Author's Note:
I hope everyone liked the last chapter. I know it wasn't super fun but it just flowed once I started writing it and I didn't want to hold back… I tried to work some fun/cuteness in there nonetheless…
To those who left reviews: Thank you so much! It's so encouraging to get feedback and comments.
To everyone: Thank you for reading! I'm sorry I've taken so long to update! Life has been bonkers! Work, birthdays, family, friends and even weddings have been getting in the way.
About this chapter: This is just a little one but I hope you like it. I struggled a bit at the start but it started flowing about halfway through.
Of course, I don't own Twilight. I'm just playing with the characters a bit…
Chapter 5:
Not knowing what to make of Edward's behaviour but knowing she wouldn't be able to come to a decision as long as they were in the same room, Bella simply decided that the best temporary solution was to go with the flow.
If he wants to flirt, two can play at that game, she thought. You will not, however, initiate any flirting. He's a taken man. He's probably not even interested. It's just the thrill of the chase – wanting what he can't have – you just need to make sure you don't cross any lines, Bella told herself sternly. Once you can have a little more time to think about it, you can figure things out properly. In the meantime, we still have a few things to discuss, she concluded.
Deciding she had come to a reasonable conclusion, Bella settled back into her place next to a now cheerful Alice on the couch. Edward returned to the adjacent couch and the three of them now cradled cups of tea as Alice and Edward discussed the rooming situation.
"So, just to clarify, in telling us about Tanya, Jasper and Rosalie, you're asking if we'd be happy for all three of them to come and stay with us?" Alice asked.
"I know it's a lot to ask but yes, that's exactly what I'm saying. Only if you're both comfortable with it though." Edward said, his face entirely serious as he looked between his sister and Bella. "It's going to be enough of an adjustment for you with me here. I don't want either of you to feel uncomfortable." He continued, his gaze lingering on Bella for a few moments as their eyes met.
In that moment, the seriousness of his words and the similarities they shared with Carlisle and Esme's the previous day, resulted in – for the first time – Bella being unfazed by his stare. In fact, she almost laughed. The apple doesn't fall far from the tree. They really are a remarkable family, she thought. Her thoughts were following a similar line to that of the previous day too. Why not? There was always the option of escaping to her room. If need be, I could live in there quite comfortably for some time, she thought.
"And you mentioned that Tanya would only be staying for a few weeks?" Bella asked. "Would that be the case for Jasper and Rosalie too?"
"Actually, no." Edward replied, returning his cup to the coaster. "They're looking at moving to Seattle and I was hoping they could stay here until they find their own place. Like I mentioned, though, they're well-off. There's no reason they shouldn't be able to afford to stay at a hotel for a while. I'm only suggesting this because it would be nice for them to meet you guys… To have some 'friends on arrival' if you know what I mean…" He trailed off, glancing back and forth between the girls again.
Bella could tell Edward wanted to be able to do this for his friends. He'd experienced a tough time and they'd helped him through it. In a way, he wanted to be able to return the favour. Bella looked to Alice, trying to determine her reaction to the request. Despite the fact that she didn't mind either way, if Alice didn't want these people living with them – no matter how temporary – Bella would support her decision. Alice, however, looked excited as she returned Bella's gaze.
"Would you be OK with it, Bella?" Alice asked. Bella had a feeling her friend knew exactly what her response was going to be but there was no way Alice would speak on her behalf. Unlike the previous day, when her excitement had taken over, she was now making sure she was doing the right thing by clarifying with her friend. Alice wanted 100 percent confirmation from Bella before approving Edward's request.
Bella gave her friend a small, almost imperceptible, smile before looking back to Edward who, to Bella's delight, looked nervous as hell. At least I know he gets nervous, she thought, but good lord, how does anyone look so attractive with so little effort?
Leaning forward with his elbows resting on his knees, he looked like a model. While most people would look exhausted after an overnight flight, with his flawless posture, hands together, fingers interlocked, perfectly messy hair and intense gaze, Edward looked like any woman's fantasy.
Although it seemed impossible, the image of the man on the couch was only made more spectacular when Alice approved his request. His face cracked into a huge, genuine smile as he thanked both of the girls and, as he leaned back, all tension and nervousness leaving his body, his eyes lingered on Bella again.
Although she felt a little more relaxed herself, she avoided his gaze. Probably best to avoid these moments if it can be helped, Bella thought. The plan may be to go with the flow but avoidance is best...
"Well, I'm looking forward to meeting them," Alice interrupted Bella's thoughts, "And, now that's all sorted, do you want some sleep? You must be exhausted from the flight." She asked her brother.
"I would." Edward replied. "I'd love some sleep but I shouldn't. The sooner I can get my body clock on track, the better. Speaking of which, since you guys are happy for Rose and Jasper to stay, it's probably best that I leave the rooms on your side of the apartment for them, Alice. That way they can be near each other and Tanya can room with me."
"Fair enough," Alice said, "just don't share any details on your sexual activities with me. I don't want to hear it! Oh and you might want to keep it down so Bella doesn't have to hear you two going at it in the next room."
"Alice!" Bella and Edward both exclaimed, appalled and more than a little embarrassed.
"What?" Alice responded with the false face of an angel.
You little shit, Bella thought.
"Anyway, Edward," Bella started, glaring at her friend and attempting to steer the conversation away from sex, "I don't know if your tour guide was any good," she said, giving Alice a pointed look, "but you should know that each bedroom has an ensuite…?" She questioned.
"I do but it's no thanks to Alice." Edward replied, pulling a face at his sister before meeting Bella's eyes with an amused expression. "Mum and Dad were actually the ones to tell me that…"
"As long as someone's getting the job done." Bella continued to tease Alice.
"Hey, if you guys are going to start ganging up on me, I'm going to have to kick someone out!" Alice replied to the teasing indignantly. Both Bella and Edward laughed at her words.
"Sorry Ali." Edward replied.
Bella just threw her friend a cheeky grin before continuing, "Anyway," she pressed on, turning back to Edward, "you should know that the main bathroom is rarely used so you are welcome to it once your guests are here. I only used it this morning because the shower in my ensuite is broken. Carlisle's plumber will be here later today to fix it."
"Oh, so you don't usually run around the place wearing nothing but a towel?" Edward teased, unleashing a smirk.
"No," Bella playfully glared at him as a smile pulled at the corners of her lips, "I don't make a habit of it."
"That's a shame." Edward commented matter-of-factly before scooping up the cups and teapot, taking everything to the kitchen before Bella could respond.
"Your brother!" Bella whisper-shouted to Alice once she was sure Edward was out of earshot. "He's the worst! ... I obviously don't mean the worst-worst – he actually seems like a nice guy – but seriously, why's he flirting with me?"
Alice chuckled. "Is that so surprising, Bella?"
"Yes, Alice!" Bella replied, still whispering even though Alice had made no attempt to lower her voice. "He's way out of my league and he has a girlfriend."
"OK, let's get one thing straight," Alice said, lowering her voice this time, "you're beautiful. He is not out of your league at all." She paused and let out a sigh after seeing the expression on Bella's face. "I know you don't believe me but I'm telling you the truth, Bella." She drove her point home with a stern look before continuing. "I'll admit the girlfriend thing is an issue though. Apparently she gets pretty jealous."
"Yeah, I heard." Bella replied without thinking.
"Oh, so you were listening? I knew it!" Alice teased, a sly smirk on her face. "So you know how hot he thinks you are? How can you argue with me after hearing that?"
"Come on, Alice." Bella replied in a disbelieving tone, "He said himself that he was just caught by surprise and he was worried because I wasn't moving. He's a doctor, for god's sake! His training kicked in." That's a good way to explain it, Bella thought. Deep down, she knew there was more than professional concern in Edward's eyes when he'd looked at her but explaining it away to someone else helped Bella convince herself she'd imagined certain parts of the encounter…
Alice sighed again, knowing her friend wasn't going to believe any other argument. She had hoped for a long time that she might be able to help Bella develop her self-confidence but she'd already done everything she could think of and she was utterly stumped for ideas. The greatest progress so far had been something Bella had discovered herself: the gym. Alice had noticed an impressive increase in Bella's confidence since she'd started working out but it wasn't nearly as much as Bella deserved. If only Edward was single, she thought. They would make a great couple…
"Hey, Bella?" Edward called from the kitchen, catching the attention of both girls. "Were you serious about the whole lasagne thing? Can I eat some now?"
"NO!" Alice shouted. "Don't you dare! It's mine!"
"Ignore her." Bella called out, laughing. "You can help yourself but only if you heat some up for us too!"
"Will do. Thanks!" Edward replied.