The Way Back Home15/02/2009 18:02:00
Chapter 2: Letting Loose ( Bella POV)
"I cant believe we are actually graduating in 3 days Bellla. That outfit I got for you looks great. Not many people can pull of blue cashmere, but you look great in it Bells"
Ahh yes the skin tight blue cashmere sweater Rose picked out for me, with the dark blue pencil skirt, how could I forget, Oh wait how could I forget the Mark Jacob stiletto blue heels, that will definitely lead to my demise on stage. Rose saw my face and I grunted loudly.
" Bells, you're the one that decided that you wanted to look more feminine, I'm just helping you out!"
" I know Rosie, and thanks. I have to get going, they are having a going away party for me at work tonight.
Rose laughed, "Okay than later Bells"
I got to work 5 minutes late and tried apologizing to my boss Gene, but he wouldn't hear it.
"Bella you have worked for me for 4 years and this is the first time you have ever been late, so its not big deal. Geez, it think I'm here late everyday come to think of it. You know what they say, something about glass houses and stones.
" Yeah Gene I know, I know. " Gene was the best boss in the world. He was a old hippy and had many stories about WoodStock and Free Love. He was so down to earth. He taught yoga in his spare time and burned a lot of incense. He actually played the drums for Jimmy Hendrix for one his shows and it was one of the proudest moments of his life. One of his favorite sayings was What Would Jimmy Do? And it was always the same answer, smoke some ganja and forget about it. He always had a way of making me laugh.
He was the complete opposite of my dad Charlie.
"The guys have set up karaoke for you tonight, so it looks like its gonna be a lot of fun. I sure am gonna miss you Bella. You were a great employee and friend."
We closed down shop early and the party began. I headed toward the back of the store where there was a small stage and a bunch of tables set up. All 20 of my coworkers showed up with their significant others, Genes wife Lynda came, and so did Blue.
"Lets get this party started folks, and since its Bella's last day she gets to sing first." I felt my face flush and everyone laughed. Gene laughed from the stage.
Terell walked up to me with a shot glass, "Here Bella have this first, liquid courage"
I took the shot of clear liquid and threw it back quickly. My throat burned immediately, " "What the hell was that Terell"
"Patron baby, only the best for you".
I slowly made my way to the stage and looked at the song they had chosen for me. "You have to be kidding me, I am not going to sing this"
" Oh yes you are Girl. Now get going," Lynda gave me a quick hug and whispered "Break A Leg"
All of my co-workers were screaming "Go Bella, Go Bella."
The music started and I started out slowly;
If you see a faded sign by the side of the road that says
15 miles to the... Love Shack! Love Shack yeah
I'm headin' down the Atlanta highway,
lookin' for the love getaway
Heading for the love getaway, love getaway,
I got me a car, it's as big as a whale
and we're headin' on down
To the Love Shack
I got me a Chrysler, it seats about 20
So hurry up and bring your jukebox money
Now I started to feel a little better and I started to move around the stage a little bit.
The Love Shack is a little old place
where we can get together
Love Shack baby, Love Shack bay-bee.
Now I really got into it and everyone was in front of the stage dancing and singing. Hey this isn't as bad as I thought. I started moving my hips and really dancing now.
Love baby, that's where it's at,
Ooo love baby, that's where it's at
Sign says.. Woo... stay away fools,
'cause love rules at the Lo-o-ove Shack!
Well it's set way back in the middle of a field,
Just a funky old shack and I gotta get back
Glitter on the mattress
Glitter on the highway
Glitter on the front porch
Glitter on the hallway
The Love Shack is a little old place
where we can get together
Love Shack bay-bee! Love Shack baby!
Love Shack, that's where it's at!
Huggin' and a kissin', dancin' and a lovin',
wearin' next to nothing
Cause it's hot as an oven
The whole shack shimmies!
The whole shack shimmies when everybody's
Movin' around and around and around and around!
Everybody's movin', everybody's groovin' baby!
Folks linin' up outside just to get down
Everybody's movin', everybody's groovin' baby
Funky little shack! Funk-y little shack!
Why don't I do this more often???????? Maybe a little sexy dancing. Oh yeah I feel it now.
Hop in my Chrysler,
it's as big as a whale
and it's about to set sail!
I got me a car, it seats about twenty
So c'mon and bring your jukebox money.
The Love Shack is a little old place
where we can get together
Love Shack baby! Love Shack bay-bee!
(Love Shack...Love Shack...)
Love Shack, that's where it's at!
Bang bang bang on the door baby!
Knock a little louder baby!
Bang bang bang on the door baby!
I can't hear you
Bang bang on the door baby
Bang bang on the door
Bang bang on the door baby
Bang bang
You're what?... Tin roof, rusted!
Bring it on home girl!
Love Shack, baby Love Shack!
Love Shack, baby Love Shack!
Love baby, that's where it's at
Love Shack, baby Love Shack!
Love baby, that's where it's at
Huggin' and a kissin',
dancin' and a lovin' at the love shack
I took a bow and looked up and about died where I stood. At the back of the crowd was the most beautiful creature I have ever layed my eyes on. He was tall and muscular. His hair was tossled and was a lovely bronze shade. His eyes were the most beautiful shade of green and he was staring at me. No he wasn't just staring but he was whistling and clapping and smiling. That has got to be the most magnificent smile.
I suddenly realized that I had been staring and I turned red, and I mean red. Gene saw my face and looked into the direction of the man at the back of the room. By now the whole room had turned and was looking at him and he noticed. He quit cheering and had this smirk on his face that was so undeniably sexy, and he never took his eyes off of me.
Gene approached the man. "Excuse me sir, it seems that you have stumbled upon a private gathering, can I ask how I can help you."
"Oh, well the door was open and the lights were on, I was only looking for some music, and I hear this is the best place to go while in Chicago.
Gene smiled "Flattery gets you everything my boy, why don't you come and join us."
The man stood there running his hands through his bronze hair nervously. "I don't want to intrude".
Lynda ran up "Oh you are not intruding, just bring your cute little self in here and have some fun."
He looked at me on the stage again and smiled. If I were butter I would have melted, well it felt like my heart melted in my chest. I began to feel a fluttering feeling in my stomach and turned to walk off of the stage.
I made my way to Gene and Lynda and they were both talking to him. "You see son, this is a going away party for my dear Bella, she is leaving us and I wanted her to go out with a bang,"
The man acknowledged and said "Well, the least I can do is offer her my best wishes then, where is she?"
I tried to turn and walk away but Lynda spotted me. "Bella come say hello to this nice man." I walked up to them and felt the blood surging to my neck and face.
He looked at me surprised " Ah, so you are Bella," He stood up and offered his hand to me. I reached to shake hands and felt an immediate surge of electricity. The expression on his face indicated that he was surprised by it as well.
"In the flesh" I replied.
"Well I must say that you put the B-52's to shame. I think they should make you an official part of the band"
Embarrassed I looked away. "Thank you" I am such an idiot, Thank you, oh why cant I be witty and flirtatious like Alice and Rose.
He looked at me and smirked again, his lips were beautiful. His voice sounded smooth like velvet. I looked at his eyes and he was laughing again. I suddenly realized that I was staring again and snapped out of it.
Think Bella, think and then I realized I didn't even know his name. "I didn't catch your name….."
" Oh my apologies I am Edward."
"Edward huh, okay Edward, since you are new here and its my party, you have to sing next." I tried to sound smug.
Instead of the surprised look I expected he looked at me and smirked. "Very well then, its only fair"
He walked up to the stage and looked through the songs. I knew that he had found one when his lips curled and he smirked at me.
I heard the music begin and he sang, his velvet voice carried:
One summer evening drunk to hell
I stood there nearly lifeless
An old man in the corner sang
Where the water lilies grow
And on the jukebox johnny sang
About a thing called love
And its how are you kid and whats your name
And how would you bloody know?
In blood and death neath a screaming sky
I lay down on the ground
And the arms and legs of other men
Were scattered all around
Some cursed, some prayed, some prayed then cursed
Then prayed and bled some more
And the only thing that I could see
Was a pair of brown eyes that was looking at me
But when we got back, labeled parts one to three
There was no pair of brown eyes waiting for me
And a rovin a rovin a rovin Ill go
For a pair of brown eyes
I looked at him he looked at me
All I could do was hate him
While ray and philomena sang
Of my elusive dream
I saw the streams, the rolling hills
Where her brown eyes were waiting
And I thought about a pair of brown eyes
That waited once for me
So drunk to hell I left the place
Sometimes crawling sometimes walking
A hungry sound came across the breeze
So I gave the walls a talking
And I heard the sounds of long ago
From the old canal
And the birds were whistling in the trees
Where the wind was gently laughing
And a rovin a rovin a rovin Ill go
For a pair of brown eyes
I loved the Pogues and A Pair of Brown Eyes was one of my favorites. He stared at me during the whole song and I could not look away, I didn't want to look away. I daydreamed of him holding me and kissing those lips. I wanted to look into those green eyes forever, I wanted to know him, I wanted to feel him. I must be crazy. He was still staring at me. Is he serenading me? Your losing it Bella, snap out of it.
When he was done he winked at me. "Put a fork in me, Im done" I thought to myself. I had the silliest grin on my face when he walked off of the stage.
He walked right up to me and asked "So what did you think"
My mind was in shambles, my first thought was "Id like to kiss you." But of course I couldn't say that. He started laughing and running his hands through his hair again. As he did that I thought that I'd like to do that, to feel his hair running through my fingers.
" So you want to kiss me? He asked laughing.
"Oh crap I said that out loud, "Smooth move ExLax."
He laughed "Its alright, I figured you were kidding." I could not be more embarrassed than I am this very moment.
" I am sorry, I just….., I didn't,….. , well I meant.
He laughed harder. "Your actually quite pretty when you blush like that" He ran the side of his hand across my cheek and I felt that surge again. His green eyes were kind and bright. It was as if I could see the real him. He was kind, and funny, and he could not be interested in me. Could he?
I immediately tried to change the subject, "So you like the Pogues huh?"
He looked at me surprised. "You knew that was the Pogues, I am really impressed Bella, most people don't know Irish Punk music" He looked truly amused.
"Well the Pogues and Flogging Molly are about it for Irish Punk, but I like all kinds of music. I have an eclectic taste for music and I enjoy them all."
He looked at me and his eyes smiled. " I have to say that's impressive Bella. Can I ask how old you are?"
"I would have to ask you first Edward?"
He smiled and said "I am 23, and I am currently doing a residency to become a doctor, hmm what else, Oh I like dogs, long walks on the beach and pina colada's. I don't think I missed anything. So you Bella?"
I blushed and said "I am 22, graduating in 3 days, I want to be a teacher, English teacher to be exact, but most of all I want to write. I want to write books like Jane Austen, you know classics. And I also like dogs, long walks on the beach and Pina Colada's." I smiled when I finished and he laughed. I loved his laugh, it was musical and perfect. I could hear it forever.
"So what brings you to Chicago Edward?"
Well I am meeting with some family, I have never been here before and wanted to visit. There are so many things to see here, like the big silver bean, that's on the top of my list."
I laughed when he said that. "So out of all the museums, shows, the Planetarium, the Aquarium, and the Sports teams, you pick the giant Bean in Millenium Park?"
I looked at him amusingly and he answered "Well actually it's the closest to here, and I was hoping that you would like to join me?
I pictured myself stiff as a board falling to the floor. I looked at him and said "Seriously".
"Of course Bella, I don't know my way around to well, and my brothers wont be in until tomorrow, and I could use a friend and guide tonight?" His face was sincere and he looked into my eyes anxiously.
I thought about it, for a split second, "Well If a guide is what you need, then I am at your service" I curtsied and smiled. He laughed again. "Of course we do kind of have to wait for my party to end, if you don't mind?
If I get to spend time with you Bella, I don't mind at all."
At this point I needed a towel to slop up the large pool of drool at my feet.
The rest of the party was amazing Gene's rendition of Black Magic Woman was amazing, and Terell's Baby Got Back was hilarious, He had stuffed the back of his pants with wadded up paper towels and shook his butt like crazy. I would miss them all of them.
I couldn't help but look at Edward, often, and I was completely blown away by him. I would gladly show him some of the sights tonight, and anything else he might want to see. Yeah my head was in the gutter, but I didn't mind it.
He sang again, This time it was U2's With or without you. He did so well, he had a standing ovation, myself included.
I hugged Terell, and Lynda, and was about to say goodbye to Gene when Edward told me that he would wait for me at the front of the store. I walked up to Gene and hugged him tightly. "I will miss you Bella. You are a wonderful girl and I wish you only the best." "Thanks Gene, I will never forget you. Four years is a long time and you and Lynda have been like my parents. I Love You Gene." "I Love you too Bella, and don't be a stranger."
As I walked to the front of the store tears flooded my eyes. I soon felt someone embrace me and I looked up and it was Edward, I put my face into his chest and he guided me outside. I cried, no sobbed, and he held me. "Its okay Bella, its okay. As my tears slowed he placed his finger and pulled me up to look at him, "Better?" he asked. I nodded and pulled away. I wiped my face and looked at him and smiled. "Yes much better, Thank you" "Anytime Bella, I know its hard to say goodbye to friends."
As we walked to Millenium Park we talked about our lives, hopes and dreams, as a matter of fact I did most of the talking. I was just spilling out information about myself and I couldn't stop. I would look at Edward and he would laugh and sometimes look as though he was pondering something. I was actually quite introverted like my father Charlie and my openness took me by surprise.
We had finally reached the park and Edward was really excited to see the bean. "It's a lot bigger than I thought, he said as he looked at it. "Will you take my picture please Bella"
Of course Edward" . I snapped his photo and as soon as I was finished, he saw a couple walking by. "Excuse me would you mind taking a photo of my friend and I?" "No problem" the man answered. Edward grabbed my hand, and pulled me in front of the bean. He wrapped his arms around my shoulder s and looked at me " Smile Bella" and I did. "The man took the photo and handed the camera back to Edward. "Thanks man," The man waved and walked up to his date and kissed her as they walked away.
Edward turned to look at me. "So I was kind of hoping to do one more thing tonight if you don't mind?"
"Sure, as your tour guide I can offer you a large array of sights to see." I giggled.
Well actually I want some real Chicago Pizza."
I laughed, "Your wish is my command"
We left the park and grabbed a taxi. " Ginos, please." I told the driver. We arrived minutes later at Gino's. As soon as I walked in the door I was greeted by a warm hug.
"Jessica, long time no see."
You don't say Bella , what have you been up to? "
She glanced at Edward. "And who his this fine specimen"
I laughed, "Jessica this is Edward, Edward, Jessica".
Edward extended his hand. "It's a pleasure to meet you Jessica" she laughed and looked at me, "Usual table Bella?" Yeah is Eric here tonight? Yep I'll let him know you're here".
Jessica walked us to the back and seated us. "Eric will be right here" Jessica stated. As she walked away she looked me and winked. She mouthed "He's so hot" I smiled and shook my head in agreement.
Edward looked at me and smiled " I see your quite well known in these parts little lady."
I laughed. "Well I have been here for four years and most of my friends work downtown."
Eric walked up and I busted up laughing. "What is so funny Bella,"
"Eric why are you wearing the fake mustache again? Eric grinned and wiggles his eyebrows "You like, the ladies dig it."
I looked at Edward and he was straining to keep himself from laughing.
"You know you like it Bella, its like animal magnetism, you cant help but be attracted to a man with a moooostache." Eric started to roll the tips with his fingers and I laughed again.
"Oh Eric, you really have a way with women."
"Enough about me." He reached his hand to Edward, "I am Eric and I already know Ms. Insensitive over there, you are?"
"Edward" they shook hands.
"Nice to meet a ladies man like myself, what brings you two here tonight?" Well Edward here has never had real Chicago Pizza and so we come to you, Ladies Man!"
"Ahh of course you come to the best, Hey yo, Vinnie, we need a Chicago Classic pronto, kapiche."
Vinnie the pizza cook looked from behind the counter and looked at Eric like he was crazy. Vinnie looked at me and smiled,
"I'll let the crazy Asian get off this time cause it you Bella." I laughed and Edward did too.
Edward loved the pizza, I watched him eat the deep dish pizza, with cheese oozing everywhere, including his shirt. We laughed and talked some more.
I found out that Edward had 2 brothers, and that he was adopted and that his parents died when he was very young. I was sad after I heard that, I felt so bad for him, it was like my heart wanted to wrap itself around him and fill him with love. He told me that he had 2 great adopted parents.
They had recently moved to the Northwest and that was where he was completing his residency. He was very engrossed in his career, and had always wanted to be doctor like his adopted father.
I watched and listened to him speak. He looked at his watch and he looked surprised. "Bella, its midnight, maybe we should get going."
"Oh wow I didn't even notice that it was that late.
"Neither did I" he stated.
"So where are you staying" I asked.
"The Four Seasons" he replied.
"Well then let me get you there in one piece, its my job"
He hesitated for a moment and said "Okay let's go." I hugged Eric and Jessica and we caught a cab.
We pulled up in front of the Four Seasons, and I was in awe of its beauty. A bell man walked up and opened the door. "Welcome back sir" Edward took my hand and helped me out. My Jeans and my Strokes T-shirt suddenly felt insufficient. "Are you okay Bella?' "Sure" I blurted out. "Well how are you getting home tonight tour guide?" Oh Ill just grab the Blue Line, and Ill be home in no time." "The what" Edward asked. "Oh it's the train, it runs across the street from my house. Are you sure Bella its so late and I don't want anything to happen to you.
He ran his hand through his hair again and I realized that he did this when he was nervous.
"No Edward, I'll be fine, this is my town remember."
"Nope I cant allow that," he called to the door man and whispered something and placed something in his hand. I looked at him curiously and a cab pulled up next to me. "Bella this cab will take you home, I don't feel safe with you taking the train at this time of night." I rolled my eyes, "Edward really its okay." "No, I wont hear of it" He then walked up to me. "Promise me that you will take this cab all the way Bella, Please." I looked into his eyes and before I knew it I had agreed.
He grabbed his cell phone from his pocket and handed it to me. I smiled and handed him my phone, We both entered our numbers into each others phones and handed them back. 'Call me when you get home Bella, please, so I will know that you made it home safely." I will Edward I promise. He quickly embraced me and I could of sworn he sniffed my hair. I smelled the cologne on his chest and felt like I was home.
"I had so much fun with you tonight Bella, I haven't had that much fun in a very long time."
I looked at him, "Me too Edward, I haven't laughed like that in quite a while". I was being totally honest with him.
"Can I call you tomorrow? he asked. My heart jumped, "Of course, Bellas Tour Service has a clear calendar for the next couple of days." He smiled and embraced me again. I didn't want to leave, I wanted to stay that way forever. Then he kissed my cheek and my heart exploded. Goodnight My Bella. He guided me into the cab and closed the door.
As the cab drove off I looked back and he stood there until I turned the corner and I could no longer see him. I gave the driver the address and slumped back into my seat. I had so many emotions in that moment, I didn't know if I should be happy or sad. A part of me was overflowing with happiness but a small part was sad about the loss I felt now that he was gone. I was confused, I never felt this way at all before, and it was quite overwhelming.
I ran through the events of the night in my head and laughed to myself. I made it home 20 minutes later and when I tried to pay for the cab he said it was already paid for. I looked at my house ran up the stairs straight to my room.
Rose must have been asleep, because the house was dark. I plopped myself down on my bed, and let out a silent scream of joy.
I went through my contact list and found Edward and pressed the talk key. He picked up after the first ring. "Good, you made it home okay?"
"Yes I did, thank you, and by the way I could have paid for the cab myself you know."
"Oh no, I had to do it, as thanks for being such a good tour guide.".
"Well Thanks Edward" My mind was racing for something to say, So, I'll see you tomorrow then?" I was hoping that I didn't sound to desperate.
"Oh yes, bright and early. Good night Bella, I look forward to seeing you tomorrow."
"Me too, Edward, don't let the bed bugs bite".
Edward giggled. "Night Bella." I closed the phone and fell fast asleep. I dreamt of Edward holding me in his arms and had the best sleep I had in a very long time.