A/N: I apologize for taking so long to post this chapter. I have had a severe case of writing avoidance, choosing rather to read everyone elses stories than write my own. My newest favorite story is "Romancing Rosalie" by shabbyapple. AWESOME story, all from EmPOV. You can find it under my favorites on my profile.
I also posted a RxEm one shot called "Don't Dawdle in the Woods", the other day. Check it out, I'd love to hear your thoughts, you can find it on my profile. Warning, it is rated M.
Thank you Tammy for proof reading this rewrite for me. As we all know Stephenie Meyer owns all things Twilight, I just made up this story and borrowed her characters for their star power.
More on the third install at the end. And now the highly requested James POV of his crazy date with Bella in Ch. 16...
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This Can't Be Love
James' POV
I was thrilled to say the least when Bella agreed to let me take her to dinner. I had never felt the slightest bit nervous around her, but now as I sat waiting for this never ending train to pass, I was growing quite anxious. It was just my luck to get stuck waiting for a freight train on my way to pick her up. Being late to pick Bella up was not how I wanted to start our date, but it was inevitable. I checked my watch again, dang, two minutes passed seven, I hope she won't be too upset.
/\/\/\
I rang the Swan's door bell and waited anxiously for someone to answer; taking several deep breaths in an attempt to settle my nerves. After what seemed like an eternity the door flew open and Bella bounded onto the porch, nearly knocking me off my feet. Her suddenness startled me; luckily I caught a hold of the porch railing before going down.
"Good evening Bella, I'm sorry I'm…" I began, trying not to sound like an idiot. But before I could even finish my sentence she cut me off.
"You're here. You're here," she chanted, bouncing up and down. "I thought you weren't coming you silly goof. Didn't your mommy teach you to never keep a girl waiting?"
"I-I," I stammered trying to take in this side of her I'd never seen. "I got caught at a railroad crossing; there was nothing I could do. I'm truly sorry."
"Oh well, maybe just this once I can let it slide. You just remember not to let this happen again. You should always take all the necessary measures to be on time. That includes playing race the train should it come down to being late or not," she said sounding very serious.
I was completely dumbfounded. Who was this girl and what had she done with my Bella?
"Let's go," she said grabbing my tie pulling me towards the car. What was up with her, I thought as I nearly tripped over my feet as she dragged me towards the car.
As I opened the door I reach to take her hand so that I could help her into the car. I been raised to be a gentleman and I wasn't about to disappoint my mom now. Plus, since experiencing the softness of her hands in gym during the square dance lesson, I long to hold them once more.
Before I could take a hold of them she shoved her hands into her pockets of her coat, shivering slightly. Taking note that she was obviously chilled I would be sure to crank up the heat once we got going. No way was I going to be responsible for her catching a cold.
We didn't talk that much as we drove to the restaurant, I was extremely nervous. I just couldn't figure it out. I was being a bumbling idiot and I couldn't figure out why. Whenever I'd been around her before I was a cool as cucumber. But now, now that she'd agreed to go out with me; I felt like a nerd out on a date with a hot cheerleader. Plus my mind was still reeling over the behavior she'd displayed back at her house. I was not only nervous, but confused.
I looked over at this glorious girl sitting with an odd grin draped across her face. She looked so calm, cool, and collected. What was going on?
/\/\/\
I thought I caught a glimpse of Edward's brother Emmett, sitting in the sports bar portion of the restaurant when we walked in. That's all I needed, another psycho harassing me. Luckily he seemed to be distracted by the game that was currently playing on the big screen TV. If nothing else that scrumptious girlfriend of his could keep him distracted. I tell you, the Pacific Northwest knows how to grow them, if you know what I mean.
As the maitre de lead us to our table I was still on edge, especially knowing the Emmett was is such close proximity. He'd never been anything but kind to me, but with as crazy as Edward could be I was sure that the apple didn't fall to far from the tree. I was so caught up in my thoughts that I completely forgot to help Bella into her seat. Geesh, she must think I'm a real heel. First I'm late and now I leave her standing looking uncomfortable and slightly pissed.
"Excuse me," she snapped.
"Oh, I'm sorry. Let me get that for you," I said quickly jumping to my feet, feeling like a complete ass for my thoughtlessness.
"You should be, you silly goof," she said as I swatted at my chest and giggled lightly.
The waitress rolled her eyes at her. How unprofessional I thought. It didn't matter what you thought of a customer, you should keep it to yourself when you are in front of them. That was just good customer service.
"Oh no you didn't. I best not be seein' you do that again or you won't be gettin' any kind of tip from us tonight," Bella said in a raised voice.
"Now do your job missy and get us a medium coke and a very tall GLASS of chocolate milk, and make it snappy," she demanded, snapping her fingers, sending the waitress on her way.
I was mortified and left speechless. I know the waitress had been rude, but that out burst was really not necessary. I was completely embarrassed.
"What?" She said snapping at me again as she noticed my shocked expression.
What was going on with her? Is this how she behaved outside of school?
"Bella, did you have to be…?" I started to whisper, as I looked around seeing other patrons staring at us, but she cut me off.
"Are you siding with her? Oh. My. God. You are siding with the hired help. I-I…" She stuttered as she started to sniffle and her eyes began to water. I didn't know what to do. I really wasn't good with emotional people, they always made me uncomfortable.
I reached across the table, and laid my hand over hers thinking maybe that would help her calm down. I had often observed that girls were into that touchy feely crap, maybe holding her hand would show her that I hadn't meant to hurt her feelings.
It seemed to be working. She began to caress my hand, sinuously turning it over. She smile seductively, or should I say what I thought was seductive until she jabbed me with her half inch nails causing me to jump and nearly fall out of my seat. 'Shit, what the hell,' I yelled inwardly.
"Now, now, not so fast there mister," she giggled letting go of my hand.
Damn, this girl is irresistible. She had just about impaled my hand with her finger nails and now with just her alluring smile I wanted nothing more than to touch her again. I smiled wryly.
I seemed like the waitress was taking forever to come back with our drinks to take our dinner order. I loved baked ziti and had decided that was what I was going to have. I was anxious about what Bella might do next. Her behavior was really off-the-wall. I chanced a look at her face and she look completely delight, it was almost unsettling.
"So what looks good to you Bella?" I inquired as I hesitantly peeked at her over my menu.
"Oh, I'm spaghetti all the way. I'm not much of a risk taker when it comes to food. I usually stick to the basics. What do you think you'll have?" She asked.
"I'll probably order the baked ziti. I too am not much of an adventurer when it comes to Italian. I usually stay with what ever has a red sauce," I said, casually leaning back in my seat. I was starting to feel more relaxed.
The waitress finally came to take our order, bringing our drinks with her. As she sat the drinks down in front of us I look up at Bella.
"What?" She inquired.
"It's just that I've never seen anyone order milk at an Italian restaurant, and chocolate milk no less," I chuckled.
"Hey, don't knock it until you try it," She smiled brightly. God, I love her smile.
I scanned the room checking to make sure Edward or his brother were not spying on us. I noticed that the restaurant had a piano player and decided to go request a song for Bella. Maybe I could woo her with my charming abilities.
I stood up, but before I could speak or move Bella squealed, "WAIT, please don't go, I'll be good, I promise. Just don't leave me."
Others patrons were once again staring at us, for Petes's sake, did she have to behave in a manner that drew attention from all around her? Maybe I didn't really know this girl. She sure as hell didn't act like this at school. On the contrary, she came across quite shy. This side of Bella was unnerving; I wasn't sure just how much more I could take.
"Uh, no, I'm not leaving. I was going to put in a request for the pianist to play," I said hesitantly not knowing if I should go or sit back down. Truthfully I just wanted to leave. I hated this feeling of being on edge.
"Oh, that is so sweet you, you silly goof. Off with you now, go have your fun," she said giving me a wave, nothing she said made any sense. She sounded a lot like that bubble headed bimbo, Lauren Mallory. Was this the true Bella? I was seriously beginning to wonder.
/\/\/\
Luckily for me our order arrived quickly. I just wanted this night to end. Please, I prayed to God, let her behave.
As the waitress approached with our meal, Bella's demeanor seemed to change. Oh crap, what would she do now; I nervously thought.
"Gosh, darlin' that was just so sweet of you to rush our order that way. Your mommy would be so proud that you are doing such a fantastic job," she gushed as she reached up lightly pinching the waitress' cheek.
What on earth? Has she lost her mind? I think I'm going to gulp my food so that we can get out of here a.s.a.p. I don't know how much more of this I can take.
"Oh, well, thanks," our waitress said nervously, as she turned and nearly ran to get away from our table. Good, I thought. I wasn't the only one noticing how outrageous Bella's behavior is.
She looked down at her food, sighing heavily and as she began to pout.
Damn, what could possibly be wrong now?
"What?" I asked reluctantly.
"Oh, it's nothing. You're just going to be mad at me," she whined.
"Bella, how could anyone ever be mad at you? Now tell me, what's wrong?" I asked, trying to pacify her. Her mood swings were so unpredictable. Maybe it was her time of the month. I know my cousin went loony when she had her period. Could this possibly be what was wrong with Bella?
"I think your food looks better than mine. I don't think I want spaghetti anymore," she said looking up at me. Geez, there were those eyes again. It was almost impossible to stay aggravated with her when she fluttered her eyes that way. She was definitely a man eater.
"I thought you said you only ate spaghetti?" I asked confused, thinking back on what she had said earlier.
"See, I knew you'd be mad," she whined as her eyes began to water. I never noticed how sensitive she was before.
"No, no," I tried reassuring her. "Here, what do you say we share?" I slid my plate towards her in hopes of making her happy. Good Lord, how much longer would this torture last?
"No, it was my choice. Now I must suffer the consequences. I can deal, really," she sighed, pushing my plate back to me.
I shook my head. I was clueless. What more could I do?
Suddenly she grinned like a mad woman and began shoveling her spaghetti into her mouth. Okay, I can honestly say I didn't see that one coming. Can I just crawl under a rock now and die? I did a quick scan of the restaurant reminding myself where the exit was located. I may just need to make a quick retreat.
Sauce splattered everywhere as she moaned about how good it was. I was beginning to feel nauseated as I watched her chew with her mouth open.
I was in total shock. Nothing she'd done up until now prepared me for this. This was just so out there. "Bella, would you like my napkin?" I asked. Not waiting for her to answer I handed it to her, in an attempt to help her regain some of her dignity.
"No, I've got my own," she said as some spaghetti fell out of her mouth onto the table. I just about blew chucks right then and there. I was feeling slightly light headed due to the site before me.
"Oopsie," she said as if it was no big deal.
In an attempt to bring dinner to a quick end. I began eating as fast as I could without choking.
Suddenly Bella reached across the table and started stabbing ziti off my plate and shoving into her already full mouth. Her behavior was way beyond PMSing, this had to be caused by something way worse, maybe even drugs.
She attempted to wash her mouth full of food down by chugging her chocolate milk only to hiccup in the middle of the whole scene. I noticed that several of the other patron's eyes were fixated on at us in disbelief. I again glanced towards the door. God, if only I could get out of here.
As I turned my head back towards her trying to come up with a plan I was met with a gush of chocolate milk in my lap. That did it, I could take no more. I was out of here!
I jumped to my feet, and scrounged some money out of my pocket. I threw it on the table. "Bella, I've got to go," I said abruptly, trying not to make eye contact with her. I turned and bolted for the door nearly falling on my face as I tripped over my own feet in my haste.
As my hand reached for the door she screeched, "You promised you wouldn't leave me!"
I never looked back. I didn't even feel bad abandoning her in the restaurant. I just knew I had to get away so that I could restore my sanity.
/\/\/\
As I hastily crossed the parking lot to my car I noticed a tall figure leaning against a car not far from my own, 'Crap', what the hell was Edward Cullen doing here? An obsessive boyfriend was not what I needed to deal with right now. Especially not a lose cannon like him.
I put up my hands up as a sign of surrender as I slowly inched by him, never once turning my back away from him. He was not someone I could trust.
"She's all yours. You two crazies are meant for each other," I assured him.
He just continued to silently stare at me; no doubt...he was crazy. Once I was completely past him, and within sprinting distance of my car I turned and ran. I couldn't get out of there quick enough.
I was done trying to win over Bella Swan heart. She was not the girl I thought she was. Monday morning I'd set my sites on someone new.
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Well there you have it, the last addition to MTABM. I'd love to hear you thoughts. Drop me a review and I'll send you a preview from the first chapter of the 3rd installment. If you'd like to be insantly notified when I post this chapter add me to your author alert list.
I hope to post the first chapter on September 13 in celebration of Bella's Birthday as well as my own. I am now back at work and have my students to inspire me once more. None of them are Twilight fanatics, but I'll be sure to change that. lol
I send out huge thank yous to me awesome betas on this story, Halojones and Nothingleft.
ATTENTION LOYAL READERS: The long awaited third installment of "The Project" series is now up and running. I hope you enjoy it as much as you have The Project and More Than a Beautiful Mess. The title of the new story…"This I Swear".