Disclaimer: Twilight and characters belong to Stephenie Meyer.
"Bella?" Edward asked confused. He hadn't heard from her in two days.
"Edward!" Bella squealed and then laughed. "I broke my phone. It shattered after I fell in front of everyone, so I finally tracked down Alice and stole her phone. Can you believe I don't know your phone number by heart? You would think I would know that, but I don't. Oh, man. I miss you so much!"
Edward sighed in relief. He couldn't help but laugh a little as well. He never heard Bella talk so much. It was refreshing to hear her so happy to speak to him.
"I thought maybe you were sick of me." Edward admitted, "I was also worried. You don't know how close I came to jumping on a plane to check on you."
"I'm sorry. I didn't even think that you might be worried. I just figured you might have just thought that I was ignoring you."
"Bella, you need to join the rest of the sheep and get on Facebook," Edward teased.
"Pfft, Facebook. Please. Why would I want to get in touch with anyone from high school? I hated high school."
"Well, you can play Café World?" Edward said, not fully convinced himself.
"Nah, I'm good."
"Well, how about we move this relationship to the next level at least?"
Bella was silent on the other end of the phone. Edward realized what he said could have been taken many different ways.
"I think we should swap email addresses," Edward clarified.
"Oh, right," Bella giggled. "That would be wise, huh? So, when are you coming back?"
Edward let her know that he would be flying back in three days. This wouldn't give them much time together, since classes started the day after he arrived home.
"I hope my classes aren't as boring as last semester's," Bella grumbled.
They talked some more about their schedules and made plans for Edward's return. Jasper had already agreed to pick him up from the airport and Bella wanted to go along. Edward didn't want her to have to make the trip, so he told her not to worry and he would call her as soon as he got in. Then they both laughed, because he wouldn't be able to call her.
"You really need to get a new phone."
"I know! I just haven't decided which one yet. I've been reading reviews online. I'll go tomorrow… and email you to let you know."
Edward heard some muffled voices in the background and then some static noise. He could sort of make out Bella pleading with another female.
"Edward! You two have been talking for hours. I need my phone back. I'm handing it to Bella now, but it's only so you can say goodbye. Ok?" Alice instructed.
Edward stuttered for a second, but then answered, "Ok."
"She totally just tackled me and took the phone." Bella sulked. Edward could tell she moved the phone away from her mouth when she yelled, "It was completely uncalled for!" because it wasn't as loud. It was obvious she had been yelling at Alice. "I have to say goodbye now."
"Yeah, I heard." Edward sighed.
Alice ended up having to confiscate her phone back. Edward said his last goodbye to the wrong girl.
The following night Edward received his first email from Bella Swan. With the time difference he knew it was still early evening where she was. He opened it straight away and read how her mission had been a success. She was a proud new owner of some crap phone he never heard of. She also mentioned how she went to three different stores before deciding, which annoyed her friend greatly.
Edward wondered why she said friend and not Alice… or Rose… or Jasper… or Emmett. He brushed it off though and wrote her back. Then he texted her just to say he missed her.
She replied almost immediately mirroring his words.
The flight back was insignificant, but Jasper was late picking Edward up from the airport. This was no surprise. He kept his book out of his bag for just that reason and read while he waited. Thoughts of Bella distracted him and he really wished he told her to ride along with Jasper so he could see her sooner rather than later.
His hopes were dashed when Jasper pulled up alone. He was silently praying that she didn't listen to him.
"How was Chicago?" Jasper tried to imitate a faux-Chicago accent, but ended up just sounding terrible.
"The same. I just want to get home. Thanks for the lift, by the way." Edward rolled the window down a smidge and lit a cigarette.
"I thought you quit," Jasper said, nodding towards the stick in Edward's hand.
"I did. It was a long flight. I just dealt with my parents. I deserve this… just don't tell Bella."
Jasper laughed and shook his head.
When they were close to home Edward noticed that Jasper took a wrong turn. He didn't question it, because he thought maybe he knew something he didn't. Perhaps there was traffic ahead. It wasn't until they pulled into a familiar diner that Edward finally spoke up.
"Jazz, I just want to go home," Edward protested.
"Oh, buck up Eddie… everyone is waiting to see you," Jasper said with a smile.
Edward sat straight up in his seat. That meant Bella was in there. Without another word he followed Jasper into the brightly lit establishment.
As soon as Bella noticed Edward she was in his arms, hugging him. She pulled him down into the booth next to her, across from where Jasper and Alice were already sitting. They began asking the basic catch-up questions, only pausing when Emmett and Rosalie strolled in. Then their booth was the loudest in the restaurant. All of them were laughing, throwing fries, or leaning in to ask each other another question.
"Thank you for my Christmas present," Edward said, leaning in close to Bella's ear.
Bella turned to face him. "You opened it?"
"I'm sorry I ruined your dress. It was very pretty."
Bella blushed and then laughed. "Did you like your actual Christmas present?"
"I don't know. I haven't been home yet. I left it under my tree," Edward said while running his finger over her neck. He began pulling up on the chain that led to her locket. Bella covered his hand to stop him.
"Edward, there is something I need to tell you, but it's not that big of a deal. I just thought you should know."
"Shoot. You can tell me anything." Edward bent down and kissed her hand. The one that held his.
"I ran into Jacob… the guy from my class. He helped me out the other day. I've kind of become friends with him," Bella said with worry.
Edward paused. He looked Bella in the eyes and then said, "Come with me for a minute."
He grabbed her hand, helped her out of the booth, and then led her out the front door. Standing to the far corner, away from prying eyes, Edward started. "What do you mean you have been hanging out with Jacob?"
"I haven't been hanging out with him. It was only lunch, and he helped me pick out a cell phone…."
"Wait, he was the friend? This is great. I'm gone for like a week and you are off with another guy. With Jacob." Edward was furious. He hadn't had a single conversation with another girl while away, except maybe the flight attendant on the way back. That was only to ask for a pillow.
"Edward, you are overreacting. I am only telling you this because I don't want you to think I'm keeping anything from you," Bella replied with a raised voice.
Edward stopped his pacing to look at her. She was standing there with pink cheeks and a scowl. He couldn't help but think how cute she looked. He was still mad, though.
"I don't want you to see him anymore," Edward argued.
"What?" she barked.
"I forbid it."
"Edward, you are being unfair. This is ridiculous. You can't forbid me to see someone. I'm not twelve. You aren't my father. I'm trying to be upfront with you. Like an adult."
They both stood there scowling at each other until Jasper peeked his head out the front door. The cold air outside made Jasper shiver. He kept his body inside in the warmth.
"Um, your order is up. You guys?" Jasper called.
Edward walked towards his friend. "Jazz, I'm tired. I'll spot you for dinner. Just, could you take me home now?"
Jasper walked fully into the cold night after getting a look at Edward's angry face. "Yeah, sure man. I'll just let Alice know."
"I'll tell Alice," Bella muttered, making her way back inside leaving a perplexed Jasper and a livid Edward in the cold.
Special thanks go to Jessica0306 and all my readers.