#7
I was really reluctant to leave the children when it was time to return to the palace and I could see Edward was the same way. He kept looking at them with a sad smile and trying to explain why he had to leave and couldn't stay longer. Lily and Maddie were pouting and sat with their arms crossed sulking. I couldn't blame them. I realized that Edward made their day so special, his bodyguards brought gifts I didn't even know he brought and the kids were so excited.
Edward went beyond what was expected of him today, and I didn't know why but my heart swelled in my chest thinking that he kicked Aro's butt in the office and then enjoyed a really fun day with a bunch of kids that needed that happy day as much as Edward did. And it wasn't really bad that I almost kissed him, that was a plus… wait WHAT?!
I shook my head to clear it and saw him approach. "It's time to leave"
"You've saying goodbye to them for an hour" I told him and he blushed. "Not that I blame you. It's so hard to leave"
"Yeah, it gets worse every time I come here. But I have a meeting with my father tonight and we have a long ride ahead of us to get to the palace"
"It's time to go, then. I already saw what I needed and I know what my next announcement is going to be. I must run it by Zafrina first but I must tell you I'm really excited" I confessed to him and he smiled. I thought he was going to ask what I had in mind. Emmett did all the time I said I had an idea but Edward just smiled and let it go "You want to know what I'm thinking?"
He shook his head "I trust you"
After a very sad goodbye and a couple of minutes convincing Lily and Maddie we were going to come back soon and have a "royal" party here, we rushed to the car and left the orphanage. I was really glad I came with him today because I got to see a side of Edward I was pretty sure not a lot of people knew.
The car ride was silent and with sunset approaching everything was peaceful. I had my iPad out and was writing a draft of the article I wanted to send to Zafrina highlighting Edward's work and dedication to the children, I was even tempted to add that Aro was a dick but refrained myself from doing that, I could deal with that character later.
When we were close to the palace, Edward's phone started ringing and I jumped since it was so silent in the car. He looked at me with an apologetic smile and answered. I could only hear his side of the conversation but it didn't sound pretty at all. "What happened? … But that was all done… what do you mean it's ruined?... I'm almost home. I'll come get you when I get there. Calm down and we'll figure this out, okay?" he hung up and sighed.
"Problem?" I asked putting my iPad away. I could write the rest of that article later.
"Yeah… major problem. But, I'm not sure what I can do to fix it" he answered rubbing his temples.
Seth opened my door not long after that and I thanked him before waiting for Edward to get to my side and smiled at him. I could see how tired he was and I was afraid that his health was going to decline again but thought better that mention it to him right now. He signaled for me to accompany him and we took so many turns that I was sure I was lost inside the palace until we got to a large room with tables and a lot of decorating laying around.
Only one of the tables had people sitting on it. I could see Emmett there with a blonde guy – Jasper Hale, I would guess – and Miss Rosalie Hale walking around while talking really loud and fast, even I couldn't understand a word out of her mouth and I used to transcribe information when I was working in Washington.
Edward went to Emmett's side and I went with him. Jasper was just looking at his sister with a frown and Emmett had his head on the table. Edward tried to get Rosalie's attention but she was having none of it. I saw that she was actually talking to Angela who cowered in a corner while nodding at everything Rosalie said. Edward sighed and whistled so loudly even Rosalie was quiet and looked at us with murderous eyes.
"What in the world was that, Edward?" she asked in a pitched voice.
"Well, Emmett usually shuts you with a kiss. I wasn't going to do that, Rose. So, plan B. I don't have much time so, can someone explain to me what the hell is going on and why my assistant is cowering from you?" Edward asked and looked pointedly at Rosalie. She just crossed her arms and sulked.
"We just received the clothes for Friday's rehearsal dinner and… well, Rosalie is freaking out" Emmett started and Rosalie went again mumbling about idiots, fabrics and a lot more in Spanish.
"The dresses are all wrong… and I mean, completely wrong. They're not even in the correct sizes. Our suits are weird and I even said I was not wearing that even if my sister chopped my head off. They're that bad" Jasper explained and Edward cursed "Rosalie now is freaking out and taking it out on Angela because no one but the Queen and King have anything to wear for this thing on Friday"
"Can't she just wear something from her closet?" I wondered out loud.
Suddenly everything was quiet and I could feel Rosalie's murderous eyes on me as she started ranting "Sure! Why is Rosalie having a stupid meltdown over some clothes when she has a closet full of the stuff, right? This is just another monumental moment in my life. I can't be that concerned about stupid clothes for a stupid rehearsal dinner before a stupid royal wedding. No one will watch what I wear and put it on papers and gossip blogs everywhere. Sure… I can just wear pants and my college t-shirt… that's it…"
"Stop it, Rosalie. Bella didn't do anything to you. She doesn't deserve your bitching about your misery with clothing" Edward admonished and I blushed. Emmett looked at his brother with an eyebrow raised "About us, boys, don't worry. Emmett and I can wear some of the uniforms from the Army forces and I can lend Jasper some suit, we are the same size anyway… however, if it's that important to you…" he looked at me then "Didn't you say your friend was a designer?"
I gasped because I didn't remember talking to him about Alice. I did tell Emmett, but I didn't know how Edward knew "Yes, she was working in London until a few weeks ago. She's living with me."
"Can you ask her if she can help in any way Bridezilla here…?" Emmett and Jasper covered their laughter with coughs while Rosalie just cleared her throat "I mean, Rosalie? It would mean the world to me since I wouldn't have to keep hearing her complain…"
"Edward!" said bridezilla yelled.
"What?!" he said with a smirk "Honestly, I thought it was something worst. But this can be fixed…" he checked his watch "… in the morning because I have a meeting with Dad and Bella needs to go home and talk to her friend. Let's wait until morning and you need to chill, Rosalie and apologize to Angela because it was definitely not her fault the boutique made a mistake" he got up and stretched "Now, I must leave you guys and go to Dad. Good evening"
He smiled to me and started to leave. "I must leave too before it gets darker… Bye!" I stuttered and went after Edward. He was already going up the stairs to meet the King "Edward?" he turned around and waited "Thanks for letting me crash your day. It was a remarkable afternoon." He nodded and remained silent, probably sensing I wasn't done yet "Are you sure you want Alice to help with Rosalie's problem? I mean, I know my friend can do it but I don't know if Rosalie will think the same…"
"Bella, don't worry about it. I trust you. Besides, you always dress so nicely and you always said that your friend Alice made your clothes most of the time. If she can help, wonderful. If not, then we'll find a solution. Don't worry about it… and thank you for accompanying me today. It was really cool to have you there." He said, gave me a smile and turned around to continue his way with a "Goodnight, Bella"
ùïù
Alice was bouncing up and down on the seat while I finished breakfast. I had summarized the situation for her when I got home the day before and to say she was excited was an understatement. She was absolutely giddy and started sprouting about fabrics and colors and shapes and lost my interest so I went to bed and left her there with her musings.
"I'm so excited. I went yesterday to the boutique to grab some dresses I think would work perfectly for Miss Hale. I mean, I love to do glam dresses but few people actually have the opportunity to wear them"
"Miss Hale will be like a life-version of a Barbie for you to play with, Alice." I grumbled around my coffee mug "But you have to be serious and professional with her. She can be very…"
"Bitchy?" she finished for me and I shrugged "I know, Bella. But I'm really excited. Can you blame me? I must thank you for mentioning my work to the princes. Now I got this marvelous opportunity to show my designs and work with the Royals" her eyes shinned and I had to smile "My work could be on the cover of magazines, newspapers and blogs around the world if Miss Hale is happy with my designs"
"I'm sure she will be but don't let her intimidate you. She can be a total bridezilla and have people cowering from her wrath"
"Bah, I can handle her" she dismissed and got up from the table. "I'm going to change my clothes and stuff. I'll be ready in 20 minutes to leave… do we take separate cars?"
"It would probably be the wisest move since I have to stay there until my office time runs out" she nodded and went to her room.
I was already dressed with skinny jeans and a purple fitted cardigan. Purple stilettos were on my feet and I wasn't even ashamed to say I wanted to look good. I don't know why but I did.
ùïù
Alice was like me when I first walked into the palace. She was gaping open-mouthed at everything and making small comments about every piece and people she found.
"I received a text from Emmett this morning that they would meet us in the big office by the ballroom" I told Alice but it was like talking to a statue. She didn't acknowledge my voice and I sighed, taking my friend's hand and dragging her – and the big suitcase she had – to the office.
Emmett and Rosalie weren't there yet but I tried to convince Alice to get everything settled before they arrived so we started to organize garment bags on a rack she ensembles quickly and when we were done I sat down on the sofa by the window and Alice starting pacing.
"Bella!" she exclaimed making me jump "I have an emergency!"
"What in the world, Alice?!"
"I have to go to the bathroom!" she said, making the pee-pee dance… I wanted to smack myself in the face
"There's one across the hall but go quickly because they can arrive any moment now…" she nodded and went like a tornado to the door, colliding with someone coming in.
I smacked my forehead for real now and closed my eyes, while I heard Alice saying sorry to whoever she almost run over with her frenzied pee-pee dance. I just hoped it wasn't Rosalie or the Queen or King because if I lose my job, I would be the one chopping her head.
"Don't worry, madam. Everything is fine" Jasper's soothing voice got to my ears and I relaxed.
"Jasper, this is my friend Alice Brandon. Alice, this is Miss Hale's brother, Jasper" I introduced them and Jasper smiled while extending his hand for a greeting.
Alice was frozen on her spot and looked at his hand for a minute before giving him the weirdest and quickest handshake of the history and then blurted "I have to go pee-pee" and left the room.
I face-palmed once again and Jasper looked at me and then laughed "What exactly was that?"
"That, was Alice. She was so nervous that she needed to go to the bathroom before your sister got here but even I don't get the handshake stuff." He laughed again and I smiled "I got to say I'm glad it was you and not Rosalie coming in or it would've been ugly"
"Yeah, I got to agree with you on that one… I was actually sent ahead of my sister to tell Miss Brandon that my sister will be here shortly because there was some stuff the Queen wanted to talk to her and Emmett before the meeting with your friend"
"Uh oh… bad news?"
"I don't really know. But let's hope for the best."
Alice came back and tried not to make eye contact with Jasper. I wasn't sure what was happening with my best friend but I sure was going to figure it out today. Rosalie and Emmett arrived a couple of minutes later and, after making the introductions and such, Alice started explaining her ideas to Rosalie, who remained poker faced while Alice tried to clarify her fashion vision for her.
When Alice was already taking some of the sample dresses out of the garment bags, the door opened again and Edward went inside dressed in jeans and a violet sweater. He smiled at me as soon and he made eye contact and came to sit by my side without making any fuss and letting Alice keep her monologue.
"Hi. How's it going?" he whispered and I smiled.
"Hi… Alice is showing her work but your future sister-in-law isn't showing any interest" he smiled and went closer to my ear that I could feel his breath tickling my neck.
"That's what you think. You see, Rosalie is a master of remaining emotion-free on the outside. However, I know her better and if you look closely, her eyes are shining and she's keeping track of everything your friend is saying, so… she's interested, she just doesn't want to show it" he whispered against my ear and I shivered. I nodded so he knew I got it and tried to keep track myself of what Alice was saying, but Emmett realized his brother just came in and had to make a statement.
"Hey, baby bro. You do realize that it's rude to enter a place without saying good morning?" Edward rolled his eyes but Emmett kept going "Besides, there was a memo that said we should coordinate our clothes today? Because if that's the case, I can see only you and Bella got it"
Alice went silent and turned around to face me and Edward. Her eyes were so wide open that I thought they could drop from her face at any moment. Edward tried to smile at her but he could sense she was nervous.
"It's an honor to meet you, your highness" Alice tried to curtsey but almost fell when her shoe slipped. Thank goodness she had better reflexes than me and could hold the clothes rack before she could fall.
"Please, no curtseys and no 'your highness'. I'm just Edward and thank you for coming here on such short notice. I hope we aren't inconvenience you in any way"
"Not at all. I was so, so excited to come here today." Alice blurted and blushed. Edward smiled and went to her.
"It's okay to be nervous, you know? I know what that feels like. You can relax, though. We're not a firing squad or anything like that. I know Bridezilla over there is intimidating as hell right now but she's a softy on the inside, don't worry"
"Edward…" Rosalie said, a warning clear in her voice "Stop calling me Bridezilla"
"I will when you stop acting like one" he replied smoothly "Now, Miss Brandon, these dresses are actually pretty amazing"
"That was exactly what I was thinking, little brother. I am actually excited for Rosalie to try that cherry red dress" Emmett added and winked at his fiancée.
"You always want me to dress in red" commented Rosalie while getting up from the chair "but my fiancée and my future brother-in-law are correct, Miss Brandon, these are fabulous dresses and, if you don't mind, I would love to try a few and see if I can find one that works for the rehearsal dinner"
Alice almost shrieked but restrained herself before nodding at Rosalie "Please, Miss Hale, call me Alice. Actually, that goes for everyone. I get creepy vibes every time I'm referred to as Miss Brandon"
"Done" Rosalie smiled at my friend "Do you feel comfortable with going up to my bedroom so we can do this?"
Alice nodded and Jasper and Emmett went to pick up the rack and help them getting everything settled in Rosalie's room. Edward waved at Alice and I sighed when they left.
"At least there was no more pee-pee dance" I mumbled and ran my hand through my hair.
"What was that?" Edward asked and I forgot he was still there.
"Nothing." I replied, blushing. "I must go and send the article to Zafrina, just in case I have to rewrite something" I went to leave and Edward's voice stopped me.
"I hope you and Alice have something prepared for the rehearsal dinner. I know that you guys will look great"
"Wait… what did you say?" I turned around so fast my hair smacked my face
"I thought Emmett told you… you were invited to the rehearsal dinner and now Alice is too. I know Rosalie said that, if Alice could find her a dress, she would save a spot for her at dinner." He looked at my face and stopped and redirected his speech "I'm sorry, I actually thought you knew"
"I can't go to the dinner! I mean, what do I know about etiquette and royal-approved manners?!" I was actually freaking out a little.
I knew I was mumbling and rambling quietly about that tid-bit of information but suddenly I couldn't remember anything at all.
Edward's hand was on my face and he was stroking my cheek with his thumb. I was sure I was beet red by then but my mind was in blank, especially when I saw his smile "Everything is going to be fine, Bella. I'll be there and I'll make sure you're okay. Don't worry about it"
I gave him a small smile but my heart was racing so badly and I couldn't form words to reply so, with a nod, I left for the safety of my office and tried to calm my heart and explain to myself what was happening with Edward.
ùïù
AN: Well, there you go. A new chapter and aren't they getting cute? I had this chapter ready to go but I kept editing and editing...
I'll go finish the chapter for I'll always be here. I also have a plot bunny that can't get out of my head so I'm outlining that too and looking for a pre-reader. It's a MESS.
Anyway, enjoy and I'll continue this soon.
AYEN!