I was on the phone with Edward during my lunch break at WIRI. We were trying to coordinate times to speak and maybe skype with each other.
“My schedule this week is a little flexible because we don’t start filming until next week. Hopefully we’ll find time to skype. For instance, today was spent with wardrobe and makeup, I was free for the day by two o‘clock. Tomorrow will be more of the same with some rehearsals, I’ll probably be finished by four o’clock at the latest. On Friday, I’m supposed to be getting my military haircut once again.” He sighed.
“Oh yeah? That’s good. You were looking a little fluffy.” I giggled.
“Fluffy?” Although I couldn’t see his face, I was certain that Edward was smirking.
“Okay maybe poofy is a better word.”
“Poofy? First of all I don’t think that’s even a real word, and secondly there is nothing ‘poofy’ about me Miss Swan.”
I started laughing out loud. “Okay, okay. I stand corrected.” I was still laughing though, not quite sounding contrite.
Edward sighed in frustration. “God I wish I could see you.” He was quiet for a minute. “Bella, I’ve got an idea. Suppose I set my alarm for early tomorrow morning like 5am or so, it’ll be after 9 o’clock tonight where you are. Maybe we can skype for an hour?”
“Are you sure you’ll get enough sleep?” I asked.
“Plenty Bella. It’s almost nine o’clock here now. After I hang up with you, I’ll probably play my guitar for a while, and then go to bed. My personal life is so exciting when I’m not with you.“ He said sarcastically as he chuckled. “So, it’s settled, we’ll skype as soon as I wake up, I need my Bella fix.” He admitted.
“I know what you mean. It’s a date Mr. Movie Star. I’ll see you then, I love you Edward.”
“I love you too sweetheart.”
It turned out to be an interesting afternoon.
Soon after I hung up with Edward, Rose was called into the station manager’s office and chewed out for setting up Geri Chance the way she did. Rose blasted right back, and threatened to quit on the spot. Her contract was up in June, and everyone knew she was leaving anyway.
The discussion got rather heated, and I could hear their raised voices all the way down the hall.
When Rose finally emerged, it was with a satisfied smirk on her face. It seems that in the midst of their discussion, they were interrupted when Lydia the receptionist burst into Bill’s office. The poor girl had been fielding phone calls all day congratulating the station for having the balls to take on a corrupt, and insane, federal prosecutor. Some were demanding to speak with ‘the boss’ to pass on their thanks, and Lydia wasn’t able to hold them off any longer.
Needless to say, by the time Rosalie left his office, Bill was fawning all over her. By the end of the day, he was saying she should be nominated for a broadcast journalism award.
This was turning out to be an amazing week, despite the fact that my boyfriend was so far away. I kept expecting something terrible to happen to kill my buzz.
Remember Bella, you are now living the fairytale. No more negative thoughts!
It sounded like my subconscious finally had her shit together too.
By nine-thirty I was curled up in bed, my laptop and cell phone perched beside me, waiting for Edward’s call. I didn’t have to wait long, and we immediately went onto skype.
When I got a look at him, I wanted so badly to crawl through the computer to touch him. His hair was in glorious disarray, his gorgeous face needed a shave, his eyes were bleary from sleep, and his lips were absolutely kissable.
“Edward” I whispered.
He looked just as mesmerized by me, although I’ll never understand why. “Hey baby.” He finally said in a voice husky from sleep.
After I snapped out of my daze, I proceeded to tell him about everything that happened with Rose.
He told me about his day, making mention of how polite the London fans were, and that he never feared being mobbed when he was out. The paps however still stalked his every move.
“Oh good, I’ll have to go on the internet to see the photos.” I smiled.
“Miss Swan are you threatening to be my internet stalker?” He smirked.
I missed that smirk.
“I wish I could stalk you in person.” I said sadly.
“We are a mess Bella. It’s not even been three days yet.”
We continued talking until I couldn’t keep my eyes open any longer, and Edward had to get ready for his day.
On Thursday, my classes seemed to fly by. I had lunch with Joanna and Tara, and the three of us planned a ’girls night out’ for Saturday. I made a mental note to ask Rose if she wanted to join us since Emmett would be out of town, participating in a celebrity charity golf tournament in Las Vegas.
I hope Vegas survives him.
My last class of the day was almost over when there was a knock at the door of the classroom. I was surprised to see a couple of campus police officers enter. They approached the professor and spoke in hushed voices with her.
“Isabella Swan” my professor announced. “These officers need you to go with them please.“
My heart was in my throat as I gathered my belongings with shaky hands.
Did something happen to Charlie? Emmett or Rose? Oh God not Edward….
About halfway down the hallway leading to the exit, I couldn’t take it any more. My legs were shaking so badly that I could barely walk. “Would one of you please tell me what’s going on?“ I asked, almost in tears.
“We’ll explain in a few minutes Miss Swan, we just need to make sure you’re in a safe location.”
What? Why?
“Can you at least tell me if Edward and my family are alright?” I demanded.
“Oh yes, Miss Swan, sorry to alarm you. As far as we know, everyone is fine. This is about your safety.“
I was even more confused than before.
The sight before my eyes as we exited the building I won’t soon forget.
There were two police cars in front of the adjacent building with their lights flashing. I watched as three officers went inside.
“Miss Swan, did you park in the lot today?“ One of the officers with me asked.
“No, I was driven.“ Just then I saw Lou with a bewildered expression on his face, approaching us. He was stopped by one of the officers before reaching me.
“Miss Swan, do you know that man?“ The officer closest to me asked.
“Yes, actually he’s my driver.“
The officer nodded to the other and Lou was allowed to walk over. “Bella, are you alright?” He asked.
“Yeah Lou, but I don’t know what’s going on.” I answered.
The officer standing next to me, ushered us over to a parked campus police car, and had me sit in the passenger seat. Lou climbed into the back as the officer slid into the driver’s seat.
From my vantage point, I could see the cars with the flashing lights, and a crowd starting to gather. “Miss Swan, we received information today which led us to suspect two of your fellow students of vandalizing your car. Because of your high profile, and because we’re not sure yet that there aren’t more people involved, we wanted to make sure you were safe before arresting them.”
Vandals? More than one?
“Who was it?”
“Do you know a Pauline Stark or an Amanda Ross?” He asked.
“Not really.” I thought back to the two skanky girls that had taunted me since the first day that Edward and I were in the news. I think their names were Pauline and Amanda.
“I mean, I think I know who they are, but I never knew their last names. They’ve been really nasty to me since I started dating Edward, but why would they destroy my car?” I was so confused.
“We don’t know Miss Swan. We may never know. The important thing is for them to pay for what they’ve done.” He answered. “And we need to determine if they are a danger to you or anyone else.”
At that exact moment I saw the officers that had entered the building return with Pauline and Amanda in custody. They both started putting up a fight as they neared the police cars, and I actually saw Pauline elbow one of the officers in the gut.
“Oh boy.” The policeman next to me muttered. “She just made her life a lot more complicated. For what she just did, she’ll be charged with assault.”
The officer said that I’d be notified of the arraignment proceedings, and if the case went to trial, I’d probably have to make a statement.
After the girls were taken away, Lou escorted me to the car. I was aware of flashes going off, and mentally calculated what time it was in England.
Edward should be asleep, I’ve got plenty of time to tell him what happened before he sees the photos.
As Lou and I reached the car, I noticed Tara and Joanna frantically looking around. Tara spotted me first and grabbed Joanna while pointing in my direction. They both rushed over.
“Can you believe those bitches?” Joanna asked.
“You already know what happened?” I asked.
“Are you kidding? It’s all over campus. Someone overheard those two fools bragging in the ladies’ room about vandalizing your car. They have a lot of enemies Bella. The police were notified, and evidently while those whores were in class, enough evidence was found to arrest them.” Tara answered.
“I’m posting the photo of them being arrested on my facebook tonight!” Joanna said excitedly.
“Do you know why they did this to me?” The feelings I felt the day my car was vandalized were coming back to me. I felt sad and confused, but tried my best to kept my emotions in check.
“Bella, some people are just evil. I think you understand something about that.” Tara said quietly as she placed a comforting hand on my arm.
“Yes, I suppose I do.” I whispered.
“Anyway, it all boils down to just plain jealousy. They were jealous of you and Edward, and you were an easy target. Put them out of your mind.” Joanna added.
“Now we have even more reason to celebrate on Saturday night!” Tara added with a brilliant smile.
I returned her smile, still not believing how good this week had turned out.
I called my Dad, only to find out that someone from the campus police had already made him aware of what was going on. Charlie had also spoken with Emmett, so by this time, Rose was sure to know.
“I’m glad they were caught Bells. I’ll sleep better tonight knowing you’re safe.” My dad confessed.
“To tell you the truth Dad, I’d almost forgotten about it. Today brought everything back to me.”
“Don’t let it bother you kid. It’s not anything you did, and I don’t want you blaming yourself like you tend to do.”
Something I have in common with Edward.
“I still don’t understand why the police made such a big production out of it.” I said, still a little bewildered by the whole experience.
“Bells, as much as you may not want to admit it, you’re a public figure now. Law enforcement takes these crimes very seriously. Nine times out of ten, the celebrity has not provoked the attack, and they rarely know their attacker before the incident. Plus, it helps that your Dad‘s a cop.” He chuckled.
“Why do I get the feeling that Chief Swan used his influence today?” I said.
“Don’t know what you’re talking about kiddo.” He said as he chuckled.
I laughed too. “Okay Dad. On that note, I’d better go, I just arrived at work. Rose is probably dying to know details.”
“Talk to you later Bells. Bye.”
“Bye Dad.”
--V&V--
As expected, Rose cornered me as soon as I arrived. “So what you’re telling me is that aside from being evil bitches, they’re stupid too. Only a fool would brag about what they’d done, while in a public bathroom.” She shook her head in disgust as she spoke.
“I’m glad it’s overwith anyway.” I said.
She smiled in agreement.
“So, when is Emmett leaving for Vegas?” I asked.
Rose cringed a little. “Saturday morning, the golf tournament is on Sunday. If I didn’t have that interview with the Governor on Monday, I’d go with him.”
She started to shake her head again. “I keep having flashbacks of The Hangover, and worrying about all the stupid shit he could get into.”
I wanted to laugh, but somehow I knew Rose would fail to see the humor.
“Everything will be fine Rose. Just threaten him like you always do.” I teased.
“Oh I’ll threaten him alright. He’ll be officially cut off earlier than expected if he screws up.” She smiled.
Oh boy.
“Since Emmett is going to be out of town, how would you like join me and my friends for a ‘girls night out’ on Saturday.“
Rose’s eyes lit up. “Bella, do you realize how normal your life has become? Well, aside from the fact that your boyfriend’s a hot movie star.” She winked. “I can’t believe this is the same little girl that used to be afraid of everything.” She walked around her desk and hugged me.
“So yes, I can’t wait to meet your friends. We need to let down our hair, it’s been a hell of a week.”
“Amen to that.” I muttered.
--V&V--
When we got home, I cooked dinner for Emmett, Rose and myself. After we ate, I went back to my apartment for the evening. Knowing it would be hours until Edward woke up and called me, I took my shower, and padded over to my closet to dress for bed.
Instead of my usual sweatpants and t-shirt, I pulled out a pink chiffon baby doll nightie that Rose had purchased for me some time ago. I slipped it on, immediately feeling a little brazen. It was just conservative enough to make me feel comfortable, but risqué enough to make a lasting impression on Edward.
I hoped.
I’d probably never have the nerve to wear it in front of him, but since he was thousands of miles away, I knew it wouldn’t get me into ’trouble’. I giggled as I thought about what his reaction would be.
I went back to the living room to watch television. I must have dozed off because the next thing I knew, I was woken from a dead sleep by the ringing of my cell phone. I jumped up and retrieved it from table.
“Hello, Edward.” The words came out sounding like mush.
“Bella, thank God.” He sounded relieved. “What happened today? Alec woke me to look at photos of you on the internet.” He was talking very fast.
It took a minute for my brain to register what he‘d said. I blinked several times, trying to will the cloud of sleep away.
“Edward, calm down. How much information did they include with the photos?” I asked.
“Nothing that makes any sense Bella. There are photos of two girls being arrested, and photos of you with a couple police officers and some of you, Lou and the officers. One website said that you were arrested, another one said that those girls being arrested were friends of yours, one even said that Lou was your new boyfriend.” He chuckled at the last one.
“Geesh. They couldn’t have gotten things any more wrong. Those two girls are the ones that vandalized my car. Someone turned them in yesterday. The police were ushering me to safety, in case they tried anything.”
“But you’re okay? Everything’s okay?” He asked anxiously.
“Everything is fine. More than fine. I can honestly say that if you were here, my life would be perfect.”
Edward breathed a sigh of relief. “Thank God.”
“As a matter of fact, as soon as the police determine that those girls acted alone, I won’t really need Lou any more, I’ll be able to drive myself.”
Edward was silent for a moment before he spoke. “Bella, I’d like you to keep Lou. At least to drive you to and from school. Just while I’m away.”
I opened my mouth to object, but before I could form words, Edward said “Please Bella” in a desperate whisper.
And I melted.
“Okay Edward.” I answered quietly.
“Thanks baby. Let’s go on skype, I need to see you.”
I moved to my bedroom, where my laptop was set up beside my bed.
As soon as Edward was able to see me, I watched his eyes widen slightly as they roamed over the part of my body which was visible to him.
He cleared his throat. “Bella, what are you wearing?”
“Do you like it?” I asked coyly, knowing exactly what I was doing to him. “Rose got it for me.”
I stood to model it for him, giving a little twirl in the process. I wasn’t bold enough to flash Edward the matching panties, but by the look on his face, the poor boy would have had a heart attack if I had.
“Jesus Christ” He muttered.
I giggled again.
“You are a cruel woman Miss Swan.” He said in a low husky voice.
“I just want to make sure you don’t forget about me when all those women are throwing themselves at you Mr. Movie Star.” As I spoke, I crawled onto the bed, pulling the covers up to my waist.
Edward’s eyes were blazing.
Ho-lee crap he looks hot.
“There’s no chance I could ever forget you Bella. As if missing you wasn’t difficult enough, you had to give me a new reason to take cold showers for the next month.”
I laughed out loud.
“Come on Edward, stop teasing me. I know you’re around women that are far more beautiful than I am every day.” I challenged.
Not to mention sexier. Do I even know how to be sexy?
“Are you just fishing for compliments Bella, or do you really not know how beautiful you are? I don’t have eyes for anyone but you. And that is precisely why it was cruel of you to wear that sexy slip of material just to taunt me.” I could see his eyes smoldering.
Oh my, I’ve got to change the subject before I self-combust.
“Okay, well, I’m sorry. I’ll hide under the covers in order not to tease you any more.” I said as I pulled the comforter up to my chin.
“Hey! Put that right back where it was, I didn’t say I didn’t like the nightgown, just that you were cruel for wearing it when I can’t do anything about it.”
Combustion imminent.
“Um, then maybe this is the safest time to wear it.” I smiled sweetly.
He sighed. “You’re probably right. As I said before, I’ll abide by your wishes in that matter Bella. And you can just keep torturing me.” He smirked.
“Edward, aside from tonight, I’ve never tortured you.”
He blurted out a laugh. “Maybe not on purpose, Bella, but you torture me constantly in a thousand different ways.“
I could feel my face blushing at his words.
“Have I told you how much I love that blush?” He whispered.
“A few hundred times.” I giggled.
Deciding it was time to change the subject before I felt the need to French kiss Edward through my laptop screen, I told him about my plans for Saturday night.
“That sounds great Bella. I think Lou should drive all of you, that way you can drink and not worry about a cab.”
“Actually, that will work perfectly. Thanks Edward.”
He smiled, happy I’m sure that I acquiesced to his wishes so easily.
Alice and Jasper were arriving in London on Saturday, and staying for a week. Evidently, Alice loved to have an excuse to go to London. Edward hoped to do a little sightseeing with them on Sunday, maybe drive outside the city for the day.
As Edward talked, I started to drift, visions of driving through the English countryside with him were running through my head. At some point, I must have fallen asleep.
Suddenly, I was aware of the light of day filling my bedroom. I willed my eyes open and slowly sat up, stretching my arms over my head as I did.
I heard a low gasp, and immediately pulled the comforter up from where it had fallen away from my body. I looked in the direction of the sound to find that my laptop was still connected to skype, and Edward was watching me with a smile on his face.
“What are you doing Edward? How long have you been watching me?” I said, my voice still groggy from sleep.
He looked sheepish. “You fell asleep right before I had to leave. I didn’t have the heart to disconnect. I guess I was hoping we'd still be connected when I got back.”
I noticed he was dressed in different clothing, and he’d obviously gotten the expected haircut.
“I like the haircut by the way. So answer the question, how long have you been watching me?” I smirked.
If he can do it, so can I.
He grinned. “I got back about an hour ago, and have been watching you sleep ever since.”
I laughed. “And you accused me of being a stalker.”
He chuckled. “I’m sorry Bella, but honestly, you already knew about my stalker tendencies. It seems that I can‘t help myself.” He grinned, unashamed.
We talked for a while, but I knew Edward needed to eat dinner, and I had to eat breakfast and get some homework done. We reluctantly said goodbye, promising to skype again that night.
I threw on my jeans and a shirt. Just as I was putting my hair up in a messy bun, my phone rang.
‘Hello Alice.” I’d missed her.
“Hi Bella. I heard you’ve had an exciting week.” She said through a laugh.
I laughed too. “Exciting yes. It’s all good though. Hey, aren’t you leaving for England soon?”
“Our flight leaves this evening. I’m so excited. I adore London.“
“I’ve never been.“ I admitted.
“Which reminds me, Rose told me that you’re planning to surprise Edward with a visit.”
“Yes, if everything works out, I should arrive in England on the 28th of April.”
“Bella, that’s wonderful. Edward will be so happy.” She said excitedly.
“I think so too.” I smiled at the thought.
“So, could I ask a favor of you?” Alice said.
“Sure Alice, what do you need?”
“I want you to let me purchase your ticket.”
What is it with this family?
“Alice, no. I can afford it.” I argued.
“Yes, but can you afford first class? Before you argue, just listen. First class affords you the opportunity to sleep all the way over. Your seat converts into a bed, and you have privacy dividers. Just think how rested you’ll be, the jet lag reduced significantly. I know Edward will appreciate the fact that you’re not a zombie when you arrive.”
“Thanks for the offer Alice, but I can’t let you spend that kind of money on me.”
“Bella, I have a lot of money. Please let me do this, we’ll call it an early graduation present.” She pleaded.
“Alice, I..”
“Please”
Crap, she’s just like her brother, and I can’t say no to either of them.
I groaned in frustration. “Alice, I know you will never stop bugging me until I give in, so okay.”
She squealed.
“And thank you, I appreciate it.” I added.
Emmett came over a little while later, wanting to take me to breakfast.
“So, you still planning to surprise Eddie in England?” Emmett asked with a grin.
“That’s the plan. If Rose will let me beg off of work that week, I’m going to skip my Thursday classes and fly over on Tuesday evening to arrive Wednesday.”
Emmett nodded as he thought. “I bet you’ll be glad when you graduate and this separation is over.”
I sighed. “So glad.”
I spent the rest of the morning and most of the afternoon doing homework and studying. At about four-thirty, I started cooking dinner. As soon as I knew Rose was home, I carried the food over.
After dinner, Rose and I were enjoying our tea when Emmett disappeared into the bedroom. We were clearing away the dishes when he strolled back into the room wearing a kilt. Rose and I both did a double-take.
“Emmett” Rose began. “Why the hell are you wearing a kilt?”
Emmett sighed in fake exasperation. “Rosalie, what am I doing Sunday?”
“Playing in a golf tournament.” She answered, still looking confused.
“And who invented the game of golf?” He prompted for the next answer.
“Emmett, just because golf was invented in Scotland, doesn’t mean you have to wear a kilt to play.” Rose snarked.
“Ah yes, I don’t have to. But I choose to.” He answered seriously. “Let’s just say it’s my way of honoring those dudes that invented the sport. Plus, I look fucking awesome in this thing!” He bellowed.
He did have a point there.
I glanced at Rose, and realized that all the fight had gone out of her as she got a good look at my brother.
Emmett, knowing he’d won the argument, couldn’t resist continuing. “Don’t tell the Calvin Klein people this, but nothing comes between me and my man-skirt, if you know what I mean.” He said while wiggling his eyebrows and grinning at Rose.
Oh my hell.
That seemed to get Rose’s attention. “Emmett, they are not going to let you on that golf course without underwear.” She half whispered.
“They’re not going to know babe.” He grinned.
“But suppose some skank tries to grab your man-business.” She squeaked out.
Emmett laughed. I felt a little nauseous.
“Rosie, you can watch the tournament on television, and we’ll be the only ones who know. Well, us and Bells of course, but if I know my sister, she’s already trying to figure out a way to bleach this memory from her brain.”
That would be correct.
They both started laughing then.
Assholes.
“Okay” Rose whispered as Emmett pulled her against him. Rose’s hand started to travel down Emmett’s chest. Realizing that it was going to continue heading south, and having no desire to witness ‘cuppage’ I turned and fled the apartment, the sound of their laughter ringing in my ears.
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