How To Become A Girl
Chapter Fourteen
Screams served as my alarm clock this morning. Apparently, Jazz and Em did eventually find out that their girlfriends cuddled with me in bed rather than with them. They, like, literally pulled them off my bed! I had on a smirk when I woke up. And I was laughing as I watched them wrestle each other. Em won over Rosalie in no time but Alice seemed to be tougher. She was giving Jasper some punches on his biceps. Finally, she gave up and Jazz threw her over his shoulder. But it was earlier than my normal wake-up time. So, I decided to go back to sleep. But a large pillow hit my head.
"Ow. What the hell?" I turned around to see Emmett and Jasper with mischievous looks on their faces. "Oh shit!" I rolled of the bed and ran out of the room. I hurried down the stairs and Rosalie and Alice were laughing. Seriously? They chased me out of bed? I stood behind the kitchen counter and I panted. My hair was like a haystack. Rose and Al kissed my cheek before going back to their respective houses. Em and Jazz gave them they're kisses and faced me again.
"Oh Bella...!" Emmett sang.
"What?" I looked at him.
He walked into the kitchen and took a carton of milk from the fridge. Pouring some into a glass. "Nothin'." He was grinning widely and I knew what was coming.
I turned around and Jasper threw me over his shoulder. Too late! He ran to the pool and I was screaming 'No!' over and over again. But still, he threw me in. The water felt cold and it certainly woke up every last dead nerve in my body.
"That's for keepin' our darlings to yourself." Jasper raised his brow and ran away with Emmett before I splashed half the water in the pool at them.
The memories of last month's party came crashing again and I found myself pushing further, trying to remember what I couldn't. I suddenly felt alone. I looked around the pool. Hoping somebody would come and join me. But no one did. I shook my head and returned to reality. Why so emotional, Bella? Hell! I don't know!
I climbed up the stairs, soaking wet. And I felt sorry for Dorota because she has to clean up the water trail I left behind. Especially on the carpets. I rushed to my shower, shivering. I took a quick bath, eager to dry myself, bagged the wet clothes and faced my closet. I groaned as I recalled last night's scenes. Okay, okay...what did Alice prepare for me today. The clothes were easy to find. They had day labels on them. There were only four bags. Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday. I took the Thursday clothes' bag and opened it. I groaned. Alice had me put on white pants, they were comfortable anyway, so, I don't really mind. But the shirt! It was olive green and I felt naked because it was so light and tight fitting. Like, it hung to my skin and meshed with it so perfectly. I looked for my shoes and my chucks were gone! Ugh! Damn Alice...and Rose! I searched for the shoes that supposed to come along with the look. Underneath, where the clothes' bag was placed was a pair of brown strappy, peep-toed, felt-like, high heeled shoes. I searched for a pair of anything flat in the shoe closet and there was none. Was Alice crazy? I feel like a rookie thrown into a sea of generals. I groaned as I put them on, too.
Thursday was nothing that special, really. Just, Riley joining me for lunch and complimenting my look. I blushed at that and said thanks. We decided about the floor plan of the room. Lighting and color schemes for today. He walked me out just the same and reminded me about Saturday. My whole heart doesn't seem to want to be in it. I wanted to sleep it off so badly but I also didn't want to ditch Riley. I mean, yeah. He's decent and gorgeous but I just didn't feel it between us if that's what he wanted. It's going to be so bad admitting it to him.
Edward stood again, leaning at the railing. I decided to introduce him to Riley anyway. They might end up as good friends.
"Edward, this is Riley Stewart. Riley, this is Edward Cullen." I played with the apple in my hand. Tilting my head to Edward.
Edward glared at him. What the crap is his problem?
Riley extended a hand and Edward shook it firmly. "Pleasure to meet you."
"Edward..." I called his name when he didn't say anything.
"Oh, I'm sorry. Riley. It's...nice to meet you." He shoved his hands back into his pocket.
I smiled at Riley. "Okay. We have to go now."
"Oh, right. I'll see you tomorrow, Bella. I'll meet you at Starbucks. 10 A.M." He tried handing me my bag back but Edward took it from him. What the hell?
Riley huffed in annoyance. Then he bent down and kissed me on the cheek before going away. I saw Edward look away from the sweet act. The kiss felt wrong and I discreetly tried removing the lingering trace of it on my cheek. Edward chuckled at my disgust.
I glared at him. "We're not yet done. What was that about?"
"What about?" He looked back at me.
"All the fluff." I glared at him again. "You disappointed the boy."
"Boy? Is he that young?" He asked, quite amazed.
"He's 19. Just a year older than me." I shrugged.
He laughed. "You address him like he's six! I wonder what you'll address me like. An old man?"
"I never asked. How old are you?" I squinted through the sunlight that made his hair shine like copper and his eyes even more greenish.
"Twenty-two?" He said it like he was asking.
"What? You're not sure?" I looked at him surprised. We got to his car by this time and we started settling in and driving off.
"I am." He laughed. "I'm 22. Old, huh?" His eyebrows raised.
"No. I don't think that's old." I shrugged. I brushed the apple across my lips.
"Good." His eyes landed at the apple and he took it. He crunched a bite away.
"Hey! That's my apple!" My voice rose.
"It look frustrated! It keeps anticipating it's death but you never put it in your mouth!" He passed it back to me as he swallowed.
I just laughed at him. Apples die. That's what I learned from Edward today!
So, we got to the office and it was the same. Esme noticed my attire and Edward raised a brow at me. I told them Alice is crazy. Work went well. Just the same. Esme has now reached the peak of her excitement. She was so excited for tomorrow and I could tell that she and Alice would go together so well. Dinner was the same. Chat, chat, chat. And I was waiting for Edward to talk about whatever we talked about. I didn't want to bring it up. He didn't either. So, I think he didn't want to talk about it. And then the days left til Saturday elated me and at the same time made me unsatisfied. Although, Riley seems nice enough to ask me. So, fine. I won't ditch.
Alice and Rose didn't bother me when we got home. They let me go to rest for the night. I'm guessing, I look that bad, really. My morning was bad. I felt sore. Plus, Alice has dressed me up in a violet dress that was tied around my neck. She left a note, "Goodluck with dinner!". And she let me wear violet, felt-like, closed toe, heels. She is really killing me. Well, if I die before tomorrow's date, I think I'll love her for it anyway.
I got to school and Riley noticed what I was wearing. He wrapped an arm around my waist at one point and to me, it felt so awkward. Seriously, I didn't really like him like that. He was going way to fast, in my opinion. But me? I didn't really know anything. And hell! To be wanted this way felt so...new, genuine. He and Edward had a glaring exchange again and I seriously think he's jealous. Ha! Edward is jealous? What? Seriously? I just had to laugh internally. Riley reminded me again about tomorrow and kissed me on the cheek. The moment I turned around, I removed the trace again. And Edward laughed at me again.
He stopped in front of the building, dropping me off?
"Aren't you coming along?" I tilted my head towards the office.
He just smiled at me, "I have to get Tanya. She's going to kill me if I don't go there. Like literally."
"Ha! Then don't go there. So that you'll die and I'll meet you in heaven when Riley kills me tomorrow." My head dropped.
"Why is he going to kill you tomorrow?" He looked at me with...concern?
"Because I'm planning to ditch." I shrugged my shoulders. "I really want to sleep!"
He laughed at me and shook his head. The thought of the office without that laugh, without Edward felt dull. Quiet and gray. I will miss him. I tightened my grip on the door handle. He caught my hand as I turned around to get off. His hand in mine felt...right. Somehow. It blazed but it felt nice. I felt my insides jump at the contact.
"Hey. I'll see you, tonight, okay?" His voice was smooth. Comforting.
I looked back at him, blushing. "Yeah. Bye." I gave him one quick wave before I ran to the office, praying that somehow, time would fastforward to later. And it did, because Esme was so excited we left work at around 5. She had a smile so big, I couldn't ruin the fun for her by being so glum. So, I went with her flow.
We arrived to their house and, boy, it was huge. Well, they are rich. It was almost like the JW palace, only this had a more sophisticated design. Esme gave me a quick tour before we went to the kitchen to start cooking dinner. Tonight's menu was Chicken Enchiladas and Mushroom Raviolis. I noticed that Edward had a room in here. Does that mean he moved away? Maybe, that explains why he goes home alone. Because maybe, this isn't where he lives anymore. The colors used for this house, mahogany brown, whites and greens made me feel like I'm back in Forks. And it was built in a magnificent design. Esme designed it, she told me. And I was amazed.
Carlisle arrived a little after us, hugging Esme from behind and giving her a peck on the lips. I felt like an intruder, having to see that. And then he turned his attention to me.
"Bella, welcome to our home." He smiled. I waited for his hand but instead, he pulled me in for a hug. I froze for a second before I softened into his hug. This is the first time, I really noticed Carlisle's voice. I could see where Edward got his accent.
"Mr. Cullen. It's nice to meet you again." I said as I pulled away.
"Please call me Carlisle. How can I help?" Carlisle looked at the messy counter.
"Well, you can chop those tomatoes." Esme smiled at him and he did as she ordered.
It felt nice having to spend time with the Cullens. It felt like family. Esme and Carlisle told stories about different things that would make me laugh everytime. I think my stomach hurts from laughing. By the time we were done, Edward and Tanya weren't here yet. So, I decided to use the toilet for a while. "Down the hall, second door to the right." Esme instructed. I thanked her and went well on my way. I took a leak and I washed my face. The thin sheet of sweat that's forming on my forehead is not nice. I dried myself with papertowel and released my ponytail. Ahhh...That feels better. I took a couple more seconds to neutralize my breathing. It's seemed to be rushed.
I went back to the dining and I saw Esme and Carlisle engaged in their own bubble. Then I saw Edward's messy hair and that fake, curly blonde hair seated beside each other. I heard a ting of the dinnerware and Esme's eyes flashed to the face of the blonde, glaring scarily. "Let's wait until the rest of the guests have seated down, shall we?" Then her eyes flushed to me. "Speaking of, there she is."
I walked around the table to Esme side and took my seat there. I saw Tanya's eyes widen in amazement.
"I'm sorry, I'm late." I apologized to them, ignoring Tanya.
"No, it's fine." Esme said and took the platter of Chicken Enchiladas. She cut a piece for herself and Carlisle before passing it to me. I cut a small piece for me before I passed it to Edward. I think my appetite disappeared when I saw Tanya.
"Hey, Edward." I smiled at him.
"Bella. How was work?" He took the platter from me and cut himself a piece. He unmindedly passed the platter to Tanya, looking back at me.
"Oh, you know. The same." I shrugged as I took the bowl of Mushroom Raviolis from Esme. I put some on my plate before handing it to Edward.
"Ah. That's nice." He took it from my hands, his fingers grazing along mine and leaving a trail there.
"So, Bella. Would you like to come over for dinner every friday?" Esme turned to me. I looked at Edward and Carlisle. Carlisle was hopeful. He wanted me here. For Esme, maybe? With Edward, I wasn't sure if it was anger or excitement.
I stepped back a little. "I..." My eyes flickered between Edward and Carlisle again. Then to Esme. She wanted me here, too. And I couldn't resist her sweet aura. I might regret this but..."I guess."
Esme clapped her hands and planned next week's meals. Then she continued to talk to Carlisle. I started eating my food. It was just then that I realized that we've completely ignored Tanya. Even Edward! He was exchanging smiles with me and I've been holding back a laugh.
Then I noticed Tanya stand up. Maybe she's going to walk out! Or maybe not...She reached for the bowl between me and Esme and she "accidentally" tipped my glass and the liquid poured on my chest to my lap.
"Oops." She said in her nasal voice. Seriously, I wanna punch her again.
Not here, not here.
I swallowed whatever fuck, crap or shit that's about to escape my lips.
Edward rushed to my side to help me up. I shot a glare at Tanya who was now so shocked that Edward's on my side.
"It's okay. I'm fine. Thanks." I held on to Edward's hand as I stood up and cleaned myself with the table napkin.
"Edward, can you bring her to my room. Bella, find something to wear in there. I'm sorry if it's full of dresses. I'm quite dressy." Esme patted my hand before asking one of the helpers to clean up the mess.
Edward pulled my hand up the stairs and into Esme's room and into her closet. I swear big houses makes me feel like I'm in a maze. Esme was right. It is full of dresses. She only has formal trousers and pajamas. She doesn't have jeans! I grabbed a white dress without thinking. It was soft and light and it looked like it was something you wear on the beach. And it was short! It ended mid-thigh for me. But I wasn't such a bitch to search for something else. That closet's Esme's, not mine.
I met with Edward in Esme's room again. I pulled on my skirt, hoping that it would grow longer.
He laughed at me and said, "You look nice. Don't worry. Oh. And I'm sorry about that. Tanya's just really...".
I shook my head at him. "Stop apologizing for her."
We returned back to dinner and Edward and I were still exchanging smiles. I quite enjoyed it.
Tanya huffed and grabbed Edward's face, kissing him full on the lips. In front of us. Esme and Carlisle, especially.
I dropped my fork on my plate. "Woahkay. I think I've had enough for tonight. That was a lovely dinner. Thank you, Esme, Carlisle."
Edward pulled away from Tanya with a blush and a disgusted face. "What the hell, Tanya?" He said in a whisper.
Esme massaged her temples, leaning on the table and Carlisle shot Tanya a glare.
"I'm sorry, baby. I just wanted to kiss you so, so bad." Was she trying to seduce him? In front of his parents? or was she trying to be funny? I'd like to go with the latter one.
Edward buried his face in his hands and I shook my head.
"I'm really sorry about this, Bella. But I had a great time. Thank you. Come back next week, okay?" Esme huffed, kissed my cheek and went out of sight.
"Bella, really, it was a pleasure having you here. I'll see you, next week." Carlisle gave me a hug before following Esme.
I glared at Tanya. "What the fuck is your problem?" I spat at her. Then I turned to Edward. "I'm sorry, Edward. But I have to go. Please, just tell Esme, I had a great time."
I headed for the door. I felt anger burning in me. A strong one at that. It was something else, I think but I'll call it 'wrath'. I mean, how dare she have the guts to do that? And spill my drink on me! I wanted to run upstairs to Esme and Carlisle and tell them that it wasn't Edward's fault if they're going to put the blame on him. It wasn't Edward's fault. Tanya has some major problem.