Disclaimer: I do own a copy of Twilight; however, I don't own the actual rights to said book … :(
Alright, its official, college is the most distracting and time consuming thing ever. I recently read this bumper sticker on Facebook that said: Good grades, social life, adequate amount of sleep … pick two and welcome to college. And it's so true! There is no way to do everything and adding writing this story into the mix does not help at all … but I'm finally sitting down and writing, even though people on my hall are currently shouting that I'm lame for not going out with them on a Friday night –turns music up louder-! Oh well… Hope you enjoy the chapter!!
Chapter 31: A Jealous Prince?
BPOV
"Bella, this is Laurent," James introduced once we got into the car, "And this is his date, Victoria."
I smiled politely at them both, "Nice to meet you." I said, shifting slightly in my seat towards the window and away from James and began to count the minutes until we would arrive at the restaurant, thanking God that we chose a restaurant that was only five minutes away.
"I've seen you around campus," Laurent said, flashing a grin in the rearview mirror.
James caught his glance and frowned, "Yea, well we go way back," he said stiffly, putting his arm around my shoulder.
I shrugged it off, "Didn't we just meet, James?" I asked, annoyed that he was getting jealous, we weren't even dating.
"Well, I mean, technically, but it feels like I've known you for forever already," James winked at me and I resisted the urge to roll my eyes.
"Right," I murmured, and continued the countdown, three minutes.
"So, Bella, excited for the dance?" Victoria asked and I instinctively groaned.
"Ouch man," Laurent said to James laughing at my reaction.
"No, I mean, I just don't like dances in general, I tend to injure everyone around me," I said, trying to backtrack.
James smiled tightly at me, "I have a feeling this dance will be different"
Two minutes, two minutes, I repeated in my head.
"Maybe," I said, and started to twiddle my thumbs.
What is Edward doing? I wondered. Jessica better not be all over him. I pulled out my phone and texted Alice, seconds later there was a response: We're almost there, she's trying, but he isn't responding to anything.
I smiled to myself, that's my Edward.
I was surprised when I looked up and saw that we were already pulling into the parking lot of the Japanese Steak House.
I got out of the car, opening my own door since James had begun to already walk up to the entrance of the restaurant and followed behind slowly, looking around for Edward's car.
His car, thankfully, pulled in right before I got to the door and I told James that I would be there in a minute, I had to 'check my makeup.' Of course he believed me and said something about saving me a seat and bent down and kissed my cheek.
Afterwards I ran into the bathroom and scrubbed my cheek until it turned red and walked out of the restroom to see Edward, Jessica, Alice and Jasper gathered in the lobby, waiting to see where to go.
The entire group looked up when they heard the bathroom door close and I couldn't help but smile as Edward's smile spread across his face.
"Bella!" Alice squealed and ran over to me, hugging me like we hadn't seen each other in years instead of minutes, "What happened to your face?" she asked, frowning.
I immediately touched the red spot and cringed, "Don't want to relive it," I shuttered.
"Did he hurt you?" Edward asked through clenched teeth.
"What?" I asked, "No, of course not"
Edward nodded but didn't seem satisfied, "He better watch himself,"
"Eddie" Jessica whined and he cringed, "Let's go get a seat, I'm hungry."
I rolled my eyes and walked in with them.
James patted the empty seat next to him once he saw me, and I reluctantly went over at sat down, noticing the seats next to me were already taken- Edward wouldn't be able to sit next to me like planned.
Luckily though, the seats across from us weren't taken, so Edward and Jessica sat there, with Alice and Jasper at the end of the table. Because it was a Japanese Steak House though, the sides were separated by a stove middle. So although I was directly across from Edward, it wasn't a reasonable amount of space apart to be able to talk to each other. James seemed thrilled at this fact, however; turning to talk to me.
"So, Bella, that is one hell of a dress," he said, his eyes raking up and down my body.
I squirmed under his gaze, and turned slightly red, I should have brought a jacket or something, what was I thinking letting Alice convince me to wear this contraption?
Edward's eyes closed infinitesimally, his glare never leaving James. Luckily he couldn't have heard what James said over all the noise around us, if he did I had the feeling that he wouldn't be only glaring at him.
"Um, thanks," I said, and then picked up the menu sitting in front of me, using it as both a distraction from conversation and also a shield from James traveling eyes.
As the meal passed, I couldn't help but fall a little in love with jealous Edward. He was just so cute, not paying attention at all to Jessica, and getting upset over the smallest things. Then James started to push his patience by gently pushing a piece of my hair back behind my ear. Edward stiffened and James noticed, chuckling a little under his breath.
"Looks like your boyfriend over there is enjoying himself," James said to me, scooting a little closer.
"Don't be a jerk, James," I said through my teeth, throwing an apologetic look at Edward.
That only caused James to laugh harder, "Oh, Bella, you are so funny." He said loudly enough for Edward to hear and then moved his hand from the table and placed it on my thigh.
I jumped, shocked and slightly revolted by his sweaty hand while Edward slammed his fist on the table and stood up, marching over to me and pulling me away from James and out of the restaurant.
Once we were outside, he released his grip and ran a hand through his bronze hair.
"Edward-" I started.
"I can't do this," he said, and then grabbed my hand gently this time and gazed into my eyes, "Bella, I can't watch him be all over you, flirting with you, touching you," he said, "You are mine."
A shutter went through my body when he uttered those words, and not anything like the one I had when James tried to touch me. This one was in my lower stomach, and much, much more pleasant.
"I'm sorry if that sounds territorial, or like I'm some crazy jealous boyfriend," he continued, "But hell, I'll say it, I'm jealous. I don't ever want anyone else's hands on you. I don't want any other guy to make you laugh. I don't want you to have to sit through the rest of that meal with his eyes undressing you."
I blushed, I couldn't help it, "He isn't undressing me with his eyes"
Edward rolled his, "Please, every guy in the room is. And maybe a couple girls" he added as an afterthought.
I turned redder, "Including you?" I wondered.
He gazed into my eyes, "Of course"
If his hands weren't now at my waist holding me up, I think I would have been a puddle in the ground by now.
"I don't think you have any idea how hard it is for me to be at the opposite side of that table, watching him with you," his eyes darkened.
"Edward," I said softly, "I hate it too, but we have to do it, dinner is almost done, then we'll be at the dance, and I'll be all yours."
Edward muttered something about dinner being way to long, and we should have just gone to a fast food restaurant.
"Just a couple more minutes," I repeated, reassuring both him and me.
He nodded and then kissed me, "Hopefully I'll be able to wait that long."
I took his hand and walked back towards the door, when he stopped me.
I looked up at him curiously, "Here, take this," he said, shrugging off this jacket and placing it on my shoulders.
I quickly put my arms into the holes and wrapped it around myself; it smelled like Edward. Yes, this would be enough to get me through whatever time it was until the dance.
After Edward looked over me, satisfied to see I was more covered up when James came storming out the doors.
"Cullen, you can't just drag my date outside!" he yelled and then noticed the jacket I was wearing.
"I was cold," was all I said.
"I would have offered you mine," he said.
"Oh, it's fine," I answered politely.
James walked slowly over to me and placed his arm around my waist, "Let's go back inside before you get sick then."
Edward growled, "Get your hands off her"
"She's my date!" James said.
"She's my girlfriend!" Edward said, clenching his fists "I think that trumps a pity date"
"A WHAT?!" James yelled, "Look, just because you couldn't get the right freaking shoe, don't get mad at me."
"Edward, James!" I said, not wanting a fight to break out in the parking lot.
They both turned to look at me and simultaneously asked 'what.'
"Calm down" I said, feeling exhausted, "James, I'm your date, but that doesn't mean that I want you touching me all over." Edward smirked, "And Edward, I love you, but you can't fight every guy that ever takes an interest in me." At that James smirked.
"But Bella," Edward began.
But I interrupted, "James, I'll meet you inside in a minute. I have to talk to Edward real quick."
He nodded reluctantly and went inside.
"Please, don't get in a fight with him," I said, "I've seen you in the hospital once already this term, I don't think I could handle seeing you in that state again."
Edward placed his hand on my cheek, "I hate seeing him with you, Bella. I absolutely hate it."
"Five more minutes, ten max," I reassured him, "Then we'll be at the dance."
"Then you'll be all mine," Edward whispered into my ear, causing me to shiver.
Two could play that game; I stood of my tippy toes and moved my mouth right next to his ear, "Then I'll be all yours." I said, and then placed a soft kiss right below his ear on his neck.
I then pulled back and walked back into the restaurant, taking my seat next to James, all without looking back to see if Edward was following; I knew he was.
After I took my seat, I couldn't resist any longer, I looked across the table to see Edward sitting down, touching the place my lips had just been and looking at me lustfully.
Feeling somewhat out of character I winked at him and giggled.
"Something wrong with your eye?" James asked, sounding annoyed at this point.
I sighed at turned to face him, "No, but thanks for asking."
He nodded and paid the bill silently.
Good, I thought, maybe now he's gotten the hint.
The ride from the restaurant to the dance was pretty much the most awkward couple minutes of my life, but thankfully James didn't try to make any more moves on me and when we reached the dance, he actually opened the door for me.
"Thanks," I said, pleasantly surprised.
"You're welcome," he said, and then put his arm around my waist at he lead me inside.
I thought briefly about removing his hand, but decided against it seeing as though it would be for just a couple seconds and his hands were placed at a reasonable height and not inching towards my butt like earlier.
Entering the ballroom I couldn't help but be blown away. I now knew why this dance was considered the most amazing dance of the year. A large crystal chandler hung from the ceiling, and small, white lights hung from everywhere, creating the only light source for the room. To one side of the room there was a buffet of sorts set up, lined with the classic punch to what looked like … wine? Maybe sparking cider? I couldn't tell, but it looked yummy.
Edward was already there, and immediately found me.
"Bella," he said happily then added, "James"
James nodded in response as Edwards eyes drifted down to his arm that was currently wrapped around my waist.
"Mind if I go dance with Edward?" I asked James, removing his hand gently before Edward could do it himself.
James's eyes followed a girl who was walking away in a small red dress that had a slit up the front that left little for the imagination.
"What?" he asked, sounding distracted.
"I said mind if I go dance with Edward?" I said, annoyed.
"Um, oh, no, fine. I'll catch up with you later," he said, taking off after the girl.
I rolled my eyes, "And I thought I was so special,"
Edward took my hand and led me to the dance floor where a slow song was playing.
"You are special," he said, as he placed his hands on my lower back and I twisted my arms around his neck.
"Glad you think so," I said, gazing up into his eyes and then I went in for a kiss.
After I pulled away, Edward had his favorite half smile plastered onto his face, "So, how has your night been?" I asked casually, half joking.
"It started off horribly, but it's just recently taken a turn for the better," he answered, "How about yours?"
"Just the opposite actually," I said, and then laughed at Edward's shocked and hurt expression, "I'm just kidding, you overly sensitive person, you"
"Ha-Ha" Edward said sarcastically, "Aren't you just the witty one?"
I shrugged in his arms, "I like to think so"
The song ended and was replaced by a rap song about apple bottom jeans. I looked around horrified as everyone started to grind up on each other.
Edward laughed at my expression and without having to ask, led me to the side of the room with drinks.
He handed me the drink I had been eying earlier and I took a sip; sparking cinder – classy. As embarrassing as it was to admit, I'd always loved sparking cinder, in my preference it was better then most drinks out there, real wine included.
"Bella!" Alice said, walking over to our side and getting a drink for herself, "Enjoying the dance?"
"Now I am," I said, looking at Edward.
"I can tell," she winked, "Want to go to the bathroom real quick?"
Knowing it wasn't really a question I agreed.
"Perfect, Edward we'll be right back, Jasper was right behind me so you can talk to him until we're back." Alice said, and then pushed her way through the crowds until we were in the bathroom.
"Well, that was quite the dinner," Alice said, looking in the mirror and reapplying her lip-gloss. I snorted in response. "It was like my own little TV drama show, watching you two from across the table." Alice continued, "And I had the perfect seats, I could hear both of your conversations."
That sparked my interest, "What were Edward and Jessica talking about?"
"Not much, actually. Edward hardly talked to her the entire time, and when he did it was always comments about how he was going to kill James." Alice smiled, "It was so perfect, Jessica just sat there the entire time being ignored and Edward just sat there watching you."
"Can I tell you a secret?" I asked Alice and she nodded enthusiastically, "I sort of like jealous Edward, how cruel is that?"
"Boys usually are cuter when they are jealous," Alice mused.
I nodded and we both giggled.
"Well, better head back before they come looking for us," Alice said, "I just wanted to let you know that I had fun watching you guys at dinner tonight."
I hit Alice playfully, "Thanks so much Alice."
Alice dogged my hand and ran out of the bathroom. I followed quickly behind, reaching Edward again in a matter on seconds.
"Welcome back," Edward said, as I heard another slow song come on. "Shall we?" he asked, extending a hand to me.
"We shall," I said, and followed him onto the dance floor.
I put my arms back around him as we swayed to the music and I rested my head of his shoulder and closed my eyes letting Edward and the music lead me.
"Bella?" Edward asked after a couple seconds.
"Yea?" I responded, opening my eyes but not moving my head.
"Ok, good, just making sure you didn't fall asleep on me," Edward joked.
"Never" I responded and pulled back to prove that I was, indeed, awake.
"Bella?" James's voice echoed behind me and I felt Edward stiffen.
"Yes?" I asked.
"Do you, um, do you mind if I leave with Jenny?" he asked.
I let go of Edward and turned around to face him and the girl that must be Jenny, "Um, no, have fun, good night," I said, slightly confused.
"Great, bye," James said, kissing me on the cheek again and walking away.
Edward stiffened again and I groaned, "Not again"
"Not again?" Edward said, raising his eyebrow.
I wiped my cheek, making a mental note to wash it thoroughly later, now was Edward and my time, "Nothing," I said then changed the subject, "So I can't believe my date left me after all that."
Truly it was shocking, after making such a big deal of being my date, the fact that he'd just leave with another girl not even twenty minutes into the dance just didn't make sense.
Edward shrugged, "I told you, James just likes girls. You were extra special since I liked you, but after he realized that you weren't interested in him, he went for another target, and I guess succeeded."
"I'm not sure if I should be relieved or upset," I said honestly.
Edward laughed and pulled me back into his arms, "You're absurd"
"You're amazing," I replied and danced the night away with my prince at the Cinderella Ball.
A/N: So, this story is winding down to its end … I'm thinking one more chapter! I can't thank you all enough that've stayed with me this entire time, as well as the newbie's! You all are awesome! Please hit that little review button below and let me know your thoughts, and I'll have the last chapter of OFNW up in a couple days! :-)