Author's note; I'm so happy you all liked the first chapter. Thanks so much for all the reviews, favorites, and for adding this little story on alert. I won't keep you waiting. Here's chapter 2. xx
Chapter 2
"Well, this is a surprise." Edward's smile is bright, his eyes shocked and wide as he looks down at me. He's as surprised to see me as I am him.
"I haven't seen you since …" he pauses, thoughtfully.
"Graduation," I finished for him.
Wow. Has it really been that long? It's hard to believe the last time I saw Edward was close to seven years ago. Where has the time gone?
Sometimes it feels like only yesterday we were all dressed up, certificates in our hands ready to take on the world, starting with getting out of Forks and discovering what another part of the country had to offer.
For me, I left for the University of Florida to be closer to my mom, while Edward went to Dartmouth and settled there after college finished. He came home, as did I, but we always missed each other somehow. But I knew he was doing well and had built a career for himself in law enforcement. His proud mom, Esme, always kept me up to date with Edward's progress whenever I bumped into her during the Christmas or summer holidays I spent at home between college.
It's a shame we didn't keep in touch, but it wasn't too surprising, really. Edward and I were not exactly best friends, but we always got along. We exchanged a few emails, random messages back and forth in the early days of Facebook and social media, but that was about it.
We drifted apart … we created new lives … we became different people from the kids we once were.
It happens.
Edward has grown into a seriously handsome man. At school, he was cute, but now there's no denying how attractive he is. I'm not blind. I never was. In school, I had the biggest crush on Edward. He was shy and almost unassuming. He was my lab partner in Biology and also the smartest guy in the entire class. He looked incredibly cute in his glasses too. Unfortunately, those are long gone now, which is a shame because I loved his glasses.
Yeah, I had it bad. I always had a thing for him, but I never dared dream of acting on it. Back then, I was shy and awkward, uncomfortable in my own skin. Edward was studious and indifferent. Most of our discussions revolved around our assignments and the general chat, but that was it.
We were classmates, and other than a few moments in that setting, a few shy smiles, and accidental touches that were maybe even in my own head, there was never anything more.
"Do you have any idea how fast you were going?" Edward asks, breaking me from my trip down memory lane.
"No idea, sorry." There's no point lying. I don't have a clue—my head is all over the place. Between the shock of finding out what my boyfriend was up to and now, the surprise of seeing Edward again, I'm a mess.
It's thrown me.
Edward is looking down at his notebook, but I can see the crease in his brow and frown on his lips.
"You were doing 40 in a 30 zone, Bella,'' he tells me, disappointment evident in his tone.
My guilt-filled expression meets Edward's stern one before I look away, embarrassed.
Some fresh start this is turning out to be. I've barely been back in town an hour, and I'm already finding trouble and all of my own doing this time. A speeding ticket is hardly the end of the world, but on top of the day, I'm having it feels like another sign … a bad omen.
"Are you in a hurry to get somewhere?" Edward asks, his tone softer. His expression is concerned, not aggressive. He's trying to help me out ... give me a chance to defend myself. Don't ask me how I know this - I just do.
"Just heading home," I say in a quiet voice.
"Charlie will be pleased to see you. He never mentioned you were back in town this weekend. Are you just visiting, or are you staying around a while?" Edward is watching me closely … dare I say, he looks hopeful.
"I'm not sure yet," I turn away as my thoughts drift to the reason I came back … what I'm running from. I can feel the tears coming, so I quickly change the subject.
"Look, Edward, I'm really sorry, okay. I know I was in the wrong, so do what you have to; write me the ticket or call Charlie," I say, cringing at the thought of bringing my dad into this.
"I don't think that will be necessary." When I look up, Edward is smiling.
"Here's what we're gonna do; You're gonna go home, spend some time with Charlie, unpack, get settled, and then after my shift is finished, I'm picking you up."
"You are?"
"Yes. We're going to hang out. Some of the old gang are back too. Emmett, Ang, Jasper, and Jess moved back last summer. We all meet up once a week at Harry's. So come along - let's give you a proper welcome." Edward sounds really upbeat and as nice as that sounds, I'm hesitant.
"We'll reminisce about the past …Or not." His face drops at my no doubt horrified expression. The idea of going out, facing people, and acting like everything is okay, or worse, having to explain why I'm home and what happened is terrifying.
"Forget I asked. It's a stupid idea." Edward looks away but not before I see the hurt expression on his handsome face. "It's late. You've had a long night. You probably just want a night with your dad—not some kid from school you've not seen in years bothering you."
"No, it's not that," I say quickly when I sense him pulling away from me. "I'm just not very good company right now." I pause, taking a moment to collect myself. When I get myself together, I grab my phone from my bag before I can change my mind and talk myself out of giving Edward my number.
"But let me give you my number. Give me a few days, and we can go for coffee, a drink, dinner? Or you could come around for dinner. I'll cook because Charlie is … well, Charlie," I joke, trying to lighten the mood.
Shit, I'm babbling on, but luckily Edward is smiling back at me.
"I'd like that," he accepts.
"So, what's the damage?" Edward looks confused by my question.
"The ticket?" I prompt, preparing myself for the worst; a fine or points on my license. I'm a good driver, so I could kick myself for being so stupid.
Edward smirks. "Don't worry about the ticket. I'll let you off with a warning this time."
"What about Charlie?" I don't want to put Edward in an awkward position or use him, even if it will get me out of a ticket.
"Charlie won't hear about it from me. It'll be our little secret," he winks before walking back to his car. I'm so distracted … focused on Edward's fine figure, that it's only when he's in his car and driving past me, lifting a hand to wave goodbye, that a thought hits me.
Was Edward Cullen flirting with me?
Author's note; Yes, Bella, Edward was flirting with you ;)
What do we think of this Edward? I'd love to hear your thoughts?
