I heard his soft chuckle as he extended his hand to help me out the car.
"Thank you Edward, but for the sixth time this month, again no" I replied smirking.
This was mine and Edwards game. Apparently at Angela's party where I first met Jasper, Edward saw me first and Jasper broke the 'guy rule'. So now he asked this question every time we met up. I always wondered what would happen if I did say yes. Edward was not the type of person to say no to sex, that unfortunately was his problem. Otherwise he would be perfect.
"One day I will crack you Swan, and find the pretty little treasures under that dress" he replied he crooked smirk gracing his face.
I felt too arms encircle my waist and a chin on my shoulder as Jasper joined us.
"Edward, you never give up do you man, 6months and still nothing. I don't think she wants you man" Jasper smarted joining in our banter and then gracing my neck with a kiss making me groan out loud embarrassingly.
"That's where you're wrong, no one can turn down all of this, you'll see" Edward said pointing at Jasper
"And you will fucking love it" he whispered into my ear.
Luckily I stifled the groan, but my signature blush still graced my face as both boy laughed. Jasper tugged my arm to walk into Frankie's.
We sat at a comfy corner table while we waited for Lauren. I loved this place, it was small but not claustrophobic, and the smells emanating from the food was mouth watering and the décor simple and fitting.
"So what does Lauren do Edward?"
I quickly realised the double entrende in my question as Edward fake groaned.
"Ughh she does this amazing thing with her tongue that just makes me..."
"STOP STOP! God I'm sure there's kids present somewhere" As I quickly glanced around the establishment.
Both men just chuckled as I sat waiting for my blush to cool down from the embarrassing scene that had more than a few heads turn around, and now where blatantly staring appreciating my company.
"But seriously, she's a speech therapist works with children, though why I do not know she seems to hate them with a passion" Edward added with a slight frown marring his face.
I've never really understood it but Edward has an affinity to kids, he loves them and for some reason they just seem to love him. I think that's why Edward chose to be a Family Lawyer, to look after as many children as he could. I told you he's practically perfect.
"Chill Edward, it's not like you want her to jus pop one out any day now, were just 26, we've got loads of time to have kids and all that other stuff, It's not like she's the one right? Jasper asked.
I sat in my own thoughts thinking, I was 24 and had a stable job, I didn't want to have kids later in life, I mean can I imagine me and Jasper with 2.5 kids and a white picket fence? No. But I know it must be coming, I want a large family. It seemed too soon to ask Jasper about his ideas on Kids, I just hope if it does happen he would be willing.
I mean we were hardly scrapped for cash, Jasper also worked in journalism which is why I think we got along so well. He published in a small history magazine, it suits him. When he talks about history he literally comes alive. It's one of the most attractive things about Jasper his love for his job is so compelling.
By the time id return to my thoughts Japer and Edward were talking about some game I must have 'missed' and our drinks at the table. I snapped out of my haze as a beautiful women sat down next to Edward. They made an absolutely stunning couple, and the kids would be out of this world. God I sound broody.
She held out her hand to introduce herself and I nicely replied while complimenting her on her beautiful dress, seriously it was too die for!
"Thanks it's new. Edward bought it for me when we went out of town last weekend, didn't ya babe?"
Edward just nodded his head and kept scanning his menu.
The waiter approached seeing our now full table, and sauntered over, her eyes scanning Edward and Jasper a little too long for my liking.
"Hello and welcome to Frankie's are you ready to order?" her eyes pursued Edward "I can get you anything?"
Laurens head quickly snapped up and a tirade flew from her mouth, as I sat speechless.
"Listen bitch! Do I look see through to you, my dress earn more than you will all week, so keep your dirty little paws of my man, He has very expensive taste! Now get your ass to the back where that sluttly face belongs and get us another server!"
By now the whole restaurant had gone dead silent and the manager was quickly approaching our table. I could see from the heat already in his face that I was not getting that apple pie tonight.
"All of you out! That's no way to talk to my staff or anyone in this establishment I should have you done for... "
I walked out after grabbing my coat having enough of the shouting and by now my stomach was really starting to rumble.
Edward waved us off as he dragged Lauren for what looked like another shouting match.
Jasper decided after tonight excitement we should just get a takeaway, we brought it back to his flat which he shared with Edward, wanting to know the news of what happened after we left. We sat around kissing lazily and snuggled watching TV eating the Chinese. There flat was large, with two bedrooms and an open plan kitchen, dining room and living room, and for two guys it was really tidy. Apparently Edwards a bit anal when it comes to cleanliness.
Edward stormed though the door an hour later grabbed one of our dishes and flopped on the sofa. The room went to silence as we waited for him to share.
"My man? I mean seriously! We weren't even exclusive and she thinks she has the right to claim me. She's Crazy I mean really, Crazy after I broke up with her and she said she could be plain like the waitress and proceeded to wipe of her eyebrows! Which where fake! Broke off all her nails and then grabbed for her hair extensions. Luckily I got her to stop before she took off her breasts or something.
By now we were rolling on the floor laughing. Edward just grabbed as much Chinese as he could and walked to his bedroom slamming his door, making us laugh even louder.
I left Jaspers over an hour later knowing I needed to hit the hay to make sure I make a good impression on my first visit tomorrow.
I quickly text Edward not wanting him to angry with me, he really was a great friend.
Hey, sorri about earlier, but you know what they say. Plenty more fish in sea :D
– B
I was just falling asleep as he text back
Does that mean you're available, Jaspers asleep I promise I will be quite. But you look like a screamer ;)
-E
I fell asleep with a smile on my face.
I woke up 3 hours before my first appointment and proceeded to wash and style my hair, and grabbed some slacks and a cream blouse to make me look as professional as possible. Many people are put off by my young face; I've found the clothes helped.
After a quick breakfast I grabbed my coat and Tom-tom (my saviour) and jumped in my car.
This foster home was quite large housing 12 kids all of mixed ages, I thought it was amazing. The owners were an older couple aged 53 with a generous amount of money that retired early and set up this foster home. They had volunteers to help out.
I walked up the long drive and knocked on the door, surprised when a girl around 12 dressed in Hannah Montana pyjamas answered the door.
"Hey, I'm Bella Swan I know it's pretty early but is Mrs Kennewick in she's expecting me"
The girl slowly looked me up and down, and slowly opened the door. She was a cute kid with long blonde hair and blue eyes.
"She's in the kitchen making breakfast; you can join us if you like"
She slowly walked off inside the building, after a few steps s he turned around and just stared at me. Realised I was supposed to follow and hurried up to join her.
The kitchen was to put it nicely havoc. Kids were sat on the counter eating owls of cereal; a little boy in a highchair munching on a streak of bacon, as the other kids all fought for the plate of food in the middle which I'm guessing was supposed to be nicely shared.
"Oh Bella, your here already. Sorry breakfast time on a Saturday is always a bit mad for us"
I smiled politely as she ushered me to a seat.
The little boy in the highchair turned to me holding out his piece of bacon. He was absolutely adorable with brown hair and the lightest brown eyes with hints of hazel.
"You bacon" He ushered still asking if I wanted some.
"You keep yours big boys need lots of food sugar" I replied grabbing a piece of bacon for myself and munching along.
He seemed pleased and smiled going to put the bacon back in his mouth.
I was started as Mrs Kennewick came to sit next to me placing a plate with my breakfast in front of me with a smile.
"That's Anton, my little charmer. He will be a heartbreaker"
She replied with a small smile gracing her face, she seemed saddened and I guessed it must be to do with his past.
"Now eat up dear and I can give you a tour"
I happily grabbed the cutlery and dug in after missing breakfast and gave my thanks. I caught Anton looking at my plate and make him a quick sandwich, it seemed to please him.
After breakfast we retreated to another room while the kids all ran to watch the morning cartoons. I quickly explained that I wanted to talk to kids around 14 and older about their plans for the future, if it involved going to college or working etc. I thought it was important that all kids had an opportunity to do what they desired.
Ms Kennewick smiled asking to call her Sue and added that it was nice for someone so young to want the best for the kids. She told me I was best talking to Charlotte and Heather they were both 17 and in their last year in the system and at school. She decided to call them in after lunch stating that they would never help if they had to be woken up at this time on a weekend. I simply laughed knowing I'm still like that today.
Lunch was more of the same apart from Anton now seemed to be my little shadow. He insisted I sat next to him and tried to tell me what he had been doing all morning
"I watchered SpongeBob"
"I love SpongeBob he's my favourite, especially squidward he's my favourite"
"I liked squidward. Why you in suit?
"I'm working right now sugar that's what big kids do after school"
He seemed to find this sentence funny and quietly laughed to himself
"You not big kid, you adult silly"
I laughed finding his humour contagious.
After lunch I got the girls to have a chat. I was a bit upset when they said that college wasn't an option. I know it's not a cheap option or for everyone but my love of education makes I just want everyone to embrace any opportunities that arise. They were really nice though and contributed well to my article. I looked at the time seeing we had been chatting for over 3 hours and they would probably want to enjoy their weekend. I asked them if it would be okay to visit again when I had more questions and they agreed.
I said a quick bye to Sue knowing I needed to be at the other foster centre, as I was walking down the hallway there was Anton again sat alone on the steps.
I sat next to him seeing the frown on his little face.
"What's wrong little man?"
He looked up, with tears in his eyes and I swear I nearly crumbled.
"Never let me play"
I'm guessing he meant he wasn't allowed to play with the older children, he was the youngest here.
" Hey little man, you know one day you'll be the older kid and everyone will want to play with you... it's just a matter of time. How about you go help Sue make dinner yeah?"
He faintly smiled but still seemed saddened.
"You play tomorrow?"
He asked his mile brightening. I couldn't say no.
"Sure little man, I have to go now but tomorrow. Just you and me right" I said while getting up and looking for my keys
He ran up to me and hugged my leg
"Thank you bell. I have loads toy!"
I quickly left after informing Sue that I was going to return tomorrow after promising Anton.
After leaving I drove across town to my next destination. I got a lot more from this home with the kids being older so we held a big discussion about what they thought about education in the system and if they wanted to go to college.
Most were quite disheartening with many wanting to work as soon as possible to move away, but I did meet a boy named Chris who was looking into scholarships he seemed a little embarrassed by his comment, but he was exactly what I needed and what my article would be based upon. I left there shortly after 9 and got some amazing information from Chris. He was already applying to 3 colleges and looked into scholarships he can apply for. I knew one day he would be the CEO of a company he was just plain smart. He even corrected by grammar once which was a tad embarrassing.
I got home that night and literally just passed out on my bed. It had been a long day but my story was looking up and I knew I had made a great start, and made some new friends.
The next morning I awoke to a text from Jasper
Hey babe, we still on for today. I thought we could check out that new exhibit at the museum and then I could stay at yours? X
J
I groaned knowing I had to cancel but I promised Anton and his little face was too cute to say no to. Me and Jasper could reschedule.
Really sorry but have to go to the foster home again, should be back by like 6ish. That ok? X
B
My phone vibrated with Jaspers name blinking on my phone,
"Hey sorry I have to cancel but you can still stay over"
"Yeah its fine. So did you not get enough yesterday? I rang you a couple of times yesterday but you never answered"
"Yeah sorry babe I was swamped with kids all day."
"Ughh my nightmare"
"Righhtt.. Soo I got pretty much I can for the day but I promised this little boy Anton , he's soo cute, that I would come play for the day"
"Haha I don't even want to know how that happened, but hey look I will come to yours around 7, I'm going to a game with Edward. Is it alright if we come to yours for dinner I will bring Frankie's takeout" I laughed thinking of that last disaster
"Yeah sure its fine, I just hope they let you back in! I will speak to you later. Bye"
I quickly out the phone down seeing it was already 11, and ran to the shower.
I stood in my room looking at all my clothes deciding what was acceptable for playtime. I finally decided on a yellow tee some grey skinny jeans and my high top converse. I smiled thinking Anton would now see me as a big kid.
I pulled up to the home seeing a few kids outside, but no Anton. My smile dropped knowing he was again left out. I walked through the door and Sue was there glancing at her phone.
"Oh I was just about to ring you, it seems Anton's a bit upset he thought you weren't coming"
I felt bad knowing he was upset, I did promise him id play and he seems to always be up early.
"God I'm soo sorry I was just exhausted yesterday, where is he?"
"In his room dear it's no problem he will be fine now your here" she said nicely as she walked me up the stairs to what I'm guessing is Anton's room.
I told her I'd be fine and quietly went into Anton's room where he wept quietly on the bed. His room was all blue, with silver and black furnishing seeming too grown up for the little man.
I sat on the side of his bed and rubbed his back
"Hey little man, sorry I'm late. But we still get to play yeah?" I said faking the biggest smile on my face knowing that d defiantly upset him.
He turned to me with tears running down his face and then grabbed onto my legs
"You come back?"
"Yeah little man I came back. Time for me and you to play right?"
He slowly got up rubbing his hands over his eyes to hide his tears and crept down to the floor where he began to assemble his toys in a long line.
"This G.I Joe"
He then proceeded to tell me the name of every single one of his toys, it was eh cutest thing I'd ever seen. He then decided it was play time so we played hide and seek, he seemed to find this game challenging and I found him under his bed sheet more than ounce.
We had lunch downstairs with everyone, where charlotte told me about some jobs she was looking into where she could study part time. I felt proud my talk had helped change her direction. Unfortunately Anton had decided today was his day, and would sulk if I didn't pay him attention for too long. It didn't bother me but I could see Sue getting a little annoyed with his hysterics.
I played with Anton again after lunch until he got too tired and went for a nap, so I went to find Sue who kindly had a coffee waiting for me.
"He always falls asleep right about now" she said in explanation, I just nodded my head taking a sip of my coffee.
"He really is a great boy and utterly adorable, you can't help but love him." I readily agreed.
"It must be hard for him surrounded by older kids"
"Yes he does get pretty lonely, in truth I thought he would be adopted by now, he's been here over a year after his mother left him on my doorstep with just a blanket. Usually at that age their much easier to get adopted."
"So why not Anton, like you said he's a great kid"
"In honest truth I don't know. He is usually quite when prospective parents come, maybe that's why I'm not sure. But he deserved someone that loves him and brings him out of his shell.
I felt like the last comment was directed at me as she stared at me with a knowing look and a smile crept across her face.
A child. Me?
