Authors note: First, thank you for reading! I read this book for the first time in 2008. Since then, it has always troubled me that Bella and Edward NEVER got their alone time in Seattle. I blurred the lines with this one a little bit. Bella already knows Edward is a vampire. This would mean they skipped the dance. Please let me know if you enjoy it. I wanted to give Bella more of a personality. I believe Bella is much more assertive than what Meyer tends to paint her. I wanted her to express how annoyed she is with Edward. Please enjoy. Should there be more than just one chapter?
As I put my hand on the silver handle, the door flew open. I looked up to see Edward smile his crooked smile.
"Thanks' ' I muttered sheepishly. My cheeks felt hot. I could hear Edward hide a chuckle under his breath. The cool salty air hit my face, providing my burning cheeks with relief. Edward looked like a supermodel compared to my shabby chic look. He had his hair perfectly nestled into perfection, his classic grey coat, fitted black denim jeans and his signature black Ray Bans. I tried not to stare in awe but he caught me, damn.
"Is something the matter?" He was more concerned than I hoped.
I tried to lighten the mood, "Does Calvin Klein know about you? I am sure they are casting for the next collection", I teased. A small smile crept on his face but a saddening look replaced it quickly. That look puzzled me. As if he read my mind, he was quick to respond.
"Bella, it is I that has the pleasure of being with a Goddess, please do not argue with me" He declared. I grew quiet. I felt like a child- I was scolded for being playful. I rolled my eyes and tightened my purse on my strap. I decided to let it go, we can discuss his mood swings at a later time, it was time to shop.
Spending time shopping in the lively heart of Seattle was not usually my ideal pastime. Renee tended to drag me to all the flea markets and swap meets she could find. Occasionally, I would find a rare book or vintage t-shirt. Though, I mostly spent time ensuring she did not go over budget. However, Edward made it much more bearable. Edward had been to Seattle many times. I learned his sister, Alice, is the household personal shopper. Therefore, she tends to drag Edward to the shops to adorn their home with expensive antiques and dress them in the latest threads.
"From what Alice remembers, she grew up poor," Edward explained as we headed towards the coffee shop.
"Well, she had a feeling she was since she was left at the local mental health hospital wearing dirty, ill fitting clothes. This was one of her earlier vampiric memories. She described feeling filthy and forgotten. Therefore, she grew to love taking care of her looks. Our family fortune certainly has helped her with that" He smiled warmly thinking of his eccentric adopted sister.
Edward rolled his eyes when I asked if he would like anything. I figured it was the respectful thing to do with the company. I ordered myself a hot coffee with cream and sugar.
"Bella" He whispered into my ear, "Please eat something, I could hear your stomach rumble from Tacoma".
I flushed in response to his demand. I had not realized I was hungry.
"I will have the turkey sandwich please" I informed the teen behind the counter. Edward handed the clerk a twenty dollar bill faster than I could pull out my purse.
"A lady should never pay," he winked. Could he be more irritating?
We took our seats in the quiet coffee shop. The coffee shop was a little alternative to my taste but it was refreshing to be somewhere other than wet Forks. Phoenix had a lively downtown with art galleries, sports fans and town activities. Renee would take me to the galleries for the free wine. I would enjoy looking at the different mediums of art and nibble on the imported cheeses.
I looked around the coffee shop's art pieces on the wall. A stunning dark brown frame caught my attention. The image depicted a castle-like building surrounded by people dressed in red cloaks. The painting illustrated a festival of some type. Though, in the far back, the artist detailed a group of 3 men in black coats. The color and imagery of the painting transported me to the ancient town. I could hear people cheering and laughing amongst each other.
"That is in Italy, near the heart of Tuscany, Italy" Edward explained. I snapped back to the quiet jazz of the cafe.
"Oh?" I lifted an eyebrow as I sipped the warm creamy coffee. I knew Edward's lifestyle permitted him to be well traveled. However, the name of the village did not sound like anything in the geography books I have read.
"My people" he whispered so low I had to get closer to him, "reside in the small village of Volterra. We have a very rich history there" He looked around the coffee shop. I could tell he wanted to end the conversation there given the public space. I figured this topic could be best saved for the ride home. Though, I was curious to know why a painting of such a hidden village would be in such a highly populated tourist area.
"Then why is there-" I heard my name called out by the clerk, indicating my meal was ready. Before I could get up, Edward had already dashed to pick up my sandwich. He returned with a good looking sandwich accompanied with a cookie and a rose.
"Your meal is served my love" He smiled warmly. I picked up the rose and blushed.
"Thank you" I managed to mutter, continuously blushing a deep shade of red. Edward's detail to detail made me uncomfortable. Not in the sense that it was unwanted attention, it was very wanted and welcomed. I just had never had anyone pay this close attention to me. Back at home, no one really noticed me in that aspect. I had a crush on Nick Garcia in junior high but he moved away before the spring formal. After that, I tended to Renee, picked up reading and focused on school.
"Eat, please" Edward pointed to my food. I was ravenous. The avocado oozed from my sandwich, I was in desperate need of sustenance. I took an awkwardly large bite of my sandwich, causing Edward to chuckle.
"I apologize for not feeding you anytime sooner, I forget humans need food every few hours" He explained. I tried to chew slowly so as not to look like a rabid chipmunk. I rolled my eyes and he hoped he understood the lack of concern I had. The rest of the meal was silent.
After the coffee shop, we headed towards the bookstore. Edward began to discuss my poor taste in books, once again.
"I do not understand your fascination with Wuthering Heights, it is so-" he paused in front of the store, "cliche for its time period. I recall when it came out, many of us men recoiled at the thought of the story. Even Romeo and Juliet was a better love story, they died!" He exclaimed, smiling at himself. I was taken aback at how long Edward's father has been around for. The Cullens connection to the art was by no accident, they had lived through the changing eras of the world. It brought me into perspective, the Cullen Klan was cultured. My mind began to ponder on how the Cullens could have easily impacted or guided the world around them. Edward mentioned his sister being able to predict things. Could this mean she can prevent something horrendous occuring on Earth? I stopped myself before getting too creative with my thoughts.
"So," I started as we browsed the cook book section, "tell me about your family, I am curious". I browsed through the cake books pretending to be absorbed into the culinary literature.
"What about them?" he said as he flipped through a recipe book. Though I am not an expert on the vampiric diet, I am for certain vampires do not have a fixation for confectionery goods. He is nervous, just like me.
"Well, from what you have mentioned, everyone is unique. '' My voice trailed off as I fingered the spine of a fish cookbook.
"Ah," Edward swallowed.
"I hope I am not prying," I said looking too intently at the South of the Border section, "I- er- just want to know more about them. You talk about them a lot".
"Well, as you may know, Carlisle is a doctor, my mother, for all intents and purposes, is a stay at home wife that works part time as a decorator" He paused and took a breath "And, well, you know the rest".
Edward swiftly grabbed two books that balanced dangerously close to the edge. I gathered from his vague response that he did not want to discuss his family while out in public. Edward's sudden change of tone caused my energy to shift. I cannot tell if he wants to talk about anything but me. Did I do something? Do I smell? Does it matter? Better yet, do I matter?
"Maybe we can save some of this conversation for the ride home, It'll help me keep awake" I responded to lighten the mood. He smiled and nodded.
"Seems like you have quite the selection, are you ready?" He pointed to the collection of books ranging from Emily Bronte to Fish 101. I smiled and led the way to the register.
Edward had not let me pay for a single item throughout the entire trip. I tried to sneak a bookmark from the sweet older man at the register but he beat me to it. Being taken care of is not something I am used to. Edward is beyond attentive and always ready to meet my needs. During our meandering, I tripped on uneven pavement in which he caught me very swiftly. I should find it embarrassing or even ashamed. but, it makes me feel cared for. It began to rain as our shopping trip was coming to an end. I also wanted to get back home before the Chief had anything to worry about. He knew I was going to be here, however, not with company. I still had to come up with a clever excuse as to why Edward accompanied me as opposed to Angela. I could say Angela had to babysit her little brother last minute...
"Bella, I appreciate you noting my tone" Edward said coolly as he merged onto the highway.
"Oh?" I responded casually hoping to get him to elaborate.
"Please do not think my lack of detail about my family or my people is to shut you down" He furrowed his brow, "I- I do not know what kind of laws I am breaking here. Humans should not know about us. It is rather interesting that you were able to solve the mystery on your own" He smiled towards the end. We sat in a comfortable silence as we let his words steep in.
"Is there a vampiric law that prohibits over-analytical clumsy girls from jumping to conclusions?" I said casually to ensure the banter continued.
" I suppose not" He chuckled, "Though, I feel very protective of you Bella" He said in a serious tone that made me gulp.
"Why is that?" I managed to speak quietly.
My question was followed with the loudest laugh I have ever heard him utter. I was not sure what could possibly be so funny. Should I be offended, embarrassed, or concerned? My cheeks grew hot but my brow furrowed. That was enough laughter and sudden changes of mood. The hot and cold bit was getting old. Quite frankly, I felt like the loser girl. The popular girl is nice enough to reel you in but treats you like dirt once you are lured in. Up until this trip, Edwards persistence and attentiveness was flattering. Now, I feel like I am here for his own personal amusement.
"Look-" I said sternly, "While I appreciate you driving me to and from Seattle, I have not enjoyed being treated like an imbecile. One minute you are complimenting me and laughing at my jokes but the next, you are scolding me like I am 5 years old. You laugh when I ask a simple question. Are you socially inept, am I? Look, Edward. I was really beginning to believe there was something here but your lack of explanations is quite perplexing. I am not sure how or even what to feel" I concluded with a loud huff to ensure he understands how excruciating it has been to understand him.
Edward suddenly swerved to the shoulder of the road causing the engine to roar and halt within a span of ten seconds. Before I could even ask what was going on, the passenger door flew open. Edward was on his knee, holding my warm hand against his cool marble skin. Words cannot explain the confusion I was experiencing. He began to speak before I could even utter a word.
"Bella, please never call yourself an imbecile. I want to deeply apologize for how I have made you feel. I had not realized how strongly you have been feeling about my treatment towards you. My intent has never been to hurt you" He closed his eyes as if he was trying to shed off a bad memory, "Bella, you are the most significant person I have ever met in my hundred years of life, or whatever you may call my existence. I promise to cherish and protect you. I promise to make you feel valued and devote myself to you. Please, allow me to explain" His dazzling smile caused me to almost forget how frustrated I was. I eased up but did not want to let it go.
"Okay fine but can you please get in the car? My jeans are getting wet" I scrunched my nose as I tightened my jacket. The black leather interior of the door was starting to drip with water. He kissed my hand before closing the door gently. He maneuvered the car to a scenic point and parked. Did I start something I did not want to finish?
"Bella," he started, "there are rules that are archaic in my world. However, given our current circumstances, they are relatively new to me. I am not sure where to begin but here I go"