Stephenie Meyer own all...except for the 5.2 earthquake that went through our little island at 1am as i was tucked up in bed...The earth owns that one!
Close Quarters—'Close contact with the enemy'
Bella POV.
"Alice! You got the camera?" I called out as I stood at the front door, tying up my hair while I wedged the door open with my foot.
"Yeah…coming, hold on!" she called as Rosalie slipped past me, whistling to herself. "Okay…I'm ready!" she gushed as she wrenched back the door and closed it behind her.
"I think we should get a few more pictures before we send them to Renee…maybe some of the top deck or of us three together somewhere…" I suggested as we reached the elevator.
They both agreed with me, so we headed up in the elevator to the resort deck. Alice began snapping pictures of Rosalie and me wildly as we walked along the deck. "Okay Alice…your turn!" I laughed in a sing-song voice as I snatched the camera from her hands.
I took some good pictures of Alice and Rosalie causally lounging against the deck's rail with the backdrop of a far away green island. "So why did you scream and chuck your popcorn last night?" I asked in a casual manner as I looked pointedly at Rosalie.
"Euchhh I'll never live it down!" she muttered as she placed a hand over her eyes. I held back a laugh as I picked up on the disgust in her voice. After a few short seconds of silence, she dropped her hand from her face and leant back on the rail as she explained, "We were watching the film…and it came to a really tense part, so I hugged him pretty tight…"
"Naturally." Alice added with a nod of her head.
"Well anyway," she continued after a sigh, "He must have realised then that the tension was getting to me, 'cause the arm that he had at my waist started to move, and I felt his hand under my shirt, rubbing a little spot of skin on my side. I thought he was comforting me." She said the last part with a roll of her eyes. "But what I didn't realise was that he had a class of ice filled soda within his arms reach, so he must have grabbed hold of that for a few seconds, before he smacked his hand back under my top, on my stomach. It was so freaking cold!" she exclaimed as Alice and I began to crack up.
Once we'd assured Rosalie that it was Emmett's fault, we carried on walking, ending up at the pool. As I took a picture of the huge diving board, I felt someone poke me in the ribs. "What the hell was that for?" I asked in a huff as I rubbed my side.
Rosalie, the perpetrator said nothing. She simply pointed to the bar beside the pool. There my eye's beheld, Emmett, Edward and Jasper, laughing along with three women who must have been around sixty years old.
I took a quick picture from where we stood before Alice skipped past me and headed over to them. Rosalie and I soon followed and were welcomed with huge smiles from the guys and a warm greeting from the three old women. Emmett made the introductions between us, before they made their excuses and 'left us to it'.
"What have you got there?" Edward asked as he took the camera from my hands and started looking through the pictures that Alice had taken earlier. "Smile!" he shouted as he turned around and snapped a picture of Emmett and Rosalie.
Emmett soon demanded that he have the camera. Neither Rosalie, Alice nor I seemed to have any say in the matter, so we let the boy's toy around, taking pictures of each other and occasionally of us as we talked.
"Would you like a group photo?" A familiar voice asked from behind me. She quickly grabbed the camera out of Jasper's hands and ordered us to line up in front of the bar. The guys all stood behind us, laughing and joking, while Rosalie and I remained silent listening as Alice explained to Tanya how to change certain settings on the camera.
Just as Tanya was getting ready to take the first picture, Emmett nudged his knee into the back of mine, causing me to stumble forward. I scrunched my eyes closed tightly, a defence mechanism that I'd learnt over the years, stopping me from seeing the ground as it came ever closer to my face.
The breath gushed out of me as I felt two strong arms wrap themselves securely around my waist, pulling me back up. In the background I could faintly hear the sound of laughter, especially Emmett's.
Once I regained my stance, I took a deep breath and turned around to thank Edward before I glared at Emmett. Edwards's laughter from beside me shocked me, until my mind processed his words. "You've done it now…she hold grudges! I saw her kicking the water fountain yesterday after it got in her way." I looked from Emmett, back to Edward and caught him as he gave me a quick wink.
"I'm sorry…you have to admit that it was funny…" Emmett muttered in his defence as he wrung his hands nervously. I gave him a pat on his huge, solid, impressively well muscled arm and a smile before I turned back to face Tanya. I cut Rosalie a quick look of astonishment which she returned, mouthing the words, "I know!"
I realised that Edward hadn't completely released his hold on me, one of his hands still rested lightly at my waist. I doubted that he even realised that it was there.
Once Tanya had taken a few pictures, Rosalie quickly asked a passing member of staff to take a few with Tanya in with us. She tried to protest, but one sad look from Alice was enough to break her.
"Do you need anything now?" Tanya asked once the pictures were all taken. Alice quickly told her about our plans of going to the casino. "I'll be around at 7.30? I can bring your dinner to your room and some dresses, and then you can go strait to the casino" she offered. The three of us latched on to her plan and thanked her before she left.
"So what are you three up to now?" Jasper asked as he watched Alice who was browsing through the pictures.
"We're heading down to the internet café…" Alice answered him with a sweet smile on her face.
"Mind if we tag along?" He asked as he watched Alice twirl the strap of the camera in her hands idly.
"Not at all" she beamed as she held a hand out to him. I smiled as I watched Jasper take hold of her hand, enveloping it in his as they began to lead the way to the internet café.
I felt Edwards hand pressing gently at the small of my back as he asked, "Coming?" I smiled back at him and followed them all down.
I sat down at a computer next to Alice, perplexed as I noticed that Jasper, Emmett and Edward had vanished to the other side of the room. Rosalie sat on the other side of me and began to set up her computer.
"Why are they over there?" I asked Alice as I glanced over the top of my computer to look at them.
"Just load up your Instant Messenger" Alice told me with a sly grin.
I followed her orders and was instantly greeted with someone called 'Green Eyes' requesting to chat. I cut a quick look at Alice who gave me a wink before I accepted the request, and began my conversation of sorts with Edward,
Green Eyes: Klutz? What a name!
Klutz: Green Eyes? Not very original…don't you think?
Green Eyes: It works well enough thank you. I must say though…your name precedes you.
Klutz: I know…I know…thanks for saving me earlier…my face has met the floor way to many times; it was nice to be spared the introduction.
Green Eyes: I detect a certain dislike for this 'floor' character.
Klutz: You could say that…I don't really like being brought down to his level.
Green Eyes: I suppose I'll have to stick around…keep a weathered eye open just in case Mr 'floor' makes another appearance.
Klutz: You don't have to do that, he likes to pop us spontaneously. I wouldn't want you to shackle yourself to me, it wouldn't be fair.
Green Eyes: I'm a big boy…I'm sure I could manage.
Klutz: I'm being made out to be a damsel in distress! How pathetic is that!
Green Eyes: I find it quite endearing myself. Just imagine having a strong guy looking out for you, protecting you. Would that be so bad?
Klutz: Well…when you put it that way…I guess not. Change of topic-How good are you at the casino? Can I ask for your help tonight? I can hold my own with the slot machines…but that really is about it.
Green Eyes: I'll show you the ropes, I'm only to happy to be of help.
Klutz: I know! That's the problem! You also promised to teach me how to swim! How can I do to repay you?
Green Eyes: How about…dinner on the last night on board, before we spend the week on land?
Klutz: Sure, that'd be great. I'm already exited! How weird is that!!
Green Eyes: Not very…I'm excited too! So which Island are you spending your week on?
Klutz: St Lucia. I can't wait to walk on the beach, sit on the soft sand just relax under a palm tree!
Green Eyes: We're going there too! You forgot swimming in the sea! Maybe I could tech you to swim in the clear, warm tropical sea?
Klutz: That sounds great! Won't you mind though?
Green Eyes: Let me think…frolicking around in the tropical sea with a beautiful woman…Nope…I don't see any problems with that!
Klutz: Beautiful? Well…I could say the same for you! Do you work out a lot? I couldn't help but notice how toned you were at the pool the other day.
Green Eyes: Stop! I'm blushing! I must admit, I did work hard for the muscles that I have. I'm grateful for having them, it makes picking you up when you stumble so much easier ;) Was it only me that noticed that your last message sounded like a pickup line? Moving on…Do you come here often?
Klutz: Why no…no I don't come here often...but I do have the internet in my Twilight suite…I do go there often believe it or not.
Green Eyes: Really? My, my…I'd never have guessed! Here's a chat up line for you! 'I hope you know CPR because you take my breath away'
Klutz: Oooo I read your chat up line and raise you, 'I must be lost. I thought paradise was further south?'
Green Eyes: Haha! How about… 'Do you have any raisins? How about a date?'
Klutz: Haha! Maybe you should have used that earlier? I'm already going on a date with you silly!! 'Do you have a map? Because I keep getting lost in your eyes!'
Green Eyes: Ooo wait! I got a good one! 'If I had a flower for every time I thought of you, I could walk in my own garden forever.' Talking about flowers…have you been up to the conservatory on the ship yet?
Klutz: That was a sweet pick up line! And no, we haven't been up to the conservatory yet. Don't they do flower arranging classes there?
Green Eyes: That they do. You game? Tomorrow morning 9am sharp.
Klutz: Sure why not, can't be much worse than the gym!
"Okay Bella, I've loaded a picture into your mums e-mail message. So write out a message for me to type out." Alice ordered me as she typed her own message frantically between chatting with Jasper.
Green Eyes: Ahhh…but the gym had its perks ;)
Klutz: Hmmm I would have to disagree. A GBH-ing water fountain and Mike?
I quickly wrote out a message for Renee on a piece of scrap paper as I waited for Edwards reply. I told Renee of how great the ship, Tanya and our company had been so far and how we were headed to the casino tonight. I ended, telling her how much I loved her and then slipped the paper to Alice.
Green Eyes: Ahh yes, Mike. You never did tell me last night what he asked you. Will you now?
Klutz: No I didn't did I? And you never explained what Walter's words had meant…so…no dice.
Green Eyes: Damn you're stubborn!
Klutz: Thank you.
"Bella, you done? We should head to the Emporium. We need to get Charlie some souvenirs…" Rosalie's voice faded into the background as I typed Edward a quick message.
Klutz: We're going shopping in the Emporium now. See you later!!
Green Eyes: Later x
I sat stock still as I stared at the little 'x' at the end of his message. I frantically wondered why that little symbol of affection caused my heart to stutter from its steady rhythm. I glanced at it for a few seconds before I closed down my programs.
I got up and followed Alice and Rosalie out of the door after a quick wave in the guy's direction. We headed for the centre of the ship where the Emporium was situated. The place was huge. I foolishly imagined it to be some sort of gift shop, about the size of the one's you find at the zoo or at a museum. I was wrong, this place was colossal.
There was a long check out counter on the right side of the store and then rows upon rows of shelves which covered every wall. On the ground, stood more shelves which held such things as mugs, t-shirts, snow globes, teddies and even stationary with the word 'Eclipse' imprinted on them.
"I'm getting Charlie a t-shirt!" Alice laughed as she weaved through the store, in her element.
"I'm going to get him a teddy…" I smiled knowing that it would be completely useless to him, but it'd probably make him laugh.
"I'll get him a mug…maybe he could use it at the station?" Rosalie mused as she walked away.
I headed to the stand which held an assortment of teddies and after some debate; I chose a tropical fish which had the word 'Eclipse' written on its fin. As I headed towards the check out counter, I found that Rosalie and Alice were all ready there, and had purchased their gifts for Charlie. I quickly paid for mine, and then the three of us headed back up to our room.
I left Charlie's gift next to one of my suitcases, and then headed back into the bedroom. I lay sprawled over my bed with my eyes closed. I didn't hear Alice and Rosalie enter the room, but I felt them. Both of them sat down on either side of me, jolting me from my sleep.
"You've been out like light!" Alice joked before she called out, "Come on in Tanya!" I quickly sat up as she entered the room with a clip board and a pen in her hands.
"I'll only be here for a few minutes; I just need to know what you want for dinner tonight so that I can have it sent up before we get started on the dresses."
At the mention of dresses, I heard Alice squeal in excitement beside me. "Down girl!" I laughed before I gave Tanya my order. "Don't forget the Chocolate fondant for desert!" I added as she began taking Alice and Rosalie's order.
Once she was done, she left us to stew in our excitement. "I'm going to hit the shower." I told Alice and Rosalie as I rolled off the bed.
By the time all three of us were showered and wrapped up in out 'Twilight' bathrobes, Tanya arrived back with the food. "Okay…so the plan is, you eat…and I show you the dresses!" she smiled excitedly as she beckoned a young guy in with a rack of dresses.
Alice, Rosalie and I sat at the dining table obediently, uncovering our dishes of food as Tanya wheeled the dresses towards the opposite side of the room. Once we were all settled, Tanya began the showing of the dresses.
"No!" we called in unison as Tanya held out an overly frilly pink dress.
"Pass!" I shouted before Rosalie or Alice got the chance. I shivered at the sight of the blamonge recreation that had just been shown to us.
"Mine!" Alice called out before Tanya had even properly pulled the next dress off the rail. I looked quickly to Alice after her outcry and noticed that she hadn't even looked up to see the dress. She was battling with her spaghetti.
"How the…?" Tanya began as she also realised that Alice hadn't looked up. "How could you know?" she asked in disbelief.
Alice gave a small shrug as she stated confidently, "I just do." She never once strayed her eyes away from her food.
"What does it look like then?" Tanya challenged with an arrogant arched eyebrow as she stood in front of the dress, effectively blocking Alice's view of it.
"Pink, sweetheart neckline, strapless, black underneath and shimmering black trimming around the cascading tires…that's it I think?" she finished with a contemplative look on her face.
"Don't spoil my fun!" Rosalie warned, pointing her sharp knife at Alice once she had finished her detailed description of her dress. We knew how she could be. Her and her funny gift.
"Too weird…" I hear Tanya mutter as she set Alice's dress aside.
The dress showing continued for a few moments, and then I found mine. It was a short, blue strapless dress which had black lace over the bodice and in panels in the skirt. "Mine!" I called out excitedly at the same moment that Alice called out my name.
"Alice, want to hang out with me tonight at the Roulette table?" Rosalie asked in a sweet voice to match her sweet smile.
"Sorry…I already promised Jasper." She smirked at Rosalie, catching on to Rosalie's train of thought. She'd be handy with her little gift.
"Whatever" Rosalie mocked a sulk before she turned to Tanya. "Okay, two down, one to go. I'm going to need something eye-catching but sophisticated." Rosalie stated as she narrowed her eyes at the dresses that Tanya pulled out.
"That one!" Alice screamed in excitement as Tanya held out a red, strapless dress which bubbled out at the hem and had a red bow at the bust.
Rosalie set down her knife and fork and cocked her head to the side as she considered the dress. "That'll do captain!" She laughed before Tanya added it to mine and Alice's.
"All finished?" Tanya asked, referring to our food. We all assented and then went and picked up our respective dresses.
"I can't wait to try it on!" I smiled as I held my dress against me.
"Well it's all ready, 8.30…maybe if you rush, you could get ready by 9?" She suggested, but then added "Okay…maybe a bit too optimistic, how about 9.30?" she bargained.
"9.30 should be alright…are you going to let the guys know?" I asked as I started towards the bedroom.
"Yeah, I'll go tell them now." Tanya answered as she began pulling the clothes rack out of the door. She came back shortly after to take away our dinner trays and told us that she hoped that we'd have a good night at the casino.
Casino next...never been to one...but i did watch Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas the other week!!!
Keep the reviews coming...they rock my socks:D