Chapter 6 London Bridge is Falling Down

A/N: I do not own these characters, they are Stephenie Meyer's – lucky, genius woman!

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

EPOV

It is so fucking hot.

I was lying flat out, hazy and bewildered but I could only truly care about the sweltering, inconceivable heat engulfing me. My body seemed to be covered in some sort of heavy tarp - I might literally be on fire – making the whole experience exponentially worse.

The heaviness was pressing and sticking to my back and arms, confining my movements. I tried to lift myself up anyway, anything to relieve the pressure, but I was met with steadfast resistance.

And who the hell is sitting on my motherfucking head?

Looking down all I could see was a surrounding bright light, my face crushed against cobbles. It took me way too long to register that I was indeed outside, and that, in fact, no one was sitting on my head; rather I was most likely the victim of a fatal hangover. Hell hurts worse than they say. But the influx of consciousness didn't wane. I was quickly becoming all too aware.

The "tarp" was obviously my tails, however nothing covered my chest underneath. My morning coat was soaked through with perspiration as I had been literally baking in the noonday sun. Seeing as I didn't remember anything of this morning, it would make sense that I'd spent the night out here. That determined, I felt tapped out on relevant information.

Why the hell am I in the school yard? No bastard could even be bothered to wake me; I'm laying in the middle of the walk for fucks sake.

What day is today?

Sitting up brought on all new realms of information. I could see that I was completely alone, which meant it had to be the weekend otherwise this spot would be packed with Pop bitches, seeing as their wall was nearby. Barmy, fucking, pompous prefects.

I was pretty fucking grateful for the silence that came with being deserted. If my head was this affected sans noise I couldn't be held responsible for what would come of some ass causing a racket. Ah yeah, you'd ignore him to death. That would sure show 'em.

Now I was standing, a bit hunched over, attempting to step without moving more than I had to or making any noise whatsoever, and I kept looking down to avoid the furious sun when I realized I had no shoes on.

Damn it all. Where are my bloody shoes?

This was already turning out to be a very long day and I was confused and just wanted to get the hell home. Forget understanding, forget everything; just let me get away.

And then it clicked.

I put my hand in my trouser pocket, almost having to smile at what I knew I'd find. Red, lace, stringy. An ace of an invention. Seriously, how could we make it as a society without thong panties? They were overt sex and revived many details surrounding the explicit merriment I'd experienced just the night previous.

Dirty blond, leggy, bendable … ahhh, Tanya. Such a good helper.

But having my way with the truly fuckable maid service wasn't the final memory trigger that pulled me together enough to find my house and reach my study with fortitude. My instincts to get away were so hard grained that even without a functioning thought I still had the good sense to be far from Eton, finally rid of London, just … home.

And last night had been my farewell celebration.

No one had been invited. Well, no one knew I was leaving. Just as well, since I'd rather not remember anything about this god forsaken, miserable mistake. Even you, leggy Tanya. That shit was tainted. The Special-K helped with the forgetting, at least for last night. Now it was up to me to completely wash this place from my life.

I tossed the red ball of lace into the trash not wanting to forget later and accidentally take anything from here along for my escape. That would really defeat the point.

Catching my reflection in the mirror it occurred to me that I needed a shower, badly. So I grabbed a fresh informal change, threw my school dress on my bed never to concede to it again, and slowly headed for the calm and cool of the water.

Making my way through the different house maids, a few times around really, was what got me through all boy's school hell. Playing second only to Allwood, Eton's current Precentor, and first in everything he conducted was what lured me here. Well, musical excellence and parental insistence. To them, Eton College was be the bridge that, once crossed, would ultimately help me fulfill my potential. Honestly, I'd always been an incorrigible dick who decided delicious ass was far more appealing than devoting every waking moment to my "talent." Enter woman-less boarding school with endless musical possibilities. It didn't hurt that Eton wanted me. I mean, come on, that's pretty fucking awesome.

But then, it really wasn't. "Endless possibilities" turned out to be the same old shit, only surrounded by wankers in robes. And "woman-less" ended up including my favorite kind of surprise; horny, wet, bedside helpers were every guy's wet dream.

But, I could get that at home. I was enjoying ass-a-plenty before I agreed to spend my eleventh year slaving away over compositions. God, I didn't even make it through Michaelmas Half. What was intended to be a year transfer turned into a three-month calamity. I never fail at anything, so I'd chalk this disaster up to unnecessary parental involvement. They should have left it alone. It isn't the worst thing to wait to apply one's self until University.

Finding my phone, I decided I needed to let Alan know I'd missed my flight and would need the jet after all. I really didn't want to involve him, but I'd already texted Emmett and Ali in the wee hours of the morning, so the news was already out there.

The time flashed up at me. What the hell? 10:14 AM …

I'd been sure noon had long passed with the sun beating down so relentlessly, like it had nothing better to do than burn me alive in the school yard. I still have no idea where my shoes went.

Luckily, the shifted time perspective left me spot on for my flight.

Now that I couldn't take off before everyone got a start on the day - like I'd originally planned - I'd just have to walk out like I'd walked in. I really do need to hurry. None of my house brothers even looked up. They'd finally learned their lesson after my continual silence only proved just how disinterested I was in knowing, speaking to or acknowledging their presence. These assholes were pretentious purely based on their mummies and daddies accomplishments or social positions and that shit was just all around pathetic. I simply didn't belong in this lifelong, all absorbing brotherhood, no matter how well I played their music or picked up the slang. Or how good I filled out the school dress, I thought as I laced up my trainers.

Patrick was waiting out front, and seeing as I had nothing with me besides my shoulder slung messenger bag he simply handled my door, and returned to his designated spot in life – driver's seat of a limousine underneath a chauffeur's hat.

"Where to, Sir?" He looked at me through the rear-view mirror. I looked outside.

"Heathrow."

The flight went quickly, and before I realized it I was already buckled in for my connecting flight to SeaTac with a chesty flight attendant asking for my drink preference.

"Scotch, neat." I couldn't help but eye her tits shamelessly, a slight tug as the corner of my lips indicating my approval. Just one more button and I'd have a nice little - er, big - show. But, then I'd have to touch.

I was the type of traveler classified as VIP, so it didn't matter if I was sixteen, ordering alcohol and eye fucking the woman in front of me … it was all allowed, expected even. I was King. And who the fuck refuses royalty?

Working my drink to the point of guzzling, I contemplated what I was walking back into at Fremont. Undoubtedly, there was a new freshman crop to consider. Young girls, unaware of what their budding bodies were capable of. Inhibitions down at the first sight of confidence and flirtation. If they knew they were desired, it empowered them, and then they just wanted to please.

The excitement all remained in the conquest with them, however, and there was something unavoidable to be said about development and experience; the chase for women who knew what you were after and how to make you cum in your pants waiting for it never got old.

So, there were certainly sexual things awaiting me at Fremont. Always. But what I actually missed most during my foray into the British royal court was Alice. Maybe Emmett too, but mostly my Ali girl. She was just all joy and energy and constant. Best surrogate sister, hands down. She cut my shit and threw it back in my face. Yeah, I missed her and I hoped she'd been okay while I was gone. Emmett knew I left him in charge of that business; he wasn't one to let me down.

When I wrote her a week ago announcing my eminent return, I'd just been brought up on disciplinary action for simply always being on the bill. Head Man Little was tired of having the same conversation new ways, and decided to involve Carlisle and Esme. Suffice it to say, they worked it out and insisted I stay. I insisted I go. And so I arranged my departure.

I thought it would take some time to pack and ship my belongings as well as get my transfer organized, but I really hadn't settled into a life there and after one afternoon I was all set to get the hell out.

Suddenly, my reverie was cut short by the pilot.

Mmm. We'll be arriving in Seattle in about, mmm, ten minutes. It's a brisk forty-six degrees out, and as you can tell by our continued turbulence, there's a significant wind chill to the air. Mmm, please be sure to put your seats and tray…

Ahhh, Seattle. Back to all the rain, wind and cold I could handle. I love it. Nothing like a horrific transfer experience to make you appreciate the otherwise truly inconvenient attributes of home.

After touch down and with my bag slung, I attempted to maneuver around other first class passengers as I headed for the exit. A woman and her sleeping child were crowding the aisle and to get through quickly I needed to squeeze by her and my favorite chesty attendant sandwich style, with me as the peanut butter and the jelly. Instead of encroaching on the already flustered mother's space, I had no choice but to press myself against said attendant accidentally letting the fingers I had wrapped around my shoulder strap graze ever so meaningfully across both of her erect nipples as I went. So much for needing one more undone button. With a final half-smile of utter entitlement I was out the door.

Let's see, 9:50. My cell told me the flight had been slightly early, but not by much, so I continued on my way down the escalator towards baggage claim. Obviously having nothing to retrieve, I headed straight outside and found Emmett's obscene Jeep immediately.

"Fucker, you know you can't park here." I jumped up into my seat.

"Hello little brother, England not so kind after all?" Emmett was grinning wide.

This was a standard greeting for us, and as warm and welcoming as a hug.

I smiled back. "Hell no! I am fully on board with the jackasses that hold America up as supreme. London has nothing on our little Seattle. Come on, dude, drive. The sooner I'm done with traveling the easier it'll be to pretend all this never happened."

"Okay, okay." Emmett retorted with a laugh.

"If you knew the dramatic shit that has befallen precious Fremont in your absence you wouldn't be in such a race back."

Small talk or not, Emmett's sudden abandonment of ignoring the affected world had my interest peeked.

"And what the hell is so interesting at Fremont that you bothered to notice?"

"Well, I'd say having to jump off a motherfucking bridge into motherfucking ice water is something a dude can't help but notice." These words seemed normal enough, but in reality they scared the shit right out of me.

"What happened?! Is she okay? What the hell, Emmett, you should have called me!"

Ali needed to be saved while I was gone. Gah. I should never have left her! I knew this was a possibility, what with me being gone an entire year, no matter how good life had been going for her before I left. But it had only been three months. I mean, sure, I'd seen the slight decline of her usually untainted cheer, that's why I made sure Emmett would be there. At least it sounded like he stepped up.

"She's fine now, well, I guess fine is relative. It was about a guy and what has turned out to be his cousin. Look, the whole thing is beyond me and dude, I'm serious when I say I can sort of understand because this cousin chick, Bella, is sexy as hell." - He's making no sense - "But, anyway," Emmett exhaled, "Ali is just really excited for you to get back."

"Ali, huh?" I smiled over at Emmett. Taking pleasure in this blatant show of familiarity.

"Whatever, douche. You risk your life with someone and it makes you closer. I still can't fucking believe you actually left me to jump, JUMP, off a bridge like that. You know better man. You fucking know!" He looked a little purple and I could tell he'd been pretty pissed at me since this whole incident took place.

"You were the only person I could leave her with, Em. Get over it; you did it, it's done. You won't have to save her again. Okay?"

Surprisingly, I saw no relief in his responding expression. His shoulders even seemed to tenses slightly. Whatever.

"When did all this happen anyway?"

"Yesterday. We were actually together when we got your text."

I was glad the jump hadn't taken place too long ago. I'll talk to her about it tomorrow. Having to be saved was a desperate practice we developed long ago, and we never trivialized it.

"I see." What do I say? "Thanks for making the jump. She wouldn't have asked if she didn't really need it."

"I know that. And really, I'm fine with it. I'm just glad she wasn't alone, I guess."

"Yeah." I really couldn't say anything else. I hadn't been there for her.

Since it was getting late I-5 was pretty calm the farther we got from the airport, and before long Fremont was before us. Pulling through the gates had truly never felt so brilliant. All I wanted now was to wash up, maybe have a snack since airplane food was for shit and get some rest before classes tomorrow. So much had changed in absolutely no time; it would feel good to have an adjustment period.

Emmett and I trudged through Pike's lobby and into the elevator. Emmett had his head down and wouldn't meet my eyes. What's he avoiding?

Oh, no.

"Fuck."

He just looked up.

"I'm tired, Emmett."

He smiled.

"God," I took a deep breath and raked my fingers through my hair, "how many?"

His smile grew. "I think about thirty. Really, I had no part in this!" Cheeky bastard.

"You let her in. You're a fucking accomplish."

"Really, how could you expect less? We have class tomorrow and your friends wanted to welcome their favorite guy home before school got in the way."

"Fine." I am not pretending to be surprised.

"Act surprised." Fucking ape mind reader.

"She'll know I'm lying." Obviously, he hasn't spent that much time with Alice.

Emmett gave me his stern Polo Captain look.

I put the key in the lock and turned the knob, looking over my shoulder glaring at my traitorous brother as I entered our dark suite.

A couple things happened at once. The lights flicked on, a thunderous "Surprise" rang out from all directions and a tiny ball of limbs and excitement flew into my arms.

"Welcome home. I missed you!" Alice sang in my ear.

"God Alice, what a surprise." She pulled back and looked at me.

"You're a horrible fucking liar." She smiled. "I don't care if you're surprised. I'm just glad to have an excuse to throw a fab party!"

"Fab, huh? Now looks who's British."

"None of us are British, E, that's the best part about tonight. Don't leave again, 'kay?"

I nodded and set her down. Without the little pixie blocking my view I could survey my sitting room. Many guys came up to me then and shook my hand, asked London and travel questions, but I hardly heard any of it, because not more than ten steps in front of me, on the arm of my former Polo teammate Jasper Hale, was the most beautiful girl I'd ever seen.

Emmett caught my eye line and whispered, "That's that Bella I was telling you about."

I couldn't help it, I had to say it out loud, "Bella." I liked how it felt on my tongue.

And, just as if she'd heard me calling out to her, Bella turned her big brown eyes my way. Locking in on my gaze, she slowly raised her right eyebrow and turned away abruptly, all in a matter of seconds.

It wasn't teasing, or playful; that simple ascending brow felt more like a challenge. And the cold shoulder, a message.

I wasn't to have Bella. And that idea only led me to one argument, one thought.

Oh silly Bella, didn't you hear, I am King.

Two minutes later Jasper and Bella made a beeline for the door. She looked determined and instead of tailing them I simply sent a nod towards Jasper's retreating form. He two-finger saluted me back and was gone.

"Bella." I mumbled to myself as I continued to stare at the spot she'd just been standing on.

"What did you say?" I hadn't realized Alice was so close, or really that I'd spoken audibly.

"What?" I felt obligated to play the dense card. Too many questions otherwise.

"I heard you." She whispered. And then Ali just stalked off.

I could only stand, bewildered at what had just transpired and suddenly felt my exhaustion. Emmett was right, this is too much. I walked a few steps to my right, closing and locking the door behind me. Done with the party, I slid onto my bed. The beginnings of sleep came quickly and just as I was about to sink deeply into the awaiting darkness her face filled my mind.

Hmmm. Bella.

But, even in my mind's eye, her returning gaze still held reservations, and I promised myself as I finally slept, that I'd conquer this petite, beautiful brunette who had so uniquely, and immediately captured me.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

A/N: Woooh! I wouldn't have thought Edward's introductory chapter would require so much research, but boy did I learn a lot. If you ever need a British slang web site, I have a million now:). As always, thank you for reading! I would LOVE to hear what you think, especially if you think I am including enough descriptive detail. I've been going back and forth on how much to include. Let me know!