Author's Note: Hello my lovelies! Trust me, I've been trying to get these chapters out faster but I also have a life…and it's pretty busy right now. Nonetheless, thank you for your continuous reviews! Much appreciated. Enjoy!

CHAPTER 30: Lake Como

I didn't get much sleep last night because of my constant worrying and my mind running like it was on a hamster wheel. Alice and Jasper, on the other hand, are glowing like they just had facials done. Neither looks a bit exhausted and I'm sure they were up later than I was—or maybe not? I don't normally drink coffee of any sort but I figure the caffeine in my system will keep me awake long enough to last the day. For being a fashion forward capital that is always ahead in all kinds of trends, you think they'd know what the energy drink called Red Bull is at this café. But I am sadly mistaken.

My friends are eating their brunch and happily talking to one another. I've been playing with my food for the past ten minutes. I don't mind being ignored since I don't have much to talk about. I'm not very comfortable talking about Edward around Jasper and hopefully Alice doesn't bring up the subject during our meal. I'd rather talk about Jasper's new project and how the Next Top Model's European version of the show is going for him as one of their preferred photographers this season. He's scheduled to leave tomorrow morning while we depart later in the evening. I'm green with envy and how in love they look. On the flip side, I'm happy he's here with Alice. I think she needs him around more than I do Edward. The stress from her features the last couple of days has disappeared and she looks like her young, bright, giddy self again.

"So, Bella, what would you like to do today? Go sightseeing? Shopping?" Alice is finally able to pry her eyes away from her boyfriend. "We only have today."

Unaware I've sunk into my seat, I sit up straight. "Whatever's fine with me—just no shopping."

Jasper laughs softly. "Yes, please. No shopping."

He and I both know she'll be the only one enjoying it. "Fine," she pouts.

"We can do a mini-tour around Milan and get tickets to see Leonardo da Vinci's 'The Last Supper'?" Jasper suggests.

Alice sighs. "The tours are normally two to three hours long and they won't let you stray from the group. And really all you see are the old chapels and monuments when there's so much more to see…unless, of course, you want to see them, Bella? I'm not saying they're not great places to visit—because they are—but they're very touristy."

"It can also get a bit crowded sometimes," Jasper agrees.

I shake my head. "Is there something we can do that's more outside? It's still pretty nice out and I want to enjoy the weather." It's cooled down a little but the sun still feels warm against my skin. Besides that, I hardly think I'll be able to pay attention to the tour guide and all the historical facts we'll mostly be educated on.

"Oh! I have a great idea," Alice says excitedly. "Did you want to stay in Milan or would you be up for venturing out of the city?"

"Where did you have in mind?"

"Lake Como in Italy's Lake District is a nice a day trip from here. It's very scenic and beautiful. I think you'll really like it. The fashionable lakeside town of Como is just a short drive from Milan and it's surrounded by snowcapped mountains. We can also have an early dinner there and take a two-hour panoramic cruise on the lake to the enchanting village of Bellagio!"

"What's the village of Bellagio?"

"It's a quaint village that's situated at the tip of the peninsula separating the lake's two southern arms, with the Alps visible across the lake to the north," Alice smiles. She sounds like a personal tour guide. "The place resembles traditional Italy and even though it's up-to-date with technology, it's definitely nothing like the city. It's more peaceful."

"That would be a good trip," Jasper adds. "They have lakeside villas and gardens I think you'll enjoy, too."

Being outside and experiencing a change in scenery might do the trick. They both seem enthusiastic about the trip and they're more experienced with travelling so I trust them on their idea to visit the village. I just hope it's different from Volterra. I'm used to the scenic landscapes and water excursions from our time there and Alice promises it's much more stunning.

Jasper rents an SUV we take on our excursion outside of Milan. We're at the lakeside town of Como in about twenty minutes. Landmarks and busy streets have disappeared bringing us to a more secluded part of the country. I love Volterra and its quiet demeanor, but Lake Como and the tranquility it brings is definitely becoming a new favorite place of mine. When I want to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city, I might come here again.

For most of the afternoon the three of us wander around the shops and boutiques, taking pictures on the concrete stone staircase that leads to different parts of the small town. We have dinner at a local winery bar that has open windows and a beautiful view of the water. The wine here is also excellent. I'm surprised on how well Jasper knows his wine and the different glasses we try. I'm a little tipsy but feeling happy. I've only checked my phone once during our trip, and after still not seeing any messages from Edward, I store it securely inside my purse. If he does contact me, he can wait for a reply. I'm having a good time with my friends.

The panoramic cruise on the lake is exhilarating. It gives you a nice view of Bellagio and how it's nestled in the mountains, much like Volterra, except a lot more green and the snowcapped mountains right behind the distance. Hiking here looks like it would be an interesting adventure—if people did that sort of thing. There are a lot of tourists on the cruise, as well, but it appears we might be the only ones from America from all the different European languages I hear around us. The crowd is also more relaxed. Everyone has either a camera or video camera but no one is taking pictures. They are paying attention to the landscape more than capturing it.

"Thanks," I tell Alice with a smile.

She smiles back. "For what?"

"For this. For helping me take my mind off things."

"We're enjoying this, too, you know," she gives me a brief squeeze around the shoulders. "But you're welcome. I know coming here won't solve the issue you're going through but I'm glad it's helping you be in a better mindset. If you want, I can try Emmett again when we get back?"

"Sure." If we don't get a hold of Emmett or Edward then I'll just wait until we return to Los Angeles. There's no point in stressing over something when Edward should know he needs to get in touch with me as soon as he can. It's common sense if you ask me. What if I've fallen overboard again and he didn't know about it? Not that I'd want to…I'm just saying.

"Ladies," Jasper approaches us. He was off talking to some of the other tourists with similar fancy cameras and talking shop so we left him alone to talk.

"Hi," Alice rubs his arm. Behind him is someone I don't recognize who smiles at me.

"This is my friend Demetri from when I spent some time in Greece for a photo shoot gig. He's a budding photographer himself."

"I'm more of a runner than a photographer," Demetri softly laughs, waving the camera around his neck. He has short, brown-blonde hair that is partially spiked, sea blue eyes, and a fair complexion. He's also very tall, probably taller than six-foot-one. Not bad on the eyes either.

"It's a pleasure to meet your acquaintance," he offers his hand to us. He shakes Alice's hand politely and lingers a little too long holding onto mine. I have a boyfriend, buddy. I give him a half-smile and awkwardly fold my arms in front of my chest. There's a twinkle in his eye although his face seems impassive as he focuses his attention back to Jasper.

"Demetri is a track runner. He's been in all sorts of competitions and has won tons of medals. He'll probably compete in the next year's summer Olympics."

"I'm still in training and it depends if I qualify by then," he chuckles shyly.

"What brings you here to Italy?" asks Alice. "Are you training here?"

Demetri nods. "Today is my one day off so I thought I'd do something relaxing. I've never been to the lake and it is absolutely magnificent," he answers, looking around the snowcapped mountains.

"It's Bella's first time, too," says the Hobbit with a faint smirk. Why is she smirking at me like that? My paranoia is growing. And, hello, my boyfriend is your brother. This fella might seem cute, tall and athletic but I'm not one to easily swoon over this Grecian man. My heart still belongs to Edward even though he's acting strange or at least I think he's acting strange, I'm still one hundred percent faithful.

"You wouldn't happen to be Bella, as in Isabella—Aro's niece, would you?" he gives me a curious look as if he's seen me before. Oh that name again. No doubt he's learned my name by the way my uncle addresses me so formally.

Hiding my irritation, I nod. "I am she…"

Something in his blue eyes light up. "It's been a long time and I'm certain you don't remember me. My uncle Amun came to Volterra to visit his friend Marcus one summer and he introduced us to Aro. It also appears Aro's niece was visiting that same year."

What? Is he saying we've met before? I don't remember him at all. Surely, I would remember someone of his stature. Taking a closer look at his features, especially his eyes, I gasp covering my mouth. Alice and Jasper give each other confused glances. No…it can't be? Can it? "Don't tell me you were that little boy Demi who I pushed into the water?"

"The very same," he laughs.

"H…you…wow…" My brain is having a hard time processing this fact. The boy Demi I knew was short and scrawny and always getting into some kind of trouble. I remember Aro, Marcus and his uncle took us for a walk along the docks. When they weren't paying attention, he stole something from me and I got so mad at him that pushed him into the cold Mediterranean water. My actions were not appreciated by the adults supervising us after they saw my little stunt. Good thing he learned how to swim at an early age. Reflecting back, I no longer remember what he stole from me that upset me so much.

"Wait—so you two know each other?" Jasper asks, looking at Demetri then me for confirmation.

"I remember I cried all the way home shivering in my soggy pants," he chuckles.

Alice is stifling a smile. "What a small world."

"Yes, indeed," Demetri's smile is directed toward me. And for some reason, I blush. I almost forgot about that little flaw I have besides my clumsiness.

"You look so…different," I comment.

He nods with a shy grin. "I finally grew into my legs, so to speak. My uncle just had about enough of my rambunctious nature and thought running track would keep me out of trouble and into something more…productive with my time. I hated it at first and only did as he asked to please him and, believe me, that task for a seven-year-old boy who wanted the freedom do what he wanted wasn't easy. But—I grew to love running and racing and been doing it ever since."

"That's great," I smile. "Good luck with everything."

"Thank you."

"So what's this about Bella throwing you into the water?" asks Jasper with a slight smirk.

My mouth drops open in protest. "I did not throw him! I just…kind of shoved him…a little."

"That was quite a shove," chuckles Demetri. I blush again. "I was a real pain the arse as a kid and loved pushing people's buttons. Aro just bought Bella this slip on bracelet—a trinket really—and I took it off her wrist and began teasing her."

"Now I remember," I nod, rolling my eyes. It's all coming back to me now. "In my attempts to get it back from you you'd lift it higher so I couldn't reach it. I got so mad at you. I figured pushing you was my only option of getting my trinket back."

"Wow, Bella. So you do have a little spunk in you," Jasper teases by elbowing me.

"I am sorry I lost it in the water," Demetri says apologetically. "Believe me I got a good earful from my uncle."

"Me, too," I shake my head, softly laughing at the memory of Aro telling me how unladylike my behavior was.

"Well, in any case, this was a good chance encounter," Alice smiles at us.

"Indeed," agrees Demetri. He's staring at me with some kind of unknown humor in his eyes. It makes me uncomfortable. "How long are you three in Italy for?" I'm glad he's addressing all of us and not just me.

"Until tomorrow," Alice answers.

Jasper places his arm back around her shoulders. "I'm leaving early in the morning."

"But Bella and I will be here till tomorrow evening."

Demetri focuses his attention toward me again. "Well in that case, would you like to have an early dinner? Catch up, perhaps? But please don't feel obligated in anyway. You won't hurt my feelings. Promise," he smiles warmly. Three pairs of eyes are looking at me expectantly. Why did he have to put me on the spot by asking in front of them? Jeez.

I look toward Alice to have my back. She only has an impassive look on her features, clearly waiting for my answer as well. "Umm…I think we still need to pack?" I look back at the Hobbit, mentally kicking her in the shins to help me out.

"Don't worry about the packing," she dismisses the task that will really only take twenty minutes max since I barely have luggage with me on this trip. Thanks for your help! Ugh. "I'll take care of that for you. Go have fun!" Demetri has that expectant look again as if he's urging me to say 'yes'.

"Sure…why not," I force a smile.

"Pick her up around five. That should give you plenty of time before our flight," adds Alice.

She can plan my wardrobe but did she really need to plan my night as well? I inwardly roll my eyes. "That sounds good," I agree hesitantly.

"Attention everyone—we will be docking soon," a silver-haired woman in a plum dress tells the passengers. "Please make sure you leave nothing behind. We are not responsible for lost items. Thank you and have a pleasant day."

"So…tomorrow then?" Demetri asks me.

I nod. "Yes."

"Perfect," he beams. He looks as if he's won a small victory. "Now, if you will all pardon my leave, I have to call my trainer since I accidentally forgot to mention where I am today. He's probably going bonkers," he chuckles mischievously. "Jasper, my friend, it was good seeing you again."

"You, too, man," Jasper gives him a brief hug. "Let me know how the tryouts go."

"I will," he smiles then turns to Alice. "Again, a pleasure meeting you," he politely kisses her hand, which Jasper doesn't seem to mind. She merely smiles in return.

"Bella," he murmurs. "I'm glad we ran into each other." He also kisses my hand with his surprisingly warm and soft lips. I try not to blush. "Please give my regards to Aro."

"I will," I give a short nod.

"Until tomorrow…" Demetri half-smiles—his gaze intense. My brain is telling me to make him aware I have a boyfriend but I'm too mesmerized by his eyes to open my mouth. However, I was able to exchange phone numbers and coherently tell him where Alice and I are staying before he leaves.

"He seems nice," Alice only comments after he's away from earshot. He's walked to the other side of the boat talking on the phone, his elbows propped on the railing. Besides looking like a natural born athlete I'd also categorize him under 'model' with the rest of the people on this side of the globe.

I still can't believe he's the scrawny, little Demi I used to know. He was a short kid but still taller than I was. And now much, much taller. I wonder how Edward would feel when he finds about our date. Of course I'd tell him. Wait…it's not a date. Why did I think that? I am a one man kind of girl and Edward is the only one for me. Edward knows that, surely. It's just two friends catching up on old times—but why do I suddenly feel guilty about it? As if I'm cheating on him? I shake the thought away.

"Hello…Bella?" Alice is waving her hand in front of my face. I blink a few a times back to reality. "We're disembarking." I look around and see the lines forming for the walkway planks to shore toward the village of Bellagio. The village has steep lanes running up from the lake and boutiques and cafes housed in historic buildings. There are beautiful buildings and houses right along the water with tall and wide bushy shaped trees surrounding almost every facet of the area. There's also a light mist covering the Alps, which gives this place a different feel all on its own. "You okay?"

Jasper lets us walk ahead of him. I wrap my arms around Alice's arm and whisper closely in her ear so no one else can eavesdrop on what I'm about to say. Demetri seems to already have made his way to shore with the first wave of people. "That was unnecessary!" I hiss quietly.

She gives me one of her bewildered looks. "What was unnecessary?"

"The way you insisted I have dinner with Demi…Demetri tomorrow."

"It's just a friendly dinner. There's no harm in that!" she hisses back. "Do you really think I'd let you have dinner with the guy if I didn't trust him? I'm a pretty good judge of character when it comes to people. And Edward may be your boyfriend but he's also my brother. I'd never let you hurt him intentionally. What kind of sister would I be? Now, stop worrying about it and just have a good time tomorrow night."

Thrown off guard, I drop the subject. She's right. I know she'd never put me in a compromising situation when it came to my relationship with her brother. We might be good friends but Edward's family and I know she'll definitely protect him over me. It's a revelation. Not hearing from him even though it's only been a few days is taking a toll on my emotions. I want him to defend his love for me just as I would to other would-be suitors. Inwardly, I snort at the idea. I've never had suitors. It was by some miracle in the heavens that an Adonis god like Edward even took notice of a clumsy girl like me. He's the cream of the crop and no one else can compare to him. I'm a really lucky gal. For the duration of our day trip, we never saw Demetri again.

Back the hotel, I tell Alice not to bother calling Emmett. I need to learn to fight my own battles. She's sleeping in Jasper's room again since this will be their last night together until he's done with his current project. They're really a model couple when it comes to having patience with one another—something I can take a lesson or two in. Knowing it's a waste of time, I glance at my phone again with some small, hidden hope there's some kind of message from Edward. None. I'm back to wallowing in my misery after such a fun day. Two more days. Only two more days until this lack of communication mystery can be solved. Going back home has never made me so anxious. But first…I have to get through my dinner with Demetri.

Author's Note: I wanted to add a little twist, hehe. I was tossing around different characters and decided on Demetri as someone Bella could know from a long time ago. Only two more days until she goes home and see what Edward is up to! …But will it be that simple? (mischievous laugh). Please keep reviewing! The more you review, the more I try to hurry up with the story!