I. Am. So. Sorry! I know I made this big stink about updating every week, but, when my classes started, I didn't realize that my online CHD PSY class would take up so much of my time. I have to spend a minimum of eight hours on the course studying. It's kinda ridiculous and my professor is a HUGE jerk. That, paired with the fact that I haven't been sleeping at all. I'm not sure what's going on with me, so much stress!
But, I've been writing at little intervals when I can, and since I wasn't able to update in two weeks, I made the chapter longer. Honestly, I can't give you guys a definite of the next time I'll update. So, I really hope you enjoy this long chapter!
Chapter Fifteen
After leaving work, I was feeling… slightly confused about my feelings for Edward. I hadn't really thought about my feelings for Edward. He was my friend, a very close friend of mine. He had helped me build my entire house without me asking.
He was also now my boss, so, I didn't know what the Outerrian views on office relationships were.
What was I saying? Relationship, Edward and I were just really good friends. I was reading too much into a simple touch. I sighed, feeling silly about overthinking a tiny show of emotion. I mean, it was silly, Outerrians
Alice was already seated in the restaurant. She jumped up and hugged me when I came to the table.
"Well, it's good to see you too," I chuckled.
We sat back down at the table, the waiter pouring water into our glasses. I picked up on Alice's more than usual chipper behavior.
"So, what's up?"
"What do you mean?" She asked as she sipped her drink.
"You know what I mean, you're extra perky today." I said.
She put her glass down and smiled widely after taking a deep breath.
"Jasper and I are getting married." She finally said.
I should feel embarrassed about the girlish squeal that made it passed my lips, but, I couldn't help it. I jumped up again and hugged her.
"Oh my gosh! That's amazing news Alice! I'm so happy for you!" I said.
"Thank you! He asked me if he could have the honor of being my life-mate and I'm just happy!" She said.
"So, have you planned anything? Knowing you, you've already planned it all!"
"Actually, I have, we're having a 'coming together,' ceremony in two weeks-time."
"Two weeks? Why so fast?" I asked.
Alice shrugged, "We love each other, plus, it's not like an earth wedding. This is smaller and there isn't so much to plan. His mother and his aunt are fixing all the food, and we're getting married at one of the little meadows where all the flowers are blooming, where his parents got married."
I nodded, "I guess that makes sense. There's not that much planning involved. What are you wearing though?"
She made somewhat a of face, "Unfortunately, there are traditional attires that both bride and groom wear on that day. Usually, a couple will just wear their parent's traditional robes, but, since I don't have parents here, I'm wearing his mother's robe."
"What do they look like?" I asked.
"I don't get to see until the day of." Alice frowned.
"I bet that is killing you," I snorted a laugh, "It's not such a long wait though."
Alice nodded, "I guess that's why it doesn't bother me so much."
"Wait, when are you guys moving in together?"
"I'm moving into his house in a few days."
"Oh, wow, it seems like you guys went so fast."
"We did," She sipped her drink, "Now it's your turn, how is everything going. How was the new job?"
"It's going fine. You know my neighbor, Edward, he's my doctor. It's such a strange coincidence. But, I am very happy about it. It's is nice to be working for a familiar face."
Alice gave me a look, "Oh really now? You know, both you and Edward should come to the ceremony together."
"Alice, no," I blushed.
"Why not? You two clearly like each other, you should ask him if he'd come with you." She said.
I shook my head, "Alice, that's not a good idea."
"Why?"
"Well, for one I work for him. I don't know the Outerrian views on work relationships."
"Jasper and I work together, no one has ever said anything about it. It's not a big deal here." She said.
I sighed, "I just… I don't know."
She made a face, "Stop being so shy. I know you like Edward, and he definitely likes you."
I looked up, "What are you talking about?"
She smiled like the Cheshire cat, "He talks about you to Jasper. Yesterday he went to dinner with us and he was asking about you."
"What does he say? What did he ask?"
Her grin widened, "I don't know if I should tell you, since, it's just so inappropriate for you two to date."
I flicked a piece of food at her, "Tell me."
"Well, he was just asking about what you liked. What you did on earth. Why you like nursing. Just stuff like that. He also talks about you like you're his life-partner already."
"What does he say about me?"
"He always talks about how smart you are. And really funny too. He says he really loves spending time with you."
I blushed again, "He really said that?"
"You'd think I'd lie to you?" She chuckled, "He does all the time when I see him. I think he really likes you."
I wanted to press for more information, but I felt like a high-schooler with a crush. We continued on with dinner, ending up spending a late night at the restaurant. I walked her back to her home before walking on to my own home.
It was pretty late; I shouldn't have stayed out so long, I had work in the morning.
The walk back to my house seemed to drag on as my feet began to hurt. One thing I did miss about earth was having my own car.
When I finally arrived home, I kicked my shoes off by the door. Immediately, I walked to my bedroom and thumped against the bed. Letting sleep take over.
The Next Morning
Edward and I met up again to walk to work. We chattered about many different things, but, the question I really wanted to ask wouldn't find its way passed my lips. I wanted to ask him if he was taking anyone to Alice and Jasper's ceremony.
Today was a busier day than yesterday. It seemed like there were several patients back to back. By late afternoon, I was dragging my feet.
"Hey," Edward said as he leaned in my office's doorway, "How busy are you?"
I looked at my tablet, "Just a few patient reports. Nothing major."
"Do you have enough time to join me for a late lunch?" he said.
"I think I can spare the time," I smiled as I logged out of my tablet, "Where are you thinking for lunch?"
"Well, we both packed our lunch, so, I was thinking we'd take our lunches and go to the Amabilia?"
My eyes widened slightly, "I've been dying to go there," I nearly squealed, "But, wait, do we have enough time?"
"Let's go," He said with a smile.
It was about a thirty-minute trip to Amabilia. I was nearly bouncing in my seat the entire time. Amabilia was a sight of Outerra that I've been dying to see since I've been here.
It's a sacred place for worship, the flowers always stayed in bloom regardless of season. There were large rock statues that had the cravings of every god and goddess the Outerrians worshipped. All of this was centered around the sparkling white water.
The walk to Amabilia was a hike along a beautiful trail. The flower petals were drifting in the breeze, some of it getting caught in my hair. I smiled as I pulled a petal out.
Edward smiled, "Ielia favors you," he said as he picked a petal out.
"Who is Ielia? I'm still a bit unfamiliar with your gods and goddess." I said.
"Ielia, isn't really a goddess, she's more of a spirit. Spirits aren't as powerful as the gods, but, they do watch over small things. Ielia, is spirit of the wind. And if you get something pleasant, like petals stuck in your hair, then she favors you."
"What if it's something not so pleasant?"
"Well, then I suggest going to the nearest worshiping home and making an offering." He said.
I smiled, "I'm glad she favors me."
He chuckled, "Here we are."
I was a bit confused; we were standing in front of a thick wall of flowered vines. He chuckled at my confusion and moved his hand forward, pulling the vines aside.
Behind the vine wall, was the most beautiful sight I've ever seen. Tears of overwhelming beauty and smallest filled my eyes.
"Are you alright?" Edward asked once the tears fell to my cheeks.
"It's just so beautiful." I said breathlessly.
He smiled, "It is. I remember being overcome when I first came here. I was young then, but, it still takes my breath away.
As I took a step to the Amabilia, Edward grabbed my arm to stop me.
"You have to take your shoes off, it's disrespectful to leave them on." He said.
I nodded and bent down, pulling my shoes off and setting them by the vine wall. Edward did the same. I was a little worried someone would steal our shoes, but, if Edward wasn't worry about it, then I shouldn't.
We walked to the Amabilia, my eyes focused on the white water. I got on my knees beside the water and dipped a hand into the water.
The water was thick, and starch white, reminding me of milk. It was sparkling like a diamond. I pulled my hand back, letting the water drip from my hand.
"Try it," Edward said as he cupped his hands together and sipped the white water.
I cupped my hands and drank the water. The creamy texture sliding down my throat; it tasted sweet. I smiled and took another sip.
"It tastes delicious." I said.
Edward nodded, "The water is a gift from the gods. It has special healing powers."
"What kind of healing powers?" I asked.
"There's never been any serious studies, but, older people and sick people often come here to drink the water. I've seen it heal." He said.
"It's so beautiful," I said, "Thank you, for bringing me up here."
I felt something gently move around my waist. I looked down to see that Edward's tail had wrapped itself around me. I blushed and looked up at him; he was looking out over the water.
He looked when he noticed my staring. He looked down at his tail.
"Oh! I'm so sorry!" He said, quickly jerking it away.
"It's okay," I smiled, "You can leave it there if-if you like."
His tail slowly moved back to where it was around my waist. I wanted to touch his tail, the red fur that matched the hair on his head. It looked soft. I didn't know if it was proper etiquette to touch an Outerrian's tail.
"Your tail seems very soft." I said.
He nodded, "Most of our tails are. But, the softest tails belong to the newborn babies."
"Would it be rude if I asked to touch it?" I asked.
He blushed, "Oh, um, please don't."
"I'm sorry, did I offend you?" I said, blushing as well.
He shook his head, "No, it's not offensive, it's just— it's nothing."
I decided to let it drop, not wanting to pressure him into explaining why he didn't want his tail touched.
After Lunch
We returned to the office somewhat later than we intended. Everyone else seemed a bit pissed that we took so long. I felt bad, but, Edward said not to worry about it. The patients had long thinned out hours ago.
I sat in my office, logging back onto my tablet. But, before I could type my login, I noticed a note on my desk. I picked it up and read it.
You've missed three patient appointments today. Stop sleeping with your boss!
So, them claws have come out! Bitches. I bet you're all wondering why Edward didn't want Bella to actually touch his tail. Any theories? Guesses? Lemme know in a review!