Author's Note: Sorry for the hiatus. Decided to take a short break from this story. Thanks again for your reviews!
CHAPTER 43: Moving On
Five months later…
"Merci d'être venu."
"Oh, merci de nous avoir," I reply with a smile. The venue manager looks thrilled to have Alice come to Paris to showcase some of her new designs. I'm pretty proud of myself on how well I've gotten on my French. Alice has been teaching me.
Spending the last couple of weeks here with my new boss and trying to do the whole sightseeing thing has made me appreciate the different cultures more and being her assistant has really grown on me. I'm actually starting to love it. The Parisians have also been super nice to us…I think mostly because they want to please Alice so she puts on a good show.
Funnily enough, Paris is also called, "The City of Love." Can there be two cities of love? I guess there can be one in each country. But—I prefer to call Paris by its other name, "La Ville-Lumière," which means "The City of Light." To me, personally, it's more befitting since Paris became one of the first European cities to adopt gas street lighting, which must have been pretty exciting at the time.
The city of love name doesn't bring back so many good memories. Well, it does. And it doesn't.
I can't believe it's been over half a year since it all happened. Since we…met. Work's kept me quite busy and I'm thankful for it because it helps me think less and the stress of the job makes me focus more on what's in front me and I have to say, I feel more responsible for my actions and pleasing my boss.
Calling the Hobbit 'my boss' still sounds somewhat strange to me, but she's been the best. She's taught me so much and without her I could have never experienced any of the things I have in the last few months. I feel worldlier, more cultured because she decided to take a chance on me.
And I'm glad it's worked out for the both of us. Surprisingly enough, I haven't had any major klutzy accidents either.
"Bella, I'm famished. Could you run across the street and maybe get a croissant and a latte?" she asks, handing me her credit card.
"It's on me, Alice," I smile, not bothering to take it from her. "My boss pays me pretty well."
The Hobbit chuckles, slightly shaking her head with a smile. "If you insist," she jokingly sighs.
There's a small Café shop across the street from the venue and Alice is in love with their lattes. They've seen me enough so they know what she likes. There's also a small newsstand on the sidewalk with all kinds of newspapers and magazines, some in French and some in English.
I almost stumble on my own two feet when I see a magazine sticking out of place from the neatly stacked piled the owner is organizing.
It's Edward on the front cover. My heart rate spikes and he's not even standing physically in front of me. I briefly glance at the French wordings before ducking into the Café. It says something about him and his current film project.
Good for him. I'm not surprised he's already gotten work so quickly. However, I don't know much about him these days. I've stuck to my oath of swearing off television and magazines to avoid seeing something that bring me back to an unhappy place. I'm even unaware of any photographs of me because I've stopped paying attention to the paparazzi.
Not after I've been doing so well with…moving on.
The line at the Café is longer today so my mind has time to wander. Something I try not doing as much as possible.
The last memories I have of Edward is from our last encounter at the London West Hollywood hotel. I couldn't believe he kissed me…
"Edward what are you doing?"
"Bella, please," he pleads with his eyes, "I can't live without you. You're my entire world."
"You don't understand how difficult this is for me," I frown, looking away. "I'm at a loss on what to do…"
He hugs me gently. "We'll get through this, I know we will. I don't want to lose you."
Pulling away slowly, I stare into his beautiful green eyes that still look distraught. "I don't want to share you, Edward. Not with…her. Even if the child isn't yours, you won't know that until he or she is born. I don't think I can sit around feeling hopeful you're not the father only to find out you really are in the end. That would crush me."
"I understand," he answers softly, taking a step back, his hands balled into a fist. "This is hurting me as much as it is you. I'm at a loss, too, Bella. I'm going crazy because I feel helpless. I feel like the more I try to keep you at arm's length…the more you pull away from me."
Walking back inside the room, I sit on the couch and take a deep breath. He quietly follows, sitting on the oversized couch across from me. "I know you're struggling. It's a tough situation to be in. And it's not something than can be fixed so easily."
"What are you saying Bella?" his voice is above a whisper.
"Maybe…maybe…we should take some time apart."
"No," Edward stands, vigorously shaking his head. "Don't do this Bella…please."
Focusing on my breathing and trying to stay as calm as possible, I continue with my thoughts. It helps not looking at him to keep from becoming distracted. "You have your responsibilities and I'm trying to come to terms with it. You're a good man, Edward. No matter how much I despise Tanya, I can't imagine you abandoning her. Not when she needs you."
"But you need me, too." He's suddenly at my feet, holding onto my hands. "I need you."
I try to force back the lump forming in my throat. "But she needs you more," I struggle to keep my voice even. Horror or surprise—I can't tell which—graces Edward's lovely features. "Things happen for a reason…and who knows…this could be a blessing in disguise?"
Edward scoffs at my words as if he's tasted something terrible. "Tanya claiming I'm the father of her unborn child and me losing you…you think is a blessing in disguise?"
"I don't know!" I say exasperatedly. "I just know we can't be together."
Loosening his hold on my hands, there's a look on his face I've never seen before. "So…this is it then. You're breaking up with me." His hands go limp on his lap.
"I want us to be together, Edward," I softly caress his cheek. "But not like this. Not until this matter is resolved. And we both know it'll take time since neither one of us knows the outcome yet." He looks so heartbroken, I can't bear it…but I have to do this—for myself.
"Mademoiselle, vous êtes prêt à commander?" asks the person at the counter, bringing me back to the present.
"Oh, oui ... je peux avoir deux croissants et le usuelles pour Alice Brandon, s'il vous plait," I reply, blushing. She nods with a smile and prepares my two croissants and Alice's latte while I stand off to the side and wait quietly so the next person can order.
So much has changed the last few months. I feel like I've been transformed again. After a few last words to Edward that day, I left the hotel because I couldn't stay there. Not after that talk. I went back to the warehouse and poured my soul out to Alice.
As luck would have it, she was able to take me away from the drama in my life, bringing me to London with her the following week. Since then, we've been to Germany, Austria, Sweden, back to Milan, New York, and some other places around the United States. We actually spent New Year's Eve in Spain instead of with our families because Alice had to be there for a project. We've been travelling nonstop mostly because Alice's name has popped up everywhere since she worked on Aro's movie set as the lead wardrobe designer.
It's an exhausting job running around here and there, but it's also exciting and keeps me on my toes. We only return to Los Angeles for a couple of weeks at a time, mostly if there's a fitting Alice needs to do for a client. I also haven't heard from Edward since.
"Voici votre nourriture et latte, mademoiselle."
"Je vous remercie," I thank the woman and take the food and beverage items back across the street.
"Oh, thank you, Bella!" Alice practically snatches her croissant from my hand.
"I have another, you know," I tease, holding the other bag up as I also hand her the latte.
"I don't know what I'd do with you!" she smiles appreciatively in between bites. "You've been a really big help, Bella. You still…doing okay with all of this?"
"Yeah," I nod. "It's been a lot to take in but I'm really starting to enjoy it."
"I'm so glad!" Alice looks relieved. "I know it's been super hectic lately, but I promise things will die down after this. We'll be going home when this show is over. I don't have any business trips for a while so we both should be able to relax for a bit. I know Jasper will be thrilled. Maybe he and I can finally take a real vacation!"
"Sounds nice, Alice," I half-smile. "Just don't forget you still have some back-to-back meetings in L.A. next week."
"Oh, you're right! Remind me when we get back."
"You know I will," I grin. She nods and tells me again how she's lucky to have me as her assistant.
My phone vibrates in my pocket just as Alice walks way, only after finishing both croissants.
"He-hello?"
"Isabella?"
"Uncle Aro?"
"Hello my darling. It's good to hear your voice."
"Yours, too." It's been weeks since we've talked and the last time was very brief.
"How are things in Paris?"
"Good. We're almost done here. I should be back in L.A. this weekend I think. How are you? I've missed you."
I haven't lived with Aro for a while now, taking permanent residence at Alice's condo in her guest room. I eventually plan to look for a place of my own once I have a little more money.
"I am doing great. There's been a lot of positive feedback on the trailer."
"That's great news!"
"Yes, it is. Listen, Isabella, the reason why I'm calling is that the release date for the movie is in June, and with only two month left, we'll be starting the promos, interviews, and junkets soon."
Aro tells me the movie trailer has been playing in the theaters since last December. The filming itself wrapped up in late September or early October—I can't remember anymore. He says they showed snippets of the movie that were finished in post-production as a movie teaser before the entire thing was actually finished in February.
I can hardly believe it's already April.
"So you'll be busy again?" I ask. I still don't really understand why he's telling me this. He's always busy.
"Well, I'm happy to tell you that your scene has made it into the movie."
"What?" That means everyone will see my face on the big screen! While some might be excited to know this, I'm panicking on the inside. Do I really want the entire world to know I exist? I also noticed he didn't say my scene with Edward. "So…what does this mean?"
"The world premier will be in Volterra—at the end of May. I expect you to be there, darling. You and Alice, of course."
This means Edward will be there as well.
"I'll…umm…I'll have to check with Alice and what her schedule is like. We've been really busy lately." And it was true…although she said things will start to slow down after this.
"I understand. But it would be great for you to be there. I've also invited your mother and she's excited to bring Phil. Your father said he'll see if he can take the time off."
"Of course, uncle."
"Listen, sweetheart, I have to go, I just wanted to give you a head's up. And…I've also heard the rumors about what's transpired between you and Edward—and I'm not going to pry into your personal life—but please think about attending. Although it was a small role, you still did a fantastic job. You deserve to be recognized."
"I'll consider it, uncle," I say quietly.
"Okay…I love you."
"Love you, too. Bye."
I hit the end button, letting out the breath I was holding in. Going to the premier in Volterra will mean lot to Aro and his film is something I should support. The rest of my family will also be there and saying I'm too busy with work will not go well over with my mother, especially since she hasn't seen me in ages.
"Everything okay, Bella?" Alice returns with a pattern material in her hand.
"Yeah…it was Aro. The world premier for his movie is at the end of next month. In Volterra. And he wants us both to go."
"Oh, I see," she smiles sympathetically. "I would love to go and we definitely can, that's not a problem at all. I can shuffle some things around. But…do you want to be there? I know you haven't…seen him in a while."
I solemnly nod. "I should—for Aro. He's family and I should be there to support him. He's also invited the rest of my family."
"Oh, that sounds nice. I can't wait to meet your family in person. And since it's a premier and your debut as an actress, you have to look fabulous on the red carpet! I'll start designing our dresses once we get back to L.A."
"Please don't go overboard," I softly chuckle. Being around Alice so much, some of her fashion sense has finally rubbed off on me. She's finally allowed me to dress myself without the quiet look of disapproval on her face.
Aro's premier isn't for several weeks and with how busy we still are with Alice's fashion tour, I can't afford to think about that or Edward right now. I'll tackle those challenges when they come. At present, I have to focus on my life and doing the best I can with the opportunities I have in front of me.
With my new found confidence in myself and talking to others—thanks to this job—the one thing that's for sure is I won't be the same Bella Edward knows.
Author's Note: Can't wait for the premier! Can you?