Disclaimer: I do not own Twilight or characters, no income being made; only fulfilling a creative whim.

Chapter 9

Bella's POV

Sitting in a waiting room in a doctor's office was one thing that always put me on edge. I didn't like going to the doctor, I guess not many people do. I forced myself to make my yearly appointment for my physical. However this one was long overdue. The last time I had been to an OB/GYN, let's just say it had been years. Memories I cared to leave just as that.

"Miss Swan?" A young woman with pale blonde hair holding a clip board surveyed the waiting room.

"Um, that's me." I replied quickly. My heart was beating out of my chest. God why was I so nervous. This was just an exam. I need to get on the pill which will help to regulate me. Just relax. Angela had offered to come with me to give me moral support. Any normal young woman would be able to do this without having to hold on to her best friend's hand. What was normal anyways? It sure wasn't me. I decided that I was a big girl now. I could handle this. I mean what was the worst thing that could happen? Have a panic attack?

I was led into an exam room and asked to remove all my clothing and put on a thin cotton "Johnny." I often wondered who thought of that term. I had to guess it was a man. Who else would come up with some article of clothing that left your ass completely open to the viewing public? My mind wanted to concentrate on anything that wasn't centered on me naked and sitting on a metal table. As much as a tried I couldn't help but swing my legs back and forth. There was a knock on the door asking if it was okay to enter.

"Yes." I answered watching the door open. It was the same woman who had called my name out in the waiting room.

She was a tall woman, probably in her late twenties her blonde hair was tied back in a ponytail with vibrant blue eyes. Her name tag read "Kate." She had wheeled in a cart that appeared to contain a blood pressure kit and a few other items.

"Hello Isabella. How are you feeling today?" She was pleasant enough but my nervousness didn't allow me to want to exchange pleasantries.

"Fine, thank you." That was quick and to the point.

"That's good to hear. If you don't mind getting up from the table for a moment I would like to get a weight on you."

Oh great, I had not weighed myself in a while. I know I had probably put on a few pounds from indulging in ice cream on regular basis over the last couple of months. I did this off and on. I had a feeling I would be going off as soon as I saw the number.

"One hundred and twenty five, okay Isabella hop back up on that table so I can get your other stats."

Ouch, I had put on five pounds. Crap! Well that made my decision for me. I was on ice cream hiatus until further notice. Not only that but I was going to get back to walking. To some five pounds didn't seem like much, but I wasn't a tall person. And if I wasn't careful five pounds could easily turn into ten pounds and then….not going there.

"Kate" took my temperature, pulse and my blood pressure which no surprise to me was a little elevated. "Are you nervous?" She asked while jotting down whatever on to what had to be my chart.

"I guess just a little." I replied in a hushed tone.

"Don't be. Dr. Mills is one of the best in this field. You will love her. She will make you feel comfortable."

Dr. Mills, thank God was a woman. I don't know if I would have been able to get through this if I had selected a male physician. I was told to just sit tight and the doctor would be with me shortly. That's another thing I hated. Doctor's appointments never ran on time. It irritated me that you would be scheduled for a certain time and almost always you would be left sitting in the exam room waiting…and waiting. As much as their time was precious, guess what? So wasn't mine. The reason I made the appointment for first thing in the morning was so I could get to work without missing too much of the day.

After what appeared to be at least fifteen minutes since Kate left another knock was heard. The door opened and this petite woman with dark red hair walked in. She was younger than I had imagined. And she was very pretty with gray eyes.

"Isabella, I am Dr. Mills." She extended her hand and I grasped it firmly. "From what I have read here you are having or have been having issues with your period?"

"Yes. I have been irregular and my flow is normally heavy."

"Are you heavy for the entire time?"

"Yes." Not fun trust me.

"Okay, well we can do something about that. When was the last time you had an internal?

I had to swallow the lump that was forming in my throat. Did I really think that this was one question that would not be asked? Answering it would bring everything back. Memories I had worked so hard to bury but no matter what they would always resurface. I guess that's what happens when you refuse to come to terms with them. Or in my case I had come to terms with them but not in the way that was healthy. Even now I could feel hands…

"Isabella?"

"Oh, um…I was ten." I could have lied. I could have said never.

"Ten? Well you started your period early."

That's where telling the truth stopped. I wasn't going into the reason why I had to be seen by an OB/GYN at that young age considering I didn't actually start my period until I was almost fourteen. I laid down as she asked and closed my eyes as I appealed to my subconscious to take me somewhere far from here. Away from Dr. Mills's poking fingers, the cold metal. She was gentle, and sensing my uneasiness she explained each step of the exam. Still, I felt the burning sensation and I knew I was tensing up. Just hold your breath. You remember. It will be over soon.

"Alright Isabella, you can sit up now, I'm done with the exam. Everything looks fine and we will send the tissue sample out for the required testing. Your hymen is partially intact." She looked me as if she was waiting for a response from me.

Damn.

Relax no need to rush in to a full blown panic attack. There could be plenty of reasons why my…. I couldn't even bring myself to say the word. I was embarrassed and ashamed. I could tell my face was heated which meant I was blushing, and blushing profusely.

Dr. Mills didn't push me to respond, not that I felt it was any of her business. I was relieved when she told me to get dressed then meet me in her office to discuss the birth control options.

I had grown up without the benefit of my mother. As I was getting dressed, I realized how much I had missed not having her in my life. Even Aunt Jane…that familiar sting of tears began to threaten.

Bella get a grasp of your emotions.

Dr. Mills's office was nicely appointed with lots of pictures of babies which I could only assume were those she had delivered. It made me wonder if I could be wrong about her age. Or the simple fact that many women had babies every day. Would my baby be on her wall one day? My baby? I might be inexperienced but I certainly knew what it took to make a baby. I didn't have it.

"If you decide to be sexually active I don't see you having any difficulty." Dr. Mills broke the silence that had shrouded us.

"Um, that's good to know." What else was I going to say? Don't worry doctor, fact chance of that happening.

Her voice was like white noise as she explained what options were available to me, the importance of practicing safe sex. Safe sex? If you didn't have sex you were safe right? I continued to listen, nodding at all the appropriate pauses.

"Do you have any questions?"

"About the pill, can I start that immediately?"

"Yes, you can. My office will call the prescription in. I am going to start you off with a three month supply. Some women can have some side effects. If so we can adjust levels. "

"Thank you Dr. Mills."

I walked out of the office breathing a huge sigh of relief. God, that went better than I had expected. Seriously what did I think? The Spanish Inquisition? I was just grateful she didn't probe further. Enough time had passed that any evidence of physical trauma had long since healed. The physical pain I had overcome. However what was left in its wake wasn't necessarily as easy to heal.

~~SyP~~

I made it to work only two hours late. I wasn't happy about that. I would make up the time. I knew Fred would have no issue with that. Dr. Mill's office had called in my prescription and I did pick it up before I got to work. I was going to be working late tonight which meant I would never make it in time to the pharmacy. I felt odd having the pills in my bag. I was probably in the minority of the women who were taking the pill for her cycle instead of preventing pregnancy. My form of birth control = abstinence.

My cell buzzed with an incoming text message.

Bella, hey how r u? – Jacob

Fine. How are you? – Bella

Good, hey u want 2 grab dinner tonite? – Jacob

Working late, raincheck? – Bella

Sucks, but sure. – Jacob

I had a great time the other night when Jake came to the house for dinner. I wasn't opposed to striking up our friendship again as long as he understood that's all it was. But I was exhausted. I had not been sleeping too well lately and this visit today really put me on edge. What I wanted as soon as I could get out of here was a nice hot bath and my bed.

I had called Angela from the car on my way to the office…she made me promise that I would as soon as I left the doctor's office. She was thrilled to hear that I managed to get through without any incident. I did have my doubts. I have to admit I was rather proud of myself. I knew I would most likely never be comfortable having these exams but I did it.

I had a stack of orders that had been already entered but needed filing. As I walked towards Stacey's desk to have her file them I heard my name called. The voice was familiar.

"Bella!"

I turned my head in the direction of the voice.

Oh God….

Mike Newton. Why was he here? My hope was it had to do with a meeting with our Sales Manager Jack Watkins. The sheer thought of him wanting to ask me out again gave me a stomach ache.

"Hey Mike. How are you?" Be courteous, he is a customer first and foremost.

"I'm good, thanks. I have a meeting with Jack to go over our needs for the upcoming sales event."

Yes, thank you Lord.

"That's great Mike. I will let you get to that meeting."

I was practically home free when I heard him call my name again.

"Bella"

Crap!

I turned around to face him. He did have that all American boy look going on. For many girls I am sure they would fall at his feet. He just didn't do it for me.

Well who does "do it" for you? Green eyes came to mind.

"Listen, I was wondering if you wanted to have dinner again sometime. I had a really good time last week. You have some pretty cool friends." All the while he was checking me out like I was the latest edition of Hustler.

Angela and Ben had been very cool. I felt bad subjecting them to Mike but I couldn't be the bitch regardless that he was a good customer or not. And why did I get the feeling that he already thought last week was a date?

"Oh, dinner? Well I am not sure. The next few weeks are going to be hectic for me."

Lie through your teeth.

I heard him let out a sigh. I didn't want to feel pressured into saying yes. Could I lie to him and say that I was seeing someone? I mean Jake had come back. Okay so we're friends but Mike didn't have to know that right? I didn't see any harm in it. And last week's chance meeting there wasn't any need for me to have mentioned a boyfriend. But now…well now I had the need. Sorry Jake but I am going to use you.

"Actually Mike, I can't have dinner. I am sort of dating someone at the moment."

There I said it. It was wrong I know. I didn't think that God would condemn me to hell for a little white lie. It was a partial lie, after all Jake had wanted to be my boyfriend. I think he still did. Focus Bella!

"Oh, I didn't realize that." He was deflated. I could hear it in his tone. I did feel some remorse but knowing Mike Newton, (actually I didn't know him that well), he would get over it. Maybe I should introduce him to Jessica…on second thought that wasn't a good idea. He was one of our largest customers. All we needed was Newton's to drop us after an ill-fated affair with that..with Jessica.

"That's fine. How would you know right? Mike, I have to run I have some reports that I need to complete for my boss. "

"No problem. It's was great seeing you. Take care."

"You too."

God, that was so uncomfortable. He's a nice guy but definitely not my type. What was my type? Up until a week ago I would have said I didn't really know. Now if you asked me I had a list.

Tall, I mean over six feet tall

Lean and well-toned

Wild brown hair with bronze highlights

Blazing green eyes

Long fingers

Perfect profile

Sideburns that made my fingers itch

A smile that could melt your heart

Soft velvet voice

My face was blushing I could feel the heat. Here I was sitting at my desk pondering everything that I found attractive about Edward Cullen. And that list was incomplete. There was more I could add to it. Was I insane? Don't answer that. My attention to detail wasn't lost on this man. I might not be well versed in terms of the male species, but even I could admit that Edward was one of God's masterpieces. In my own personal fantasy he was as beautiful inside as he was outside. However the operative word in that statement was 'fantasy.'

It was four thirty and I still had a couple hours to go before leaving for the night. I hated Mondays like most people. The good thing about Mondays, you were one day closer to the weekend. This led me to think about the shopping trip Angela and I were taking to Port Angeles on Saturday. I had agreed to attend the hospital benefit with Jake after he begged me. I still didn't know why I agreed to go. But I did so now I was left with finding something appropriate to wear. I knew without a doubt I didn't own anything that was currently hanging in my closet that would be suitable. A new dress would also mean new shoes which meant heels.

Have I told you I am vertically challenged?

I just hoped I would find something that would flatter me in a way that would not be too flashy. I also hoped the pair of shoes I found would not end up being the death of me. It's not that I didn't own heels but what I owned were either chunky or no taller than three inches. That was not going to work for what I needed for the benefit. Jessica always left me stunned how she managed to walk in the 'come fuck me pumps' she wore. I am sure she wore them doing everything and anything. I would say that was the only thing I admired about her. The way she walked in those stilts she wore equated to the way I walked in my sneakers. Actually that wasn't even a good analogy considering I had been known to even trip wearing my Nikes. I was such a lost cause. Why did I say yes to Jake again?

The phone at my desk rang. "Hello Sarah. I wondered what she needed, maybe a quick trip to the ladies room.

"Bella, you have a visitor in the lobby."

I had a visitor? Really?

"Can you tell me who it is?" I asked in a very surprised tone. I never got visitors here.

"A very nice young man is here to see you." Sarah replied.

Nice young man.

Then all of a sudden it dawned on me. Jake. It was Jake. He obviously came here to plead his case to go to dinner tonight. God, I guess he doesn't take no for answer.

I walked out to the lobby. What I expected was not what was standing in the reception area.

Edward Cullen

This was a dream. I mean I had been dreaming about Edward. In fact a few of those dreams were Edward coming to the office to whisk me away. I felt like I should pinch myself. But I knew this was no dream. I was about to come face to face with Edward Cullen. For the life of me I couldn't understand why he was here to see me. Again, me Bella Swan.

"Hello Bella." His voice could melt butter. And he was back to calling me "Bella."

He was still wearing what he had on earlier today when I saw him at the construction site. It was safe to say that he looked even better. How was it possible that this man can look this hot towards the end of the day when I'm looking most likely like crap!

"Hi Edward." I didn't know what else to say to him. I wanted to say something like, 'What the hell are you doing here.' But of course I could never. In fact I somewhat got the feeling after seeing him this morning he had done his best to ignore me, although I couldn't fathom why. But here he stood; the man was sex on legs flashing that killer smile.

He removed something out of his pocket and held it out in the palm of his hand.

"It seems you dropped this at the site this morning."

My iPod, yes I knew that it was missing. I couldn't remember if I had left it at home or left it elsewhere. I had no idea that it had slipped out of my bag. I blamed it on being distracted. It was partly Jacob's fault but mostly Edward's. He had the power to divert my attention. It was unsettling. Even now I was lost.

Focus

"Oh my God, that's my iPod! I thought I had left it at home. I would have gone crazy tearing up my house. Thank you. It was incredibly kind of you to bring it by." I smiled shyly into his eyes while secretly feeling a sense of excitement. God, he actually went out of his way to bring this to me.

"Well 'kind' is my middle name."

I was awarded another smile. He belonged on the cover of a magazine. This man was dangerous. I could feel the crack of electricity like a bolt of lightning from a summer thunder storm. I didn't understand it. I wasn't sure I wanted to. And yet a larger part of me needed to know him, to fully comprehend what it was about him that called to me. His voice, his physical beauty lured me in fueling my demand to learn what lay beneath his flesh and blood.

Who was Edward Cullen?

I blushed again. By now my blood pressure had to be off the charts. I am sure it was even higher than what it was this morning during my doctor's appointment. I wasn't certain if I would have rather suffered through that exam again than attempt to make small talk with Edward.

I gingerly took the iPod from his hand; I felt mine tremble a bit.

So smooth Bella…

He winked at me as the iPod shifted back into my possession. It felt warm and I couldn't help having a perverted moment when I realized this had been in his pocket. Close to his body.

Oh. My. God. I needed help. Seriously, where was my mind going? In the gutter.

Before either one of us said another word I saw Jack walking Mike Newton into the reception area.

I normally didn't make it a habit to use the 'F' word often, but this was one of those moments where that word was the only word to best describe the situation. FUCK!

"Thanks Jack. We'll definitely follow up next week." Mike and Jack shook hands then Jack turned around to walk back to his office. Mike turned to make his exit.

Keep walking Mike…

"Bella, we meet again."

Of course, why did I think Mike would just leave? He came up to me and purposely brushed his shoulder against mine. Was it possible to have a nightmare…while you're awake? It sure felt like I was in the middle of one.

"Mike, all set with your meeting?" Edward stood exactly in the same spot he was in before Mike barged in. He seemed to give him the once over. As if he was sizing him up, for what I had no idea.

"Yup, all set. So this must be the boyfriend you were talking about earlier?"

I just wanted to find a hole and crawl inside and die. He didn't just say that? My eyes glanced over to Edward. I had made that comment to Mike; I had intended to use Jake. But damn if my plan didn't blown up in my face. I just hoped that Mike didn't recognize Edward from the night at New Moon. Suddenly Edward's eyes were on me and his mouth lifted into a crooked smile. Oh dear Lord.

"Hello, I'm Edward Cullen; it's a pleasure to meet you." Edward extended his hand to Mike who took it.

"Yeah, um…Mike Newton, good to meet you too." It was apparent to me that even Mike was affected by Edward's air of confidence.

Before I knew it Edward was by my side placing his arm around my waist, staking his claim.

Edward Cullen is touching me.

A burning sensation, that's what it felt like. It was as if I had been branded. His arm snaked more comfortably around my waist as if this was a common occurrence.

Why did I feel somewhat at ease?

The level of intimacy from just this simple touch made my heart skip a beat. Mike on the other hand was giving Edward the stink eye. As if he had some claim to me himself. This was more than surreal, like I was in the middle of a romance novel where the heroine is caught between two lovers. The problem with that parallel, I definitely didn't want Mike Newton, but Edward Cullen? He elicited feelings within me that were foreign and yet I wanted to explore them, find their meaning.

I was thanking God that Edward was playing along for me, while secretly a bigger part of me wanted this to be anything but a ruse.

Edward's eyes locked on to mine gazing at me lovingly nearly taking my breath away. I certainly wasn't prepared for the words he spoke.

"Baby, you left your iPod at my place, I knew you would go crazy looking for it."

Baby…

Mike's face was flushed, a mixture of anger and embarrassment from witnessing Edward speak to me so intimately. Baby. How many times had I read a romance novel where the hero referred to his love of his life by that term? How many movies had I seen? My physical reaction completely caught me off guard. I wasn't only warm, but shit my panties were wet. I was mortified by my treacherous body. What would it be like to really call him mine? For the first time in my life I wanted to find out.

"Edward, you're a lucky guy. Bella's a great girl." There was no mistake in Mike's tone, jealousy marked with bitterness thrown in for good measure.

I expected any minute they were going to whip out their male anatomy and compare who had the bigger tool. I was beginning to see just how much Mike had been attracted to me. I suppose I never gave it any real credibility. He just seemed like one of those typical guys who only wanted to hook up. I was entirely convinced he still wasn't looking for that.

"Yes, I am. She's very special." Edward squeezed his arm around my waist tighter.

I couldn't help but look up at him. This was the closest I had been to him since meeting him. I don't believe there really was a word in the English language to accurately describe the beauty of this man. He was more than captivating. His eyes so green even the lush rain forests of the Olympic Peninsula would be envious. Those same eyes held mine smiling at me tenderly. One of the most beautiful smiles I think I had ever seen. What was this man doing in the construction business? He belonged on billboards and in magazine spreads. He could rival some of the most handsome men of Hollywood. Who was that actor that was all the rage now? You know the one, he's British I think. I couldn't remember but Edward could put him to shame. And his scent, it was hard to explain but it was inexplicably male and all Edward and I wanted to drown in it.

"Thank you Edward. That's very sweet of you to say." Okay, I'll play along. Why not right?

"So, are we still on for dinner tonight?"

Now that totally threw a monkey wrench into the show we were putting on for Mike's benefit. Was he serious? Or was this just part of the game?

"Dinner?" It was all I could I think to say, he totally caught me off guard. Mike's expression was now a cross between annoyance and needing to pass gas.

"Can I borrow your cell phone baby? I left mine in the car."

My cell phone, crap. What did he want with my cell phone? I handed it to Edward not wanting to give Mike any reason to think something was awry.

"Thank you, I just wanted to confirm our dinner reservations tonight."

Dinner reservations

Edward had my cell phone and was doing God knows what with it. I heard him speaking to someone asking about a reservation this evening. Oh. My. God. He was serious! He actually was making a dinner reservation. He had walked away but was close enough that I could hear him but far enough that Mike didn't realize he was actually making the reservation instead of confirming it. This man was one smooth operator. This spelled TROUBLE for me.

He finished with my phone and handed it back to me with a gleam in his eye.

What was going on behind those brilliant eyes of jade?

"Well, I better get back to the store. It was nice to meet you Edward. You take good care of Bella." Mike extended his hand out to Edward.

Shaking Mike's hand Edward replied, "Don't worry, I plan on it." He walked back to my side and grabbed my hand in his holding it tightly. Had I died and gone to heaven? This could not be happening to me. My hand fit perfectly in his, and within his grasp not only did I feel his strength, but I found refuge. It was as if this man's hand was enough to wipe away all my fears, never allowing anyone to ever hurt me again.

I was in the reception area and I was holding Edward Cullen's hand. What started out as a simple means to dissuade the attention of Mike was now feeling like the start of something else. To make matters worse I felt like I had a swarm of butterflies in my stomach. No man had ever made me feel this way. Of course my dating had been limited, but this was like nothing I had ever encountered. Edward made me want to throw caution to the wind and explore the possibilities he presented. At the same time I kept thinking that he had acted this way to help me out of an awkward situation.

"So Bella, can I pick you up at 7?" He asked me while his hand was still in mine, no sign of releasing me from my personal torment.

"Are you serious? I mean, thank you for helping me out there with Mike, but there's no need to take me out to dinner."

It was an honest reply. And why were his eyes twinkling?

"Yeah, I'm serious. Look I know you were in tight jam there so I helped you out. But I have to be honest Bella. When I found your iPod it gave me the reason to see you again."

What. Did. He. Say?

"Why?" Edward chuckled at my response. Someone could have knocked me over with a feather. What could he possibly see in me? I wasn't anything like that Blonde Barbie he had been with last week. Which gave me cause to wonder who she was and what she was.

"I find you…intriguing. I'd like to get to know you better. So what do you say?"

I couldn't help myself so I just had to say it. "I don't think your girlfriend would appreciate that."

Bella you have balls, who knew?

Apparently it wasn't the right thing to say. He released my hand and took a step back from me.

Way to go Bella.

"What makes you think I have a girlfriend?" He seemed to go on the defensive by the sound of his tone.

"Well, I just assumed that blonde woman you were with last Monday at New Moon was your girlfriend."

"You assumed wrong."

I was right, this was a touchy subject.

"I apologize; I didn't mean to upset you." I bit my lip because I felt nervous, but more importantly I felt like an idiot for even bringing this up. Never assume anything; after all I didn't know him. I shifted balance from one foot to the other, another nervous habit.

"No, it's okay. I'm sorry; I didn't mean to snap at you. I don't have a girlfriend and I would really like to take you out to dinner tonight. So how about it?"

Those damn eyes were glued to me again. I was squirming inside. My subconscious was screaming JUST SAY YES!

Didn't I want to learn more about him? He seemed like a nice guy. He was polite, articulate, and I was sure he had a sense of humor. What was the harm in having dinner with him? One date that's all it would be. And yet, I speculated if he would be the first guy who would actually ask for a second date. Putting the cart before the horse? You have to go out with him first before there can even be a possibility of a second date. My thoughts were a befuddled mess, and he was directly responsible.

He's waiting for an answer, what do you want?

"Yes, I would like that. Um…I was going to work late to make up some time but I think my boss wouldn't mind if I just came in earlier tomorrow." Fred would be more than okay with that.

"Great! I'll call you later. Plan on being ready by 7, I'll pick you up then."

"You don't have my number?" I didn't give him my number did I? I would have remembered that.

"I got it. When I called to make the reservation I took the liberty of sending a text to my cell. But I don't have your address, although I am sure I could find it." He winked at me, God I felt giddy, as if I was having my first boy crush. Maybe I was.

He needed my address. This was real, very real. My heart was pumping out of my chest and my face had to be three shades of red.

"Oh, yeah you would need that. I live at 775 K St. in Forks."

He beamed one of the most electrifying smiles, gave me one more wink then made his way out the doors.

I was thoroughly and completely over my head.

A/N: Thank you for reading. I hope that you are finding this worth your time. Reviews would be greatly appreciated.

Jlyn & DennaRose…love you girls! xo