Disclaimer- Stephenie still owns the usual suspects.
I own my original characters and original story.
** This parallels Chaps 43 and 44 of V&V. 'Yellow Carnations & First Class' and 'Genuflections & Surprises'. Enjoy!
******************************************LRM******************************************
Chapters 43&44 - Distractions For The Homesick Protagonist
Because of my film schedule the next day, I wasn't able to have much of a conversation with Alec until evening. We were waiting in a restaurant for Jasper and Alice to join us. They'd gotten delayed at Harrod's.
Typical.
I decided there was no time like the present to broach the uncomfortable subject of Alec's social life.
"So Alec. There was a reason I invited you to come along with us tonight."
"There usually is." He answered with a grin.
He is incorrigible.
"Alec, I don't want to interfere in your personal life, but Jesus. Don't you ever worry about all the meaningless sex? Some day this may all come back to haunt you."
He grinned in response. "I hope so. When I'm an old man and can't get it up, I hope that shit haunts my dreams." He blurted out a laugh.
I wasn't amused.
"All I'm saying is that some day one of these women may turn out to be some crazy stalker, and turn your life into a living hell." I tried to have him take me seriously.
Alec looked at me incredulously. "Edward, you watch too many movies man. I actually have my own patented screening process."
Oh Jesus.
"Don't give me that look. As I was saying, I only choose women that are looking for some fun. No commitments. I have a couple of girls I see regularly back in L.A., if you must know, I don't do the 'one night stand' thing that often really."
He has no clue that he sounds like an asshole.
"Those chicks in L.A. know how far they can pry. They also knew from date one not to ask about you."
"Out of morbid curiosity, I'll ask. What do I have to do with your trysts Alec?"
"If they ask about you, I never call them back. That right there is a deal breaker." He said honestly.
This actually surprised me, and it must have shown on my face.
"Don't look so surprised Edward. You may not believe this, but I do take my work for you seriously. If a date asks about you, they've crossed a line."
"So if they want to know about me, you drop them?" I asked.
"Yep."
"What about Lady Gaga from last night? Did she ask about me?" I wanted to laugh when I thought about what I'd heard through the door.
"Who?" Alec looked bewildered.
"I was in the sitting room, getting a bottle of water before bed, and I heard your 'date'," I said using air quotes "shouting something about a disco stick." I actually started to crack up as I said the last two words.
Alec immediately lost his shit, he was laughing so hard. "You heard that?" He said through his guffaws.
"Most definitely." I shook my head as I chuckled. "It was scarring actually." I tried to look appalled, but it was difficult through the laughter.
"Shut the fuck up Edward. You're just jealous because you aren't getting any." He continued to laugh.
What?
"Yeah, I mean, you were living like a monk before, but I thought that since you had a real girlfriend that had changed, But I read the stuff on the internet about Bella. It's all over there that she's a virgin." He smiled and quirked an eyebrow at me. "Dude, how long has it been since you've actually had sex? You know, with a girl, because your hand doesn't count." He smirked.
My jovial mood evaporated.
"Alec, I don't care what you say about me, but you will not speak so casually about a very private matter concerning the woman I love, and you will never compare Isabella to the women you choose to date. That right there is my deal breaker." I could feel myself starting to seethe with anger.
"Ed, relax man." He said as he patted my shoulder. "Dude, I didn't mean anything against Bella. She seems really nice. I was just fucking with you, sorry." He said with a sincere expression.
I took a couple of breaths to calm down.
"Evidently that's the only kind of fucking you'll be getting any time soon." He snickered.
Damn him.
"You're an asshole." I said, my anger was gone. It seems that Alec just couldn't help himself. "Back to these women you choose to bring to the suite."
"Don't worry Edward, the chick from last night was cool. I'm definitely going to see her again. Maybe I'll play music next time to cover the noise." He said as he snickered.
Why the fuck didn't I give Sidney that room?
"I just want to be clear about one thing Alec."
"What's that?" He asked.
"Under no circumstances are you to allow one of your 'dates' into the sitting room. That shit is to be kept in your room only."
"Sure Edward, no problem." He answered.
I sighed and looked up just in time to see Jasper and Alice headed in our direction.
-LRM-
On Tuesday, Alec made sure that I saw the photos on the internet of my 'hot girlfriend' during her night of clubbing. What Alec didn't realize was that I'd already discovered those photos. And I may have looked at them for hours. And I may have copied them into a picture file in my computer. A file which Alec would never see.
Alec neglected to tell me about the video of Bella's belly dance lesson though. It had become an instant hit on youtube. I found that shit on my own. Nothing could compare to the 'private performance' that I had received on skype, but that video came a close second.
I was a little pissed off when I realized that there had been a thousand hits of that video in the first twenty-four hours after posting. But after I thought about it, I realized that five hundred of those hits were probably from me.
But that still meant that there were a whole lot of other perverts eyefucking my girl on youtube. I was not pleased.
-LRM-
On Wednesday, I was finished filming by two in the afternoon, so Alice decided I needed to go with she and Jasper to tour something called 'The London Dungeon'. I had to admit, it was pretty damn scary.
In one section called 'The Torture Chamber' Jasper volunteered to be strapped into a chair, while the Torture Chamber Master used him to demonstrate the use of several torture devices. When the Master brought one of those devices a little too close to the Whitlock family jewels, Jasper cringed like a pussy. Alice and I proceeded to laugh our asses off.
After Bella's reaction to Disneyland's Haunted Mansion, I was certain that this was one attraction she'd never want to see. Even Alice, who is usually not easily frightened, clutched onto Jasper and hid her face in his chest a few times during the tour.
On second thought maybe I will bring Bella here some day….
-LRM-
"The rumor going around the studio is that Plateau has released every one of your former 'dates' from their non-disclosure agreements. Those agreements weren't enforceable anyway." Jasper explained. "Since Tanya's statement, I think the studio is doing damage control. They don't want to come across as the bad guy. Covering up the fact that those NDAs ever existed goes a long way toward ensuring that."
"I wonder if there will be any fallout?" I asked. Fearful that some former date would lie about me to the press.
"We'll just have to wait and see." Jasper said quietly.
The rest of my week was filled with work, phone calls to Bella every evening, and skype every morning.
On Friday Bella revealed something that made me more than uncomfortable.
"So, how are you?" She asked me with a smile.
"Missing my girl." I grinned.
"Edward, you didn't send me flowers today did you?"
"You got flowers?" I asked.
She nodded.
"I didn't send them Bella." I frowned. "They were unsigned?"
She nodded again.
"I don't think I'm comfortable with some strange guy sending you flowers. Where were they sent?"
"To WIRI. So, it's not like he has my home address or anything." She answered.
"That's true. I still don't like it. Was there a card?"
"Yes."
"And?" I pressed. "What did it say Bella?" I asked, wishing she'd just spit it out.
"Just something about looking forward to a 'private dance' with me soon."
What?
"The fuck you say." I was abruptly livid.
"Listen Edward, Rose and I discussed this. The photos from our club hopping are all over the internet, along with video from our belly dancing lesson. Everyone's probably seen it by now."
Exactly what I had already realized. Damn it.
This didn't stop me from freaking the hell out. "Bella, promise me you won't go anywhere alone."
"Edward, you're overreacting."
"Please Bella." I wasn't above begging. "I'm so far away, I'll go out of my mind if I have to worry about your safety."
"Of course Edward. Please don't concern yourself with this any more. I promise not to go anywhere alone."
I breathed a sigh of relief, making a mental note to discuss this with Sidney and Lou as soon as possible.
"So are you ready for movie night tomorrow, er, I guess it's tonight for you." She asked.
She was attempting to change the subject, and I was perfectly willing to let her believe that I wasn't on the verge of a panic attack.
I grinned. "Yes I am. I can't wait baby. I should be back here by five tonight. Speaking of that, I'd better go. You get some sleep and I'll see you tomorrow morning your time."
She nodded, giving me a sad look. "I love you Edward."
"I love you too Bella. Sweet dreams."
-LRM-
On our way to the studio, I spoke with Sidney about the flowers. Unfortunately, his words brought me no comfort.
"The police will not view sending flowers to someone as a threat sir. Even if Miss Swan were to report this, they will do nothing." Sidney explained. "The most you can do is to make sure that Lou stays close."
I nodded in agreement.
During the ride back to the hotel that evening, I made two phone calls. The first was to Lou. I explained what had happened, and let him know that I needed him to be extra vigilant where Bella was concerned, especially while I was away. That taken care of, the next phone call was to Chief Swan.
"Charlie, it's Edward Cullen."
"Hello Edward, aren't you in England?" He asked.
"Yes I am, I will be for a few more weeks."
"Okay. What can I do for you?" The Chief was all business this morning.
"Have you heard about the flowers Bella received?"
"I got a call from Emmett last night." He sighed. "There's not a lot anyone can do Edward, aside from finding out who sent them."
"Well, maybe I'm overreacting because I'm so far away, but it wasn't the flowers that bothered me as much as the card. I found it to be a little creepy."
"Yeah. Emmett told me. Something about wanting a private dance." Charlie sighed. "That could be from anyone. A couple of the guys here at the station told me about some video on the internet of Rose and Bella out clubbing and belly dancing." He said, sounding a little annoyed. "By now, I'm assuming a hell of a lot of people have seen that." He paused before he continued. "You know, I'm used to Emmett pulling stunts in public, like golfing in a kilt." He remarked with disgust. "I have to admit that it's weird for Bells to be the one everyone's talking about." He then gave a low chuckle.
I smiled. "By way of explanation, she and Rose had been drinking quite a lot that night."
"I should hope so." Charlie said. "Ah well, I'm glad she'd coming out of her shell at least."
"That's true." I answered. "I just worry. I couldn't take it if anything happened to her Charlie. So, I've made her promise not to go anywhere unaccompanied."
Charlie was quiet for a moment. "That's good Edward. With Bella's history, I don't want anyone getting too close to her. Even if this turns out to be some kind of harmless admirer, I'm afraid she wouldn't handle it well." Charlie trailed off.
"I'll be glad when I get back." I muttered.
"She will too son. Don't worry so much. Bells has a lot of people looking out for her."
"Thanks Charlie."
"You just get that movie done, so you can get home to our girl." He said.
Our girl.
"Okay sir."
-LRM-
Upon entering my bedroom, I saw Bella's beautiful face gracing my computer screen.
"Someone's anxious for movie night." I smiled. "Sorry I'm a little late. Did you have a good night?"
Bella gave me a beautiful smile. "I did. It would have been better if you were here of course."
I grinned. "I'm going to take a quick shower. Dinner is being delivered to the room, then we can watch the movie together."
"I'll be here waiting Mr. Movie Star." She replied happily.
Tonight's movie choice was 'Pirate Radio'. I was very much looking forward to it.
After my dinner, Bella and I snacked on popcorn as we watched the movie.
We both started chuckling after realizing that one of the major plotlines in the story was about 'Young Carl' losing his virginity.
"We can never escape that shit can we Isabella?" I laughed.
Bella laughed with me. "I think Young Carl's definitely going to lose his virginity by the end of the movie Edward. He's awfully cute."
"So you think Tom Sturridge is cute do you?" I asked, trying to seem jealous.
"He's adorable." Bella grinned.
By the time the movie was over she added "He's got a cute butt too."
I growled softly.
"Don't get jealous Edward, yours is cuter."
Ah, I love it when she blurts her true feelings.
I smiled. "Miss Swan, that was an appallingly shocking thing to say."
"Eh, yeah. Well Edward, um, I did see your naked butt in September Ends. I believe you were already aware of that."
"You know Miss Swan, I'm at a loss here."
"Why's that?" She asked.
"You've seen mine, but I haven't seen yours."
And oh baby, what I wouldn't give to see yours.
"Uh. Um. I've never seen it in person, only on the movie screen." She stuttered out.
"I'll show you mine right now if you show me yours first?" I answered with a smirk.
Seriously.
Bella cleared her throat and a nervous giggle escaped her mouth. "Maybe I would have done that the other night Edward. But today there is zero alcohol in my system. I'm not mooning you on skype."
I cocked my head to one side, still smirking. "That's too bad." I smiled at her then. "Bella, really what's the big deal? It's not like I'm asking for a frontal view." I smirked again and laughed. "Okay, I'll admit that as much as I'd enjoy seeing any part of your body on skype, I guess I'd rather wait to see some parts in person. But Bella, I'm definitely not covering my eyes if you decide to flash me."
She blushed a lovely shade. "Stop teasing me." She said as she giggled again.
"I'm not teasing baby. Just remember, my offer still stands, among others I've made."
Although those could only be accomplished in person.
"What's gotten into you?" She smiled back.
"Just missing you." I admitted.
And worrying about you.
We talked for the rest of the evening. All too soon it was time for me to sleep.
I reluctantly said goodbye to my girl, having to be satisfied with seeing her in my dreams.
-LRM-
"Rose tells me that Bella is handling the publicity pretty well." Alice said.
It was the night before Alice and Jasper were scheduled to fly home, and we were on our way to The Ivy for a late dinner with several members of the cast and crew. It was Yves's birthday, so the director had reserved a private room to celebrate, and we expected about thirty people to show up.
"Seems to be." I muttered.
Alice knew this was a touchy subject.
"Edward, cheer up, there are a lot of worse things they could be saying about her aside from the fact that she's a virgin." Alice grinned.
"I know that." I said quietly. "As usual, I'm beating myself up over the fact that she wouldn't have to deal with any of this, if not for me."
"Edward, Bella's very happy since she found you. She wouldn't be happy without you. I believe she thinks the sacrifice of her privacy is worth it." She smiled softly. "In other words, you are worth it brother dear."
I shrugged, not knowing what to say.
Alice studied me for a minute. "You know how Bella's lack of self-esteem troubles you Edward?" Alice asked.
"Yes."
Where is she going with this?
"Well, it's sort of the same way I feel about you when go on these self-hatred kicks." She smirked. "You kind of hate yourself, and feel sorry for yourself all at the same time. It's annoying."
I cringed a little, realizing that she was right.
Alice noted the expression on my face. "Don't over think it Edward. I'll tell you when you're being stupid."
"Am I being stupid right now?" I questioned.
She quirked an eyebrow. "A little." She said with a gin.
"Sorry Alice. I'll work on it." I said with a worried smile.
Within an hour of our arrival, the party was in full swing. Yves's fiancée Crystal had flown over a couple of days before, and she and Alice hit it off immediately.
Unfortunately, Nicole French was also at the party. She really was an odd girl. Every time I glanced at her, she was either texting on her phone, or flirting with someone.
She made the mistake of approaching our table.
"Hello Edward." She purred as I was deep in conversation with Jasper.
"Hello Nicole." I answered politely.
"Are you going to introduce me to your friend?" She said while giving Jasper the once-over.
"Nicole French, this is my manager Jasper Whitlock."
"Pleasure to meet you, Jasper." She breathed.
Nothing got past my sister. Even though Alice had been leaning toward Crystal while chatting with her, at the sound of Nicole's pronouncement of her husband's name, Alice turned her entire head and body toward us, shot a quick glare at Nicole, and proceeded to slide onto Jasper's lap. Once there she placed a scorching kiss on his lips. Essentially claiming him as her own.
I laughed out loud at Jasper's surprised expression, and Nicole looked offended.
Alice never acknowledged Nicole's presence, and having successfully distracted her husband, spent the next ten minutes whispering with or kissing him. The two of them looked even more in love than on the day of their wedding.
I sighed.
I miss Bella.
With Jasper clearly unavailable, Nicole then turned her attention to me. She started to reach her hand out to touch my chest. I gave her such a withering glare which must have caused her to think better of it, because she pulled her hand back abruptly.
"I guess I'll go say hi to a couple of people. See you later Edward." She said before dashing away.
I grinned as Jasper caught my eye and nodded while smirking.
Everyone had the next day off, so I knew the party would continue until very late. Thankfully, we had the excuse to bow out rather early due to the fact that Jasper and Alice were catching a flight the next day.
I was sad to see Jasper and Alice go, aside from the fact that I would miss them, their presence had helped staunch the feeling of overwhelming loneliness I'd felt without Bella. Also, I knew that without my sister there to drag me out in public, I would turn back into a hermit.
After deposting Jasper and Alice at the airport, I returned to my suite and pulled out my guitar.
I will leave behind all of my clothes I wore when I was with you
All I need's my railroad boots and my leather jacket
As I say goodbye to Ruby's arms, although my heart is breaking,
I will steal away out through your blinds for soon you will be waking...
During the times I couldn't talk to Bella, I played a lot of Tom Waits, my artist of choice when I was depressed.
-LRM-
The next few days were uneventful. During our spare time, I hung out with Tony quite a bit. He was lonely just like I was, although he was looking forward to his wife's arrival in a couple of weeks.
We had dinner with Yves and Crystal a couple of times, but I couldn't help the stab of jealousy I experienced now and then knowing that they got to have their girls with them, and I wouldn't get to experience that.
My system of phoning or skyping with Bella would be interrupted now and then by changes in my filming schedule, or by her social schedule.
"So, tomorrow night I won't be home to skype with you Edward. Joanna, Tara and I are having a study session, and I'm spending the night with them."
I was immediately disappointed. I lived for those skype sessions. "Okay baby. Can you phone me at least?"
"Sure. I can do that."
-LRM-
As usual, I spoke with Bella on the phone during her lunch the next day. She seemed a little jumpy, but I didn't think a lot of it.
The next morning, which was evening for Bella, I waited for her phone call, but it never came. Instead I got a call from Rose informing me that Bella was having phone problems, and wouldn't feel right using one of her friends' phones to call England.
I almost begged Rose for the friend's phone number, but stopped myself. I didn't need to interfere with Bella's time with her friends. Instead, I decided to suck up my disappointment and continue on with my day, knowing I'd speak with Bella that night.
I was in a shitty mood all morning, not having had my Bella fix, and unfortunately, people noticed. Alec couldn't get away from me fast enough when I told him I didn't need him during the lunch break.
After completing a rather tedious scene that afternoon, Hal called a break while they set up for the next one. Not wanting to infect anyone else with my sullen mood, I decided to spend the break time in my trailer.
I tested the doorknob as I always did before pulling out my key.
Damn you Alec, you left this door unlocked.
This was the first time he'd forgotten to lock the door since I'd instructed him to do so. I walked in and locked it behind me. When I turned around, I couldn't believe what I was seeing. All the blinds were drawn, but even in the dim light I could make out the form of someone lying on my couch.
"What the fuck?" I muttered loudly. "How the hell do these people get through security?"
I needed to get whoever the hell this was out of my trailer immediately.
"Wake up now! I am going to kick Alec's ass for leaving this fucking door unlocked." There was no response from the person on the couch.
Great. Glad to know that some random stalker has made themselves so fucking comfortable in my trailer.
Damn it!
"Look you, whoever you are, I need you to get the hell out of my trailer. I could have you arrested for trespassing."
The person still didn't move or answer me. I ran my hands roughly through my hair.
"Fuck. This is not working. You! Would you please wake up. If you're expecting me to touch you to get you to move, that is not going to happen. I'll have my bodyguard come and carry you out of here."
No way am I laying a finger on whoever that is, so they can later claim assault. At that moment, the figure on the couch rolled over to face me.
"I don't want Sidney to carry me. I want you to hold me and kiss me hello Edward." She whispered. I felt all the air leave my lungs.
Bella? My Bella? I must be hallucinating.
"Surprise." She added with a smile.
I was frozen in place. I could not believe this was really happening.
How was she here?
After a long pause, I was finally able to speak. "Bella" I whispered.
"Edward, I only intended to surprise you, not put you into a coma." The apparition giggled as she walked over to me.
As soon as I heard that giggle, I knew she was real. I didn't know how or why, but my beautiful girl was here with me. Either that, or I'd had a psychotic break from reality.
"You're really here?" I asked as I pulled her into my arms.
"Nope. I'm still over there." She said, pointing to the couch.
It has to be her. No one else is that much of a smart ass.
"Oh Bella" Then my lips were on hers as she melted into me.
This is what I'd been missing for weeks. My home, my safe harbor, the place I am happiest. The place where I have Bella in my arms.
I couldn't stop kissing her. As long as I held onto her and kissed her, I knew she wouldn't disappear. As I continued to kiss every inch of exposed skin, I whispered to her as she moaned in response. We may have been completely swept away by the moment if not for the knock on my trailer door.
"Five minutes Mr. Masen." A voice sounded from outside.
I sighed. "Oh Bella, I'm afraid if I go, you will have disappeared by the time I get back."
"I'm not leaving Edward" She whispered.
Suddenly I had a brilliant idea. "Come" I ordered as I grabbed her hand and started pulling her toward the door.
"You want me on the set?" She asked, a little bewildered.
"There's nothing I want more at this moment." I grinned. "I want to show my girlfriend off to everyone."
-LRM-
I held onto Bella's hand as we traversed the set and I introduced her to every single person involved with the movie. A few of my cast mates gave me knowing smiles when they met Bella, understanding the reason for my 180 degree mood swing since that morning.
Hal made her feel right at home. "So we finally meet the lovely Bella." He smiled as he shook her hand. "This fellow here thinks the world of you my dear." He said, causing her beautiful blush to appear.
"I'm pretty crazy about him too." She said as she beamed at me.
There was one more short scene I needed to film, so I deposited Bella in my chair where she could observe. It didn't take long to finish, especially seeing that I had a huge incentive to get it right in order to leave for the day.
Sidney was waiting in the lot. When he saw Bella, he smiled broadly. "Good evening Miss Swan."
"Hello Sidney. Good to see you."
As we rode back to the hotel, I started questioning her. "So, aren't you missing class?"
"The only day that I miss class is on Thursday. All my professors know, and gave me the work to complete ahead of time." She answered.
I smiled. "So I've got you for how long?"
"I have to fly back on Monday." she answered.
"We'd better make the most of it then." I gave her a wicked grin and pulled her into my arms, holding her in a passionate kiss until we reached the hotel.
Apart from the day Bella told me she loved me, I'd never been happier.
*************************************A/N***********************************
A/N Song Rec: 'Ruby's Arms' by Tom Waits
Hope you liked that. A little of Edward when Bella's not around. He's kind of pathetic and lonely if Alice isn't there to draw him out of his shell. Just the way Bella is without Rose and Emmett.
I've decided that anyone who reviews this chapter will get a 'sneak peek' in their review response of the next V&V chap. Make sure your Fanfic profile allows responses to reviews if you want the sneak peek.
Again, thanks to all of you who reviewed the last LRM, your responses made me very happy! I'm off to write the next V&V. Ciao!