Every Second Counts
Bella Swan is an intelligent, sarcastic but beautiful girl trying to make it as a writer, but stuck in a dead end job. She lives with her best friend, Jasper Hale - a cocky, but lovable lawyer. What happens when Jasper runs into Edward Cullen, and old friend without a place to stay? How will Bella respond? Stuck in the same space, they'll experience the up's and down's of love along the way.
RATED M FOR LANGUAGE/CONTENT. AU/AH. CANON PAIRINGS. Oh and, I don't own Twilight. What a shame.
A/N: Sorry guys if you got 2 emails about the new chapter. I had some problems with uploading it. But it's all better now, I think.
I love it when you all speculate on what will happen in the chapter. It's really encouraging me to keep writing. Here's the next chapter, enjoy guys!
Chapter 3: Resist Temptation
BellaPOV
I was standing in the middle of my room, well I though I was. I could hardly tell, there were clothes everywhere.
"Argh!" I screamed to no one in particular. "What am I going to wear?!"
"Maybe I can help?"
"Alice? What are you doing here?"
"I'm here to help obviously!" Alice was standing in my doorway, with a bundle of coat hangers draped over her shoulder. She looked stunning, in a short, little black dress and her hair was gelled into a lose Mohawk, all gathered on the top of her head.
"Alice, you're a lifesaver." I was truly grateful to have her here.
"Of course I am" She smiled as she made her way into my room and threw all her outfits on my bed.
"How did you-"
"Trust me Bella, I know all, and don't worry, I'll have you looking fabulous." She grabbed two dresses and held them up to my body, her lips pressed together as if she were deep in thought. "This one, definitely. It's perfect." She decided, handing me a blue dress. I couldn't see too much of it on the coat hanger, but Alice ushered me behind my screen to change.
She was right, the dress was perfect. It was a simple silhouette, a deep v-neckline, flowing out into a mid-thigh length, in a intense royal blue colour that made my skin glow. I spun on my bare feet and admired the back; it was non-existent, only with a simple brooch at the base pulling it all together.
I walked out from behind the screen to meet Alice's approving gaze.
"You look amazing, Bella"
I blushed.
"Now, don't think you're done yet," A mischievous grin flashed across her face.
As Alice was curling my hair, I had a chance to talk to her. She made me stay perfectly quiet while doing my makeup.
"Alice, you didn't tell me how you got in here?"
"Oh Jasper let me in." she smiled.
Now I'm not as observant as my Mother, but I swear I saw a flicker of a warm smile, before she returned to her mask of concentration.
10 minutes later, I was slipping into my shoes, and ready to go. Alice and Jasper were walking ahead of me, locked in a deep conversation about, well I'm not too sure what, but the look on their faces was passionately fierce.
As we slid into the cab, I realized that even Jasper was dressed up. He was wearing a pair of dark jeans and a button up white shirt, with soft lilac vertical stripes. He had the sleeves rolled up and was sitting casually next to Alice, still having the same conversation.
When I saw an opportune intermission, I took my chance to question Alice.
"Al, why are we so dressed up?"
That same twinkle appeared in her eyes. "Because I invited a few people."
"People? Who-"
"You'll find out."
That was the second time she had cut me off.
Why won't she tell me?
***
A relatively short cab ride later, we were standing outside Eclipse. Alice walked up to the bouncer, spoke to him briefly and walked through. Jasper and I exchanged looks and followed her in. The bar was, electrifying. There were lights going everywhere, and a huge visualizer pulsing with the beat of the music on the far wall. There were little cubes acting as seats on the left and the bar on the right. Down the middle was a sea of dancers.
Alice grabbed Jaspers hand and led him through the crowd. I followed staying close, until we reached the 'table'. It was more like a bunch of cubes around in a messy circle. Emmett was sitting there, with a blonde I didn't know and Charlotte from work, with a Time Warp regular, Peter. As I looked around the makeshift circle, a familiar mop of bronze hair was glowing in the lightshow. I'd recognize it anywhere. It was Edward, even from behind I could tell.
"Bella!" Emmett boomed, his arm snaking its way around his squeeze.
Before I even had a chance to greet him in return, Edward spun around and locked eyes with me. His green eyes were vivid. He stood up and made his way over to me. I gulped nervously. I could feel the butterflies rising in my stomach.
Get a grip, Bella!
"You-" he said accusingly "-didn't stop by the bookstore." He looked more amused than dejected.
"I haven't finished the book I'm reading." I countered. Two knew how to play this game.
He laughed, it was lively and uninhibited. "Let's go get a drink." He flashed his crooked smile, and I was a goner.
Round one to Bella. I smiled to myself as he took my hand and led me towards the bar. While I could, I admired his crisp white shirt with a grey herringbone pattern. I wanted to run my fingers along it.
Resist Temptation!
Yes, this was all a game, and so far, I was winning. I wouldn't lose my edge. I curled my fingers under my thumb.
We reached the bar, and took two spare seats.
"What do you want Bella?" It seemed like more of a simple question, but an investigation of character.
"A beer," I stated simply. Edward nodded, impressed.
"Two beers then" Edward agreed.
The bartender passed Edward our drinks and he in turn, passed one to me. I tapped my bottle to his.
"Cheers" I mumbled as I took a swig.
Edward followed suit, then turned to me with a serious expression.
"So why didn't you come to the bookstore?"
"Work." I sighed. "Emmett called me in, he wanted me to show Alice the ropes."
"So you work at the record store, too?" He seemed amused.
"Why's that so hard to believe?" I shot.
"What's your favourite band then?" He countered.
I took another swig before I continued. "It depends on my mood,"
"Today then."
"Hmmm, probably The Spill Canvas" that was the CD I put in the stereo at work today." I concluded.
His eyebrows rose, surprised, then thoughtful.
"Is that surprising to you?"
"No, I suppose it's not" He allowed slowly. His eyes were elsewhere. Musing.
I hesitated, unsure of how to take that, as an insult or a compliment.
"Do you know of The Spill Canvas?"
He regained himself. "Yes, of course." He smiled "My favourite is The Tide."
I smiled, that was one of my favourites too.
"Of course, if you like The Spill Canvas, then you must be a fan of The Rocket Summer"
I nodded, "and We The Kings"
"Skyway Avenue, a great sing along song." He agreed.
"Whenever it plays in the store, I break out in song," I confessed.
"I'd have to see that"
"You'd have better luck if you're there tomorrow." I smiled, repeating the words from our first conversation.
His eyes flickered in acknowledgement.
"So, what do you do?"
"I'm actually a musician, but at the moment I'm working in the bookstore to try and pay my many bills."
"Ah, I know the feeling. I'm actually wanting to be a writer and yet, I spend my time in a record store." We laughed. Our laughter was almost melodious, the way it melded together. "How's the music going for you?"
I was intently curious, biting my lip out of habit.
"I've written a few, but mostly its me and my guitar on the roof at night." He ran his hand through his hair, leaving it in a state of disarray.
"I'd love to hear some of them sometime." I could picture Edward walking up the fire escape with his guitar, setting up on the roof and playing to the night. I bet he had an amazing voice.
"Maybe." He looked to be lost in his thoughts again.
I gave him a moment and looked around the room. Alice and Jasper had pushed their cubes as close together as they could and were sitting looking into each other's eyes. Their connection was magnetic. I was happy for them.
Emmett and the Blonde were nowhere to be seen. Figures.
I turned back to Edward, as he finished his drink. His eyes were on fire again. I liked it.
Suddenly Edward leaned in close to me and whispered in my ear.
"Do you want to get out of here?" It took me a minute to recover from the attack on my heart.
"Um, sure." I smiled timidly.
Edward took my hand in his again as we walked out. I loved the feeling of his hand around mine. It was a perfect fit, like our hands were molded for each other's.
When we got outside Edward released his hold on my hand, running his fingers through his hair again before stuffing his hands into his pockets. It was pretty cold and all I was wearing was this flimsy cocktail dress. I shivered involuntarily, and Edward immediately shrugged out of his leather jacket and slid it over my shoulders.
"Thank you." I couldn't blush, because my face was already red from the cold.
At least, I think it was the cold.
Edward stopped walking.
"Would you like to come see something with me?" His soft voice velvety. Impossible to say no to.
I nodded as he took my hand again and led me down the street.
We walked down to the park, and watched as the trees slowly became illuminated. Thousands of tiny lights littered the branches, and the park glowed.
"It's so beautiful, Edward."
"I like to come here at night when I have to think." he said solemnly.
"I can see why." I muttered.
We sat and watched the lights for a while, as they twinkled on and off, resembling stars.
I stood still with Edward beside me, our hands still intertwined. I felt so calm in this moment, just standing there. No worries, no cares. Just taking in everything through all my senses. I could see the lights. I could hear my heart thumping in my chest. I could feel Edward's velvet smooth touch, his hand caressing mine. I could smell the musk in the clear air. And I could taste the desire to kiss him on the tip of my tongue.
No, you mustn't Bella! Do you want to ruin everything?
I allowed myself to close my eyes. My favourite song filled my head like I was listening to it through headphones.
My breath is on your hair. I'm unaware, that you opened the blinds and let the city in. God, you held my hand, and we stand just taking in everything.
"Edward?"
"Mmm?" He turned towards me, his eyes opening slowly. He'd had his eyes closed too.
"You said you like to come down here to think. Do you live nearby?" I felt so stupid.
"Yes, for now." He looked unsettled.
"For now?"
He looked like he didn't like where the conversation was going. I shouldn't have, but I pressed on.
"It's okay, you can tell me Edward." I took his hand and rubbed it tenderly.
"I've been given a week to move out, it's no big deal." he shrugged.
No big deal?
"So where are you going to stay?" He laughed. It didn't reach his eyes.
"It's okay, Bella. I've got it sorted. I will miss this, though." He sighed.
Aww, aren't they cute? I couldn't help it that it became fluffy. Also, Bella struggles with herself. Her heart and her head say two different things to her always, so she always has to choose between the two.
Reviews are good, like watching the lights with Edward.