV:
A harsh ringing caused the pounding in my head to grow. Slowly opening my eyes, I noticed that I was curled up in a ball with about every blanket we had in the apartment. I took a second to glance around the room before I stopped at Edward. He must have fallen asleep.
His back was propped up against the headboard, in a position that I knew couldn't be comfortable. The annoying ringing came again. It took me longer that it should've to realize that it was my cell-phone. Reaching out, over Edward, to my night stand, my arm ached and I quickly withdrew.
I gathered up enough strength to reach again and just barely grasped the edge of my phone.
"Yes," my voice came off as irritable, but that was mostly because of my throbbing head.
"Bella?"
"Jacob?" My eyes threatened to close again.
"You sound like hell."
"Thanks…"
"Are you okay?"
"I'm doing just dandy." Dandy? Who still uses the word dandy? "I just need another nap." Just the mention of a nap caused me to yawn, which then caused another coughing fit.
Edward jolted up as I could no longer conceal the cough. His hand slid to my back rubbing circles. It calmed my nerves enough to get a sip of water.
"Do you need something?" My mind couldn't comprehend where the sound came from. Maybe, it was both.
"Bella?"
"Yeah Jake?"
"Get some rest. I'll bring by some soup for later. And please call me if you need anything."
"Aw thanks Jake."
"I'll be over in a few hours. Okay?"
"That sounds greattt," my words slurred.
"Bye Isabella." The phone line went dead giving my head a slight reprieve from the noise. My head yelled at me to close my eyes, and for once I obeyed.
"Everything okay?"
"It's dandy." I heard a soft laugh as I scooted closer to him. His body heat was helping much more than the blankets.
"Dandy?"
"Yeah. It's my new favorite word."
"Shhh Bella. Get some rest."
It seemed like only five minutes had passed before I felt Edward move from the bed.
"Why are you leaving?"
"I'm not. Someone knocked. I'll be back in a minute, I promise."
"Kay." My head hit the pillow once more before I heard the familiar voice of Jacob. With my eyes still closed I listened in to their conversation. The greetings were a little cold and harsh but other than that they seemed cordial.
"I'm here for her."
"I've got it covered." Edward's harsh voice rang in the living room.
"I'm her boyfriend, so I'm going to be here when she needs me."
"But she doesn't." I could imagine Jake's face flushing with anger. Pushing the covers off the bed, I decided that I needed to stop this before it got any worse.
Afraid of what they might say next, I jogged into the living room—though I'm not sure you could call it a jog considering I only made it to the counter before I lost my balance. Shit, I forget this happens. Since I was a child, whenever I got sick I was constantly light-headed.
"Can you guys play nice? Pleaseee."
"Of course Bella," Edward spoke quickly to get his word in before Jacob.
A second later I found Jacob's arms around me.
"Hey Jake."
"How are you feeling?" He started combing through my hair after placing a sweet kiss on the top of my head.
"I've got a headache and I'm a little cold but that's it." I closed my eyes and felt as he took on more of my weight.
"I'm sorry. Let's get you warmed up again." He went to pick me up before I stopped him.
"I can walk Jake. I'm really fine." He nodded and followed me into my bedroom. As I climbed under the blankets he clearly felt the extra body heat on the bed from where Edward was sitting. He huffed out a breath before covering me up more.
"You don't have to stay. I'll just be sleeping."
I didn't realize I had fallen asleep, but when I woke up the room was only illuminated by moon light.
The pounding in my head and the constant shiver that had coursed through my body for the past couple of hours had dissipated. I actually felt…fine. Thinking back to the past couple of days, Edward's sickness was short as well.
Placing my foot on the ground beside me, I rose a bit too quickly. Well, that certainly hasn't stopped yet. The room spun for a moment before I straightened again. My feet guided my out of my room, but this time with a much slower pace.
The squeak of my door must have alerted him, because when I looked into our living space his eyes were already on me.
"How are you feeling?" His legs swung around to get up. Before I could say anything, I felt a hand on my forehead gauging my temperature. We really needed to buy a thermometer.
"Your head is not as hot. How's everything else?"
"Pretty good," I smiled weakly to him. The head ache had lessened but there was still an uncomfortable pressure.
"Here," he shoved a bowl of soup in my hands, that was surprisingly still warm.
"Thanks." I silently wondered if Jacob was the one that had brought this, but I definitely was not going tot ask.
"Jacob left about 2 hours ago."
"Did he just watch over me?" I had told him he could leave. I honestly expected him to dart out the door after my eyes closed. But in my heart, I knew that he wouldn't do that. He would have considered that abandonment.
"Yeah for a while and then he came and sat on the couch with me." My eyes widened with worry. I couldn't grasp all of the things that could have gone wrong from that. "I think assumed you wouldn't sleep so long…,but he left a note."
Edward handed me a small piece of torn notebook paper.
Sorry Bells. I have to go to work, but I'll keep calling to check up. Get better soon honey.
The note caused the weirdest feeling in my chest. I pushed it off to the side as Edward glared at the soup in my hand, practically begging me to eat.
"Fine." Raising the spoon to my lips, I let the hot liquid coat my the inside of my throat. I could still feel the rawness, but it was less noticeable. My lips turned up at the corners as I met his eyes. He returned my smile.
"After this please go back to bed."
"Whatever you say," I rolled my eyes at him.
I expected to keep my eyes open longer, but my body denied me. Edward watched me with careful eyes as I stumbled from the couch into my bed. I didn't even realize that I had left the door wide open before I heard it squeak as Edward said a small "goodnight."
My god I feel better. In all honesty, it must have been one of those over night viruses that only lasted a day because I felt absolute amazing.
Strolling out of my room finally dressed in suitable clothing, my gut sensation told me that Edward was looking at me closely.
"Look," I turned in a circle, "I'm completely fine."
"You said that yesterday," he squinted at me.
"Would you like me to sing to prove my voice insist sore."
"No thank you," he bit his lip to keep from laughing. I hadn't had a good track record with singing at Ali's 23 birthday.
"We'll do you approve?"
"Of course I do." He smirked? Wait, what's the smirk for? My face blanched. Whatever it was I wasn't going to enjoy it.
"Well we found Rita Baras, Sara Navarro, and Liliana Arrieta." I gave him a very blatant look of "who?" "The three girls. Their names were Rita Baras, Sara Navarro, and Liliana Arrieta. We found out that they traveled across the west-coast participating in various latin dance competitions. And because the moved around so often no one thought to look for them. Anyway, we've come up with a plan."
"We've?"
"Em. I had to something while you were out cold."
I glared at him. "Anyway…what's the plan?"
"I left it at the office."
"You left a plan at the office?"
"You'll see." That god damn smirk was a tell-tale sign that this wasn't going to go well.
We went through all of the motions of arriving at our office, all of which he did was a gigantic smile I couldn't seem to crack.
He handed a file to me.
"There is no way I'm doing that Edward." I shoved the papers back in his hands. Dropping the file on the desk, it made a slight thud.
"Oh come on. You'd be great." His crooked smile begged.
My eyes turned to slits. Glaring at him, I asked "Have you ever seen me dance?"
"Well…no."
"It's not something you want to see. I'm not coordinated like that." His eyes trailed to the bruises on my arms from falling and running into walls.
"You can't be that bad."
"I assure you, I am that bad."
"Well, you're the only girl in the department that fits the description."
The department was small, and I was one of 3 girls. And even with my extreme lack of coordination, it was true, I was the only one young enough to be with the dancers.
"Ugh, okay. Hand me the file again." I filed through pictures. "Edward, I am not wearing this." My eyes caught on one of the pictures. The original dancers was pictured with a man named Seth Clearwater. The picture was completely normal, but my mind couldn't move past her outfit. Knowing that I would have to wear this made my stomach churn. The tiny piece of clothing barely covered anything. Of course its was stunning, but it was also on the skimpy side.
"What?"
I pointed, "I know I'm not the most modest person ever, but this is a little extreme."
Rolling his eyes he said, "Have you ever watched Dancing With the Stars? This is exactly what they wear. Plus we already had it handy." When has he ever watched Dancing With the Stars?
"This is practically just a bra and a skirt. There's no way." His face reddened slightly.
"Oh come on, we need you," his voice was very alluring. I shook my head no, but I knew I had to agree. I didn't really have any say in the matter, but I was going to complain the entire way.
"Okay," I sighed, "but someone needs to teach me how to dance."
"We brought Seth in. He was her original partner. He'll teach you tango." His warm smiled attempted to assure me that this would work out. They're going to know somethings off about me.
My legs carried me swiftly out of the room.
"Where do you think you're going?" I stopped too fast almost falling. And this is why this isn't going to work, my hands gripped the wall for support.
"Well, I need to change and then I need to find Seth. Is he here?"
"Hi," I was greeted with an Argentinian accent. His voice was very soft, but he sounded as if he was laughing.
"You heard everything didn't you?"
His laugh echoed in the room. "Lo siento. I couldn't help it." "Also your dress will help you fit in," he added with a heavy chuckle.
"Are you set to come teach at the apartment?" I didn't want to prolong this misery.
"Of course, I can't wait to work with you," he kissed my cheek.
Swinging my bag over my shoulder, I glanced back at Edward and gave him a "this is your fault" look. I could hear his subtle laugher as I looked back at Seth.
"Are you coming Edward?" I stuck my head back in the room.
"Wait what?"
"Well, I'm assuming you'll learn the dance too, so we can practice," I smirked. He didn't want to dance anymore than I did. His smile dropped instantly.
"Bella, no."
"Edward, yes."
"This is a bad idea. I don't dance." His eyes widened.
"And neither do I. So get your butt in the car. We're leaving."
We rode in absolute silence on the way back to the apartment. Well, not absolute silence. Seth rode in the back seat, trying to contain his laughter.
"So Seth, you're from…."
"Argentina," his heavy accent popped out again. I was right.
" That's cool. Y te gusta bailar? Porque?"
"Sí, es mi pasión." Edward huffed out a large breath, acknowledging that if the conversation went any longer in Spanish, he would be lost.
Seth continued in English, "I'm excited to work with you. You have the body of a dancer."
I flushed red and Edward coughed. "Sorry, but it's true. You'll fit in perfectly." Seth's smile grew. I grinned back knowing that it would annoy Edward.
"Well, thank you. But don't have too much hope, I'm a mess." And that's when Edward burst out laughing again.
"Your boyfriend seems to think this is funny." That shut him up pretty quickly.
Giggling I responded, "He's not my boyfriend." I turned to Edward, he wasn't smiling anymore. "We are pretty close though. He's my closest friend."
"Lo siento, I shouldn't have assumed. Well, if he's not your boyfriend…are you single?"
"Sorry, no. I'm already in a relationship."
"Oh I'm sorry, I've made things a little awkward haven't I."
"No, I'm flattered," I turned back to glance at him. If I wasn't dating Jake, I would have definitely gone out on a date with Seth. His skin was a gorgeous tan and his energy was incomparable.
Stepping out of the car, Edward refused to speak a word until we arrived at the apartment.
"Here we are."
"You have a lovely home."
"Thank you," Edward and I said at the same time. Instantly we locked eyes. Not wanting this to be more awkward than it already was, I headed into my room to change clothes.
"Seth, what should I wear?" I yelled through the door.
"Umm, anything tight and heels."
"Heels?" This just got worse. And I thought I was already clumsy.
"It's the tango, what did you expect?" I didn't have any expectations whatsoever.
I put on a black pair of leggings and a bright red tank top. Before I walked out the room, I looked in the mirror. This definitely isn't me. The longer I looked at the reflection the more I felt in character.
Oh I almost forgot. Digging through a pile of shoes, I found a red pair with thick heels. Strapping them on, butterflies flew in my stomach.
"I'm ready," I walked out. Both pairs of eyes appraised my new outfit. Seth smirked and Edward just stood there as still as possible.
"Is this not what you wanted?"
"No, es muy bonita." Seth look my hand and led me to the center of the floor. While I had been changing, they had moved the couch and chairs out of the way, leaving a large open space.
Even with the tall heels, Seth towered over me.
"Okay Bella, I need you to follow my lead."
My lips pressed into a straight line; this was not going to be good.
"First thing to know is to move your hips. Second, bend your knees slightly. Chest up, butt slightly out."
"That's a lot of directions."
"We haven't even started the steps." He looked disappointed in me and I sighed.
"It helps if you use sass, even if you don't have the steps, you'll look fine." Great, like that's going to help.
"Okay, turn into me, then left foot back, then right foot front, then dip."
As he spun me in a circle, I was actually enjoying myself. His hand grabbed the small of my back as we moved across the room. Dipping me, I caught a glimpse of Edward. He was sitting on one of the stools in the kitchen, completely entranced by the dance.
"So I guess I'm doing okay if you're staring," my words shocked him slightly.
We repeated the dance over and over again to the point I didn't have to think about it. Spinning around, I used Seth's eyes as a spot to not get dizzy. Sweat started to drip off me. I was exhausted but completely taken away by the music.
"Seth can we take a quick break, I need some water."
"Yeah." He stopped and turned off the music.
Getting some ice from the freezer, I readjusted my ponytail and wiped down quickly with a towel. I took heavy breaths and sat down next to Edward.
"It's your turn Edward. I hope you studied up."
"Bella, there's no way I'm going to do that."
Seth butted in, "Actually, you'd be very helpful. I could correct Bella from an outside perspective. It would make the performance a lot better."
"You hear that Edward, it would be helpful," I shot a thankful glance to Seth. While I did like dancing, I was going to get back at Edward for earlier.
"Bella, is this really necessary?"
"Of course. We need the mission to be a success, don't we?"
He got out of his seats with a sigh. Moving to the center of the room, he took my hand in his. Suddenly, I felt more nervous.
"Okay, and start."
"Before we do that I'm warning you guys, I don't know all the steps," Edward admitted.
"That's okay, just do your best," I whispered. I don't really know all the steps either.
The music began with a harsh guitar; the sound slowly got lighter with harsh beats in between. With his hand he led me to the other side dramatically. My feet completed the steps with as much speed and precision as possible. Edward seemed to be doing fine, actually more than that, he was doing excellent.
Going in for the dip, our eyes connected. His forest green irises drew me in. For a second, we stayed completely still; our faces only inches apart. He swung me back up.
"You're a lot better than you said you were," I said.
"I guess I'm just a really fast learner," he pressed his body against mine.
The dance continued, with twists and dips. I was enjoying myself. And then, my foot slipped on the wooden floor. I feel like I was free falling for a second before I landed in Edward's arms.
"Bella, are you okay?"
"Yeah, sorry, I slipped."
He brought me back up. My heartbeat was still high from almost falling. Falling in heels is a terrifying experience.
"Thank you." His arms were still around mine.
"Do you need to sit down for a second? You're looking a little pale."
The world was spinning slightly, I wondered if the fall was due to my subpar dancing skills or my dizziness. "Yeah, only for a minute."
He guided me to the couch. Laying down, I stared at the ceiling for a while. A few minutes passed, before I wasn't lightheaded anymore.
"Okay, do you want to go from the beginning?"
Both of them just stared, before Seth said, "Bella, are you sure you want to? We don't need to rush anything if you don't feel well."
"No, I feel fine. I just got a little lightheaded that's all."
Edward walked back as I stood up. His hand rested on my back, probably unsure if I would fall again.
"I promise I'm good."
"Just in case." He closed the small gap between us as Seth hit the play button. The loud guitar strumming filled the room. Twirling in his arms, I could have sworn he had a smile on his face. Then, there was a knock at the door. Edward and I continued dancing.
The door slammed shut, shaking the entire apartment. We both froze with are bodies still touching.
"What are you doing with my girlfriend?" Jake's angry voice yelled.
"Jake, it's just practice for later. Seth was teaching me and needed an outside perspective to correct me. He asked Edward to take his place," I blurted out as quickly as possible.
"Okay then, continue," his eyes squinted.
The dance continued and I couldn't tell if I should put more or less passion in it. If I put more, Jake would be mad at Edward. But if I put less my explanation wouldn't have made as much sense, that and Seth's corrections wouldn't be as good.
We repeated the dance, but this time Edward held me farther away. It felt wrong. During the dip, he rolled my eyes. As the music came to a finish, Seth stood up and applauded.
"Absolutely perfect."
He smiled and then looked at Jake. Jacob gave a stern stare when I realized Edward's hands were still on my hips. The second I realized, Edward did too. Slowly, his hands lowered to his side.
"Would you like to see Seth and Bella do it together? They're much better than me," Edward said hoping that Jake wasn't about to flip.
"Actually I would like that," Jake walked to me and kissed me on the check. I really liked Jake, but he scared me sometimes.
"Seth, you ready."
"Siempre." He grabbed my hand
We danced in the center. I preferred to dance with Edward, our levels of dance were closer, but Seth pushed me to be better. The music slowed, and I made eye contact with Jake.
"So, what do you think?"
"Absolutely stunning," he pulled me toward him and I gave him a quick kiss.
Seth got up and decided it was time to leave, "I feel like I'm intruding, Bella I think you'll do amazing. I'll be back tomorrow."
"No Seth, you don't have to go, stay we can make lunch."
Kissing me on my hair, Jake whispered, "Actually, I thought we could go out today."
"Oh okay. Maybe tomorrow Seth?"
"Sí."
I went in my room to grab my jacket. Thinking about Jacob's tone earlier, I realized that it must have looked like I was cheating. By now he should know that Edward is part of my life.
Walking to the room, Jake wasn't there. Instantly, Edward answered my question: "He is waiting in the hall."
Jake leaned up against the off-yellow walls. A smile grin graced his face. Walking towards him, he looked apologetic.
"Sorry about earlier. It's just that it kinda looked like…"
"Like I was cheating," I reached up on my toes and put his head in my hands, "I would never cheat on you." My lips pressed into his.
It seemed like the issue was over as we went downstairs.
"Oh wait, I left my purse upstairs, I'll be back in a second."
Sprinting up the steps, I opened the door silently. Seth and Edward were having a conversation and I didn't want to interrupt. Both of them stared out the big windows that led to the terrace.
"Good luck man, I know you'll be fine."
"Thanks," Edward gave him a harsh pat on the back.
Turning around, Seth was surprised by my presence.
"Oh Bella, I thought you were at lunch," he gave a nervous glance to Edward.
"I forgot my purse." I rushed into my room and grabbed my bag.
"Okay, I'm actually leaving this time." I made a note in my head to ask later what Seth was talking about. They both seemed really on edge.
A/N: And that's the end of Chapter 9. I really hope you enjoyed it. It was my favorite one to write by far. Please review :).
