Disclaimer: I don't own Twilight…Wait a minute I do, don't I? (Asks person on the side)
No.
You're bluffing.
(Stares blankly) No I'm not.
Damn it!
A/N: I'm glad you guys liked the first chapter. Here's the second as you can clearly see, it's in BPOV. Not all of it but a little over half. I know some of you liked it in EPOV. If you prefer EPOV over BPOV let me know. Just know I will have to have some BPOV in there at some point.
Chapter 2
My Green-Eyed Stranger
BPOV
This morning went by rather quickly. I had to get up extra early so I could get things done before Edward (Alice's brother), Emmett and Jasper came to the house. I made Alice and Rosalie breakfast before leaving, knowing that if I didn't they'd starve the entire day. I also made sure Edward's stuff was all neatly in his room. I noticed Alice's change in behavior in the last couple of weeks after she'd told us that Edward and his friends were coming to live with us.
It was a good change. I'd only seen her that happy when she found out that there were two shoe sale at the same mall for an entire week. She was beaming at the fact that her brother, who she hadn't seen in four years, was going to live with us. We hadn't even known that she had a brother up till a year ago. She didn't really talk about him much – Just that he was her cousin and when he lost his parents they had adopted him as her brother.
She talked a lot about her parents but her brother stayed in a top secret file. When she told us about him, she even told us that she had a feeling that he'd be coming over to see her and he'd be hanging around a lot more. Now I know that that probably doesn't sound really psychic of her, but the fact that she got the date and the year correctly was what baffled us.
Since Edward had obviously gotten her in good gracious around us, I decided to make his moving into the house, a little easier. I even painted his room a maroon color, nothing too hard on the eyes. I just hope he likes it. I was grateful for him. True, I've never met him, hell I've never even gotten a description of him! Like I said, top secret. Either way, Alice's good behavior on shopping and her ever more uplifting attitude (but not in an over perky and annoying way) was something to be thankful for.
I had asked Rosalie to buy the groceries after dropping me off to work at Starbucks, considering I'd be heading home too late to have time to buy groceries and make a 'Welcome home' dinner. Currently though, I was making a customer's coffee and he was being impatient with me.
"Could you hurry it up, please?" the customer said irritation sketched in his voice.
Well, since you asked so nicely… I thought sarcastically in my head. I finally finished his coffee and was glad that I'd be getting rid of him.
I handed him his hot coffee after placing the lid tightly on. "Here's your coffee, that's be 2.15." I said after handing him the Styrofoam cup. I gave him a polite smile.
"Here," he said handing me the money and running out the road. I should've given him a decaf. I shook my head and moved on the next customer.
I took my break around 2:30. Once I sat down on the couch with a book in my hand Angela came by. Angela was a friend I made in culinary school. She's 22 years old and she's married to his guy named Ben who's a computer technician. They're high school sweethearts. They look so cute together. Whenever they're around each other they get all lovey-dovey. They always have a look in their eyes that just screams 'I love you forever…' I always get a pang of jealousy whenever I see them together.
It's not that I like Ben in that way or anything. God no! He's a nice guy and all but it's more of the relationship that I'm jealous of. They seem so in love and I just know that that'll never happen for me. I'm just plain Jane. Boring girl with brown hair and brown eyes that is always with her nose in the books or chopping away in the kitchen.
"Hey Bella" Angela said shyly breaking me out of my thoughts. She was always a shy girl around people, sort of like me when I'd meet new people.
"What, still shy after all these years?" I teased her. It was always the thing Alice and Rosalie told her she needing to lose. Her shyness. She needed to be more confident as a woman. Although I'm no better. Even if I ever become confident, I'll still be a blushing fool.
"It just seemed like you were going to be busy reading during your break." She told me smiling and nodding her head towards the book in my hand.
I waved my hand. "Nah, you know that I've reading this book millions of times. I know it by heart." I reassured her. It's true, I'm a bookworm but only for the classics. Romeo and Juliet, Pride and Prejudice (the book currently in my hands), Wuthering Heights and any other Jane Austen or Shakespeare book.
"Come on, sit down" I patted the seat next to me on the couch.
She came over and plopped down and was suddenly bursting with happiness. I eyed her suspiciously for this suddenly mood change.
"Anything you want to tell me?" I asked with one eyebrow raised.
"I don't think so…" She trailed off. She kept playing with the hem of her shirt and looked away from my eyes. But for some reason that damn happy smile on her face wouldn't go away. I had to know what it was.
"Alright tell me! I'm dying here!" I shrieked. I'm not always a patient person.
"Okay okay!" she said laughing and holding her hands out. "Well as you know it's mine and Ben's wedding anniversary in a couple of days and guess what?!"
"What?" The freakin' anticipation was killing me!
"He's taking me to the Caribbean for a vacation and we'll be there for an entire two months!" she squealed.
"No way! I'm so happy for you!" That's the thing about Ben. He was always incredibly sweet and he never forgot important things like anniversaries or birthdays. Angela and Ben deserve each other. I hugged Angela tightly. "So when are you leaving?" I asked her.
"In a couple of days, possibly Saturday or Sunday. Ben wants to get there on our anniversary." She was still bouncing from excitement. She looked like a slightly taller version of Alice.
"Careful there. Don't want to turn into Alice do you? I mean, with all that bouncing…" I trailed off. She scoffed and playfully swatted my arm. I grinned at her. We spent the rest of break talking about Ben some more as well as Rosalie, Alice and the 'new guys' moving in with us.
"What do you think they'll be like?" Angela asked me as we walked back behind the counters and punched back in. I shrugged.
"I have no idea. I haven't even met or talked to any of them before." I told her as I was talking an old lady's order.
"Strange…" she answered. I nodded in agreement. Strange indeed.
"Do you think they'll be messy and live in a pigsty?"
I stared at her. "You're worried if they'll be messy? I'm more worried of what they act like. I don't want to live with jerks." I told her as I handed the lady for latte and blueberry and she paid me and left.
"I guess you're right." She said.
"Plus, even if they are messy, I'm sure Rosalie and Alice will straighten them out. You know how they are about messes." She nodded in agreement once again. Alice was not happy about messes. It was like hell these last couple of weeks trying to clean the place up because Alice wanted it to be spotless. And Rosalie is a whole other deal. It's not too hard on them but for Alice she is. She's more of the 'Enforcer'. She'll yell your ear off if you don't listen to her.
"Those boys won't know hell until they've seen Alice and Rose cleaning." Angela exclaimed. I let out a laugh knowing how true that statement was.
The hours went and by the time I looked at the clock I noticed it was already 4:30. I had about 45 minutes left in today's shift. After a couple of minutes I noticed that things seemed t be less hectic than it was this morning.
"Hey Bella!" I whirled around to see Tim, my manager standing a couple feet away from me. I mustered back a 'hey' as I hurried to serve three people their orders.
"Finish up Bella and then you can leave early." He grinned at me. Tim was a nice boss. He always thought about us first and wouldn't tolerate when rude men that would try to 'flirt' or sexually harass us.
"Really? I mean, you sure you could handle it on your own with Angela?" I asked. I wouldn't want to leave early and have him stuck with all the orders later on.
"Yeah sure. If you could wait twenty or so minutes after you're done though, so if no more crowds of customers come then I'll let Angela go with you."
I bit my lip thinking about it. I wasn't sure if I wanted to take advantage of him. But it would also be nice to finish off here so I could make it to my other job with time to spare. "Look, what if I call in Jenna and see if she could take a quick shift seeing as she needs to money. That way you don't worry about me." He smiled and bargained.
"Okay sure, I'll wait for Angela. Thanks." I walked up to him and gave him a kiss on the cheek. He gave me a grin and nodded leaving me to finish part of my shift.
Five customers later, I wrapped up my stuff and clocked out at 4:50. I took off my green apron and went to hang it in the back by the manager's office where the rest hung.
When I came out I went to sit on the couch and took out the book I had before out. I read and read, unbothered by my surrounding until I felt a tap on my shoulder. I looked up and saw Angela.
"Hey you done?" I asked getting up and off the couch. I stretched before putting the book back on the shelves.
"Yeah, I tried getting you attention by calling your name but got nothing. I was about just ready to scream in your ear to get your attention." She teased. Sometimes I got so wrapped up in my books that I forget all about everything around me, including the time.
I looked at my watch. Seeing it was 5:18 my eyes widened. "Wow, I was really out of it wasn't I?" Angela nodded.
"Where's your stuff?" she asked. I looked down and saw that I forgot to get it.
"Oh, I must've left it in the employees' lounge."
"Okay. Well go get it. Are you going to wait for Alice to come get you and drive you to the club?" she asked knowing I had no ride home or to work. My truck had officially died a week ago. I had yet to know what get as a new car, so until then I had to hitch a ride with Rosalie or Alice.
"Umm, I was wondering if it wasn't too much trouble if you could drive me there. They're probably getting the guys settled and I wouldn't want to inconvenience them right now." I said a little hesitantly. I mean, what if Angela wanted to just go home quickly and sleep? What if she wanted to meet up with Ben? Or maybe she had something else to do?
Angela quickly cut my thoughts off by speaking. "Sure. It's no problem. Go get your stuff and I'll meet you in the car. I just have to move some stuff to the back." I nodded and she left as I went to the employees' lounge.
After I got my bag with my change of clothes (my uniform), I quickly walked to the door only to turn around and wave Tim good-bye. I turned back and walked out the door. I looked at my watch to calculate how much time I had left for my next shift at Club Vibe. I bumped into someone when I wasn't looking and the impact of the hard body knocked me unsteadily off my feet but before I could find my ground I started to fall down.
I closed my eyes wait for the impact and reunion with Mr. Ground, someone who obviously wanted to catch up on old times, but felt I never did. I was still in the air but I felt two arms around my waist. The warmth was pleasant but I had no idea who it was.
I slowly opened my eyes to look at my savior and gazed up at two emerald eyes who were staring at me intently. My breath caught. Once it started again I felt my breathing coming in quickly but slow down after a few moments.
I felt a spark go through me when he had put his arms around me and I still felt it now. It seemed to magnify as we looked into each other's eyes. I studied this stranger's face. From his chiseled chin, nicely structured cheekbones, straight and symmetrical nose, to his tousled and messy bronze hair. It made him look sexy as some fell right above his eyes. I found myself staring at his eyes again and felt his arms flex a little.
Oh. He felt hard. Like a rock. He was obviously someone who worked out and was in extremely nice shape. I saw a small smile on his face as I kept staring at him while these thoughts ran in my head. My eyes widened slightly. Oh no! What if he knew what I was thinking? He, the attractive and sexy man, probably knew that I, the plain and boring girl, was most likely staring at him like something to eat and he probably found it amusing.
I couldn't tear my gaze off of him but felt myself blush. I was now blushing red and that helped to rip my eyes off of him. I looked down, embarrassed of being caught staring too long and blushing like a fool. I started to stand up and steady myself on the ground. He seemed to be reluctant to let me go, but my mind could've just been foolish me.
As our skin brushed against each other I felt the electricity run through my body and once again I felt warmth run throughout my body. I started to breathe rather quickly in effect. " I'm sssoo s-s-sorry. I'm extremely clumsy and have really bad luck." I sputtered out. I was looking like an even bigger fool. Why is it that I can't act right around someone like him? I looked down and blushed even more when I heard him laugh.
I felt his warm hand grab my face and tilt it up gently to face him. "It's alright. I wasn't looking. I'm the one at fault." He said giving me a lopsided smile. I couldn't stop myself from looking into his sparkling green eyes. I shook my head in protest as well as to try as clear my mind. Obviously he was dazzling me extremely well.
"No you're not," I started to say and was about to give him examples of times when I've tripped on thin air just to prove my point but once I looked at my watch I remembered I had work. "Oh no!" I whispered low as my eyes widened. Apparently it wasn't so low because when I looked back up the guy was looking at me in concern. "I'm sorry. I've got to go." I ran leaving him dazed probably wondering what was wrong with me. "Again sorry!" I yelled as I turned back one last time to see him still in the same spot looking back at me.
I forced myself to turn away from him and run to Angela's car. I wanted to talk with him because obviously I felt an attraction and that never happened but I needed to go. I ran through the crowds and luckily made it to Angela's car without tripping. I stopped right at the passenger's door to catch my breath. I saw Angela was already in the driver's seat and once I caught my lungs up with its much needed air I opened the door.
I sat in the seat and placed my bag between my legs. "what took you so long?"
I turned my head towards Angela confused but then I remembered that I was asked something.
"Oh. I bumped into a stranger." I said to put it simply and slightly blushing.
"Okay." She turned back steering wheel and didn't comment on my vague blushing answer. Angela was that kind of person. She never meddled into anyone's business not unless she was asked to or was really worried. Unlike two roommates of mine.
Angela knew the meaning of privacy. I wanted to tell her what had happened but what would I say. 'Hey I saw this hot guy, who I just so happen to bump into and made a fool of myself.' Yeah, we'd have a lot of fun talking about that.
As she drove to work we fell back into conversation about other stuff other than the guy I bumped into because I knew I could never get through the story without blushing and sounding like a girl effect in folly.
When we reach the club I got out. Before closing the door I thanked Angela for the ride and closed it after our exchange of good-byes.
I walked through the entrance and saw Ryland. He was the bouncer for the club and he was pretty big. His muscles were straining under his black tee-shirt as he crossed his arms. He could look menacing to anyone that just looked at him but that's because of the job. Often we talk and he's really a nice guy. No mean attitude when we just hang out at his apartment.
"Hey Ryland!" I said cheerfully waving at him. He hadn't seen me and he had this hard look on his face, like it was set in stone but when he saw me he relaxed and gave me a bright smile. He came towards me and gave me a huge hug laughing as I squealed in surprise.
"Going in to work?" he said in his sexy British accent. He put me down along me to speak.
"Yeah. I have a short shift today." I told him.
He nodded. "Tell me if any of the shit faces I let in start to bother you. I'll personally escort them out." He cracked his knuckles. He was a bit over protective of his friends, but I liked that about him. He was like the sweetest guy ever with the side of protectiveness. If I could control my feelings I probably would've fallen for him months ago.
With a sigh I said, "Ryland don't worry so much. If it goes to far I'll call for you but otherwise I'll take care of it." I said with a wink. Ever since the "accident" 6 months ago, I had to learn karate so I could defend myself. It so happened that during my shift, there was a drunk guy who tried to force me and he was stronger than me. If it hadn't of been for Ryland, the drunk man probably would've raped me or something.
"Hey, I'm going to head in and start my shift alright? I need to change into my uniform anyway."
He looked down at me as if he didn't even realize what I was wearing. "Okay. Just come out so we can talk whenever you get the chance."
I nodded. "I'll try, can't promise anything. I suppose you'd also want me to lead any worthy single ladies that enter in your direction?" I gave him a sly smile.
He smirked. "I wouldn't be opposed to the idea." He winked at me as I went around him and walked to the back of the club to change.
A couple of minutes later I came out in my short black mini skirt and matching black tight, body hugging tee-shirt. The V-neck dipped down low enough to see the top of my breasts. The shirt fit too well and it hugged my breasts, accentuating them. On the left side, right on my left boob was the logo for Club Vibe.
Ugh. I have no idea why I kept this job. I feel slutty in this uniform but the job pays well. I suppose it's also because I like the friends I have here. They're all so much fun to hang around.
The drinks I expertly served to the customers (mostly males) and the tips they left me, earned me a hefty amount. With that, I can withstand the drunk-flirting the men try as well as the times that they try to grope me. Usually that's where Ryland comes in. he substitutes as a bartender as well. He wasn't really locking for it but one night we were tight on staff and he had come on his night off and when he saw our dilemma he offered his services. Suffice to say that he's the most favored as well as the best bartender here.
He moves at such speed it's sometimes rare to see his hands at all and he could keep the same pace for over hours. I suppose somehow managing to mix three to four drinks at the same time might have something to do with that.
Unfortunately, he's the bouncer tonight but we had Devon at the bar. He was the second best bartender because he was great at mixing drinks and knew what a person would like just by hearing a little about them. He's tried to hit on constantly in the months of starting this job but now he just kept it to a minimum.
I walked around trying to see who else had tonight's shift when I bumped into someone. When I looked at who it was, I tried to keep my disappointment off of my face. Of course he wouldn't be here. He's not the only guy you'd be bumping into, not with your balancing problems. I had been hoping to see the guy from Starbucks earlier, my green-eyed stranger. But of course it'd only been Devon.
"Hey Devon."
"Hello Beautiful." He smiled at me. I tried to smile and I guess it worked because he smiled even more.
I was starting to get a little uncomfortable so I tried to make an excuse. "Well, I've got to go Devon. I think someone just called for me."
"I didn't –" but I ran off into a different direction long before he finished. I went to the bar to sit for a bit. I noticed that it was nearly six. My thoughts went back to the stranger from earlier. His eyes a striking emerald green and his messy bronze hair making him look sexy. His voice was so smooth and his smile breath-taking. I was getting hot just thinking about him.
How is it that he could do this to me? I don't even know him! Not even his name…
But my thoughts strayed to his hard and muscular arms. I felt a hand on my shoulder and I jumped both physically ad out of my day-dreaming.
"Bella you okay?" asked Kayla. She was the night manager and she closes most of the time. Sometimes she leaves that to me. She was two inches taller making her 5'8. She had black hair with some pink streaks and was only older than me by four years. Also she was single so customers hit on her too but she never flirted with them.
Everyone thinks it's because she's just not into relationships or she has a secret 'hubby' somewhere. But one night she entrusted me with her secret that she was actually a lesbian. She wasn't sure how people would react so she kept it under wraps. We became friends after that and now we're close.
"Yeah. Just thinking." I tried to sound nonchalant.
One of her eyebrows arched. "Really? Because your breathing was getting pretty heavy there. Were you thinking of a guy?" She teased.
I blushed. Not only had she guessed correctly about what I was thinking but apparently everyone could see me getting…affected. I was embarrassed beyond belief. I just hope she was the only one to notice but with my luck I bet everyone did.
"Yeah…" I mumbled lowering my head.
Her eyes widened. "Really? Must be a hot one if it's got you all hot and bothered. Damn…! Who is it?" She seemed really interested even though she wasn't into guys. She always wondered about my reasons for not dating. When I told her that I didn't like the guys I went out with she suggested that maybe I was a lesbian.
She asked if I ever slept with a woman and I blushed. She obviously didn't push the subject but she brings it up at the most embarrassing moments.
"Umm, it's this guy I bumped into before I got here, at my other job. I was leaving and I wasn't looking. I tripped, started to fall and he caught me by the waist. I don't know how long we stared at each other but then I noticed the time and I had to run out. I didn't even get his name. " I confessed with a sigh. I knew I could tell her anything without having to worry about her gossiping. She wasn't like that.
"Is he hot?" she asked straight out.
I started to blush. "Yes."
"How hot?"
I stared at her. "W-what?"
"You know, from a scale from 1 to 10..?"
"He's off the scale hot." I blurted out before I could filter it. Once I realized what I did I blushed again.
"Wow. Do you think you'll see him again?" she asked after a moment.
"God, I hope so." Once again the filter between my brain and my mouth was broken.
She smiled. "Does this mean I lost my lesbian lover?" She joked.
I went with it and said, "Aww, honey you could never handle this." I hopped off the stool and wiggled and swaying my hips.
Her eyes widened and got darker. I started shifting from one foot to another, thinking maybe I took it too far but then she started laughing. "Honey, you are too much. One of these days you'll kill me." she smiled as I did too.
"So how are things with you?" I asked not wanting to forget about her.
She shrugged looking straight out. "Just fine. I don't have a hottie to knock into." She looked at me out of the corner of her eye. We laughed, talked some more and when she asked me to help take inventory I went.
Afterwards I noticed that more people were starting to come and I went to scurry off and get my notepad to take orders. I took care of the customers inside the club along with Daisy, another waitress. Tanya and Lauren (both of whom I dislike very much but it's not my fault that I tried to be friends with them and they got bitchy) took care of the customers that went out to the area next to the club. We had a door that led to an outside area where people could drink and dance without the heat inside.
I went an entire half hour taking orders and serving drinks and food without taking a break. When I finally stopped, I slumped on a bar stool to take a breather. I finally caught up with my breathing when I noticed that Devon was standing in front of me with a glass on water with ice.
"Hey, I thought you might need a drink. Here, cool yourself off." He put down a napkin, the glass of water on top, and left to fill the other orders.
After I finished it I got back up and started all over again. I noticed some single women that could probably use a good night and sent them to Ryland. He seemed to like the brunette one I sent him because he had a huge smile the entire time talking. He'll thank me later.
I got so many phone numbers among other stuff that I had to keep stuffing them all in the pockets of my waist apron where I kept my notepad, napkins and other stuff useful.
At one point the groping got to be too much and I took out all my anger on the next guy. I was walking to a table with the drink when the customer spoke.
"Thanks sweetie. How about I repay you?" he had a disgusting and creepy smile on his face. He moved his hands, about to grab my ass and boob when I took both his hands, after placing down the drink, and twisted them. I accidentally twisted one a little too rough and possible broke his wrist, he screamed in pain. No one could hear him though, the music that the DJ put on was blaring. I released his wrists and stepped back.
"Don't you dare touch me, you disgusting ass." I scowled as I crossing my arms.
He got up, gripping the wrist that hurt the most, and dropped down his money. He downed the drink and as he passed me he whispered in my ear, "You don't know what you're missing, toots." He stroked my arm and left.
I started to shiver in response but only because he smelled horrible and he grossed me out. I saw Ryland start to walk towards me and away from the brunette. I shook my head not wanting to take him away from the woman. I offered him a smile silently telling him that I was fine and I handled it and it understood. He nodded and turned back to the brunette.
After gathering up the money and wiping down the table I started to pick up the pace and taking orders once more. I felt more relaxed taking the women's orders and as the hours went by I started to daze off thinking about the stranger I bumped into.
I apparently started to operate on automatic because I didn't even realize that I had served drink for about ten minutes. I shook my head trying to rid these thoughts that plagued my head. How is he on my mind all the time? Why it that I'm like crushing on a guy that I bumped into and spent only…a couple minutes with?
A dozen phone numbers and twenty eight drinks later, my shift was over. I had asked for a shorten shift for tonight since I wanted to spend some time with my friends. I had been working nonstop this week and it was starting to wear me down. I put the money in the register minus my tips and walked to get changed.
I stepped into the employee's lounge and saw Tanya and Lauren there. They were counting the phone numbers they got and were finishing up when I got there.
They looked up to see who entered and when they saw me they scowled. "Hello Isabella." She sneered. Tanya had some grudge against me. I had yet to figure out but someone told me that it was because Devon wouldn't pay attention to her when she tried to flirt with him and she got pissed. Apparently no one says 'no' to her. When she asked why, Devon proceeded to tell her that he was waiting for me to give him a chance.
So I guess she's just angry that Devon pays all this attention to me, attention I don't even want mind you, and until I go out with him he's not moving on. I guess Lauren is the same way because when she looks at me, it's a look of disgust. From the beginning they tried to put me down, saying that my hair is frizzy, my skin is too pale meaning it's in dire need to a tan, or I'm just too ugly for a guy to like which is why they pity me and my small breasts. I'd be lying if I said it didn't hurt, because it does. I'm insecure around them because they look perfect all the time.
Alice and Rosalie always try to tell me different but I always think that they're just saying that because they're my friends.
Lauren and Tanya just went back to ignoring me and talked among themselves. "So…how many did you get Lauren?" I heard Tanya asked. I had turned my back to them and opened my locker to get my change of clothes. They were exchanging the number of phone number they each got and I couldn't really help but listen in, but then again I guess what's what they wanted. She had spoken at a louder voice then you'd expect it was like they were hoping I listened in on them.
"Well, gee..." Who says 'gee' anymore? "I think I got seventeen. How about you?"
"Glad you asked." Did they really think they were being smooth? "I got twenty."
I started to smile and I was glad they couldn't see me.
"I guess you got more because you're totally hot, right?" Lauren's shrill voice said.
"You know it! " Conceited. "You're pretty too…" I could tell that Tanya was lying. Just how I sucked at lying I was good at spotting it.
After a while they left and I felt like jumping in the air but I decided to wait till I got home. Well, after I make dinner, meet the guys and take a shower.
I was almost giddy at the fact that I got more numbers than Tanya and Lauren. I wasn't like them, it didn't matter to me. But Alice and Rosalie have it in their heads that if I get a large amount of numbers it'll raise my self-esteem. I think different. But Alice said that if I can beat Tanya or Lauren then I get to opt-out on one of the shopping trips from hell whenever I chose. Now I just beat Tanya and Lauren, meaning I get two to opt-out of. Because of these moments was why I accepted the deal. I hate shopping. I may be a girl but I'm just not girly. I'm not into spending mindless hours at the mall just to waste thousands of dollars. It's not just that I don't have the money unlike Alice but it just never appealed to me before. I'm a jeans and tee-shirt kind of girl. The only kind of store I don't mind spending all my time in is the book store…or the grocery store.
I changed from my mini-skirt and tight tee-shirt into my low rise jeans and light blue shirt. I grabbed my bag, stuffed my uniform in and closed my locker door, locking it. I realized I had no ride home and went to find Kayla, not wanting to bother Ryland and his 'date'.
Once I found her, I told her my car troubles and she said she'd be more than happy to give me a ride home.
"Are you sure? what if someone needs you?"
"No problem at all. If they need to reach me then they'll call my cell phone. Come one let's get you home." I complied and followed her to her car. She drove a red mustang and she was damn proud of it. Her words not mine.
I got in the passenger's seat and we drove off in the direction of my house. We listened to the radio and sung along to the music. Once we got there it was 9:30 already. I took off my seatbelt and before opening the door and stepping out Kayla went and kissed me…on the lips. She just smiled wide at me. I sat there frozen and after a few minutes when I regained control of my muscles I walked into the house still freshly shocked.
I shut the door behind me and it close with a bam! That woke me up from my shock. I remembered that the guys were probably waiting for dinner so I hurried towards the kitchen. I went to the living room first and turned on the music. I placed my bag on the couch and put on reggaeton because I felt in the mood.
The music started and I easily recognized "Ella y yo" by Aventura. I sang along with some of it. I began dancing some because of the beat of the some.
I realized that I didn't hear or see Rosalie or Alice anywhere. "Alice?! Rosalie?!" I called out towards the stairs. They were probably in their rooms. I took off my hair tie and let my hair down. I lowered my head to shake my hair. I brought my head back up and kept singing in Spanish.
I started to turn around to go find them "Come on guys! Where are y –" I stood frozen in my spot.
Apparently they were behind me the entire time. Along with three guys. Rosalie had an amused expression on her face and Alice looked shocked. Never heard me sing or dance but Rose had I guess Alice found something shocking in my singing in Spanish. I moved my eyes from Rose and Alice to the three guys where shocked expressions. I felt like blushing at the attention and I could already felt my cheeks blazing.
As I blushed the really tall and muscular guy with black curly hair started to grin. The lanky, slightly shorter blond guy, who could very well be Rosalie's twin, was staring at me with a curious look. I had no idea what he was thinking so my eyes moved to the last guy. My eyes bugged out. It was the stranger from earlier today.
(A/N: I was going to stop right here but I didn't want to be mean. you can thank me in reviews lol.)
Oh god, he just….he saw...I…singing...dance…me…crap! I kept staring at him. He looked just the same as earlier today. He was shocked to see me and wore a lazy smile. Oh god, I feel like setting a new blushing record.
"Clumsy girl, we meet again" he said in his velvet voice. It sounded better than I thought.
"My green-eyed stranger…" I said smiling. I realized a little too late that I had called him by the little nickname I gave him seeing as I didn't know his actual name. once again today my filter wasn't working. I was going to have to get that fixed. Embarrassed, I closed my eyes and smacked my head with the palm of my hand.
I heard him chuckling. I felt even more embarrassed. Like I didn't do a fair job when I first met him!
"Green-eyed stranger, eh? I like it. It makes me sound cool, smooth and mysterious…" he said smirking.
"Cool, smooth and mysterious? Pffh! That's like the opposite of you, Eddie!" the burly guy spoke.
"Why don't you shut it, Emmie?" my green-eyed stranger said scowling.
"Eddie? Is that your name?" I asked him. The burly guy along with Alice started laughing.
"No. I'm sorry, never mentioned my name did I? My name is Edward. Not Eddie." He spatted the last word at the big guy. He looked back at me smiling.
Edward. Edward, Edward, Edward, Edward. It fit him. His name just rolled off my tongue.
EPOV
I can't believe it's her. The girl that has been on my mind since I got home was here. In the same house as me. I couldn't stop smiling. It had to be fucking fate. No other explanation.
I had no idea that when someone came in and turned on the music that it'd be her. To say I was shocked would be putting it simply. I watched at she danced and sang in Spanish along with the song. Her voice was heavenly. I couldn't help but be mesmerized by her as she let her hair down. Her smooth brown hair cascading down her back. she had no idea we were watching her the entire time. I watched at she turned around, shocked that we were there the entire time and then she blushed. Her blush spreading all over her cheeks. She looked….amazing and I felt my breath caught.
I have no idea where I got the motor skills back but apparently I had called her Clumsy girl. The nickname I gave her, well one of the nicknames I gave her, in my mind. I have no idea why my heart swell when she called me hers. Her green-eyed stranger. Apparently she had a nickname for me as well. I found it cute. I'm guessing she wasn't expecting to blurt it out because she got embarrassed again.
Then Emmett had to open his big mouth. he called me Eddie and then she asked if I was Eddie. After I told her that my name was not indeed Eddie but Edward she smiled. I despised the name Eddie. I feel bad for anyone stuck with that horrible name.
"Well, hello Edward." I felt I thrill go in me when she said my name. I like the way it sounded when she said it. "My name is Isabella Swan…" Beautiful in Italian. And indeed she was. "but I go by Bella." Her name definitely fit her. She stuck her hand out to shake and when I grabbed it I felt the same shock from earlier today go through me. I wasn't sure if she felt it or not because she didn't pull away.
"Who's everyone else?" she asked. Alice introduced her to Emmett and Jasper. I couldn't help feel something when Emmett grabbed her and spun her around. I felt like ripping his arms off and I had no idea where this feeling came from. As Jasper bowed, grabbing Bella's hand and placing a kiss on it while speaking in his southern accent I felt the same thing. I wanted to rip his eyes out along with his lips. I didn't know where these feeling stemmed from or why I was feeling them, because they were foreign and intense.
"And this is obviously Edward…my adopted brother and lovable cousin." Alice said with a smile.
"Really?" Bella's eyes widen. I couldn't help but feel like I missed something. "That's your brother?!" she pointed at me while looking at Alice. Alice nodded. Bella looked at me intensely. I had no idea why but I felt something burning in me while her eyes looked at all of me. I stared at her as well though.
After a while she talked again. "I'm sorry Edward. It's just that Alice here," she narrowed her eyes at Alice, who seemed unaffected. "didn't share a single detail about you. You were locked away in a secret vault. It's just a surprise to finally meet the great mystery." She grinned.
Seeing her smile made me smile as well. "I didn't know I was such an interesting subject that Alice would keep me a secret. Care to explain dear sis?" I raised an eyebrow at Alice.
Alice just shrugged. But it was Emmett that broke our conversation. "Hey can we get dinner ready, please? I'm really hungry." He whined.
"Oh, I'm so sorry. I forgot all about that. Sure, I'll go make some food. Give me 30-45 minutes." She ran into the kitchen.
Emmett and Jasper went to play Guitar Hero, after Emmett had challenged Jasper and then calling him a chicken for declining.
Rosalie and Alice went upstairs moving rather quickly and I was left just standing there. I decided to make myself useful and went to help Bella in the kitchen. Plus I really wanted to spend more time with her.
I walked in and there was Bella with her hair now in a bun, wearing an apron. She seemed to be cutting some meat when I came in. "Hey Bella", I said.
She jumped and nearly cut her finger. "Geez Edward! You scared me." she looked up at me.
"Sorry." I said leaning on the refrigerator.
"It's fine. I guess my mind was just somewhere else." She waved her hand dismissing what just happened. "So why are you here?"
"I'm sorry?"
"I meant in here in the kitchen." She clarified.
Man, I feel stupid. "Oh, I wanted to help with dinner. You must feel tired if you just got off of work." I remembered that Alice said she had two jobs to go to. Sometimes one right after the other. I couldn't help wonder if I had arrived earlier to the coffee shop to meet her, if anything would've gone different.
"Nah, I'm fine. Sure I'm a tad tired but cooking calms me down sometimes."
"There must be something I could do. I feel pretty useless just standing here and living in this house when you guys invited us."
"That's just it. You're like the guests in this house. You let us take care of you and gradually we'll stop." She said.
"Bella…" I slightly whined. I gave her a puppy dog look even though she couldn't see it.
She put the knife down, dropping the meat in the pan and she turned around to look back at me. "Ha. Okay fine. I guess I could use another hand. You know, you and Alice have nearly the same damn puppy dog look. I could never resist Alice when she did that. She uses it to her advantage I would think." I laughed with her knowing how true that was. Alice often got me to do things for her when we were kids.
I got off the refrigerator and walked towards her. "What can I do?"
"You can make the salad." She said simply.
I laughed, "Come on. Give me something better than the measly salad."
She giggled. "So in other words. Something manly to cook? Well all you're getting is the salad and I'll even throw in boiling the water for the noodles."
"Wow, boiling water! You're too kind." I said sarcastically yet smiling.
"I am aren't I?" she teased. "Well the salad and noodles. That's the deal, if I need your help reaching for something I'll ask the services of your height advantage."
"Fine. But I'm making dinner next time. And then I'll assign you the wimpy salad and flimsy noodles." I said. We kept going with the playful banter and just talked. We fell into easy conversation.
"So what do you work as? Alice told me you had two jobs. I know you work at Starbucks because I was sent to pick you up in the first place but what's the other job?" I asked.
"That's why you were there?" I nodded. "hmm…." She seemed to contemplating something. "Well, I work as a waitress at club Vibe most nights. Rarely I'm the one mixing drinks, we like keeping that to the bartenders or Ryland." She smile at his name and I couldn't help feel something in my chest. Hurt? Jealousy? Rejection? I wasn't sure. Maybe he was her boyfriend. It wouldn't be a shock. She's extremely beautiful, more than words could express. Why wouldn't she be in a relationship with another guy?
"Oh, is he your boyfriend?" I asked trying to sound like it was just another question and that I wasn't actually curious for the answer. But I was. I so badly wanted her to deny ever having anything to do with any man. These were odd feelings.
"Oh no, he's just a good friend of mine. He's really sweet. Emmett reminds me a lot of him. Anyway, Ryland is usually the bouncer of the club but he's also he number one bartender." She said. "I'm single. I don't have a boyfriend." She was smiling at me.
I couldn't help feel happy at those words. She's single!
So..? not like you could do anything about that.
Why?
The bet.
What bet?
The gay bet, stupid! How did it slip you're ever-loving mind?
Oh right. That bet…
Yeah that bet. The voice said mockingly
I'll just wait until it's over and then I'll take my chance to ask her out. Emmett will lose the bet soon. He can't help not be masculine. He could never pass as gay.
And what if Emmett does last? Then what?
He won't but if he does, I'll make sure he loses.
The two voices in my head kept arguing as I prepared the salad.
"How about you?" she asked.
"No…I don't think I have a boyfriend. " I joked.
"Oh, sorry" she blushed. "I meant girlfriend."
"No. I don't have a girlfriend either. No woman has ever caught my interest…" until now.
"Really? That's hard to believe." She sounded surprised.
"How?" I really didn't see how it's hard to believe I didn't have a girlfriend. Women didn't exactly find me the more attractive one of the group. That was more Emmett.
"I guess it's that you seem like a great guy. I don't know everything about you but I bet you're a gentleman and plenty women love that in a man."
Do you?
"What about you? Where's your reason for no boyfriend?" I was extremely curious about that. Her sense of humor, beauty, and cooking skills could probably catch anyone. Not that I'm complaining that she's not taken.
"I don't know." She shrugged and the subject was dropped.
"So where'd you go to school?" I asked. Seemed like a harmless topic.
"Oh I attended Cambr – uhh, Harv–, I mean I attended Le Cordon Bleu culinary school." She said nervously laughing.
Huh, what was that about? Was she about to say Harvard…? Odd. I chose to tuck that away for a later time. "So you're a chef?"
"Yeah, I spend 2 years and 9 months at the school in Pennsylvania. I got two associate degrees. What about you?"
"Well, I went to Harvard University in Massachusetts." I told her as I finished the salad along with the tomatoes and moved on to the water for the noodles.
"Oh really? Uh, which one? Law, medical…?" She asked not looking up from the potatoes that she had gotten out. From the ingredients, it appeared that she was making mash potatoes.
"Medical. Guess you could say I'm a doctor." I heard her breathe out a gush of air in relief.
"Really? What type?" She seemed curious and her previous behavior was gone. She wasn't anxious or nervous. I wondered if something had happened with that college to make her cautious about talking about it. I'd have to ask later on.
"I'm in Pediatrics. I love children. I'm actually taking the job as one of the doctors at the Connecticut Children's Medical Center." I said smiling. I really loved children. They wee cute and innocent. They didn't deserve to die so early on in life from some illness. It seemed wrong. Children were supposed to bury their parents never the other way around.
"Aww. That's so cute. See? Already I could make a list of reason why you should have a girlfriend. Women would have to be insane not to snatch you up." She looked up and smiled. It was a genuine smile, warm and inviting not like with other women.
We stared at each other for a while and suddenly she broke contact.
I tried to compose myself while I spoke. "Uhh, well most women gross me out. It's like the only thoughts on their mind is how to get in my pants rather than how to make actual conversation and it's not exactly what I'd look in a woman. I want to actually be able to have an intellectual conversation with one. One that would understand me on all sides and she's have to be smart, kind, caring, and loving. But none really exist so I stopped a long time ago. plus, I was so busy with my studies and trying to pass my MCAT's that I never paid attention to any."
"They exist you know, they're just too shy. But I see what you mean. It's the same with me. It's like the only thing they want from me is my body. You should've seen the last couple of dates I've had. They were all jerks. They kept staring at my breasts the entire time. I don't know why, I'm not that pretty. Needless to say, I've given up on men. Why can't we find nice guys like you?" she laughed.
How could she think she's not pretty? She's extremely beautiful. Perfection in the most exquisite form. Ugh, the likes of some men. I can't believe I'm classified as the same species. I can see why she'd choose to stop dating with what the men she's seen.
"Well, on behalf us nice guys everywhere…we don't get out much." I said joking. She laughed and I loved hearing it. I wished to make her laugh a lot and smile all the time. She had the power to make me feel so weightless and light. I wasn't sure if it was a good thing or not but I didn't care. I didn't know why I was feeling this after just meeting her just today but I wouldn't think about that now.
"Well, us nice girls tend to stick to the libraries. If that's any hint." From there we talked about a lot of things. Mostly about our tastes in music and sometimes anything else we could fit in those 45 minutes. Somewhere in between she took out strawberries (which I noticed she smelled like along with something else that I couldn't place) and some other ingredients.
I sat down on the island, after making the salad and noodles, watching Bella making something and then placing the six bowls in the fridge.
"How old are you Bella? I never asked. You seem really smart." She turned around and came to sit down on the island as well.
She looked at me and said, "I'll be 23 on September 13th which is around, oh six months or so away, I think? Either way, I guess I grew up pretty fast. I may have had Rosalie as a sister but once I grew up the process didn't stop there. I moved away as soon as I could. I didn't want to but I felt like Forks didn't exactly have the things necessary for me to stay there long. I needed to find myself and see things and at the time I was very young…some might say extremely young. Rose understood, I think. I mean I think she knew I couldn't stay there long." She had a wistful look.
It seems like she had a lot in her life. I wonder what happened. I guess we'll hang out long enough for me to ask, if she'll tell me.
"Wow. She's your sister? I didn't know that." They didn't look alike. I didn't notice any familiarities between them.
"Yeah, adopted sister. But I still love her like my own."
"You said you were young when you left. How youn–" at that moment the timer went off and the rest was ready. Bella rapidly hopped off the island and went to get things ready.
"Hey Edward?" I turned my attention to her. "Could you set the table and get everyone to the dining room?" I nodded and she thanked me. I hopped off the island as well and went to get the plates and cans of sodas. After I set the table I went to get the guys.
They were still playing Guitar hero and when I interrupted them Emmett lost and Jasper did his boasting.
"Aww damn it Eddie." He complained.
"Stop calling me that." I growled. "Dinner's ready." That got Emmett moving. Once they walked to the dining room I went to get Alice and Rosalie. I got as far as standing in front of Alice's bedroom door and was about to knock when she opened it.
"How–" I started but she interrupted me.
"I knew you were coming. Duh. Let's go!" She and Rosalie took off down the stairs and I followed behind them.
When we all got there they were all sitting down and I helped Bella set the food down.
Emmett was ready to attack the food when Rose smacked his hand away. "Say your prayers first." She was trying hard not to smile but I saw her mouth tugging at the sides. I could tell she was trying to get him to wait even though he didn't have too.
"Aww, come on Rose." He whined. I knew there was something between them. it was like a spark. She was the kind of woman that could probably control Emmett, but we wouldn't find out until after this stupid bet.
Rose 'shh'ed him and he stopped. Jasper and I looked at each other with knowing glances. Emmett had it bad.
After setting down the mashed potatoes, the salad, meat and spaghetti noodles Bella and I sat down.
"You make all of this, Bells?" asked Emmett staring at the food hungrily. What, he's even gotten her a nickname?
"No, Edward helped." She responded.
"Edward…helped you?" Alice said in disbelief.
I raised an eyebrow at her. "Don't sound so shocked little sis. I, unlike you do, know how to cook."
She scowled at me. "I didn't mean that. It's the fact that Bella let someone else in her kitchen. It's like her territory. You don't get in without the permission of the general."
"Geez, that what you think? Alice, you and Rosalie aren't exactly known as the greatest cooks. We don't exactly have a lot of guests so who exactly am I going to let in my kitchen? Plus, Edward used the same puppy dog look you have to get me to let him anywhere near my equipment. And it's not exactly like I let him cook anything big. I let him have the salad and the noodles." Bella smirked looking at me. oh, she knows how to push a guy's buttons. She opened the soda and took a sip.
"So he got to make the salad and noodles? Wow, Edward I didn't know you're so manly!" Emmett teased. He took an opportunity to take a shot at me.
"That's what he said. I told him that's all he's getting. And he said he'd make dinner next time and assign me the salad to see how I liked it." Bella told him.
We dug in our food I could tell from Emmett's face that he enjoyed it.
"Damn, Bella where have you been all my life?" She giggled at his exaggeration. Ah, I loved that sound.
"I've been in school, learning." She joked.
"This is really good Bella. Alice tells me you've attended Le Cordon Bleu culinary institute?" Jasper spoke. I believe this was the first time we've heard him speak all day and we were all a little shocked when we heard him. Bella was obviously the one out of her daze first.
"Uh, yeah. I attended for 2 years and 9 months." She took accusing glances at Alice. I had no idea what that was about though.
"No one really expected her to go in that direction though. We all thought she'd go down the lawyer or doctor path." Rose spoke out.
"Rose! Stop, please…" Bella yelled but Rose ignored her and continued.
"I mean she was like a known super genius in school. She finished early and left for England, we think. To this day we have no idea what she did in the past 7 years well besides these last two years but that's because she reconnected with us just recently."
Wow. Us guys were surprised to hear that tidbit about Bella. 5 years and no one heard from her? Didn't know if she was alright or not… wow. and an apparent super genius? She doesn't stop surprising me. But then again, someone as beautiful as her couldn't be anything but smart. Still, something must've kept her from talking about that since she didn't want Rose to tell everyone.
"Rose..." Bell whispered shaking her head.
Emmett spoke softly, "Jingle Bells? How young were you?" he'd asked the question that I had been wanting to ask earlier when I was alone with Bella, just before the timer had gone off interrupting our conversation. Seeing Bella upset now, made me feel like the answer wouldn't be a good thing.
"I was too young….too young." She shook her head. "I'm going to take a shower, guys. Sorry. Dessert's in the freezer. Bye." She whispered getting up, barely touching half her food. She left quickly and in the unsettling silence we could here her footsteps going up the stairs.
Once it was silent again we heard Rose speak. "Oh god. I opened my big mouth again didn't I? I didn't mean – she just, never talks about it. I guess I wasn't thinking." She looked down at her plate.
"It's okay Rosie. You didn't know it'd be hard on her. It's not your fault." Emmett sounded so gentle and so unlike himself. He offered Rose a smile and she gave him a weak sad smile in return. I guess she felt like she had screwed up somehow.
"Do you think I should go talk to her? Try and fix it?" she asked.
"No." said Alice. "She'll be fine. We have to give her some time." She said rubbing Rosalie's back. Rose nodded reluctantly and let the subject go.
Once we finished dinner, we put the dishes in the dishwasher and turned it on. I went to get the desserts for everyone to eat from the freezer. I saved mine for later hoping to catch Bella and see if I could fix the problem from earlier at dinner.
I could tell Rose valued her relationship with Bella and was afraid she'd just ruined it when apparently she'd just gotten her back. I also didn't like seeing Bella upset. I felt broken just seeing her leaving with what appeared to be tears on her face. I wanted to see the Bella that was smiling all the time earlier today.
I had just met this Bella and I could tell there was a strong connection between us. She obviously shared something close to her heart when we were cooking. Whether it was intentional or not, I wanted us to be close. If I could only be her friend, while during this bet, then so be it. I would be there to comfort her and to care for her.
Everyone ate their strawberry sherbets and then silently went to bed. It felt like there was a cloud over everyone. Bella appeared to have such a strong affect on everyone, even Emmett who had just met her. He looked concerned for Bella. I think he viewed her as a little sister. He never had siblings with him being an only child.
Once everyone was gone, I went to take a shower. After I finished and I dried off, I put on my plaid pajama pants and white tee-shirt. I walked downstairs and got the sherbets out of the freezer, both hers and mine, and walked up the stairs. I quietly walked until I found her bedroom door. Huh, what a coincidence. Her bedroom's right below mine, next to the staircase. I lightly knocked, holding down desserts in one hand, and then opened the door. I looked around the dark blue painted room looking for Bella.
There was Bella, typing away on the laptop on the table, facing away from the door. "Rose, Alice. I'm not ready to talk to you guys about this." She said with a sigh. She had yet to turn around and see me.
"I'm not Rose and I'm certainly not Alice." I said chuckling. She turned around so fast that she fell off of her seat. I quickly placed the two sherbets on the nightstand and went to help her up. "Are you okay?" I asked. I hoped she didn't hurt herself.
She stood up and it was then that I noticed her sleepwear. She was in a white wife beater and blue shorts. She looked radiant. Her hair was still wet from her shower and it clung to her skin. "Yeah I'm fine. My head just hurts a little." I lightly pressed my hand on the back on her head rubbing it.
She sat back on the chair and I on the edge of the bed. I was about to say something when she cut me off. "Hang on a second." She held up one finger. She'd turn back to the laptop and proceed with saving something and shutting it down. "Okay shoot."
"First off I wanted to say sorry for startling you. I didn't mean to." I said sincerely.
"It's fine. I'm clumsy remember? It's bound to happen. Can I ask…why are you here? Shouldn't you be sleeping?"
"I could ask you the same thing." I replied. "But I brought your dessert up thinking you were probably still hungry and wanted something to eat." I waved my hand over the strawberry sherbet. I grabbed them and handed one to her. She got up from her seat and came to sit on the bed next to me. She had her back on the head board and she was staring at me intently. I wish I knew what she was thinking right now.
BPOV
I had to get out of that area right then and there. It was too much for me. The memories of the five years before I came and met up with my family again started to pile in. I ran upstairs before the tears spilled. I had held them in as long as I could before they could spill. It was an unknown rule that I didn't like talking about it. I knew I looked crazy running out like that but I didn't care. I just wanted to be alone.
I was upset at Rose for telling everyone about my past. Even if she didn't have all the details, I still didn't like being the main topic. I shied away from the spotlight not towards it. I'd wished that she had stopped when I told her to but she didn't. She told them of how I was known as the 'genius' at school and I didn't like that. I hated to be known as that. People would always look at me differently, like a freak.
It was better when they didn't know. I felt normal, average. Though I wished to be more then average in appearance, I wanted not to be as smart. I'm not talking bimbo dumb here, just nothing out of the ordinary. I jumped in the shower as soon as I had gotten there. I let the water calm me down and wash the tears away.
I forced my thought to leave my earlier years and focus on everyone downstairs. I bet the guys felt like I was crazy or something. Hopefully they would forget about what Rose told them. I knew I couldn't keep those five years a secret but I wanted to tell everyone in my own time. It wasn't all sad. It was a happy time it's just not something I like talking about.
I had dressed in my pajamas and went to type on the computer. Whenever I felt emotional I wrote short stories. It helped vent my feelings through another character. I was typing away, not wanting to go back down and face Rose and the others, not yet anyway. I barely heard the knock on the door, seeing as how I was concentrated on my writing. When I heard the door open I assumed it was the girls trying to apologize.
"Rose, Alice. I'm not ready to talk to you guys about this." I sighed. I wish I didn't get this emotional over the past. I just felt like I moved to fast. I barely had anytime to do anything else but school.
"I'm not Rose and I'm certainly not Alice," said a velvet voice chuckling. I whirled around in my chair trying to see if it was who I thought it was. That was a bad idea considering I fell off the chair and on my ass. Edward came and helped me up and when he lent me a hand I felt a current shoot up my arm. "Are you okay?" he said concerned.
I saw him look me up and down my body. I felt odd, like there were butterflies in my stomach or molten lava in my lower region. I tried to ignore it and tried to answer his question instead.
"Yeah, I'm fine. My head just hurts a little." I said thankful my voice was steady and wincing a little at the pain in the back of my head. I think I banged it against the chair.
Edward put his hand in the back of my head right where the bruise was and it felt better from his touch. I resisted the urge to lean into his hand, close my eyes, and enjoy the feeling.
Instead I moved back, cautiously on the chair. He sat on my bed and surprisingly he looked right at home in my room. Well, he looked right at home anywhere in this house, but then again this is his home now.
He seemed like he was going to say something but I stopped him. I saved my work and turned it off because it seemed like he wanted say something that was going to take some time. When I did everything else, I turned my attention back to him.
"First off I wanted to say sorry for startling you. I didn't mean to." He said sounding sincere. So I believed him even though it wasn't his fault. This happens to me all the time.
"It's fine. I'm clumsy remember? It's bound to happen. Can I ask…why are you here? Shouldn't you be sleeping?" I did wonder what he was doing in my room. I mean after my mini breakdown he should think I'm weird or something.
"I could ask you the same thing." He responded back. "But I brought your dessert up thinking you were probably still hungry and wanted something to eat." I looked at where he was pointing and saw that he had gotten the desserts I made. It seemed like a sweet gesture that he'd come up here to talk to me. But what I was wary about was about what, exactly. I just stared at him hoping the answer was in his eyes.
"Are you okay? Not about just now. I mean – from earlier, you know at dinner." He seemed to be stammering like he wasn't sure to ask. I found it cute and just smiled at him.
"Come here." I patted the bed, to the spot right next to me as I scooted over just an inch. He moved slowly and turned to look at me. "Well…" I stuck my spoon in the sherbet and scooped out some. As I ate some he did the same. "I guess I'm better now. It's just not something I like sharing. No one knows, really." I shrugged.
"Do…do you want to talk about it? I mean, I know you don't really know me besides I'm Alice's brother though that's barely anything. What I mean to say is if you want to talk I'm here. I could be your friend, if you want." He spoke in a rush.
I contemplated telling him. I don't know him that well yet I feel like I could trust him. He doesn't seem like the one to tell people and I could really use a friend that I could tell my secrets to, tell them about my day and such. Could I really have Edward be that person?
I feel so strongly about him and I have no idea what that means. I'll have to see him everyday now, so could I really just be his friend?
Yes, if he'll take me. If that's how he wants me now, then sure I'll be that.
I nodded while still eating the ice cream. "Sure. I think I could place you on the waiting list of friends/Best friends."
"Wow, the waiting list? You know you really know how to make me feel special." He joked. I laughed and he smiled wider. He knew how to make me feel better.
"You know I can't talk about it right now. Maybe later some other day when I feel like it, just – just not now. Sorry." I gave him a small smile.
"It's alright. But I have to ask. Did something bad happen? Did you get…raped?" he seemed to have a hard time getting the word out.
"No!" I yelled. "I mean, no. God no! Why?" My voice had gone back to normal level. He breathed out in relief.
"Sorry. You seemed upset about it and I just assumed the worst. I'm glad you didn't get raped." He was looking at me with an unknown expression on his face.
"Well, I'm sorry if I gave you the wrong impression. It's nothing really. Just…emotional, I guess would be a good word for it." I wasn't sure how to describe it. I put my empty bowl on the nightstand and I put Edward's there was well seeing as how he was done.
"You know Rose seemed a little upset about making you feel that way. She just didn't realize it until you left running upstairs." He whispered.
I sighed. "I don't want Rose to feel that way. I always react that way when it's brought up. Brings up the old feelings. I'll talk to her tomorrow, you know, apologize and all."
He wrapped his arm around me when I leaned back and said, "It's alright. You have a right to be like that, I guess." I could feel his head on top of mine. After a few second he spoke again. "You know you smell like strawberries…and something else."
"People say that too. Along with freesias." I said laughing a little.
"That's what that was…" I think I heard him say but it was too soft to be certain.
We fell silent and then I heard Edward groan.
"What is it?" I asked him leaning on my arm.
He sighed heavily. "I...I have to tell you something. I don't want you to hear it from someone else. Especially Emmett," he whispered the last part but I barely caught it, "I want us to have an honest friendship okay? No secret between us." He looked at me worried.
"Okay?" I said slowly nodding my head. What could be so bad?
EPOV
Fucking shit! I can't believe I'm doing this. But I can't let anyone else tell her. I feel like she needs to hear it from me. Though it's technically not the best thing to tell the girl you like. I mean how does telling the girl you find attracted to that you're gay, granted it's just a bet but I can't tell her that nor does she knows it to be. God, this is embarrassing….
How the hell am I suppose to act around her? I have no idea how to be gay. Emmett sure, he likes to pretend when he teases us for not getting laid and god knows that whenever he sings one of those songs in a girly voice he's as fake gay as they come but… this is difficult. I also don't see how Alice bought it. I mean she always sees through my lies.
Does she know already and just wants to torture me? Maybe she wants me to confess? Nah, that can't be it. Maybe Emmett is a better liar than me. Who knows what he and Jasper said to convince them.
"Edward?" a sweet voice of an angel said interrupting my thought process.
I turned my attention back to Bella. God, this is tough. "Well Bella… the reason I also don't have a girlfriend is…well, I-I-I …I'm g-gay." There I said it. Well more like had to drag it out.
She eyes widened. "I'm sorry?"
"Please don't make me say it again." I asked. It was rough saying it the first time. Emmett made it seem easy when he said it. I mean seriously, all he did was say 'Hi I'm Emmett and I'm gay.'
"Really? Gay? Wow…" she looked like she was somewhere far away, immersed in her own thoughts. In her moment of silence I felt worried, nervous really. Would she be disgusted? I barely knew her but I wasn't sure where she stood on same-sex relationships. Would she kick me out? Never talk to me at all? I don't think I could stand not learning more about her. She had already fascinated me with the small talk we had in the kitchen.
Her expression sadden and I couldn't help feel a glimmer of hope that maybe she was disappointed. I had hoped that maybe she felt attracted to me like I had been to her but I couldn't be sure. Finally after a couple minutes she spoke again.
"Well…this certainly changes things." I felt my body tense. Was she no longer going to talk to me? Did she feel disgusted to even associate with me?
"Not in a bad way, Edward." She said quickly after she probably felt me tense. As she spoke those words I felt myself release the gush of air I had been apparently been holding in.
"In fact… Now you're probably, most definitely not on the waiting list anymore." She smiled. Her smiling after I just told her I was gay…again, still fake gay but still embarrassing… well, it made me smile in response.
"Now you've been bumped up the list of friends. You're the gay best friend. Thought you've been added to the gay friends list too." She laughed.
"You have a gay friends list?" I asked.
She nodded. "Sure. You're not the only person to come out to me. I must have like a sign on my forehead that says, 'spill your guts here'. I have a handful of friends just like you. Granted Rosalie and Alice don't know. My friends want to keep it a secret before they come out to everyone." Her face sincere.
"You must be a great friend if they trust you with something like that… well, I guess this is a relief." I said staring right in front of me.
"Why do you say that?" she looked up at me.
I sighed looked down. "I wasn't sure how'd you react. Would you be disgusted? Accepting? Repulsed? I wasn't sure. I don't know a lot about you or how accepting you are of people who are "different"." I felt a hand touch my cheek and I looked up seeing Bella staring at me.
"I should feel insulted that you thought such a thing but you're right. We don't exactly know each other that well. I would never act that though. It's just that not many people can just come out with a secret, especially one revolving their sexuality. I find it endearing and rather brave that you finally accepted yourself and did what made you happy no matter what anybody else thought."
I felt…amazed. Bella was a girl like no other. She accepted anyone no matter what, always giving them a chance. You don't come across a person like her everyday. I hugged Bella and whispered in her ear, "You're something else Bella Swan."
I saw her visibly shiver and I rubbed her arms trying to warm her up. "You cold?" I asked.
"Umm, y-yeah." she said shaky. She involuntary yawned and knew she needed her sleep.
Not wanting to keep her up any longer I grabbed the sheets, pulling them back so she could climb in. once she got in sleepy I might add I could resist but place a kiss on her forehead. I felt a jolt but left it to ponder another day. I couldn't help but think about how soft her skin is.
"Goodnight, Edward." She whispered as she snuggled up to her pillow.
I chuckled at the adorable picture. "Sweet dreams, Bella." I whispered back as I gathered the two empty dessert bowls and walked to the door. Taking one last glance at her, I left slowly closing the door it and walked to the sink. I washed them and left to go to my room. As I entered my own room I crashed onto my bed taking a deep breath and sighing.
I climbed under and as I let the sleep overtake me, I dreamt of the beautiful girl sleeping one floor down.
A/N: 30 pages! okay I know it's been like a month since I've updated this story. Sorry. School can be horrid. You can all thank the person who kicked my cyber rear into gear to update. I'll be updating (hopefully) every two weeks. Now before you complain, I need those two weeks to provide you with over 20 pages of fun and laughter courtesy of Emmett and his new found gayness. Who know what he'll do next?!
I know it seemed like Edward and Bella were moving too fast but you know…when you feel it, you feel it. Plus this is Edward and Bella people. It's like destiny! Or Stephanie Meyer. It didn't help that Edward has been talking my ear off about the cute girl he met. He's like a love sick puppy. I had to edit his thoughts because they seemed stalker-ish with pleasure being in the presence of Bella.
I know there was the whole Bella crying over the fact that they talked about her past. I know, I know. Drama already? Well no. it's not a sad past. It's just Bella. You'll get it when I explain it later on. Plus it helped Edward and Bella get closer did it not? Raise you hands if you agree…that's right. Now because they like each other and Edward clearly came 'clean' about being 'gay' doesn't mean they won't get horny. And that goes for everyone else in the house. Since I clearly can't add lemons ( in their reality) doesn't mean they can't get certain dreams and wake up with morning wood and a serious need for a cold shower.
Again, sorry for the wait. Please review!
–Elizabeth –