There is no excuse that I have to give all of you. I'm sure you all have disowned me by now. I'm so sorry for the lack of update. I guess I've just been so busy with school and life. I deserve to be stabbed with a fork. There's actually a really funny story of my aunt stabbing my mom with a fork when they were teenagers, but I won't get into that.

I hope you guys can forgive me for my lack of chapters. But hey, better late than never?

Disclaimer: Twilight is owned by the magical woman who made a really awesome cameo in the Twilight movie!...yeah, not me.

Chapter 12: Optimistic

Bella – POV

The morning came with a dull gray shine that leaked through my windows. The weather took a dull, unwanted turn from the past few days of sunshine. Thank goodness the rain did not come till after my magical evening with Latte Boy.

Last night I endured the pleasant dreams that were wished upon me. I couldn't help but notice that I'm falling extremely fast. I just hope that this isn't going too quickly. But, I know he is not like most guys, he is different in the best ways possible. Edward is the fairytale definition of prince charming; I don't have the slightest clue what he could possibly see in me. Not that I have self esteem issues, I simply don't believe I'm worth his time of day.

I contemplated on going to Starbucks this morning to get a good hot cup of something delicious, but what if Edward was working? Wouldn't that make me seem somewhat stalker-ish? (As if I wasn't practically stalking him before…). Deciding to avoid the risk of looking over obsessive, I settled on retrieving some coffee from the deli down the street.

I had the odd feeling of being so light and fluffy. The kind of weird emotion children feel when their eyes open on Christmas morning, or when you win twenty dollars on a scratch off lotto ticket. I felt as if I was flying instead of walking, singing instead of talking, dreaming instead of seeing. I had the feeling I could do anything. I was invincible. In my apartment, Stewie probably thought I was a fool for not being able to wipe this junior high smile off my face. This feeling was deeply inspiring. My keyboard was practically calling out to me. Still smiling, I sat down on my computer chair and turned the power on.

Knock! Knock! Knock!

You have got to be kidding me.

I literally growled as I got up and trudged to the front door. Who on earth would be here at ten thirty in the morning? One name came to mind. Alice. Why can't Alice just let herself in like I told her to? I had given her a key and everything! All I know is that this better be pretty frickin' important.

I trudged over to the door and pulled it open with much force. "Alice I told you-". I stopped mid-sentence to see that it was in fact not Alice standing outside my door. I could feel my face becoming hotter as the blush crept up onto my face. Instead of my tiny boss, there stood a very tall tan guy with black hair. However, despite his height he couldn't be any older than eighteen. He had a look of confusion and fear on his face. He was dressed in casual clothing. Like the stuff you would wear to school or something like that. In his hand he held a small basket of some sort. I eyed him as if I was asking him what the heck he was doing here. He simply held out the basket to me and smiled.

"Bella, right?" He asked.

"Yeah?" I sounded like more of a question. Now this guy could either think I'm plain confused or I don't know my own identity. The first one seemed better plausible.

"I'm here on official 'Delivery Business'." He stated flatly, as if he was forced to be here. "Edward wanted to send you this little gift…and he hopes you will meet him at his job at six pm." It was quite obvious he was embarrassed to be Edward's delivery boy. Edward? Jeez, could Jesus up in heaven possibly create a more perfect man? I couldn't help but smile at the thought of my latte boy…

Of course, the basket being practically dangled in front of me snapped me back to reality. I reached for it and took it from his hands. "Thanks…"

"Seth." He said, looking down at me.

"Thank you, Seth. And if you are going to see Edward again, could you tell him that I'll be there?"

"Of course." He smiled once more before giving an awkward wave and heading down the stairs. I closed the door and eagerly ripped off the tissue paper from the top of the basket and gasped at its contents.

In the basket lay two packages of Starbucks ground coffee beans, a Starbucks coffee thermos and a ceramic coffee mug with an image of a beautiful lake during twilight going around its exterior. Also inside of it was a bar of Hershey's chocolate, and a folded piece of paper.

I snatched the paper, and on the inside it read:

Coffee is on me.

I playfully rolled my eyes and placed the note back into the basket. This guy was unbelievable, in the best possible way. However, he was studying to be a doctor, so why did he send me a bar of chocolate in the morning? Not the most nutritious of breakfasts. Only I didn't care one bit.

About halfway through my chocolate bar and a cup of coffee later I heard a familiar jingling from my doorknob. About a second or two later Alice came prancing in. but something was a little off…

"Alice? Why are you wearing a crown?"

She didn't answer me. She simply just twirled and danced around the small room all clad in the sparkling diamond tiara and a knee length purple dress. The dress was low cut, but not too much cleavage was shown. Under her bust she had a silver sequin belt and when she twirled, the dress spun along with her. She looked like that Princess Barbie doll that every little girl wants for Christmas.

"Today is me and Jasper's anniversary!" She sang in an opera voice.

"Happy anniversary." I said. I suppose now the whole dress is thing was because of this certain occasion. Alice will never leave the glass half full, she'll overflow it.

"It is happy, isn't it?" She sat down on the floor by me, careful not to wrinkle the silk material of her dress. "And tonight is our super party and you, my dearest, are on the VIP list!"

Gee, I've never been on a VIP list for anything.

"Do you need to me take care of anything?" I asked. Sure I was on the 'too-cool-for-you-VIP-list', but she still was my boss, after all.

"What I want and need you to do is observe and remember because the next party I throw, you are going to help plan and everything!" She paused. "I was actually going to have you help with this one but I'd rather you see what my parties are like" She gave me a huge typical-Alice smile. "And…" her smile turned devilish. "You may want to bring a date. I hope you decide to bring a certain cutie of a latte boy…"

I laughed at her hint and threw a pillow at her that knocked the obnoxious tiara right off her little head.

"Hey!" She cried. "That's coming out of your paycheck!"

Oh, this was getting fun. I figured I might as well play along. "Oh dear! I'm so sorry, your highness!"

"Off with your head!"

-&-&-&-

Edward – POV

I was thankful for having the early shift for a change. Although waking up early was not a great pleasure of mine. This particular morning has been quite a busy one. But it's hard to notice when all I see are those beautiful brown eyes replaying through my mind.

I never felt this strongly connected to someone. I better slow down though, one date and I'm already feeling electricity between the two of us when we are near. Not to mention our first kiss was the most cliché thing in the history of romance novels and chick flicks.

I want to learn everything about her. I want to know her deepest goals, and her fears, and the things that make her the happiest. During our date last night I learned most of the basic things, but I wanted to know more, no matter how selfish that sounds.

I breathed a small sigh of relief as Seth came through the glass door.

"Did you give it to her?" I asked, as he was approaching the counter.

"Yeah, yeah. Calm down, Edward." He said with his barking laugh. "She's looked kind of confused, then shocked, then awestruck."

"Was she…"

"I'm sure she was creped out," He smirked. "It's not everyday that she gets coffee beans and chocolate from mysterious guys who are the essence of tall, dark, and handsome…" I reached over the counter and placed a punch on his shoulder. He backed out and rubbed his arm. "Hey, hey! Play nice now, you beast…I'm pretty sure the thought it was a nice gesture, you know? I could tell. Just by hearing it was from you, her face kind of lit up."

I'm sure my face mirrored hers just now.

"Wow, Edward, this isn't middle school anymore." He joked. "Anyway, I gotta get going, I have to help my mom move the old couch out of the living room and into the basement."

"Have fun with that." I said as he began to leave.

"Oh, you know I wont." He waved.

I slumped against the counter once more.

"Hey Eddie-boy!"

I rolled my eyes. No matter how many times you tell Emmett to do something, it seems to go in one ear and out the other. "Em, how many times have I told you not to-"

"I know, I know, not you call you that. Blah, blah, blah. Party pooper." He said as he readjusted his apron, that was too small for his bulky body. Sometimes I wondered if he was on steroids, but then I remember that I personally would rather not know. "Speaking of parties…Alice called me this morning to make sure you are free this evening."

Alice?

"Why?" I asked. Hopefully this has something to do with Bella.

"She and Jasper's anniversary is today and their having this huge monster blow out to celebrate. She called to make sure that you are Bella's escort-dude." He said while preparing someone's coffee. Bella's escort, eh?

"Escort, eh?" I smiled. "Yeah, I'll do it."

"Damn, man. One date and you're already whipped." He said, shaking his head.

"I am not! I just don't mind spending time with a beautiful girl." I smirked. "You taking Rose?'

"Who else?" He asked, sounding almost offended.

"Just making sure…maybe you're whipped too." I muttered.

"Dude, I am not friggen whipped…I just don't mind spending time with a beautiful girl…and boy, oh, boy is she one b-e-a-U-tiful girl." He howled.

"Will you shut up before you drive out all the customers?" I said to him while rolling my eyes. Sometimes he doesn't know when to stop. The place was still packed, and several people had their eyes on Emmett and I. Especially this old woman in the front of the line. She looked at Emmett like he just shouted 'bomb!' on a plane. She eyed me nervously, but I just put on a smile. "Welcome to Starbucks, what can I get you?"

-&-&-&-

Bella – POV

Alice and I spent the remainder of the morning running around town, securing the caterer, the DJ, the club, the decorations, and everything in between. My feet were killing me and I'm sure I have at least twelve blisters on each foot.

It was almost a half hour after noon when Alice stopped. "What's wrong?" I asked.

She looked up at me and put on that satanic smile again. "You know, we're only a couple blocks from Starbucks…"

"Calm down, princess pain-in-the-neck, I'm sure lat- I mean Edward isn't even working." I said. I could hear her snicker as I almost called him 'Latte Boy'.

"Well, how do you know he's not working?…Just to make sure, we should just go and check." She said as she grabbed my arm and dragged my in the direction of my favorite coffee shop. And sooner than later we were standing in front of the double doors.

Once inside, the intoxicating aroma filled my nose and took a deep breath. Maybe I should get a job here…but then that would make me look a little too desperate. Ugh, things are just so difficult. I make one wrong move and I'll look like stalker of the year.

Hoping to see the green-eyed god, I saw Emmett instead. He was behind the counter, looking more bored than usual.

"Hey Em!" Alice greeted.

His head shot up, then back down and he took in Alice's attire. "You know, does that dress come with a personal court jester? Cause' I could really use some serious entertainment."

Alice reached over and hit is muscled chest with her clutch purse. "Is Edward working?" She asked.

"Uhh…actually you just missed him. He left like fifteen minutes ago." Emmett said, shrugging.

He left? Well, so much for my little surprise visit that I didn't even want to go through with. Alice, however, did not even believe him.

"He did not leave, you liar! Go get him!" Alice said, narrowing her eyes at Emmett.

"I'm serious, he really did leave!" Emmett reassured, staring down the pixie-like Alice.

"He did not!"

"Actually I did."

A velvety smooth voice said from behind us. Both Alice and I jumped at the sudden appearance of the person who I wanted to see most right now. I turned around and my breathing hitched the tiniest bit. Right behind me was Edward in a simple white button-down collared shirt and a pair of dark jeans. Something so average has never looked so good on anyone. Those Abercrombie and Fitch boys have nothing on him.

"Edward!" I smiled and I jumped to give him a hug. Realizing what I had just done, I carefully backed up to make sure it was okay for the sudden contact. He was smiling down at me with adoration. It made my heart flutter at a higher speed.

"Good afternoon, Bella." He said while taking my hand and kissing it lightly. I could feel electric currents as his lips touched my skin.

"What brings you back, Eddie boy?" Emmett asked.

I looked back at Edward and saw him giving Emmett a death glare. "I forgot my phone in the back room." He turned back to me. His face soft again. "I'll be right back." He said before departing quickly through the back door.

"Grumpy pants." Emmett muttered and Alice giggled.

"Emmett, you did remind him about the party, right?" Alice asked.

"Yes I did." He rolled his eyes. "Since when did you get crowned queen of the dictators?" Emmett asked.

"I'd watch what I'd say around me if I were you. I swear, nothing is going to ruin this night, you here me, McCarty?" She said, darkly.

Emmett backed up out of fear. Kind of ironic really. A big guy his size, afraid of a little girl like Alice. I guess it can make sense. Alice did have her scary qualities.

I felt an arm snake its way around my waist. I turned my head and saw the messy bronze colored hair that makes me want to run my fingers through the tangles to feel how soft it was. Creeper, much?

"Well, seeing as it is still early, would it be okay if I took Bella for myself till later?" He asked towards Alice. I sent her a pleading look of my own.

"Absolutely not!" Alice shrieked. My smile disappeared all together.

"Why not Alice, We've done everything we could possibly do. This party is all set to go." I whined. Honestly, I had no idea if everything was done and accounted for. I just wanted to spend time with the cute guy next to me. Gosh, I sound like I'm thirteen.

"We still have to get our hair and make-up and nails and toes done! And not to mention get you a dress with accessories!" She said running off a list that I'm sure was planted in her mind the minute she woke up this morning.

The implication of shopping caused a small groan to escape my lips.

"Oh no, no, no, missy! You are not backing out of this one! All my VIP's must look better than last-minute-sloppy-dress-and-five-minute-make-up. And you know that's not all we have to do! We also have to once over the guest list and make sure everyone else is doing a good job with their duties." She stated. "And plus, you'll get to hang out with him all night. He is your escort after all."

My escort, eh?

I looked up at Edward to see him smiling proudly. "You're my escort?" I asked, smirking.

"Why, yes I believe I am, Miss Swan." He said, planting a kiss on the top of my head. "Now, go. Before Alice breaks my arm to get to you. I'll meet up with you later."

I nodded at him, but before I could do or say anything else, Alice was dragging me out the glass doors of Starbucks.

"Where to first?" I asked.

"First we're heading to my place to check over the guest list and seating chart." She said as we got into a town car that was waiting for her at the end of the block. How does she do that?

The car ride wasn't too time consuming. We were soon at the front door to Alice's apartment. Everything was…different.

Instead of the neat and tidy penthouse I was expecting, it was filled with papers and clothes and presents. It looks like the office max tornado combined with the Barney's tornado and got together with the potter barn tornado and had a party in Alice's living room.

"Please excuse the mess." Alice said, frantically searching through the many papers. "I've been kind of busy; I've had no time to organize." She got a look of satisfaction as she pulled out a baby pink colored binder and a light purple one as well. She handed me the pink one. I'm sure she thought the other one matched her outfit better. She skipped over to a small desk in the corner of the room and tossed me a hot pink highlighter.

"I want you to highlight all the names of the people who have checkmarks next to their names in that binder, got it?" She ordered. I nodded and took a seat on her couch and opened the binder. It didn't look so bad. And it shouldn't take so long. I got to work right away.

All the names were in alphabetical order. By the time I got to 'D' I saw a name that I prayed wouldn't be who I thought it was.

Tanya Denali.

How would she know Alice? Why would Alice even be friends with her? What if she saw me with Edward? She was rude to me before me and Edward became and item…I think she might strangle me this time around. All the thoughts like this were floating in and out of my mind.

I looked up and saw Alice lying on her stomach on the floor. Her feet dangling in the air behind her. She had the happiest smile on her face. I couldn't let my automatic assumptions ruin this for her. Hey, who knows? Maybe it's not who I think it is. I'm sure she's not the only Tanya in New York City. I have to be more like Alice, always looking on the bright side of things.

I was on the VIP list to the biggest party I've ever been to. Edward is going to be my escort. And everything will be perfect.

If Alice can be optimistic, then so can I.

I know this isn't the best chapter, but I have promise of drama next chapter.

So, who else saw the Twilight movie? I saw it Friday. Honestly, I loved it, but it was a bit rushed. But you can't really blame them. It was a long book, and if they tried to match up the book more, then the movie could have easily gone into 3 or 4 hours. Not that I'd mind…but I'm sure some people would just get bored. (Plus the film adaptation of Twilight is a helluva lot better than MY adaptation of The Lottery. Hehh)

I'm sure I've lost about 87.3 percent of my readers because of my lack of updating. I'm sorry! But please review and it will make me feel way less guilty.

So…hit the button!

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