Thankyou Mabinda, for all your wonderful advice and encouragement, and the extra great changes you have added. You are a treasure. Your gift boxed Daddy C is in the mail! Thanks to everyone for reading and I hope you have enjoyed the story so far. Again, SM owns Twilight.

Bella's Pov. 3

Emmet and Alice had taken me under their wing and it felt like family. It was nice. I didn't feel so alone anymore. But looking at Edward and whatever was going on there, now that was weird.

I didn't want to talk to the others about it. We had only just met and I didn't need them to think I was a psycho, seeing things that aren't there.

After we had dinner with the most beautiful flavours I had tasted in a long while, Emmet and Alice went to the gazebo near the pool. It was a balmy night and I felt very relaxed. We three had all bonded and were enjoying a bottle of wine, and each other's company. Emmet had an awesome sense of humour and kept me in stitches with his hilarious stories.

My skin felt a slight prickle run over it and I felt as if an invisible rubber band was snapping in place, I looked over at the trees by the fence. I couldn't see anything, but I couldn't look away. I shivered, even tho the night was warm.

Then as fast as it had come over me, the feeling disappeared. I went back to the conversation with the other two without them noticing my odd behaviour.

We finished our wine and decided to call it a night. We all said goodbyes at the door and I let myself in to my new home. As I closed the door, I felt that odd tug again. I absentmindedly placed my hand on the wall between my room and the next. It almost felt warm. My chest did a little squeeze.

I think I have caught the imaginititis disease, or I had too much wine, although, one glass wouldn't do much I wouldn't think.

I went to bed feeling an ache in my heart that I put down to my first night in a new bed.

After a restless night sleep and dreams of this enigma in my life, Edward, I decided to get up. I couldn't get him out of my head, I couldn't sleep and I needed to clear my head.

I threw on my workout clothes and left quietly. It was still dawn and the odd chirp of birds sounded out in the still morning. It wasn't hot yet, but it would get there later when the sun came up.

As I jogged along, trying to make sense of the odd sensation that came over me when I made eye contact with Edward, I heard my name being called.

I turned around and there he was. At first, I thought I was dreaming.

Did my imagination conger up this person so I could torture myself?

I smiled and waved. There was no one else around, so if he wasn't real, I wouldn't look like too much of a dumb ass.

As he jogged to catch up to me I looked at the lithe movements his body made with his long smooth strides. I could watch this man all day and still want to see more.

'So you jog too huh?' I said. What a dumb question Bella; well obviously! I silently berated myself.

'Yeah, it gets me set up mentally for the day' he said to me.

He has an accent.

Oh my god.

My legs felt weak for a moment and I felt my heart miss a beat.

I almost missed what he said next about my first shift. Shit, think Bella. I came up with an answer that I think sounded ok and we joked about the day before and his knives.

I totally understood about the knife thing and respecting other people's property. I had seen a head chef cut a sous chef for 'borrowing' a knife. He didn't even need to explain, but I let him talk.

I just wanted to hear anything that came out of this man's mouth.

I smiled at his joke and when he smiled back it was like warm sun on a winter's day, and then he did......... IT.

He pushed his hair off his forehead and ran his fingers through it. I did a silent whimper.

For the second time that day my legs felt weak. I had an intense tight wound up feeling thrumming through my body. My sympathetic system was starting to go into overload.

When he asked me about why I came to the retreat, so far away from everything, I stalled, desperate to change the direction of the conversation. I didn't want to tell him anything about Jake right now.

Was it too fresh, or did I not want to talk about the unpleasantness of the situation, or even speak another man's name in his presence?

Whatever it was, I avoided the question, then changed the subject. I don't think he noticed, but then, what would I know? I was so lost in his eyes and voice I thought I would spontaneously orgasm at any moment.

We talked about less stressful topics; about travel and food and what we wanted to do with our lives. It was nice, and I even managed to avoid licking his face or telling him I loved him or anything so ridiculous that I would be catching the next bus and plane to Brazil to hide.

All too soon, we got back to the retreat. Boo, my time with my own personal sun was over.

Emmet was there when we got to the rooms. He gave Edward an odd look and invited us all to go to breakfast together. He really was like a puppy dog that man! He was so fun and ready for anything, it was infectious.

I raced in for a quick shower, mentally kicking myself for not trying harder with my appearance earlier.

I showered and changed in record time, and was back outside quickly, making small talk with Emmet about the breakfast menu.

Edward came out only a minute later from next door.

Next door.

Ok.

Memories from the night before started whirling in my mind. Did I unconsciously know he was living next to me? Confusion took over, my brain suddenly going into hyperdrive.

Ok, try to stay calm, stick to the facts. What I do know, is I that am unbelievably attracted to this man. His smile and voice makes me want to weep and his body makes my hooha sing. My body felt as confused as my mind and I was glad Alice appeared at that moment so I could think straight again.

We went to breakfast and Emmet regaled us with more jokes and stories. He was funny and interesting, but for me, he had nothing on Edward.

I noticed Edward was quiet at the table and then got up to leave with only half his breakfast and coffee consumed.

Then he looked right at me, and absentmindedly pushed his hair back and I forgot to breathe. The energy that passed between us was palpable. No one else mentioned it, but it would eventually be noticed for sure.

I watched him walk away with a stride that came from being comfortable and confident with his self and his surroundings. He also looked amazing from behind. I imagined running my fingers through that bronze, messy mane on his head.

Oh, why aren't we living in the early 1900's? Surely things were simpler then. I could drop a handkerchief and he could pick it up, and the rest would be history. I could swoon in his arms and then he could carry me off to bed where we could stay there for a week.

Wow, fantasize much Bella? The reality is, you work with him, and this could go so wrong for you if you mess this work opportunity up. I gave myself a mental slap.

We all finished off breakfast and went back to our various rooms to get ready for the day. My uniform had been hanging in the wardrobe when I arrived yesterday so I hurried inside to try it on. It was a good fit and comfortable.

The uniforms were all black with 'Paradise retreat kitchen' monogrammed over one breast, and buttons diagonally across just above the other breast. It was a really nice uniform. Maybe a little oriental inspired even. I turned in front of the mirror. All black doesn't usually suit me, but this didn't look too bad on me. I tied my hair into a bun on top of my head and then chose to add a little mascara. It would have to do. I wanted to get to the kitchen.

Edward wouldn't be there until lunch time, but I wanted to check things out and get comfortable before he got there.

I went through menus and prepping with the other kitchen staff and we were soon under way.

The smells coming from the kitchen were extraordinary and people started coming in for early lunches. We had just put some orders out when I felt it again. I heard his laughter. I turned and there he was. My heart struck up a chorus of 'Hallelujah'- and then I noticed ......HER.

My heart momentarily stopped beating and almost fell out of my chest.

Who the fuck is that?

By his side was the most perfect creature I had ever seen in my life.

I almost missed Edwards' introduction, already fantasizing about how I could make use of my knives I had unwrapped from my pouch earlier. They were sharp; I had only days before had them professionally sharpened. I thought about using 'Rosalie' for target practice for being so ridiculously beautiful and for being alone with Edward. I forced myself to turn away and get back to work, telling myself that I am more mature than that.

Massage therapist eh?

Ill cut her arms off if she touches Edward, seriously. My mind raced ahead with thoughts of Edward getting his clothes off for a massage.

I thought of how I would like to oil him up and slide all over him with my naked body.

Why didn't I choose massage over cooking? Maybe I could ask him if I could practice on him. I might slip and go a little far. I have heard that a scrotum massage is enjoyable for men.

I pulled my mind back out of the gutter and worked hard trying to do a good job on my first shift.

Edward entered maybe 15 minutes later, fully dressed in his uniform, with a small smile playing on his lips.

My mind flew back into the gutter.

What if she just gave him a happy ending without the massage?

Oh shut up Bella, I scolded myself.

Now that Edward was back, he would be taking charge of the kitchen.

He said a small 'hi' and went about his work, calling out orders here and there and taking general control.

After the last orders were out and the dining room mostly clear save for two couples, he turned to me.

'Would you like something for lunch? There's a heap left if you want salmon salad or some of the soup?'

'Um, sure. Whatever is fine. Maybe just soup?' I didn't think I could chew and swallow at the same time.

'I'll have some too then. Want to go grab some ice water and we'll take a seat? You can tell me what you think about the lunch menu and if you have any fresh ideas. I'll bring our soup over.'

I poured two glasses and found a seat away from the kitchen and other guests.

I watched Edward walk over with the soup, and I remembered how beautiful Rosalie looked. They would make a beautiful couple. Beautiful wedding photos and Beautiful babies. My stomach clenched and I started wondering how I was going to get through the next few hours, aw hell, the next few years actually!

He placed one of the bowls of soup in front of me and slid into the seat opposite. I sipped my water and tried to look professional.

'Did you enjoy your first hours in the kitchen? I hope everyone respected you and worked well with you?'

'Actually, yes. Just like clockwork. Not a problem.' I was trying not to let my feelings get in the way.

Edward just looked at me, smiled and took a spoonful of soup.

I watched as he put the spoon to his lips. Does this man ever do anything that doesn't look hot?

Was I sweating?

I must have been really busy at in the kitchen earlier.

I was unsure if I would even be able to consume my soup without slurping like a camel, so I just sipped my water and watched his mouth.

'I have a few ideas I want to run by you' he said.

'By me? Ok, shoot!' I was surprised. This is my first day, and he wants my opinion?

'I was thinking about bringing in some different recipes, and was wondering what your thoughts were on it. I want to do some delicious flavours, interesting colours and keep the kitchen staff interested too, but we all need to be on board with the ideas.'

'Well, I do have an idea.' I started off hesitantly, and then gathered enthusiasm.

' We could do a theme for the month? Like, french one month, Asian for the next month, Italian for the following month and so on. We could do an email news letter to all the people who have been here before and let them know what is coming up, and give them a 3 month menu outline, sort of. Maybe do some little things like put some scarves and fans up if it is Spanish month, you know? Maybe we could all research a recipe or 2 and have a meeting once a fortnight to bring ideas to the table and iron out all the creases etc....you know?'

He just watched me with his deep green eyes, and I started feeling self conscious.

I started backtracking and stammered out- 'I mean, if you want, or not. Whatever. It was just a thought......'

'No, no, no. That's great. That is actually a really good idea. I am just thinking about taking it to Aro right now and running it by him. I'll do that before we start prepping for the dinner shift'.

I glowed under his praise, but that glow disappeared with the next words out of his mouth.

'So we have a new massage therapist. I think she'll fit in well here.'

'Yeah, she is just perfect.' I tried not to sound sour.

'She seems nice enough. I think things are getting interesting around here.' He said.

My heart ached a little bit and my throat burned with words unspoken.

'I'm going to start prep now' I managed to squeak out.

'Sure, I'll be back in 10. See you shortly' He smiled at me as he got up and I watched him walk out of the dining room toward the office.

Rosalie appeared and they spoke, shared a laugh and walked out together.

Fuckety fuck!

Why do I have to want the unobtainable ones? My chest squeezed painfully and I closed my eyes before getting up, gathering my uneaten soup and water glass, and Edward's empty ones, and headed back to the kitchen.

I worked furiously.

Yes, I could feel the moment Edward returned to the room but I refused to look up. We all worked for the next hour, getting things for the dinner shift done quickly.

Edward bent his head next to my work station, and said quietly 'would you like a cup of tea? I'm making one?'

I gave him a small smile, and turned to wipe my bench. ' Nah, I'm fine'.

'You know, my father always tells me that if a woman says she is fine, then she probably isn't. You didn't eat your lunch, so let me make you a cup of tea, yes?'

I looked at him, and sighed. 'Ok, thanks. That would be really nice. White, no sugar.' His eyes were kind and a little concerned. I loved him a little more for that. Shit, what am I getting myself into?

I believe its called heartbreak.

He slid the cup of tea with a little biscuit on the side, over to me and said 'I told Aro it was all your idea. He went for it too. We're getting a new IT guy in a few days and he'll help out with the newsletters. You did good girl! Smart and Beautiful. A real asset.'

What? Wait.......Did he just say I was smart and beautiful, or the idea? Am I the asset or is the idea the asset?

I sipped my tea and tried to pull myself together. Our eyes met and I noticed a little high colour in his cheeks. It was warm in the kitchen, and he looked like he was feeling it.

We got back to work and made it through the dinner shift without any hiccups.

Emmet was waiting for us when we finished. 'Hey guys, how is everything?'

'Good, how about you?' I looked a little closer at Emmet. He looked a bit antsy.

'Bella, could I talk to you for a minute?'

I looked at Edward then back to Emmet. 'Ok, sure. What's up?'

He looked pointedly at Edward. Edward murmured something and then left first.

Emmet waited a moment before turning to me and saying in a loud, urgent whisper-'you got to help me! This chick that just turned up today, you know the one. Rosalie? Oh my god. Help me. Get to know her. Put in a good word for me. Fuck, anything. I can't even speak properly around her, so if I know something about her, then maybe I won't feel like such a dumb fuck when I see her.'

I could hear the anxiety and agony in his voice, and I knew all too well how he was feeling. I felt it too, but getting involved with a love triangle? Eek! I don't know.

I took one look at Emmet's pleading puppy dog eyes and I crumbled. 'Ok' I said defeated.

We headed out to the path that leads to the rooms.

We could hear some talking and laughing and then we spotted the lady in question.

I braced myself to be nice to this person that I really wanted to do physical harm to.

When I saw Edward talking to her I swallowed the snarl that threatened to rip from my throat. I tried to smile, but I'm sure it looked like a grimace.

Emmet had spotted them then tugged my arm and started to say something in my ear when they both looked our way. Rosalie's eyes narrowed and she looked at me like I was scum. I felt all the icy coldness in her glare and then some.

'Holy shit' I said to myself. 'What is Emmet asking me to do? Sell my soul to the devil?'

'Hey guys' I piped up trying to mask my uneasiness with cheerfulness.

Edward was watching my exchange with Emmet and said a quiet hello. Rosalie didn't say anything; she just looked at me, sizing me up.

I felt so uncomfortable, but Emmet had been good to me, so I tried, for his sake.

'So, Rosalie, it's good to have you here. Where do you come from originally?'I smiled at her and watched her eyes narrow at me even more if it was possible.

'I'll tell you a bit about where I come from' she spat 'Weedy children like you wouldn't survive the winter with your weak little body.'

I was stunned by the obvious rancour in her voice. It pissed me off. What a bitch.

'Well, being a Neanderthal where I come from isn't celebrated.' The words left my mouth before I could stop them.

She took a menacing step toward me and I narrowed my eyes at her.

' Bring it on bitch. I have done nothing to you, and you want to fight with me?' I thought as my body instinctively prepared to fight.

I'll probably die trying, but then I wouldn't have to watch her play happy family's with Edward.

I felt Emmet pull my arm and start to step in front of me, when Alice took that opportunity to bounce into the middle with all her happy positive vigour.

'Hey guys, I've been waiting for you. Want a game of cards before we turn in?'

Emmet and I both murmured 'sure thing' while Edward and Rosalie turned us down.

Rosalie and I stared each other off as Emmet and I entered Alice's room and sat around the coffee table. Emmet was very quiet and my head was in turmoil.

'So, can anyone tell me what is wrong with that bitch?' I said, still fuming.

'I don't think there is anything wrong with her' Emmet said as he sat then flopped backward onto the carpet. 'Everything is perfect about her.'

'Um, except for the fact that she wants to kill me slowly and bury me in a shallow grave somewhere.' I replied dryly.

'Yeah, well there is that. I didn't like the way she was putting shit on you either' Emmet said. 'I don't know what she sees in Cullen tho. She needs someone who will treat her like a queen.'

'What like you?' Alice and I both said in unison.

'Jinx' we both said laughing.

Emmet sighed dramatically. 'Yes. You guys don't get it. It's like I've been run over by a truck. I have never felt this way before. She's all I can think about.'

'She might be your soul mate' Alice said quietly.

Both Emmet and I looked at her. 'Soul whaa?' Emmet said.

'You know; the other half of you? The person that completes you? The Alpha to the Omega? Come on, you have heard of this right?'

We both looked at Alice, understanding dawning on both of us. Ok, now I think I know what is going on.

'The only problem is, sometimes the other person doesn't feel it right away, and you just have to wait until they are ready. ' She finished.

'So, have you found yours yet?' I asked curiously.

'No. But I know it won't be long now. I feel that I'll know him when I see him. I....sometimes... see and feel things.' She said hesitantly.

'Ok, well, have you had any boyfriends or been in love. How will you really know?' My curiosity was getting the better of me.

'I'll just know. I haven't had a boyfriend. Just friends that are boys. None of them were it. I'm still waiting. He will be really special when I find him.'

'Wow' I thought. 'This girl is really special to be able to wait'.

The look on Emmet's face was priceless. 'What? So you haven't had any lovin' yet?'

'No. And I'll thank you not to mention it to anyone!' She said with a laugh.

'Damn, so I'm not the one, eh?' Emmet pretended to pout.

'No, but you are my special friend'. She said indulgently.

We were all quiet, lost in thought for a moment, until Alice broke the silence.

'I think this is going to be a big year for all of us' she said in her sing song voice.

One way or another she would be right.

We left Alice's room not long after that, cards forgotten, to get ready for bed. There was no sign of Edward and Rosalie outside, and the lights were out in his room. Thoughts swirled through my mind like snow in December.

Does this mean that Edward could be my soul mate? Does he feel this too? What if he is never ready? Do I only want this; because I think I can't have it?

I dragged my exhausted body to my door after a hug from Emmet and Alice, with promises to catch up tomorrow.

I watched as Emmet made his way to his room a few doors down. He looked deep in thought. Poor guy; I felt sorry for him crushing on someone like that.

If he wanted the witch, then he would have the witch. We would just have to form a plan.

Just before I turned to head into my room, I thought I saw a shadow pass and the curtain move in the next room.

Was Edward watching me or was my imagination running wild?

I checked the walkway again in case Rosalie was watching and waiting to pounce. I was still a little put out by the unprovoked attack.

Yep, definitely an over active imagination.

A feeling of unease washed over me, and stayed with me as I showered and changed. I was so confused and upset.

Maybe I was getting my period. I always feel more emotional around that time of the month.

I wanted to talk to someone about all of this.

'Damn you Jacob!' I screamed silently.

More than anything, I missed our friendship. It had been so easy. We talked about everything and anything. My heart ached for what we had lost.

I needed to hear someone familiar, so I reached for my cell phone and dialled the number I knew by heart.

'Daddy?' I said when the phone picked up.

'Baby girl, what's wrong?' came Charlie's concerned voice. He knew there was something wrong. I only ever called him daddy when I was upset or scared.

'Oh, nothing. I just missed home is all.' We didn't get soppy with each other, but he would know that I missed him.

I could have bawled like a baby, but I wanted to keep it all together for him, so he wouldn't ask me to come home. If he did, I would probably have my bags packed and hailing a passing car within 5 minutes.

We talked about what the locals were doing back home and just made small talk. I told him about the retreat and my new friends and the job. I started feeling much better, knowing nothing much had changed in Forks and Charlie wouldn't have to worry about me in my new job.

'Ok dad, well, I have a huge day tomorrow and an early start, so I'd better get going.'

'Oh, hey Bell's? Um, I don't want to upset you at all... but Jacob keeps calling and he has dropped around a few times. He keeps asking about you...I just thought I should do the right thing, and let you know.'

'Ok, thanks for that dad.' I managed to speak normally.

'I uh, told him you had gone away to work, that you landed some big new job'.

'Um, thanks dad.'

'He thinks you have gone out of the country to work. I didn't correct him.'

'Cool. No problem.'

'Bell's? You ok?'

'Yeah, sure, just tired is all'.

'Well, you get some sleep and we'll talk in a few.'

'Ok dad. Thanks for talking to me. Bye.' I put a yawn in for good measure.

'Goodnight. Sleep tight.'

He used to say that to me when I was a little girl.

I waited a full 2 seconds after we disconnected, before I burst into tears and curled up into the foetal position on my bed.

I cried hard for my feelings of emptiness, for Jacob and what we had, and the future we lost. For my friends back home and the insecurity of my new job and people around me; and there was a part of me, that cried about Edward and Rosalie. I felt torn up inside.

For an hour, I let myself spill out my despair into my pillow.

I fell asleep after my tears slowed down, and I vowed to myself that I wouldn't cry over the situation again.

Tonight.

Thank you all for reading.

Who wants to cut Rosalie with Bella's sharp knives? Yay for Bella not being a push over!

Let's see what Eddie boy thinks in the next chapter...