I stared at the man in front of me. No way. No freaking way. It couldn't be… Could it? How long has it been? Six years? Seven? My mind was too in shock to even do simple math. I continued to stare at the man, my mind drawing a blank while his very crooked smile became more pronounced. From my peripheral, I saw Mr. Cullen's head turn side to side as if watching a tennis match, a very confused look playing on his face.

"Ms. Higginbotham? Do you know the man before you?" Mr. Cullen questioned, still completely confused—and for good reason, too.

The man sitting in front of me broken into his full crooked smile and started to laugh. "Does she know me? Higginbotham? Really, Bella? What's all that about?" His laughter did nothing to focus my thoughts. What was going on?

"Edward, what are you talking about? Do you know Bella?" Mr. Cullen asked, running a hand through his curly hair. With that simple gesture, everything clicked. Ah… Ok, I see it now.

"Emmett, dude, this is Bella Swan. You remember? We were friends growing up?" Edward continued to stare at me while addressing Emmett.

"Swan? No, this is Bella Higginbotham. Surely you have the wrong girl?" Emmett asked. I was barely hearing a word they were saying. Edward was gazing into my eyes and I was lost in his. Emmett continued to question Edward, trying to figure out what was going on. Honestly, I felt very rude. After all, this was an interview with Mr. Cullen, not a reunion with Edward.

At that moment, my phone chirped a very distinct chirp. It was a text from Alice. We must've been here later than I had planned. I groaned and broke my gaze. "Alice," I murmured, checking to see what she needed.

Bella, what's going on? You've been there for three hours already! Don't forget you need to get this interview formatted for the magazine!

I groaned once again. Three hours? Really? How long had I been staring at Edward—and he at me?

A light chuckle broke me from my thoughts.

"Alice, huh? How's she doing these days? I do miss my pixie of a sister." Edward asked, eager to get me talking—I still hadn't said a single word since I realized who was sitting before me.

Shaking my head to focus, I smiled at him. "She's doing fine. She's still addicted to all things clothes. You remember when she used to torture me with Bella Barbie? I decided a year or so ago that resisting was futile," I chuckled, earning another chuckle from him in response.

"That's good to hear. How've you been? It's been so long since I've seen you. Hell, it's been forever since I've even heard of you. I guess I can see why though, taking on this new surname." He smiled wickedly, knowing exactly where the surname came from.

"Oh! I've been well! Alice and I work for a magazine company down the road. Actually, a lot of us from high school work there. You'd be surprised who works in what departments," I laughed, thinking of Mike and Edward's hatred for him and then of Lauren and how snobby she was back then before adding, "Well, maybe not too surprised…" He let out another boisterous laugh.

"So how have you been, Edward? When did you even get back!? How was it? Did you enjoy yourself?" I remembered now. It had been six years. Six long years since we graduated. Six even longer years since I'd last seen Edward. I sighed, smiling an empty smile at the memories.

Edward explained—once again—why he left in the first place then went into a rant about everything he'd done. He joined the Army and was shipped off to Basic Training straight out of high school. It left all of his close ones broken hearted, but it was what he wanted so we supported him. He wanted to follow in his father's footsteps and become a renowned doctor. For some odd reason, the Army was the best way he thought he could do it. He signed a six year contract with them and went from base to base until finally being deployed to Afghanistan. He broke out into a few detailed stories of near-misses with some of the soldiers in his base, one in particular being saved by a simple packet of sugar. I let out a light laugh when he finished explaining that one. All in all, you'd think it was a big deal, but the reality of being saved by a sugar packet was simply hilarious. As he shared each loss on the table, his gaze dropped further and further from my face, slowly making its way to his entwined hands sitting his lap. I felt for him there. I couldn't even begin to imagine the pain he went through. Even in childhood, Edward was always a protector and savior. Anytime someone was hurt, he'd comfort them. If someone needed a good ass kicking, he'd hand it to them. Not being able to save a life must have really taken a toll on him.

I sighed heavily, wanting to reach out and comfort him—let him know it would be ok and that he wasn't alone.

I'd actually completely forgotten about Emmett until he slammed his fist on the table—not hard, but hard enough to get our attention. Both Edward and I jerked out of our thoughts and looked at him in shock.

"Will one of you please explain to me what's going on? You're both confusing me so much, I feel like I just watched a political debate where neither one of the damned candidates said a damn word in fucking English!" he demanded, letting his fist hit the table once more to accentuate his point. I chuckled nervously, glancing at Edward.

"Ms. Higginbotham, here, is an old friend. Surely you remember when mom and dad took in that orphaned girl a while back?" Edward explained, trying to convey something to Emmett. I honestly didn't understand. Mom and dad? They didn't share the same surname… Hell, I lived in that house for more than half of my life and I never once saw Emmett there. I tilted my head in confusion while the gears worked and clicked into place for Emmett.

"Oh! This is the girl? Seriously? Whoa! Small world!" Emmett exclaimed, pounding his fist with Edward's. What was that about? I had to chuckle at the turn-around. Now I was the one confused!

"So Ms. Higginbotham, care to explain?" Edward pushed once more. With a reluctant sigh, I broke into the story.

"You remember my parents, right? Charlie and Renee? Well, of course my mom's maiden name—Higginbotham." He nodded, waiting for an explanation. "Edward, I'm the chief editor of a major magazine. I can't have people harassing me night and day wherever I go—whether it is people looking for jobs, the paparazzi looking for some fashion faux pas, or what have you. I use Higginbotham for the public. No one but my close friends and the guys at work know my real name. All those from high school were sworn to silence before being hired. I mean hell, Edward; you know every article has to pass through me before it's printed? Just imagine if people get wind that Bella Higginbotham is having an exclusive interview with someone like Mr. Cullen here. They'd never leave me alone if they found me out. I'd have people at my doorstep night and day trying to get into his club or some shit like that." Emmett and Edward laughed at my explanation, although I'm sure for different reasons.

"Alright Ms. Swan, is there anything else you need for that article? I'm sure you need to sift through everything and work up a proper article declaring how yours truly is the owner of the most glamorous club in the entire state!" I chuckled at Emmett's boldness. I had yet to step foot inside the club, but from what I heard, it was close to being the most glamorous.

I shook my head and gathered my recorder. Just then, the waitress returned with the check. I fished my card out of my wallet and was just about to hand it to her when a very firm but soft hand stopped me, the mere touch sending a tingly spark through every nerve in my arm. "Nonsense, Bella. This is my treat." Edward murmured softly, a small smirk playing on his lips. I opened my mouth to object, only to have a finger placed on my lips to shush me. "Now my dear Bella, what kind of gentleman would I be if I made my long-time friend pay for this wonderful meal after such a wonderful reunion?" I sighed into his index finger. Always the gentleman… At least that didn't change.

"If you insist…" I defeated, placing my card back into my wallet. "Mr. Cullen, Edward, I'll see you both later. Mr. Cullen would you like a copy of the issue mailed to the club?"

"Please, call me Emmett, and no, it'll be fine, I'll pick one up somehow. Thanks for the offer though," he smirked as I stood.

They both stood after me. I held out my right hand to shake with Emmett's, only to be pulled into the tightest bear hug imaginable. I chuckled nervously—well, if you call wheezing a chuckle—before returning the hug; the sooner he released me, the better. "Well, Emmett, I hope you approve of the article. I'll see you around then." I said my goodbyes to him before turning to Edward. I smiled, knowing a simple hand shake just wouldn't suffice. After all, it had been six years! He pulled me into a tight embrace, gently rubbing the middle of my back. He paused for a second only to tighten the embrace even more. I sighed happily, knowing I could never get enough of this man's hugs. They were addictive, honestly. His scent combined with the warmth and safety of his arms and the slight tingling sensation was heaven for me. I'd actually forgotten how good it felt to receive one of his hugs. He chuckled at my sigh, probably thinking about how much he missed out friendship or something before he whispered in my ear.

"Bella, I've missed you so. We will have to catch up soon, very soon," so low I had to struggle to hear what he was saying even though his lips were right at my ear. I nodded in agreement and let go, signaling the end of the hug and for him to release me from his hold—he did so, but only after holding on a little longer than appropriate. I chuckled at him, but how could I deny him something he clearly missed? With another happy sigh, I wrapped my arms around his neck, allowing him to continue to hold on. After a few minutes, Emmett mumbled something about standing around doing nothing and we released each other. I looked into his eyes, something burning deeply in his that I couldn't place. I smiled at him then turned to address them both.

"Thanks for lunch guys, I'll see you around," then turned to leave. I made my way to my car and headed back to the office.

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By the time I walked in the front doors, it was 3:30. Whew, Jesus. Three and a half hour long lunch! I thought as I nodded to Lauren. She seemed to be in a better mood. Apparently she redid her makeup between seven this morning and now. That's good… We don't need a tear-stained face greeting our customers.

I sat down behind my desk and looked around the office. There was a slight change since I left for lunch. It seemed Alice had been in and out making sure everything was in order for when I returned. She even went and picked out the layout for the interview I'd be using. I smiled at her thoughtfulness. Whatever would I do without that eccentric pixie? I pulled out my recorder and began typing up the draft, referring to the recorder for direct quotes when needed. I'd only just printed out the final draft when Jessica walked in, something white in hand. I looked up and smiled. "Yes?"

"Hey Bella, I was just bringing the revised gossip bit to you personally. I'd also like to ask your permission to post something related to you?" That last bit caught my attention. I was pulling out my pen, ready to go over her revised copy when she mentioned that last bit. Gossip? Rumors? About me? What the fuck?

"About me, me or about me?" She knew what I meant and that's what mattered. I may not have gotten along well with Jessica in high school, but college seemed to mature her in her loyalty. She knew it'd only take one phone call to ruin her life in journalism. She knew not to cross me. My eyes narrowed as I waited for her to clarify. She reacted instantly.

"Oh! No, no! Nothing about you, you! We just have some pictures of you and Mr. Cullen eating at that interview today and some witnesses saying he was quite charming towards you and that you were both cozy towards each other… That's all, nothing serious like that or anything," she rushed, rambling a little bit. I released a breath I didn't know I was holding as she placed the pictures in front of me. I had to laugh, I really did. Someone apparently took a picture of the two of us alone the secluded section in the dark, alone, with the crappiest camera phone I'd ever seen. Hell, you almost couldn't even tell it was us! My laughter died into a chuckle before I turned my gaze back to hers.

"Yeah, Jess, sure, you can go on and post it. It's cool." I said, a few giggles escaping me. She sighed in relief before handing me the piece with the new gossip on it. Smart one today, she was. I nodded, allowing her to leave, while I went to work on the new copy. Much to my satisfaction, she managed to correct every single error I had previously circled on her rough draft. When I got to the bit about Emmett and me, I let out another laugh. This made it seem like we were secretly dating—according to the witnesses, that is. The sound of my laughter must've finally alerted her to my return. Not even a second later, my office door flew open, a very flustered Alice standing in the doorway.

"What is it, Ali?" I hated seeing her anything but energetic—it just didn't suit her.

"What is it? What is it!? Bella, you were gone forever! A simple lunch interview doesn't take that long!" she exclaimed, closing the door behind her as a very sly smirk formed on her face. "Spill."

I sighed, figuring Jessica must've gone to Alice to see if there was a chance that the rumors were true or not. "Alice, we're not dating. It was a simple interview and you know it." I stated firmly, my gaze burning truth into hers. She slowly made her way to me, taking in all of me, her sly smirk still in place. She rested both her palms on my desk, narrowing her eyes at me.

"Then what the hell took you so long?" There was no getting out of it… Well, really, she had a right to know.

"Alice, your brother's back." The resulting squeal was enough to make me regret telling her.

"OHMYGODBELLAICAN'TBELIEVEIT! YOUTWOHAVESOMUCHCATCHINGUPTODO! TELLMEEVERYTHING!!!!" she squealed, bouncing up and down in place, her little hands clapping rapidly. I chuckled at her excitement before breaking into a full play-by-play of the entire interview starting at the beginning and ending at the end.

"Oh that's right; I forgot Emmett had moved into his own place when you moved in. That's why he didn't know you." The Cheshire cat had nothing on Alice's current smile. I was seriously beginning to think she'd gotten it stuck that big when she loosened up. "Ok Bella, it's almost time to clock out. We absolutely have to go shopping before we go home!" The clapping continued, though I was utterly confused.

"What? Why?"

"You did say Edward said he wants to meet up with you and catch up right? Well, you're definitely not having a reunion with my brother in anything less than perfect! It's been six years, Bella! Wow the man!" She scolded me like a hardheaded five-year-old.

I nodded, completely understanding, "Let the Bella Barbie continue…" I sighed and shook my head. Alice was forever trying to hook me up with her brother. She just didn't get it. We were friends, nothing more. We'd always been friends! Hell, even when we lived together, we were just friends! I was immediately assaulted with memories of our childhoods together.

Alice and I had been friends since birth. We did absolutely everything together! We had our first baby crushes together, we lost our first teeth together, we had our first play dates together, we got in our first cat fights together, we tried to steal each other's boyfriend together, and we had our first detention together. Everything. So it was only natural that after my parents' death, I move in with Alice and her family. I had never been to Alice's house that much before then, and when I did go over, it was always the two of us and her mom. I never knew she had a dad and I certainly never knew she had a brother. Both Alice and I went to an all-girls private school while her brothers went to the all-boys brother school to our school. Whenever I'd spend time at Alice's place, her dad would take the boys camping or something outdoorsy like that. She had never once mentioned the men in her family, which lead me to believe it was just the two of them—her mom and herself. So when I arrived on their doorstep, suitcase in one hand, my Bunny and pillow in the other, I was completely surprised to see two men standing before me—well one man and a boy about my age. The man was very tall with pale blond hair and a strange eye color I couldn't place, though they held nothing but love as they gazed into my own chocolate orbs. I looked at them for a second before the man spoke up.

"Bella, I am Carlisle, Alice's father. This is Edward, her brother. Please come inside and we'll get you settled." He gave me a very heartwarming smile, though I was still confused. Where had they been when I came here on those rare occasions? I looked at the boy in front of me and smiled. We could've played together when I came over. I thought it was odd but left it at that.

The boy continued to stare at me, his trademark crooked smile taking shape upon his face. Why wouldn't he move?

"Err…" I began, not exactly sure how to phrase this without being rude, "Do you mind moving? I'd like to walk in…" I let myself trail off while hoping he'd snap out of whatever he was in. He continued to stand there, staring at me like I was some sort of miracle or something. Had he never seen another girl other than Alice before? What gives? Seriously, just move out of my way… I clutched onto my Bunny tightly, dropping my gaze from his as I blushed. Just then, my savior appeared and knocked the boy on the head. His gaze finally left me, a dumbstruck look on his face as he looked at my savior then disappeared.

"Sorry Bella, I don't know what's come over him. I swear, it's like he's never seen a girl before." She chuckled before taking me up two flights of stairs and down a hallway to a spare room. She opened the door and extended her arm to let me in with a "Tada!" then giggled.

I dropped my things in the door and looked around. It was so pretty! The walls were painted lavender with light pink and yellow curtains hanging on the windows—one on each side of the southern wall. The bed was a very cute very white iron daybed that rested against the eastern wall between the window to the left and the door. The bed had a lavender comforter on top—only a slightly darker shade of lavender—with random swirls in darker purples and blacks all over. Against the western wall was a single door—though I couldn't tell at the time, it was a huge walk-in closet. The northern wall held a small work desk, a laptop, a desk lamp, and a small stool to go with the desk. Everything other than the walls and the floor was white. The floors were some type of light wood, though I was entirely too young to tell at the time. It was beautiful. I gasped and picked up my things, settling myself in. At some point in time, Alice left me alone, for which I was all too grateful.

A few hours later, I was met with a knock on the door. I was lying in bed, my head by the window, reading a silly little book that was part of the Redwall Series. I replied with a very timid "Come in," while folding the corner of the page and waiting for the visitor. It was Alice's mom, Esme. I smiled at her as I saw her nose peak around the door, a giggle soon following. She swung the door open with full force then, revealing her caramel colored hair and her loving and motherly hearth shaped face. "Esme!" I exclaimed, immediately jumping out of bed to hug her.

"Oh Bella, I'm so sorry for what happened. Please don't feel alone, little one. We'll take care of you," she comforted, rubbing my little back gently. Esme was the best mother I could've asked for—other than my own. I looked up with big wide chocolate eyes and smiled at her.

"Thank you for taking me in Esme, I don't feel alone in this house. It was always my second home. Thank you for decorating my room for me!" I made sure to show just the right amount of appreciation before releasing her waist from my hold.

"Oh sweetie, I promise, it's no problem at all. Anyway, I just came to let you know supper is ready if you're hungry." With that, she smiled and left. I ran to my closet—which Alice had apparently stocked before I'd moved in—and grabbed a pair of soft socks. Hey man, you can't not wear socks on wood floors! I giggled as I ran down the hall to the stairs, skidding along the way. Oh the joys of childhood!

When I made it to the dining room, I was greeted by three very kind, loving smiles and on very strange stare. Why can't this boy stop looking at me like that? To be honest, it kind of creeped me out…

I was brought out of my trip down memory lane by a very angry adult Alice.

"Bella! Bella Marie Swan! What the fuck are you doing!? HELLO!!!!!" SLAM!

"Oh shit! What the… Oh Alice! I'm sorry, what were you saying?"

"Isabella Marie Swan! I just sat there shouting your name for five minutes! Are you ready to leave and go shopping or what!?" Ouch, angry pixie alert! I smiled sheepishly and nodded, grabbing my purse.

"Let's go, sweet, loveable Alice."

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We hit up every high end shop during the walk home. I must say, it was a very successful shopping expedition. We each had five bags in each hand—and I hadn't tripped yet!

Just like on the walk to work this morning, the cat calls continued and we just laughed them off. I mean, honestly, who wants to fuck with two chicks wearing stilettos? Instant death-by-heal. Every man should know better. I thought, a smug smile playing at my lips. Bring it on boys.

I glanced at Alice as we neared out apartment. She seemed extremely pleased with the smug look on my face and matched it with one of her own. Silly pixie. Sure, she may be a few inches short of five foot tall, but don't let her size foot you. This little pixie was death in a body. She'd taken almost every self-defense class she could find. That alongside Stilettos? Just the thought made me laugh out loud, earning me a 'maybe she went crazy at lunch today' look from Alice. I just smiled and shook my head.

At last, we made it to our apartment. Alice lead the way, knowing I'd never have the coordination to walk, hold ten bags, open doors, press buttons, and mess with keys without falling flat on my face. I made it safely up the stairs and into the hallway leading to the elevator. I was just about in when my heel caught between the gap of the elevator and the floor. With a very unsubtle "Oh SHIT!" my bags flew everywhere as I prepared to receive a very large gash on my forehead—I was heading straight for the railing in the elevator. Alice was at a loss for what to do. Needless to say, by the time she managed to untangle her hands to try and catch me, I was already in a pair of arms, hovering inches above the railing. I exhaled in relief and tried to stand up straight. I heard Alice gasp as I turned to face my savior, only to be lost in a set of burning emerald eyes.

"Bella…"

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AN: Sorry, I couldn't resist making her trip and having him catch her somewhere… I figured it'd be the perfect ending so, there ya go! Err... Sorry if the beginning was a little slow, I was kind of at a loss as to how to get it flowing. I know what I want to do next and actually wanted to put it in this chapter, but I figured you guys learned enough back-story for a day. Oh, don't forget to send your title suggestions!

See you soon,
Skweek

P.S. Sorry if you got "Update" spam, I was having some trouble with the "time elapsed" bar…
Also, I'd just like to let you guys know that sugar packet story is totally true. It happened to one of my friends. It was so suspenseful when he told it, but hilarious at the same time. I mean, a SUGAR PACKET! HAHA!!!