oOo
In the end, Bella and Jasper agreed on a compromise. She would help Alice with the preparations for finger food and nibbles. They'd load the van together and deliver the food, and then, Bella could leave.
She knew that Jasper wasn't happy about her plans. She hadn't told him a lot about her budding friendship with Edward, but Jasper was very insightful, and had made it clear that he didn't agree with what was happening.
Bella was too happy to dwell on it, and sent Edward a message as soon as she'd ended her call with Jasper.
"Looking forward to the Nutcracker! Talk to you later, xx B"
She left the shop without buying anything, smiling all the way home. She was already considering what to wear – which was unlikely Bella Swan behaviour – and imagining various scenarios of herself and Edward at the Royal Opera House.
Once home, she made a pot of tea and settled down in Grandma Higginbotham's chair with her laptop to get some work done. Time flew by, and when she looked up because her phone was ringing, it was almost eight p.m.
It was Alice.
"Bella!" she sang. "I hear that you're standing us up? I want to hear all about it!"
Bella groaned.
"Hi, Alice."
"Spill!"
"There's nothing… there's nothing to spill, Alice."
"I don't believe you! Jazzy said that you won't be there on Saturday, because you and Edward are attending the ballet!"
"Yes," Bella admitted reluctantly. "His sister has tickets, and she can't use them."
"So, what's going on between the two of you? Are you dating?"
"No! I mean… I don't know." Bella huffed with frustration as she sat back in her chair. She didn't want to admit that Edward was driving her crazy, and that she couldn't interpret his behaviour.
They clearly were more than friends. Friends didn't kiss the way Edward kissed her.
But were they dating?
They had never spoken about their feelings, let alone about exclusiveness.
They just were, and when she was with him, it was enough. The questions and doubts always came when he was gone.
"Have you kissed him yet?"
"Hmm," Bella replied, but Alice took it as confirmation.
"Yay," she squealed. "I knew it!"
"Yeah, but… It's not like we are a thing…" She sighed. "Was Jasper very mad?"
"No, not really. It's just…" Alice paused, her usual exuberance on a temporary hold. "He's heard negative things about Edward, but I hope you won't let that deter you. You really like him, don't you?"
"Yes," Bella whispered. "I do."
"Then just enjoy your date, that's what I say."
"I think I will," Bella said softly. "Thanks, Alice. And give Jasper my love."
She was just about to say goodnight when Alice piped up.
"What are you going to wear, Bella?"
oOo
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