Chapter 3:
And so a routine began. Even after the money from the sale of her truck landed in Bella's bank account, she continued to take the bus to and from work. She enjoyed the freedom not having to worry about parking and traffic patterns brought her and made friends with a few of her co-workers who lived on her side of town. Her favorite was the McCarty's. Emmett and Rose had been with the Seattle Symphony for Children since its inception and were friends of the family that provided the seed money for the endowment that brought the dream to life. She was a percussion master, throwing her entire Amazonian body into her craft, while the former college football linebacker played the violin with skill and grace. Watching the two of them perform was as much a visual as an auditory experience, and both were among the top requested performers to visit the local schools. After several discussions over home packed meals, the duo had asked Bella to bring her oboe and English Horn the next time they were called. She looked forward to the day that would happen and was again pleased to have made some friends in her new hometown.
On rehearsal days, Bella would wake, shower and dress, prepare breakfast and lunch, check her e-mails while waiting at the bus stop that was only a block away, and once onboard, answer any messages, schedule the few private lessons she had managed to pick up, and either people watch or read or listen to a podcast. The bus would let her off a few blocks away from the theater's performer's entrance, and she would tote her instrument (or instruments, depending upon the show), a carryall, and sometimes extra music down the street.
Once off the bus, she passed a few shops. Depending upon if she was ahead of schedule or not, she would window shop, gazing at the goods available. And every once and a while, she popped into Recovery Café's latest endeavor, a wonderful coffeeshop that employed the homeless and provided them with training that would aid them in obtaining permanent employment and treated herself to a latte and scone. After rehearsal, lessons, and other errands as needed, she simply rode the bus home and spent the evening in domestic bliss, cleaning, doing laundry, and other such boring, everyday events.
On performance days, the preparation was often the same, just later in the day. Bella would do her makeup just a little heavier since the stage lights would wash out her already fair coloring.
"You look like a ghostie, dear Bella!" Maestro Aro had announced from the back of the theater. "And you, Tyler. A little heavier on the foundation, please. We want to wow but not WOW our audience." He shuddered dramatically before striding down the center aisle and taking his place on the conducting platform.
Everyone had laughed good naturedly, but Bella had taken to YouTube and found several videos to help her create a natural but professional look, earning compliments from Alice as well as Aro. Her favorite reaction had been from Edward who climbed aboard the bus, yawning widely. He saw her just as he finished, and his eyes widened. The only seat available that day was behind her but Bella was certain he had murmured 'bella Bella' as he walked by her, causing her to sit a little straighter in her seat, proud she had managed not to look like a clown. And a compliment from a handsome young man had always been a boost to her ego whether the giver be mid-twenties or three.
After most evening performances, Emmett and Rose offered to drive Bella home so she would not have to ride the bus home alone. Sometimes they stopped for a late-night snack and others Bella invited the couple in for coffee and treats. Soon Bella settled into a comfortable routine that became typical and forgettable but oh so comfortable.
Recovery Café is a real place in Seattle. I have taken a lot of liberties in how it is portrayed in this story, but based off my rudimentary research, they do wonderful things to help people like Peter and Charlotte. You can add a dot org to their name and read up on them if you would like.
Again, thank you for reading. I hope you are still enjoying the story!