New Story from Aftrnoondlight – Symmetry

“I’m here! Here I am!” Familiar, anxious energy thrust open the car door as my engine idled on. The morning fever and rush filled the street scene around the usual Bella blur of busy. “Thanks, Peter.” She fell in, a haphazard pile gathering in her lap. “Oh. Peter, this is my boss, Edward.” 

Angling her head, hands full, she introduced me to the boy with the bicycle loitering still. I reached across with an offered hand. Bella grabbed my wrist quick and tight, fingers tapping over my heavy watch. “See, I’m not late. You’re early. Jerk.”

“Edward Cullen.” He only nodded.

“Good luck today, Bella.” She waved her thanks, obviously worried enough to tell someone new. Shifting the mess, she blew loose waves from her face.

“Neighbor?” I wondered, moving her design tubes, leather bag to the back seat.

“Who? Peter? Yeah, he’s in the flat above me. Super nice. Just sort of always there though… you know? I don’t know. He’s a psych resident at Rush.” Always and as long as I’ve known her statements end with a questioning tone.

“Well, that might be useful.”

“Yes, well, working for you, it might…” She played effortless, primping in the humidity.

“That’s right. Your boss, Edward Cullen…”

“Should I say my project manager? My mentor? Wait no, my hero…” Dripping sarcasm, she smirked, smile growing. “But I am excited. Like really excited about this morning.”