AN: Please enjoy the chapter!
BPOV
This morning Edward explained that our challenge was to plan our one-hour dates.
"Imagine that this represents what type of dates we will go on during our relationship. I want to get to truly know you." Edward's green eyes met mine, and I tried to ignore the way that just his stare raises the heat in my cheeks... and other places. "This is an opportunity. So you will each be given a generous budget provided by our sponsors to plan and administer you dates. It is completely up to you to decide where we are going and what we will be doing."
The girls around me begin to whisper excitedly about the fact that our budget is extremely hefty. Angela was chewing on her bottom lip and her dark brows scrunched together.
"Do you have any idea as to what you're going to do?" I nudged her with my elbow, our voices hushed.
"Honestly? No clue."
Edward interrupted the chatting. "I'm very excited for our first dates, ladies. Your names have been randomly drawn by our computers. Before your date, partner with the producer so you can solidify all the details for our perfect night. Our date will only be an hour each, so please factor in transportation time. Other than that- happy planning! I'll see you tonight."
I glowered at Ilianna as she was the first one to go on a date with Edward, her curly hair bouncing excitedly behind them. He gave her a kind smile and offered her an arm. I had no idea where she was planning, no one did. I did manage to see Minnie Mouse ears poke out of her Gucci purse.
Surely that dress of hers would prove difficult to fully enjoy the rides at Disneyland? And those heels were anything but pleasant to walk in for more than ten seconds. But, a camera crew followed them as he opened the door for her and closed it behind Ilianna.
I lied stomach down on my bed, fighting the nerves that quickened my heart beat. I glared at the blank paper that was labeled "Date Ideas".
On the one hand, I hated that I was the last date of the night- Edward would be exhausted by the time it was time for our date. Who knows what the other girls will be up for…? I shook my head clear of the dirty thoughts that began to plague me. I didn't want to think about the jealousy that clawed at my heart.
I don't care. I try to convince myself, chanting it as though the repetition of the phrase would thaw my heart from his delicious charms. When it didn't help, I growled to myself and tried to focus at the matter of hand- the positives of being last.
I can actually, hopefully, think of something in time. Other girls were discussing with the planners about the details of their plans for their dates to ensure that the night would be ready and perfect. No one would share their details with any of the competition, but every single one of them strut their long slender legs proud to have conceived of the date that would "win Edward's heart."
The problem with that logic is simple; they don't know Edward.
I felt that thought open up a gateway to a new possibility. I felt an idea coming on.
And of course, I was interrupted and snapped out of my stroke of genius. "Isabella, we need an interview in the Pink Room." One of the cameramen informed me. I slinked out of the inviting bed and trudged over to the Pink Room.
My first visit to the Pink Room.
They had told us all, at the very beginning, that the room was for our "private thoughts" and was "sound proof". They claimed to understand the need for a woman to vent and that's why the room was there, so we can let off steam. Sure, no other girl could hear me while I was in the room, at least, not until it is aired and thousands of viewers see it.
I closed the door behind me as I stepped into the small booth that was covered in pink. "Room" was a very generous description.
The producer's voice echoed into the room through a hidden speaker, "Okay, Isabella, please tell the camera about what you are planning for the date with Edward tonight." I snort in a very un-lady like manner and flush in realization that they have that on film. There is nothing in the room besides a square hole in the wall with a black circle- the camera. Over it is a note that says, "Smile! You're on camera! " With an arrow pointing down. There is also a plastic pink chair, so the person that interviewed may sit down at eye-level with the camera.
"Honestly, I have no idea what I'm going to plan for my date tonight." I confided into the empty room. It was strangely comforting, so I continued, more to myself than anything. "I feel like every other girl is going to spend every dime in our budget to impress Edward, not allowing their true self to show… But that's not the point of this challenge. Edward wants to know us, our passions… Like, I love simplicity. A good book…" My eyes widened with excitement. I hopped out of the chair, and bent down to finish the interview. "I have an idea! Thanks!" I said to the camera and scurried up to the room.
I scribbled down my idea before it left my idea. For the first time since my best friends forced me into this show, I was excited.
EPOV
The plane finally touched the safety of the ground and I finally took a deep breath. I freed my fingers from the death grip that I held on the arm chair.
Jessica did not notice my distaste- or… fear- of flying.
As a matter of fact, not one of the four girls that chose to take a plane to their dream date location seemed to care that I was rigid during the entire flight.
I tried to relax for the sake of the cameras.
Jessica looks over to me and smiled. "Eddie, tonight was so amazing."
I forced a smile, despite my hate for the unwanted nickname. "It was nice, Jessica. Thank you for a great date."
It wasn't the best date of the night, and not very original. It had been the third visit to Disneyland.
I've never been to Disneyland before today, so I was disappointed by the lack of magic.
The only thing that made these dates bearable was knowing that Bella's date was next.
When the plane stopped, the cameramen told us to wait so they could film us coming out of the plane together.
I was exhausted. I couldn't even listen to Jessica babble on for the hundredth time about how her skirt blew up on one of the rides. She was very disappointed that I missed out on the view. I was silently thanking higher powers that I was not able to see.
It was shocking how most of the girls had been so aggressive when it came to their pursuits to flirt with me. Flattering, of course, but at some points it was just disgusting. Hiked dresses, wandering fingers, and suggestive comments.
After giving the cue to exit off the plane, I made a show of opening the door and we both exited out with a smile on our face.
I opened up the door for her and she beamed up at me and gave me a swift kiss. "Bye, Edward."
"Goodnight Jessica."
I closed the door behind her and she was driven back to the House.
I got into the car where I would be briefed for my next date with Bella. Alice and Rosalie were in the car, as they were with every other date.
I hoped Bella wouldn't pick a date like the rest of the girls. I liked her. I knew she was different. If we had to go to some extravagant restaurant with foods I can't pronounce, I'm going to be very hurt.
Chris, a planner, went over the details about what clothes I would need to wear in order to be comfortable.
"Wear some jeans and a long sleeve. And a sweater. Just be comfortable." He started and was interrupted by Alice's gasp.
"What on earth is she planning on doing?" She shook her head with disapproval.
"What do you mean?" I asked.
Alice's eyebrows were scrunched up together and it was clear that she was upset. "What is she planning on doing that you guys have to dress comfortably? Huh? After all the nice dates you've been on all night, her date will falter in comparison!"
"Alice, calm down." Rosalie rolled her eyes. I nodded in agreement with Rosalie.
"Look, Alice, it'll be a nice change. I'm tired of these monkey suits. Plus, I know I'll love anything Bella chooses." I state, causing Alice and Rosalie's eyes to light up.
"Then I know just how to dress you!" Alice clapped, her mood swings giving me a headache but I smiled none the less. Her friendship, as well as Rosalie's, had surprised me by how comforting they were. It was nice to have a touch of reality amongst the facade people have been putting up.
We pulled up to a building close to the House so she could dictate my outfit and Rosalie can make me camera ready.
I looked at myself in the mirror. I was wearing the most casual thing for the first time in the two weeks I have been here. I was wearing some denim jeans with a light wash. I had a dark blue sweater with a white collar popping out. I felt comfortable. It was a much welcomed change.
"Are you excited for your date?" Rosalie asked, feigning indifference. The worry crinkles by her eyes made me aware of her fear, though.
They must have Bella as their favorite.
She's my favorite too.
"I'm terrified, actually. I know I'm not supposed to have favorites, but Isabella is beautiful. Not just exterior wise, she is gorgeous though, but also good hearted. I've had like one conversation with her. But I know that she is a good person. I am excited to find out more. I'm scared to find out she's not what I've built her up to be."
They both watched me with calculating glances and hugged me.
"Go get her." Alice smiled.
I was driven to the House and rang the doorbell. I felt my heart in my throat.
Suddenly, I was a fourteen year old boy with a crush.
I was so nervous to find out what Isabella Swan, the girl that didn't know had won my heart, had planned.
Cameramen spoke directions to one another to ensure that all angles were covered when getting my reaction to seeing Bella, as well as her reaction to seeing me. It was something I was accustomed to at this point, ready to feign any reaction I may need to. I couldn't have faked this, though.
Isabella was gorgeous. Usually, she was wearing elegant gowns just like all the other contestants, but Isabella was breathtakingly average. She wore a red flannel and a denim jacket, the flannel's collar popped over the jacket, and some leggings that flaunted her slender long legs. Her hair out of her face with a french braid, lose strands flowing freely. Her brown eyes framed with dark eyelashes. She looked beautiful.
So beautiful, that I didn't even realize I was gaping like a fish until her cheeks flushed red. I snapped my mouth closed and offered her my hand.
"Bella, are you ready for our date?" She smiled as she took my hand and allowed me to lead her to the limo.
The cameramen were shuffling into the car so that they could get us entering the limo and record the rest of our date. So I looked at Bella and squeezed her hand, causing her to look up at me with confusion.
This was my chance.
"In case we don't get another second chance to be without cameras filming our every move, I just wanted to let you know that you look lovely tonight, Isabella. I mean it." Her brown eyes widened and she turned the perfect shade of pink. My heart swelled with happiness just knowing that I got Bella to get that type of reaction. She smiled a goofy smile and opened her mouth to retort, sarcasm in her eyes. Before she could, the camera lights were back on us, and our private moment had ended just as quickly as it had began.
I doubted we would be able to talk so freely tonight. I was glad I got to say that.
We sat in the limo and I asked the same question for the umpteenth time, but it was different this time. I was dying to know.
"I'm not telling." She smirked, her smile lighting up the whole limo.
"C'mon. You can't keep this from me." I whined. "I've been waiting all day for this date, I can't wait any longer."
All she did was shrug. How difficult. How refreshing.
AN: Well, since Eddie's gotta wait longer for the date, so do you! I hope you enjoyed the chapter! Please review! The more reviews I get, the faster I type!
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