Emmett picked me up at nine, as promised. All day I'd been thinking of her, and the idea of a distraction was a welcome one. He took me to a bar called, "The Library", and I laughed as I picked up the meaning. 'Are you going out tonight, honey?' 'No, mom. I'll be at the library all night...'
"You're gonna love it." He promised, as he walked backwards explaining things to me, "Most of the team will be there; it'll be a great way to get to know the guys before the season starts." We headed inside, and I checked over my appearance, just to make sure I looked acceptable. In homage to my distressed damsel; I'd decided that my Chuck Taylors would be the shoes of choice. My favorite emerald green button down was haphazardly layered over a white undershirt. I had picked dark, artfully faded blue jeans; it was quite literally, my favorite outfit. The color of my button down matched my eyes perfectly, and I always got compliments, no matter how many times people saw me in it.
He dragged me through, and introduced me to the guys, I kicked back a few beers. We were having a good time; it seemed that I'd fit right in. I had actually been a little worried about that, but my school mates were accepting and wonderful. I spent most of the evening following Emmett around, and playing pool. He was a pretty interesting guy.
"I was born here, but my parents divorced when I was young." He explained, as he ordered another round. "My mother and sister stayed here, and I went back to Washington state with my dad."
"What brought you back here, Emmett?" I hoped I wasn't asking too many personal questions; I really liked this guy.
"My mother passed, and I didn't want to leave my sister by myself. She was only a senior in high school, so I came down to take care of her. She took to the news real bad." I gave him a sympathetic pat on the shoulder and apologized. "I wonder where she is..." He pondered to himself, glancing at his watch.
"Who?" I stared at him blankly, trying to decipher who he was referring to.
"My sister." He stated, as if it were obvious. "The designated driver, of course--most important person of the party!" I found myself chuckling, and then all out guffawing at his boisterous behavior. The topics flowed to majors and careers, the state of the current American economy. I'd just mentioned that I was in the Army Reserves when his phone vibrated. "Izzy? Hey, girl. Where are you? We're all waiting for you!" He was listening to whatever his sister was telling him, and judging by his expression, it wasn't good. "Well, you tell Newton that I'll mail his balls to him in a box if he doesn't leave you alone. You're too good for him, anyway." A bar fight broke out, but it wasn't anyone we knew, so we just sat back and enjoyed the show. There's something inherently caveman-like about male bonding.
I was acutely aware of a sweet scent breeze past me--perfume. Emmett howled, "There she is!" A couple of my team mates hooted as well. "Baby B!" He cried, and wrapped his arm around a slender pair of shoulders.
She ordered herself a Cosmo, and sat down at the bar, next to Emmett. They exchanged pleasantries, and she greeted the guys. This lady seemed very comfortable around our team; as if they were her family. She finally turned to look at me, and I was able to study her face again, as if for the first time.
"Yank?" Her sweet brown eyes widened as she took my appearance in. Charmer's tiny pink lips parted, and I found myself wishing that I could be attached to them—permanently.
"Yes ma'am. Nice to see you on your feet again, ma cher." She'd been running through my thoughts all day; she must be exhausted! My memories did no justice to her beauty.
The color drained from Emmett's face, "You two know each other?"
"We met today." I replied. She'd just placed her drink down on the counter, and was coming to stand between Emmett and myself. Suddenly a pool stick fell from its holster, skittered to the floor rolling under her feet, and she tripped. Abandoning my own beer, I caught her in my arms, and was delighted that she responded to my touch. Her eyes shut tight, and her breathing hitched—could just be from the embarrassment of falling on your ass in a bar, sober!. "In a situation not so different from this, believe it or not. How's your ankle?" I asked her, watching the slow blush creep across her cheeks.
"Better, thank you. The bandage helped." She was trying unsuccessfully to make the connection between Emmett and myself, but he beat her to it.
"Bella, This is Edward; the newest pitcher on the team." So, Charmer's name was actually Bella. Bella Swan, Emmett Swan's little sister... There went my hopes of asking her to dinner. 'Man Code of Honor', and all that.
"Geaux (A/N "Go") Tigers!" She winked and smiled, sitting on the stool directly between us. She was dressed much differently from before, in the parking lot. She was wearing scrubs; was she a doctor too? "Sorry I'm late, Em. I couldn't get out. Apparently, cadavers can't wait... Doctor Marshall wanted me to be absolutely finished with my mock autopsy before he let me out of the lab."
Cadavers? Autopsy? She looked too young to be a medical student, she couldn't be a day over 20! "What's your major, Bella?"
"When I grow up, I'd like to be a forensic pathologist." She gave me a sweet smile when she saw me shudder. Tough as nails, this one; digging through dead people all day...
"You look far too young to be in medical school, Bella. If I may be so bold, how old are you?"
Emmett snorted into his beer, sending a shower across the bar, onto the bartender. "I'm twenty-two." She responded, slightly terse. I wondered if I offended her. "I graduated high school at sixteen, and then double majored my way through two bachelor's degrees in two and a half years. Would've been two, if my mother hadn't passed..." Her eyes shifted downward, and I found myself raising my hand to touch her cheek. Thankfully, I caught myself before I did. I didn't want to jeopardize my new friendship with Emmett by charming his younger sister. I gazed at her, with sad eyes as she walked to the other side of the bar to talk to some of her friends.
"Forensics, huh?" I asked, gazing at Emmett.
His eyes did this rolling thing—he'd had way to much to drink. "Yeah, it's really gross. Some days she comes home smelling so bad that she has to bathe in lemons to get it out. She lies, and tells me it's the formaldehyde, but I dunno about that." He shuddered just thinking about it, and continued, "Some of her textbooks are terrifying, and it makes me feel so helpless because she's just so YOUNG." His voice trailed off, as he finished his drink. "I'm twenty-six, and I haven't even finished my bachelor's degree, and here she is, getting ready to apply for an internship in something so god-damned MORBID." The bartender handed him another drink. "Thanks Scott; sorry I spit on you before."
My curiosity was getting the better of me, but I couldn't satiate it properly without her near me. "She started out as a music major, Edward." He'd grown so quiet, that I'd nearly forgotten he was there.
"What does she play?" I turned to face him again, my new-found quest to discover everything about her was all consuming.
"A better question would be, 'What doesn't she play?'. She's amazing, Edward. At least, she was. My mother took so much out of her. She became so dark, so angry, so fast. I nearly fainted when she told me about her change in major; it's not like the two are similar, or anything..." The idea of Bella being described as 'dark' was antithetical to the smiling angel that I'd rescued in the parking lot today.
Emmett and I continued the night drinking and talking; I'd gotten to know most of the team much better than I had at any practice so far.. Soon enough, it was time to pack up and head home. Emmett found me standing in a corner, watching Bella talk to another dark haired woman in jeans and a flannel shirt. She gestures a lot, how endearing. "Baby B!" He called, and she turned towards us. "Let's go!"
"Jesus, Emmett, you don't have to scream!" She flashed an irritated expression his way, and then asked who she'd be driving.
Much to my surprise, he said he was going to another party with someone named Colin. It would be me and two other guys who would load up in her car. I wondered why she accepted this role as chauffeur—when Emmett had spoken of it before, he made it sound like she did this all the time. Inwardly, I thought about what kind of drunk she might be; she was impossibly lovely.
The three of us followed her to a car I recognized from our encounter earlier. She pushed a button on the remote, and all of the doors clicked unlocked. Carefully, I opened the driver's side door for her, and watched her flush. I longed to ride in the seat beside her, but someone else had piled into that place of honor. I remembered to hold my arm out, so that she wouldn't have to place weight on her hurt ankle. Truly, I was sober enough to drive, but I'd left my car at home.
First stop was to drop off Tyler Crowley, and the second was to drop off a guy named Mike Newton. So this was the guy that Emmett had threatened. He didn't look very manly at all as he leaned over the passenger's seat to whisper into Bella's ear, and kiss her on her mouth.
I was overtaken by fury as the jealousy raged within me, rendering me helpless. When she reached out her hand to slap him, I felt only smugness and pride. Not only was she feisty, and had a lot of spunk, but she was a fighter too. Perfection at its peak, as far as I'm concerned.
"Get OFF of me, Mike! Why can't you take 'no' for an answer?!" I had my handle on the door, ready to come to her aid, at the first sign that she needed it, but I shouldn't have worried. Of course, this surprisingly sweet lady could hit like a professional boxer. She pushed his scrawny ass out of the door, and then leaned over the seat to pull it closed again.
As she sped away, I climbed into the front seat. "Are you hungry, Bella?" I asked her, as I buckled my seat belt. She glanced at me in confusion, but acute relief.
"I'm starving! Who's going to be open so early in the morning?"
"My kitchen is open 24/7, Charmer."
She eyed me as if I were making a serious faux pas. "My brother would murder you, if he even caught an inkling that I stepped foot inside your house." She winked, and bit her lip, making my entire being turn to goo.
"At least you'd be able to determine cause of death, Bella." We laughed together, and even if she didn't follow me up, I knew that this was the beginning of a beautiful friendship. "Turn left up here." I instructed. "It's the third house on the left."
"How many room mates?" She asked. It was a good question; my house was big enough for three or four people to live comfortably.
"None. Just me and my thoughts." Truth is, it'd been a little lonely here, all by myself. I'd officially lived here since January, and tonight was my first social foray.
"You have this big house all to yourself?" I watched as her eyes rove over both stories, as they trailed over the enclosed front porch, and as they settled on the swimming pool in the back. Her stomach growled loudly, interrupting her survey.
"I sure do. If you won't let me fix you something, at least allow me to take you out. I can't send you away hungry! What kind of gentleman would that make me?" Anything to stall her departure. Anything.
Her laughter pealed through the car, and she clutched her stomach, "Certainly not a Southern Gentleman. All right! Fine! I'm coming in; I'm starving!"
"Good. Call your brother so he doesn't worry. I don't need him chasing me with a bat in the morning..."
I crossed the lawn quickly, with her at my side. Though it was after two o'clock in the morning, I saw my crazy neighbors, passed out on the grass, radio still blaring. "Real class, those guys." I pointed my thumb at them and rolled my eyes. Bella grasped her sides with laughter while I unlocked the door.
Switching on the light, I helped her out of her jacket, and hung it on the rack. I tossed my keys and wallet on the table in the foyer, and led her into my living room. The floor plan was very open, so she was able to wander the living room, while still talk to me as I prepared her meal.
Quietly, she dialed a number on her phone. "Hi Emmett, it's me." As I was cracking eggs into a bowl, I watched her move to the sliding glass door, to check out my backyard. "No, I'm not home yet. Yes, I'm fine. I pushed Mike out of the car—he tried to kiss me! It was disgusting." She strolled over to my stereo, and perused my rather impressive, CD collection. "Oh, hold on, Em. I just threw up in my mouth a little..." She snickered and continued, "No, I haven't eaten all day, and I was dropping off Yan, um, Edward, when my stomach growled. I even felt a little weak, so he insisted on feeding me." I had the onions sizzling in the pan, the aroma of fresh food wafted through the house. "Oh man, that smells good. No, Emmett, I don't think that's necessary, but I will pass along the warning. Have fun at Colin's." She clicked her phone closed, and looked up in time to see me grinning like an idiot.
"He told you that I better watch myself, right?" I winked at her, and she nodded. "I'm going to run upstairs and change, while these eggs are frying. Feel free to look around; consider yourself at home, Bella." What I wouldn't give for her to feel at home here.
I changed into a pair of official LSU pajama pants because there's nothing manlier than purple and gold plaid, with a roaring tiger on the thigh. I hung my green shirt back in the closet, and took off my shoes. I was just starting down the stairs, when I heard it.
One of my compositions was floating through the air, drifting towards me. She was in my studio playing one of my songs. Sneaking into the kitchen, I checked on the eggs, and when I saw that they were shaping up nicely, I stood in the doorjamb listening. Emmett failed to mention her proficiency at piano. I cleared my throat when she had finished, and she nearly jumped out of her skin.
"I didn't mean to startle you. You play well, you know." I suddenly felt my own cheeks grow hot as I realized how messy this room was. I was in the middle of composing another song and I had papers everywhere.
Her eyes were taking in my Baby Grand hungrily, as if this were not a comfort that she had available in her own home. "This song is lovely." Not as lovely as you, Bella. "Did you write it?"
"It's a work in progress, yes." I strolled lazily over to her, and sat beside her on the bench. She shifted to make room for me, and I placed my hands over the keys. My back straightened and my eyes closed as my fingers curled over the keys. I'd heard from many that I was a sight to behold when I played. I repeated that composition for her at the intended tempo, with the intended emotions behind it. It felt as if I'd been at the keys for hours, stroking like a well seasoned lover. When I opened my eyes, I saw tears in hers.
"That was lovely, Edward." My heart skipped a beat when she said my name, and another one when she said it with her lilting accent.
"Still hungry? Your omelet awaits, my lady." She giggled as I helped her off of the bench, and settled her on the couch, a plate in hand. I allowed her full possession of the remote; I'd give her anything to keep her here. How could I have developed such a strong obsession with a girl I'd only spoken to 10 hours ago?
"This is really good." She grinned at me, as she flicked to a rerun of a detective series called 'Bones'. "I love this episode! She kisses Booth in this one! A whole floatilla!!" She squealed, and laughed. I made a mental note to find out as much about that show as possible.
I had to cough to hide my giggle; nothing manlier than a giggle, after all. I could see it in the papers tomorrow '6'2" LSU baseball pitcher, Edward Cullen, caught giggling in living room. Gender preference now under questioning.' "I'm glad you're comfortable, now what can I offer you to drink?" She'd tucked her feet beneath her, and had settled against the opposite arm; the picture of ease.
"Orange juice?" She gave me this hopeful glare, and I was immediately grateful that I'd picked up a carton yesterday. I rarely kept any in the house, but I'd been in the mood of something different. Bella certainly counted as different.
I hopped up to bring her juice, when my phone rang. We both shot each other a questioning glance—who would call me at three in the morning?
It was my mother. The room began to spin, as she told me that my father had been hit by a taxi, walking home from work. He was in the hospital, in critical condition. I rubbed my eyes, and found that they were wet. Bella had long abandoned her plate, her eyes critically scanning my face, and she rose to stand next to me.
"Is there anything I can do for you, Edward?" I pinched the bridge of my nose, and found myself sobbing; remembering our last spat just before I moved. If he passed away, I would feel terrible, not leaving him on a more positive note.
"My father's been hit by a car; I have to get to the airport tomorrow. Can I have a lift?" I hated asking anything of her, so early on, but it would truly simplify things.
She wrapped her arms around me in comfort, and that was when I lost it. Feeling her tiny hands, arms, body, wrapped around me, trying to comfort me, I began to sob whole-heartedly. "Oh, no no no. Don't cry, Edward!" She crooned, cupping her cheek to my hand. I heard her sniffle. "You'll make me cry!" I glanced up when I heard the mild panic in her voice. She pulled me back into the piano room, and she began to play for me.
I only left that room once that night, and that was to grab my phone and laptop, to arrange the flight out. It was her playing that kept me rooted to the spot. I find music to be a very personal thing, and it was clear that the compositions she was playing for me were her own. She was baring her soul to me, simply to make me feel better. She was sharing her own hurt with me, to console me. These dark notes were her way of telling me that she understood pain, and from the sound of it, it was a hurt that was more encompassing, and much deeper than my own.
I managed to find a flight for 8:00 a.m., and I was going to leave her a set of my keys. I was known to forget things when I was in crisis mode and the last thing I needed was to be locked outside of my house. She hadn't left me all night, and what a comfort it had been to have her near. She'd actually fallen asleep on my couch, and I'd carried her to my room. I'd slept in one of the guest bedrooms, so that she could have the nicer space.
I could only allow her an hour of rest; I hated waking her. I seriously thought of calling a cab, and leaving her a note. "Bella?"
"Come back." She whimpered, and I thought she'd woken. It was clear, however, as she rolled to face me, that she was talking in her sleep. Her arm crossed over her eyes, keeping the darkness where she wanted it.
"Bella?"
"Mom?" She let out a small sigh, and it broke my heart. She was dreaming of her mother. "Mom, I love you."
"Bella. It's time to go." I touched her cheek, and finally, she stirred.
Stretching she sat up slowly in bed. "Good morning, Edward. We have to go so soon?" Her mouth was lovely, even as it yawned.
"I'm sorry about that." More sorry than you know. "Do you have a piano at home, Bella?"
"No." I closed my luggage in the car, and opened her door for her. Quietly, I took in the sights. She spoke the entire way, telling me about the swamps we were passing, pointing out houseboats. She was a terrific tour guide, and distraction.
I felt the courage building within me, and I just went for it. We were friends, after all, right? "A fine piano needs to be played to stay in tune. Can I offer you use of my piano, in my absence? I'll give you my keys, to hold till I come home. it's the least I can do to return your kindness."
Her eyes grew wide with disbelief, "We only met yesterday afternoon, and you're handing me your keys? I could rob you blind Edward!" I wasn't about to tell her that I'd spent the last several weeks staring at her in a class she didn't realize we had together..
I'd give you anything you wanted; there's no reason to steal. "You wouldn't take from me; you're an honest person." I felt my chest tighten, as she took the exit to get to the airport. We would be separated, and I felt another piece of my heart straining itself to get to her. The pain actually made me gasp as I opened the door to step outside. Pulling my bags out of the trunk, I stepped towards her window, and she rolled it down. "I have your number; I'll call you." She smiled, and was just about to roll up the window when I placed my hand in the way. "Oh, and Bella? I'm really glad that I met you both."
She leaned closer to me, and said, "I'm really glad I met you too." We both blushed, and I wondered if she liked me half as much as I cared for her. We'd only just met, but it seemed as if I'd known her a lifetime.
"I'll bring something back for you." Smiling weakly, I stepped away from the car. I waved as she pulled off, and clutched my chest as another piece of my heart tore away after her.
I hope you got a little taste of the goodness that's coming. I also hope you like alcohol because chapter three is going to be a real doozy! Will Charmer and Yank meet again? Will he be under her balcony singing her sonnets? Will she be so hung over that she tells him to STFU? You tell me because that's all coming up in chapter three... Please read and review. Thanks to Den 20, and to the people who added me to their alert lists after just one chapter. The good stuff is coming. Have patience, and REVIEW!