Author's note; Happy Monday! Here's your first update of the week. Going forward I aim to update Monday, Wednesdays, and Fridays :)
Thank you for all of your lovely reviews. I've been so awful at replying but I will catch up, I promise!
Chapter 3
It's Friday night; the working week is over. I've spent most of the last few weeks making the house spotless, having a cleaning frenzy much to Charlie's amusement. Yes, I clean when I'm depressed; I'm that person.
The rest of my time has been spent down at the station doing some general admin for Charlie while his regular office assistant is on maternity leave. They've managed before now, but he says he's desperate … that he and the other officers need my help to take off some of the pressure. We both know he's only doing this to keep me busy … distracted.
I love him all the more for it. He's been incredible and so supportive.
I've been back in Forks for two weeks; two weeks to get my head around everything that happened when I felt like my world was crashing down around me, as dramatic as that sounds. Not once during that time has Jake called me or reached out to check that I'm okay. He's not even picked up any of my calls. Rude! Or maybe he's smarter than I thought, and he can't face the abuse I want to give him. As for Alice, well, she's fallen off the face of the earth. That, or she's out having fun with her new BFF.
Some friend.
My moods vary from being angry, upset, even guilty and regretful when I'm beating myself up about not seeing the signs sooner. And there have been tears - many tears. However, there have been some bright moments too. The simple things, like cooking dinner with Charlie, watching a game on TV, spending quality time together.
It's not just Charlie; I've relished bumping into a few familiar faces in town. It's just nice, you know? Having people ask how you are and actually meaning it. They're not nosey or false. Everyone is welcoming, which is what I love about Forks. When I was younger, I didn't see it, but now I appreciate their kindness, and more importantly, I can see a life here ….
I've applied for a teaching position at the local high school that starts in the fall, but in the meantime, I'm helping at the station. One bonus of this is that I get to spend time with Charlie, not to mention plenty of time with Edward.
Turns out he was some hotshot sergeant on the fast track to becoming a detective by the time he was thirty if he carried on the way he was going. However, his father had a minor stroke and he came home to support the family.
Edward never went back to Dartmouth, but he seems more than happy with his decision to stay in Forks. When I questioned if it was a step down for him, he explained his family was his priority, and he'd been thinking of settling closer to home anyway. The plan was to relocate to Seattle, but Carlisle's health concerns forced the move sooner than he thought.
It was meant to be; A position at the sheriff's office came up and he's been here ever since.
It's been great reconnecting with Edward. There's also been a touch of flirting thrown in there too. At first, I felt out of my element. My relationship with Jake had lost its spark a while back, but I never noticed … never even missed the flirting or that the spark was dulling.
How bad is that?
It's sad, I know, but as soon as I got over that, I enjoyed flirting with Edward. He's no longer the shy guy who used to blush whenever a girl spoke to him. Now, Edward is smooth and confident, and he can flirt with the best of them. I can't deny it's nice to feel wanted … attractive after your boyfriend has fucked with your self-confidence.
I had started to feel optimistic, almost hopeful, but then I got a call from Rosalie today that shattered my newfound optimism. However, I refuse to think about that, or should I say him anymore. I have tomorrow off, the whole weekend in fact, but rather than celebrate, I'm at home planning my own pity party.
Or at least that was the plan until someone took it upon themselves to interrupt my night in front of the TV. Ignoring the noise coming from my doorway, I sink into my seat, hoping they will get the message and fuck off, but no, the knocking persists. Whoever it is, they are determined. When it becomes clear they aren't going away, I get up from my comfy spot on the sofa and head to the door. In a matter of seconds, my mouth hangs open in surprise when I see who's on the other side.
Edward …
I only saw him an hour ago when I left the station, but in that time, he's changed into a pair of dark wash jeans that fit him perfectly. He's teamed them up with a button-down shirt in green that brings out the color of his eyes. He's even attempted to tame his hair, and he's freshly shaved. And did I mention he smells divine?
He looks great … Okay, that's an understatement. He looks really fucking incredible, actually. Is he going on a date? And why does that hurt so much?
"Edward, what are you doing here?"
"Rescuing you," he grins.
"Excuse me?"
"Come on, Bella. It's Friday night, and you've been hiding away in this house long enough. Don't let him win by shutting yourself away while he's out there living his life."
Ouch.
I wince.
Edward Immediately starts apologizing. "Shit, I'm so sorry, Bella. I didn't mean it like that."
"I know you didn't," I offer a small smile back. Edward lets out a breath before taking my hands in his.
"What I mean is I hate seeing you put on a front … pretending everything is fine. And don't tell me you're okay. I'm not saying drinks will make everything better, but I think it would help to get out ... let your hair down. Plus, everyone is desperate to see you. I'd like to see you there."
How can I say no when he's looking at me so earnestly?
Pulling my hand away from his, Edward looks resigned, but my next words take him by surprise. "Give me ten minutes, okay. I need to freshen up, get changed, and do something with this mess," I say, pointing to the bird's nest currently resting on the top of my head.
"You look beautiful," Edward winks.
Before I head upstairs to get ready, I turn around and warn him, "You've won, but I'm only staying for a couple of drinks, okay?"
"A couple of drinks…" Edward agrees. He's right; I need to go out … stop moping around. It's time to let my hair down … let my guard down. And I mean, how bad can a couple of drinks be?
Yes, how bad can it be ;) You will find out on Wednesday xx
