The One That Got Away

Chapter Twenty-Five

For those of you who read the Get Your Southern On contest entries, this is my contribution. I am tickled at the results ... first place in public vote and third place for the judge's choice. I've decided to break this up into smaller, drabblish chapters and it will be continued. The contest contribution is the first six or so chapters, roughly. I don't know how long it will be, but I do have it planned. Thank you to Bridget for betaing this for me and for Clo, who created the banner.

Thank you for those of you who have read this! I hope you continue to do so! Without further ado ...

This is the beginning of the extension of the original contest entry. ALL NEW! Thank you for sticking with me and I hope you enjoy this!

Seth's okay! WOO HOO! Edward is a local hero! WOO HOO! Bella and Edward will be reunited next chapter! YESSSS! Can you say lemonade?

Bella was staring off into space, her foot tapping nervously under the counter. Once she was done with work, she was driving to SeaTac to pick up Edward. It had been a month since their high school reunion and he was finally coming into town. They spoke often on the phone. Well, as often as Edward's hectic schedule permitted. Things got crazy in the beginning of March when he saved that little boy while on a field trip.

He was interviewed by the press and featured in a segment on the local news. Additionally, he was given two awards. One was from the elementary school, congratulating him and lauding him a hero. The second award was from St. Joseph Hospital, for thinking and working under fire, saving the little boy's life. The was a third in the works from the fire department and city, but he hadn't received that yet.

The boy was fine, save for a scar on his neck from the emergency airway. He bonded immediately with Edward and thanked him for saving his life. Unfortunately, the boy's mom, Jessica Stanley, had grown attached to Edward and was almost stalking him, asking him questions and flirting with him. She was pregnant and looking for a baby daddy. At least that's what Edward told Bella. Politely, he declined her advances and made sure that his intentions were clear. He was the son's doctor and not Jessica's future boyfriend.

"Bells! You're in another world," Jasper said, sitting on the counter. "You okay?"

"Just excited, anxious, giddy, nervous," she blushed. "Edward's arriving tonight."

"So, that's why you have PTO," Jasper smirked. "A little long-distance loving?"

"Not so long distance," Bella replied. "Skype sex is not nearly as intimate as the real McCoy."

"True dat," Jasper nodded. "We're going out with you guys this weekend?"

"Yep. Alice wanted to cook for us, but I reminded her about her lack of cooking skills. I don't want to take my boyfriend to the hospital because he has food poisoning," Bella deadpanned. "I love your wife, but her cuisine leaves much to be desired."

"I agree. That's why we eat out so much," Jasper laughed. "Are we coming to you or meeting you at the restaurant?"

"Coming to my condo. We're going to have some pre-dinner drinks," Bella said. "Then, we're going out to Elliott's Oyster House." Jasper wrinkled his nose. "You have to get over this aversion to fish, Jas. It's good!"

"I like steak," he pouted. "A big meaty steak."

"There's steak on the menu," Bella sighed. "You're such a big baby." Rolling her eyes, Bella shut down her laptop and stuffed it in her bag. Swiping her jacket and tossing her bag over her shoulder, she got up, kissing Jasper's cheek. "You'll have fun. I promise you."