Chapter 11 - Fried Ice Cream & A Cup of Tea

I thought about that day. It had been almost seven years, and there were certain memories that were still so fresh in my mind that it was as if they’d happened yesterday.

“The day started beautifully, it was a Saturday in May. I had made plans for my best friend Lianne to come over and spend the night. We were going to do all those typical girl things, paint our nails, talk about boys.” I winked at Edward and he smiled.

Chapter 12 - Hello Kitty Undies & Lucky Thirteen

I was getting ready for Church when Rose popped over for a few minutes. Yes, Church again. After today, I’d be back to only going on Sundays until the next Holy Day arrived. It was probably a good thing, less chances for embarrassment. I used to think Emmett was the main cause of my public humiliation, but lately I’ve been doing a pretty fantastic job of that myself.

“Bella, I’m sorry I can’t go with you this morning.”

“That’s okay Rose. I didn’t expect you to.”

Chapter 13 - Red Roses & Burst Bubbles

The forecast called for cloudy with rain, temperatures in the 40’s. Big surprise. Welcome to January in Seattle. When my alarm went off, I literally dragged myself out of bed.

Vacation was officially over. More importantly, the time Edward and I had together in our little bubble was over. Hopefully, to be revisited when he returns, but apparently, we had a ‘conversation‘ to get through before that could happen.

Chapter 14 - Pedophiles & Daddy's Little Girl

I got the feeling that I’d been sleeping for a long time. I opened my eyes and looked around my room. My alarm clock said it was 5:30, and I was still wearing the clothes I’d had on the night before.

I dragged myself from the bed, picked up my cell phone and switched it on.

Emmett wasn’t kidding.

There were a lot of missed calls from Edward. There were also some from Rose and Emmett, obviously before they realized I didn’t have my phone. Even Charlie had tried to reach me a couple of times.

My poor Dad does not need to worry about me again.

Chapter 15 - Bourbon & Epitaphs

Emmett and I stood there gaping in shock not only at what Rose had said, but at her whole change in demeanor from just an hour ago. We had fully expected Edward to barely make it out of there alive, but instead they both march into my apartment like they were the best of friends.

Where was the verbal tsunami that only Rose can inflict on her enemies?

It seemed to have evaporated. I was stunned into silence. Emmett on the other hand was having none of it. “You’ve got to be kidding Rose.” He said incredulously.

Chapter 16 - Tasers & Interrogations

I was standing in my living room watching Edward sleep. Last night’s talk had been exhausting, and thanks to the drinking, my head was now throbbing. It was so late, or should I say early, when Rose and Emmett finally left, that I wouldn’t allow Edward to go to a hotel. I made up the sleeper sofa for him, and that’s where I found him this morning.

While I slept, it had been oddly comforting knowing that he was in the next room, not miles away at a hotel or at his parents’ house.

Chapter 17 - First Dates & Riff Raff

Edward had made reservations at one of the best restaurants in Seattle. He not only made reservations, he reserved a private dining room. It was lovely with a spectacular view of the river and the city lights.

Rose always talked about this place, and how you needed to make reservations a couple of weeks in advance. I was almost certain that someone was bumped from this room in order to give it to Mr. Movie Star. The perks of being famous were pretty sweet, I had to admit.

Chapter 18 - Haircuts & Pepper Spray

“Well, what do you think?” Edward asked.

“I don’t know Edward. I kind of liked running my fingers through your unruly mop. I may not be able to date you anymore. Maybe Carrot Top is single? Might be worth a shot.” I said as I giggled.

“Very funny Miss Swan.” Edward said with a grin.

We were talking on Skype, and Edward was showing off his World War II era military haircut. It was shorn close on the sides and back, but there was still enough left on top to be able to ‘run my fingers through’ when I see him in Aspen.

Chapter 19 - Aspen & Cold Showers

“Something to drink?” The blandly beautiful flight attendant asked. It would be my second glass of wine, I wasn’t a very good flier. I already had a nervous nature, and flying seemed to increase that exponentially. I needed to be careful or I’d be a drunken mess by the time I met Edward.

I accepted the wine happily. I had to admit that flying first class did reduce my stress level somewhat. Not that I flew coach, or even flew at all that often. The few times I’d flown with Rose, she refused to sit in the ’cheap seats’, therefore we always went first class.

Chapter 20 - Handcuffs & Power Suits

It was Super Bowl Sunday. My brother and Rose were in Florida to attend the game of course. I didn’t want to go, I was still exhausted from the Aspen trip last weekend. So today I found myself alone and lonely.
I had the idea to drive out to Olympic National Park. I wanted to find the lake where Edward and I had spent our very emotional afternoon. I needed to feel close to him again.