I hope everyone is enjoying this. I would love to hear from you! The songs for this are "I Kissed a Girl" by Katy Perry, "Conspiracy" by Paramour and "Figured You out" by Nickelback.
EDPOV/AUGUST 8TH
I walked into my father's office and saw my mother there. I was happy to have them both there so I could get this over with. They had been so worried about me over the years I was happy to give them good news for once
"Edward we were not expecting to see you till tonight." She got up out of her chair and gave me a hug.
"I wanted to talk to you both about something. I think it is good news so please don't be worried." I added the last part when I saw the look of sadness on my mother's face.
Dad got up out of his chair at his desk and joined us on the couch. I hoped they would be happy of what was to come out of my mouth. I put my hands through my hair.
"I know the past years have put you all through hell. I know you noticed some changes in me. They are there for a reason and I wanted to let you now what was behind them." They both looked at me in silence.
I went on to tell them the story about the computer site and how I met someone. I told them we had been talking none stop and how we missed each other. I told them that even though she never told me her real name I figured out who it was. They were in awe that it was Bella. I told them what she told me and it all corresponded with what was happening in the "real world". I also told them I was falling hard for her. She has never made me feel the way I do since my lost all those years ago.
"I don't know how to approach her. She wants to be friends but I want more than that. I have been so horrible to her and I don't want to lose her."
"Edward I knew that there had to be someone. The night you played piano brought joy and hope back to all of us. You have not played since she left us. Show Bella the real you. Be kind, gentle, loving and trusting. If it is meant to be she will find her way to you." Mom hugged me with tears in her eyes.
"There is one thing I would like you to do. Bella's birthday is next month. I want to do something special but I want her not to know it is from me. Is there a way we can do a dinner at your house? I will do all the work so there will be no worries."
"Son just let us know and we will do whatever needs to be done. We love her just like we love Alice and Rosalie. Those girls complete you just like your mother did to me." He patted me on my back and hugged me. My parents didn't have to worry about me anymore.
I told them we were all going to meet at Alice and Bella's. I was going to tell them the same thing I told them. They told me to ask Alice what night would be great and they would set it all up. Mom said not to worry about a thing for Bella. I went off to meet everyone else and to bring up my plans to them.
"Edward I just talked to Alice and she said Bella will be gone till late. With this being the first day and with the nice weather they are predicting record crowds for the Bite of Oregon. " Rosalie walked out of my office probably to go get Emmett.
The Cullen family always gave these days off to their employees no matter what project we were working on. The Bite of Oregon was important to us. Mom and Dad donated to it for years and even helped at the Special Olympics events they could.
I finished up the last paper work I had. The numbers for the Japanese Mall were finally coming together and I could enjoy the weekend. Everyone was in for a shock as to what I was going to tell them. Jasper mentioned him noticing me spending more time on my laptop but never questioned why. I just hope they would take this news as well as my heart had. I had not felt like this since before I lost the love of my life.
I looked up and everyone was looking at me. I put the file in the drawer and joined them. We had decided to take one car for today and then all enjoy the activities for the day. I for one was looking forward to what Bella had thought of for this.
We rode in Jasper's truck to Alice's. I think the only reason he was adamant about taking his truck was to goose Alice. Those two had it bad and I knew marriage was in the future. Emmett just looked at Rosalie in awe. Ever since she announced she was pregnant he was at her beck and call. There had been a few arguments about it but Rosalie enjoyed being pampered. She looked so beautiful and was dealing with morning sickness like a pro.
We pulled in back of the coach house and all piled out. The garage door was open and I noticed the business van was loading up supplies. Ben was mumbling something about forgetting something and having to come back. He told us that he didn't need any help when we offered and we walked up the stairs. Little did we know that we were to walk into a site to behold?
Katy Perry was blasting out of the stereo and Alice was bopping around singing into a brush. When she turned around she dropped the brush and turned three shades of red. Jasper walked over to her and kissed her head. She turned off the music and just stood there blushing again.
"Who knew you had a karaoke queen in you Alice! We are going to have to do that one night. Emmett loves to sing as do the rest of the boys." Rosalie had let the cat out of the bag. We all loved karaoke but I had not done it in a long time.
"I…I…I didn't hear you coming or you would not have seen that. Only Bella gets to see that side of me. I hope I did not make your ears bleed." She sat down on the couch and put her head in her hands. Jasper made circles on her back and made her relax.
"So what is this secret meeting about? Why can't I mention it to Bella?" Alice looked at me as well as the others.
We were all sitting on the couch and they were all looking at me. The butterfly bombers in my stomach were battling my nerves. How as I going to tell them what had been going on?
"Jasper noticed I had been a lot of time on my lap top lately. Hell you all have noticed it. I just wanted to let you know what I have been up to." I put my hands through my hair making it more tasseled than normal.
"Remember the night we had dinner when Bella ran into Emmett and Jasper was lost in Alice?" Alice sighed at that and Jasper kissed her head again.
"Tanya was all over me and I had enough of it. I came home and logged on to a site I found. I was hoping to have…" how was I going to tell them I was looking for cyber sex?
"Edward it is ok I think we get what was going to happen. Rosalie and I have had cyber sex when we are apart. Plus we set that account up for you remember as a joke? I never thought you would use it. "Emmett had a smirk on his face when he looked at Rosalie. She turned around and kissed him.
"Thank goodness I didn't have to explain that cause that is not what happened at all. I noticed on person on and thought what the hell. She immediately told me to keep looking and not to bug her. We started talking and have been talking for awhile now. Something had been bugging me because things seemed so familiar with her. I finally put the pieces together and figured out who it was." I paused because the next words to come out of my mouth might shock them. Alice beat me to the punch though.
"It was Bella wasn't it?" Alice looked at me. How the hell did she know? Did Bella tell her what was going on?
"Edward, I figured it out one night. After she came home she was spending time on her lap top. I though she was doing more work while she was sick and was going to get after her. She fell asleep with it on one night and I noticed she had been talking to someone. I talked to Jasper about it and he said you had been talking to someone too. We matched up the handles you were using and figured it out." She was bouncing in her seat with a big smile on her face.
"How come no one cared to clue me on what you found out?" I was a little irritated now.
"Brother we all know what you have been through and I was not going to interfere. Besides we figured out that someone would put the clues together eventually. One of you would say something to one of us. Alice was the smart one this time and told me about it." Jasper looked at me waiting for me to say something. I looked at everyone else and asked who knew about this. Rosalie raised her hand slowly with a slight blush to her cheeks.
"How come no one told me about this?" Emmett asked everyone.
"Emmett you can't keep secrets you know that. I love you anyway though." She looked into his eyes and he was calmed.
"I know Bella does not know we all know. I think she has been to busy to put it all together. I think we should keep this in the dark. I want to know what you are going to do about it." Alice looked at me with question in her eyes.
"I think I want to keep this between us. She knows the internet me but I want her to get to know me in real life too. I want her to show her the things I have missed and love. I want to know more about her too. I don't think you realize just how much pain she has been in. It has a lot more to do with her parents. The night of the party she left because she was hurting. She felt like a third wheel and could not take all the couples. I have never seen so much pain in her eyes."
"Bella was never one to be around boys. Even in high school I would drag her off on double dates and she would just sit there. She really is a quiet and shy person. You have seen her in her element and she comes alive in the kitchen. You all have seen her at her worst and believe me it means more to her than you think. Edward just take your time with her and show her the person you are. I know she has mentioned she wants to be friends with you but she is also a hard nut to crack. "Alice got up off the couch and kissed my cheek. My brother was lucky to have her in his life.
"Alice I think I am falling for her. I have never felt this way since I lost her. I am scared I will screw things up and Bella will end up hating me." I put my hands in my lap and my head down.
"Edward like I said before take one moment at a time. Get to know her online but in real live too. Be gentle and show her what you have shown all of us. She fights what she loves the most. "Alice was sitting next to me now. She was small but comforting.
"I know we talked about her birthday but I have a plan. I already talked to Mom and Dad about this. They know everything that is going on including the internet thing with Bella. I want to do a party for her at our parent's house. I will plan everything but it needs to come from mom and Dad. Bella can't know it was from me." They all nodded at me. Alice was bouncing up and down till Jasper calmed her again.
"I want to help! I know the best places for things. I won't overstep the rules you set promise!!" She went back to bouncing and crossed her heart with her fingers.
"Edward we will help. Bella needs you as much as you need her." Rosalie got up and gave me a hug. I was lucky to have a sister-in-law like her.
"Just let us know what you want to do and we will be there. You already have the energizer bunny and the sex goddess but you need some brawn too." We all laughed at Emmett's remarks. Rosalie blushed as did Alice when he said that. They both kissed their beloveds.
I felt so much better after telling them. We all laughed when we heard Emmett's stomach rumble. We all headed down to the truck and down to the Bite of Oregon. I was eager to see Bella as much as everyone else.
BPOV/AUGUST 8TH
We all had been up since the butt crack of dawn. We had set up last night and the spot we were given was with the best of the best. I don't know who gave it to us but I hoped it would mean the best is yet to come. The menu we had came up with centered on foods from Alaska. Venison sliders, Fiddlehead Fern and Sea Asparagus salad, homemade ice cream with fresh Salmon berries. It was original and tasted out of this world. I hope the masses would love it. I kept the price low but not low enough we would not make a profit. I wanted this even to get our name out to those who did not know about us.
Setting up the outside kitchen was hard but we got into a good feel for the space. We had plenty of supplies and more back at the house if need be. The van was ready to go for Ben to hop into it if we needed something.
The crowds were not engulfing us but there were enough to keep us busy at all times. One man came back three times for food. He actually had a daughter getting married next spring and decided that we were his must have for the reception. When he asked for a business card I panicked till Angela handed me some. I gave him one and told him to call us so we could set up an appointment.
It was past dinner and the first band was taking the stage. At least it was music we could enjoy. I was busy dishing up more food when I heard a bellowing voice call my name.
"Bella wow you got a great spot! Now show me the food!" Emmett pumped his fist always thinking of his stomach.
I dished them all a plate and they paid. I felt bad taking the money but knew it would create some problems if I didn't. They told me they would see me later they were going to check out the band. Rosalie said something about they had to be there because the Cullen Family was presenting a donation check. Alice waved at me as Jasper took her hand. They went off with their food and I secretly wished I was joining them.
"Bella go see the presentation. We can hold the fort down while you are gone. Please go have some fun ok?" Angela pushed me out of the booth as she pulled of my chef coat. I told her thank you and I would give them some time later on.
I made my way through the crowds and saw all the wonderful food out there. I got some ideas from other businesses but wanted to put my own spin on them. I found the stage area and saw the band finishing up their set. I found a spot right off the side to the front where I could see but still hide. A women and man walked out to the stage. I am sure they were the president of the Special Olympics for Oregon. I remember seeing their pictures on the paper work that was sent to us.
"Ladies and gentleman….. We all hope you are enjoying the Bite of Oregon 2008. As you know having a special needs child is a hard ship but Special Olympics brings joy to all of their lives. We are about companionship, loyalty and friendship. It is not about the winning of medals but the accomplishment of goals. Every year we get a donation from Cullen Construction and this year they are here to join us again."
The Cullen's walked out on the stage. Emmett and Rosalie were holding the hands of a little girl. Jasper was standing next to a boy with leg braces. Edward was holding a little girl with Downs Syndrome. It made me heart melt as he made her smile and laugh. Esme and Carlisle were holding a big check readying it for presentation.
"We thank you all for coming out. Cullen Construction is proud to help every year. We are proud to sponsor and partake each year watching these amazing people compete. This past year has been a huge year for us and we are proud to present the Oregon Special Olympics with a check for One Million dollars." They handed the check over and the crowd went wild.
All during this time I could not take my eyes off Edward. Who knew he could be like this? He made that little girl wave to the crowd. They ate it up and even applauded her more when she bowed to them. His eyes sparkled when she did that. I was seeing a side to him that was slowly changing my mind about him. I slowly left the crowd behind. I was walking back to our booth but Alice caught me.
"They are something aren't they? Jasper told me earlier this week that they donate every year. They also help out whenever they can." She smiled at me when she saw me blushing.
"Yes they are something. I never knew that they were like this. I had my eyes opened up a little bit tonight." I bit my lip hoping she would not read more into this.
"By that you mean a certain Cullen man?" She smirked at me.
"Alice it is not like that. He has a lot to prove to me. I don't have time for this debate again. I have to get back to work. I will meet you back at home and enjoy your evening." With that I hugged her and quickly walked back to the booth.
I was seeing him a new light but Alice did not need to know that. I was falling for a person online that no one knew about. When I was with all of them I wanted to be with him as he made me feel at ease. I could tell him anything from my heart and he was just there. There was not a moment I did not miss him and I wanted to spend all my time talking to him. My heart wanted more than just an online friendship but I just didn't know how to go about it. I did not want to be hurt.
APOV/AUGUST 10TH
I had not seen Bella for the past few days. The Bite of Oregon was keeping them all busy. I knew she was coming home because I saw the dinner dishes in the sink. I knew we needed to talk about billing and what not for the Cullen party. I sat down and opened my lap top to make sure everything was on time for the Palmer wedding. I heard someone coming up the stairs very slowly. Bella came through the door and fell right into the couch. I noticed her hair was all frazzled and I think I saw a fern sticking out from the bandana.
"Bella are you ok?" I got up and went over to her on the couch. She was laying face up with her arms over her head blocking out the light.
"Alice don't talk. It takes to much energy to talk." She rolled over to get more comfortable.
"Ok but why are you back so early?" I hoped everything was ok. This meant a lot to her that it went well and to get our names out there. She sat up groaning and just looked at me with sleep in her eyes.
"I give up! You are not going to let me sleep till I tell you what happened. We sold out this morning!! All that food we prepared was gone. The organizers have never seen anything like that. We are one of five restaurants or caterers that is has happened too! "I hugged her I knew she was jumping on the inside about this.
"Another thing we have 5 bookings and gained 3 more weddings for next spring. They all want you to plan too. From what I hear Esme and Carlisle raved about what we did for them!" We both were jumping up and down now.
We sat there in silence enjoying the fast growing business we had. Never had either of us imagined it would be like this! Bella told me that those three weddings would be huge budgets and bring us even more business.
"Bella speaking of the Cullen's, they want to know what they owe us for the party for their parents. I know you have been busy but we need to talk about it." I crossed my legs in my lap and looked at her again.
"Alice I don't want to charge them anything. I won't do that for anyone but they are not anyone. They are like family now. If they balk at it then tell them I will charge for the food I ordered but that is it. I already emailed you the final costs on that."
I looked at her in awe! She knew business and I knew that she would never do this for anyone else. I am sure the group would be in awe of her even more. Edward was in awe of her but would flip at this. Bella was coming back to us but I still worried about her. She deserved to have the love in her life like I did with Jasper.
"I am sure they are coming over tonight but I am heading to bed. I have a dinner in two days to plan for and I need my sleep. Angela and Ben are already in bed so don't bug them either." She kissed my cheek and headed up to her room.
She was right they were coming over as we had Bella's party to plan. Angela and Ben were already in on it as we had an evil scheme to produce. I heard her door shut and the music come on. I am sure the shower was running and she would be asleep soon. I told everyone to come over for dinner. Bella had plenty of stuff in the freezer I could pull out and put in the oven. She always did that so we would have a hot meal waiting for us.
I pulled out a baked ziti and made a salad. I noticed Bella had left some of that salad she made for the event she just finished. I pulled some bread out and made some quick cheesy bread to put in once the ziti was done. I knew we were not having wine but there was her lemonade ready to go too. How did Bella always know what was needed in this house?
I went up to take a shower and check on Bella. I found her in her bed and fast asleep. I hope she had great dreams because she deserved them. I quickly took a shower and pulled on something simple. The weather had been hot the past few days so I wanted to keep cool. I heard them all coming up the stairs as I was taking out the ziti and putting the bread in the oven.
"We are here! Bring on the food!!" Emmett bellowed and I heard a smack on his head.
"Bella is sleeping you moron! Is food all you think about?" I put my hands on my hips and glared at him. I may be small but I was scary when I needed to.
"I am sorry Alice I will keep it down promise. I think of other things besides food too!" He raised his eyebrows at Rosalie. She smacked him again and then squealed when they kissed. Edward and Jasper rolled their eyes but Jasper sent me a wink with his.
"Dinner is about ready I am just waiting for the bread. Everyone can find a seat and help themselves." I placed the plates on the table and the ziti. Everyone help themselves..." I pulled the bread out and placed it on the table. We sat there eating and making small talk when the subject of Bella came up.
"Is Bella still working?" Rosalie asked me and then went back to her dinner.
"Bella is upstairs sleeping. They sold out and came home. She was pretty happy about that. She said that very few vendors do that. She also said she gained 5 new bookings and 3 weddings. From what she was told your parents were thrilled with what we did and they want us both to do everything." I took a bite of my salad and saw a smile on Edward's face. He really had it bad for her.
"Wow that is great news! I just hope you both don't work yourselves to death. Speaking of the party for mom and dad you never gave us a bill." Rosalie said while putting her fork down.
"I know we are both thrilled. I knew the bill would be brought up for the party we did. We both came to the conclusion you owe us nothing. "I went to start doing dishes as everyone was finishing up.
"What the hell?! You did all that work and you are not going to charge us for it! No fucking way." Emmett was a tad upset but Rosalie calmed him down.
"Bella knew you all would be a tad upset. She said she would charge you for the food costs and that was it. I am charging for the help I hired and that is it. Please don't fight us on this. "I handed them the bills and went back to dishes. I heard them mumbling about something and scribbling going on.
Rosalie helped me clear the table and put food away. I quickly washed the dishes and went back to the table. I noticed a check on the table with an enormous amount on it. I wanted to argue but Jasper said something about a tip and left it at that. I saw that Edward had a pen and paper out. Everyone else was making small talk about the party for Bella.
"I talked to mom and dad the other day and here is the plan. We hold a dinner at their house. They will host it and get the accolade. I want to plan this party but I don't want her to know it was me yet. I want this to be the best birthday Bella has ever had. I don't really know what she likes but I am sure you can help in that Alice." I wanted Bella to enjoy her birthday. From our hours on the internet I knew birthdays were not really special to her anymore after her parents were gone.
"Edward she is going to love anything you plan for her! I think we keep it simple but elegant. Bella loves simple things but she loves ornate things too. I say have your parents order for a dinner party and then we surprise her. I know she loves blue and her favorite flowers are Blue Roses. But I am sure you already knew that." I smiled at Edward and told him I would keep in touch with him. Bella was going to love this.
He really was falling in love with Bella. No one would go out of their way to plan this and not want her to know about it. He wanted her to get to know him and not the person he was. He had come a long way and was full of surprises for all of us. We finished up details and they said they would fill their parents in on the details.
"Alice one more thing what do we do about presents? I know Bella does not like things bought for her but I want to get her something special. We all want to get her something special." They all nodded at me but the look on Edward's face showed he was going to do something special.
"I know she likes jewelry but simple things. I think she will like anything you get for her really." I got up and showed them the picture of present we had planned for her. The all looked at me like I was crazy buying her pots and pans but they were the best of the best. Mom and dad had looked for them for me on their last Europe trip. Even Mr. Xavier sent money for them so they were from all of us.
We all laughed at my gift but they agreed she would love it. We all said our good nights. Edward gave me a huge hug and whispered thank you in my ear.
"Edward for as much as you two have been through you really are soul mates. She may not know that but she is seeing you in a different light. You are welcome for the help. I am here to shop anytime!" They all laughed at me as they went down the steps. Jasper stayed behind to talk to me he was up to something.
He swung me into his arms and kissed me with deep passion. His tongue swept my mouth and we fought for dominance. I sucked on his tongue and we both moaned. We were going to have to give into this and soon. He kissed me again sweetly again and went down the stairs. The things that man made me feel. My knees were weak as turned off the light, locked the door and went to bed. This week was going to be very long. They were all busy on the Japanese Mall they were doing and we had a dinner party to do. I fell into bed and sleep soon found me.