Stephenie has it all. I just decided to play with her characters and add some of mine.
Pictures of the characters on my web, here: http:/ newdawn-newday-newlife . webs . com/ residentadviser . htm.
As you know by now, remove the spaces. On FB you find me under the name of Cherry Bella.
THANK YOU, GUYS! I never expected so many reviews or story Alerts/Favorites or hits. You are great! This is seriously my only story to receive such feedback! I update every week.
Pre-read by TeamAllTwilight.
PS: For those that don't know, I posted outtakes for this story. It's about Edward. And I'm working on more outtakes right now.
I was sure that for the game in Chicago, we'd take a plane. No such luck. We were back on the university's bus.
I was lucky for not having any class on Friday, but I'd lose the classes on Thursday, the day we were leaving. I really didn't care.
This time, I was the only girlfriend to tag along. Rose had classes on Friday and Alice had to meet with her thesis teacher, and Jared and his girlfriend were on a break.
Edward had consulted Google maps and complained about leaving on Thursday when he had a test, whining that he didn't want to take it alone. According to Google maps, the distance between Seattle and Chicago was covered in a day and nine hours, but he hadn't thought about stops for sleep, pee, food, and so on.
Thursday morning, I stumbled to the bus like a zombie since I had worked on my thesis the whole night, and was too tired to look at the ground. Edward was in a good mood, even though it was five in the morning. He had sat his test alone and the teacher had told him his grade on spot, it was A, of course.
When we stopped next to the bus, I dropped onto the duffle bag, putting my head on my lap. I couldn't wait to fall asleep again. Something wet touched my cheek and I moaned, complaining.
"Edward, stop."
"How you wound me, Bella," he shouted from a few feet away.
If he was there… I glanced up and found Spot, tongue out, waggling his tail.
"Argh!" I shouted, rubbing my cheek vigorously. Everyone started laughing and Spot leaned to lick me again. I pushed against his muzzle, feeling like throwing up. He was great and all, but no slobber on my face, please.
Finally, on the bus, I made a beeline to the back and lounged on the four seats. Emmett appeared next to me a second later, tugging me away.
"No!" I complained. "I'm tired."
"But I want to stay there!"
"Stay somewhere else," I muttered, trying to lie down again.
He wasn't allowing me. Until Edward appeared behind him.
"Leave her alone, idiot. She hasn't slept last night."
"And it's your fault," Emmett grumbled.
"She worked on her thesis, you fuckwit!"
"Boys, can you sit down? We're leaving," Shaw told them, hands on two headrests. "You can let her sleep there. You don't have your name written on the backseat."
"Thank you," I mumbled. He smiled at me. "Now, sit down, Cullen. Both of you."
They shot each other glares and sat down on either side of the aisle. I saw Shaw going back to the front, leaning to the driver and that was the last thing I remembered.
Waking up to Edward kissing my cheek was nice. I blinked rapidly to focus on him.
"Hey," he whispered. I saw he was crouching in front of me, his hands on the seats under me. "We're going to stop in about half an hour. I thought you wanted to stretch for a few minutes."
"Yeah," I murmured, rolling my shoulders.
"Did you sleep well?"
"Yeah."
"Is she always monosyllabic when she's waking up?" I heard Bob asking, laughing.
I showed him my middle finger, closing back my eyes. There was a slap and a loud protest then Shaw's voice echoed in the quiet bus.
"Don't fight!"
When I cracked an eye open, I saw Bob's head under Edward's armpit as Edward rubbed his fisted fingers to his friend's head.
"Back the fuck off, Cullen!"
Edward tightened his grip around his neck. I saw Coach Shaw approaching, looking very amused. I really wanted to warn them, but I couldn't find my voice. Before he reached them, Edward let Bob go. They were glaring at each other when Shaw stopped behind them.
It was like in that scene in Harry Potter when Snape slapped Harry and Ron behind their heads. It was so funny, I couldn't help but laugh.
"Emmett, I swear to God, I'm going to…" Edward whirled around, fists up then he froze. "Coach."
"Do I have to tie you down? I'm talking to both of you."
"We were just…" Edward started explaining.
"Fucking around," Bob quipped up, earning a punch in the shoulder from Edward.
"Gravel, you're coming with me. I have to separate you. You sit down," Shaw snapped at Edward, who pushed me away and sat beside my head before I realized what happened. Shaw pushed Bob toward the front of the bus, sending one of the girls to the back. It was the girl from the coffee shop. Perfect.
"How long until the stop?" I muttered under my breath.
"Twenty minutes," Edward whispered, rubbing the back of his neck. "His hand is so fucking heavy."
"You deserved it. You should have stopped."
"But it annoys me when he's making fun of you, of me, of us…"
My heart leaped at his words, but as much as I loved him taking my side, I didn't want him to get hurt.
"Be good," I told him, putting my head on his lap, looking up at him.
He smirked, his eyes traveling down to my blouse. He licked his lips, his eyes darkening.
I looked down to see what he was seeing. There were no buttons to have popped open or V–neck to have let my boob out. As I glanced down, he flicked my nose, bursting in rancorous laughing.
"Fuck you," I hissed, getting up, rubbing my nose.
"Coach will throw me out of the bus."
I growled, glaring at him, wondering what I could do in revenge. I couldn't flick his nose – he'd expect that, maybe I could tug on his ear, or pull on his hair? He'd like that. I was on my knees, looking at him, still pondering my move when the bus took a right and lurched to a stop, making me lose balance and knock my forehead on his.
"You okay?" Edward whispered, leaning back a little, rubbing his head.
"No," I groaned. "You split my head open."
"You hit me."
"Everyone out! We need some fresh air!" Shaw shouted, his eyes on us, especially on Edward.
We were in North Dakota as it read on the small rustic restaurant we had stopped at. I looked back at the bus, waiting for Edward to come on. A moment later, he jumped out. The smirk left his face when he saw Shaw glaring at him.
I was sure it was the tension that made him act like a brat. Many things were waiting for us in Chicago. His game in the city of the team that he'd play at the next season, seeing our future house and probably meeting his parents – Liz and Ed, as we started calling them.
After a bathroom break and buying sandwiches, we were back on the bus. When I went back to the bench, I found Spot there, snoozing.
Edward pushed him to the left and sat down. I sat next to him, pressed to his thigh since the dog was big and occupying more than two seats.
I munched on my sandwich while Edward ate two and drank a bottle of Coca Cola.
"How many more games are there?" I wondered, bunching up the sandwich wrapper when I was done.
Edward shot me a weird look. "This is the last one. You're crying shame upon me," he snorted.
"Sorry, Captain, but you never talk."
"I thought you knew," he defended himself.
The rest of the way until our stop for the night was quiet. After eating, everyone was asleep, except the girls in the front, of course. I snuggled in Edward's side, letting myself go back to sleep. It was going to be a sleepless night after so many hours slept during the day.
When I woke, I was hugging someone fluffy and soft. Something furry touched my arm and I opened an eye. My arms were around Spot, and I was spooning him if that was accurate. It was night outside. I could hear Emmett talking with someone a few seats in front of us. When I glanced at Edward, I found him in his corner, his head on his shoulder, sleeping deeply. He looked so small and innocent, only I knew better.
Suddenly Emmett gave a loud bark of laugh. Spot pushed one of his legs into my thigh, moving his tail on my lap.
"Spare me!" Emmett boomed, slapping something. "You get it? Sperm me?"
I rolled my eyes, running my hand over Spot's soft fur. Emmett and his silly jokes.
Edward groaned and before I could react, his head landed on my lap. Over Spot's tail, who turned in his sleep, growling ready to bite. I pushed his head away on time.
"Shh." I petted his head, trying to push Edward away. Spot realized what was going on and whined, squirming. "Wait, don't break your tail," I whispered. "Edward." He didn't move. I shook his shoulder earning a loud moan.
Emmett's head poked around his seat to see what was going on, of course. I waved to him, still trying to wake up his brother. Spot could take as much pain. It took Emmett approximately one minute to realize what was going on then he was crouching in front of the bench.
"Bro, wake up."
Edward turned his face to my stomach, inhaling then he was sitting up and sneezing, running the back of his hand over his mouth.
I stroked Spot's fur and he cuddled close to me, whining softly. I was sure it hurt him. "He didn't mean it, I'm sure."
"What the hell happened?" Edward asked, still sneezing.
"You were hurting Spot," Emmett informed him.
"It's your fault actually," I reproached him. "You and your loud voice. Sperm me," I said, rolling my eyes. "Edward was on his side over there until you shouted then he sort of fell on us…trapping Spot's tail between his head and my lap."
"Oh, crap. But it was so funny…you should have heard Jazz," Emmett laughed.
"Spare me," Edward grumbled, emphasizing the word.
Lucky we pulled over in a hotel in Minneapolis before they stared bickering. In his sleepy haze, Edward didn't grab my bag and I had to wash with his stuff, not that I minded terribly but I wanted my shower gel. He was all too happy to offer me his shirt to sleep in. The only problem was that we were sharing the room with someone. Someone that was yet to make it inside.
We had settled in one of the beds when the door opened and our roommate stepped inside.
"Is that Jazz?" Edward whispered in my ear.
"He's taller than Jasper."
"Bob maybe. But I know how he looks like."
"Don't tell anyone else you can recognize Bob from his silhouette," I whispered, giggling.
"We definitely switched personalities," Edward said in my hair.
"Let's hope not or I'd have to replace you in the court."
"You think you're so funny, Swan."
"I know I am."
"Definitely switched personalities," he mumbled.
"Are you two going to talk the whole night?"
We froze. It was Shaw.
"Coach?" Edward asked on a high pinched tone.
"Yes, Cullen. Apparently no one wants to sleep in the same room with you two."
"I don't know why," he answered, his fingers digging into my thigh. "Fuck me," he added under his breath.
"What was that?"
"Nothing, nothing. Good night, Coach."
"Night you two. Don't mind me."
We tried to not mind him, but it was impossible. He was snoring like a broken tractor. Edward shoved his head under the pillow, giggling like a school girl. I kept kicking him, hoping he'd get a grip, but he didn't stop until my knee connected with his groin. Purely by accident when I shifted away from him.
"Jesus Fucking Christ!" he shouted, biting the pillow.
I turned back to him, hugging him. "Sorry. I swear I didn't mean it."
"There'd be no heirs if you keep up that shit."
"What?" I asked surprised. Had I hit him too hard? His little friend was connected with his brain and I probably caused some sort of short circuit.
"You heard me. Every night we sleep together, I end up with a bruise."
It was my turn to giggle, burrowing my face in his chest.
"It's not fucking funny." But he kissed my forehead, squeezing me in his arms. "Would it be wise to prank him?" It was the last thing I heard him mumble. I was too tired to poke him.
I was sleeping, probably dreaming when loud pounding ricocheted in the door. "Wake up, fuckers! Coach is MIA!" Emmett called out.
We turned around to find Shaw putting his socks on. "Good morning," he offered, smiling.
"Don't make me come in!" Emmett yelled from the other side.
"If we get fined for disturbance, he's paying it," Shaw said almost seriously before he opened the door.
"About fucking time bro." Emmett wrapped an arm around Shaw's shoulder. Then he stopped and started screaming. "COACH!"
I fell back on the bed, shoving my face in the pillow. My ribs started protesting at how hard I was laughing.
An hour later, back on the bus, Edward and I kept bursting in spontaneous chuckles.
When we arrived to Chicago, after checking in our hotel room – alone this time, we decided to meet the woman Liz had talked to.
"I have the number," Edward insisted. He had emptied his duffle bag on the bed and was searching through it.
"Why didn't you save it in your phone? A piece of paper could get lost," I moaned.
"I meant to do it, but I forgot. Aha! Oh, fuck. There's no name."
"And couldn't you remember one name?" I asked, snatching the small paper from his hand.
"Carma? Camellia?"
I giggled. "Are you a Boy George fan?"
"That's a good song, but seriously, I'm not good with names." Don't I know?
"Call Liz." I handed him his phone as I started folding his clothes. Such a big baby.
"Hello?" he asked, going to the window. "Yeah, uh, I have a problem… Oh, no. We made it alright… I just forgot the real estate agent's name… Carmen, that's it! Thanks, Liz… I will talk to Bella…Okay. Bye." He shot me a smile. "Carmen Wilson."
I rolled my eyes. "Let's go then."
"Wait. I have to call and see if she can…take us now."
Finally, finally we were in a small restaurant, waiting for our lunch meeting with Carmen Wilson. I couldn't wait for her to arrive. Not eating properly in some hours had me ravenous. Edward was pushing food around his plate, looking green.
"Are you okay?" I asked, letting my fork down.
He opened his mouth to answer but his mouth slapped to it before he rushed in the general direction of the men's toilet. I wanted to go after him, but I just couldn't. Carmen was due any moment and it wasn't wise to barge in the men's room.
A sharp dressed woman stepped inside the restaurant and I couldn't help but eye her. She looked like the perfect business woman. That's how I wanted to end up. When the host led her to our table, I felt like hyperventilating. This woman was the agent.
"Hello, Bella," she greeted me, smiling.
I got up, nearly spilling my plate over me when I caught it with the buckle of my belt. "Hi." That sounded retarded. "Uh, hello, Carmen."
"Are we alone or is your boyfriend joining us?" She sat down, telling the waiter to bring her a glass of water.
"He's here…" I mumbled, looking toward the men's room just as he emerged. His eyes widened when he saw Carmen and his face became paler if possible. "Right here," I continued.
Carmen smiled, looking up just as Edward stopped next to us. "Hello."
"Hello, Mrs. Wilson," he greeted her. To my shock, he kissed her hand.
It was nice I wasn't the only one unsure how to act.
"Okay, kids. Why so much tension?" she asked, laughing. "I know this is a big step and everything, but we're going to discuss your future not going to kill you."
Edward chuckled, running a hand through his messy hair. "Chicago…is very…" he trailed off, gulping.
"Oh, I know everything. Liz told me."
Why would she do such a thing? I looked at Edward to see how he was taking the news. He was ripping a napkin meticulously.
"Did you have a house in mind or you'd like me to help you?" she asked, sensing the tension.
"Edward," I said on a high voice. I cleared my throat, wishing the nerves would just disappear. "He found a few houses, but we don't know anything about this."
"Of course. Why don't you tell me what you'd like?" She was interrupted by the waiter bringing her water and asking what he could get her. She ordered pasta.
Edward beat me to it, starting a mind blogging explanation in architectural terms. How did he know? Could he have documented himself for this? How much did he want this?
Carmen was nodding and smiling, suggesting stuff to which he mostly disagreed, coming with a wise argument.
"Anything to add?" she turned to me.
I was still trying to collect my jaw from my plate. Edward was ignoring me. "Uhh, house alarm?" I asked dumbly.
"Oh, right. People usually forgo that, thinking it wouldn't happen to them." Carmen nodded, scribbling on her notepad. "A back yard? How big?" She turned to Edward.
He shrugged, glancing at me as if I had the answer. "Average?"
She laughed, shaking her head. "I know what you mean. Do you want a big driveway or a garage?"
"Both."
"Why?" I complained.
"You may be in a hurry and park the car in front of the house…and beside, a garage is safe."
"Yeah, get the garage."
"Both," he insisted on a final tone.
Carmen scribbled away giggling. "Can I ask for how long you've been together?"
"About one year," Edward answered, taking my hand.
She looked shocked. Yeah, we acted like we've been together all our lives. "You act just like an old married couple, or I should rectify…newlyweds. I get them a lot and they shout at each other about the house…and when we finally come to an agreement they start kissing and make plans of making babies and buying pets like nothing had happened."
I became interested in the food on my plate as Edward continued ripping the napkin.
Carmen sensed she was threading uncharted territories and apologized softly, stirring the subject back to the house. We answered her questions, asking about what we didn't know or suggesting things and about an hour later she announced us that she had two houses for us. One of them was in Edward's pictures.
He was good a picking rings.
He was good a picking houses.
He was good at making babies stop crying.
I gasped when I realized what I had just thought. They turned to me, worried. I shook my head, trying to think of something else.
We left the restaurant with the promise to meet Carmen in the morning.
Review. And I apologize for anything that is off with the b-ball season. I'm trying to be accurate, but I promise as Edward starts his new life, it will be more accurate.