Hello! Welcome back, please have a seat and at least try to enjoy the next chapter. I promise you guys . . . my next story will be better. At this point I am pretty much pantsing the story, which is a method that I hate. I'm sure this story will be done and over with by chapter fifteen, and if it is I will add an epilogue or two.
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"Bella!" Alice barged through my bedroom door, once again, squealing.
It hadn't been five minutes since I had gotten off the phone with Edward, and Alice was bouncing around my room. I supported myself on my elbows as she sat crossed legged at the bottom of my bed, facing me.
"So . . . was that him?" She questioned, rubbing her hands together mischievously.
I was silent for a moment before chuckling quietly and nodding my head. "Yes, Alice, that was him."
I cringed when she began to bounce again and squealed at an octave I'm pretty sure not even dogs could hear.
"How did you even hear me?" I asked and quirked my head in question.
"I was just on my way to use the washroom and heard you talking to someone. As of now, I am the only other person in the house," She paused for a moment and began looking around the room and locked her eyes on my closet. "Unless he snuck into your room and you hid him in the closet . . . "
I threw my head back and laughed loudly. "Of course not. Since when have I ever been so scandalous?" She giggled in response and slid off my bed.
"Did you two make plans to meet up again?" I nodded
"We're going out for lunch the day after tomorrow." A smile decided to make an appearance on both of our faces as I felt my cheeks grow warm just talking about it. About him.
"Well, I'll be here the day of so I can get you all dolled up for your lunch date." She made her way towards my door and placed her hand on the knob. "It's just lunch so I'm sure we can find something in your closet that will be at least somewhat presentable."
"Hey!" I laughed and sat up fully, shifting so my back rested against the headboard. She laughed as well and opened the door.
"Goodnight, Alice."
She nodded. "Goodnight."
I slid back under the warm covers and adjusted my pillow. The day was finally catching up to me and I could hardly keep my eyes opened. So, I let them close and drifted off to sleep, dreaming about the bronze haired beauty.
I woke up the next day with a smile on my face. I pretty much dreamt of the previous day, allowing me to live it all over again. I did my normal morning routine which included a shower, brushing my teeth, brushing my hair, washing my face, and getting dressed. I then padded down the stairs, through the living room and into the kitchen to make myself some coffee.
As the coffee began to brew, I grabbed the cream from the refrigerator. Alice knew me so well that she left a sticky note attached to it, knowing I would make coffee in the morning. I rarely had coffee black.
I peeled the bright pink paper off the carton and read.
Bella,
You have no food. Went to buy groceries. Be back by noon.
- Alice,
Afterwards, I settled myself in front of my TV and waited for Alice to get back. She would be home any minute. My phone then made a quiet ping noise. I reached over to grab it and noticed that I had gotten a text. A smile immediately appeared on my face when I read who it was.
I'll pick you up at 11:30 tomorrow, see you then :)
- Edward
I waited a few minutes before sending a message back.
Sounds good, can't wait!
- Bella
Alice came back with the groceries and we unpacked them together. I needed to do something to take up the time until tomorrow so Alice and I watched a couple movies. By then it was almost four in the afternoon so I headed out the door, telling Alice I was going to go to the cafe I stopped at before the concert. Damn, that was one good cup of coffee. So, I grabbed my coat and toque and began my trek to the coffee shop, the weather being nice enough that a long walk would actually be quite enjoyable.
The cool air blew against my cheeks as soon as I stepped outside, goosebumps forming on my skin causing the hairs on the back of my neck to stand. I was right about the snow yesterday. It melted, leaving small puddles behind. Across the street, walking in the opposite direction, a child clung to his mother's hand while he splashed in the small puddles along the sidewalk. I smiled.
I've always wanted children for as long as I can remember. I wanted to go to school, make sure my life is in check, and then have a child, along the way, finding the love of my life. I wanted to have my children young. I wanted to be able to play with my child as long as I could before they got big enough to not want me to play anymore, which meant being young and fit. So seeing mothers with their children tugged at my heart, longing to have a child of my own.
But yet, in the back of my head, I have always known that if I ever did find the love of my life and he did not want children, I would be okay with that. So long as I loved him with my whole heart, all I would need is him. Children are just a bonus.
I continued my walk, breathing in the fresh air while taking my time. My hand was soon gripping the handle of the door to the coffee shop and pulling it open. This time, however, I noticed the name. Jasper's. My jaw dropped. Who knew?
I stepped inside, being met with the warmth of the fireplace that was lit and burning brightly across the room. My black boots that had a slight heel to them clicked quietly on the dark hardwood floors.
I looked above the counter at the menu lit up by lights behind a screen and read the various foods and drinks they had to offer. Yesterday I walked in, got my coffee, and walked out, not taking a second glance at the beautiful room around me.
I settled on two club sandwiches, one for me and one for Alice, and two orange juices. I wasn't really feeling the coffee anymore. I turned to walk to the counter, prepared to order and to my surprise, was met with the warm brown eyes of Jasper.
I smiled and said a polite "Hello," while removing my toque and placing it in my purse. The weather had gotten slightly warmer during my walk here.
"Well, well, well. Fancy to see you here. What are you doing? Stalking me now?" He teased with a smile on his face, I just laughed in response.
"No, this just happens to be the place I visited before I came to the concert last night. One of my friends is staying the night and I don't feel up to cooking tonight so I thought why not come back to this fine establishment. I have to say, this place is gorgeous, and the coffee is to die for."
He threw his head back in laughter and nodded. "Even though I own the place I still like to pick up a shift now and then. It reminds of me why I do it. Making a fresh cup of coffee for people like you."
I placed my order and proceeded to hand him the money I owed. "So, do you plan on seeing my brother anytime soon?" His tone was happy. No sorrow or sadness, so I didn't have to worry about anything along those lines.
I nodded and spoke with another wide smile, the thought of him instantly making me more happy. "Yeah, we plan on having lunch tomorrow. That's actually why my friend is staying over, she wants to get me all dolled up. Hey, maybe you could meet her sometime."
He gasped lightly and rose began to taint his cheeks. I immediately panicked. "Unless you're already seeing someone!" I held up my hands in apology but he quickly shook his head.
"No, it's nothing like that, quite the opposite actually. It's just that I'm like Edward in that sense. They think I go out on dates but really it's just me sitting at the bar." He licked his lips and handed me my orange juices and sandwiches in a bag from behind the glass display case. He then placed both of his hands on the counter and continued. "Yes." He said with a single nod.
"Yes…" I questioned.
"I would love to meet your friend, from the very little I have heard about her, she sounds lovely."
I nodded my head once with yet another smile. "Great!" I took a step back from the counter, adjusting my purse and gripping the plastic bag. "Maybe we can all hang out sometime."
He bit his lip and nodded one again. "Sounds good, Bella. See you soon." He raised his hand a few inches off the counter and offered a shy wave.
"By Jasper." And I turned on my heels and walked out the door.
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Another chapter done! Thank you all for reading and be sure to come back for the next chapter!
