Title: The Art of Online Dating
Chapter 14: Rosalie's Advice and Room 307
Rating: M
Summary: Bella and Alice have decided to try eHarmony just before going off to college. Will they find Mr. Right? Follow their adventures as they meet some handsome men online and discover what love is, and isn't.
Type: AH AU OOC; Pairing: Bella/Edward, Other Canon Pairings.
Disclaimer: I do not own any of the characters. They all belong to the wonderful Stephenie Meyer. I also do not own any songs or websites mentioned. They belong to their respective owners.
A/N: First, my readers are amazing. You guys leave amazing reviews :D WARNING: There will be sexual talk in this chapter. Please don't read if you aren't mature enough for it. There's a reason I changed the rating. Also, I'm going to start giving teasers to those that review. They may take a while, but you will get one. How does that sound? I get reviews and you get to know that I'm not giving up on the story and a little bit of the next chapter. I'm already giving them to those that reviewed last chapter. From the first line break of X's to the 2nd is all the sexual talk, so you may skip over that part.
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School was back in session by Monday, the 12th,and I was actually excited for it. By Wednesday, I decided to sign up for the internship program in order to get some real experience in a business setting. There were some really good ones on the graphic design list and hoped that at least one of them would accept me into their program. The programs ranged from less than a week to two months. The ones longer than a week were being held in summer.
Edward had signed up for the music internships yesterday. All of his were summer programs. Sadly, half of them were out of state. Alice told me it would just be a girls summer if he ended up going and we could take a road trip to California without the boys. I felt bad for Jasper and Emmett, but apparently they had their own plans in case it happened that way. Of course, they weren't telling what those plans were just yet.
Now that we were only a month away from Valentine's day, it meant present time and it meant that I needed to get to talking with Edward. It's not that he didn't understand me, it was just a form of insurance. I've always felt unbelievably guilty when someone spent money on me and I would probably die if he spent a lot on me.
Alice kept giving me looks, as if to say that I needed to hop to it before she killed me. I decided I was going to talk to him after class on Friday, since I didn't have work. Unfortunately, Friday arrived too soon for my liking and I was sitting in my car after class, wondering how I was going to bring it up in the first place. It wasn't exactly a topic to just bring up. Hopefully, he'd say something that could give me an opening to jump off from.
I pulled up in front of the house and his car was already parked there. It seemed if I wasn't at his apartment, he was at my house. I loved spending so much time with him, but now I was getting nervous.
I kept going over how I would talk about it that I didn't notice Alice coming out the front door as I was walking in, thus ramming straight into her. I fell on my butt, but Alice caught herself with the doorway. Figures.
"What are you doing? You look like you're freaking out."
"Well, I decided to talk to him about it today." I stood up and brushed off my pants.
"Finally," she said, as she placed her hands on her hips, her keys jingling in her hand.
"Where are you off to?"
"Jasper and I are going out. We'll be back late. Don't wait up," she said, smirking at me and walking off to her car.
I briefly remembered that I also needed to talk to her, but that could happen later. This talk needed to happen before I chickened out, or threw up from my own worked up nerves.
I found Edward calmly laying on the couch, watching some random show on television.
"Hey."
"Hello, love. How was school?"
"Eh, the usual. What are you up to?"
"Just wondering what we should do now that you're here." I know what we could do.
I blushed at my inner thoughts. I had definitely been around Emmett too long. Of course, nothing went unnoticed with Edward and he immediately asked about it.
"Nothing. I was just, um, thinking about something I wanted to talk about."
He furrowed his brow and his eyes told me to go on.
"I just need to make some things known. It's not that I don't trust that you totally get me it's just an insurance policy, I guess."
"If this is about our, um, sex life, I hope I haven't made you uncomfortable." He looked thoroughly concerned.
"Oh, no, no, no. That's not even the same topic." I blushed again, but continued on, "It's just a money issue."
"Do you need some? Is everything alright?"
"Let me just talk for a second before I forget what I need to say." My voice cracked from nerves.
He nodded and did the sign for locking his lips and throwing away the key.
"I love you and I love that you want to give me things, but I get really uncomfortable when people spend money on me. I prefer things that are cheap or maybe even homemade. I don't need people to waste money on me for presents I don't deserve." I couldn't keep eye contact while I spoke and was fidgeting with my ring.
He lifted my chin up, so we could see eye-to-eye.
"Bella. Oh, my silly Bella. You deserve every dime I spend. I think it's silly of you to feel so wrong, when I want to buy something beautiful and valuable enough for you. I completely understand, however. This just means I won't tell you prices or I'll make things for you. I have always had a thing for homemade gifts. In fact, I'm already preparing one for Valentine's day. Now I know you won't resist it and, hopefully, you'll enjoy what I have for you."
I threw my arms around his neck and was thankful, once again, that this beautiful man was mine. Having finished the big speech, I felt not only much lighter, but now very curious. He had obviously been thinking about us, sexually, and now I wanted to know what he could possibly have for me, for Valentine's day.
I laid down with him, but didn't pay attention to whatever we were watching. I was sort of ready to do something more with our relationship, but I needed to make sure he was. I mean, I know he's a guy and probably would be thrilled if I said I was already ready for sex, but I knew that's not where I wanted to go and that I still needed to talk to him about it. He was a part of this relationship and had as much say as I did. I also knew I wanted to go somewhere farther than where we were.
I started to think that maybe I could do something about it for Valentine's day. I guessed this would mean I would have to talk to Rosalie about techniques and other such things, so that I didn't screw things up. Now, I just needed to figure out how to get some time away from Edward. God, how embarrassing can this get?
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"The List of Rosalie's Proper Ways to Perform Fellatio," Rosalie said.
It was Saturday and I had managed to somehow lie to Edward that I had errands and would be going to his place later on. Luckily, he either didn't care that I was lying, or actually believed me and left with not another word. Rosalie had spent the night at our house and I found her in the kitchen, early in the morning.
I had decided to tell her my plan, and my dilemma, and apparently, she was more than happy to help me out, which brings me back to what she was now talking about.
"Fell-ay-what?"
"Fellatio. Commonly known as 'head' or 'going down on your partner,'" Rosalie was very matter-of-fact while she spoke, as if she was a professor on the subject.
I winced a little at the other terms and found I liked that fellatio sounded more scientific and clean cut and less...dirty, I guess.
"Okay, so do I just open my mouth and guide it in?" I said, uncertainly. It definitely didn't sound right, but it was worth a shot.
"Oh God, no. That's not all you do. Did you really think you could go no hands once it was in or something?" She gave me an incredulous look.
I shrugged.
"Ugh. We have a lot to go over."
She told me about the differences between uncircumcised and circumcised guys. I never even knew there was a difference. By the sound of it, and my memory of our last sexual encounter, Edward wasn't, so there was a certain way of performing, compared to if he was.
I hadn't given it much thought when we had touched each other on the couch. I kind of just went for it and hoped I did all right. According to the outcome, I had done perfectly fine. I'd probably end up being more self-conscious of my actions during future sexual encounters after this talk though.
"Okay, so you say he is uncircumcised. There are a few ways this can happen. There's the 'Pull Down' or the 'Catch and Release.'"
I started to feel like I should be writing everything down, but figured it'd be weird if I pulled out a paper on Valentine's with instructions.
"The 'Pull Down' is when you pull down the skin at the top and then perform. The 'Catch and Release' is when you put your mouth all the way past the head and suck up and release at the top, then start all over. It depends on if skin down hurts him or not."
I was starting to think this was going to be a bad idea. One way sounded easier but painful for him and the other sounded like I was special or something, and not in a good way.
"What do I do with my hands?" I felt so unsure on the subject that I didn't know what I was even saying.
"Normally, you use them to stroke the rest of whatever your mouth can't cover. You can use your free hand to play with the jewels if he likes it. Some guys do, some don't. It's like plug and play...kinda."
I nodded and took mental note. That part sounded the easiest. I briefly wondered whether he would like my taking hold of the "jewels," during the act, but figured I would just find out later. A thought crossed my mind that seemed very vital to the information I was taking in, so I immediately voiced my concerns.
"Do I swallow?" I blurted out.
Rosalie stared at me for a moment, obviously surprised I had even thought of that.
"Well, I have the few times I've performed because every guy wants you to. It feels better for them, since they don't have to hold back to tell you to move. However, it is always up to you."
"What does it taste like?" I said, grimacing a bit at the thought.
"Well, to be blunt, disgusting. I've heard you can feed him pineapple or kiwi the day before and it'll make it fairly bearable. I think it's easier to just aim it, so it goes straight down the throat." She made some odd hand gestures to emphasize her point.
Maybe I could make a fruit salad for lunch the day before, heavy on the pineapple and kiwi. I wasn't sure if I was actually ready to jump to that step yet, and figured I should take it one step at a time, however, but it was good information to have stored away for a rainy day.
"Any last pointers I need?"
"Don't squeeze too hard, sometimes flavored lube helps make it better for both of you, and make sure one day he returns the favor for you, because seriously...Best. Feeling. Ever." Her eyes took on a dreamy glaze and I figured that was my cue to leave.
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Later, when I had had enough of Rosalie's advice to scar me for a lifetime, I got ready to head over and join Edward. I checked my computer for any notices about internships. I opened my e-mail, while I dried my hair with my towel. I found a couple of spam e-mails, but there was one from the school, so I clicked it open.
To: bswan(at)cornish(dot)edu
From: msouth(at)cornish(dot)edu
Subject: Danser Graphix Internship
Body: Ms. Swan,
Danser has contacted the school and would like to accept you into their three day program in downtown Seattle. You may begin on January 20, 2009. You are to arrive at 52637 Phoenix Avenue, promptly at 9:00 am. I congratulate you on your acceptance. Please respond with your acceptance, so I may pass it along to them.
-Maria South
I quickly typed up my acceptance of the offer, glad that I had already heard back from one of the internships and that I had actually gotten in. I couldn't wait to tell Edward and find out if he had been accepted into any of his.
I quickly packed my overnight bag and headed to his apartment.
"In the kitchen!" I heard Edward yell, as I used my key to get inside.
"I have good news," I said, as I walked up behind him.
"Do tell."
"I got one of the internships! I start Tuesday!"
"That's great! You're going to be wonderful. When you're done, they'll probably want to hire you right after you graduate."
I smiled a huge smile, then I gave him a hug and let him get back to making our sandwiches.
We brought them over to the couch and turned on the television.
"So have you gotten any messages back?"
"Not yet, but all of mine are for summer. They have to get back to me once they have my grades. My grades are a deciding factor to whether I make it into any of the programs."
I pouted a little thinking about how all of his summer programs were a month or longer, as well as most of them being out of state. I put on my smile for him and honestly hoped he got one. It would be good for him, and for us, hopefully.
"Well, I hope you get one, but I will miss you when you go."
"I'll miss you too, but we can talk every day. Plus, you might even be able to come out and visit me wherever I end up going."
"That would be nice." I snuggled into his side and we mindlessly watched television for the rest of the night.
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Monday evening, Edward received an e-mail from one of the internships in New York. They told him they were considering him out of several other applicants across the nation.
"They want me to record an original song on piano and send it in with my final grade in Advanced Composition this semester. If they like my song and I have at least a B, I get to be in the internship."
We threw a mini-celebration, but then Edward decided to head back and compose, since I had to get up early anyway.
I was nervous, as I picked out my outfit with the help of Rosalie and Alice. Rosalie had stayed mum on our conversation from last week, or so it seemed. As for the moment, she was busy arguing with Alice over what was the best way for me to dress for my first day.
"Dress smart and confident," Alice said, holding out a black, pencil skirt.
"Sex sells better than smarts. I should know. Guys don't care that I'm smart, they just care that my body practically exudes sex in whatever I wear. I've tried selling smart, it doesn't work." She whispered the last part.
"You can look sexy and smart without overdoing the sexy side."
I was starting to get frustrated with their bickering.
"Is someone going to tell me how to pull this off?" I asked, finally having had enough.
They both stopped arguing and looked down guiltily.
"Sorry, Bells. We'll try and agree on something for you." Alice said, skimming through my closet with Rosalie at her side.
They whispered back and forth, pulling forward various articles of clothing, shaking their heads yes and no for each new piece presented. After a few minutes, it seemed they had finally agreed on something.
"We've got it. The perfect outfit that means business and confidence."
They were holding up a white button-up, black slacks, with a matching blazer, and topped off with red heels and a matching belt.
"The red says confident and sexy, while the blazer and slacks mean business. Perfect," Rosalie said, smiling proudly.
"Finally you two put your fashion majors to good use," I said playfully.
I had to admit, I did love how they picked stuff out for me, even if I didn't exactly believe I could pull it off.
It was already nearing midnight, so Rosalie and Alice bid me goodnight and I crawled into bed, unable to sleep. The moon was bright through the shades and I saw the shadows of trees dancing across the window. Remembering the last time I had watched the shadow cross the window gave me a chill, so I decided I really needed to get to sleep.
My alarm woke me up at 7:30 am, buzzing annoyingly loud. I crawled out of bed and went to the kitchen to get breakfast. Alice was already in there, most likely eating before her class.
"You know, I've been having some strange dreams the past couple nights."
"Isn't that normal for you?" I asked, smiling, as I poured myself a bowl of cereal.
"These ones had James in them."
I stopped pouring to pay full attention to her.
"I don't know what they mean, but I get the feeling it's something bad. He's got something big planned. I'm scared he's coming back for me." Her small frame shuddered.
I walked over and put my arms around her to comfort her.
"For once, I hope you're wrong," I whispered into her hair.
"Me too," she replied before she gave my arm a squeeze and put her dishes in the sink. She walked back into her bedroom.
I tried to think about what could possibly make her dream about James again. What if he really was coming back for her? Maybe it was time to invest in security cameras. I wouldn't want him sneaking around our house, especially since he knew where we lived.
It bothered me that the night I see the shadowy trees on my window, is the same night Alice apparently dreams of the man I once thought was lurking in those shadows.
Part of me wondered if he actually had been in those shadows last night, which would explain the dreams, but terrified me. I still hadn't forgotten the last time he had wanted Alice. I ate quickly and ran to my room, realizing I was running behind. I didn't want to be late on the first day of my internship.
I parked in the back lot of the building. It looked plain on the outside, a dark, uninviting gray covering most of the available surface. There was a large sign with curly letters spelling out, "Danser Graphix," but it looked like it needed some retouching. I walked in through the back entrance. It was very quiet. The receptionist desk was empty, but there was a note on it for me.
Ms. Swan,
We are having a meeting to welcome you, on the third floor. Please join us when you arrive, in room 307.
Thanks, JW
I found the elevator and made my way to the third floor. When I got off, I could hear noise down the hall. There was loud laughter and mumbled voices discussing topics I couldn't make out through the thick walls.
I found the room easily and saw only two people sitting in chairs facing away from me, talking to the wall, it seemed, with very loud voices. They were making enough noise to make it seem there had been twenty or more people in the small conference room.
The woman had orange-red hair pulled up into a bun. She got out of her chair and walked over to me. I had just enough time to recognize her before the man had gotten up quickly to close and lock the door behind me.
Victoria stared at me with her cold, hazel eyes full of hatred and menace.
The man pulled my hands together behind me and spoke.
"Nice to see you again." A familiar voice said.
James.
To my horror, I realized they had not been talking at all, as the bodiless voices continued to fill the room. There was no internship. There was no meeting.
I was being kidnapped.
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A/N: Okay, so this is kind of short (9 pages), but I needed to stop there. I think I've just about finished the next chapter as well, so those of you who review, will still get the preview and it should be posted within two weeks after this, so that I can go through and make sure I like how it turned out. The next chapter will need your vote at the end, so be ready for that. I hope you all don't hate me for doing this. This story has a Happy Ending, I swear. I just want to thank my girls on the thread for the helpful advice and leave a few stories I want to rec. Poughkeepsie by Mrs. TheKing, owns my heart. I laugh, I cry, I get angry. It's beautiful. Mr. Horrible by algonquinrt. I only just started it, but I couldn't stop laughing from the beginning. She does cuss a lot, however, if that bothers you. Both of these stories are fully rated M, so if you are not old enough, please don't read them. Just want to say a final thanks to my readers and hope you still like me after this! R&R :D
-DL