Chapter Five
Disclaimer: I do not whatsoever own any part of the Twilight franchise
"Well Edward, they all look like very interesting girls,"
"Thanks mom."
"Although," Mused Esme, "it looks as though you have your work cut out for you. These girls are going to give you a run for your money. Just think, your work amplified into several girls instead of the usual one."
"Gee, thanks mom, I feel so much better,"
"I do what I can," Esme teased back "Just try not to go bald during taping, it would be a shame to lose that gorgeous head of hair."
Edward sighed again. He knew that his mother was right. One girl was easier than several. There was also the concern of Isabella Swan. The girls with obvious problems gave him a better idea of what he was up against. He knew the enemy, and could prepare himself better to fight it off. With girls like Bella, on the other hand, he was basically blindfolded with his hands tied behind his back. She was either having incredibly bad luck, or she had some serious issues that she would need to work out in her session of The Truth Hurts. No matter what the reason, he was anxious to meet her, and get the show on the road. He just prayed that she wasn't an uber bitch.
After lunch, Edward bid his mother goodbye, and walked back to his place. The show was starting in another week, and he needed to pull himself together. Refusing to take the distractions of public transportation, he had decided to take a walk to clear his mind, and remember the purpose as to why he was there. No one could have foreseen his entering into his mother's business, including himself, but fate had her own ideas of what kind of man he would become. In exchange for his heart, he would help others find their own as well as learn to share it freely.
Seven Years Ago
There was no doubt about it, Edward had led a very charmed life, and was about to continue living his all- American dreams. A very bright student, he was at the top of his class ready to take the plunge into politics. He held promise, and there wasn't a person who could deny it. There was a future for Edward Cullen, and the stars were shining upon him in approval.
Only one thing needed to be added to Edward's life, and that was a female. Someone who would love him for all of his faults and be willing to be in a relationship with him for the long haul. Edward was extremely handsome, but he preferred relationships to hook ups. Fortunately for him, he had found his hope in a girl named Stephanie. It had been a chance meeting in the local coffee shop that had marked their first encounters. Awkward glances and witty banter had left Edward's mind on an emotional high after meeting this wonderful girl.
Steph was everything a man could ever want. The perfect dream, she was intelligent, ambitious, funny, and you could take her home to mom and dad. There was nothing more that Edward could ever ask for. They had gone on numerous dates, and the chemistry between the two was increasing with each conversation. Doubt had no place in Edward's mind, he was certain he was going to marry that girl. He would find himself thinking about her in his spare time, fantasizing about where they would live, what they would be doing, and how many kids they would have. Edward's dream was within his grasp.
Six months came and went. Graduation was looming upon the school, and Edward and Steph were set to go. Each had gotten many invitations and offers to attend different grad schools, but they had both accepted schools that were miles away from each other. After many tortured sessions of tossing and turning in his bed, Edward decided to make the big leap, and tell Steph how he felt about her. The phrase "I love you," was about to pass through his lips with the idea that he wanted to try and make things work between them in their time apart.
The night was perfectly planned. Some teeth had to be pulled, and assess had to be kissed, but Edward had managed to score reservations to Steph's favorite restaurant. Working overtime was something he had fit into his busy schedule so he could afford the best date of his night without any worries. Bags had started forming under his eyes, and he often had trouble staying awake in his classes, but Edward was content knowing that his work would pay off. Stephanie was in for a surprise. He had told her it was in celebration of their success and graduation, but she had no idea that he was about to profess his love to her.
The dinner was filled with cordial words, and sweaty palms, but somewhere between the main course and dessert, Edward had managed to man up and express himself to Steph.
"Sweetheart, I just want to say something,"
"Go ahead."
"Um, well, give me a second."
"Let it out,"
"Steph, I know that it has only been six months, but it has been the most mind-blowing six months of my entire life. Everything about you just amazes me, and I am finding myself unable to stop feeling a sense of awe whenever I am around you. I love you Steph, and I know that we are about to go off to different schools, but I am willing to try and work out a long distance relationship, and see where things go-"
"Stop. Just stop Edward." Steph interrupted.
Shocked, Edward just stared at her blankly. At first he had no idea how to react, but seconds later, hurt started to seep into his chest. The sensation of his heart being pulled down, caused him to grip the table, and stare at Steph with pure alarm.
"I care for you Edward, I really do. There is no doubt in my mind that you have the ability to make many girls happy, but there is no way that I am in love with you. I'm sorry. I just feel that schooling and balancing a long distance relationship is asking too much of the both of us. Please understand."
Edward just nodded his head, and before anything else could be said, the waiter set dessert down in front of the pair. Not a word was said for the rest of the date, and when it came time to leave, she simply said,
"Walk me out to my car?"
Edward silently nodded, and fell into step with her, their bodies inches apart. Too close for platonic friendship, yet not close enough for love. It seemed like a while had passed until she reached the driver's side of her car. Taking his forehead to her lips, Steph gave him one last hug and then disappeared into her car. She left him. The car drove away, and Edward was left in the parking lot, speechless.
Graduation followed soon after the breakup, and time refused to wait on Edward to collect himself. There was no regret in choosing a graduate school close to home, because he needed all of the support he could get. His summer vacation was spent moping around his house. He spent countless hours laying on his bed, or on the couch. Staring at a wall or at the moving images on his tv screen. There was no joy left for him. One day, Esme finally had reached her limit with the lump living in her house. She marched right up to him, grabbed his face, looked him in the eyes and said,
"Mark my words, Edward Cullen, you will love again. Now get off your sorry ass and be productive!"
That was the kick Edward needed to rejoin real life. He started to function with a new outlook on life, to do as wall as he could, and succeed in his studies. Looking for part-time work, and failing to land a job, Edward started to work part time as a matchmaker in his mother's company. Along the way, he quickly found he had a knack for it. Upon earning his last degree, Edward finally made the decision to turn his back on his future in politics and run towards a career in love.
His name was becoming widely known, which is what caused Crianna to come running to him for a contract deal. Much thought had come to him, and he finally decided to follow his heart, and show America what it meant to be in a meaningful relationship and foster it. His main argument? Communication. Poor communication had ended his last relationship and he would be damned to let it happen to everyone else.
A chill whispered across his body, and as he stepped inside his flat, the word communication echoed throughout his head, and hugged him all the way to sleep.
I am working as fast as I can to catch things up! Thanks for bearing with me!
