A/N: Thank you so much for all the reviews! You guys reached the 10 review mark the day I posted this. Ya'll are awesome!
I would like to thank my new beta Everlastingmuse. She willingly volunteered to put up with me and edit this story. She has some pretty amazing fics written that you should definitely check out.
Oh and in case you didn't notice, I dropped the rating down to 'T'. I'm about 95% sure we'll be seeing some smutty love in future chapters but at the moment this story doesn't merit a 'M' rating. It will one day but not now. I'll warn you when it changes again, if it changes again.
Here we go.
Chapter O5: She's just the way she is
BPOV
I'm already awake, fully dressed with the coffee brewing before Edward strolls into the kitchen. He's in the most casual clothes I have seen on him yet and while he's already showered, his droopy expression and disheveled hair reveal his true state. He mumbles a greeting and flops down onto a chair at the counter.
"Coffee?" I ask, filling my cup to the brim without even bothering to add anything to it. I like it strong and I like it black.
"Uh yes, definitely," Edward replies, "Just one sugar and cream, please." He adds, slouching down in the chair and cradling his head in his hand. I chuckle at the sight of him and quickly fix his cup. I walk over to my side of the counter and slide his cup across it. He catches it, drinking a gulp full before setting it down again.
"Much better," he smiles, his expression livening immediately. I watch as he reaches over to grab the bag of cookies from last night. He takes two out and eats them as one. "I figured we could go over everything for Monday today. I don't have anything to do so whenever you're ready."
I nod, rotating my mug in my hand. I look down at it and respond, "Now is good, I guess," I claim. I don't think it matters when or where we start, I just want to get it over with as soon as possible.
Edward tilts his head back and gulps down the rest of his coffee wincing as he sets it back down. He snatches another cookie before he slides off the barstool. "I'll go get it all from my office."
I wait until he's completely out of the room before placing our mugs into the sink. I eye the Ziploc bag cautiously, thoughts of the nauseous feeling I had after eating the pizza last night assaulting me at once. I scrunch my nose up before hesitantly taking one, nibbling on it slowly as I walk to the living room once again making myself comfortable on the couch.
Edward walks in shortly after, delicately balancing a small stack of papers in one hand and his laptop in the other. He sits down beside me, sliding the computer onto the coffee table and dropping the papers into my lap. I look down at the top sheet immediately noticing that it is a job description. I scan it quickly, not entirely surprised by anything on it. Sure, I had only worked part time in the campus bookstore throughout college and my experience with personal assistants went no further than what I had seen in books and movies, but nothing on the list was something I didn't think I could do.
I do; however, notice how much money would be coming out of my pocket to fulfill some of these demands. Daily seven dollar coffee, at least two meals a day, and weekly dry-cleaning visits; I don't know how I'll be able to afford it all even with the new salary. Mystery Man picks up on my expression.
"Don't worry about the costs of things; you'll be issued a company credit card. I would never make you pay for all of that. I'm not sure what phone you have but smart phones are definitely preferable. They'll make both you and my job easier. The company can also issue you a Blackberry if you feel you'll need one; just keep personal calls to a minimum." He rambles off as the dread starts to kick in.
I was never the technological one in the family. Tommy was the computer wizard and I was the bookworm, neither one of us ever bothering to cross over. We balanced each other out and on the rare occasion I actually used something with a plug or batteries Tommy would always be there to help me out. I'd never had a cell phone, never really saw the need for one when my friends and I were so close we could just walk over to each other's house unannounced. I'm not sure how Edward will take this seeing as the job definitely requires the use of one.
"I don't have one," I state, hoping he'll get the point without me having to explain further. I keep my eyes trained on the papers in front of me, toying with the corners and avoiding looking at him as much as possible.
"A cell phone? That's crazy everyone has one," Edward claims, "I told you if it's not able to perform the tasks we'll need it to the company can issue you one that can. When we go down there for a quick tour today we can pick on up for you."
I fold the edges over again before unfolding them and repeating. I want to crawl into a hole and never resurface.
"No, I mean, I don't have one at all," maybe this time it'll click for him.
He chuckles, "Really Bella, you don't have to be embarrassed about it, most people don't just have smartphones for the sake of having them. You can place your SIM card into the one Claire, my last PA, left behind, if you want. It'll save you the trouble of re-downloading all of those files. "
My eyes narrow, "Really Edward, are you that dense," I snap, his words finally hitting a nerve. "I told you twice that I don't have a phone, and I don't. Not a fancy one, not a cheap one, not even one of those stupid pay phones!"
I look up at him finally brave enough to see his expression. He's taken back by my sudden outburst and is gaping at me. I know I'll be incredibly embarrassed later when it fully sinks in, but right now, sitting on the couch with him, I'm anything but. He clears his throat and straights out his expression.
"I guess we'll just have to rectify that situation." Mystery Man says, taking the papers off my lap and dropping them on top of his computer.
"Wait, what?" He's back to being an enigma again. I know what he means I just don't understand the why behind it.
Edward smirks, "Really Bella, are you that dense," he mocks in a strangely high pitched voice. I can't hold back the laugh that follows. In a normal tone he continues, "We are going to get you a phone. Its bit of a walk from there to the office but it'll give us enough time to go over everything we need to."
I nod, not bothering to move from my spot yet. I'm still lost on the reasoning behind his motives, but I try to push it to the back of my mind and enjoy the comfort of the plush cushions. I don't know where Edward got these couches but I swear I could live on one they're so comfortable. I blush when he catches me watching him stretch and look the other way.
"Well come on then, we have work to do," he teases, waving his arm dramatically to the door. I shake my head and chuckle but head to the doorway anyways. He quickly disappears to grabs a few things and I wait patiently, slightly concerned on how this is going to go over. Edward confuses me; he's hot and then he's cold, he eats cookies for breakfast, and even though I'm slowly beginning to trust and actually like the man, I don't want him to know the truth about me. I bite on my fingernails, worried that within a few days it'll come into view without my permission, that he'll notice I really am the street rat he accused me of being yesterday.
I take a deep breath to calm me as Edward appears again, slipping his phone into his back pocket. I cross my fingers and toes, maybe just maybe this day won't be that bad at all.
Wrong.
I don't know who claimed that crossing your fingers brought you luck, but whoever they are, they were seriously mistaken. It takes me and Edward a solid hour to find a phone that I can operate somewhat easily. The sales associate had been nagging us until Edward eventually snaps and tells him to go away with an Andrew Jackson. Apart from that he has been rather patient about the whole thing, going through each phone with me slowly. After I mess up the same thing on the same phone a third time he groans, tugs at his hair before clenching his fists and continuing in the calmest voice he can manage.
I finally just pick the one that Edward told me too. We quickly left the store and started down the road, the new shiny red Blackberry tucked into my front pocket. I felt powerful and strangely normal with it there.
"Hey, I need to run into the bookstore a few stores up to pick up an order. You can wait on the bench, I'll be quick." Edward announces. He glances over at me quickly before jogging up the steps and into the store.
I nod even though he can't see me and walk over to the familiar looking wooden bench. I sigh when my back hits the wooden bars, my body relaxing instantly. Most people find these benches to be incredibly uncomfortable and stiff. Me? I love them. I love the way they curve with your back and bend slightly if you lean on them. To me they're that comfortable familiar thing that I can never get enough of. They give Edward's couches a run for their money, that's for sure.
I look at the stores around me and spot one that stands out to me. I squint my eyes through my glasses to get a better look at it. A smile slowly starts making its way onto my face as the ideas run wild in my head. Maybe something good will come out of this day after all.
It's in that moment as I sit waiting for Edward to return that I spot the one building that will change my life. Even though I can't see through the tinted windows, I know what would be inside if I opened the door; rows of sweaty bodies working hard to achieve the ultimate body. I smile, my eyes spotting an advertisement posted near the door.
24 Hour Fitness presents the Get Fit Challenge. Now for just a dollar a day you will have full membership to help get America in shape. Details inside.
I stand, glancing behind me. Edward is still a good three people back from the checkout counter. I quickly weave my way through the slow traffic and hesitantly approach the building, not believing I'll actually be able to pull this off.
I take a deep breath before knocking on the glass door. The lanky teenager behind the counter looks up and buzzes me in not bothering to remove his headphones. I roll my eyes, pull the door open and hold my head up high, internally singing the Little Engine that Could's anthem.
I think I can, I think I can.
The stench hits me at once almost forcing me to gag. I start breathing out through my mouth and approach the counter.
"Hi, I saw your ad outside. Do you have any more information?" I ask trying to be as polite as possible. The boy looks up at me, headphones still in place and reaches over to grab a brochure.
"Here, everything you need to know is inside," he claims before looking right back down at his cell phone. I look at him incredulously and wonder how the hell he got this job while I couldn't find anyone to hire me to save my life. I shake my head and grab the pamphlet, mumbling thanks before hurrying out.
Mystery Man and I walk out of the doors at the same time. While I spot him immediately, he continues to search around the bench I told him I would wait on. Panic slowly works its way into his eyes and I quickly weave through the cars, not wanting him to be concerned. He notices me approaching and relaxes.
"Next stop, Cullen and Hale Publishing." He announces, leading us through the throngs of people. We barely make it ten feet when his phone begins to ring. I listen as he picks it up.
"Hey man, yeah, all's good," he pauses, "What? Of course not, she's right here. Yeah, yeah, sure. Oh, really? Wow, how did you manage that? No, that's great. I'll tell her. 'Kay, see you tomorrow then." Edward hangs up quickly, slipping the phone back into his pocket before turning his attention to me.
"That was Jasper. Apparently he was able to finish everything a day early so he and Alice are catching the first flight out, they'll be here early tomorrow morning and want to meet up for breakfast. I told him it was fine."
I nod and smile, truly happy that I'll be able to see Jasper again. He is the closest friend I have and has been there for me since college. "Okay," I feel the need to respond verbally.
We walk the next few blocks slowly, the summer heat in full force. Edward talks about everything he thinks I'll need to know as we go, occasionally asking me a question before spewing off something else about the position I'll be filling. As he continues to talk, my confidence grows. I know it will be a lot of work and sometimes even I will have to work later than I'm supposed to, but it doesn't seem like something I won't be able to handle. In fact, if it proves to be like he's saying it will, I think I might actually enjoy it.
Edward stops in front of a nice looking building. The golden brown gradient catches the sunlight and shines, the stone steps cleaner than the sidewalk. I see the gold engravings above the doorway and realize this is it.
He steps up and pulls the large glass doors open, gesturing for me to go ahead. I hesitantly walk into the building, my eyes going wild as I try to take everything in. An arm lands across my shoulders and I immediately recognize Edward's scent. I feel like a first class creep for already having his scent memorized.
Edward sweeps his arm in front of us, showcasing the lobby. "Welcome to Cullen and Hale Publishing, Bella," he says, tugging me towards the elevators. I gulp, hoping I haven't gone way over my head. I feel extremely intimidated.
The silence is awkward and uncomfortable as we drive to the IHOP Jasper and Alice decided to meet us at. Both of us are still tired, having woken up well before the sun in order to make it there on time. I yawn and take my glasses off, setting them in my lap as I rub my eyes for the fifth time this drive. I clean the lenses on the edge of my shirt just to give myself something to do. I wonder if he notices that I haven't changed once since he picked me up on Wednesday. As I think this Edward must be reading my thoughts because seconds later he speaks up.
"Are they lucky?" he asks. I look over at him in confusion, I have no clue what he's referring to.
"Huh?" I say in true Bella fashion.
He chuckles, "The clothes, they're the same ones you've worn every day. You would only wear them so much if they were lucky, right?" he clarifies causing my heart to stutter.
He did notice, this whole time he took notice that my clothes are the same day after day. I clear my throat before answering, "Yeah, I guess they are," I mutter thinking back to everything that has happened in these clothes. The job, the comfortable warm bed, eating three meals a day, the phone, the gym, everything that has gone right since graduation all happened while I was wearing these clothes. Maybe they actually are lucky.
He doesn't say anything back; I don't really expect him to though. After what seems like an eternity later, we reach the restaurant and park. I step out of the car and scan the parking lot, hoping to spot the familiar silver car. When I don't, I groan softly. Edward's words had hurt my sensitive side more than I would like to admit. He hadn't insulted me or even attempted to, they were just too close to the truth, making me worried and hurt all at the same time. After three days if he picked up on that small detail, who is to say he won't notice everything once I start working for him daily? I shrug it off and begin walking towards the entrance.
The hostess seats us quickly, setting down four place settings at a small booth. Edward slides into one side immediately, but I hesitate, wondering where I should sit. I don't want to be next to Edward, especially when it is just the two of us, but I don't want to force Alice to either. I weigh the pros and cons quickly, my selfish side finally winning as I slide in the one opposite from Edward.
The waiter comes up shortly after, taking our drink orders as we wait. She returns with my milk and coffee and Edward's orange juice, no pulp, just as Jasper and Alice walk through the door. They sidestep the line and scan the room, trying to spot us in the Saturday morning crowds. Edward waves his hand in the air subtly but it does the job. Alice spots us and tugs on Jasper's hand, pointing to our table.
They have matching grins as they slide into the booth, Jasper next to me as planned. We all greet each other casually before ordering and settling back into the booth. Jasper puts his arm across my shoulders and pulls me to him.
"Man I missed you Bella," he says, hugging me. "We aren't going so long between hanging out again."
I nod, smile and make some remark how I think we'll be seeing each other more often now that I'll be working for his company. He agrees and kisses the top of my head before letting me go, my comment reminding him to tell Edward something about the trip.
The three of them are able to make enough casual chatter throughout the meal so that I barely have to say anything apart from the occasional word or two. I eat quickly, desperate to get out of here while they take their time, dragging the meal out longer than I thought possible. Jasper finally yawns, claiming that the trip wore him out and he needs a nap if he wants to make it to the office at all today.
Alice agrees and Edward flags down the waitress. Jasper and Edward bicker over the bill for good few minutes before Jasper finally just snatches it and walks over to the counter. I laugh at them softly, shaking my head and go to wait outside with Alice and Edward as he pays.
Standing next to the two of them I begin to wonder how close they actually are. They don't talk to each other like in the typical "You're my boyfriend's friend" way. They seem more like best friends themselves but I don't bother asking.
Jasper comes out stuffing his wallet back into his trouser pockets. "Well I don't know about ya'll but I'm as full as a tick," he announces, his southern heritage seeping through. "Why don't we meet ya'll at Edward's so that we can pick up all of Bella's things."
Edward nods, "Works for me," They look at me expectantly so I mutter my own concurrence, not particularly happy that I'm basically forced to ride with Edward again. It isn't that I mind him, I just feel awkward around him. Minutes later I watch as Jasper and Alice drive out of the parking lot, flashing us a quick wave before speeding off onto the interstate.
I head to Mystery Man's car without a word, willing this drive to go by as quickly as possible.
Thankfully it does and I soon find myself walking next to Alice, chatting about some new restaurant that is opening up that we just, "have to go check out together." I smile, feeling happy to talk to a girl my own age. She is the closest thing I have to a best friend and every time we see each other I always try to take advantage of it, knowing it can be weeks before we get together again.
She leads the way to Edward's apartment, obviously having been here before with Jasper. When we reach the front door, Edward steps forward to unlock it. He holds it open as we walk in, my arm accidentally brushing up against his chest. I blush and duck my head, picking up my pace as I walk to the guest bedroom. He and Jasper stay behind discussion something about the company.
Alice offers to come with me claiming that it'll be quicker if two people do it instead of one. I try to tell her that I really don't need her to come.
"You brought all your clothes and all, right?" she asks as we navigate throughout the apartment. I hesitate knowing my answer will probably backfire on me when she sees what 'all' is but answer truthfully anyways.
I open the door and head towards the few shopping bags by my messenger bag. I can hear her open the drawers to the dresser and cringe, knowing exactly what's coming next.
"Bella, there isn't anything in here. Where did you put all your clothes?" Alice asks confusion evident in her voice.
I rub my nose before turning my back on her, "Over here," I claim not wanting to come out and say it. I feel the dread sinking in, my stomach in knots and my throat thick.
Her heals click against the wooden floor as she comes up behind me. "This is it? This is all of your clothes?" she asks incredulously. I sniffle and nod, any control I once had on my emotions disappearing.
Tears flow down my face as the floodgates open. I squat down and quickly try to stuff all my things into my bag. My glasses slip off my face and I leave them on the ground. I'm beyond embarrassed, humiliated more than I thought possible, and all it takes is one simple question from Alice to send me over the edge. I know she doesn't mean it like it sounded to me, but the words added to the mood I am already in sting my heart.
I slip the bag on across my body, not even caring if I'm leaving something behind at the point. I dash out of the room past Jasper and Edward. Jasper sees me running and calls out after me. I don't stop, I don't look back, I have only one thing in mind; getting out of this apartment.
I can hear them following but I don't care. I see the front door and swing it open, finally allowing myself to slow down. I wait for Jasper and Alice by the elevator. They appear seconds after I do, Edward standing behind them in the doorway. I can't make out his expression through the tears. I snap my head back in front of me, not wanting to see him any longer. The fact that I couldn't control myself long enough only adds to my embarrassment.
As the elevator dings and I step into it I hear the one word that shatters the control I am slowly gaining on my emotions, the one word that makes me fight back a sob. It comes from the doorway, so soft I almost missed it, "Finally." Edward says it and I know immediately he's talking about me leaving, me finally getting out of his precious little apartment. I knew it.
There you go, chapter 5. I'm going to attempt to update again on Sunday IF you guys do you part with the reviews. :) Thank you again to everyone who did and I'll be sending out teasers again. Since we got 11 for the last chapter how about 15 for this one? I know you guys can do that!
I need your help. Do you guys like reading the story in present or past tense better? I'm writing it in present tense at the moment but I'm not sure how the readers feel about it. Let me know, please!
Eclipse came out last night at midnight! Has anyone seen it yet? I can't wait until I see it on Friday, Jackson, Rob, Peter, and Kellen sure looked nice in those trailers. :)
Oh and I wanted to try something. When you review if you want you can suggest some of your favorite fics here or on another site and I'll pick three to post here at the end of the chapter for everyone to be able to see. It can even be your own if you want.
Thank you so much! You guys are the best readers.
xoxoxo
Rae.