Love Story

Chapter Four

I'm not usually one to read or watch entertainment news, but this story about Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce (the tight end from the Kansas City Chiefs) is too cute to ignore ...

Up next will be a combination of texts, emails, and phone calls as they get to know each other.

Chapter Four

Did you know that all of the Beatles couldn't read or write music? ~ E

Where do you find these little factoids? I mean ... really? Did they all figure it out by ear? ~ B

I don't know, but the fact that they could have such a diverse catalogue of music is pretty awesome without any formal training ~ E

Bella giggled on her tour bus, googling weird facts about football. She would rather be talking to Edward, but a case of laryngitis forced her to rely on text messages and emails. She had to save her voice for her performances. With a flourish, she sent him a random fact about football before turning to her computer to send Edward an email.

"We'll be arriving in Philadelphia in a couple of hours," Rosalie said, sitting down across from Bella. "How's your voice?"

Scribbling down on a piece of paper, she answered. Still hurts to talk. The tea is helping, but I don't know if I can sing tonight. She pouted deeply, looking at Rose.

"I've already got an ENT waiting for us at the stadium," Rosalie explained. "Would you be okay with cancelling some shows if the doctor said so?"

This is my job, Rosalie. If singing is causing damage? I need to take a brief sabbatical to recuperate? Then, I'm all for it, Bella wrote down on her paper.

"It'll give you more time to get to know that hottie QB," Rose snickered, arching a brow. "Have you talked to him recently?"

Bella held up her phone, giving Rosalie a smirk. She wrote on her paper. Not really talking ... more like texting and emailing. He'll call, but I can't really talk. It's nice to hear his voice. It's so sexy. I surely do not sound sexy at the moment. I feel like a six-pack a day smoker.

"Hopefully, we'll get you some relief," Rose nodded, taking Bella's phone. "Go get some rest. I'll wake you when we get to Philly."

Bella smiled at her assistant, padding to the rear of the bus. She closed the door with a quiet click, picking up her computer. She opened up her email, clicking to compose a new email.

To: Edward Cullen
From: Bella Swan
Re: Vocal Rest

Dear Edward,

I'm so sorry about your loss against the Cardinals. I was cheering, silently, from my tour bus. My security guys were happy to watch the game since normally it's chick-flick central in the bus. I mean, I think that The Notebook is one of the most romantic movies. Ever. But, watching it once a week is overkill.

At least, that's what Demetri says. He's the head of my security detail. He's the yin to Rosalie's yang. She's my right-hand bitch. He'd my left-hand fist. You'd be surprised the crazies out there.

Don't get me wrong, I love my fans ... but there were a handful that are obsessed and not in a healthy way. Early in my recording career, I had a stalker. She wasn't dangerous, but she was obsessed. She did have some mental health concerns, which were rectified with medications. Once she was on the right meds, her obsessive need to get in touch with me dissipated.

As a result, Demetri is protective. He was the best choice and completely vetted by my police chief dad.

Did you have any questionable fans? Stalkerish ... wanting to own your sleep in your jersey or smell your worn socks?

God, that sounds gross.

Turning it back to not so gross topics ... twenty questions ... What's your favorite color? For me, for the longest time, I loved purple, but now? I'm drawn to green. It's so soothing.

Anyhow, I wanted to send you a quick message. I'm in Philly and I'm seeing an ENT to check my throat. I'll let email you tomorrow. I can't wait until I can actually talk to you again. Perhaps, see you? How do you feel about a video chat?

Be safe!

All the best,

Bella

Closing her computer, she curled up around her pillows and drifted off, letting the bus's wheels lull her to sleep.

A couple hours later, after meeting with an ENT and being chided for pushing her voice too far, an announcement was made via her Instagram, TikTok and every other social media outlet that her next four concerts were to be rescheduled due to illness. That would give her a week and a half to be on vocal rest, getting her voice to better place.

Shortly after the announcement was made, Edward texted Bella. I'm getting ready to get on a plane, heading to New Jersey for our game with Jets, but I wanted to check in with you. Are you okay? ~ E

Bella took a selfie, holding up a thumb, replying, I'm on vocal rest. I can't make any sort of meaningful sound. When I do, I sound like a dying yak. ~ B

Highly unlikely, Bella. But, I hope you recover quickly. Are you staying in Philly or heading back to homebase? ~ E

Bella really wanted to go home to her secret oasis in Seattle on Mercer Island. But, once she got home, she'd never want to leave. As much as she loved touring, interacting with her fans and promoting her music, Bella was a homebody at heart.

I'm staying in Philly tonight, flying to the next stop on my tour tomorrow. We're getting a private home so we cannot live on room service ... having a few home-cooked meals and vegging out until I pick up my tour in Tampa. I will be cheering you on ... silently, of course. ~ B

If you're feeling better, perhaps we could have a video date? When do you resume your tour? ~ E

Next Saturday. Do you want to video chat on Friday? Sooner if I get my voice back? ~ B

It's a date and I'm counting the minutes. I've missed your voice. ~ E

I've missed yours, as well. I can't wait to see your face, matching the voice to the face. ~ B

A/N: Some flirty banter over text and email. Some video chat flirtations in the coming chapter. Leave me your thoughts and thank you for reading!

Just an FYI – there will be NO update next week. It's my production week for my fall play, plus parent/teacher conferences.