I know, I know, you all want to kill me. Look life's been rough on me lately and I've been going through a lot of crap, so I'd really appreciate it if you could all just show a little bit of sympathy and NOT sick the Volturi on me, please? Thank you.
*sigh* The closest I will ever get to owning Edward is the poster of him on my wall. The closest I will ever get to owning Twilight is my copy of the book. And the only thing that I'm fairly sure I can say I own without getting sued is my own brain.
On with it already, I've made you all wait for far too long.
EPOV
I climbed out of bed as a feeling of dread washed over me. Could that stunning, yet lethal woman from my dreams really have been my angel, or was it just my inner messing with my head through my subconscious? If it was then I must say it was unorthodox and uncalled for.
I climbed out of bed prying the sticky clothes off of my body. Throwing them on the floor, I scrambled into the bath, hoping to get rid of the grime that made me feel a bit like a sleaze ball. The warm water felt amazing, and it soothed and calmed me, clearing my head enough for me to think.
I now knew for certain that there was a good chance that Bella was dangerous. In the back of my head, I could almost hear my inner screaming at me to fire her, kick her out of the palace and be done with it.
The other half of me, though, was an entirely different story. All I wanted to do was hold her to me and kiss her like there was no tomorrow.
In the end, I decided that the chance to be with her was worth taking the risk, no matter how many times my inner said it wasn't.
The water soon grew cold and I eventually got out, wrapping myself in a towel. I walked back into my room (my bathroom was attached), and began to look for something nice to wear to see Bella today. My thoughts were interrupted when I heard somebody at my door. –knock knock-
"Yes?" I asked.
The door opened to reveal a very shocked, very flustered Bella. Her eyes followed my figure down to see that I was only in a towel. They flicked up a little higher and remained there, staring at my abs. I was actually quite flattered by it. If she liked what she saw, then convincing her to date me would be all that much easier. Her eyes shot back up to my face, her eyes wide and her face looking even paler than normal.
"S-S-S-S-sorry!!! I d-didn't mean to—I mean I—oh never mind. The queen has requested your presence in the dining hall for breakfast."
I chuckled at how cute she looked. "It's no problem. I'll be down in a few moments. Did you sleep well last night?"
She paused with a strange look on her face. It looked almost like she was… scared. But as soon as it had come it passed. "I slept fine, thank you your highness."
"Call me Edward, please."
"Thank you, Edward. And might I ask how your night was?"
I paled. "I slept well also," I lied. What was I supposed to say? 'I dreamt about you last night except you sparkled in the sunlight and killed me.'
"Well, um, I guess I'll talk to you later?" she asked, still acting flustered. She probably isn't used to being in a room with a half-naked man. At least I certainly hope she isn't used to it.
I picked up her hand, pressing it to my lips. "Of course, Bella. And, I was just wondering if perhaps you would like to accompany me to the dinner party our friends from Hemosylvania are having this weekend, since you aren't working. Since they live near the border, the trip will not be long." I might as well ask her now while I still have the nerve.
"I would love to Edward, really I would but, I – um I'm kind of promised to visit an old family friend this weekend. Besides, I'm not entirely sure your parents would approve if you showed up to a party for royalty with the hired help on your arm."
I frowned at this. She thought of herself as nothing more than a maid that I happened to flirt with somewhat. She probably thought I wanted nothing more than sex too. But that's not even close. I love her, at least I think I do. All I want is for her to feel the same way.
"Don't be ridiculous. Carlisle would think you were charming and intelligent and Esme would be thrilled that I was finally taking an interest in the opposite gender. You'd have a marvelous time. But since whoever this is you are visiting seems important to you, I won't push it. Perhaps we could do something upon my return?"
Hopefully she'll realize that I'm not one to sleep around because of that comment. And it's not like I lied per say, I had never really taken much interest in any of the girls I know. Not to say that I didn't notice them, just that their lack of personality kept me at bay.
"I'd like that." She smiled.
"As would I my Bella as would I." I smiled back.
Then I froze. Oh no! Tell me I didn't just call her my Bella out loud!
Smooth move Prince Charming!
Dang it I thought I got rid of you!
Ha! Nice try, Princess but you can't get rid of me that easily! I told you before, you're stuck with me!
Ugh! Whatever!
Back to reality, she must think I'm weird for standing here holding her hand, and staring off into space. I'm such a loser.
That you are my friend, that you are.
Since when are you so—so I don't know cranky?
Since you decided not to listen to a word I said.
Shut up!
I quickly released Bella's hand, smiling sheepishly and scratching the back of my head.
"He-he sorry about that."
"I suppose I could forgive you if you would be so kind as to explain the blank, irritated look on your face a moment ago."
"Er—I uh would you believe I was having an argument with myself?"
"I suppose that makes sense. I do that all the time. My mother used to say that it was a result of having too much time on your hands. Makes you think. You begin to second guess yourself."
"Your mother sounds like she was a wonderful person. You must miss her terribly."
She had a small, sad smile on her face. "I suppose I do. Memories… seem to fade away quickly in my mind. I'm starting to forget her. It's a bit… unsettling to forget your own mother."
"I can certainly understand why. I'd be upset if I ever forgot Esme. You just have to keep thinking about her. If you keep the memories alive, they won't fade as quickly."
"Thank you, Edward. I think I'll take that advice."
"You're very welcome."
I smiled a small smile before snapping out of the daze I had been in.
"Er, I should probably get dressed now, before Esme comes to see what's taking me so long. It might make us dating a whole lot more complicated if I had to explain to her why you were in my room when I wasn't wearing any clothes."
She looked like a deer when it notices a hunter is close, her eyes once again flashing down to get a last glance at my abs.
"I guess it would. I'll –uh—talk to you later!"
With that she quickly fled out the door with that inhuman grace of hers, the door shutting quietly behind her. Even flustered and in hurry she walked more beautifully than any foul of the air or fish in the sea, and with more poise than any creature to have ever graced the earth with its presence.
There you go again! Stop it! You're practically worshiping her!
Would it not seem fit to worship a goddess? For I feel as if Aphrodite herself has touched me, for she surely cannot be human. She is far too flawless to be one of my species.
That's what I've been trying to tell you! No human is that perfect! It's an act Edward she's trying to trick you! As soon as she's got you under her control completely, she'll show her true colors, and I have a feeling it won't be a pretty picture!
What are you talking about, she's beautiful?
Once again, dear heart, you fail to see my point! You are a lost cause Edward! Doomed for all eternity to be a bloody idiot!
Hey—
--is for horses! Grass is free, if you buy farm you get all three!
You are so immature! Now if you're quite done now, I'm going to get dressed! Now crawl back into the hole from whence you came!
You got one thing right! It is most definitely empty in here!
………………..
Oh, I get it, the "silent" treatment! Let's see how that works, considering you are using it on yourself!
………………………………………
Fine! Be that way! I can tell when I'm not wanted!
………………………………………
I don't know why I even bother with you………….
Well, that got rid of him. Now what to wear, what to wear? This? No, too flashy, I'll look like I'm trying too hard. This? Heavens, no! I'll look like a slob! This? Perfect!
I let the towel fall to the floor as I got dressed and tried desperately to fix my hair. After a while, I realized it wasn't going to cooperate today, so I left it in it's usual messy style.
"Well, here goes nothing." I muttered under my breath.
~BEEEEEEP! We temporarily interrupt this story to bring you a very important message!~
ME: HELP MEEEEEEE!!!!! *running for her life*
Felix: "Would you hold still already! We just want to drain you of every drop of blood! We're not going to hurt you or anything!"
Demetri: "Doesn't that sentence contradict itself?"
Felix: "Shut up Demetri! Come here!"
ME: NOOOOOOO!!!!! I met the deadline –gulp- I gave you! Call them off NOW BloodyFreakin'Nightmare! Please? Before they kill me and I can't finish the chapter, much less the story!
*BloodyFreakin'Nightmare shows up*
BFN: "Sorry guys, she said she'd have the next chapter up by the 21st. It's only the 20th."
Felix: "Aww man! But I'm really thirsty! Jane keeps stealing all my meals!"
BFN and Hoshi: *shivers*
ME: That doesn't mean you can eat ME!!! Here! Eat my evil math teacher who wants to send me to summer camp!
Mrs. C: "Excuse me? Did you just say "EAT?"
Felix: "Why yes, yes she did." *smirk*
~BEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEP! Now back to your regularly scheduled program! ~
I walked down the long winding staircase and towards the dining hall. My family was already sitting at the table waiting for me. Wait, my family?
"Emmet! Alice! You're back!" I grinned hugely and probably looked like an idiot.
"Nice observation there, genius. We got back this morning, thought we'd surprise you by coming home a little early. We had to come back for the party the Denali are having but we missed our brother so we, out of the kindness of our heart, decided to come annoy the heck out of you!" Emmett smirked.
"Ignore him, Edward, you know we love you. Though you are a bit unobservant today. Notice anything else off, Eddie?"
I cringed at the nickname, but glanced around to see what she was talking about.
"Jasper? Rosalie? What are you—oh now I get it!" I slapped my forehead.
"Ding, ding, ding, we have a winner, come on down and claim your prize! Tell him what he's won, Jasper!"
"Well Emmett, our lucky grand prize winner has gotten the prize behind door number one! A big ole' slap to the back of the head!"
-SLAP-
"OUCH!" Of course, Emmett was glad to deliver that prize.
I glared at him, which he returned with an idiotic grin that showed off his teeth –cough-demon fangs-cough-.
"Now, now boys, settle down and eat you breakfast before I have to send you to your rooms like a bunch of children."
"Yes, Esme." We all said at the same time.
"So what's on your mind, Eddie, you seem a little of this morning?" asked Jasper. I swear it's like he can tell what I'm feeling or something.
I could feel the slight blush spread across my cheeks. "Nothing, just… tired is all."
"Uh –uh I know that look! Our little Eddie's in lo-o-o-o-o-ove!"
"AM NOT!"
"ARE TOO!"
"Boys!"
"Sorry Esme."
"So who's the girl, Edward?" asked Rosalie with a small smile.
"Yeah she must be gorgeous to have gotten YOUR attention Mr. Picky!" added Alice.
"Stuff it Pixie."
-CRASH-
"Hey watch where you're going!" shouted Jake.
"S-sorry! I didn't mean to! I—I—"
I knew that voice. It was the one constantly on my mind.
"Are you alright Bella?"
"I—I'm fine, it was my fault, like he said, I wasn't watching where I was going." She looked so sad, it was enough to break a heart, specifically mine.
"It's alright accidents happen. Why don't you go lie down. You temperature is still awfully low. I still think you're catching something. I'll get one of the other maids to clean it up. Jake go take a bath, you reek." I smirked. "And that was before she spilled food on you. Honestly it covers up the stench."
"Ha ha chuckles. You're hilarious," He said dryly. "I'm gonna go get out of these clothes."
"Thank you, Edward," Bella said with a small smile.
"No problem, now go and rest, and that's an order."
She smiled gratefully and walked away. I just stood there smiling, watching her go.
"Well I think we found out who our mystery girl is," Jasper said with an amused look on his face, the corners of his mouth puling up.
"No way! Eddie's got a crush on the new maid! This is just too great!" Emmett laughed. "Though I can't say I blame you! I think I'd go nuts if I saw Rose walking around in one of those sexy little maid uniforms!"
"Idiot! I don't just like her for her body!" Why exactly did I miss him again?
"HA! He admitted he likes her!" shouted Alice.
"I DID NOT!"
"Did too!" shouted Emmett.
"Did not!"
"Did too!"
"Boys! Honestly you are acting like three-year olds today."
"You mother is right. Now stop your bickering and settle down."
Leave it to Carlisle to be the voice of reason, exactly why he'll play it off as me being nice to the new girl so I can go back to dating Bella in secret.
"Edward is allowed to like whoever he wants. When I met your mother she was living in a small hut owned by a poor family, and I fell for her. And if I hadn't you wouldn't be here."
Or not. Uh oh! I do NOT have a plan for explaining my new love interest to my family!
"Uh—I—uh…!"
"Don't worry, Edward, I won't laugh at you. I think she's beautiful! I have a feeling she and I are going to be good friends too!"
"Uh oh! You know thins are serious when our resident psychic pixie gets involved!" boomed Emmett, now shaking with laughter.
"Oh shut up, Emmett!" This was getting so embarrassing!
"Stop picking on him, Em, how would you feel if he had mocked you for liking me?" Thank God for Rosalie. I was really starting to like her.
"Sorry, Rosie, sorry, bro. I guess I just let things get out of hand. I am happy for you though, Edward. It's about time you found someone!"
He smiled at me and I smiled back.
Now that's more like it! Now I remember why I missed him. He may be a pain, but he is still my brother.
"Breakfast is served," said one of the maids, smiling in what she assumed was sultry, winking at me. Ugh. Lauren Mallory. When will she learn that I'm NOT interested?
"Looks great!" shouted Emmett.
"It sure does," Jasper agreed.
We ate in relative silence (a first for this family I can assure you). But I think everyone was too hungry to talk. Jake joined us about half way through the meal, taking his seat with a small frown on his face.
After we had finished eating the conversation flowed easily and calmly, as we listened to animated stories from Emmett and Alice about their most recent trip to the Hale's, Rosalie and Jasper adding a few comments now and then.
"So Eddie, up for some sparring or archery practice today?" asked my brother.
"Maybe a little later, I have a few things to take care of."
"Alright, we'll go with that, just be careful you don't get the girl, what's her name, Bella pregnant okay! Wouldn't want to explain that one to Carlisle and Esme now would we?"
I felt my face turn hot. "That's NOT what I meant and you know it!"
"Alright, I'll bite! See you later Eddie!" he called, walking in the other direction, his booming laugh echoing in the halls.
I swiftly walked toward the kitchen to find Angela, another one of the maids. She was a nice girl who I enjoyed talking to. She, unlike most girls I knew, wasn't chasing after me. She was just a friend, someone who was a good listener and easy to talk to. And, although she wasn't my type, and I wasn't hers, I happened to know who was. You see Angela had developed a rather large crush on one of the gardeners, Ben, who happened to have a rather large crush on her.
They were good for each other, I thought.
"Hello, Angela."
She turned around to face me. "Oh, good morning Edward. I didn't hear you come in. Anything I can do for you?" she asked.
"As a matter of fact, there is. Would you mind showing me to Bella's room. I think she may be sick and I wanted to bring her some food, so she doesn't have to get it herself." I smiled shyly, hoping she would understand.
"Oh, I get it, you like her don't you?"
"Probably more than she likes me," I added grimly.
She giggled lightly. "Oh I wouldn't be too sure about that."
"Huh?"
"Oh, nothing. Here, I already made some soup for her when I heard you sent her to bed. I'll take you to her room."
"Thanks Angela." I followed her out of the kitchen and up to the third floor (my room and my family's were on the second). I began to sympathize with the hired help. It must be murder to walk up and down so many stares all day!
We passed door after door until Angela stopped and face one near the far end of the hall. It was a mahogany color with gold trimmings. I smiled. She got the nicest room on the floor. It had a private bath and was nearly as nice as mine, if not more so. Leave it to Esme to take care of her friend's daughter so well.
"Well, this is it. I'll just go back to work now." She smiled, and turned back leaving me alone.
I sucked in a deep breath before knocking at the door.
"Who is it?' came Bella's muffled voice.
"It's me."
"Edward?" she asked opening the door. She smiled at me then saw the food in my arms and frowned, but then smiled bigger.
"You brought food for me? That's really sweet of you. Come in." She took the bowl from my hands, leading me in. She sat the bowl on her desk as I glanced around, taking in my surroundings.
The room was painted a darker shade of sky blue. The furniture all matched the doors, mahogany. And gold trim finished it off. It was a charming room that I'm sure Esme decorated herself when she learned that Bella was coming.
"Lovely isn't it? Esme spoiled me by refurbishing it to make it nicer. I think Jessica and Lauren are mad at me for it. They probably hate that I'm getting more attention than them."
I frowned slightly. "Forget about them. Those two are more shallow than a puddle. If you're looking for a friend, talk to Angela. She's the only maid we have other than you with a brain."
She smiled slightly. "Thanks for that, and for the food as well, but I'm not really hungry right now, I'll eat it later."
She led me over to sit with her on the bed. We talked about lots of things, completely losing track of the time until I realized it was getting dark outside. I said my goodnights, returning to my room after snagging a quick meal from the kitchen, as my family had already eaten. I dressed for bed, lying down curled up under the covers. It had been a long day, but a good one.
I felt myself drifting to sleep, a small smile on my face.
That night, I dreamt of Bella and I sitting in a beautiful meadow somewhere in the woods. This time though, she did not attack me as in last night's dream. Instead she turned to me, smiled, and pressed her, cold granite lips to mine. It was the most amazing feeling ever and I woke wishing with all of my heart that I could really kiss her like that some day.
Well, that's all for now folks! Sorry, but it's all I've got for now. I feel dead. I'd like to take a moment to thank all of you who reviewed my previous chapters! You guys rock! And once again, I apologize for the wait! But, I think this is like, the longest chapter I have ever written in my life, and I'm quite proud of that! And for those of you who are wondering, when is the plot from the summary gonna happen? That comes AFTER I get my chance to make Tanya look like a total bimbo and hang off of Edward while he tries to get rid of her! Okay? Okay. My only regrets from this chapter are that I didn't get it to you sooner, and that I can't ACTUALLY feed my math teacher to Felix!
Until next time,
-Hoshi3