She Rocks My World

80's Rocker, Edward Cullen, is the frontman for the enormously popular band, Cullen.

He's every woman's dream; handsome, wealthy, and talented, but the elusive rocker has something to hide until an overwhelmingly gifted, doe-eyed beauty steals his heart at first sight and sound.

This is unBeta'd by my queen, Fran. I love her! But with Mercury retrograde, I'm late. The mistakes are ALL mine.

A/N: Let's do a contest. Name Bella's Band. Best name gets a prize from NOLA.

Here's the first entry: Swan Song by Christy.

Chapter Nine: The Parents Arrive Home

BPOV

A few days pass, and I sit at my uncle's desk in the small office at the back of the store. It also seconds as another storage room. I'm between boxes of office supplies, instruments and sheet music. Pen in hand, I chew on the end thinking about the management people. Shaking my head, I huff. I can't believe the audacity to try to win me over to their teams.

"Bella," Beaker pleaded. "We've been in business for over twenty-five years. We can give you the start your talent needs."

Ray pushes him to the side. ""Beaker might have years, but our company concentrates on the individual band's needs."

I was waiting for a fist fight with the shoving.

This was what Edward was talking about; the sharks.

But it was when Ria pulled me aside that I realized what Edward was truly doing.

"Are you okay," she asked.

I smiled. "Yeah, are you?"

"Yeah. What's going on?"

"Well, Edward invited other management companies to get a look at us," I explain.

"I thought we were under Cullen Crest?" she questions.

"We are. Edward, well Cullen, is flaunting his prize. They both tried to take us out from Edward."

"Right in front of him?"

"Pretty much. He calls them sharks, but they are swimming in his water."

She nods. "I see."

"This won't be the last time, but we won't have to worry; iron-clan contract, company protection ..."

Ria interrupted, "And BIG brother looking over us."

"Yes."

"And he seems to be quite taken by you."

"Ria, I can't explain what's going on with Edward and me. His intent is to get this band up, ready and working, as we sort of connect. He wants people to see the talent, first. He doesn't want people to believe he did this for personal reasons. Yet, we're falling and he wants the world to see us fall after the fact or during."

She hugged me. "Ah, that's so romantic. So, as you fall in love, so will the world."

I sing, "We hope."

"If that song isn't enough proof, then I don't know what is. Look at those two men with their heads together. All they see are dollar signs. Which is good, because you and Edward will succeed in your plan, and we'll help you."

I must have a stupid look on my face as Max comes into the office.

"Daydreaming will never get any work done, young lady," he scolds with a smile.

"And you are right, Max."

"What's got you in lala land?"

"My band." I smile.

"Then, you're entitled to have a moment."

"You know, Gus, it just amazed me to see those music reps try to steal me right in front of Edward."

"Business has no friends, Bella. I had a small grocery store at the edge of town, forty years ago. And when the larger chain stores came in, they tried to buy me out. I was, still am, a stubborn man. I stuck it out. They would lower their prices and I really couldn't compete with their advanced dilly dallying. But what I didn't figure was how loyalty stands in a small town. I was able to survive because people around here help their own. Yes, some went with the lower prices, but most kept coming to me. I had local farmers' products, too. So, you stick with what your heart tells you."

"Oh, I never had any thought of leaving Edward."

He smiles. "Good. I've seen that boy. You two will make some beautiful babies."

I stare at Gus in surprise. "What?"

He begins to walk away. "Any fool can see." He turns at the door. "He does need a haircut." He taps the doorframe twice and walks out.

The phone rings and I answer, "Anything Music, Bella speaking."

"Hi, how are you?"

I feel goosebumps rise all over my body. "I'm fine. How are you?"

"Is it too soon to say that I've missed you?"

"Edward, it's only been two days." I smile until my face hurts, and whisper, "Then, we're both early."

He loudly sighs. "I did call for another reason."

"What was the first?"

"To hear your voice. Well, other than listening to your recordings."

I bite my lower lip, open my mouth wide to silently scream and I gain composure. I try to get it together. "Any word for your mom and dad?"

"That's the other reason. They will be here relatively soon, since Ali, the tornado, had the landing pad finished yesterday and the helicopter will have its first initial run in about an hour."

"Nothing stops her when she's in full force."

"You've noticed that?"

"She doesn't hide it very well," I laugh.

"Also, I tried to get in touch with your band members at the hotel and management said they moved out."

"They're all staying with me."

"Do you have the room?"

"Yeah." I smile. When I returned home, I was staying with my father. He's a great guy but quite the mess. I also inherited my uncle's house. It's a three-bedroom with a converted cellar/rec room. So, it's workable. Ria and Berry have one room while Bitsy has the other. Danny's lounging on the sofas downstairs."

"That was nice of you."

"I just couldn't see them spend money when they all could stay with me. In just the few days, we're beginning to work like a family. Ria and I like to cook, so we feed everyone. Bitsy cleans like a demon. The guys do the garbage control and have helped me clean out the attic."

"Seems like this is all working out."

"It is."

"Okay then, can you make it out to the house in about an hour?"

"Sure, I'm done with all the basics at the store."

"Where's everyone else?"

"Probably still sleeping. We were up late jamming, last night."

"Getting use to one another?"

"Yeah. It's good."

He hesitates. "So … maybe you could come out now."

I smile. "Sure."

"Alone."

"Okay … see you in a bit."

"Good."

The line goes dead and I hug the receiver.

EPOV

I can't stop smiling.

Ali walks into the kitchen. "You were talking to Bella."

"I'm that obvious?"

She giggles. "The both of you are."

"Are you going to reel this in a little like you planned?"

"I have to."

"Edward, good luck with that."

She walks out as Jazz walks in. "She's right, you know."

I take another gulp of my drink.

"Edward, I understand."

"I know you do."

"When I first saw Ali, my heart stopped. I saw the look on your face when Bella came on stage."

I nod.

"Man, just go with it. Her music speaks for itself. People aren't stupid, unless they're an agent." He laughs.

I huff. "Did you see Beaker and Ray with Bella?"

"Ali told me Bella gave them a lecture on decency."

"Yeah, I can see that."

"Anyway, your mom and dad should be here soon. Emmett called that he'll be here, too."

"Speaking of the long, lost 'bro', where has he been?"

"Making close friends with Rose."

"They fit."

He sings with his heavy rock voice, "Because she won't take his bullshit."

"You're a regular, ."

"No, trouble with a bass, in his face, out the place."

"Write it down, Doc!"

"I like that Dr. Seuss theme."

"You would."

"Hey, when Ali and I have kids, I want to write some kiddie songs."

All kidding aside, I ask, "Are you two?"

"Naw, but a few years down the line, I'd like a few rug munchers. We've talked about it."

"Cool, babies on tour."

"I've got news for you, you and Bella will have us beat."

"Naw, man, I'll make sure she has her time in the spotlight." I inhale and exhaust a long breath. "And I want to make sure whatever is wrong isn't something you share."

"Your parents will have good news."

We hug.

Ali walks back into the kitchen. "You two having a moment?" She crossed her arms over her chest. "I told you I'd share Bella, but not my brother, Jazz."

We all laugh.

Bella shows up at the same time the helicopter lands on the grounds.

We go into the living room and find Emmett with his feet up on a coffee table.

"How long have you been here?"

"Long enough to hear, 'No, trouble with a bass, in his face, out the place', you suck Jazz."

"Not like you haven't …"

Ali interrupts, "Hey, our parents."

Everyone sits, but I remain standing.

"I'm not going to delay anything. Your mother and I are tired and we want to head home. So, with that, Bella, you're in remission with your Candida. Yes, that's definitely your issue. Just continue with your herbs, but on the safe side, I do have two more natural supplements that will be helpful. Edward, you're to take the same. You'll discontinue the drink I made for you and rest when you can. We're not sure what started your immune system breakdown, but Dr. Ye feels confident we, as a group, can get you back to functioning normally … for you."

"So, I have Candida Albicans, too?"

"Yes, and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. Now, we know what we're dealing with, we can treat it. Neither are curable, but manageable."

He and Mom stand and hug me, patting my back.

"It will all be fine, my sweet boy," Mom cries into my side.

Bella stands and doesn't move. My parents release me, I stand in front of Bella and hold her close burying my face in her hair.

The rest of the world disappears as I sob lightly. Bella hold me closer. I lose myself in her and hear her faint cries. When we finally do separate, we're alone in the room.

I wipe her tears with the pads of my thumbs and cup her face. Slowly I lean down, capturing her lips with mine. It's a tender kiss and I break away before I get carried away.

I smile at her. "We're good?"

She broadly smiles back. "I'd say so."

"I have a something I want you to hear."

Willingly, she takes my hand and I lead her to the studio, play the song and she begins to add to the lyrics.

After a few run-throughs, we sing together.

Slow Burn

Edward

At first glance I waited for you to sing.

This tiny girl who sat upon a stool,

And your melody boomed throughout the room.

I sat on the edge like a complete fool.

Bella

I was so nervous and kept my eyes down

And I sang from my heart so lost in the song.

With this magnetic need to look your way

My racing heart pulled to where I belong.

Edward

Your strong voice touched me in so many ways

Stirring these feelings of holding you near

You slowly raised your head and our eyes met

Seeing through your soul; my musical peer.

Bella and Edward

It's a slow burn to get to the right place

Step by step journey to travel in space.

It's a slow burn to beat them in this chase.

We have to take this road to win the race.

Bella

Playing music has always been my goal.

I never thought about sharing my plan.

And then I saw you and everything changed

You smiled and laced your fingers in my hand.

Edward

I was a goner you put me to rest.

Those huge brown eyes, pink lips and all that hair.

You selflessly helped in my time of need.

I can't forget your kindness and your care.

Bella and Edward

It's a slow burn to get to the right place

Step by step journey to travel in space.

It's a slow burn to beat them in this chase.

We have to take this road to win the race.

EDWARD

Slow Burn.

BELLA

Slow burn.

Bella and Edward

Slow burn.

I lean forward and kiss her with all that I have.

A/N:

Well, so much for slow burn… LOL! How'd you like their song?

A/N:

From a guest reader:

:I live this song. I'm showing my age, Mike Reno, hot rocker in the 80s. Oh, love this story.

I do have questions, is this a real illness, an illness you or someone you know has this illness?

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Candida Albicans are real conditions. Believe me, I know.

A/N: Pay It Forward will be featuring fics in four different categories on their new blog. Number one will be our Rookie ... A new, first-time writer showcasing their first fic on our blog. Number two will be our Encore ... A new fic from a seasoned author giving us a sneak peek. Number three will be our Classix ... one from the vault, a time-tested oldie. And four, is an Overlooked fic that needs some love.
If you are a Rookie and need help, contact Fran on the PIF page. And if you have an Encore, contact her to get your new fic showcased. Also, anyone interested in writing a summary on one of their favs, please feel free to send it in for our Classix section.

A/N: Pay It Forward, Winterward Card Contest… All done in fun!

Submit a photo you think depicts the way put very own Edward Cullen would be celebrating the December holidays. He could be single, with a date or with his family and friends. Inside, outside, home or away. Use your imagination and make him the best you can. He can be Winterward, Holidayward, Decemberward, etc. Let's have fun.

Entries submitted no later than Dec 20.

Winner announced Dec. 25.

Each entry must have a photo along with a caption or a short story no longer than 500 words tying it together.

Facebook name or Twitter handle:

Pen Name:

Title:

Send entries to: Winterward2017

There will be Amazon gift cards awarded to the winners.

Collabs welcome. Anon please!

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