Life as I Know It

Chapter 13

Previously...

"Yeah, but it's fun watching you squirm over that." He winked and he hugged me, kissing my cheeks.

"Jerk." I giggled, not wanting to let go.

"So, see you tomorrow?"

"Sure." We kissed and he gave me back my teddy bear he'd won for me.

~oOo~

The next afternoon, I rushed out of my house in my work outfit, ready to jump into the cab, when I got a text from Edward.

Hey – E

Hey, I'm late for work. Taking a cab. Mom went to work this morning. – B

Oh, why didn't you text me? I could take you. Save your money. – E

I glanced unsurely towards the open cab door, and the driver tapped his finger waiting.

"Hey, lady, you coming in or not?"

"Yeah, just give me a second." I glanced back at my phone. I had to think fast. My boyfriend for free or a smelly, dirty cab for $15?

You sure you can do it? – B

Yeah. I just have to change real fast. – E

I sighed in relief for his sweetness. I told the cab driver, "Sorry, I'll have to cancel this one. I got a ride already."

He rolled his eyes, shut the door and drove off. I waved the heavy smoke from the exhaust as the cab chugged down the street.

I walked to Edward's house and met Jasper at the door. He wore swim trunks, a white T-shirt, and was carrying a beach towel over his shoulder and his motorcycle key in the other hand.

'Hey, Jasper, where are you going?' I signed.

'Hi, Bella. I'm taking Alice to the beach,' He signed.

'Aww that's fun. Tell her I said hi. I'm late for work.' I smiled anxiously, looking around for Edward.

'Yeah, Edward told me. He must really like you to take you to work on his day off.' He smiled.

That took me back a bit, but I blushed and looked down. 'Yeah, and he doesn't really have to. I was about to take a cab.'

We both looked up when Edward walked down the stairs in a grayish-white V-neck shirt under a gray button-down with the sleeves rolled up to his elbows, and dark jeans and shoes. His hair waved back and forth, but it looked perfect to me.

"And you really didn't have to take a cab," he teased while signing for his brother.

"I didn't know you were home. I thought you were either working or sleeping. Don't judge me! Jasper just told me that you're on your day off? Now I feel even worse. But can we go? I'm late." I giggled and signed. I tugged his hand towards the door, happy that I had a ride to work.

Jasper laughed silently, highly amused at our banter. He waved to get Edward's attention. 'You guys are so cute!'

I blushed deeper as we both signed, 'Thanks!' and left.

I ran around to the passenger seat of Edward's car. As he started the car and reversed out of the driveway, I asked, "Why didn't you tell me it was your day off?"

"You never asked. And I wasn't about to let you go into a cab when I'm home anyway." He rolled his eyes.

"Let me? I didn't even know you were home until you just texted me. I was going to use the cab anyway. It's no big deal." I frowned, confused at his phrase of letting me go.

"No, it's not a big deal. But if I'm home—"

"I didn't know you were home! Sorry!"

"Why are you getting so upset over a free ride for work? Aren't you late anyway?"

I opened my mouth to speak, then shut it again. I turned to the window, dropping the conversation. I hated that we were arguing about something so simple. But I really didn't know that he was home and he'd wanted to take me to work. I didn't even think of asking him because my mom had suggested to take the cab. But now that I'd ditched that idea and went with Edward, I felt badly for starting shit with him when I really liked being with him in general.

We reached the mall, and the tension fell a little bit when I took his hand. He sighed deeply, his deep frown lessening in his brow.

"I'm sorry, ok? I didn't mean to act like such a bitch," I told him.

"It's fine. I just felt like you didn't want to be with me today."

I squeezed his hand. "I do. I really love... being with you." I thought of telling him but changed my words. I didn't want to tell him too early. "You just caught me off guard, is all."

He cracked a smile. "Right."

"If it makes you feel any better, you can pick me up after, if you want."

"What time?"

"Five. It may be six now cause I'm still late." I chuckled nervously.

"Oh, go, go. You don't want to get fired!" He ushered me out, kissing my hand as I pulled away.

I giggled and ran out of the car to the inside of the mall. It was plenty packed, with people of all ages walking around, shopping, and having fun. I walked down the hallway to the Disney store, where my co-workers and manager Stacey looking annoyed at my tardiness. A fiery, strawberry blonde with a strong, fierce attitude. My boss scared me and I was surprised when she had given me the job three months ago. But now, as the job became more frustrating, I was finding more reasons to leave.

Stacey led me to the back, and I followed, my fears heightened. The back office had boxes upon boxes stacked on both sides on shelves that led to the end of the room. The end had security cameras, Disney merchandise, plush toys, bedding sets, and more. There was also a seat and a small desk with a computer for associates to sign in when they came in for their shift.

"Oh, you're not in trouble, Bella. I just wanted to talk to you for a moment." She sat down in the seat and faced me. "So I wanted to talk to you about not just your tardiness lately, but mostly where you see yourself with Disney."

I nodded. "Ok..."

"Like your personality is adorable, though. You're very sweet; you pay attention to what your customers want. You're open enough to communicate with co-workers and sales managers. But your performance level is below the line. Like, near the bottom." She tilted her head, searching for answers in my lost face. But I couldn't say anything, really. I thought I was doing okay, or at least enough to get by. "Like, where do you see yourself here for the next year or so?"

I looked down, trying to keep my emotions at bay. I didn't want to cry in front of her. I gulped, playing with my hands. "I don't know," I started in a small voice. "I mean... I like working at Disney. I'm not that big on fashion or in the industry, but I thought that the longer I stayed, the more experience I'd get, you know? I honestly thought I was doing okay."

"You are, just not doing the most as expected in four months."

"So, are you... firing me? Am I suspended?"

She sighed and glanced at the security cameras. "Well, it's up to you. The sales business isn't for everyone. Either you can stay, but most likely, you'd be shifted for two or three days a week, at most. And then we'd see if you'd progress from there." She stood up and put a hand on my shoulder, and smiled sympathetically. "I'll give you a minute to think it over, 'kay?"

I nodded again and she slid past me, walking out into the front of the store.

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