Chapter 9
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Wow.
Just wow. I don't even know what to think. Fingering the tiny piece of turquoise, I wonder why Edward is going to such lengths to change my mind. Could I be the first girl to tell him no?
Well, duh, Bella. Of course you are. Look at the man. Girls probably run out on the field topless to kiss him like you see on Sports Center highlights.
Okay, I feel a little ridiculous for thinking that. His groupies probably just throw out their thongs with phone numbers written on them. Because that's classier.
I wonder if Edward would keep my panties...
The turquoise has a silver loop and a thin leather band to wear as a bracelet. It seems to be a thoughtful gift especially since I blurted out that bit about his eyes. I guess I can't really be sure because the last gift I got from a boy was in 2006. Pretty sure that candy is expired by now. I know I never used Pussycat Dolls CD.
I realize that he listened to my ramblings. This makes my stomach flip over and tie in knots simultaneously. Ugh. He has me all discombobulated.
I'm dying to tell Alice what just happened, but I don't want to hear another "I told you so" or have to kiss her ass. She'll be okay in a few days. And then she can help me...do whatever it is I need to do.
I know I should be doing something other than sitting here like a dumb ass, but I don't know what. I'm not experienced with men or relationships. The one man in my life that was supposed to love me took off when I needed him most. The others that made an attempt never bothered to do anything besides get in my pants.
And my pants are closed for business. Sadly. I really want to open them...in theory. I guess I'm afraid of the reaction I'd get. The reactions I know about wouldn't work in this situation. I only know science.
And apparently, so does Edward. Like he needs to be more attractive. He's not just eye candy. He's probably going to be a professor.
Sigh. My daydream of Edward wearing a tweed coat and holding a bone is interrupted by the ring of the telephone. Right. Back to work.
Because that's better than dates with gorgeous men who are also smart. And romantic. And maybe like me.
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Another exciting day to look forward to. Not even thinking about taking the first quiz of the new semester brings a smile to my face. I also have freshman lab which is always fun. Here's hoping no one starts a fire.
I make it through with all freshmen unscathed, though it seems one of the guys is having a problem packing up. I'm waiting at my desk when he finally makes it to the front.
"Um, here. Cullen asked me to give this to you," he says, obviously embarrassed. He hands me an envelope. "I don't know what's in it, but I'm sure it's nothing bad. He seems like he's really into you. But if it is bad, I really hope this won't hurt my grade." I notice his ASU baseball shirt and realize that he must be another teammate of Edward's. A very intelligent and polite one.
"Thank you, Garrett. I promise that I won't hold anything against you. Besides, you are doing very well."
He sighs in visible relief. "Okay. See you next week."
I wait until he leaves to open the envelope. Inside is a picture and a note. I read the note first in case it explains the subject of the picture.
I know it's wrong, but a tiny part of me hopes it's a picture of Edward shirtless. It's a shallow part of me, but I'm only human.
Dear Bella,
I hope you liked the turquoise. And my note. These will keep coming until you decide I'm worth taking a chance on, or you get a restraining order. (That was a joke - I prefer to have the woman I want to date return my sentiments without being under duress.) So it's up to you.
Element 2: I have a great family. My father and mother, Carlisle and Esme Cullen, have been happily married for 30 years. Everything I know about love and relationships comes from them. My dad is a doctor and can be quite open. Sometimes too much so (you'll see). My mother is a former athlete and is now a broadcaster. You know my brother Emmett (he's a great guy - don't listen to what Jasper and Rosalie tell you) and my nephew, Riley.
I know that you have a brother, Seth, that you take care of as your own son, and you are brilliant (which you know) and you're beautiful and incredibly hot (which I don't think you realize).
With respect and admiration,
Edward
I pull out the photo. Holy crap. Yes, my hypothesis that everyone in Edward's family must be perfect looking is correct. Maybe his parents met while modeling or something. And not only are they gorgeous, but they look happy and loving too.
It must be nice to have that type of family support.
I never had it. But Seth will.
I'll make sure of it.
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Jasper is frantically writing out equations when I arrive the next afternoon.
"Homework?" I ask, because it doesn't look familiar. I know Jasper likes to create his own "interesting compounds." One day he'll be a wealthy company owner...or in prison.
"Alice. To make her fall in love with me."
I don't ask anymore because I hope it's not a mind-control drug or something. I prefer plausible deniability in any illegal scenarios. It's probably his own version of Amortentia or something. He thinks Snape is a genius. We don't speak of the time he actually brewed the potions from Harry Potter. I don't want to know where he got the bat spleens and salamander blood. Needless to say, I made him buy new beakers.
Gross.
"Any work to get done?" I ask as Jasper is packing up his bag. I see that he is working on improving his wardrobe. He almost looks normal in khakis and a t-shirt. The t-shirt says "chemists do it on the table...periodically" but it's much better than what he usually wears.
He might have a chance with her soon.
"Nah. I finished all the copying. I'll see you at practice tonight."
"Bye, Jasper."
Practice. Right. He'll be there. Edward. I hope it doesn't get awkward. For him. Because I'm fine.
His little gifts don't affect me at all.
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A/N: Thank you for all the reviews. I appreciate every single one even though I don't reply to all of you. "Caught Looking" is one of the fics of the week over at The Lemonade Stand. Thank you to those who voted.
Sorry about the late update. I had RL baseball games to attend.
Cosmogirl is the Magic to my Mike, and also looks good shirtless dancing to Pony.
Rtgirl (Becky) and Twilover76 preread and tell me nice things.
The lovely JamieArkin made a beautiful banner for this fic. If I wasn't total fail I could upload it. I'm going to tweet it (marvar29) and attempt to put it on FB (marvar fanfiction).