A/N: Hey everyone. This is the dreaded month away from each other Chapter from Emmett's POV. And yes, there will be a reunion in it. Hope you enjoy seeing the month apart from both character's POV. As a reminder, EmmaleeWrites05 is writing Emmett and MsNaomi05 is writing Bella. Enjoy......
Disclaimer: Yet again we must remind everyone that the Twilight world and character's belong to Stephenie Meyer and not us.
Chapter 5 - 720+ Hours and Counting
Emmett POV
It has been a week since I last saw Bella. I still can't believe that I accidentally washed her phone number off my hand that night. If I had just put it into my cell I could be talking to her right now instead of listening to Edward playing his piano – again. I really need to kick him out. Although, it is a good thing he is here to take care of my place when I am on the road. He just gets on my nerves sometimes.
These last few days have been nothing but endless training and time spent at the gym. By the time our game happened, I didn't even realize that a week was over. I can only hope that these next three weeks go by just as fast. I figured out my schedule over the next few weeks. Endless practicing and some games. I wouldn't know the rest of the month until we got the schedule with the winning teams we would play against. Hopefully we would be able to play against Seattle again before October.
I was up in my room getting ready to go out with the team. We won again today on our own turf against the Denver Broncos 29-13. So, apparently that meant we were going out for celebratory shots at a local club - that I was not looking forward to. Ever since I got back from Seattle Edward has been all over my ass about 'what's her name?' or 'she had to have meant something cause your acting odd'. He really likes getting in everybody's business. I just told him that there was no her. I didn't want to share Bella with him yet – or anybody for that matter. I didn't want it to seem like it was all a dream. Man, I sound like a pussy. But I didn't want to go to the club because honestly – none of those girls are Bella.
I heard a knock at the door and I took one last look in the mirror. A pair of blue jeans and a dark gray polo shirt. I hope this screams leave me alone. I bet it doesn't though.
"Hey Emmett! Are you going to spend all day in front of the mirror getting ready?" Edward was yelling up the stairs to me.
"I'm coming I'm coming." I said as I trudged down the stairs. Edward, Jared, Steve, Kyle, Robert and Zak were all waiting for me.
"Okay Em, let's go." Edward said as he opened the door.
We made to the club about 20 minutes later. We passed the line right up and made it inside without having to wait. That's one of the good things about being a pro football player. Special perks.
Jared ordered a round of Jack Daniel's shots and we settled in all joking and laughing about certain plays. One by one each guy eventually made it to the dance floor with one girl or another. Each one as skanky as the last. Before too long it was just Edward and me - then a little red head walked up.
"Hi there boys." She wasn't horrible looking. Red curly hair, her eyes were about the color of honey and her body was decent - enough. I wasn't paying attention. "My name is Victoria. What's yours?"
"I'm Edward and this is my brother Emmett Cullen."
"Like the football player?"
"Yep, that's me." I said sarcastically as I took another swig of my beer.
"So.....you wanna dance?" I think she was trying to be seductive – she sounded too annoying for me to tell.
"I was just gonna leave. But I am sure Eddie here would love to dance with you." I slapped him on the back as I set my beer down. I pulled open my wallet to grab a twenty to pay for my drinks. There sitting in my wallet was the letter from Bella. I had been carrying it around since I found it on the bedside table. It looked all worn and read through several times. I smiled staring down at my wallet and threw the twenty on the table. Edward gave me a funny look as I made my way to the door.
I am in love. With Bella. I have to be. I have been thinking of her non stop since I got home. I am also turning down prime willing women. If any of the guys found out I am sure I would never hear the end of it. Three more weeks.
The next few weeks passed in a complete and utter blur. Breakfast, practice, lunch, gym, shower, dinner and sleep. And just to mix it up a bit. Breakfast, airport, random city, random winning game, dinner, celebrations (that I always leave early) and sleep. But there was always one continuing constant in the two weeks of practices and games – Bella. She was always on my mind. I didn't dance with any girls when we would go out to celebrate and I still adored the fans screaming at me, but now I didn't take much notice on whether they were male or female.
I was sitting at my table in my kitchen eating breakfast when my phone started to ring. It was the first several seconds of Metallica's song "For Whom the Bell Tolls". I chose this ring tone for my coach because the bells tolling in the beginning of the song are the same bells that toll on our home field whenever we score a touchdown or a field goal. I thought it was very fitting.
"Heya Coach, what can I do for you?" I took another bite of my Wheaties.
"Emmett my boy, we just got the schedule listings of the next upcoming games. You'll be glad to know that we are cooling down a little so you will get a few days off. Only thing is that there is a game smack in the middle of your several days off. I won't mind one bit if you fly in the day of the game and leave the day of the game so you can enjoy what little time you have off until the holidays. You guys have been working hella hard. Most of the guys are doing that in fact."
"Thanks Coach. So who are we playing and where?"
"Well, we are up against the Seahawks again. Apparently the need to have their asses handed to them one more time."
I dropped my spoon in my bowl. The Seahawks. Seattle. Bella!!! "Really?"
"Yeah, but unfortunately the game is on September 14th and you have the 12th and the 13th off and the 15th. Kind of sporadic, I know. Anyhow, just thought I'd let you know so you can make reservations or whatever. Most of the guys are taking time off so..."
"Nah, thanks Coach I appreciate it."
"No problem Cullen. See you at practice tomorrow."
"Okay, Bye." One more week and I will get to see my sweet sweet Bella. Well, hopefully I can make her my sweet sweet Bella. As of right now though, I need to make some reservations. I finished eating my breakfast and booked it upstairs to my computer. Why didn't I think of this earlier? Oh, that's right –cause I am an idiot. I flipped open my laptop and desperately started seeking the Internet for the phone number to the Monaco Hotel in Seattle. Maybe she will be working today and I can talk to her. Or maybe talk to Alice so I can surprise her. Who knows?
I eventually found it and looked at the clock. It was 10 o'clock here so it had to be about 8 o'clock there. I know at least Alice always works mornings...
Ring, ring.....
"Thank you for calling the Monaco Hotel in Seattle. My name is Alice and I'll be the one that can find you a comfy room today. Now how can I help you?"
I let my laughter fill up the phone. "Alice, Alice, Alice....I am so glad you picked up."
"Well, I knew it was going to be you Emmett."
"Yeah and how did you know that sprite?"
"I can see the future."
"Is that so?" I laughed.
"Yep, just like I know that you are going to ask next whether or not Bella is working right now."
"Okay, that is not telling the future, that's just anticipating my needs." She laughed at this.
"Yeah yeah. But Bella isn't at work right now. But I do have to wonder what took you so long to call?"
"I don't know. For some stupid reason I didn't think to call the hotel. Been hella busy too. But I am now because I need to book a room."
"Bout time!" She screeched on the phone. "Bella well be pleased to know you are coming back."
"How is she?" I was hoping she wouldn't say that Bella had moved on.
"She's good – now. I had to threaten to throw away a book a day if she didn't cheer the fuck up."
"Well, I am actually getting some days off, but I have a game in the middle of it. But I thought I would come up there and spend some time with her."
"Okay, what days? I'll set you up with a reservation now."
"I will be flying into Sea-Tac around 6:30 pm on September 11th, I have a game against the Seahawks again on the 14th and then I have to leave on the 15th. Flight leaves at 8:30 pm, so....can you book me a room?"
She practically screamed my ear off on the other end. It also sounded like she was jumping. "Oh, Emmett this is so great! Bella's birthday is the 13th! You will get to spend her birthday together!!!"
I grinned. Her birthday. I needed to do something fun with her. Let her know how much I enjoy being with her. "That's awesome! What should I do for her?"
"Well, she hates surprises and her birthday. And presents. She doesn't like anyone spending money on her and she hates being the center of attention – she trips far too much for that!"
"Thanks Alice – you just knocked everything I had in mind out the window. What do I do?"
"How about this.....I will spend the weekend at Jasper's so that you can stay with Bella. I will still book you a room because I don't want it to be implied that you will be staying there. But if I know my Bella – you probably will be." She literally was talking a mile per minute. And I wanted to yell ' She's my Bella' at her when she called her hers, but I was trying to be respectful. I still didn't know for sure if she wanted me that way. Great. Now not only are my insecurities bursting to the top – they are bubbling over.
"Anyhow....How about something relaxing? Me, Jasper and his sister have been kind of dragging her out all over the place since you left trying to get her in a better mood. Why don't you do like a movie marathon weekend with junk food and take out. Cook her breakfast on her birthday and just enjoy each other's company? I know she would like that."
"That actually sounds like a great idea Alice. I would love some time to just relax too."
"Good. And I know she already has that weekend off. But she does have to work Monday morning and Tuesday night. So...but...yeah, I will even go shopping before hand and stock the fridge and cupboards. Junk food galore and all the fixens for an awesome breakfast.....Go ahead - say it – out loud."
"Say what Alice, thank you?"
"No, no, no. Repeat after me...." She laughed.
"Alice is..."
"Alice is...." Completely crazy and weird?
"...The most wonderful fabulous future telling girl that thinks of everything..."
Okay, now she had me laughing "...The most wonderful fabulous future telling girl that thinks of everything..."
"...And I will give her free reign over the opportunity to buy me a new shirt whenever she sees fit."
"What? Alice, you don't need to be buying my new clothes."
"Just repeat it Cullen!" she sounded like a menacing little pixie.
"...And I will give her free reign over the opportunity to buy me a new shirt whenever she sees fit....okay, you happy now?"
"Yes, thank you. Okay, your room is booked. See you in like a week."
"Yeah, Thanks again Alice. Oh, and don't tell Bella about the surprise."
"I won't tell her what you have planned but I will let her know you are coming."
"What – no, Alice, that's half of the surpr- Alice? ALICE!?!?" Dammit. She hung up on me!
It was now Friday. My flight was leaving at 4 pm and I was getting into Seattle around 6:30. Perfect timing. Once I got my rental car and got to the hotel – Bella would be getting off of work. I can't wait to see her.
I spent all night last night researching places in and around the Seattle area that I could have a cake delivered. I know she hates surprises, presents and all that jazz. But I wanted to at least do something special for her. I finally found a place called 'Chocolate Bakery' that delivers. I picked a cake and scheduled it for delivery on her birthday. I hope she likes chocolate – what girl doesn't?
I was in my room packing when I heard Edward come in my room. "Where are you going? Thought since you have a few days off you were going to be lazy around here and catch up on some video games?"
"No, man, I have plans."
"Where you going?"
"I'm going to head to Seattle. I have a game there on Monday."
He looked at me with a questioning glance. "So, you are going to spend a whole weekend in a city you don't know, with nobody you know?"
"Yep." I let the 'p' pop for emphasis.
"Liar. What is her name?"
"Edward, seriously, where do you get these delusions? Maybe if you spent more time with people instead of the numbers you are calculating every day, then perhaps you wouldn't have such a wild imagination."
"I still don't believe you are going to be there alone."
"No. You are right. I did make a friend. His name is Jasper. Meet him at a jazz club – he's the bartender there and he is a football enthusiast. Perhaps I will see if he is up to something? If not, I will still go explore the town on my own."
"So..... you're gay?"
"Don't be ridiculous Edward I could almost say the same about you since you came home with Victoria the other night but you left her on the door step." I pushed passed him down the hall getting ready to leave.
"Then why won't you just tell me her name? And I left Victoria at the door because she was nasty and I won't have anything to do with her."
"Tell mom and dad Hi for me when you go to dinner tomorrow night." I snapped at him as I walked out the door. It is none of his business about Bella. Yes, eventually I want him and the rest of the family to meet her, but right now – I need to establish a relationship with her – minus Edward.
The entire plane ride I was antsy. I couldn't keep my legs still. They were constantly bouncing up and down. The poor flight attendants had to think there was something wrong with me. I ended up drinking a neat scotch just trying to calm my nerves. God, you would think I was a man getting ready to propose with the amount of nervous I was feeling.
Proposal. Why did I think about that while trying to calm down? I leaned back in my seat, closed my eyes and let my mind wander with the possibilities. Bella was the star of that day dream. I imagined what it would be like to not play football anymore. I saw us living in Seattle, big white two story house with a giant wrap around deck, blue shutters and a red door. Hell, let's throw in the white picket fence while we were at it. I was standing on the front lawn playing catch with a little boy about six years old with dark curly hair and beautiful brown eyes. Bella was pushing a little three year old girl on the swing set. She had long brown hair like her momma and the same smile. And Bella. She was gorgeous and round with another child. She was glowing in my dreams. It felt like my heart was going to burst right out of my chest.
I awoke to a flight attendant shaking my shoulder informing me that we had landed. I shook the dream out of my head and shot up. I grabbed my carry on and quickly left. By the time I got the rental car and was leaving the airport it was 7:30. Bella got off of work at 8. I called Alice day before yesterday and let her know what time I'd be there. She told me she would make sure that Bella would be at the hotel until then. One way or another. When that little sprite started talking like that – it worried me of her potential.
I pulled into the parking garage next to the hotel and grabbed my bag. I was nervous. Me, Emmett Cullen, quarterback for the Chicago Bears. I have played tons of games in front of hundreds of thousands of people, but I was nervous of little ol' Bella. I pushed through the front doors of the hotel and stopped. I just stared at her for a few minutes. She hadn't noticed me yet. She was behind the counter checking in a little old couple. Her hair was pulled back in a fashionable up-do, which I can only assume was the master works of Alice. But she was breath taking. My dream on the plane did not even compare to the real Bella.
There was no lines waiting to be checked in given the late hour. Once the couple was checked in there was no body but some other girl behind the counter, Bella and me standing in there. I took a few steps forward and her head shot up. I don't think she even heard me coming in. Her eyes went wide when I started walking up into full view. I smiled at her and her face broke out into the biggest goofiest grin I have ever seen.
"Emmett!" She whispered rather loud. She dashed out from behind the counter and jogged up to me. She almost tripped when she went down the step by the counter. She caught herself and her cheeks flamed a brilliant red. God, I missed that. I dropped my bag on the floor as she threw herself into my arms. I hugged her as tight as I possibly could without breaking her. It all felt like a scene from a cheesy romance movie. And I wouldn't have it any other way.
"You actually came?" She asked as I sat her back on the floor. I was in no way letting her out of my arms though. She smelled so good and it just felt right to have her in my arms again.
"I figured Alice would tell you I would be coming."
"Yeah, she did....but...You....just never called, I figured...." She pulled that bottom lip into her mouth and looked down.
I reached my hand under her chin to bring her face back up. "I, like the idiot I can be, accidentally washed your number off my hand and didn't have the brains enough to call the hotel. Can you ever forgive me?" I tried to use puppy dog eyes on her. I have been told I am apparently very good at it.
"Of course I can. How long are you staying?" she smiled.
"Till the 15th. I have a game on Monday, but I thought we could spend the weekend together? Hang out and have some fun?" Please say yes, please say yes.
"Yeah, I'd love that. What do you have planned?"
"I know you hate surprises, but can it be a secret until tomorrow? I got your address from Alice and I will you pick up, say, around 10 am, your place?"
"Okay....fine...." she huffed like a little girl who didn't get what she wanted. It was rather adorable. "Can you at least tell me if I should wear comfortable shoes and clothing or if I have to have Alice play Barbie Bella?"
I laughed out loud at that. I could easily see that little evil pixie doing that to her. She probably has a chair she has to strap Bella down into just so she can. "No worries, tomorrow will be a totally relaxing day. Wear whatever feels comfortable to you. We won't be out in public for too long."
She cocked an eyebrow when I said that. "That's not what I meant Bella. But I like where you head is at." I laughed and she turned another few darker shades of red. I got lost staring in her eyes then. To me, no one else was in the room. Her arms were around my waist and I was gently rubbing my thumbs along her jaw line. I started to lean in for a kiss when we were rudely interrupted.
"Heeeeeey Belllllaaaa...." The girl behind the counter called, "Are you going to introduce me or what?"
I felt like growling at her. She probably just didn't realize that we have not seen each other in over a month and was unaware of what she just stopped us from. But I had to play nice. She was a co-worker and possibly friend of the woman I want to be with.
"Oh, sorry, Angela." She grabbed my hand and tugged me towards the counter. "Angela this is Emmett Cullen, Em, this is my friend Angela."
"Nice to meet you Angela." She seemed like a nice girl. A lot quieter then Alice – more Bella style.
"You're a football player, right? The Bears?"
"Yep, that's me."
"Yeah, Ben, my fiancé watches football and I recognized your name. Sooo.....are you two like, dating?"
I looked at Bella and she looked at me. We hadn't exactly covered that subject yet and I had no idea how to answer it. We were looking at each other for long enough again that apparently Angela couldn't take the silence any longer, "You don't have to answer I was just curious. The way you greeted each other – could have sworn you have been together for a long time." Or been away from each other for a long time....but she didn't know that.
Bella's face broke out into that goofy grin again and I looked over at Angela. I still had not released Bella from my grip, "Yeah, Angela, I guess you could say that Bella's my girlfriend.....as long as she says it's okay...?"
We both looked at Bella and she looked from Angela to me. While looking in my eyes she answered her, "Yeah, Angela, he is my boyfriend."
A/N: See that little button below, it's rectangular in shape and says 'Review this Story/Chapter'? Please click and do what it says....thanks :)