Chapter 7 Monday's Child
A/N: These phenomenal characters belong to Stephenie Meyer.
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BPOV
My cell was chiming from a far away place and I desperately wanted it to quiet down.
Presently, I was rolling around tangled in deliciously soft, white sheets encased in strong arms that pressed me snugly against the smooth pains of a lean chest and impossibly defined abs. My eyes were closed but I did manage to catch brief, flash-like glimpses of unruly bronze hair and perfect white teeth. These alluring sensations seemed quite real while simultaneously registering in my brain as a dream. And, god, that unforgivable chiming noise only seemed to contort the haze even more, making the least important sensations of this beautiful parallel world more tangible and the aspects of him fade.
For the quickest of moments I was a mile deep in surprised green eyes. And then, immediately, all that remained were the sheets.
I opened my eyes then, instantly missing the surreal euphoria of tangled limbs and heavy breathing, when I realized my legs literally were twisted up. My bed is a mess. Obviously, I had been seriously thrashing around.
I sat up to gauge the damage of my still unfamiliar new home. Deep cobalt blankets littered the floor, while my naked body – preferably so while sleeping – was haphazardly wrapped up in my lovely rich people sheet. Probably one thousand thread count, or something equally obscene. I had two hundred and fifty count target sheets at home. It's hard to hate something this luxurious, though.
I had knocked my bedside lamp over and could still hear my phone somewhere lost in the mess. Pulling my sheet away from my legs and up under my armpits, I rummaged until I could eliminate the interfering noise.
Phone off, I leaned against my bedroom door and let my eyes close hoping to find that the messy hair, hot skin and occasional flash of green remained alive behind my eyelids.
Thank you, God. He was beautiful.
My eyes flew open and I walked through the sitting room, anticipating a cool shower to release me from this silly stupor. Rosalie was already gone, I assumed, seeing as her bedroom appeared empty and I was quickly taking over the bathroom.
I lathered up, bathing the air in coconut and freesia, as I let the water work out my unwarranted desires. Exfoliated and smooth, I dried off and fingered my waist length hair into tangle free tendrils. Lotion had become my only post-Arizona beauty necessity.
Living in Washington meant distinct seasons. The coming and passing of each time of year could wreak havoc on sensitive skin, so lotion was my saving grace. I massaged my skin thoroughly, working the cream diligently, and finally found calm.
I'd spent Sunday organizing all of my shit so I wouldn't have to worry during my first week about losing stuff or tripping over my scattered boxes. Thankfully, my weekend work paid off being that today was Monday and I knew just where I'd unpacked my uniform.
How cliché. Plaid skirt, white collard blouse, tie … god. I don't even know how to tie one of these.
I studiously covered my bruised legs with over the knee stockings, which surprisingly left about four inches of uncovered thigh exposed, just begging for disaster.
One strong gust of wind and I'll be ALL out there. My cheeks felt warm not only at just this one prospect of how I could royally humiliate myself on my first day, but the multitude.
I quickly changed into wind emergency approved satin boy shorts, left my tie draping undone beneath my collar and stuffed my session schedule in my satchel.
Letting myself out of the suite I was relieved to find Jas waiting for me.
Leaning against the wall in that 'I'm a guy, so I don't give a shit' way he somehow looked much less cliché than I felt even though our uniforms matched.
Instead of offering a 'hello' he just sort of narrowed his eyes at me, scrunching up his cheeks in the process.
"What, Jasper?" I knew I was still a little pink from my private moment of realized inevitable embarrassment and his intent gaze was encouraging the red to break free. Over the last few years I had really gotten a handle on my irrational blushing tendencies, but overt attention still seemed to do me in.
"Nothing." He shook his head, but still had some sort of concern etched on his brow.
"Right. Let's get this over with." And I followed him to the elevator, wanting to kick his ass for making me feel self conscious and not even having the balls to spit out just how utterly horrific I looked in my uniform. Jasper and I weren't cut out for conformity, me more so than him however. He didn't seem to stick out too much here, except perhaps in personality and standards.
On our drive to Seattle, Jasper had given me a laundry list run down of all the bitches, fuck ups and necessarily avoidable crazies at Fremont. Why he worried was beyond me. Sure I was nervous about this location change, but I couldn't give a damn about the people. Everyone was just a passing ship anyway. I'd be here for a few years and then I'd leave never to see most of them again. It was just that the last time I'd made a significant geographical move I'd had such a traumatic time adjusting that I'd needed to take a year off from school. Truly, that was more about losing my mom than moving in with Charlie, but still, that shit's lasting. Now I was a lone, parent-less wolf and that seemed like an inevitable step for me. Thank god I had Jasper. Even if he worries too much and scrunches his face up at me all disapprovingly.
And, really, this change wouldn't legitimately register until I was engulfed in the flock of plaid and pretension that the halls and courtyard of Fremont promised in the pamphlet. That reality was about to hit, however, full force.
Making our way from my building's second floor elevator and across an all-glass sky bridge, I found myself entering a massive living room with doors, hallways and stairs going every which way. Students were perched on sofas and at wooden tables; there were people huddled up around the hearth of a massive fireplace, hunched over banisters and crowding the stair landings.
Jasper dragged me to the back of a line at the far end of the gigantic room that seemed to attach itself to a promising sight.
Jas leaned in close to my ear. "I figured coffee could only help what you're up against today."
"Well actually, it will scorch like a bitch when I spill it, but for today any pain is worth a caffeine induced buzz."
I knew that people were watching me - I could just feel the judgmental stares - but I refused to look anywhere but down or into Jasper's eyes. Just let me get my coffee and find my first class. That is all I ask.
Attention was another bone of contention that brought on inevitable anxiety. Today I would trip at some point, leaving me even more battered, and I'd have to get up and keep going. My life was that predictable. I didn't need to add "freshly crippled" to the list of reasons for people to gape and stare, maybe even point and laugh at foreseeable clumsiness thanks to my crutches or wheelchair or missing leg.
"So, " Jasper began quietly, dutifully filling my anxious silence; "how was Rosalie this morning?"
"Already gone when I got up. Hopefully she's avoiding me. That could wind up being peaceful. Maybe she'll bunk up with the bulky, curly haired guy I saw her mind fucking at the party last night."
Rosalie could have any guy and knew it. She seemed to generate an inner power by finding the best looking guy in the room and wrapping him around her baby finger. Last night, she didn't choose the hottest guy, though. Oddly enough, the hottest guy had seemed to be eye fucking me.
"Bulky, curly haired guy? Hmm. Well, whatever, Rose has a short attention span, so I wouldn't count on it. I can help you avoid her though. How about you come with me to practice after school? You can meet the rest of the team and miss out on awkward bonding time with Rosalie. We can get dinner after." Jasper just smiled down at me, like he'd struck brilliance, when the truth was I'd hardly caught what he'd said since he'd spoken everything in a barely audible whisper.
"Why the covert whispers, Sherlock? We goin' stealth mode now?" Sometimes he's so weird.
He only answered with a shrug and then it was our turn, so I ordered our usual and Jasper paid.
"Thanks, Sugar Daddy." With a wink, he led us outside and across the courtyard.
"You have Algebra in here first." Jasper gestured through a heavy wooden door down another hallway, within yet another tower. Was it Banner Tower? Or maybe Pacific? "I can come show you to your next class at the end of session." His last sentence sounded more like a question.
"No, no … I'll manage." I gave what I hoped was a reassuring smile and lifted my proud chin high.
"We don't have free period together, so you'll need to find the Refectory on your own for lunch." He seems so concerned.
"No problem. Really, Jas, I'll be fine. We'll meet up for your practice later; what time?"
"I have to be dressed down by three so how about quarter 'till, outside the Physical Education Tower?"
"I'll bring my pom-poms."
"You better." He flicked my shoulder and left for his own class.
Turning to pull the door open I realized everyone confined to the broad hallway seemed to have their eyes directed my way, so I hustled through the door and found a seat towards the back. Once the session got a rollin' I leaned my chin into my palm and ventured to close my eyes; I wasn't disappointed. Hair, a brilliant bronze mess, lean, toned arms so very strong around me, heavy breathing right at the nape of my neck surrounded my senses and left me dizzy. I lifted my eyelids, slightly concerned.
Sure, Edward Cullen was good looking. Don't lie. He's delectable. He is without a doubt the best thing you've seen … better than any fantasy. But Jasper had mentioned him, in detail, many months ago while airing out the less than ideal aspects of Fremont. He'd basically pegged Edward as the supremely entitled, playboy - obscenely rich, naughty, harassing, unapologetic - basically a womanizing bastard. Edward had trained post season with the team last year, and Jasper hadn't been too heart broken when Edward chose to transfer overseas for this school year.
Then unexpectedly, I found myself at a 'Welcome Home, Edward' party last night, ushering in the unwanted presence. Jasper had to make an appearance and I didn't feel like staying in after spending the day holed up in the confines of my room unpacking.
As soon as Edward arrived I could see why Jasper didn't like him. And I don't mean he exuded utter asshole from every pore. Rather, he seemed to have something with Alice. Jasper's Alice. And that something had her flying into Edward's arms before he fully made it through the door.
When I looked to see if Jas was okay, after undoubtedly witnessing the absolutely blatant display of affection, I found him blank faced and staring. I turned to in-tune the situation for further deliberation later only to find him, Edward, an unfathomably beautiful man focused intently on me. He had seen me before I'd seen him and had situated a crooked, playful smile on his lips before I'd turned his way. Registering that he was indeed focusing on me, I was left completely surprised. Really? You've just been reunited with Alice but you look at me like THAT. I'm on to you, buddy. This is so not happening … Oh my god I could eat you.
I couldn't stand looking back at him for much longer without walking over to him, so I spun around towards Jasper who was mid conversation with Mike. Minutes later we left.
Edward now seemed to be burned into my eyelids, unleashing his full essence upon me every chance I closed my eyes. Why am I breathing heavily? I shook my head to clear my thoughts, and closed my eyes automatically. Instantly I was bombarded with a chiseled jaw line and actually felt the sensation of long fingers grazing my collarbone. Gah! The bell rang twice then, signaling the session closed.
How do I not close my eyes all day? I questioned as I thoughtlessly sipped my now lukewarm coffee.
It really was a bittersweet dilemma when you thought about it. On one hand, I tingled and sparked and came alive from the flashes that filled my mind without sight, but the outward effects were increasing each time. Panting my way through classes wasn't my idea of a calm first day.
I somehow found my way to sophomore English and the Biology lab after that. Both classes were a success, as I refrained from accidentally – or purposefully - closing my eyes more than a blink in either one. Rather I concentrated on what I'd need to accomplish to be caught up.
My free period came next and I knew I'd be able to fill that time with secret people watching and reading - both activities requiring my eyes to remain alert and active. Touché freaky Edward visions, touché!
The Refectory was a large central building with a grand atrium full of wrought iron tables and chairs. Past the entryway, there were two massive wooden doors that led to a mall food court type set up, only fancy. There were five "restaurants" to choose from and I settled on one that served fresh deli sandwiches. There wasn't much that rivaled a white shirt like grease or spaghetti sauce, so I avoided.
I set my satchel down next to my food, realizing I'd need napkins only after I'd made the trek through the double doors. Making my way back into the land of many choices, I grabbed a fist full of napkins – one can't ever be too prepared for say a soda spilling suddenly all over their schoolbooks – and turned quickly to find my table once more.
And then it happened.
My warning sensors went off loudly as I caught my first school day glimpse of him. He was striding away from one of the restaurant counters with only a red apple in hand. Edward looked deep in thought, but continued to address those he passed with this or that recognition, as he too made his way to the double doors. Everyone seemed to notice him, fawn over him, look dejected when he didn't send more than a nod their way. He's absolutely loved here.
I walked as quickly as I dared back out to my sandwich, knowing I could avoid any contact with him if I only hurried. Watching is dangerous enough. Fuck, Bella, this guy has you unable to close your eyes. Move it. But of course I caught some part of my body on something - maybe a chair leg - and only had enough time to brace myself for impact as my eyes flew shut.
Warm, sweet breath hit my face instantly, and the arms I'd come to crave wrapped securely around me. Firm and flawless, strong and assured, all of him seemed to surround me. Somewhere I was wondering when I'd feel the impact of my fall, and why it was taking so long to come. But I pressed my eyes tighter still, willing my simple yet thrilling fantasy to act as a buffer for the humiliation that would befall me soon enough. Almost too realistically to comprehend, I felt his hand caressing my side and his other cradling my neck; his slender fingers tangled in my hair. Those capable fingers massaged my nape slightly and a soft moan escaped my lips.
And then my dream world came to a screeching halt at the sound of the most gloriously deep chuckle.
My flushed body went ridged as I opened my eyes slowly. Every sensation I'd attributed to my sightless daydream seemed to actually be occurring with me at center stage. Tantalizing fingers, staggered breathing, heaving chest repeatedly pressing my breasts against his exceptionally close form, and of course the moaning. If everything else was real, that must have happened as well. But the only visual my mind could fully register was the never ending green before me.
"Are you alright?" Edward's voice was deep and a little gravely. And he couldn't have stared into me more absorbingly at that moment if he'd tried.
"Oh, um, I think so." Thank god I found my voice and my bearings simultaneously as I was able to answer and lift myself from Edward's grasp all at once.
Sitting up, I realized that Edward must have had to dive to reach me in time to brake my fall with his body. That is hot. I shook my head.
"Thank you for catching me, I hope I didn't hurt you." I wasn't really concerned that I'd hurt him – I am so small compared to his manliness - I just couldn't think of anything else to say to this "stranger."
Edward gave his throaty chuckle again as a response while he helped us both off of the marble floor.
The entire room seemed to be quietly looking on as I took my hand back from his and gave him a small smile, cheeks surly ablaze at such unbridled attention. The silence from him would have been awkward except his gaze was so intently spellbinding. He seemed to take in my hair and mouth for ages before meeting my eyes again.
"My name is Edward Cullen."
As he appraised me I found myself mesmerized by his eyes shifting around my face, but once he spoke I couldn't help but slightly slack jaw as his flawless lips formed the greeting.
I took my lower lip between my teeth and found his eyes again, breathing out slowly to steady my voice, "I'm Bella Swan."
Whatever had transfixed Edward for the few brief seconds since he'd caught me seemed to change as his eyes broke from mine to take in the audience beyond us.
His cocky, crooked grin from last night appeared suddenly and I could just tell whatever was coming next would piss me off. Sure he'd been sweet and attentive, even a little bashful and dare I say overwhelmed at the beginning of his heroic gesture, but that wasn't who he was. Jasper warned me. A warning I should take seriously.
"Thank you again for your quick reflexes, Edward. I'm sure I'll see you around." I'd cut him off and moved past him before he'd registered the situational shift. I had my belongings piled up and was headed for the atrium doors by the time he turned.
I didn't bother to look back; I just fled. Where the hell am I going? Realizing I had no idea, I stopped to gather myself on a stone bench. I pulled out my sandwich and took a bite.
What the fuck was that? I shivered at the memory of his arms actually being around me and his hand stroking my hair. He has gentle fingers. And plump lips. I wished I'd remembered to smell him. I bet he's mouth watering.
But he is bad news. Fantasize all you like, girlie, but that is it. You don't need an asshole screwing with you.
The bell rang out twice, signaling five minutes until final session. After washing down my sandwich with soda I located a restroom near my French room to splash a little cold water on my face and run my fingers through my hair.
With about fifteen seconds to spare I found the last open seat in the back and claimed it. The one subject I'd studied during my year off was French. I'd needed something to satiate my brain and found the French language beautiful verbally, as well as in written form. That would make this my only upperclassman session, but I knew I'd be able to hold my own.
I opened my textbook to the page designated by Monsieur Laurent and was almost downright giddy to discover that they weren't too far ahead of where I'd left off in Forks.
Paying close attention to Monsieur's pronunciation and then quietly repeating every word back to myself kept me absolutely enthralled for the entire session. If only all lectures were this fantastic I'd have no problem keeping my eyes open. I was jotting down the homework details and mindlessly looked to my left as I processed a thought, instantly catching my breath at what I saw. Only three desks up and two to the left sat Edward, head turned down as he wrote. I tilted my head for a better view of his upper body and face. Just as my appreciative perusal reached his hair he turned his head slowly, eyes connecting with mine.
He didn't smile or look away. The bell trilled twice and everyone began grabbing their belongings and heading for the doors. Edward just kept watching. I finally looked away and picked up my bag. I didn't want to be late meeting up with Jasper, but I did briefly look back once I reached the doorway only to find the room empty. Hmm.
I found Jasper waiting outside the Physical Education Tower as promised and couldn't help smiling proudly at making it through my first day unscathed, well basically.
"Good day?" Jasper asked, returning my grin.
"Something like that. I made it. That's what counts, right?" Jasper slung his arm around my shoulders and led us inside.
The smell of chlorine was only slightly abrasive and brought back fond memories.
"Oh my god, Jas, remember the public pool summer after second grade when you lost your trunks and refused to get out until someone found them?" Jasper grimaced.
"I remember you shouting at me to get out and not worry about everyone seeing my "winky" 'cause you were cold and wanted to go home."
"I was cold and you should have just used a towel. Why you had to be so stubborn and demand your Power Ranger swim trunks I'll never understand."
By this point in the story I was cracking up and Jasper finally chuckled along. He stopped us in front of a long set of bleachers.
"You can sit here. I'm going to go change so I don't get yelled at."
I winked at him. "Oh Jas, you know how I love your itty bitty Speedo. Yes please, hurry up and change." He contorted his face and stuck his tongue out at me before heading to the locker room.
In all honesty, I believed Speedo's to be the most revolting invention of all time, and frequently reminded Jasper of this fact. Men were simply not meant to wear such minimal amounts of clothing. That sad excuses for coverage was the only down side to being Jasper's one woman cheering squad. Actually having to watch your cousin jump around in next to nothing wasn't something to list as a joy. Gag me. But he was a rather awesome polo player, so I sucked it up and supported. And this would be my first practice. Maybe they have one of those lame ass team cheers that gets them all fired up, but actually makes them look like bitches, that I can use against him later. I couldn't help smiling to myself at the endless possibilities.
The wall clock read 2:53 and the coach and a few players were already near the pool. I spotted Mike – Oh god, hairy, misfitting spandex … vomit – and lanky Tyler who I'd met at an away game in Port Angeles last year. I couldn't see the coach that well from where I sat, as he appeared to be speaking with someone fully dressed.
I felt the bleachers move beneath me and I broke my focus from the coach and team to find out who was joining me.
Well, fuck.
Rosalie sauntered over – I'll never understand how girls walk erect in heels that high – with Alice following closely behind her. They didn't sit right next to me, but closely enough to require that I speak if they did.
"Hello Bella, sorry I missed you this morning." Rosalie's mouth smiled but her eyes were venomous, and I just couldn't care less.
"That's alright, Rosalie. Jasper helped me find my way around." I dismissed her false concern and turned my attention to the girl I'd yet to meet. "Hello, we haven't met yet, I'm Bella, Jasper and Rosalie's cousin." I waved slightly, being too far away to comfortably shake hands.
"It is so great to meet you, Bella, I'm Alice!" Well aren't you the epitome of energetic.
And she was. Alice was almost bouncing in her seat as she spoke, "Are you here to cheer Jasper on?"
"He is the only person I know here. Plus, I've only ever seen a match, never a practice. I'm hoping he does something embarrassing that I can use as ammunition. When a person's in their element they seem to be quite a bit less reserved." I smiled as friendly as possible. Alice seemed like someone I'd like. Why she was here with Rose was a mystery. "Are you here to watch your boyfriend?"
Alice's expression blanched minutely. "Oh, no, I don't have a boyfriend. My best friend's on the team, so I thought I'd support. He was supposed to take the year off, but plans changed."
Inwardly I gasped. No boyfriend? So Edward wasn't scamming on me minutes after his girlfriend welcomed him home. Because Alice wasn't his girlfriend. I was a little breathless, even though I knew I shouldn't be. He probably still has someone. That thought was enough to shake me loose. Need a distraction…
"What about you, Rose? Come to peruse scantily clad prepubescent boys?"
She almost looked stunned, like she forgot how we danced.
"There is nothing immature about who I'm here to ogle." Her eyes drifted back to the now full sized team beside the pool. Jasper had joined them, as well as the same huge, curly haired guy Rose had immersed herself in last night. There were five others I didn't recognize who weren't horrible on the eyes. This team looks so much better than last year. Of course, I couldn't be truly sure what last year's team looked like since I'd only really paid attention to Jasper. Too much dick on display, and not in an appealing way.
Shouting broke out from the far side of the pool where the coach was being yelled at by unfamiliar teammate number six. Their words were being caught up in the echo of such a large, water filled space so I couldn't quite deduce the purpose behind such an angry exchange.
Finally, number six pulled off his cap roughly and headed back to the locker room.
"Drama in the polo family." I murmured mostly to myself.
"James is a starter, so he sees lots of pool time. I think since Edward's back he's been booted to substitute."
Wait, Edward? Didn't she just say something about a best friend … who was supposed to take the year off … because perhaps he was in London. Duh, Bella. I wasn't normally so slow on the uptake. But, that means …
Just then, from the mouth of the locker room where I'd just watched James disappear, emerged the most glorious sight I'd ever beheld.
Edward Cullen, all skin and muscles and hair, in nothing but a splendid Speedo. It was like that little banana hammock was made for him specifically. I instantly felt warm all over and my breathing hitched as I watched him lithely join the team and pull his cap over his bronze sex hair.
All that was left in my brain was … I love Speedos!
Rosalie and Alice made comments about the way the water would trickle down their bodies as they entered and exited the pool during warm ups and how they looked jumping up into the air during plays. I was in a silent stupor, only visually aware of Edward.
Edward was quick, fluid and strong. He moved expertly through the water and handled the ball with ease. Sometimes he'd smile, other times it looked like he was growling.
During a sub rotation, Edward caught me watching him as he took a seat on a bench. His surprise at seeing me at his practice was apparent. I tried not to convey my absolute lust for him as I stared relentlessly, but found that impossible after forty-five minutes of his almost nudity and my already keen imagination where he and I were concerned. He returned my gaze, boring his green into my brown. Feeling my mouth slacken and my body react to the impossibly electric current I felt despite the great distance separating us, my instincts took over.
"Tell Jas I'm not feeling up for dinner and that I'll see him tomorrow, okay Rose?"
And without waiting for an agreement, I took off down the bleachers, out the front doors and stopped just long enough to slide down the brick exterior wall.
I was trembling and gasping, just attempting to steady myself. Every pressure point on my body was radiating energy that I'd never felt before; it was like I was caught up in an electrical storm.
It has been one day. And in that one day you go completely crazy over a motherfucking bastard who is so very BAD for you, or so you've been told, but seems so very GOOD – at having muscles and never ending eyes and perfect hands.
What are you thirteen? Are you the prepubescent one here, Bella? Childish, silly girl. Don't you see, he's royalty around here and you don't want any part of that. You will not have him. You don't want him. You don't. No more thoughts, no more dreams, NO more fantasies.
It had only been one day. Fucking Mondays.
Exhaling a massive breath, I felt more at ease. I rested my cloudy head back on the cold brick, letting my eyes droop.
And again, all I could see was green.
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A/N: Ahhhh, so much Bella. She always seems to have the most to explain, well her and Edward. I needed to get more of her in here and this hopefully painted a pretty good picture of where she's at in this fic. Thank you so much for reading my ever growing story (5k chapter means I'm finding my momentum:)). It warms my heart to hear your thoughts, good and bad. So let me know!