~WHAT IT TAKES TO STAND~

Chapter 8: Breaking News

Over the course of two weeks, Edward and I were attached at the hip. We chatted and spent as much time as we could to get to know each other. We learned of our favorite books, music, movies, food, etc, etc. I was surprised to know how similar we both were: our music and books being classical, and other stuff too, like we both hate the subject Math during school, hate romantic-comedy movies, are both more awake during the night than the day, and other basic stuff. One time I asked him if there is an instrument he knows how to play and he told me the piano. All I thought was he fucking knows how to play the piano?!, dreaming how it is all shades of sexy and hot. He promised me he'll show me his talent some time when he finds a piano. And because there wasn't one in my apartment, all I could do is to imagine him using my body as his instrument to show me how talented his fingers were.

Edward became a permanent fixture in my life for the two weeks. At the office, we were almost inseparable, and it caused a bit of gossip amongst our co-worker. I didn't care. All that mattered was I was with him.

We sent each other e-mails constantly. Sometimes, we talk about random stuff. But there were few times when we get ourselves too much into the "other stuff", like the one Wednesday morning.

I dreamt of you last night. He sent me, getting all sweet and sappy again.

Me too.

I hope I was naked.

Oh, Edward if only you knew…

And panting.

I taunted in my reply. Only, he didn't know he had already starred more than once in my dream where I get to experience my big O, waking me instantly upright in my bed.

Are you sure you don't want to sneak out to the fax room...?

I'm absolutely certain. I chuckled.

You're cruel. You say things like that and expect me not to be affected.

Actually, I was hoping for the opposite.

Give me a little peek.

At that, I was stumped. Was he serious? But the idea was so tempting and erotic that I took a chance with my reply.

Here?

Hell yeah. It will be hot.

I looked towards him, where he peered my way with hooded eyes. That look did it for me.

I glanced around us and noticed no one was paying too much attention. I fractionally hitched my skirt and worked to glide my hand along my legs. I felt sexy, and hot, and it was making me hot just to know that he was staring at me.

Higher.

I hitched my skirt a little higher, cautious if anyone notices. I was easily getting aroused just by knowing that he was affected by me and I hoped no one notices my flustered face.

Oh God.

I scooped all my hair to my left, exposing my neck. And then, like I wasn't paying attention to what I was doing, I moved my hand to my breast, teasing a bit on the front, and worked my hands to stomach.

Fuck yeah.

And then, I placed my index finger in my mouth, as though it was inconsequential, and sucked on it.

Oh God. Don't stop.

I nibbled on my finger, wearing a sexy grin, but still looking at my monitor.

I couldn't wait for you to be ready.

That did it. It was like a drum of iced water was showered on me. It's easy to flirt and write provocatively behind a screen when you know that they are just words, and to give a peek every once in a while, but in reality, I'm not sure I am ready for more. I know I loved getting to know him, and loved it even more whenever we make-out, but I still don't think I have enough courage to put our relationship into the next level. Edward respects my inhibitions and doesn't demand anything; however, I know that if I don't get passed my insecurities, our little bubble would soon burst.

Friday morning, I received a text message from Edward telling me he wouldn't be able to come to work. I asked him why and he told me it was family matters. I entered the office sulking.

The day passed boringly as I watched people outside my window. I didn't notice before but time seemed to fly whenever I'm with Edward, and when he's not with me, it was dragging. Just before lunch, I sensed someone approaching me in my cubicle and I tried to look sharp. But when I looked up to see Mike and the person beside him both in front of me, all blood left my face.

"You're Isabella Swan, right?" I noticed my co-workers eyeing us with interest. However, all that I could focus on at that time was the gorgeous woman in front of me, and how it was none other than Edward's sister, Rosalie Cullen-King.

I gulped my own spit as I find my voice to answer her.

"Yes, Mrs. King. Is there anything you need?"

The blonde beauty scowled at me and I was easily intimidated by her demeanor. Rosalie is a tall, curvaceous, gorgeous woman, who looked like a freaking model of some sports magazine. She looked formidable with her designer clothes and four inches heeled shoes, making me feel smaller than I already was compared to her. She was better looking than the pictures I saw of her.

She scanned me from head to toe and noticed for the first time my wheels. She grew angrier at that for some reason.

"Oh my God, it's worse than I thought," she uttered with venom.

I looked down in shame. I knew that wherever her thoughts were heading, it has something to do with my inability to walk.

"Swan, we need to talk, but I wouldn't be waiting for your slow wheel to arrive at the coffee shop down the block, so you go there right now and I'll meet you in ten minutes."

At that she left leaving Mike all confused, and me, all my nerves like jelly.

I excused myself to Mike as I wheeled away from him and had all my co-workers exchange furtive looks.

I was all nerves as I arrived at the coffee shop. Rosalie has not yet arrived so I took the liberty to choose where to sit. I picked the one most hidden from the people and ordered tea to calm my nerves. I couldn't even pick the teacup properly – my hands were shaking.

What does she want with me? I kept asking myself but knew that it has something to do with Edward. If not so, I couldn't think of any reason why she would single me out amongst the other employees.

Rosalie arrived a few minutes later with air of importance as she searched for me. When her eyes locked on mine, I instantly looked away. She came to sit next to me and I fidgeted with the cup of tea on my hands.

The waiter was fast to get our orders. After which Rosalie took out her coat and placed it beside her chair's armrest. I could smell strong expensive perfume emanating from her.

"Swan, I would cut to all pleasantries and tell you my real business why I needed to talk to you."

I couldn't even have the courage to tell her to call me Bella instead. I simply nodded at her.

"I want you to look at me whenever I speak."

Mustering the only strength I could, I cautiously looked at her blue penetrating eyes and felt weaker than before.

"You must have an idea why I wanted to talk to you."

"Edward," I croaked.

The waiter arrived and placed Rosalie's coffee in front of her. She didn't even thank him.

"My brother will be the future heir to Cullen Enterprises. Do you know that?"

"Yes." It appeared I could only manage one-word conversation with her.

"As such, anyone in the position of my father would want the best for him, in every way, wouldn't he?"

I finally had the strength to speak a little more than one words. "And I'm not the best for him."

"No. You're not. You could be the best for anyone else, but not for him. Swan, I'm not merely saying this because you aren't some daughter of some business tycoon, nor am I feeling you inadequate for being handicapped." She spoke direct to the point without even showing a hint of emotion. "I'm doing this for Edward's own good. I know what it entails to be my father's daughter, and already, I've been through the hard times. Edward would be in a harder position because he is a man, and that means he would take over my father in running the company. Do you get what I'm saying?"

Dread took over me at the concept of how truly inadequate I am as compared to Edward. It was hard enough for me to believe him when he says he wants me; it was even harder now that Rosalie made me realize how Heaven and Earth Edward and I are to each other.

I took a sip of my tea before speaking.

"You want me to break-up with him." It wasn't a question but a statement. It was obvious what she wanted.

"Yes, before this foolish affair gets out of hand and hurt you more later on. He's already fighting Mr. Cullen as it is."

There it was again – calling their father Mr. Cullen.

"He's fighting him?"

"Yes. They don't know yet what's making him a rebel, and before they learn it was you, I'm suggesting you already cut ties with him before it's too late."

I nodded, finding it hard to believe. Was it just yesterday we were eating dinner, seemingly happy in my apartment as we cuddle and make fun of Cheeky? And now, before even taking our relationship further, we needed to separate. The concept puts coldness into my heart.

"You told me that it has been hard to you as well. What did you experience?"

It was the only moment Rosalie's eyes displayed any emotion, and I easily read it as pain. She was still hurting over something, and in that short moment, I realized why she was acting tough. It was defense mechanism to hide her vulnerability and weakness.

"I don't want to answer you."

I nodded again, this time empathizing with her. And instead of apologizing, I said "I understand."

She looked at me with a hint of surprise, and I knew she felt my sincerity over her predicament, but she easily hid her feelings.

"One more thing: Edward is already engaged."

At that she rose without even having a sip of her coffee, leaving me unable to process what I just heard. It couldn't be true, could it? Edward is engaged? To whom? Was he playing me?

It took me the whole thirty minutes before I finally forced myself to go back to work. I wheeled myself away as numbness engulfed me.

As soon as I went back to the office, my co-workers watched me wheeling myself back to my cubicle. I didn't care. They could gossip all they want.

I went to my place and unlocked my computer. Mechanically, I searched for any news related to Edward's engagement. Surely, a prominent person as him – the son of an important businessman – would have something written about his engagement?

One news article featured this, but they say the information wasn't still certain. But it was certain enough for me: he's getting married to a Tanya Denali, daughter of the Denali Corporations, one of the biggest companies next to the Cullen's. There was no picture of them together, and for that I was glad, because I didn't think I could handle it anymore if there was. However, I did see a picture of Tanya, and it was enough for my self-esteem to plummet as I look at her strawberry blond hair and model-looking body. She could easily wear rags and still look beautiful.

I wheeled myself to go to the comfort room. There, I finally let the few tears that have threatened to flow the entire way from the coffee shop.

Finally, when I felt a little stronger, I sent Edward a text message. It was a simple one, but encapsulates all that I wanted to say.

I will never be ready and you were not even ready to begin with. I don't want to be your baggage. Goodbye.

And I cried, because it was the only thing I knew how to do anymore.