CHAPTER 7
WHIRLWIND
Things were progressing rather nicely for Edward and Becca, as he called her. He was slowly getting used to calling her a different name and more accepting of her ability to shape shift. At first it had created somewhat of a barrier, as he had a hard time separating Lana from Becca. But once he had the chance to learn about the person inside, the outside didn't matter as much. At least that's how he handled it in his mind.
Right now he was heading to the set of her current movie. He wanted to surprise her. Things were getting much more serious now. As things got more so, his internal battle grew worse. He was still attached to Bella, but this was a chance for a new start. It wouldn't be the same though. There was no one in the world that he could love to his fullest capacity other than Bella, but there was still a part of him that longed for the sort of companionship that relationships could offer. Every day he grew closer to Becca, he was silently apologizing to Bella. He wondered if she heard him from where ever she was.
On their second meeting, he had explained this internal struggle to Becca and she had been refreshingly understanding about the whole thing and ready to accept whatever love he could give her, should it come to that. Through this exchange, he had learned of her extraordinary ability to be so understanding of him and his problems. She was like his personal psychologist in many ways. Never had he been so open with another person, that wasn't family. He enjoyed the opportunity immensely. In fact, he didn't know he missed it so much.
Another thing about Becca he had learned to appreciate was her independent nature. At first, her need to be the one to do everything, and refusal of his offers to pay for things or open doors for her, had caused tension. But as he got used to it, he found that he could trust her to be able to watch out for herself and that had helped their relationship in the extreme. With Bella, he had always been afraid that she would be hurt, that she wouldn't be able to protect herself. So that had caused him to be extremely overbearing and protective. While she had liked having him around all the time, she had not liked that he thought she was a defenseless creature regardless of whether or not she really was. It had served to increase her self doubt and low self esteem. But as with all things in the past, hindsight's 20/20.
Soon he was at the studio. Pulling into a spot right next to her red Mercedes, he stepped out his Volvo and began searching minds for where she was. Since her mind was all but invisible, he had to rely on surrounding people to find where she was. She was the same as Bella in that respect, but different in so many ways. Within minutes he was able to pinpoint her location, and he made his way toward it. As he walked around, no one stopped him. Though he had never been on set before, not wanting to reveal their relationship or his identity, all he had to do was smile and sweet talk his way around and no one questioned him. They all thought he was just another actor on set.
Up ahead in a small intimate looking room, he found Becca filming a scene. She was in a kitchen preparing breakfast for her and her love interest. He came closer and watched.
"So, what's on the to-do list today?" she asked.
"Hmmmmm..." he paused, framing his answer carefully. "What would you say to meeting my family?"
Edward smiled as he watched Becca gulp dramatically.
"Are you nervous about meeting them?" he asked, a smile on his face.
"Yes."
"Don't worry," he smirked, "I'll protect you."
She brought over two bowls of cereal and set them on the table. Then she took a seat across from the other actor.
"What if they don't like me?"
"Izzy, they'll love you" he said sincerely, putting his hand on her hand. They ate in silence for a few minutes.
"You should introduce me to your father" he asked tentatively.
"But he already knows you," she replied quickly.
"Does he know me as your boyfriend?" he said with a wicked grin.
She frowned.
"Why is that so important?"
"Are you going to tell him that I'm your boyfriend or not?" he said impatiently.
She sighed.
"Fine, fine"
As Edward watched, he could help but feel a sense of deja-vue. This was just like him and Bella back when they had just gotten together. He shook his head, clearing his thoughts as the director called out 'cut!'
"That was great Becca, Brian" the director said. "We'll pick back up tomorrow morning, rest up you two" the two actors nodded then walked off set. Immediately, Becca noticed Edward. She glared at him fiercely and walked past him on her way to the parking lot. Once they reached their cars, she turned around angry.
"What are you doing just showing up like that!" she demanded, "What if someone saw you and connected you with me?"
"I just wanted to surprise you" he said surprised at her anger.
She softened at his confused look, "Look, I just don't want to be all over the gossip rags and I don't want you to be either" she sighed, "I could handle it, but you, you're another story."
Edward nodded, sufficiently chastised.
Just then Becca turned her head sharply toward the set, "Someone is taking pictures."
Edward could hear it too.
"We better get going" Becca said.
The two practically sped out of the parking lot in their haste to escape.
Hidden in the shadows, a photographer smiled, as they reviewed the pictures they had just captured. Tomorrow would be very interesting.
She got her own thing
That's why I love her
Miss independent
Won't you come
And spend a little time
She got her own thing
That's why I love her
Miss independent
Ooh the way you shine
Miss independent
That's why I love her
"...And that was Edward Masen with 'Miss Independent'"
Becca smirked.
"Is that song about who I think it's about?" she teased.
Edward glanced at her mischievously.
"Depends on who you're thinking about."
She smiled at him and shook her head.
"So where are we going Mr. Chauffeur?"
"You'll see soon enough," he replied.
20 minutes later the car came to a stop.
"It's beautiful Edward" Becca said in awe of the stunning view of the ocean.
"Were not quite there yet" he said offering his hand.
Taking it, she followed him as he led her down from the parking lot to the beach. The two walked in silence for the next hour, hand in hand as Edward walked on. There was a light mist coming in from the ocean that gave the whole scene a rather mystical feel. Soon, they approached a series of large rocks that stretched from the beach into the ocean. Taking Becca into his arms, he leapt suddenly to the highest one. At the top, he sat down; Becca did the same.
"What a view," she said breathlessly.
Ahead of them, the sea stretched on into infinity, lit by the moon.
Edward smiled.
"You remember when we said that we would get to know each other, just until we figured out why the other was so intriguing, and then we could do whatever we wanted after that?"
She smirked.
"Yeah, of course."
Edward paused, looking nervous in the moonlight, "Well I've decided what I want to do."
"And what's that?" she asked.
He took her hand, and gazed into her eyes.
"Spend the rest of eternity with you."
She was speechless.
"But, only... that is... if you want to," he said hesitantly in the wake of her silence.
"This is... quite sudden-" she stuttered.
Interrupting her words, Edward pulled out a beautiful ring. It sparkled in the light of the night.
"This was my mother's," he said.
Tears came down Becca's face as she took the ring in her hand. Edward looked startled at the tears falling down her face, but then he calmed down.
"I almost forgot that you could cry," he remarked.
Becca laughed between the tears.
"So what do you say?" Edward pressed.
Becca shook her head, causing Edward's face to fall in disappointment. Seeing this she hurriedly spoke.
"Oh Edward!" she said grabbing his hands in hers, "I don't mean it like that," she sighed. "I just need a little time to think about it."
Edward nodded.
"Whatever you need," he said reassuringly.
Hours later, the pair left the beach, hand in hand.