okay. i sat down, and i was like, "I NEED TO UPDATE THIS STORY." so here ya go,. xD this is sort of a fluffy, kind of a build up chapter. yes, i know its early, but i have a lot of plans for this story. like. a LOT. :) i dont think emmett and rosalie are going to have big roles in this, but we'll see. theres also gonna be a surprise character, if you wanna guess who it is? leave a review letting meknoww. i wont give you a cliffie or anything. those kill me xD

sorry i didnt update sooner. ive been working on Tuned and Confidential, and i just came back from vacation yesterdat night. right now im planning a third ff, which has yet to be written. so yeah. fluff, humor, and badassness in htis hcapter. LOL.

by the way, happy independence day. :)

leave a review guys!

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CHAPTER 2 – Exchange the Rumors, Feel the Love

"Done, Mr. King," I said, stiffly dropping three files onto Garrett's desk.

Garrett King looked up from the computer screen, eyed the three manila folders, and then glanced at me. I didn't miss the fact that his eyes trailed provocatively down my front, lingering a moment too long on my legs, and then up to my chest, before finally resting back on my face.

Clearing my throat and uncomfortably crossing my arms, I said, "The article goes out at three, am I correct?" I didn't wait for an answer. "You might want to get started on your articles."

I spun on my heel (literally) and flew towards the door, feeling his pale green eyes focused on a very specific area beneath my skirt. I pursed my lips and reached for the golden knob, eager to escape his office as soon as possible. I couldn't wait to get promoted.

I'd started working at Twilight Press about two years earlier, fresh out of college. In fact, I had attended Berkeley as an English major, keen on becoming a journalist, while Edward was all the way on the other side of the country attending Juilliard in New York. We called each other periodically, and met up whenever we could. Everything was perfect, until he got discovered…

Anyway, Twilight Press was and is the top news reporting company in the US. I liked it the moment I began, because my boss was a wise and friendly man. However, he retired a year later and was replaced with some other guy whose tactics were awfully different. He wasn't mean, but I wasn't too fond of him. But it didn't matter what I felt; this was a job that I needed, and Alice wouldn't be forced to pay all the bills.

"Miss Swan," Garrett said, and I grudgingly turned around and quirked an eyebrow at him.

"Yes?"

He smirked, and I was instantly reminded of my high school years with Edward. He used to smirk a lot as well, and back then, I found it incredibly annoying. Presently, they fell on a more seductive turn, which I didn't mind. But Garrett's were far from that, and the only thing they did was make my spine crawl.

"You have very sexy legs," he informed me, staring at them appreciatively.

If Edward were the one to say it, I would have blushed. But it wasn't, so I glared at Garrett, trying to subtly shift my position.

Biting back a snappy comment, I opened my mouth to speak. "Mr. King, I currently have a boyfriend. And if you knew any better—"

"Yeah, yeah," Garrett interjected, leaning back in his desk chair and smiling at me. "Isn't he that Edwin guy? The newest artist to top the charts?"

"His name is Edward," I said, scowling. "And yes."

Garrett contemplated this for a moment, a frown lingering on his face. If I hadn't known Edward, I would have thought Garrett was a particularly handsome man. He was around 27 years old, tall, built, and a keen ladies' man. I was told that he had busy nights with different girls, and the thought of it only made me hate him even more. He had a head of curly brown hair and curious green eyes that had probably seen a lot of inappropriate things. All in all, Edward was better than him. (Smirk :P)

Garrett laughed then, a lock of brown hair falling into his eyes. "I hear he's going out with Amelia Vane."

I winced, feeling as though someone had just driven a knife into my chest. "Where did you hear that?" I asked, unable to conceal my misery.

"Front cover," he said indifferently, tossing me an Exchange magazine.

Across the front was an alluring picture of Edward, whose messy bronze-colored hair was in my favorite disarray. His eyes were light and amused, as he spoke into a phone pressed against his ear. Meanwhile, on the other half of the page, was a picture of a gorgeous, blond-haired woman on the Red Carpet, her hair piled high on top of her head and a dazzling smile on her face. I wrinkled my nose.

Amelia Vane. I'd heard of her – 22 years old, famous actress, fashion icon. Gritting my teeth, I threw the magazine back onto the table and glared at Garrett.

"Lies," I said confidently.

Garrett laughed. "Wouldn't be so sure."

"Edward wouldn't cheat on me," I retorted. "These magazines spend their time ruining lives of celebrities. He has a girlfriend, and it's not Amelia."

"Is someone jealous?" Garrett sang, twirling a pen in his fingers and wiggling his eyebrows at me.

I rolled my eyes. "I'm not jealous, Mr. King. I'm only speaking the truth." I pressed my finger against the headline, which read 'EDWARD CULLEN AND AMELIA VANE?' and glared at him. "This is bull. They filmed one music video together, and that was it," I said icily.

Garrett smirked approvingly, unconsciously licking his lips. "You know, Miss Swan, you're incredibly sexy when you're mad."

"You're a jerk," I said, withdrawing my hand and heading for the door.

Garrett's deep, enthusiastic laughter echoed as I left his office.

-------o-------

"Yes, I need the clothes shipped by tomorrow!" Alice shrieked into the phone, scurrying around the store. "No delays, Gabriel. Yes. No. Of course not. Yes, I did drink my coffee this morning thank you very much."

She slammed her phone shut and brushed right past me, seemingly not noticing my presence. Her silky black hair was pulled up into a messy bun, a few loose strands dangling here and there. I watched, amused, as her tiny hands hastily rearranged the little mannequins and adjusted the clothing on them. It was five minutes later when she actually saw me.

"Oh, hey, Bells!" she said perkily, her attitude a stark contrast to how it was on the phone. "I'll be closing up soon, so hang on a sec."

Alice smiled at me before disappearing behind the back door.

I sat down on one of the plushy red couches of her store, admiring the friendly and welcoming decorations.

Alice had gone to an art institute in Chicago for three full years before dropping out to begin her own clothing line, ST-Mate. I always knew Alice had a thing for designing, because at Central Parkway Boarding School, she'd designed both my and Rosalie's dress for one of the school dances. In all of the years I'd known her, Alice was always the creative one.

I glanced around, sighing contently, until I noticed the Exchange magazine sitting on the opposite couch. It was the same one from Garrett's office earlier today.

Grimacing, I reached over and picked it up, examining the title as if I was searching for every miniscule pixel that made it up. Edward looked flawlessly handsome, for he was wearing my crooked grin while he spoke. He didn't seem to notice the paparazzi in this particular photo.

And then I looked at the stunning actress, who was undoubtedly on PEOPLE magazine's 100 Most Beautiful People list, and my pride and dignity crumbled.

"Oh, yeah, I was looking at that earlier this morning," Alice said, suddenly appearing beside me. She pulled the band out of her hair, sighing as the inky black hair spread across her back. Her calm, hazel eyes found my chocolate brown ones. "You know it's not true, right?" Alice asked in a musical voice.

I nodded, grimly glancing back at the cover. Why was Amelia so damn pretty? I glanced at the table of contents before flipping to the page with the article. The more I read, the more miserable I felt.

COVER STORY: Could love be on the horizon for the 'Her Eyes' singer and 'Apple Creek' starlet?

"They've been constantly communicating with constant texts and emails," says an insider. "It seems Edward's 'Take Her Hand' music video has been a fantastic connection between these two. They really can't get enough of each other."

But is this true? Is Edward really in love with yet another woman?

"It wouldn't be a surprise," says Amelia's agent. "He's a man, and he has desires. Amelia is a beautiful woman and there is no doubt she is perfect for him. They had instant chemistry the moment they met. You can tell, because there's that spark."

But the 'Her Eyes' singer is known to be dating small town but rich girl, Isabella 'Bella' Swan. The two have been dating – a source says – for six, going on seven, years. Could this be the end for such a long-lasting relationship? Is Edella soon to become Ameliward? Could—

"Hey! I was reading that!" I exclaimed, fuming as Alice tossed the closed magazine onto the glass table.

She brought her gaze back to mine, and I was surprised to find that it was fierce and angry.

"Bella Swan," she said, firmly grasping my shoulders and looking into my eyes. "He's in love with only one girl, and that's you," Alice said, her voice confident and sure. "He loved you in high school, he loved you in college, he loves you now, and he will never stop loving you. Besides, 'Ameliward' is the dumbest name I've ever heard. It sounds like a disease."

I laughed quietly, watching as Alice grinned cutely at me, and fingered the bracelet that Edward had given me in high school. Yes, I kept it. And yes, I do wear it. Everyday.

"Exchange tells lies. And yet everybody reads it," Alice added sadly, eyeing the magazine on the table with narrowed eyes. "Besides, this isn't the first time they've paired him up with someone. Last month, he was rumored to be dating, whatshername…Kristen? Kristen Cadalasky. Remember when the media and news reporters that stood on our doorstep?" Alice shuddered, and then grinned at me. "He loves you, Bells. I promise."

I stared into her genuinely warm eyes for a long moment, and then sighed and nodded curtly. Fidgeting with the sleeve of my coat, I muttered, "It's weird, having some of your personal life out for the world to see."

Alice nodded and smiled grimly. "Imagine how terrible it must be for Edward. But, Bells, he needs you," she declared sternly, and I laughed quietly. You could always count on Alice to cheer you up.

Her cherry pink lips widened into a small smile as she checked her watch. "It's getting late now; we should head home. If I'm not mistaken, a horny man is at home waiting for his beautiful girlfriend."

I laughed, feeling the blood creep up my neck and across my entire face as I stood up.

"Ah, yes, stilettos," Alice said, eyeing my black shoes appreciatively. "I'm proud of you, Bella." Then she noticed me blushing, and her tinkling laughter filled the atmosphere. "What are you blushing about? Everyone knows you guys did the naughty sophomore year," she said casually, as if we were discussing the weather forecast for tomorrow.

My jaw dropped, and I turned away so she couldn't see my now incredibly dark red face. "You know what? I think I'll go home."

Alice giggled, giving me a light shove towards the exit. "Bella, sweetie, I'll be going with you."

When we arrived at the apartment, me massaging my ankles and Alice panting for breath (walking was more efficient than driving in NYC), I'd barely opened my purse before the door flew open, and Edward appeared looking as gorgeous as he did this morning.

"Bella," he breathed, totally disregarding the dying Alice beside us.

I couldn't fight off the grin that formed on my face. "Edward."

There wasn't much I could say after that. Edward cupped my cheek and pulled me in for a head-spinning, mind-reeling kiss that left me breathless when he pulled away. His lips were like a second home.

Smiling at me, he whispered, "I missed you."

I giggled like a little schoolgirl, still trying to steady my breathing. Only Edward could make me act like this. "I missed you too," I replied, blushing.

"And I miss my bed! So please, out of the doorway," Alice huffed, sticking her tongue out at us as she brushed past us. "Good night, guys!" she called, clambering loudly up the stairs. "If I hear any suspicious noises, Edward, you're sleeping on the couch!" she hollered before disappearing behind the corner.

Edward and I glanced at each other before laughing, and I dropped my things onto the floor beside the couch, sighing contently.

"Hmm, what's that smell?" I asked suddenly, wrapping my arms around his neck and smiling lazily at him.

Edward cocked his head to the side, an innocent expression on his face. "Is it…bad? Pungent?"

I laughed, shaking my head. "No. It's mouthwatering, actually."

"So are you," Edward replied, smirking.

I rolled my eyes, smacked his shoulder, and made a beeline for the kitchen. I was only able to take two steps before he grabbed my wrist and covered my eyes.

"What are you doing?" I asked, fighting the urge to smile.

"I'm going to dump you in a pot of steaming hot water, shave your head, and run you over with a car – twice," he said sarcastically. "No. C'mon, love."

I laughed as he steered me towards the direction of the balcony, and I knew I was outside when cool night air met my face, followed by the aroma of tomato sauce and just a tiny twinge of smoke.

"Voila!" he said happily, chuckling as he removed his hands from my eyes.

I gasped.

The balcony was lit up by two tall wax candles shining brightly on a circular table, covered in a clean white tablecloth. One huge plate of spaghetti sat in the center, with a fork on either side of it. There was a bottle of wine and two glasses on a tray balanced precariously on the surrounding wall of the balcony. Two chairs were placed right next to each other, and the candlelight flickered and bobbed, making it the most romantic scene ever.

I looked up at Edward in awe, and he had his hands shoved deep into his pockets, a sheepish grin on his face. His dark green eyes, warm yet slightly uncertain, met mine.

Smiling, he gingerly reached for a chair and pulled it out, gesturing for me to sit down.

I – still being a speechless idiot – sat down and glanced around yet again, unable to take in the environment. The night was oddly peaceful and serene, and the stars seemed to shine extra brightly, though the city lights were still illuminated. But the whole set up…he didn't…do this for me, right? It seemed like a lot.

I was vaguely aware of the fact that the chair beside me scraped across the pavement, and that Edward gracefully sat down in it, his expression curious and scrutinizing mine. The flames on the candles flickered again, casting a shadow over half of his flawless face.

"Bon appetit," he said, a corner of his lips turned up into a grin.

"Merci," I replied airily, still sounding shocked. "This is…incredible," I said, for lack of a better word. I felt highly unworthy now. "Thank you so much, Edward. I—wow." Yep, I was quite the speaker.

Edward chuckled while I blushed.

"You didn't have to do this," I mumbled, already planning some sort of date night extravaganza for him.

Edward laughed and kissed my forehead, a smile on his face. He pulled away and grinned crookedly at me. "Ah, yes, but I did." He reached over, picked up one of the forks, and twirled strings of spaghetti onto it.

Then, he turned to me with a guilty expression. "I'm going to warn you again," he said quickly. "If this proves inedible—"

"—then I'll let you know, and I have the permission to hit you thirty times with a crowbar," I finished, giggling. "Edward, your food is always delicious," I assured him.

He stared at me for a moment, and then a satisfied smile formed on his face. Then, he leaned over and brought the forkful of pasta to my mouth.

"I love you," he said, grinning while I chewed.

Swallowing, I reached for the second fork. I repeated his actions, smiling at the way his mouth moved when he chewed. God, I was definitely a lovesick puppy -- completely and utterly infatuated with this man.

We talked a bit, chatted idly. I spent most of the time admiring the way his lips moved, or the sparkle in his emerald green eyes, or the precise shade of his hair in certain aspects of light. Sometimes it would be the familiar bronze, but then it would shift to an auburn tone. Nonetheless, he was still the handsomest, most gentlemanly man on the planet.

"You know, I kind of want to try something," Edward had said, ten minutes into the dinner.

I put the glass of wine down onto the table and quirked an eyebrow at him. "Let's hear it."

He chuckled, taking one of my hands into his. "You see, in the Lady and the Tramp…"

"Let's do it!" I interjected enthusiastically, reaching for a string of pasta.

Edward looked at me incredulously before doubling over in laughter. "Right, love, I'll take one end, and you take the other," he said cheerily, still chuckling to himself.

I brought the one end into my mouth, watching as Edward did the same with his end of the piece of spaghetti. We looked at each other, and Edward crossed his eyes, causing me to laugh and drop my end. I hastily put it back into my mouth, ignoring the smug smile on his face.

"This is the most cleethey thing I'ff efer fone," I said, shaking my head at him, but smiling regardless, overwhelmed with my love for him. "I luff fu."

Edward chuckled. "I luff fu choo, Bella."

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haha cute. :))) now audrey has some explaining to do:

-ok. for the whole garrett king thing, i acutally had a debate over what his name should be. i considered changing it to turner, because i think in wtda's sequel, his name was...royce king? something? yeah. well. i tried really hard not to copy her, but i also wanted this story to go a certain way in which i was satisfied. and for your information, garrett king is a guy that goes to my school. teehee! :P hes not perverted or anything though. i think. ut i promise -- no plans to copy Welcome to the Real World. :D

-secondly, haha. i got the idea of amelia vane from the whole robert/kristen/emelie scandal thingy. ive been reading the mags and wondering whether or not its true. o_o i feel bad for them.

-and lastly, the fluff in this chapter is probably one of the longest fluffs you'll get in this story. MAYBE. you'll see what i mean later on. :P

this is a long A/N. ill try to update ASAP. :) oh, and the st-mate thing, haha get it? ST-MAte? Estimate? hehe. i thought it was cool. idk. im weird.

NOW REVIEW! itll make me more inspired to write :D