Disclaimer: SM owns Twilight
Chapter 6
BPOV
"Thank you for lunch, Edward. I had a good time." We were in Edward's car parked in the almost empty school parking lot.
"No problem, I had a great time too" Edward smiled, "Let me walk you to your car." He said as I was about to get out.
"Ok." I felt major butterflies in my stomach.
This has got to be one of the best days of my life and I really hope it's not the last. From the little time I just spent with Edward, I can say that I really like him. He has me crushing on him…big time. I love this feeling and I welcome it with open arms. It's been a long time and I'm scared of what will or won't happen, but I've made a vow to not let that get in the way anymore because this man next to me makes me feel alive.
"What's got you smiling over there?" he interrupts my thoughts and I shake my head.
"I was just thinking of how much I enjoyed myself with you…and well it's been a long time since I've been out with anyone I liked. Thanks again." And I didn't expect him to reach down and hold my hand as we walked into the teacher's parking garage. He looked down at me a little nervous almost not sure if I was okay with it. I smiled and squeezed his hand to let him know I was more than okay with it. He gave me his sexy crooked smile. "This is my car here" I said, as I stopped in front of it and let go of his hand. I instantly missed the warmth of his big hand encasing my small one.
"Wow that's a nice car, Bella." He whistled and it made me giggle.
"Thanks it's my dream car, And I'm gonna pay for it the rest of my life with my salary." He laughed and ran his hand over the hood.
"It looks worth it though." He paused and moved to stand in front of me. "Listen I'm gonna let Kate know that you and I are…umm…going out?" he laughed nervously and ran his hand through his hair, "man, I feel like this is high school when you have to have labels for everything."
"I agree…uh...just tell her we're dating and we'll go from there." He opened my car door and I got in.
"Drive safely and I'll give you a call later." He winked and closed my door.
As I drove out of the school I had a huge grin plastered on my face and I owned it.
Alice invited me over for dinner today…so I figured I'd show up there a little early. I know she's dying to know about the date and that's really why she asked me to come over on such short notice.
I arrived at her house and thank goodness her car was there. I walked up to the porch and rang the doorbell before letting myself in as always do.
"Hey girlie I'm here. I know I'm early…sorry but I couldn't' wait any longer!" I called out as I walked through the living room toward the kitchen where I guessed she'd be cooking dinner.
As I was rounding the corner I heard muffled sounds but I didn't have enough time to register it. I got a glimpse of two naked bodies in a very compromising position moving to their own beat on the kitchen counter.
"OH MY GOD!" I screamed and closed my eyes. I quickly ran to the living room. I could hear Jasper cursing up a storm and Alice laughing her ass off. That bitch! She knows she just traumatized me for life.
"BELLA! WHAT ARE YOU DOING HERE?" Alice yelled from the kitchen, and I could hear the amusement in her voice. I could hear Jasper telling her to shut up and get dressed. I mentally agreed with him.
I sat on the couch and tried to take the image out of my head. Oh god, I cannot believe I walked in on my best friend…doing that! There are things people should not see and that was one of them.
Alice and Jasper came out to the living room a couple minutes later. Jasper was completely red of embarrassment mirroring the look on my face. He waved hello, not looking me in the eye, and quickly went upstairs.
"Bella I'm so sorry!" Alice said, trying her hardest not to start laughing again. She sat on the couch with me and gave me a side hug. "Are you okay? Are you majorly traumatized?" she smirked at me.
"Alice it's not funny." I smacked her leg. I still could not look her in the eye. "I called out when I came in. I think I was loud enough."
"Bella! I was kind of occupied," She said sheepishly.
I stood up and pulled Alice with me. "Okay! Let's not talk about it anymore. What you and Jaz do in your own time is your business and don't feel like you have to apologize for it. I'll ring your doorbell next time and wait for you to come let me in." She nodded.
I just wanted to have some girl talk with my best friend now and gush about Edward.
"Let's go to the kitchen and you can help me start dinner." She grabbed me by the arm and led me to the back of the house. "I've got some wine for us…we need it."
"Yeah I'll take you up on that."
She took out two glasses and placed them on the counter. She moved around her kitchen so gracefully, like a little ballerina. She poured the wine and I immediately took a drink.
"So are you gonna leave me hanging or are you gonna tell me how it went?"
"I like him, Alice." I didn't look up at her. I kept my eyes on the glass of wine in my hand. She came around to stand next to me and placed her small hand on my arm. I looked up at her and smiled. I suddenly felt uneasy about voicing that out loud. "I like him, but I'm scared." I whispered.
I don't know why I kept doing this to myself. One minute I'm happy-nervous with butterflies in my stomach and the next I'm scared-nervous thinking that going out with Edward is a bad idea. I guess I can't help feeling like I'll get my heart broken again.
"Bella, it's okay to feel that way. I just don't want you to miss an opportunity just because you're scared, though. You have to take chances and hope for the best. And if you an Edward are meant to be, then you better make me your maid of honor one day!" We giggled at the thought.
Wow, marrying Edward? The idea excites me more than it does scare me. That's good right? I already know that he's a loving dad and he'd do anything for Nathan. I love that in a man. I love that in Edward.
"Let's not get too ahead of ourselves here. We're just starting out and we're gonna see how it goes. He said he's going to let his ex wife know that were dating, and then they're going to decide if they'll need to tell Nathan."
I was a little nervous that Edward was going to talk to his ex wife. I've spoken to her a few times at school regarding Nathan and she's always been very nice. I worry that she'll say I'm not good enough to be in Nathan's life in a more personal level. I mean, I know she can't tell us not to date, but I wouldn't want her to give Edward a hard time about me. The last thing I need is a jealous ex to ruin my happiness.
"It looks like you guys really hit it off then."
"We did and we'll be going out again soon."
Dinner was done an hour later. I volunteered to set up the table since I didn't help much with the cooking. Alice is a crazy perfectionist and apparently I don't know how to cut vegetables. Whatever. They're gonna be eaten anyway.
I was feeling a little uneasy about dinner since Jasper hadn't come back down since I got here. I didn't want him to feel uncomfortable in his own home.
When Alice called him down I decided to go talk to him before he made it to the dining room.
"Hey Jasper, can I talk to you for a sec?" I knotted my fingers in front of me. He looked apprehensive, but I couldn't blame him.
"Uh…yeah sure. What's going on?" he looked everywhere but at me. I felt so bad.
"I want to apologize to you for earlier." He started to stop me but I interrupted him. "No, really Jaz, this is your home and I don't want you to feel embarrassed in any way. I promised Alice that I won't be letting myself in anymore." I laughed nervously and he blushed again.
"Bella, you're always welcome here unannounced. It's just that we expected you later and…well…sorry you had to see that." he said sheepishly and shrugged his shoulders. "Let's just forget about what happened." He pulled me in for a side hug and led me to the dining room. "Come on lets go eat, I'm starving!"
Well I felt better since we were all going to pretend that nothing happened.
Alice's dinner was amazing as always. Ryan had been dropped off by his grandma just in time for dinner, and it quickly became eventful. Ryan threw a couple of tantrums during dinner and most of his food ended up on the floor but I had a great time. Looking around the table at all the chaos, I knew that I wanted that too; a big family and chaos at the dinner table. As long as I had my husband—like Alice has Jasper—at my side to deal with it all, I would be a happy woman.
A family. That's what I wanted.
"Bella I'm sorry about Ryan. He's been having these tantrums lately for no reason. You probably wanted a quiet dinner since you spent your day with hyperactive kids and-" Alice kept apologizing to me about how things went during dinner but I had to interrupt her.
"Hey! It's okay. He's a kid and this is your house. I should expect chaos and I really didn't mind. I'm sure this tomato sauce will come off my blouse." I rubbed on the red spots of tomato that I got when Ryan threw his spoon across the room.
"God Bella, I don't know what to do with him. He's been spending most of his time in time outs because of his tantrums, nut it doesn't seem to b working. I don't know why he's acting out." She looked so defeated and I gave her a hug.
"You're doing everything right. Just give it some time and stick to your discipline plan. He'll learn that what he's doing is wrong. Don't worry."
"Thanks Bella, you're gonna make a great mom you know that? You really are." I hugged her tighter and thanked her. I couldn't even begin to explain the amazing feeling that gave me to hear her say that.
XOXO
"Good morning Miss Bella" one of my students greeted me as she came into the classroom. I always stand by the door to greet my students as they come in and I give them their morning activity worksheet.
Today I was a little more excited about standing here waiting for my students to come in…particularly one student. Yes, I'm hoping Edward brings Nathan in today. Even if I just get to say hi to him today will make my day.
I chose to wear my favorite grey dress pants because frankly they make my ass look really good. Of course I'm wearing flats because I'm not dumb enough to wear heels when I have to do quite a bit of running around with my students. I've known of other teachers that sit back and let their TA's and Parent volunteers do all the activities with the kids, but that's just not me. I love interacting with them and if it means that I have to sing and dance the hokey pokey ten times in one day, I will do it.
I kept looking out to the courtyard and two minutes later I see Nathan running across but trying to keep up behind him is not Edward but Kate. Shit.
I really didn't want to see her today, at least not yet. I didn't get a call from Edward yesterday and since I was too chicken to call him I didn't know if she knew yet. Crap. This is uncomfortable.
Nathan slowed down when his mom called him. He walked back to meet her half way. She kneeled down in front of him to tell him something. I pretended to be looking at the courtyard again for other kids and parents while I eyed them huddled a few feet away. I couldn't see Kate's face; Nathan was standing with his back to me. He nodded at his mom and gave her a hug goodbye. He turned and ran towards the class room. Kate stood, took a quick glance at me and turned to leave. She didn't even give me a chance to wave hello, like I always do.
I expected this kind of reaction. I just knew it. She was upset, and probably hurt or something. I'm glad she didn't confront me, that, I thank her for.
"Good morning Miss Bella!" Nathan wrapped his little arms around my legs and I patted his back.
"Morning, Nathan. Put your stuff in your cubby and start on this worksheet, we're running late already."
I closed my classroom door to start my class. My students were already seated busy with their project. I went to the stereo and put on a toddler CD. It has a lot of fun sing-a-long songs and amazingly the kids work really well with the music on. They sing and do their activity at the same time. The worksheet that I handed out is an activity to learn the letter "D." There is a guide to help the kids trace upper and lower case letters along with pictures of things that start with that letter that they can also color.
Since this was an independent project, I instructed my TA, Brenda to keep an eye on the kids so that I could step into my office for a couple of minutes. I needed to talk to Edward before my mind ran off with crazy ideas about Kate convincing Edward that dating me was a bad idea. I need to be reassured that we were still good. I couldn't lose him before getting the chance to know him. Also I didn't want to be distracted all day, my students deserve better.
I quickly made my way to the office and closed the door. I went to my desk chair and sat down. I pulled my purse from the drawer and started the task of actually finding my phone in this huge bag that has anything and everything I might need. I needed to organize this and toss out all these damn receipts!
Finally I pulled my iphone out and opened up my contacts. I scrolled through the numbers down to Edward's and lingered my finger over the green phone icon. I was nervous again. I closed my eyes and pressed the button, the line rang.
Ring. Ring. Ring…
No answer.
Voice-mail.
Shit.
I hung up because I was too nervous to leave a message. I didn't even know what I was going to say to him. I chose the next best thing…
Hey Edward!
I didn't hear from you last night.
How did it go?
-Bella
After what felt like forever—but was actually two minutes he answered.
Bella I'm sorry I didn't call.
Can I see you today after I get out of work?
I'd rather tell you in person.
-EC
Well that doesn't assure me but I guess that's all I'm gonna get out of him.
OK. Do you want to meet somewhere or
I can cook dinner for you at my house…
I'm an awesome cook!
-Bella
I'd love to show Edward my mad cooking skills. They say, "The way to a man's heart is through his stomach."
A home cooked meal sounds awesome!
Text me your address, I get out at six.
-EC
I quickly typed out my address and sent it. I wasn't in my office more than five minutes, but I had to get back out to my class.
Brenda already had the students taping their work up on the display board for our next activity. I sat on the floor with them as they came back from the board. We sat in a large circle, arms length apart because some kids couldn't keep their hands to themselves. Brenda and the three parent-helpers that I had today also sat with us to help and watch the kids.
"Can anyone tell me what the letter of the day is?"
Everyone raised their hands but shouted the answer. I still needed to work on that with them. I quieted them down and went on with my lesson of showing them things that start with the letter "D." My felt board was soon filled with pictures that the kids named. We did other letter related activities including, painting and more coloring which they loved. I now had paint on my shirt and pants. That should teach me to dress to impress.
When it was music time, I let the kids choose a song. We sang The Wheels on the Bus a couple of times. I had my eye on Nathan and I sensed something was going on.
As a teacher I always watch my students' behavior and I normally notice if anything is off. I can easily see when they are happy or sad. Throughout the morning I noticed Nathan a little quiet. He's usually very involved and eager to go to the next activity. He's been dragging his feet as the day goes on.
I pulled him aside when we were getting ready to read a story.
"Nathan, are you feeling okay?" I asked as I knelt down to his level. He looked sad but he was trying really hard to be brave. It looked like he was afraid to let his emotions show.
He nodded his head and kept it down. His eyes were fixed on his shoes.
"Look up at me honey, if there is something wrong you can tell me. Do you feel sick?
"No, Miss Bella. I not sick." He shook his head.
"Ok, um do you want me to call your mommy to come get you?" I held his hand to try to get him to look at me again. When he did look up his beautiful green eyes were so sad, they didn't have the usual happy gleam. It broke my heart just like it would if any of my other kids looked like this.
"I want my daddy." He mumbled, and his eyes started to tear up. He roughly wiped at his eyes with his sleeve, afraid that the tears would fall.
"I can call him for-" he cut me off before I finished.
"No he can't come." He paused to wipe his eyes and his slightly runny nose with his sleeve. "My mo-maa said he, he can't co-ome get me." He started crying, not longer holding back. I hugged him to me and walked him to my office. Brenda looked up and she understood that she had to take over the rest of the class. I sat him down on the chair but he held on to my shirt tightly. I rubbed his back to sooth him when he started to hiccup.
I don't know what is going on, but Nathan is really hurting here. My heart is broken for this little boy. I'm gonna have to call Edward about this.
"Nathan, why can't your daddy come for you? Did he tell you that?" I spoke to him in a low voice. He sniffled trying to get his words out.
"Mm-my momma said he ca-an't…she got mad at him." he calmed down a bit and let go of my shirt. "I can't sleep over anymore." Nathan took a big sigh, sat there and pouted at the floor.
What the fuck?
There is something very wrong here and I have a feeling it has a lot to do with me.
Here are some rec's that have been taking up ALL my time:(check them out if you haven't)
-This is Who I am-pattyrose http:/www(.)fanfiction(.)net/s/5980177/1/This_Is_Who_I_Am_A_Twilight_Fanfic
Edward Cullen, successful business exec/playboy/all around bad boy. Bella Swan, divorced mom/graphic artist/unwilling to trust her heart to the likes of someone like Edward again..
-The Practice of Love-belladonnacullen http:/www(.)fanfiction(.)net/s/5995388/1/The_Practice_of_Love
When the disarmingly handsome Edward Masen turns up as a new patient, the life Dr. Isabella Swan has carefully put together will be shattered forever.
-Life Had Other Plans-JennaRay http:/www(.)fanfiction(.)net/s/5849031/1/Life_Had_Other_Plans
Bella is an 18 year old college freshman. Edward is a 30 year old surgeon and a single dad of a 4 year old girl.
