A Fresh Start

The Lunch

Author's Note: I own nothing. I just like to play with the characters that were created by Stephenie Meyer. No copyright infringement is intended.

This story is kind of cathartic for me and it's based in real life. Rated M for future lemons.

Chapter 4: The Lunch

When I got into my condo, I drank three bottles of water before heading to bed. As I was changing, my cell phone beeped and I looked to see what it was.

As requested, I'm texting you to know that I'm home safely. I look forward to our lunch tomorrow. Sleep well, Bella. – Edward

Thanks for letting me know. Also, I appreciate your taxi services. See you tomorrow around noon. – Bella.

I put my phone on my nightstand and finished getting ready for bed. I washed my face and crawled in between the sheets, curling up with my pillow. My eyes drifted shut and I eventually fell into a deep, dreamless sleep.

xx AFS xx

When I woke up, I was so disoriented. I was hearing a shrilling sound. I reached for my phone and discovered it was ringing. The caller ID indicated that it was Alice. She was probably more confused than I was. "Morning, elf."

"How did I get home?" she croaked. "I'm so confuzzled."

"You called your cousin/brother and he drove you home. We dropped you off first and you were snoring something awful in the front seat of the car. I put you in your pajamas and helped you to bed," I said, my voice thick with sleep. "That's how you got home, elf."

"I really drank too much, Bells," she grumbled. "I have such a hangover. It's so bad."

"Drink some water and take some advil," I suggested. "I'm going back to sleep."

"Wait a minute, young lady. You need to get ready for your lunch date with Edward," Alice teased.

"How did you know that?" I squeaked, sitting up in bed.

"I'm omniscient," Alice said cryptically. "Wear that pretty purple sundress and espadrilles."

"He's picking me up to get my car and we're only going as friends, Alice. He is not interested. He helped me in a sticky situation last night, but he's not even remotely..."

"What situation?" Alice barked.

"Some nasty dude was trying to take me home and he wouldn't take no for an answer. Edward 'pretended' to be my boyfriend to give the guy a clue," I said. "No big deal."

"Huh," Alice said. "Wear the purple sundress and do your hair curly. He'll love it. Trust me."

"Fuck," I groaned. "Stop playing matchmaker with your 'baby brother.' Why do you call him that anyway? He looks older than you."

"We're only a few months apart. I was born in April and Edward was born in June of 1979. So, he's my 'baby' brother," Alice smiled. "Go get dressed and I'll nurse my hangover. Love you!"

"Love you, too, elf," I sighed. "Talk to you later." I hung up the phone and looked at the clock. It was a little after ten in the morning. I stretched and got up, walking to the shower. I hopped on the scale and grimaced at the numbers. I gained a few pounds, but then again I drank a ton last night. I took a quick shower, hastily shaving my legs and arms. I was putting on some lotion and I heard the shrill noise of my cell phone again. I ran and picked it up. "Hello?"

"Bella?" came a velvety voice.

"That's me," I smiled. "Edward?"

"Yeah," he said nervously. "I was wondering if I could pick you up around 11. One of my residents is sick and can only work until after one. I need to cover the last part of his shift."