Another update :O

So I've decided its time to put Bella and YOU, out of your misery! Time to get to know that dude called Edward Cullen…

Chapter 10:

I can't even begin to describe how nervous I felt as we walked towards the nearest café, side by side, before we sat down and ordered our food.

Following much internal contemplation (the walk to the café was long and silent, hence my period of over-thinking), I eventually opted for a cookie and a milkshake. I'd pondered going the whole hog and ordering a proper meal, but I doubted I could stomach it, not with the current state my nerves were in. Well, that and the fact that I didn't want to risk spilling something down my top or food smearing across my mouth due to my shaky hand. It was known to happen.

I was also growing rather unimpressed by our waitress, and how blatantly obvious she was as she fluttered her eyelashes and practically shoved her breasts in our faces. Edward didn't seem at all fazed by it, I guess he was used to attracting attention, but it certainly did nothing to appease me. I glared daggers into her back as she waltzed away, her hips swaying from side to side in a ridiculous manner. She looked more constipated than attractive if you ask me. But I did gain slight pleasure from the knowledge that her elaborate performance was only out of jealousy. Poor thing.

I hoped she didn't spit in my milkshake.

"So, I guess we should text Alice then. Get them to come meet us here". I said. But it wasn't so much a statement, or a question really. To be honest, the lack of Alice time was refreshing… relaxing almost, without the pressure of me having to keep up with her. That said, relaxing was now a little difficult, what with the company I was entertaining.

"I don't mind" he shrugged, rather blasé about it all. So I left it, giving him a little smile whilst I swirled my straw around my strawberry milkshake in tiny circles.

"So" I trailed off slightly. I hated small talk, but I also couldn't stand those awkward silences. "How are you finding it here anyway?"

"It's alright. I can't imagine it's the hotspot for a wild night out, but, it's got character".

"Yeah, I guess …" I shuffled in my seat, not wanting to push it, but a little info on his background wouldn't be too much to ask, would it? "So, why'd you move here anyway? I can't imagine why anyone would want to live in Forks".

He shrugged smiling, "My dad was offered a better position at Forks Hospital. He's a surgeon and now also head of the Emergency Department. The offer was just too good to resist".

"Wow," his father was a surgeon! Well I wasn't expecting that one. "Talk about a major responsibility," I responded, and finally I was getting somewhere.

"Yeah, I honestly don't know how he does it. But, he loves it, so…"

I nodded slowly, "And, your mother?" I asked, coyly flicking my eyes from my milkshake and back to his face. Unaware of how much he was willing to share. Did he even have both parents? … I had no idea. Up until now he'd been very much a closed book.

"My mom owns a train of Antique Jewellery quarters" he began, and I was all ears. "There are various stores dotted around New York and Washington. She kind of floats from one to the other. They were handed down to her from her great grandmother… I think" he pondered for a moment. "It's become kind of a family tradition, I guess".

And again I said, "Wow". Disney on Ice was the extent to any tradition I had with my family. "You have a very successful family," I said, a little sheepishly, suddenly feeling awfully inadequate. "You must be really proud" I added, deflated at my new found knowledge. I must seem so boring to him.

"Yeah I am. But, luck has a lot to do with it. Believe me" he smiled that delightful half smile, but I struggled to find much comfort in it.

I somehow doubted that last part, but I didn't interject. I suppose I should've guessed he was a seed growing from a successfully well-kept background. The designer glasses, the accent, the avid musical talent, the intelligence. Not to mention how stunningly gorgeous he was, all should have screamed 'High Society'.

"So, you're pretty close with your parents then?"

He scratched his head, pulling a face before answering. "I..I, used to be" his voice was strained as he answered, and it seemed not all in Edwards life was a bed of roses. "Don't get me wrong, I love my parents dearly. But, we kind of have different views on life now. My moms so wrapped up in organising her next big event, it just, it gets too much sometimes…

…Truth is, I don't really care much for that lifestyle anymore. In fact, I prefer not to broadcast it if I can help it," he said whilst leaning over and snapping off the end of my cookie, which as of yet had gone rather uneaten. "It's not that I'm ashamed of it," he said whilst eating, "I just, think there are more important things in life than money and fast cars. Not to mention your constantly having to please everyone, living up to their standards, attending all these fancy parties where you all act like the best of friends, but secretly you're in competition with each other," he rolled his eyes. I could tell there was no love lost there. "After awhile, it gets ridiculous… and, if don't keep your eye constantly on the ball, people will take advantage of you" he sighed, and suddenly, sat opposite me was a completely different man, an Edward Cullen I had never met, a sad and seemingly lonely one, not the usual happy-go-lucky guy I was used too. "People look at you differently because they think you're sat on a wad of cash. Money is like, air to these people; they just breathe it in. And when they find out you don't even want to be apart of that, they turn on you. It's like it's, controversial or something …That's why I like attending a public school now. Everyone's equal...

…But whatever, I'm just rambling," he offered a feeble smile. "I've already told my mom I won't be taking over the Jewellery Quarter when she retires; it's not my thing… I'd sooner work my way up on my own. Like my dad did".

Well that explained the part time cinema job. I felt a little better knowing he couldn't be swayed by successful hand-me-downs. But I wondered what he was thinking about as he'd spoke of his previous life. It seemed there was more to it than just the bane of having to party with Americas most elitist. His mother for one sounded extremely high and mighty. I doubt someone as ordinary as me would ever fit in with her ideal.

"So, you don't miss your old life then? Your friends and stuff?" I continued to prod.

He thought for a moment or two, his mouth falling into this adorable pout as he considered my question. I tried not to smile or fixate on it, given this was our first serious conversation and I desperately needed to concentrate, but I couldn't really help it; something as sweet as that needed to be admired.

"Nah, it doesn't really bother me. I've only got a handful of good solid friends left, and I mean it's not like I'll never see them again. We'll still hang out at birthdays and whatnot… Besides, I like making new friends" he smiled at me, and I almost couldn't breathe.

"And erm" I swallowed hard, now for the most important question. I could already feel the blush rising up my cheeks as I spoke. "What about your, friend, the one from before?" I paused momentarily, not entirely sure what to call her. I didn't want to presume they were dating, because there was no saying they actually were, but I also didn't want to offend him by labelling her as 'the blonde girl'. So I opted for 'friend', it seemed the most sensible choice.

"What about her?" he then looked me in the eye, so I chose to focus on the circles I was making in my milkshake; anything to hide my blushing eyes.

"Well, is she the main one you've stayed in contact with? You don't seem to mention anyone from your old school".

"Well, Rose and I go way back" he sat back into his chair as he answered. "I couldn't get rid of her even if I wanted too. But yeah, she's the main one left from my old life. As well as my parents, obviously" he smiled lightly.

"You guys are, pretty tight then" I timidly glanced a look at his face. He seemed extremely content as he thought of her.

"Yeah, she's like my right arm. I doubt I could get through life without her. She's one of the only ones that seem to … understand".

"That's nice," I smiled sadly; realisation starting to hit. "High School sweethearts." My longing for that must have sounded so obvious to him, but I couldn't hide it. Everything was now confirmed; much to my disappointment.

"Hardly!" he exclaimed in amusement, pulling a face before laughing, and I raised my head to look at him. Not quite the response I was expecting, that's for sure. "… She's my sister". He looked at me with wide eyes, before chuckling. "And even if she wasn't, I'd steer well clear of that" he pulled another face. "Friendship is enough! She's far too high maintenance for my liking".

I suddenly felt like an idiot for not putting two and two together. He'd mentioned his parents! So how could the idea of him having siblings never even cross my mind!?

I was so blinded by my infatuation, that my ability to think rationally was being compromised. Damn myself! "Oh …" my voice caught in the back of my throat. "I..I thought…"

"Yeah, well. We're close, but we're not breaking-the-law-kind-of-close. I think sharing the same womb as her is going far enough" his mouth turned into a lopsided smile and I couldn't help but grin back.

"Yeah, I guess that would be going too far" I said, chuckling softly. "Sorry, I just…"

"You made an assumption. It was an easy mistake to make. You figured that since I'm such a hot and sexy stud, that I'd be taken already" he shrugged his shoulders.

"Don't forget arrogant!" I offered with a smile; now feeling a lot brighter, to which he laughed back.

"Drink up" he gave me a fraction of a nod and I turned back to focus on my milkshake. When I say focused however, I mean visually, as my thoughts were always somewhere else. On him of course, as I silently revelled in the new found knowledge that he was still very much on the market. I really should get a grip of myself someday. Put that paranoia finally to rest!

I doubt it would happen anytime soon though.

It was silent now, and despite my eyes being fixed solely on the drink before me, I couldn't help but feel like he was just sat there staring at me. Watching my every movement. And the more I imagined it, the tenser I became; almost to the point where I was rigid, as stiff as stone… no longer able to muster the strength or mental capacity to take another sip.

It was then that I braved a glance at his face. Our eyes met, but he wasn't smiling, he didn't look mad, or upset, he looked almost wary of something, like he was swept up in an intense train of thought. Much like myself, not 10 seconds ago. I wondered what he was thinking. Was he thinking about me?

Probably not.

I watched as his mouth then began to twitch and his eyes which were previously on mine, flicked past my head…

"We've got company".

……………………………….

"Safe driving you guys! I'll see you Monday!" I said as I jumped inside of Emmett's work van. He'd been on his way home, so he'd kindly offered to pick me up.

"Bella, it was nice meeting you" smiled Rosalie, the diamond necklace she wore around her neck glistening up at me almost blindingly. And after an hour of getting to know her, I still didn't quite know what to make of her. She seemed nice enough, very polite and well mannered, but she'd had this tendency to keep looking at me. And every time she did, she had a glint in her eye, her mouth appearing to curve into a tiny smirk; unnoticeable to the majority, but it seemed blatant to me. To say I was unnerved by her apparent interest in me was an understatement. But even now, as she smiled and waved at me goodbye, I felt uncomfortable. It was as if her mouth was saying one thing, but her face said something else. I figured I probably amused her or something. They were obviously an up-market family. Her clothes for one reeked of classy designer outlets, unlike mine which looked overly casual and well-worn-in. We were poles apart in that sense.

"Yeah, it was nice meeting you too" I replied rather sheepishly; feeling a little inadequate as I noticed her look my brothers work van up and down. She didn't look disgusted though, she seemed mostly intrigued by it.

I ended with a glance at Edward, who looked up at me with an expectant smile. I offered a small smile in return, trying not to let my discomfort show, before I slammed the door to a close.

"So how was work?" I asked as I fiddled with my seatbelt clasp. I frowned as we remained stationary however, wondering why we hadn't yet moved. Turning back to Emmett I noticed his eyes lingering on Rosalie with amazement and intrigue. I wondered if that was the same look that crossed my face every time I saw Edward…

I smiled, shaking my head a little. "Erm … Emmett?" I cocked an eyebrow at him as he was pulled out of his trance.

"Right, yeah. Let's go" he cleared his throat before focusing on the view ahead.

"Don't worry big brother. I'm sure that's not the last you'll see of her" I smiled at him as I rested my head against the headrest.

"Watch it you! Do you think I didn't see you eyeing up her brother!" he smirked back at me. And I felt my face quickly burn up. There was no escaping it; it was inevitable. My reaction had just given him the only answer he required.

"Here" he said as he wound down his window, "let's get some fresh air in here shall we. I think we could both do with some" he turned to me smiling. And I knew that from this day, I would never hear the end of it…

That night I lay in bed, my head crammed with thoughts and images from the days events; it was like my very own personal mind-moviespam, with everything laid out before me.

Finally I'd been given a glimpse into the life that was Edward Cullen. But now I'd seen it, I wasn't so sure how I felt about it. His life was so alien to me, a world I knew existed but had never stepped a single foot in. I bet they even drank their tea from real china cups.

I sighed hard, cuddling my stuffed teddy bear closer to my heart. Now I was even more convinced that he was out of my league. His expectations were no doubt miles wide compared to mine, given the life he led. Granted, he'd made it clear he wanted nothing to do with it, but it was still a part of him, a part of who he was, whether either of us liked it or not…

Preview: Edward shows Bella his softer side after she receives some bad news. Is this the start of a change in their relationship? Lets hope so =]

Review PLEEEASE xD!