"Edward." I mentally groaned at the chirp in my sister's voice as she watched my back from her almost permanent post against the door frame. Alice has the genius idea that if she pesters me enough, I'll tell her who I've been pinning after. Not that I've been pinning.
"EDDDDDDDWARD." I swiveled in my chair to face her.
"Did god make you this annoying, or do you just find pleasure in it?" She danced into the room, so cheerful that I kind of wanted to trip her. Maybe I am overly moody. Alice slipped into the chair next to mine, and began to doodle at the blank page on the desk.
"You could just call her." I glared at Alice, but she just met my gaze. I gave in.
"Call whom Alice?" She gave an exasperated girl sigh, like I should just know. Maybe it was just Alice, but I swear all girls do it. Do they not realize how obnoxious that is? Even though I knew who she was referring to this time, I still acted like I didn't. I raised my eye brows in anticipation.
"If I knew Edward, I wouldn't be telling you to call her. I would have dragged her butt here. God, you act like you aren't in here moping." I swiveled my chair back to my computer and began typing.
"Edward, come on just…" I held up my hand. My phone was buzzing somewhere on the desk.
"Find it." I started frantically shoving papers aside. Alice just stood by and watched, her jaw open slightly.
"Alice help me." I growled at her. She stood in shock a moment before springing forward. My fingers finally gripped it and I yanked it up to my ear.
"Hello?" My voice was strained and raspy.
"Hey Edward, is Alice at home? She isn't answering her phone." Jasper's voice was the worst thing I think I had probably ever heard.
"Yeah." I thrust the phone out to Alice, who was watching me with that all knowing 'I totally get why you act this way' look. I just looked at my hand and waved it in front of her face. She took it cautiously, still perceiving way too much about the situation. She finally put it to her ear and realizing it was Jasper, she took it out into the hall and began chattering away. I stared at my computer screen. I hadn't been able to get anything done, school wise, for a few days. Bella hadn't called me, and I'd given her my number four days ago. I leaned back in the chair, listening to the familiar creak of it. Does this mean I'm sitting here hoping to get a date with a girl who couldn't care less? Not to mention the look Bella gave Jacob when he came up to us. Jacob was a good kid, but he also has feelings for her. Are they just friends? Is there really more going on there? I tapped at a few keys, trying to remember what I was trying to accomplish here.
"Edward, there is…." Alice had re-entered the room.
"Not now Alice, I'm studying." I really didn't want to talk to her about Bella anymore, because her method was working. If she brought it up again I may just bring up my theories.
"I know but I thought…."
"Alice, come on." Besides, Bella didn't seem to pick up on the fact that I'm a TV star. Maybe she wasn't interested in me at all.
"I know you're busy but you've got…" I shot her 'the look.' Obviously Alice didn't know I was busy or else she wouldn't be bothering me with whatever it was she wanted. Alice's jaw set forward and her infamous 'oh no you didn't face' appeared. I just rolled my eyes and started turning back to the computer when she brought the phone back up to her ear.
"Yea I'm sorry, but he's busy right now. Can I take a message?" I sat straight up, surprised my spine didn't snap at the movement. "Uh huh, I know right?" She began to saunter backwards to the door. I sprang out of the chair towards her, hissing.
"Who is it?" Alice simply me another look, and I got the message. She thought I was being rude. She was on my phone and she thought I was being RUDE!?
"Well does he have your number? Oh he doesn't? At least let me have your name and I'll let him know that you called and intend to call back later. Oh all right. Bye." She hung up quickly and handed me the phone. My hand shook violently as I clutched it into my palm.
"Who was that?" She shrugged simply and turned away. "Alice?" She stopped in the door frame, looking over her shoulder she shrugged again.
"Some girl, she wouldn't leave her name or number. Said she was calling from work, and that she'd try to call back later." My heart plummeted as I lifted my phone to look at the call history. Sure enough there it was displayed, Magistrate's dinner. She'd finally called and whether meaning to or not, my sister just happened to find the perfect revenge.
Dinner rush was crazier than usual and we of course, were short handed.
"JAKE! MOVE IT OR LOSE IT!" Embry boomed from the kitchen door. Jake was still bent over a table serving, but Embry needed the counter space and had no problem dealing with angry customers during a rush. Jake hated to have any of his customers upset and was going to get mad if Embry threw out or gave away that food. Making up my mind quickly, I squeezed into the kitchen. Embry spared two seconds to acknowledge me with a look before turning back to the busy kitchen. I grabbed up the plates Jacob was supposed to deliver and weaved my way back out of the food pick-up area. Amazingly enough I made it to the table to deliver the plates, and as I set them down, I let my eyes settle on the couple sitting in front of me. They both looked eerily familiar and as I looked at them, the man smiled at me. He was muscular but slender at the same time. His hair so platinum blonde, I was surprised it wasn't giving off light and his brown eyes were littered with flecks of amber. I returned the smile and easily moved onto the girl.
"Does everything look alright?" They both nodded at me, giving each other a knowing look. "Anything else I can do for you?" I was eyeing their water glasses, judging on how much longer before I should check back on it. The girl placed her hand on mine, forcing me to look up at her in surprise. She was a petite brunette with spiked hair, her complexion was fair and her eyes were large and green. Spellbindingly green, they danced wildly as she looked at me. It took me a moment to register that I'd seen eyes like this before. Somewhere in the back of my head, I knew I had.
"Whoa." I clamped my free hand over my mouth completely embarrassed by my reaction. She smiled at the man across from her before quickly turning her attention back to me.
"My Name is Alice Cullen." Okay… Weird lady is introducing herself to me why? My confusion must have shown on my face because her smile widened a little. "I believe I talked to you earlier today, on the phone." I bit my lip trying to think of anyone I'd talked to today.
"I don't know, I've been at work all day and the only call I've made was…" I faltered as it all clicked into place. The Emerald Green eyes, the familiar faces and her accent sounded familiar, almost exactly like Edward's.
"I'm Edward's twin sister." She scooted closer to talk to me and I felt a warm hand on the small of my back.
"Hey guys, I'm sorry about that, but I can see that Bella here got you all taken care of." Jacob flashed me a grin, but I felt out of place and I knew he could tell.
"I um, better get back to work. It was nice meeting you Alice." I gave her a weak smile and curt nod before quickly slipping back into the chaos.
The rest of the night flew by and even if I had had a chance I doubted I would attempt to call Edward again. He had already blown off one call. Did I really need a second one to get the point? I'd heard him in the background and then his sister shows up here but he doesn't. I jabbed a knife into a saltshaker that was about empty and dumped the rest of it into a Tupperware dish filled with more salt.
"Don't kill the poor thing." Jake slipped into the booth across from me. I rolled my eyes and reached for another one.
"Want me to stay and help out?" Jake's usual offer didn't sound so great tonight.
"Thanks Jake but I think that I've got it…"
"Jake!" Embry walked out of the kitchen and beelined straight towards us. Jake scrunched up his face in dislike but quickly wiped the look clean before he stood and faced Embry.
"What's up boss?" Embry gave me a look of acknowledgement before focusing on Jacob again.
"I had some mechanical trouble this morning and Larry let me borrow his car tonight. I was hoping you would be able to take a look at it?" Jake shoved his hands in his jean pockets and gave me a glance, I could see the wheels spinning in his head.
"Jake, go. I'll be fine. In fact, take the bike and I'll call a cab." Jake was already shaking his head no and moving towards me.
"You know I don't like leaving you here alone Bells. What if the cab driver does something crazy or knowing you; you decide to walk instead?!" I winced at the latter of the two options. I had been intending to walk the two miles home. I had done it on other nights, but I had never told Jacob about them, and probably never would.
"I'll give her a lift." Natalya came out from the kitchen with a broom, mop and a bucket. Jake jumped at the sound of her voice. I gave Natalya an encouraging grin and poked my finger at Jake's ribs.
"See, all good now. Natalya will give me a ride home, you can go play with the boys and I can get my work done. It's all settled." I shooed Embry and Jacob with my hands but Jake gave me another look.
"Bella, are you…."
"If you ask if I am sure, I will harm your testicles." Embry choked on his breath of air and Jake did a fake gasp of horror.
"Why would you ever say or do such a thing?" He moaned.
"Because if you aren't going to be a man and do man things, you don't deserve them. NOW GO!" I laughed as Jake tip toed girlishly toward the
back door. He gave me a wink and a wave before disappearing. I sat there a minute, still smiling over Jake before letting myself go back to my previous thoughts.
Why had I waited so long to call him? I mean I was nervous and all but I should have known guys like Edward asked girls out all the time and probably forgot he even gave me his number. I stabbed at another saltshaker as Natalya moved across the floor with her broom. It wasn't like I had time to date or anything, but he was really handsome. Strikingly so, but also so real. For Christ sake -he was going to be a doctor. A smart, handsome and probably ridiculously talented doctor. I groaned loudly and slumped over the table. That's when I heard the bells from the front door and I stiffened. Embry and Jake hadn't locked the doors before leaving. This could be anyone. Natalya stood frozen in horror looking at the doors and I had to slowly bring my guts up to cast the look over my shoulder. I began to speak before turning.
"I'm sorry but we're…." I stopped dead. I had never thought that this would happen. My heart pounded in my chest as my jaw dropped. It didn't hit the table but I wouldn't have been surprised if it had.
"You?"
"Yea, uh, it's me."