THE OTHER WOMAN
DISCLAIMER: STEPHENIE MEYER OWNS IT ALL.
July 12, 2015
BELLA
I know I'm someplace different the minute I wake up. I survey the place. It looks like a bedroom. A master bedroom. I can hear the rain drizzling outside and frown. It's summer. Why is it raining? Where am I? There are a couple of doors that are shut, a couch and overstuffed armchairs are situated not far from the bed. The French doors lead to the balcony are closed but I can imagine the rain pattering on the rooftop that is making this sound.
Hold on.
I look down at my clothes and notice I'm not wearing the same clothes I wore to bed last night. I had put on my favorite sweatpants and a t-shirt. Now, I'm wearing a baby blue satin trimmed camisole and shorts. Fancy. I don't remember the last time I wore such an affluent piece of clothing. Except for maybe on dates. I play with the hem of the camisole and wonder who dressed me in this. Pfft, I haven't sex in a long time.
I know I'm dreaming. I can feel it. I pinch myself and it doesn't hurt. Oh, yes, I'm dreaming. At least, I'm dreaming a good dream, not the nightmares I usually have. But, it wouldn't hurt to have this fantasy come to life.
The mattress is so soft, it's going to be difficult to get out of it. I tighten the purple silk sheets around me as the cold air waltzes in. There is a glass wall on my left and I can see the lush green flora outside. I sigh. It's so dreamy. I chuckle. The irony. I kick off the multiple layers of duvet from near me because a sheet would suffice for now. I'm not very cold, given the weather that is outside right now.
Why am I sitting alone in this gigantic room? I notice the electric fireplace mounted on the wall is on. I smile. The mood seems so romantic. I suddenly smell bacon and pancakes. The sweet smell makes my stomach growl. When have I last eaten? I don't seem to remember. Plus, the person can offer me food if I'm staying here.
Oh, I need some food in my system.
I crawl over to the nightstand and blush when I see a peach colored rose resting on the nightstand. Why am I blushing? I'm utterly hungry and could eat a cow right now. I feel the bed dip a little and gasp, clutching the rose tightly in my fingers. I turn and my heart melts looking at him.
Edward sits there not wearing a suit, but a plain white t-shirt and black sweatpants. Ah, he is so beautiful. My dream makes him look like an angel. His green eyes are glowing with warmth and I smile, knowing it's for me. His lips curve into a heart-stopping smile and I can't help as my breathing falters just looking at him. His tousled copper hair are a beautiful mess and I just want to run my fingers through them.
I should say something.
"Hey." I murmur and he smiles. Edward reaches his hand towards me and strokes my cheek with his soft touch. Oh my god.
"Hi, love. Are you feeling better now?" I frown at him. I'm healthy as a horse. What is he talking about?
"What happened to me?" He chuckles.
"Nothing and I made you some breakfast." I gaze at the tray sitting by his side that has a glass of juice, pancakes and bacon. My guess was right. Ugh. No juice though, I would rather prefer coffee. Does he not know that I can't survive without coffee? Maybe not, because we've just met twice before.
"Thank you."
He lifts the glass of juice and places the rim against my lips. "Here." I shake my head even though I am thirsty.
"Do you have coffee?" He keeps the glass away and shifts closer. I let him as I feel his scent enveloping around me. It's intoxicating and makes my head swirl.
"You can't have coffee, Bella." I stare at him, puzzled. He presses his hand against my flat stomach. "It's not good for our baby." After I'm past the feeling that he is touching me, I realize what he said. My heart stops and I gaze up at him, utterly scared. What? Me, pregnant? That's not possible. We haven't had sex yet. But, this is just my dream. I can't understand how weird this dream is turning out to be.
"O-Our b-baby?" I stammer out and he nods, a smile tugging at his lips.
"You were so happy about it last night." Last night? I think Edward has lost his mind.
"I was… well… I don't," I gulp. "What?"
"Come on," His grin is almost contagious, which makes me forget about the fact that I'm pregnant in this dream. "I want to show you something."
"Show me what?" I smile back as blush fans my cheeks. He can make me shy no matter what. He offers me his hand and I take it.
Edward holds my hand in his and I follow him. I notice the rose has turned black and I gasp as I drop it. I see myself following him towards a dark tunnel. Where is he taking me? I have never been here. I stare at the black rose that is burning a hole on the ground of this dark alley. I have to trust Edward. He won't hurt me. Even though I have my doubts with people, I'm going to trust Edward.
"Edward, where are we going?"
He turns to me, but it isn't Edward.
It's Riley.
A shiver runs down my spine. He looks so dangerous with his eyes bloodshot red and an evil smirk on his face. I try to unclasp my hand from his but I'm not able to. A sob escapes my chest and I really hope Edward hears me. How could this happen? Does Riley know that I like Edward? Did he make him disappear? What is he trying to do? I have so many questions but I'm choking on my tears.
"Edward! Help me, please!" I screech helplessly but he isn't around. Riley and I stand in the dark alley, with no one around us and he snarls at me.
"Don't you fucking call his name! He is not coming for you, you pregnant bitch!" I glare at him through my tears, knowing there is nothing I can do. He knows I'm having a baby? This is a dream for Christ's sake, why does it feel so real?
"What are you going to do with me?" I ask and he snorts. Riley pushes me off him and I all hear is his laughter as I'm suddenly falling off a cliff. I screw my eyes shut tight as I hear the gentle breeze of water underneath me. I'm falling and I'm falling.
"Edward!" I yell for the last time, hoping he will hear me.
I sit up on my bed, gasping for breath and realize I'm soaking wet. Wait, was that dream real? I look up and find Angela standing by the edge of the bed, an empty jug in her hands. Angela threw the water. I sigh with relief, thankful that the dream wasn't real. This is horrible.
"What the hell is the matter with you? It's nine in the morning!" I groan and fall back on the mattress heavily, feeling my t-shirt sticking to my body. Ugh. I hate when this happens. I open my eyes and stare at my friend who is beaming at me, looking like a person who slept with a hanger in her mouth. Her smile gradually disappears and I patiently wait for it to, that's when she crosses her arms over her chest.
"It's a Sunday, Angela." Her Hanger-smile generates again. God!
"We have to go to the beer fest. It's time to get drunk!" She whoops in the air and I cover my ears as I shake my head.
"Just leave the room and don't shout." I mumble.
"Wow, you're really grumpy this morning, did you have a nightmare?" I try to recall what the hell was the dream but all I can remember is falling off a cliff. Weird.
"Yeah, but I don't recall it." She laughs.
"That happens and who the hell is Edward anyway?" I freeze. Did I shout Edward? I have artfully kept my two meetings with Edward under wraps so that it doesn't generate a lot of question. Also for the fact that my dear friend here must know Edward, because even though I don't know his last name, he must be pretty famous for what he does. There is no one I can share the feelings of my deceptive heart to. I soon realize that Angela expects an answer.
"Um, I was reading Jane Eyre yesterday." I shrug and she rolls her eyes at me.
"Great. I made bacon and pancakes, we shouldn't leave without having a heavy breakfast. Everybody will meet us there," I stare at her blankly. "Get up! Now, Bella!" She roars and I scramble off the bed.
"Jeez, you're mean." I mutter and make my way to the bathroom.
"And look sexy! You never know!" Angela calls out as she exits my room.
I have survived my life with her, I'm sure I'll be alive by the end of the day.
"Wear some cute little shorts, I'm sure you'll end up having sex with someone!" She continues hollering and I groan.
Maybe not.
I toy with the bottle in my hand as I hear Jacob letting out his booming laughter. He's just had two beers and yet he is losing it. I look around from where we sit and find people everywhere, stumbling into each other, kissing, hugging, drinking, undressing… Ugh. I ask myself the same question I have been asking from the last hour; why am I here? I could've so easily curled up with a book in my hand. Or thought about Edward. No Edward thoughts anymore!
Angela, Ben, Seth, Paul, Jacob, Emily, her husband Sam and I sit around a small round table, a bright red and white striped umbrella unsuccessfully trying to shield us from the scorching sun. When did it start getting so hot in Seattle? It's probably irritating me because I'm very reluctant to sit here as much as I enjoy being around a bunch of people who I care about. But sometimes I just want to spend time alone.
I take a swig of my beer and make a face. It's disgusting. It is Seth's choice, but everybody is loving it, so maybe I'm the wrong one here. Angela nudges me a little and I turn to her. She smirks and points over at a guy, sitting not too far from our table, staring at me. I blush and look away. I did notice a hint of red hair and gray eyes. My friend is probably forcing me to look at this guy because part of her knows that Riley and I haven't hit it off so well.
"Oh, come on Bells, you can flirt back! He's cute!" She shouts over the noise around us. I roll my eyes.
"No, thank you." I smile a little too sweetly.
"Whatever." She huffs, turning everyone's attention to us.
"What happened?" Jake asks, a grin on his face.
"Bella won't flirt with the guy sitting two tables from us."
"Bella won't. She's a prude." I poke my tongue out at him.
"How was your date last night?" Emily asks and I blush bright red.
"What, you had a date? With who?" Jacob looks mad and I study him narrowly.
"What is it with you? I can date and have sex with whoever I want." He groans and shakes his head.
"Yeah, whatever. As long as it's not my boss, I'm fine with it." I chuckle and keep the chilled bottle away, not wanting to drink another sip.
Ben gazes at my brother curiously. "How is your new job?"
"It's excellent. I have the best boss, I've just met him once and he owns everything and shouldn't give a shit about a minor intern like me but he is very particular and smart about everything going around the building." I roll my eyes. How can he not stop talking about this guy? It's getting really annoying and it's probably because how much can Jake know about this rich guy from meeting him just once?
"Oh. He must be stinking rich." I laugh because it's very obvious.
"He is. You should've seen his girlfriend, man. She was hot!" Jacob says, his eyes holding a far-off look probably thinking about that woman, clearly.
"If he's so rich, she is bound to stay with him." Angela comments and I nod although there can be a factor here that they love each other very much. It's tough to find love when you know your life is in the public eye.
"Yeah, but money just isn't everything." I add to which Emily laughs.
"In a perfect world, Bella. Not ours." She winks and I smile, not saying anything although I definitely don't agree with that.
"Tell us more about this girlfriend." Seth prodes and I sigh. I still don't understand why are we so much into gossip about the rich, powerful people who don't even give a damn about us?
"I don't remember her name. Tammy or something. Anyway, her dress was so tight, and that ass, she was a blonde and I had to keep all my―"
"Okay! Okay!" I yell, cutting him off. "I don't need to hear that. It's okay." I say and he chuckles. I really don't want to hear her measurements.
"As you say."
"And you saw her for like five seconds." I mutter and he snorts.
"Five seconds is enough for a guy, Bella." Paul tells me, earning a high-five from Jake. Boys.
"We were talking about Bella's date, not Jacob's boss." Sam says, making me glare at him. He just gives me the you-can't-pull-off-being-angry look. "Nope. Doesn't suit you." I smile just as quickly. I'm an open book, of course they all know everything about me which makes me realize what a general discussion my date has become that they want to know about him.
"Riley was nice. He was, uh smart and had a good sense of humor."
"Why do girls always look for funny?" Paul asks and I groan.
"It was one of his qualities. Anyway, I don't want to make my date a public matter, so stop asking, I won't tell you all."
"Are you at least going out with him again?" Emily asks and I hear the concern in her voice. She really wants me to meet someone I'm comfortable with. Well, Emily I'm not really sure about this guy because there is something off about him.
"Maybe, next weekend. I don't know." She beams at me.
"Excellent."
"Maybe you'll have sex this time." Angela comments and I blush, taking the bottle from her hands.
"Stop drinking, you're not in control of what you say anymore."
"Give it back, Swan. I had a rough week, plus it's just my third bottle. There are lots to drink!" She gives me a silly grin and gulps down her drink.
"Oh, Bella, you don't have sex with guys on first dates?" Paul asks me sympathetically. I ignore him. Why won't the topic shit off from me?
"That is sad. You should." Seth adds and I glower at them both. Their mouths are bigger than their high school age.
"I can fire you right now."
"We're not at your store right now." Seth smirks and I throw the cap of the beer bottle towards him, missing the target entirely, making him guffaw at my bad throw. Jacob smacks the back of his head and I send him a grateful look. Everyone engages in their own conversations, leaving me completely clueless of what to do a couple of minutes later. Every once in awhile they do speak to me but I just mumble something under my breath. I am done with this.
Seattle International Beerfest. Ugh. Even the name sounds tragic. But people are really enjoying themselves, maybe I'm not one of the people then. All I see around are beers. Different kinds of beers. Who cares about so much shit!
I wonder what Edward must be doing. Maybe he is at home or with his siblings. Does he get along well with his parents? Does he realize how lucky he is to have a mother and father?
Angela turns to me and stares at my shirt for a moment, bringing me out of my reverie. "It's all buttoned up."
"Do you want me to sit naked?" I ask sarcastically and she frowns, staring at me seriously.
"What's wrong?"
"Nothing. I'm just pissed off about sitting here all alone." I mutter and she nods. Her hands reach over and she undoes the top four buttons of my salmon colored button-down shirt. I roll up the sleeves a little and take a deep breath. I blush and stare at her questioningly but she just waves me off.
"Let it be. Looks sexy. Go take a walk or something if you want."
I stand up, loving the idea of being myself for a while. I check my phone before leaving the space, ensuring that it's charged so that it just doesn't switch off out of the blue. Edward was generous enough to let me charge my phone in his car although I'm sure there isn't going to be a device around here to help me with that. I dodge the jungly crowd around, ignoring the whistles that I hear or someone catcalling out to me. Ugh, I hate Angela. I stare at my feet, trying desperately not to trip.
Thankfully I am wearing my flats today.
I notice the exit way and can't hide the relief looking at the board. I smile and almost skip my way as I stare at the muddy road but also walk faster than my normal, sluggish pace. Maybe I'll take a walk around and just slip away into a cab. I do have fifty bucks in my shorts right now. That'll take me back home. I'm so happy to be getting away from here. The only thing annoying is that I can't reach fast enough.
"I said Monday! How many times do I have to repeat the same thing?" I could hear a voice snarling miles away from me. "I don't care if the engineer is not there, get him off, find another one! I need a fucking engineer in my office on Monday, do you hear me, Dave?" There is a pause. "It's a weekend, I don't like to ruin your time with family but do as I say." I frown. How is a voice that is gentle, was so rough few seconds ago?
Happy thoughts. Stop think about strangers. Exit is closer than I am expecting.
I smile giddily as I stare at my flats.
"Yeah, no. We'll talk about―," Oh god. It hurt as I bumped into that fucking, annoying person. "Fuck, I'll call you back." I gasp.
Edward. It's Edward.
"I'm sorry, ma'am," I look up and his face immediately brightens up. "Hey." He says softly.
I just continue gazing at him. It's been fourteen hours since I last saw him, not that I'm counting. His hair looks a little more tousled than they usually are. Green eyes piercing into my brown eyes and a gentle smile plays on his lips. He runs a hand through his hair and there is a curious look in those eyes. Why do his lips look so irresistible right now? It's take everything in me to not jump on him.
Edward is dressed in a navy blue polo shirt and khaki shorts. Oh god, he is delicious. So handsome. A pair of aviators are tucked in the V of his shirt. Can't I just kiss him once?
No. My subconscious answers.
I'll run away and never look back.
Still no. Edward is too good for you, don't ruin it. The subconscious continues.
"I guess we're even now." I murmur breathlessly as I wonder if he might say yes to going out on a date with me.
I think I'm capable of asking a guy out.
EDWARD
Fuck, she's so beautiful.
I missed her since I last saw her.
My mouth twists into a smile. I can do nothing but smile at this gorgeous woman, every single time we meet. Well, the two times we met before. Feels like I've known her forever. The sun glints off her, showing the slight red in her hair that I haven't seen before because the two times that we've met before were during evenings. Her brown eyes are glowing and there is a shy smile on her lips.
"We're not exactly even," I tease. "I didn't leave a lipstick mark on your shirt." She blushes and my heart soars. Ah, she can blush. I've never seen a woman blush so alluring.
"It's sad that you don't put on lipstick then." I laugh at her answer. Sure has a smart mouth.
I notice her clothes and feel a sudden rush of emotions. Of fuck, is she trying to kill me? Her cotton shirt is almost open, showing off her amazing bust that she has matched it with white printed shorts, that make her legs look like they could go on for miles. Shit, shit. I can see her purple bra. It's tight and sexy and I know I shouldn't think about her in the wrong way but I can't help my mind that is meeting the gutter.
Bella. Such a beautiful name.
I chuckle softly. She looks shorter somehow and I find that very accommodating.
"What?"
Her question snaps me back to reality. What did I say or is she asking me why I chuckled?
"Well, why are you here all alone?" I ask a different question altogether. She shouldn't be alone in a place like this where men get drunk. I will not really like if somebody is checking her out. Sure, she looks sexy but I have no idea why it's just unsettling to me to imagine her with somebody else. Let alone that guy Riley from last night who I did not like.
"I was getting bored sitting along with my friends, so I left the table to get some time to myself."
"You've come to the wrong place for that." I stare at her, watching her teeth assault her bottom lip and I just want to throw her against the stall and kiss her.
You have a girlfriend. A sing-song voice trills in my head.
Thank you for reminding me of her. I haven't seen Tanya since Thursday, I'm avoiding her like a plague. She called me when I was dropping Bella home in the car but I didn't answer her calls both times, which makes me a very bad boyfriend. And mom thinks we should get engaged. I have no idea when everything started to get so complicated in my life. Probably when I entered Bella's store on mom's birthday.
"I know, but I just couldn't stay there any longer," I nod. "Why are you alone?"
"This could take a while," I shrug. "I'm here with my sister and some of our mutual friends. I never wanted to get here, Alice dragged me. I hate her for that. Then I got really bored like you did, this place really sucks."
"Tell me about it."
"I can't believe I'm here for the second time." Bella bursts out laughing and then pipes down quickly. She has a beautiful laughter. I like that sound. I should make her laugh more often. Her eyes look around as if she's trying to look for my sister but she probably won't because we are at the last stall in this jungle where one can possibly have great time with friends and escape this chaos. I just got here as I was speaking in my car previously.
"Your sister really likes it here?"
"It's the only place my sister-in-law won't go with her. She gets time to gossip about her." Her eyes widen and I chuckle. "Rosalie thinks the place is too low for her standards, like she's the pope herself." I mutter the latter part under my breath.
"Wow, good luck to your brother." Honest. I like it.
"He is a good man, only because he's my brother."
"You're so cocky." She murmurs and I shrug as I smirk her way.
"Sometimes."
Bella just smiles. "So, I was just about to leave, what about you?" Oh hell no. I'm not letting her leave.
"You don't even look drunk, how many beers did you have?"
"One?" That comes out like a question and I laugh.
"You come to a beerfest and just drink one bottle."
"The beer was disgusting." I grin at her. I know just the place to take her.
"See? There's the problem. Come on, I think I can offer you a beer you can't refuse." She chuckles.
"Just one." Like I'm going to let her go after having one beer.
"You got it."
I watch a couple of drunk idiots walk past us, probably college students, the boys turn to ogle Bella's open shirt and I feel like beating the shit out of them. They gaze at me at the same time and notice my dark expression, which quickly makes them turn away. Fuck, it's going to be difficult to not send murderous looks to people who leer at Bella. Does she always attract such attention? I glance at her.
Bella, on the other hand has no idea about any of this. She stares at me expectantly and I sigh. I keep a hand on her waist and pull her closer. God, it feels good to have her warm body close to mine. She has no idea how beautiful and innocent and incredibly gentle she is. I don't want to see her in pain. I know she'll get hurt once she remotely enters my world. What am I going to do when I keep meeting her so many times?
"Button up two of them. The buttons" I murmur against her ear and she just blinks not responding. "Bella?" She nods as if getting out of her zoning habit and her fingers are shaky as they button up her shirt a little.
"What happened?"
"Nothing, come on. I promised you a good beer."
I take her back on the streets from where she had reached the entrance and we dodge through the throngs of people, throwing football around or playing soccer, some of them dressed up in the costumes of beers by the stall. Bella stumbles into me a couple of times and I chuckle. She's adorable. Even when wearing flats, how can she manage to be such a cute klutz, I'll never know.
"How far is it?" She finally squeaks out as she stumbles again. Oh dear god.
"Number four." We were by number seven.
"That's too far."
I laugh and grab her soft hand in mine. The spark is still there, the buzz of electricity still goes when I touch her. It's not static. I know it. It's her. I tighten my hold and walk faster, feeling her other hand bunching my shirt at the waist. It feels amazingly well.
I grin like an idiot.
"We're here." I announce as we halt at a stall. There isn't much crowd here. Yet. There'll be stumbling bastards by the next hour or two, I'm sure.
"Are you sure? There aren't much people around here." She gazes around the place with picnic tables and benches curiously.
"Trust me."
Bella and I walk up to the station where numerous bottles were neatly arranged inside a refrigerator behind the two men stand who here, wearing big smiles on their faces, one of them ogling Bella. I'm getting tired already of telling men to back off. Maybe I should just stop.
"Good afternoon, sir, ma'am. What can I get for you?"
"Two Schwarzbräu Light & Fit, please." Bella turns to me, confused―her eyes wide and curious.
"What was the name again?"
"It's a German lager. That's all you need to know."
"You can speak German." She states and I nod. How did she realize? Maybe because of the fluency.
"Yes, saves the money to hire a translator when I meet with my clients." Bella laughs.
"I doubt that's what you worry about." I chuckle.
The man behind the counter―I read his batch, Jerry―hands me the bottles. "Here you go. Have fun."
I reluctantly loosen my hold on Bella's hand and grab the bottles. I give one to Bella and she grins for some reason, wrapping her hands tightly around it. I notice a table far from here, with almost no people around. I ensure that the place is absolutely clean and spotless of any kind of shit and the grass beneath is fairly trimmed before I let Bella sit on the bench who blushes and waits for me to sit as well.
After we huddle close at the table, Bella hesitantly looks at me, her index finger tracing patterns on the bottle. "Go on." I nod and she chuckles, hesitantly taking a sip. I smile and drink a little of the rich flavored beer. God, it tastes exquisite.
"Mm, it's delicious, much better than the one I had before. It's sweet and I love the light gold color." I let out a laugh. I hardly ever notice the color. Only Bella could say something like that.
"Shrewd observation, ma'am." She's not only beautiful but smart as well.
Bella blushes. "Hardly." I watch her lips kiss the rim of the bottle as she gulps down the beer and I clear my throat, suddenly getting reminded of the question I'm eagerly waiting to ask her.
"Now, that we are past the stranger phase, what is your name?" I ask curiously. I am dying to know her last name. Maybe I know her. Or somebody does.
"Bella. You know it." Her face dips with an intrigued expression.
I chuckle. "Your full name."
"Oh," She laughs as blush flames her cheeks. "I never noticed that I didn't tell you. It's Isabella Swan, but I prefer Bella." She shrugs. Isabella. Beautiful.
"The name suits you," Her blush brightens. "Isabella." I like how the tongue rolls out her name. I love it.
"Just Bella, please."
"Okay."
Bella Swan.
Oh, wait the fuck up.
"What's your name?"
"Jacob Swan."
"And you? Mr. Forbes?"
I laugh. "It's Edward Cullen."
Bella is a mask of shock as she stares at me, her brown eyes wide with trepidation, her mouth is set into a grim line. What happened? Did I say something wrong? I just told her my name. Shouldn't I have told her? Did she read some bad gossip article about me? I am trying to gauge her expression but for the first time I come up with nothing as I stare at her expressive, beautiful face.
She knows me. Oh dear god, she already knows me. I can see it. She doesn't like me. I can see the wheels in her head turning already. They are turning in my head as well.
"Your parents should feel very proud that you are getting a long-term job at such young age." His smile turns a little dejected but he nods. Did I say something wrong?
"Yeah, they will be. My sister will be the happiest though."
Sister. It's Bella. He never mentioned his parents but I didn't give it a lot of thought. Only Bella mentioned them. Holy fucking shit.
"Well, my mom passed away giving birth to my brother Jake and my dad went to get groceries twenty-three years ago."
Jake.
Jacob.
Of course it's his short-name for Jacob. What a small world.
My heart stops beating when I realize that Jacob saw Tanya that day. Did he tell Bella about her? Of course not, why would he discuss my girlfriend? But, Bella is his only family, they must be pretty close. Was I ever going to tell Bella about my girlfriend?
No.
I wish she is my girlfriend.
Stop that thought! It's never happening anymore. Look at her face! You did that! She must definitely like you back. You ruined it all. My mind screams at me.
I didn't ruin it all. Tanya ruined it. My parents did. They can never approve of Bella. I know it. That's just the way they are. I don't care about them. It's me and her. But, it's not. I want it to be. But, it can't be. What do I do to make that long face go away? Her brown eyes pierce into mine and it seems like she can see right through my tortured soul. I don't want to hurt her but I need to know what has her so upset.
Will Bella leave?
"My brother has told me a lot about you." Her voice sounds distant and foreign to me. I don't like it.
"Oh."
"Jake is really fond of you, even though he's just met you once." I manage a smile on my face. "Don't let him know that we know each other." She blinks back her tears. Why not? But, it's not my place to ask. If that's what it takes to have her talk to me like she normally does, I'll do that. Bella has tears in her eyes that I hate to watch. I know she is strong but then I wonder if she is so saddened that I am not a normal guy.
"You have my word."
"So, did you mother like the books?" I shrug.
"Well, I haven't spoken to her since her birthday but she was very excited about them. I'm sure she loved them."
"That's good." She murmurs, taking a sip from her beer. There is an awkward silence around us, like we are strangers again.
"Bella, what happened?" I ask cautiously and she laughs, her laughter not reaching her eyes. Nor does the sound which chills me to the bone.
"It's nothing. It's funny how humans can wrap their mind around things and fit them into their version of reality." I stare at her with confusion, not really comprehending her quote. "I'm telling you, it's nothing."
"Is it about me being your brother's boss?"
"Yes." She's lying. I can see it. She isn't blinking. Bella is a bad liar.
"Believe me, that won't be a problem. Now I feel like I shouldn't have told you my name." I mutter with irritation that is directed towards myself.
Bella finally relaxes her shoulders and her eyes soften. She places her hand atop mine and sparks shoot up and down my arm. Her gentle squeeze is assuring, it's comfortable. More than Tanya's ever is. Why am I comparing? Bella is nothing but a friend. Tanya is my girlfriend. Ugh!
"I'm sorry. I won't make it weird anymore. I promise." She says softly and I finally grin, letting out a deep breath.
"Thank you very much. And for me, professional and personal life are two different things. What people I meet outside of work don't have an effect on my professional world. Jacob does good, he stays. I know he will." She beams at me, her brown eyes glowing with pride.
"Of course he will. He is the smartest person I know." I stare at her with mock hurt.
"More than me?"
"Yes. He passed your stupid test, didn't he?" I laugh. Everybody knows about my hiring techniques in the office but never what I ask the people. The most legitimate technique one can use and people are scared because I try it. Bella just called it stupid and it somehow didn't offend me at all.
"Stupid? No one has ever called my work stupid before."
She smiles haughtily. "Well, maybe not to your face." I laugh harder and shake my head. Sassy little thing she is.
"That's true. And Jacob was pretty good at it. I would like to see what ideas he can come up with on Monday."
"He'll do good." She murmurs under her breath and I gaze at her. She loves her brother very much. I can see it. How much faith she has, the confidence. But, does he reciprocate the feelings? Like how we spoke about it last night but then she got offended that I was speaking about her brother even though I didn't know him although I know Bella and will know Jacob in a short while. Why won't he do what Bella tells after everything she's done for him?
Again. Not my place to ask.
"So, tell me about yourself," I speak, making her look at me. "Where did you graduate from?"
"UDub. I majored in English Literature."
"So, why didn't you do anything about it later?"
"I couldn't. There was the store and Jacob was in high school. My grandmother was really sick. I wasn't the only person I had to think about." She says softly. Bella is the most selfless person I've ever met. Wow. I think I like her even more. No! Stop that thought.
"You didn't have time to cut off some points from the wish list?" She chuckles.
"Nope."
"I'll be waiting for you to tell me the first thing on it." She lets out a beautiful laughter, her face glowing in the sun. She's beautiful.
"It might take some time."
"Not with the rate we keep on meeting."
"That's true, Mr. Cullen and I find out more about you every time."
"Like what?" I ask curiously.
"This time I found out that you can speak German. What other languages do you speak?"
"Not to brag but eight in total." Her eyes widen comically.
"Is there something you can't do?" I think about it.
I can't wash dishes.
I can't love Tanya.
I can't be strong enough to break my parent's' heart.
I can't tell you that I want to be with you all the time.
"Sure, lots of things." I finish up my beer. "You want another one?"
"Yeah but then I'll have to drink another one." I wait for her to explain. "I can't drink beer in odd numbers. Either one or then in even number. So, that'll be my third one, so I'll need to drink another one." Oh god, she's so adorable.
I chuckle. "That doesn't sound abnormal at all."
"Like you don't have any weird habits."
"I don't."
"That's so sad." She murmurs, and I frown. Oh, I didn't know that was bad. But then again, being normal is always underrated. For some reason, I don't like the fact that Bella finds it unappealing to be normal, as weird as that sounds.
"You don't like that I'm normal. Let me think," I have no weird things. "Oh, uh, I can't start my day without juice. I flip out when there is no juice." I nod and she stares at me skeptically.
"That's really a healthy habit but okay, I'll take that into consideration." I chuckle.
"You want the same one?" I stand up.
"Surprise me."
I make my way to where Bella is sitting, holding four bottles. She smiles and laughs when she surveys the number of bottle in my hands. I look past her shoulder and see couple of people taking their seats around. I settle myself closer to her this time just because I need to. Her breathing falters visibly and blush flames her cheeks as she stares at me so I just offer her an oblivious smile which makes her shake her head, as if to snap out of her stupor.
"I don't think I'll be drinking so much." She says softly and I smile.
"You will after you drink the beer I got us."
"It's a lager." She examines the bottle.
"Best lager in the world. Try it."
Bella and I drink the beer at the same time, the buttery aroma filled my sense with just a tinge of dried fruit. This is amazing. And sitting here with Bella makes it even better. I notice a smile forming on Bella's face as she takes another swig and know she really likes it. Good job, Cullen.
"This beer is amazing. I have never had it before."
"Kronenbourg 1664 Millesime. It's French."
"For someone who designs buildings, you know a lot about beers."
I frown softly as I stare at the bottle in my hand. Something from months ago comes barrelling into my mind as I glance at this beer bottle. A fuzzy memory. An incident that I have tried to recall for a while now. Why am I not able to remember that night? Why does my mind draw up a blank when I try to think about it? I should remember but for some reason, it's completely hazy and foggy. Bella's voice becomes a buzz to me as I am taken back to an incident from seven months ago.
"Edward, I hear you're moving to Seattle soon." Tanya asked, a smile forming on her perfectly glossed lips.
"Uh, yeah." I nodded, offering a smile as well. It had been years since I had last spoken to her. She was fine looking although she could try wearing some slightly loose clothes. The dress she wore was almost making her breasts spill out of them.
"There haven't been news about you dating anybody in the tabloids these days."
"It's because I'm not." I muttered and looked over at the waiter as I settled myself on the bar stool. He walked closer to me and asked for my drink. Tanya ordered for the both of us although I wanted to drink my favorite French beer because I was feeling slightly low. I drank. I drank a lot. Or was it just one glass of gin and tonic? I couldn't remember. The room spun in front of my eyes and I woke up next morning in her bedroom, naked.
I tried to recall the face of the waiter, how had we reached her apartment but I just didn't seem to remember but I had no time to think as Tanya had walked inside the room with a tray full of breakfast which had me relaxed and thinking that it wouldn't be a bad idea to ask her out as my parents were forcing anyway.
I absolutely snap out of that phase as I try to be in the present. Bella. Sitting so close to me with her knee almost touching mine and her eyes are so expressive as she speaks animatedly every time. I think I should reply something to her comment. Yes, I should.
"I just like to know, I don't have beers that often." Other than when I play pool with my brothers.
"Just fancy champagnes." She mutters and then looks embarrassed. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to say that." She bites her bottom lip, gazing at me shyly. How did I know she would say something like that?
"It's fine. Don't go on appearances though. My money and work have their perks but I have taken a lot of efforts for that. I don't always like being fancy." She smiles. "You use that word a lot?"
"What? Fancy? That's one of the many things that come to my head when I saw your photo in the magazine. You're famous." Bella whispers, staring at me with a thoughtful look.
"Not by choice." Because of Grandpa Victor, Tanya and the incredibly successful people in the family. Except for Rosalie, that stupid shit.
"Good to know."
"When is your birthday?" I ask, distracting her. Which works.
"September 13." Two months to go.
"Apart from reading, what do you like to do?"
"I, um would like to travel around, like I told you. There are so many places to go. I love to cook. Baking, in particular. Every time I am alone and don't feel like reading, I bake." Alone. She should never feel lonely. But maybe she likes to spend time on her own as well.
"Interesting. I don't know squat about baking, I prefer eating the baked dishes."
"What's your favourite one?" Bella asks curiously and I smile.
"What do you expect me to like?"
"I don't know, macaroons?" I chuckle.
"I knew you would say something like that," She blushes. "Well, sorry to say but I'd rather have a chocolate cheesecake than macaroons."
"Aw, chocolate cheesecake, I loved it when I was ten." I make a face and she laughs. "I'm kidding. And I bake a good cheesecake. You will like it."
"I'm sure I would. There was this great bakery near my home in Chicago―"
"Wait, you lived in Chicago?" Bella interrupts me. I smile.
"Yes, I moved to Seattle six months ago."
"Oh." Her expression seems to be calculating something but then she smiles. "The cover of that magazine said that you think Chicago should be the architectural capital." I laugh.
"Well, that's true. It's beautiful there. I handled our office in Chicago, it's great there, perhaps more rainier but beautiful."
"It's grander than this office in Seattle? Because this one is amazing. I saw it from outside when I dropped Jake off." I'll show you the entire place if you ever drop by, Bella.
"Uh it's somewhat similar, these are the main headquarters, of course it's made so perfectly. Alex suggested I move here so that it'd be easier to collaborate on projects."
"The guy from the restaurant?"
"Yes." I mutter under my breath.
Alex, of course had questions about the 'sexy chick' that I was talking to, asking if I could give him her number and shit. If she isn't going to be mine, least of all his. As much as riot Alex and I create together, it's best if he knows Bella isn't up for grabs anytime soon. Even though he is single but I won't be able to bear the fact that Bella would go out with a brother of mine. It would hurt a lot so personally.
I am close to Alex, not as much as I'm with Alice, but he just might be second in line. He is funny, intellectual and women of course fawn over him (which he arrogantly knows), so tries to be smooth with them.
Aunt Jane says we're the same, but we're not.
"He was nice." She whispers, blush covering her cheeks. Ugh, she likes him as well.
"Yeah," I clear my throat. "Nice guy."
"Jacob tells me he owns the company with you."
"Yes, Alex is eight months younger to me. My mom's father, Victor Platt was an architect. He built this company to where it is today. He died few years back, leaving the company to Alex and me. Alex's mom, was a reluctant about us handling such a big company but we're doing great so far." At least I hope so.
She grins. "You're doing amazingly well, otherwise you don't see people like my brother fangirling over two guys." I chuckle, my shoulders relaxing. She knows just what to say.
"Fangirling, huh? Good to know."
She rolls her eyes exasperated. "You should've seen him, all through the weekend, he keeps talking about you, it really gets annoying."
"Oh, Bella. You're just jealous." I tease and she blushes.
"No, I'm not. I didn't even know it was you. I had a doubt after hearing the name Edward but then I let it go." She shrugs.
"Jacob did look familiar."
"We look nothing alike." Bella smiles curiously.
"Your eyes gave him away." I whisper and the blush that barely died down rises again on her cheeks, flushing her neck as well.
"My eyes. They are very common. You see brown eyes everywhere." I heavily doubt that.
"Not like yours." I take a swig from my beer. "They are unusual, and beautiful."
She rewards me with a shy smile of hers. "I disagree, anyway, Jake happened to tell that you have a girlfriend."
No. No. I don't want to talk about her! Why is she even talking about her! I want to tell her to change the topic but it's inevitable. She knows I have a girlfriend. I don't want Tanya to be my girlfriend but I can't tell her that. What should I tell her that will let Bella know that I'm not seriously dating that blonde and want to break up with her? Nothing. But that can't happen, now can it?
"Uh, yes."
Bella casts her eyes away but then looks back at me, her eyes blank of any emotion. "Her name?" I feel like she is testing waters for something.
"Tanya Denali." I run a hand through my hair. Her eyes widen suddenly as if she is utterly shocked to hear that. Sure, because you see her photos in the gossip magazines every other day wearing a fancy dress or getting drunk at some nightclub trying to get into a fight because somebody refused to let her do something because she is undoubtedly the snottiest person ever to exist.
"Her dad isn't Eleazar Denali, is it?" I nod. "Of course it's him." She murmurs under her breath and she sounds very sad.
Eleazar owns the Denali Hotels chain, one of the best in America and Europe as well. But, Bella doesn't know how hollow Tanya is and nothing compared to her beautiful, smart self. Or the fact that Eleazar Denali is the man I deeply hate because I know he is always shady even though he tries to act kind with my entire family. That guy is really messing up with the wrong people if he tries to pull some shit.
"She seems beautiful." Bella says, a smile playing on her lips, as her fingers circle the rim of the bottle. I want to hold her face in my hands and kiss her hard on the lips. Really? She thinks there is a woman more beautiful than herself? Tanya is next to shit compared to her.
Yet, look who your girlfriend is. My mind answers dryly and I nod, sighing softly.
"I've seen someone much more breath-taking than her." I gaze at her face as I say it. Her eyes suddenly snap to me and I change my demeanor.
"She is a blonde, isn't she?"
"Strawberry blonde." I specify and she lets out a shaky breath. "I prefer brunettes." I let her know so that maybe that will change her mood and it does. I hope she knows I'm not saying that just to make her feel better but to tell the truth.
A soft smile lights up on her face. "Then why are you with her?"
"My parents." And her parents.
"What?" I can sense her puzzlement.
"It's a story for some other time. We can talk about better things," She nods, her stance sagging a little as grabs her fourth beer bottle. "Tell me something about yourself that many people don't know."
"Then why should I tell you?" Her eyes render an underlying emotion.
"Strangers are the best people you can talk to."
"I thought you are my friend now."
"We've known each other for four days." I shrug.
"Stating the obvious but alright. Something no one knows," A smile twists on her face and there is a light hint of blush. She shifts closer until her lips are close to my ear. "I kissed a girl once." Her lips brush against my ear and all I want to do is kiss her plum lips.
I turn to stare at Bella, her brown eyes hold a jaunty expression. Our noses almost touching and I get lost studying her face. What did she say? Oh, she kissed a girl once. Ah, she is wild huh? I like that. My eyes drink in her heart-shaped face and those striking features carefully. She is so beautiful.
I have a girlfriend.
I have a girlfriend.
"You did? When?" I ask and sit up a little straighter, already missing her breathing mingling with mine. Bella recovers as well and coughs a little.
"Spring break." I chuckle.
"Spring break always is an unforgettable experience. So, did you like it?" She stares at me with a mortified expression.
"I don't know! I was drunk." Her voice is all high and squeaky. I laugh.
"Of course you don't."
"Your turn."
"Well, I don't have anything as adventurous as yours but, I paint." I say softly, taking a sip from my beer. Bella gives me a wide grin, an impressed look gracing her face.
"You paint, wow. What kind of paintings?"
"Anything my heart wants. Like you bake in your spare time. When I'm free and don't play my piano, I paint." I shrug.
"You have like a studio or something?"
"At home, yes."
"You moved here six months ago and already have a house?" I chuckle.
"Yes, but it just got completed last month. I stayed someplace else until then."
"Do you live with your girlfriend?" Bella asks and my stomach recoils.
"Of course not." She laughs staring at my sour expression.
"Then why do you go out with her?" I gaze at her for a moment and she recovers. "I'm sorry, it's not my place to ask."
"It's not." I murmur and take a swig from my beer. "Last beer?" I ask as she grabs the bottle. She nods, smiling shyly.
"Cheers."
I was right about the place filling up two hours later, it is almost five and difficult to get out of the crowd. Bella is obviously getting a lot of attention because of her perfect curves and even I can't stop looking at them. God, she's beautiful. I try to maneuver some space to get us someplace less populated but it seems like an almost impossible job to do. I snort when a woman walks past us, pushing Bella onto me as she strides off in her own little daze.
"I'm never coming back here." She mutters, shifting closer to me. I laugh and place my hand on her waist. My phone buzzes and I pull out to check the name. Alice.
I answer it.
"What do you want, Alice?"
"Where are you?!" She screeches, making me wince. Ouch.
"I'm at the same place you are. The beer shit." Bella chuckles next to me.
"Who was that? Are you with a girl?" My eyes widen.
"Well, for your information, I'm literally having hard time breathing in this drunk crowd and you think I won't be around people?"
"Yeah, okay. We were just leaving, that's why I asked." That's what I was afraid of. I don't want to leave Bella alone here, I don't want to leave her side at all.
"Oh, I thought you were going to stay a little longer." I can feel Bella's eyes on me and I smile, gazing at her.
"It's not so great this year."
"Well, it's definitely better than last year." I mutter and let out a sigh. "Alright, I'll meet you by the car in twenty"
"Okay, see you." I end the call. Ugh. "Well, looks like our afternoon is about to come to an end, Ms. Swan," She stares at me confused. "Alice called, I have to go." I say softly. "But first, I'll take you back to where you were sitting with your friends, where was it?"
Bella smiles sheepishly. "I don't remember."
"Alright, just give your friend a call and ask." She nods and reaches for her back pocket but her eyes widen. "No. You don't have your phone?"
"I did. I remember. Maybe it's at the table we were sitting at."
Nope. I'm not going back to that crowd.
"Was is it with you and phones? I'm not going there again. We'll need a hour to get out of the mess."
"Please?" She murmurs, staring at me from under her eyelashes. She's so beautiful.
"Alright but search it quick." I tuck the stray pieces of hair under her ear, making her blush. Ah, she likes it.
"I promise."
Bella grabs the hold of my hand this time as she drags me towards the stall where we were sitting previously. The public has doubled since we last visited the area and I groan internally. I'm coming back here only for Bella who seems to be struggling, just as much as I am currently.
"How am I possibly going to find it?" She mutters worriedly and I place my hand on the small of her back, making her turn to me. I hand her my phone.
"Give your phone a call." She nods and does that.
We reach the stall until then and see a couple of people sitting at the table where we were. Bella and I try to look around but find it nowhere. I run a hand through my hair as we approach the table. Oh fuck, where did her phone disappear suddenly? Maybe I can take her the nearest store and buy another one. Would she like that? No, she won't. We should keep searching for it then because Bella can be stubborn is what I have learnt.
"Call it again." She does and I hear the phone ringing. I study the place, and then see a black, shiny phone, buzzing down on the grass, under the table we were by. It is barely seen as the crowd sitting around as their legs stretched out around it unknowingly.
"Edward, do you see it?"
"Yes, stay right here." I make sure she is fine before I leave her side.
I walk over to the table and the girls whisper something amongst themselves, only to giggle looking at me. I give a polite smile and quickly grab the phone. The way these girls are dressed, they look like hookers. I hear a whistle and then someone calls out to me, making me reluctantly turn to them. I'm taught better than to insult women like these so I don't say a word.
"Where are you running away, handsome?"
"I'm sorry, I just needed this phone." I motion to the black object in my hands.
"Why don't you join us." A brunette suggests and I smile.
"I would but my girlfriend is waiting." I gesture towards Bella, who is staring at me with her eyes anxious. I show her the phone and she smiles, her shoulders finally relaxing.
"Pretty one." One of them comments.
"The prettiest." I wink and make my way back to her. Did I just do that?
Bella beams at me and I hand her the phone. "If you wanted my number so desperately, you just had to ask, Bella." I tease and she rolls her eyes.
"What would I use your number for? Building emergencies?" I laugh.
"Well, I have yours. I might annoy you anytime now."
"I wouldn't mind." She nods.
"Call your friend."
Bella speaks to some friend called Angela for five minutes and then ends the call. She has a small smile on her face and I sense her reluctance just like I did when I was in her bookstore about to leave or when she was in my car last night just before I dropped her off. Even she doesn't like when our time comes to an end. God, if only I could have her stay with me all the time.
"It's just two stalls away."
"Great, let's go."
"You know what? I'm good. Thank you for the help. Jake's there, I don't want him to…" She shrugs and I nod. Why does she not want her brother to see me?
"It's okay." She bites her bottom lip nervously.
"I'm sorry if I'm being rude, but you must be getting late. I already took up your fifteen minutes, it might take you some time to get out of here." I chuckle.
"You're right about that and not being rude. This was great. I hope to run into you again sometime."
"Me too. I had a great time in this crappy place." I smile and she leans up on her tiptoes and presses a kiss against my cheek. Oh, this kiss so much more better than the last time I had sex with Tanya three weeks ago.
"Bye, Bella." I whisper and she blushes.
"Edward." She nods and turns on her heel, walking out of the space, just like that while I continue staring at her back until she disappears amongst the people.
Bella's kiss did leave me feeling a little conflicted about everything. Should I break up with Tanya? Or not. Bella knows about my girlfriend, how will she react? There are so many questions that I have no answer of.
We met for the third time and it feels like I know all about her.
You know what they say, third time's the charm.
Author's Note:
Hey everyone! So what did you think? Edward finally knows who Bella is and Bella finally knows that he has a girlfriend! Any guesses what happens in the next chapter? Let me know!
Please REVIEW and let me know what you guys think! If I did happen to get more reviews, I might end up posting the chapter a little early than I have scheduled it for!
So do REVIEW everyone!
Thank you for the reviews for my previous chapters, they were all really appreciated and amazing as always!
Until next time, guys!
Love,
Paint the Walls.