A Sunny Day Spent on the Phone and the Prelude to Dinner

Kicking back on the outside eating area, I flicked my phone open before looking at the number on the screen.

It was Edythe's.

I'm not gonna lie, my emotions are an absolute wreck. I'm feeling attracted to two different girls and no matter what I do, I just play along to the whim of those feelings and I'm slowly entwining myself with both of them.

It's selfish. It's greedy. Most of all, it's not something a good person would do.

But here I am, about to call one of the girls I'm attracted to, to sort out music lessons which will entwine me even further with her. I could blame it all on the being part wolf thing but...that just seems like a lousy excuse for some reason. Sure, my new instinct affect me, there's no lying about that, but they're my instincts and I should control them, not the other way around.

Still, that's easier said than done.

It's like I've got two strings pulling me to these two girls. I know I haven't imprinted on them - I don't even know if I can imprint on someone - I just know that I...that I don't want to lose either of them. Like I said before, I'm aware of how selfish that is...but maybe that's how, or rather, who I am now?

I've been shrugging it off for a while but let's get this straight; I'm not the old me. I'm not the 'me' who was back on the normal, non-supernatural Earth, and I'm not the Alexander Swan from before, I, am something else now. A mixture of three things:

The 'me' from my past life, Alexander Swan, and the instincts of a Superior Shapeshifter.

Thinking like this, I hit the dial button.

I won't let myself be held down by such things anymore. I know what I feel for those two girls is pure, and real, and above all else, I know that I'd never want to hurt either of them. If either one of them doesn't want to be with me because of this unreasonable selfish greed, then so be it, but I've got to have hope, haven't I?

Bringing me out of my thoughts, a distinctively masculine voice spoke through the speaker next to my ear. Thankfully, I recognized the voice, otherwise, I think I'd have been both confused and rather upset.

"This is the Cullen Residence, how may I help you?" Carlisle's smooth and calm voice rang through my ear and I quirked an eyebrow up in confusion.

"Uhh, hello? I was pretty sure I was calling Edy--I mean, Edythe," I stammered toward the end, not knowing how Carlisle would react to someone using such a personal nickname for his daughter.

To my infinite relief, Carlisle just chuckled before replying, "Ah, Alexander! We've been expecting this call - Edythe wouldn't stop pacing around the phone at all hours of the day," I heard some muffled protests and Carlisle simply quietly repeating 'Okay' in a placating manner, "I'll hand you off to Edythe now, Alexander and I'll be wishing to see you soon," I could practically hear the smile as he said that, and I mumbled a 'Yeah' to him in reply.

I then heard scrambling before a light cough and then finally, Edythe's voice, "Hello, Alexander, I've been expecting your call," her calm voice didn't have a falter but somehow I could still tell she was nervous. Weird.

Ignoring my thoughts, I answered her.

"Sorry, Edy, I've been a bit busy doing chores - gotta save up some money," I apologetically said before carrying on with a cheeky voice, "And I know you've been expecting the call, even probably anxious for it. What did your dad say - 'Wouldn't stop pacing around the phone at all hours of the day' ring any bells?"

Hearing my laughter, I heard her start to protest but she soon stopped and I had the wonderful image of Edythe blushing in my head, despite it never being a possibility, though I could at least realistically imagine her with a flustered face which was just as adorable.

Unlike Leah who looked like an athletic girl, the 5'2" Edythe looked more like a doll with her slender figure and pale white skin. Her unusual shade of bronze-colored hair and her topaz colored eyes made her look both exotic and unique despite the rest of her family sharing the same eyes - they just looked better on Edythe in my opinion.

If I had to put it anyway, Edythe looked like the young miss to an influential family - protected from the harshness of the world and looking slightly naive but overall kind and gentle.

I guess she was part of an influential family, but she wasn't protected from the harshness of the world. I was sure of that much.

"Shut up, Alexander...!" Edythe's voice forcibly whispered, the embarrassment flowing from her voice like a faulty faucet, "Can we just discuss what you called me about?" her pleading voice made me want to continue teasing her but I thought better of it and got on with it.

"Well, I was thinking of discussing what days you're free to teach me and what time would be best for you. I'd like to keep 5 till 7 free, however, I usually do my hobbies and whatnot around that time," I spoke in a semi-serious voice as I addressed Edythe.

The hobbies I spoke of was my exercising, and I was seeing such good results that I didn't plan to stop until I'd completed my phasing, even then, I'd probably still work out to improve my physique - I'd just need much heavier weights by that point.

Edythe hummed on the other side of the line, thinking about how to schedule it, before she finally spoke in reply, "I could do every weekday. We could even do longer lessons on the weekend--" she quickly stopped herself before hurried correcting herself, "If you don't mind, that is?"

Hearing such a touchy Edythe, I found myself smiling before replying with a slightly playful voice, "Of course I don't mind. It's all up to whether you and your family will have me."

Laughing in reply to my words, Edythe mirthfully refuted me, "Oh, stop it, Alexander - my father's been wishing to speak with you ever since you met him in the hospital, and Emmett seems obsessed with showing you his cars ever since I mentioned you like messing with engines," she sweetly said.

"Well, I guess it's settled then, isn't it? I won't be coming over tonight - I told you about my dinner with my friend, right? So, I could start from tomorrow onward, if that's fine?"

"Yes, that sounds fine, no, brilliant," she said with a slightly high pitched voice before sweetly carrying on, "I'll see you then, Alexander."

With this, we said our goodbyes before we each hung up.

Pressing that end call button was like lifting a ton - near impossible.

But as the bell rang, I went inside out of the sun and onto my next lesson. PE. Knowing I'd have to limit my prowess, I groaned in frustration before jogging to the gym changing rooms.

. . .

POV Change - Edythe

Putting the phone down I felt the need to catch my breath despite not needing to breathe at all.

I could also feel the imaginary heat on my cheeks despite not having the blood or warmth necessary for such a sensation.

Even just hearing his silky smooth and deep voice did this to me...what was happening?

I understand that the boy is my singer...but to be this attached? It must be something more. I've spoken to Carlisle about this and he didn't answer me...He just smirked!

Feeling frustrated, I furrowed my brows before turning to the stairs to go to my room.

However, as I turned I saw a major part of my family peeking over at me with smiles on their faces. Of course, I knew they were there when I was speaking to Alexander, but I'd have thought they'd have rushed away once I was done.

My expectations were crushed when Alice rushed up next to me and grasped my hand in hers before speaking with her usual enthusiasm, "So, he's coming over tomorrow? We need to discuss your choice of clothing for the day! Should you play the innocent and gentle teacher or the strict but kind teacher? Either will affect how you've got to dress!" giggling, Alice bounced up and down like a bouncy ball that'd been slammed off the floor and couldn't lose its momentum.

Seeing her like this and hearing what she said, I scoffed before turning my head away from her in an attempt to hide my embarrassment but she and the rest must have seen it as they burst out in joyful laughter.

I tried to refute them with a harsh force but my voice came out meek and without much heat, "How does my dressing affect how I'll teach him--" I came to a slightly late realization and gave Alice's arm a light slap, "Alice! I'm not planning on seducing him under the guise of teaching him! He's genuinely asked for my guidance and I plan to help him, and that's the end of it."

Crossing my arms, I looked down slightly angrily at the only person in the household shorter than me.

Coming to Alice's rescue, Rosalie walked over with a smug look of 'Yeah right' written all over her face. As if to mimic her face, her first words were, "Yeah right, Edy," she placed a hand on my shoulder before looking at me slightly condescendingly, "I'm sure the thought never crossed your mind~" she smirked before locking her hands on my arm while Alice got my other arm, "We're gonna talk about it allll night, dear sister of mine."

Knowing the interrogation I was going to receive, I tried to struggle but my two sisters held me tight - I was known for my speed in the family, not my strength. So I had no chance of overpowering the two of them.

Looking toward my actual biological brother, Edward, I pleaded him for help but he just shrugged and grinned at me, ignoring my plea.

Fine, screw you then, Edward...I'll make sure that Alexander puts in a bad word to Bella about you.

His face went a bit grim at this thought, but he stood his ground and didn't move to help me from my impending 'doom'.

Aka gossip about boys with Rosalie and a fashion session with Alice.

...But if it's about Alexander...Nevermind!

. . .

POV Change - Alex

Sitting down on the bus, I was on my way to my dinner...for the lack of a better word, date, with Leah.

I was in a pretty simple get-up, which wasn't too smart or too casual. So, smart casual.

I was in a white, dress shirt with the sleeves rolled up showing my slightly tanned and well-defined arms that had become quite thick over the first week of phasing and exercising. I had a thin tie on which was pretty loose along with the top two buttons on my shirt undone.

I was wearing black dress pants that were quite form-fitting but still loose enough to not show off my athletic legs, finished off with some black dress shoes.

Where's the casual part of this? Well, the leather jacket I've got on my lap feels like it adds enough casual for this to all count as smart casual...right?

Ignoring such second thoughts, I stood up and walked to the front of the bus as my stop was coming up. Moving my hand through my hair, I made sure my dark brown locks were still swept back to give me a handsome, yet serious look. Though a couple of locks of hair didn't follow the memo and dangled over my forehead, I left them, knowing they'd possibly add to my charm. I hope.

Paying no attention to the multitude of female eyes focused on my broad back, I stood at the front of the bus as it pulled over to the side.

Giving my thanks to the driver, I got off the bus and started walking to the restaurant. I was a bit early, but I wanted to get there before Leah so I could get myself settle.

I thanked god that Shapeshifters find it hard to sweat due to our incredibly high body temperature otherwise I'd be extremely clammy right now. I'm sure of it.

It didn't take long for me to arrive - I'd picked the bus stop which was closest to the restaurant - and I entered.

"Welcome," the man behind a desk said to me, "What may I do for you, sir?"

His smile was the one you'd see on every person with a people-orientated job; a tired, yet forcibly happy-to-see-you smile.

Ignoring what my enhanced eyesight was showing me, I just walked over and smiled, "I'm here for a reservation. Under the name of A.Swan?"

"One moment, sir," his smile ever-present, he looked down at the roster in front of him, trailing his finger down the page before he hit my name and tapped it twice, "Ah-ha! Here we go. A table for two, yes?"

Nodding at his question, he picked up two menus before walking from around the desk and motioning for me to follow him.

The fact he got two menus means Leah isn't here yet and that I was here before her - thank god. I'm nervous for some reason.

Knowing full well the reason I was nervous was because I was about to have dinner with a beautiful girl I was attracted to, I followed the Italian man in front of me to a table for two where the light was just bright enough for you to be able to see, while just dim enough that it added a nice, almost romantic atmosphere.

Sitting down, I took my menu from him before browsing through it while he put the other menu down opposite me.

"Can I get you something to drink, sir?" he politely asked as he stood stock-still next to the table.

Nodding, "Yeah, I'll take a water, please."

And with this, I got to calming myself down and waiting for Leah.