Chapter Two – Ordinary

BPOV

It's been six months since I graduated from Berkeley and what have I done with my life?

Not much.

I've found myself in somewhat of a rut since graduating from college. I have a hard earned degree in Communications, but I'm not entirely sure what I want to do with it just yet. My biggest fear is that I won't be able to find my place in this world and end up back in my small hometown, Forks, Washington. It's not that there's anything wrong with where I grew up. It's a nice small town with friendly people. It's home, but it's not where I belong.

I've always envisioned big things for myself. When I was younger, I used to dream about rising up and getting out of my hometown to find whatever else what waiting out in the big world. I would dream of success, laughter, friendship, love, and happiness. Everything anyone could ever want.

When I was accepted to Berkeley it seemed like my dreams might finally be coming true. I remember the feeling of pure excitement that took me over as I read my acceptance letter and fantasized of all the future held. I was going to a new place with new people and a chance at a new life.

My college years were some of the best of my life and they passed by in a blur. A mixture of classes, parties, friends, and fun. At college I didn't have to be the shy little Bella Swan I was in Forks. I was able to branch out and become somebody new. That's not to say that I'm the most outgoing person in the world. I'm still a reserved girl, but I'm not nearly as caught in my shell as I used to be. If college taught me anything, it's that letting go every once in the while is a good thing. The problem is, now that the fantastic world of college is over, I don't know what to do with myself.

My good friend Emmett was the one who suggested I move to Chicago. He claims that in a city like this one, I'm bound to find something that suits me. Emmett and I go back to Forks. We grew up together and he's always been the huge, teddy bear big brother I've never had. He looks out for me like I'm his little sister and has always done everything in his power to ensure that I'm happy. I truly do love and appreciate him for it.

"Bella! Earth to Bella!" My roommate Alice calls to me, snapping her fingers.

"What?"

"I've been calling your name, but you've been completely zoned out for the past five minutes."

"I'm sorry, Alice. What were you saying?"

"I was saying that I think we should go out tonight. Maybe hit up and club and do a little guy hunting. What do you say?" Alice asks with a glint in her eye.

I recognize the look on her face instantly. It's her sign to the world that she's determined to have her way and simply will not take no for an answer.

Alice was my roommate at college and I owe her for the slow gain of self confidence I received over the past few years. Alice is the kind of person who can walk into any situation anywhere and just automatically shine. She's a perky, fun, sweet girl, and my rock every time I just need someone to confide in. I was absolutely thrilled when she agreed to move to Chicago with me, so we could take on the city together.

Alice was a fashion major and while most girls would flock to New York to make it big in the fashion world, she wanted to gamble and try to make her way in Chicago. She has a sense of style like no one I've ever seen and, although I'm not much for primping and accessorizing, I have been her personal Barbie doll on more than one occasion. She has more talent than most people I know and I can't wait to see what she does with it.

I wish I could say the same about myself.

"Sounds like a plan to me. I think we could use a night out," I say with a smile.

"Really! Yes! I'm so excited, Bella. We're going to have a great time," she prattles on about our upcoming night on the town. Then Alice looks at the clock and switches the subject, "Shit. I'm going to be late for work. I'll see you when I get home, Bella!"

With that she runs out the door and I'm left alone. I look at the clock on the end table in the living room. It's still early and I don't have anything planned for the day. I walk across the room to the large floor-to-ceiling windows that look out over the heart of the city.

Alice and I share a fantastic two bedroom apartment in the heart of The Loop, Chicago's downtown business district. With high ceilings, beautiful picture windows, and fabulous view of both the city and the Chicago River; our apartment is to die for. The price tag is a painful reminder of that. With the help of Alice's parents, Mr. and Mrs. Brandon, we were able to get a great deal on the apartment.

I'm determined that someday I'll find a way to pay Alice and her family back for all they've done for me since finishing college. My family isn't poor by any means, but we've never had as much money as a family like the Brandon's. My father is the police chief in Forks and my mother owns a small bookstore in Port Angeles. I come from your average, run of the mill, middle class family, not a well-to-do family like Alice or most of my classmates at Berkeley. I can't complain though, my parents always did their best to provide me with what I needed and came through for me on more than one occasion when I needed them. I have their unconditional love and support – and that's more than enough for me.

Still, a job and a steady paycheck would come in handy – especially now. I have been out of work since moving to Chicago six months ago, doing side jobs here and there for friends to get by. I had dreams of finishing college and putting my degree to use; dreams that so far have all but come true. I need something to give me the kick I need to get going and make something out of my life. Something to give me the ambition I'm desperate to find.

I walk to the kitchen and fix myself some breakfast, then I take my bagel and coffee out onto the balcony. I watch the people below scurry around like ants, eager to get to their next meeting or appointment on time. The one thing I love about Chicago is the feeling that there's always something going on. No matter where or when, you can always find something to do. There's a strange comfort in knowing that, in a sense, life never stops here. No matter what, people keep going.

Even ordinary people like me.

The phone rings and breaks me from my thoughts. I set my coffee down on the table and jog back inside to answer it.

"Hello?"

"Bella? Hey, it's Rosalie."

"Hi, Rose. What's up? Aren't you supposed to be at work?"

Rosalie Hale is Emmett's fiancee. She's a beautifully intimidating woman, with long, wavy blonde hair and piercing ice blue eyes. She's tall and slim and, in all honesty, could put most models to shame. Most people are fearful when they first meet her, at least, I know I was.

I remember when Emmett introduced us. It was at a party Alice held right before we graduated. I spent most of the night avoiding her until a few hours into the party when I spilled something on the dress Alice let me borrow. I panicked and rushed to the bathroom attempting to get the stain out. After fifteen minutes of trying to no avail, Rose happened to come by and see my predicament. She walked right in and within two or three minutes helped me clean the spot on the dress, assuring me that Alice would never even know it happened. It was then that I realized that, underneath her tough and intimidating exterior, Rosalie is a sweet and wonderful friend.

"Actually, that's why I'm calling. I have a proposition for you. What if I told you I could get you a job at the firm?"

Rose works for a prestigious law firm in the city, Cullen Howarth. The firm consists of several DA's that handle anything from rape to burglary cases. Some of the higher ups even handle high profile cases for prestigious clients coming from Lake Shore Drive in the Near North End section of Chicago. I'm skeptical when she makes the offer. What could I possibly do at a law firm aside from working on the janitorial staff?

"Keep talking," I prod.

"Well, you've heard me talk about Edward Masen right?"

"The 'beanpole jackass' who's probably going to get your spot as partner?"

"Hey! I also referred to him as the loveable brother I've never had, but yes, him."

"What about him?"

"Well, our dear Edward is a little on the OCD side and can be quite picky when it comes to those he allows in his inner circle. Our boss, Carlisle, insists that he choose a new assistant and I think you'd be perfect for the job!"

"You want me to be an assistant at the firm?"

"Exactly! I just know the two of you will click."

"I don't know, Rose. What exactly does being someone's 'assistant' entail?"

"About that, it's a really important job and not many people can do it. Especially when it comes to Edward. It takes someone really special to do the job right and -"

"Rose..." I interrupt her stalling.

"Okay, loosely translated, you would be his secretary."

"I didn't go to college for four years to be someone's secretary, Rosalie. I'm sorry."

"Bella, from what I've seen in the last six months, you didn't go to college to do much of anything."

I take a sharp breath at the sound of her low blow, but know that she's right.

"I know that sounds bad, Sweetie and I don't meant it like that. It's just, everyone can tell that you've been kind of lost since you got out of college. You have this wonderful degree, but you're just not sure what to do with it yet and that's absolutely fine. But you can't put your life on hold while you try and figure things out. I'm not saying you have to work here forever, but maybe if you got out and back into the real world you could get a little closer to finding your place. Don't feel any pressure, it's just a suggestion. I just want what's best for you, Bella."

Damn her.

I take a deep breath. I know that Rosalie's right, one hundred percent right. I have cut myself off from the real world. I've been going through the motions and taking things a day at a time thinking that if I just wait, some monumental sign is going to come to me and tell me what to do. Unfortunately, I don't see any cosmic signs coming my way any time soon. Maybe being a secretary wouldn't be so bad. I did say I wanted a steady job, after all.

I sigh, knowing what I have to do.

"Okay, Rose, I'll give it shot. Tell me what I have to do."

Rosalie tells me that she'll set up a interview for me at one-thirty. She gives me directions to the firm and assure me, once again, that she thinks this is going to work out perfectly. She seems to be under the impression that this Edward and I will hit it off well.

I glance at the clock and see that it's nearing eleven. I should get ready for this interview, so I make my way to the bathroom and turn the shower on, letting the water run for a few minutes to warm it up. I step in and feel the warm water run over my face and body. When I finish, I wrap a towel around myself and walk to the mirror, wiping the steam from it with my hand. I run a brush through my wavy brown hair and begin to blow dry it.

When I'm satisfied with that I go into my room and turn on the light in my closet. I wish Alice was here to help me pick an outfit. I'm half tempted to call her when I spot a black skirt and navy blue blouse that look acceptable. I go into Alice's room and borrow a pair of her strappy black heels, knowing she wouldn't mind in the face of a fashion emergency.

After I splash just enough make up on myself to look presentable, I grab my purse and keys and head toward the elevator. I make sure to leave early enough to grab a frappuccino from Starbucks. I feel like I'm going to need the extra boost of caffeine to make it through this. It's been a while since my last job interview and I can feel the nerves building. Starbucks in hand, I remind myself that I have nothing to lose and trudge forward.

It's a windy Chicago day and the sky is painted a steely gray. It looks like it could rain at any moment. Suddenly my skirt and blouse, although fashionable, don't seem like a such a good choice for the weather. When I can't take the wind a second longer, I hail and cab and give the driver the same directions Rose gave me over the phone.

I sit in the backseat and watch the city pass by in a blur. In a city of so many people and places I can't help but feel that my future has to be here somewhere. There's just so many opportunities in the city and sooner or later I'll have to find mine. Who knows? Maybe I'll get this job and realize that my life's calling is to be a secretary, I sincerely hope not, but who am I to argue with fate?

The cabbie comes to an abrupt stop in front of a large marble building. I pay him and step up, leaning back to look up to the top of the building. It must be at least forty or fifty stories high. Suddenly, I feel just a little bit intimidated. What is little Bella Swan doing in a big place like this?

Before I can psyche myself out, I shake my head and walk inside. The main lobby is bustling with people walking every which way to their respective offices. There's a small fountain bubbling in the center of it all and a desk with phones ringing off the hook on the far side of the room. I feel overwhelmed for a minute, but then I spot a directory and make my way over to it. I see that the Cullen Howarth offices are on the thirty-ninth floor and make my way to the nearest elevator.

I see that I'm about to miss the only open elevator, so I make a run for it. Just as the door is about to close, someone puts there hand in the way to stop it. I push my way into the crowded space, thanking my lucky stars I'm not claustrophobic, and turn to look at my hero.

"Thank you," I say slightly out of breath.

"Don't mention it. I'd hate for a sweet girl like you to miss her lift," a tan-skinned man smiles at me.

"I'm Bella," I say attempting to stick my hand out even though I'm crushed by the number of people surrounding us.

"Nice to meet you, Bella. I'm Jacob Black. What brings you here?"

"I'm interviewing for a job at Cullen Howarth this afternoon."

"Ah, an aspiring lawyer? Very cool," he nods.

"Um, no actually. I'm applying for a spot as a secretary," I say feeling more than just a bit embarrassed.

Jacob seems to notice this and tries to take the conversation in a brighter direction. "A secretary, huh? That's pretty sexy. I'm jealous of the luck bastard that gets to have you," he says.

Several people in the elevator clear their throats at his comment. I can feel myself turning ten shades of red, Jacob chuckles and shakes his head.

"I'm kidding, Bella. You know, trying to lighten the mood?"

"Consider it lightened," I say. "So where do you work?"

"I'm an architect at Arcadia Construction." He's momentarily distracted by the sound of the elevator bell ringing. "And this would be my stop. It was great meeting you, Bella. Hopefully you get the job and we see each other around here more often."

"It was nice meeting you too, Jacob. And I hope I see you again too," I reply.

He wishes me luck and heads off, with about a third of the elevator, to his own office. The elevator makes two more stops before reaching the thirty-ninth floor. Myself and a few other people get off as I take in my surroundings.

The floor is made of a glossy black marble that shines so brightly I can almost see myself in it. There are people walking around briskly in front of me with large files in their hands and the atmosphere is busy and tense. I spot a large desk sitting a few feet away from me with the name of the firm written in gold on the wall behind it. I recognize it as the area Rosalie told me to go to check in and walk over.

A girl no older than I am sits behind the desk filing her nails and looking bored. She reminds me of the girls I went to high school with that sat in class and got by on their good looks. She has brown hair pulled back in a tight ponytail and a headset on. I stand in front of her for a good three or four minutes while she files her nails and smacks her gum. I finally clear my throat when it becomes clear that she isn't even aware of my presence.

"Hey, can I help you with something?" She asks in an overly perky voice.

"My name is Isabella Swan. I'm here for an interview with Edward Masen," I tell her.

She narrows her eyes and looks me up and down. I recognize her tight gaze as the look a girl gives when she's sizing up her competition. Maybe there is something going on between her and this Edward. She certainly had nothing to worry about if there is, I am here because I need a paycheck and nothing more.

"May I ask what for?"

"I'm a close friend of Rosalie Hale. She recommended that I set up an interview for a position as his new assistant."

"You must be confused, you're not on the list of applicants I was given earlier," she says, obviously trying to get rid of me.

Now I'm just getting annoyed. I don't even want to be here, much less deal with some air headed bimbo secretary with a jealousy complex.

"Look can you just let him know I'm here?" I say with a bite in my voice. She sighs and presses a button on the phone sitting in front of her at the desk.

"Mr. Masen?"

"Yes?" I hear someone reply from the other end. For a moment my heart stops. The voice coming through the speaker is absolutely; well, beautiful. I shake off the butterflies that have appeared in my stomach and remind myself that it's my potential employer on the other end and I need to get myself together.

"There's a Miss Isabella Swan here to see you. She says she is a friend of Ms. Hale's and she's here for an interview?" I can hear the annoyance in this secretary's voice as she talks about me and sends me a rude look through narrowed eyes. I roll my eyes and shake my head.

"Send her right in," he replies.

The secretary huffs in defeat and directs me to Edward's office. I try to hide the smug look on my face as I walk away and tell her to have a nice afternoon. The office I'm looking for is at the end of a long hallway. I get more and more nervous the closer I get. For someone who doesn't really want this job, I'm suddenly very worried as to whether or not I get it. I do my best to shake the nerves slowly building within me and approach the door.

I take one last deep breath and knock softly on the door before pushing it open. I walk into a large open office with a beautiful view of the city lying below. A mahogany desk stands a few feet away from me and the walls are lined with bookshelves. A tall man stands with his back facing me looking out the window.

"Mr. Masen?" I say softly, so he knows I've arrived.

As he turns around it's like time slows down and everything gets cloudy. A haze sets over my vision as he finally faces me and looks into my eyes.

Hot damn.

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