Gotham Gazette // J.V

Chapter 23

When I woke up the next morning I realised I was no longer on the couch that I had fallen asleep on, but in the room, Ed had offered me to stay in. The house was deafeningly silent, and I figured that Edward had already left for work. I walked into the living room to see a note folded on the coffee table in the centre of the room with my name written neatly in cursive on the front.

I held it in between my middle and index finger as I scanned the words for what Ed had left me. 

Katerina,

I didn't want to wake you before I left but there is leftover pasta in the fridge that you can help yourself to for lunch, If all goes well Ms Kringle will be joining us for dinner and I will bring you some clothes on the way home. I should return home at approximately 4:00pm. Have a nice day.

Edward

Ed is always so formal, even the letter sounded like he was applying for a job. I chuckled to myself before glancing at the clock, 10:45, it read and I let out a sigh. What was I going to do with myself for 5 hours?

~~~

I had managed to find an interesting book in the bookshelf I discovered last night and spent the majority of the day reading. I saw Ed and I's scorecards from last night and was so annoyed that he had beat me by so many. I'll have to give him a rematch sometime. The door opened as I was almost finished a chapter in my book and I looked to see Ed in the doorway carrying a small bag. 

"Hey, Ed." I greeted and he gave me a smile that instantly leads me to believe Kristen had agreed to come tonight. 

"Hello, Katerina. I have some exciting news to share!" He exclaimed with immense joy and as much as I already had a strong idea of what he was going to say I played along. 

"What?" I asked, giving him the pleasure of telling me himself.

"Kristen agreed on coming to dinner tonight!" He looked incredibly pleased with himself and his happiness immediately took effect on me, brightening my mood.

"That's absolutely fabulous! I'm so happy for you!" I gushed and the smile on his face was enough evidence that he was truly excited to have Kristen over. 

"As am I." His cheeks flushed a pink at what I assumed was the thought of Miss Kringle. "I got some clothes for you as well." He handed me the bag and I took it gratefully.

"Thank you so much! Trust me, I'll repay you for this." I thanked him and excused myself to shower and change. 

Once I finished I found Edward awkwardly trying to set up the dining table and I noticed there were only two places... I see what was going on here, he wanted to have time alone with Kristen. 

"Oh Katerina, I wanted to ask you something." He began.

"Yes, I'll eat in the bedroom because you want a romantic dinner with Kristen. It's cool, I want to finish the rest of my book anyway." I answered before he continued. 

"Well if you don't mind..." He trailed.

"Of course not! I didn't end up eating the pasta for lunch so I'll just have it tonight, no biggy." I shrugged cheerfully. I was happy for him.

"Thank you." He said and I could tell he was nervous about the whole thing. 

"Don't be nervous, I'm sure the night will go wonderfully," I reassured him. "She'd be crazy if she rejected you," I added.

"You think so?" He asked.

"Well of course!" I replied joyfully as I heard knocking on the door. "You look great don't worry." I patted his shoulder and got the leftover pasta from the fridge. "It's probably better if I just go now, she doesn't need to know I'm here. Have fun." I heated it in the microwave and headed to the room, being careful to avoid the two at the front door.