Alice's Bridesmaid Dress (Just Imagine the Bow/Sash is Rose colored and color of dress is a med toned brown * bella's moh dress*)
Rose's Wedding Dress: ( Imagine the tulle to be Rose Colored)
Bella Swan and the Cullens were best friends until Bella moves away at age 13. After some unexpected events,Bella reunites with the Cullens once again in college.Old flames seem to re-ignite and so does a mysterious texter who is out to ruin their happiness. AU/AH
Friday, June 11, 2010
Chapter 35 Outfits
Bella's MOH Dress
Alice's Bridesmaid Dress (Just Imagine the Bow/Sash is Rose colored and color of dress is a med toned brown * bella's moh dress*)
Rose's Wedding Dress: ( Imagine the tulle to be Rose Colored)
Alice's Bridesmaid Dress (Just Imagine the Bow/Sash is Rose colored and color of dress is a med toned brown * bella's moh dress*)
Rose's Wedding Dress: ( Imagine the tulle to be Rose Colored)
Chapter 35
Chapter 35
How did it ever come to this? I found myself asking, as I sat bored in my music lit. class. I was supposed to be listening to Professor Laurent lecture us about classical theory, but my attention was strayed. Ever since we had returned home, she was all I thought about. My sweet brown eyed angel. Bella. We could have had it all: the perfect relationship, perfect marriage, perfect kids, perfect life, perfect everything. All of which was ruined by one simple moment. I kept reminiscing about that dreaded night, thinking of any plausible reasons, why I of all people, was destined for failure. Every time I tried to come up with a rational reason, I just ended up with a headache. It was not my fault, was it? Did I wait too long to push her off me? Did I kiss the woman back? "Did I wait too long to run after Bella? I honestly did not know.
I remember when we first returned home, the tension was so thick between the two of us that you could cut it with a knife. The others stayed out of our way afraid that they might say the wrong thing and cause one of us to blow up. Then we compromised and soon came the dreaded word friend. I have never hated that word so much in my life until now. I often wondered if Bella knew what she did to me. I could barely stand to be in close proximity with her for more than a couple of minutes, without fighting the urge to jump her and rip every single piece of clothing off her body. Acting as "friends", we had a movie night. It was the first time Bella and I had really interacted since we had returned home. For the majority of that night, I found myself stealing glances at her. Watching her was better than watching the actual movie itself. Every time a funny scene would occur, her face would light up and her eyes would twinkle, or when a sad or serious scene came on the screen, she would tilt her head to the side and bite her lip. I noticed all of these little things about her and she had never looked so beautiful to me than she did at that moment. When that night was finally over and I whispered to her a sullen goodbye, I had found myself up in my room staring up at ceiling with thoughts of her. Sleep definitely did not come easy that night. She left me restless.
Since then, we would casually talk a bit with one another. I enjoyed the time we spent together but I could not fight the feelings I had for her. I still loved her; I would always love her and lately from what I was seeing, Bella did not seem to feel the same towards me. When she had agreed to just being friends she meant just being friends. To fight my conflicting emotions, I decided to come up with a plan. I would still hang out with Bella, but I was going to try to void myself of showing any emotion towards her. I was going to keep my distance, because I knew that I would crumble under pressure if I got too close. I must have not thought out my plan too well, because by ignoring the problem, I had created another. I soon became an emotional wreck and found myself in desperate need of someone or something. That was what led me back to Tanya.
It was a Tuesday, probably one of the only days that I did not see any of my siblings or Bella, since our classes were so closely timed together. I had about thirty minutes until my next class, so I decided to settle down on a bench and read my textbook, so I could get a head start on the lesson we were going to learn about today in class. I had read halfway of the chapter when I felt the presence of someone next to me and I smelt the sweet scent of vanilla and sugar. Only person smelled of those two scents: Tanya.
Tanya was more than the average American girl. She had ice blue eyes, long corn silk hair, and legs for days. Everyone in their right mind would call Tanya beautiful. She was not a timeless beauty like Bella, but she was beautiful nonetheless. She was very attractive. The only thing not attractive about her was her personality and attitude. She was what you would consider a class A bitch. Tanya and I always had a rocky relationship, but that was just the two of us. I was surprised we had even lasted that long with my reputation and hers. We both did things that irritated one another. Her dislike for my family, friends and Bella, and mine for her clinginess and constant whining. We even both had our constant run ins as well. Hers with guys, and mine with girls. We were both considerably jealous. It was actually somewhat funny. No matter what you thought about the whole situation, we were just like one another. A match made in hell. Then for some strange apparent reason we always found some reason to get back together only to break up and make up later. My family wanted an explanation and I could not give them one.
I tried ignoring her at first, but I could feel her gaze on the back of my head. I soon realized it was useless trying to ignore her, so I turned in her direction. She had her legs crossed with her hands clasped in her lap. She had a determined look upon her face.
"What do you want Tanya?" I asked, closing my book settling it down in my bag.
"I want to talk." she said, her blue eyes trained on mine.
"Talk? What if I don't want to talk?" I challenged back. She let out a deep breath before speaking.
"Well then, can you please listen?" she asked me. I pinched the bridge of my nose and took a deep soothing breath.
"Ten minutes." I said and she then proceeded to tell me how sorry she was for the way she acted towards my family and me. She was just jealous and hated feeling like she was of un importance to me. By time she was finished, all I could think was that it was a load of crap. Of all the times to apologize, it is just coincidently after I broke up with Bella.
"Now why should I believe you again?" I asked her. I had not noticed that she was sitting closer to me her thigh now pressing against mine. Her scent was beginning to get to me as I soon found the scent of vanillas and sugar soothing.
"You don't have to. I'm just in need of a friend." she said her blue eyes glistening. I momentarily found myself lost in her eyes before I took a deep breath.
"Fine. I guess I'm in a desperate need of my friend myself." I breathed, as she smiled at me. We actually managed to talk for the rest of my lunch break without irritating each other and I actually found myself enjoying spending time with her. It was nice to see act like an actual human being, not like the cold heartless bitch I perceived her to be. I swore once we finished talking I saw a flash of mahogany hair, but maybe I was mistaken.
The following says went about the same, and I soon found myself anxiously waiting to talk to her again. Call me a masochist if you must, for even engaging with the "enemy" as Alice so puts it. She still could not stand Tanya. It was not like I had feelings for Tanya, because I did not, I just enjoyed her company. I remember when Alice first saw me talking to Tanya; she nearly ripped my head off.
"What the fuck Edward!" she screeched, punching me hard in the arm. Damn that hurt. She always knew just where to hit. I think I felt a lump growing. Alice only ever cursed when something didn't go her way or it involved Tanya. I vote for the second one.
"Damn it Alice, for such a small girl, you punch like a man." I winced rubbing my arm.
"Yeah, and for such a small girl, you know I can beat your ass too. Now care to explain why I saw you and Tanya looking a little too friendly on the bench?" she glared.
"I don't have to explain myself to you." I huffed and walked away, but she grabbed my arm; hard.
"Shit, Alice! What the hell is your problem?" I asked, trying to reel in my temple. Jasper would have my ass, if I ever hurt Alice. Hell I think I might myself if I ever did.
"What's yours? One moment you're all anti-Tanya and the next you're sitting next to her all lovey-dovey. Make up your mind!" she said.
"We're just friends so relax your nerves." I said, shrugging my backpack over my shoulder.
"Like hell I will. Not when it involves my brother and possibly my best friend." she glared, tapping her feet at me her hazel eyes now mostly green. She was still pissed when she was really angry the green would usually overpower the brown in her eyes. Now the question was: What did Tanya have to do with Bella?
"Al, what does this have to do with Bella?" I asked her as she just rolled her eyes at me like it was the most obvious answer in the world."God Edward, you can be so thick. Sometimes I wonder how you even made it into college." she said, as I still looked at her confusedly.
"Damn Edward. There's Bella, then there's Tanya. The good and the ugly. The smart and the stupid. The angel and the devil. Tanya always been the opposite of Bella and always tried to remind us. She despises Bella. Someone you care about. If someone hated one of my friends or family, I wouldn't associate myself with them." she said.
"But this-this is different. This has nothing to do with Bella. We're just friends and that's all." I said, wishing this conversation were over.
"Edward," she said in a now more quiet tone. "I have a bad feeling. I don't think you should trust her. I think she's up to something." Alice said.
"Alice I assure you she's not. If she were, I wouldn't be around her. I know you're just looking out for me and I appreciate it. Thanks for trying to protect me. Love you Ally Bug." I said grabbing her in a hug, kissing the top of her head.
"I love you too, now watch the hair!" she screeched hitting me in the chest as we parted ways to our next class.
I soon found myself distracted by Alice's words. Was there any truth to her words?
Could Tanya be up to something? I hoped I never found out.
The weeks following followed the same fashion. I would hang out with Bella, pushing my feelings aside, and then spend some time with Tanya just enjoying ourselves. When we were in the city, and we couldn't find Bella, it reminded me so much of that night. Searching for countless hours to no use. I couldn't tell you how happy I was when she bumped into me; I feared that I would never see her again. I knew after that night, that no matter what happened between the two of us, I would ensure that she was safe no matter how torturous it may be to me in the process.
I was sitting in my room strumming along on the guitar Bella had purchased for me. I have no received a more sentimental gift in my life. I was just strumming away on a song that popped in my head when I smelled Bella's sweet scent. A scent so much better than Tanya's. When I had opened my eyes, there she was in all of her glorious beauty with a smile upon her face. I set my guitar on the floor and couldn't help but grin back and noticed that she had brought me my favorite sandwich and chips. We ate lunch together and talked about pointless things when I noticed an indecisive look upon her face. It was suddenly quiet and she took a deep breath before speaking.
(A/n: I know you really don't want to reread the argument, but it is essential to the plot, to see things from his point of view. Sorry.)
"Um Edward?" Bella said quietly.
"Yeah Bella?" I said looking at her to continue her sentence.
"So Tanya." She just bluntly said. I looked at her curiously. Her face was furrowed and there was a deep crease upon her forehead, which only showed up when she was thinking too hard.
"What about Tanya?" I said raising an eyebrow at her.
"Specifically, you and Tanya." Bella said, messing with her fingers. I was seriously tired of my family asking me about my relationship with Tanya. It was none of their business.
"Okay we're friends." I said, picking up my guitar strumming a few stray notes.
"May I ask why?" Bella asked. I stopped strumming my guitar. Seriously, if one more person asked me I was going to scream. I had already been bombarded by Emmett and jasper mad that their women were mad. My whole family was Team I Hate Tanya. I wouldn't be surprised if they had it monogrammed upon a shirt. Actually I think Alice, may have a shirt like that. I gave her a simple answer.
"We talked." I simply said, and began plucking a few more notes. I knew I was agitating her because she let out a harsh breath.
"About?" she asked, leaning forward. Her scent distracting my thought process.
"Nothing that concerns you." I harshly said, although I didn't mean it. I just had a headache from all of the Tanya talk.
"Well, sorry. I just wanted to know." Bella said in a somber tone. I looked up to see her beautiful brown eyes well up with tears. I was being an asshole
"Why do you want to know?" I said more quietly, looking at her as she moved about nervously.
"I…don't think you should be friends with her." she stuttered and I found my temper flaring. I was tired of people telling who I should be friends with. All of my anger was beginning to build up and I prayed I didn't blow up at her. My prayers were unanswered.
"Are you serious?" "Really Bella? You are seriously telling me who I should be friends with now, you're unbelievable." I looked at her incuriously as she visibly flinched back from the sound of my voice.
"That's not what I meant and you know it." Bella screeched, a few tears falling from her eyes. I had made her cry; again. I was such an asshole, but I couldn't stop my word vomit.
"Than, tell me Isabella exactly what you are trying to say." I said loudly, causing her to stumble away from me.
"I'm just trying to be a good friend." she whispered and I just shook my head. Assward was already out, might as well as get out all of my frustrations. Unfortunately Bella had to take the brunt of it.
"Out of everything we've been through, you suddenly want to be a good friend?" I retorted, knowing it was a low blow.
"Yeah, especially to asshole like you." she glared at me. I deserved it. I deserved to be hollered at from being such a crappy friend and once lover.
"Well, people change." I answered, staring at anything but her face.
"So you rather hang out with Tanya, than your best friend?" she asked, her breathing heavy and winded.
"My best friend Jasper accepts whatever I do. You on the other hand make things complicated." I growled, and I knew I had hit the nail on the head. I had hit at an all time low. Bella would always be my best friend, but I was having an intense Dr. Jackal and Mr. Hyde moment. Assward and Edward.
"What is your problem?" She retorted back at me her face flushing an angry shade of red.
"I don't have one, but I know yours. You're just jealous." I said. Where was all of this coming from? I knew she wasn't jealous. I was jealous of her. To go every day happily, not feeling like apart of you was missing.
"Jealous. I'm jealous. Oh Please tell Edward." she said crossing her arms over her chest protectively.
"You're jealous that I'm spending time with Tanya instead of you." I said and she laughed, freaking laughed at me. I wondered where all of this was coming from. I enjoyed the time we spent together even if it were for a couple of minutes.
"Oh, that's priceless. Yeah Edward, I'm so jealous of your relationship with Tanya." Bella said sarcastically as she began pacing the room.
"At least you finally admit to it." I breathed. God, I wished I would shut up.
"For fucking sakes Edward, I was being sarcastic." Bella growled, yeah growled at me. Her eyes were dark and furious. I had never seen her this angry before, not even when I was eight and accidentally ruined her Wuthering Heights book by wasting soda on it.
"She has nothing I want." Bella suddenly answered.
"She's up to something and I don't think you should trust her." she sadly sad rubbing her eyes.
"You see, right there, that is for me to decide not you." Even after all of this. I wished my family had enough faith in me to choose who I wanted to be friends with, even if they were the wrong ones.
"You know what? Go screw yourself, because that's what Tanya's going to do to you, and you know it. I'm tired of explaining myself." Bella suddenly said stumbling over to grab her bag.
"Whatever Bella." I breathed. I waited for her footsteps to leave but they stopped at the door.
"You know what? If I am jealous of anything, it would be the fact that you rather hang around Tanya then me." Bella whispered so quietly, that I almost didn't hear her as she left. I was a jerk. One of the most lowest and dirtiest of them all. I had owed it to myself to never break one thing: Bella's heart and I had failed again.
Three Days. It's been three days, and Bella hasn't spoken to me since. Considering it was hard to avoid one another when our rooms were right beside each other. It was really lonely. Alice, Emmett, Jasper and Rose were still gone, and wouldn't return until next week. It was just the two of us, in this large house not speaking to each other. Since our argument I had tried avoiding Tanya, but it was no use. She kept popping up everywhere I went and even showed up to our house, asking if she could come in which I politely declined since Bella was upstairs and would feel uncomfortable if she were around. Alice and Bella's words were fleeting through my mind. Tanya's behavior was shifting a bit, but nothing I would consider possibly de-ranged.
The house was quiet. Too quiet. It was about 11at night; a school night at that and Bella still hadn't returned home. I was feeling a little uneasy. She usually returned home around at 8. Although we weren't speaking to one another it had become sort of a routine to let one another know when we arrived home. Even if we argued, we would still let each other know to ease my worry.
Suddenly my phone began ringing. Hoping it was Bella, I eagerly answered it not bothering to check my caller id and I got the shock of my life when I heard a female's voice.
"Renee?"
How did it ever come to this? I found myself asking, as I sat bored in my music lit. class. I was supposed to be listening to Professor Laurent lecture us about classical theory, but my attention was strayed. Ever since we had returned home, she was all I thought about. My sweet brown eyed angel. Bella. We could have had it all: the perfect relationship, perfect marriage, perfect kids, perfect life, perfect everything. All of which was ruined by one simple moment. I kept reminiscing about that dreaded night, thinking of any plausible reasons, why I of all people, was destined for failure. Every time I tried to come up with a rational reason, I just ended up with a headache. It was not my fault, was it? Did I wait too long to push her off me? Did I kiss the woman back? "Did I wait too long to run after Bella? I honestly did not know.
I remember when we first returned home, the tension was so thick between the two of us that you could cut it with a knife. The others stayed out of our way afraid that they might say the wrong thing and cause one of us to blow up. Then we compromised and soon came the dreaded word friend. I have never hated that word so much in my life until now. I often wondered if Bella knew what she did to me. I could barely stand to be in close proximity with her for more than a couple of minutes, without fighting the urge to jump her and rip every single piece of clothing off her body. Acting as "friends", we had a movie night. It was the first time Bella and I had really interacted since we had returned home. For the majority of that night, I found myself stealing glances at her. Watching her was better than watching the actual movie itself. Every time a funny scene would occur, her face would light up and her eyes would twinkle, or when a sad or serious scene came on the screen, she would tilt her head to the side and bite her lip. I noticed all of these little things about her and she had never looked so beautiful to me than she did at that moment. When that night was finally over and I whispered to her a sullen goodbye, I had found myself up in my room staring up at ceiling with thoughts of her. Sleep definitely did not come easy that night. She left me restless.
Since then, we would casually talk a bit with one another. I enjoyed the time we spent together but I could not fight the feelings I had for her. I still loved her; I would always love her and lately from what I was seeing, Bella did not seem to feel the same towards me. When she had agreed to just being friends she meant just being friends. To fight my conflicting emotions, I decided to come up with a plan. I would still hang out with Bella, but I was going to try to void myself of showing any emotion towards her. I was going to keep my distance, because I knew that I would crumble under pressure if I got too close. I must have not thought out my plan too well, because by ignoring the problem, I had created another. I soon became an emotional wreck and found myself in desperate need of someone or something. That was what led me back to Tanya.
It was a Tuesday, probably one of the only days that I did not see any of my siblings or Bella, since our classes were so closely timed together. I had about thirty minutes until my next class, so I decided to settle down on a bench and read my textbook, so I could get a head start on the lesson we were going to learn about today in class. I had read halfway of the chapter when I felt the presence of someone next to me and I smelt the sweet scent of vanilla and sugar. Only person smelled of those two scents: Tanya.
Tanya was more than the average American girl. She had ice blue eyes, long corn silk hair, and legs for days. Everyone in their right mind would call Tanya beautiful. She was not a timeless beauty like Bella, but she was beautiful nonetheless. She was very attractive. The only thing not attractive about her was her personality and attitude. She was what you would consider a class A bitch. Tanya and I always had a rocky relationship, but that was just the two of us. I was surprised we had even lasted that long with my reputation and hers. We both did things that irritated one another. Her dislike for my family, friends and Bella, and mine for her clinginess and constant whining. We even both had our constant run ins as well. Hers with guys, and mine with girls. We were both considerably jealous. It was actually somewhat funny. No matter what you thought about the whole situation, we were just like one another. A match made in hell. Then for some strange apparent reason we always found some reason to get back together only to break up and make up later. My family wanted an explanation and I could not give them one.
I tried ignoring her at first, but I could feel her gaze on the back of my head. I soon realized it was useless trying to ignore her, so I turned in her direction. She had her legs crossed with her hands clasped in her lap. She had a determined look upon her face.
"What do you want Tanya?" I asked, closing my book settling it down in my bag.
"I want to talk." she said, her blue eyes trained on mine.
"Talk? What if I don't want to talk?" I challenged back. She let out a deep breath before speaking.
"Well then, can you please listen?" she asked me. I pinched the bridge of my nose and took a deep soothing breath.
"Ten minutes." I said and she then proceeded to tell me how sorry she was for the way she acted towards my family and me. She was just jealous and hated feeling like she was of un importance to me. By time she was finished, all I could think was that it was a load of crap. Of all the times to apologize, it is just coincidently after I broke up with Bella.
"Now why should I believe you again?" I asked her. I had not noticed that she was sitting closer to me her thigh now pressing against mine. Her scent was beginning to get to me as I soon found the scent of vanillas and sugar soothing.
"You don't have to. I'm just in need of a friend." she said her blue eyes glistening. I momentarily found myself lost in her eyes before I took a deep breath.
"Fine. I guess I'm in a desperate need of my friend myself." I breathed, as she smiled at me. We actually managed to talk for the rest of my lunch break without irritating each other and I actually found myself enjoying spending time with her. It was nice to see act like an actual human being, not like the cold heartless bitch I perceived her to be. I swore once we finished talking I saw a flash of mahogany hair, but maybe I was mistaken.
The following says went about the same, and I soon found myself anxiously waiting to talk to her again. Call me a masochist if you must, for even engaging with the "enemy" as Alice so puts it. She still could not stand Tanya. It was not like I had feelings for Tanya, because I did not, I just enjoyed her company. I remember when Alice first saw me talking to Tanya; she nearly ripped my head off.
"What the fuck Edward!" she screeched, punching me hard in the arm. Damn that hurt. She always knew just where to hit. I think I felt a lump growing. Alice only ever cursed when something didn't go her way or it involved Tanya. I vote for the second one.
"Damn it Alice, for such a small girl, you punch like a man." I winced rubbing my arm.
"Yeah, and for such a small girl, you know I can beat your ass too. Now care to explain why I saw you and Tanya looking a little too friendly on the bench?" she glared.
"I don't have to explain myself to you." I huffed and walked away, but she grabbed my arm; hard.
"Shit, Alice! What the hell is your problem?" I asked, trying to reel in my temple. Jasper would have my ass, if I ever hurt Alice. Hell I think I might myself if I ever did.
"What's yours? One moment you're all anti-Tanya and the next you're sitting next to her all lovey-dovey. Make up your mind!" she said.
"We're just friends so relax your nerves." I said, shrugging my backpack over my shoulder.
"Like hell I will. Not when it involves my brother and possibly my best friend." she glared, tapping her feet at me her hazel eyes now mostly green. She was still pissed when she was really angry the green would usually overpower the brown in her eyes. Now the question was: What did Tanya have to do with Bella?
"Al, what does this have to do with Bella?" I asked her as she just rolled her eyes at me like it was the most obvious answer in the world."God Edward, you can be so thick. Sometimes I wonder how you even made it into college." she said, as I still looked at her confusedly.
"Damn Edward. There's Bella, then there's Tanya. The good and the ugly. The smart and the stupid. The angel and the devil. Tanya always been the opposite of Bella and always tried to remind us. She despises Bella. Someone you care about. If someone hated one of my friends or family, I wouldn't associate myself with them." she said.
"But this-this is different. This has nothing to do with Bella. We're just friends and that's all." I said, wishing this conversation were over.
"Edward," she said in a now more quiet tone. "I have a bad feeling. I don't think you should trust her. I think she's up to something." Alice said.
"Alice I assure you she's not. If she were, I wouldn't be around her. I know you're just looking out for me and I appreciate it. Thanks for trying to protect me. Love you Ally Bug." I said grabbing her in a hug, kissing the top of her head.
"I love you too, now watch the hair!" she screeched hitting me in the chest as we parted ways to our next class.
I soon found myself distracted by Alice's words. Was there any truth to her words?
Could Tanya be up to something? I hoped I never found out.
The weeks following followed the same fashion. I would hang out with Bella, pushing my feelings aside, and then spend some time with Tanya just enjoying ourselves. When we were in the city, and we couldn't find Bella, it reminded me so much of that night. Searching for countless hours to no use. I couldn't tell you how happy I was when she bumped into me; I feared that I would never see her again. I knew after that night, that no matter what happened between the two of us, I would ensure that she was safe no matter how torturous it may be to me in the process.
I was sitting in my room strumming along on the guitar Bella had purchased for me. I have no received a more sentimental gift in my life. I was just strumming away on a song that popped in my head when I smelled Bella's sweet scent. A scent so much better than Tanya's. When I had opened my eyes, there she was in all of her glorious beauty with a smile upon her face. I set my guitar on the floor and couldn't help but grin back and noticed that she had brought me my favorite sandwich and chips. We ate lunch together and talked about pointless things when I noticed an indecisive look upon her face. It was suddenly quiet and she took a deep breath before speaking.
(A/n: I know you really don't want to reread the argument, but it is essential to the plot, to see things from his point of view. Sorry.)
"Um Edward?" Bella said quietly.
"Yeah Bella?" I said looking at her to continue her sentence.
"So Tanya." She just bluntly said. I looked at her curiously. Her face was furrowed and there was a deep crease upon her forehead, which only showed up when she was thinking too hard.
"What about Tanya?" I said raising an eyebrow at her.
"Specifically, you and Tanya." Bella said, messing with her fingers. I was seriously tired of my family asking me about my relationship with Tanya. It was none of their business.
"Okay we're friends." I said, picking up my guitar strumming a few stray notes.
"May I ask why?" Bella asked. I stopped strumming my guitar. Seriously, if one more person asked me I was going to scream. I had already been bombarded by Emmett and jasper mad that their women were mad. My whole family was Team I Hate Tanya. I wouldn't be surprised if they had it monogrammed upon a shirt. Actually I think Alice, may have a shirt like that. I gave her a simple answer.
"We talked." I simply said, and began plucking a few more notes. I knew I was agitating her because she let out a harsh breath.
"About?" she asked, leaning forward. Her scent distracting my thought process.
"Nothing that concerns you." I harshly said, although I didn't mean it. I just had a headache from all of the Tanya talk.
"Well, sorry. I just wanted to know." Bella said in a somber tone. I looked up to see her beautiful brown eyes well up with tears. I was being an asshole
"Why do you want to know?" I said more quietly, looking at her as she moved about nervously.
"I…don't think you should be friends with her." she stuttered and I found my temper flaring. I was tired of people telling who I should be friends with. All of my anger was beginning to build up and I prayed I didn't blow up at her. My prayers were unanswered.
"Are you serious?" "Really Bella? You are seriously telling me who I should be friends with now, you're unbelievable." I looked at her incuriously as she visibly flinched back from the sound of my voice.
"That's not what I meant and you know it." Bella screeched, a few tears falling from her eyes. I had made her cry; again. I was such an asshole, but I couldn't stop my word vomit.
"Than, tell me Isabella exactly what you are trying to say." I said loudly, causing her to stumble away from me.
"I'm just trying to be a good friend." she whispered and I just shook my head. Assward was already out, might as well as get out all of my frustrations. Unfortunately Bella had to take the brunt of it.
"Out of everything we've been through, you suddenly want to be a good friend?" I retorted, knowing it was a low blow.
"Yeah, especially to asshole like you." she glared at me. I deserved it. I deserved to be hollered at from being such a crappy friend and once lover.
"Well, people change." I answered, staring at anything but her face.
"So you rather hang out with Tanya, than your best friend?" she asked, her breathing heavy and winded.
"My best friend Jasper accepts whatever I do. You on the other hand make things complicated." I growled, and I knew I had hit the nail on the head. I had hit at an all time low. Bella would always be my best friend, but I was having an intense Dr. Jackal and Mr. Hyde moment. Assward and Edward.
"What is your problem?" She retorted back at me her face flushing an angry shade of red.
"I don't have one, but I know yours. You're just jealous." I said. Where was all of this coming from? I knew she wasn't jealous. I was jealous of her. To go every day happily, not feeling like apart of you was missing.
"Jealous. I'm jealous. Oh Please tell Edward." she said crossing her arms over her chest protectively.
"You're jealous that I'm spending time with Tanya instead of you." I said and she laughed, freaking laughed at me. I wondered where all of this was coming from. I enjoyed the time we spent together even if it were for a couple of minutes.
"Oh, that's priceless. Yeah Edward, I'm so jealous of your relationship with Tanya." Bella said sarcastically as she began pacing the room.
"At least you finally admit to it." I breathed. God, I wished I would shut up.
"For fucking sakes Edward, I was being sarcastic." Bella growled, yeah growled at me. Her eyes were dark and furious. I had never seen her this angry before, not even when I was eight and accidentally ruined her Wuthering Heights book by wasting soda on it.
"She has nothing I want." Bella suddenly answered.
"She's up to something and I don't think you should trust her." she sadly sad rubbing her eyes.
"You see, right there, that is for me to decide not you." Even after all of this. I wished my family had enough faith in me to choose who I wanted to be friends with, even if they were the wrong ones.
"You know what? Go screw yourself, because that's what Tanya's going to do to you, and you know it. I'm tired of explaining myself." Bella suddenly said stumbling over to grab her bag.
"Whatever Bella." I breathed. I waited for her footsteps to leave but they stopped at the door.
"You know what? If I am jealous of anything, it would be the fact that you rather hang around Tanya then me." Bella whispered so quietly, that I almost didn't hear her as she left. I was a jerk. One of the most lowest and dirtiest of them all. I had owed it to myself to never break one thing: Bella's heart and I had failed again.
Three Days. It's been three days, and Bella hasn't spoken to me since. Considering it was hard to avoid one another when our rooms were right beside each other. It was really lonely. Alice, Emmett, Jasper and Rose were still gone, and wouldn't return until next week. It was just the two of us, in this large house not speaking to each other. Since our argument I had tried avoiding Tanya, but it was no use. She kept popping up everywhere I went and even showed up to our house, asking if she could come in which I politely declined since Bella was upstairs and would feel uncomfortable if she were around. Alice and Bella's words were fleeting through my mind. Tanya's behavior was shifting a bit, but nothing I would consider possibly de-ranged.
The house was quiet. Too quiet. It was about 11at night; a school night at that and Bella still hadn't returned home. I was feeling a little uneasy. She usually returned home around at 8. Although we weren't speaking to one another it had become sort of a routine to let one another know when we arrived home. Even if we argued, we would still let each other know to ease my worry.
Suddenly my phone began ringing. Hoping it was Bella, I eagerly answered it not bothering to check my caller id and I got the shock of my life when I heard a female's voice.
"Renee?"
Chapter 34
Chapter 34
BPOV
At this startling revelation. You'd think I would have learned by now to mind my own business but as everyone always told me (Even Renee) that I'd always been too perceptive. It had been a month since I saw Tanya kiss that female. I tried to ignore it; I mean why I was so obsessed with what Tanya did with her life was beyond me. You know that strange little voice in the back of your head that tells you something that you know is wrong. That little voice has been pounding in the back of my head for some time now.
Over the weeks prior, I noticed Edward was spending more and more time alone with Tanya. Even if I hadn't seen her do what she did, I was still suspicious about her behavior. I to put my worries aside and pay attention to Alice and Rose's countless gabber. We were currently back in the city sitting in a bridal shop looking for my MOH dress. Rose and Alice had found their gowns earlier that week so it was now my turn to be pricked and prodded.
"Alice, Rose!" I exclaimed. "Will you two just pick something already? My feet are starting to hurt!" I moaned.
"Well Bella, we need to find you the perfect dress." Alice beamed.
"Uh Alice, if you haven't noticed this isn't your wedding." I grimaced. I gazed to Rose who sat there comfortably in a chair with her feet propped up. She apparently enjoyed Bella Barbie time.
"Rose." I pleaded.
"Sorry Bells," she shrugged. "I just haven't seen the right dress yet. Moaning, I closed my eyes and prepared myself for the next 4 hours of endless torture.
After a while, I was just going through the motions, trying on whatever they gave me. We were on my 23rd dress, when I actually looked down and realized it was the one.
I stepped out and smiled. It was a beautiful dark champagne color with polka dots; it was strapless, clenched at the waist and ended at the knee. It looked amazing on me.
It's beautiful." Alice and Rose cried. My stomach also found that moment to growl loudly.
"See, you've been depriving me. Can we go now?" I asked, wincing as I stepped down.
"Fine, fine. It's time to feed the human." Rose joked.
I quickly changed into my clothes, careful not to wrinkle the beautiful dress. It still need to be tailored a bit so I walked to the counter to give it to the seamstress. I was to return later that week for final measurements. I looked around and saw that Alice and Rose were nowhere to be found. I tried to pay for my dress, but she quickly stopped me, telling me that the dress was already paid for. I let out a grumble of frustration. I hated people buying me things, especially when I had more than enough money to buy it myself. I asked the seamstress if she new where they were and she told me they went to the shoe store down the street. I thanked and headed out the door walking down the street. Bad Idea.
"Just down the street, my ass. I grumbled. I had been walking for the past 30 minutes and there was no shoe store in sight. The streets seemed liked they went on forever. I was lost. The streets were filled with people, and everyone I asked, just shrugged and looked at me as if I were crazy. I couldn't call because a certain blonde and black haired pixie decided to take my phone, claiming I was talking to Edward way too much.
Our friendship was slowly getting back to normal. It wasn't the same as before but it was progress. I could have tried a pay phone, but I had went to the bank earlier that day and all I had were hundred dollar bills, that could have been broken if they hadn't already paid for my dress. I tried finding the boys when I passed the tuxedo shop they were supposed to be at, but when I got there it was about to close and they were no where to be found.
Sighing, I sat down on a bench and closed my eyes. I was tired of looking. If they wanted to find me, they would eventually. Luckily, I had passed by Borders not to far back and decided to myself that I need a few more books to read. I quickly went inside and immediately became enamored with the words of Emily Bronte. I must have been in there for hours because when I checked out with my purchases of nearly twenty books, it was nearing twilight, and the buildings were lit up with the flickering lights of the night life. I was sipping on some hot chocolate as I headed towards the park when I crashed into a hard chest.
"Sorry." I mumbled, before I could bend to pick up my books, I was crushed unto a hard chest that smelled of musk and citrus. Edward.
"Oh thank God." Edward mumbled against my hair, as he held me to his chest. Wondering curiously, as to what was going on. I just let him hold me momentarily, relishing in the feel of his arms around me.
"Guys she's over here." He hollered. Less than a couple of seconds later, I was wrapped into a massive hug, with a plethora of voices screaming in my ears. I was only able to let out a squeak as I pleaded for them to release me. Everything was beginning to get a little woozy.
"Uh guys can't breathe." I muttered, as they quickly released me-well Edward held on a little longer than necessary before releasing me. I took in a deep breath, letting the air fill my deprived lungs. Before I could release my breath, I gazed into the eyes of a furious pixie and raging Barbie.
"Isabella Marie Swan!" Alice screeched, causing me to wince at the use of my full name.
"How could you do that to us? We thought something happened to you." Alice huffed hitting me on the arm."Ouch, Hey I need that." I winced, rubbing furiously over my now aching arm. Alice was stronger than she looked.
Do you know how worried we were?" Rosalie asked.
"Yeah, we all thought you were dead in some ditch or something." Alice huffed, on the brink of tears.
"Guys, its New York. So many people, so little time to do anything. I doubt anything could have happened to me." I laughed. Again bad idea as I received two death glares.
"Sorry?" It came out more as a question than a statement.
"Why didn't you call? You know better than that, to wander off without your cell phone." Edward asked. Shuffling on my feet from the boys' glares, I pointed to Alice and Rosalie.
"It's their fault, they took my phone." I blurted out. They gazes quickly shifted to the two of them.
"Well maybe, but Bella knew where we were." Rose added.
"Yeah down the street, my ass." You guys no better than to leave me by myself." I huffed.
"What do you mean down the street?" Alice asked. "We were just next door." she looked at me confusedly.
"Next door!" I screeched. "The sales lady told me down the street. Do you know how long these streets are? Extremely long." I huffed.
"That damned woman, I told her next door then we were going down the street." Rose mumbled.
"So now you tell me. This piece of information would have helped earlier." I groaned. I could practically feel the blisters on my feet pulsing with every move I made.
"So what have you been doing for the past 5 hours?" Jasper asked. I shrugged my shoulders and lifted my bag off the ground, and held it up in front of me. They all shook their heads.
"So we've been frantically searching for you for 5 hours, praying to ourselves that you haven't been kidnapped or even worse, you're out buying books." Alice blanched. I nodded my head as she rolled her eyes at me.
"Only you, only you Bella." Emmett laughed, shaking his head.
"Whatever, can we go? My feet hurt." I winced.
"Uh no, we spent so much time looking for a certain bookworm that we didn't manage to grab a bite to eat." Emmett moaned rubbing his stomach.
"Sorry Emmy Bear. If it makes you feel any better, I saw a Chili's not too far back.
"Well come on woman. Time's a wasting." Emmett grinned grabbing Rose's hand as he pulled her along, Jasper and Alice trailing behind. I picked my bag back off the ground to carry but Edward quickly took it out of my hands as he smiled crookedly at me. I timidly smiled back the two of us gazing at one another before Emmett's voice broke the soothing silence between the two of us.
"Come on! I'm getting skinny over here." he hollered breaking our little reverie. We both laughed as he put his hand on the swell of my back. As we both knew, a hungry Emmett wasn't a happy one.
A couple of weeks later…..
Once again, I found myself lost in the confines of the campus library. I always found solstice being in quiet captivity. I was alone. Alice and Rose were off in Florida for some fashion workshop, Jasper and Emmett tagging along since they had nothing better to do. So it was just Edward and I. Me and Edward, Usually I wouldn't be so nervous being around him, but ever since he started hanging with Tanya, I had been walking on eggshells. It's strange really, I never found someone who irked me, not even Renee. I didn't like the woman, but I didn't hate her either. There was just something about Tanya that made you dislike her. For some strange reason, I felt she had a secret agenda with Edward, a ploy if must be to get on Edward's good side. Maybe, I was just being paranoid jealous ex girlfriend. Nah…. I doubt that. I was sitting at a table in the far corner when someone approached my table. Looking up from my book, I gazed up into a pair of piercing blue eyes.
"Speak of the devil and she shall appear." mumbled under my breath.
"Tanya." I said my void of any emotion.
"Bella, can I talk to you?" she asked.
"Um sure?" I said closing my book, pushing it off to the side.
"So what do you want Tanya?" I asked curiously.
"I want to apologize." she said looking at her fingernails.
"Apologize?" I questioned.
"Yeah, I'm sorry." she repeated in a careless tone.
"Well...okay then?" it still came out more as a question.
"Look, I still don't like you, but for Edward's sake, we need to get along." she said.
"What does Edward have to do with this?" I asked.
"Not much really. We friends, and if it changes to something more, I don't want him on my case about you." she sneered.
"Something must be wrong with Edward's head then." I mumble under my breath, but apparently she heard me.
"Look, I'm only doing this for him, okay!" she glared, and I wanted nothing more than to punch her in her face.
Well it's an apology wasted. I needed to hear nothing form you. Honestly Tanya, I don't trust you as far as I can throw you, and trust you look a little pudgy. So that's definitely effort wasted." I pushed back.
"Why you little…" She struggled trying to find the right words. I took this as a perfect opportunity as I gathered my belongings and threw my book bag over my shoulder.
"Good day Tanya. I hope not to see you soon." I smiled, a big grin plastered across my face. I walked away proudly, knowing that Tanya was a sneaky bitch and that she had no control over me. I swear as I was walking away I heard her mutter to someone that someone was going to pay- again maybe I was just hearing things.
Grabbing two bottles of apple juice, I grabbed our sandwiches from Subway and headed home. I only had class today so Edward was at home. I had about 2 hours before my next class so I thought it would be nice to bring the two of us lunch. I arrived home, and went up the stairs to find Edward in his room strumming along on the guitar that I had purchased for him. His eyes were closed as he played. I silently sat down beside him as he continued strumming as he softly began singing.
She spoke with a voice that disrupted the sky
She said "walk over here to the bitter shade."
I will wrap you in my arms
And you will know that you have been saved
Let Me Sign
Let Me Sign
Can't fight the devil so just let me sign
I smiled at the rough velvety voice that consumed me. I closed my eyes, as he plucked out the last few strings. I became mesmerized in the strokes of his soft fingers as the last string's note trilled throughout the room. I opened my eyes only to see a pair of green ones staring right back, his glasses perched on top of his head.
"Sorry. I just like hearing you play. It's been awhile. I hope I didn't bother you." I said.
"No you didn't bother me. I was just messing around." he shrugged nonchalantly.
"So what brings you over here to the pale faces?" he smiled.
"Uh Edward, I'm paler than you, and you're almost translucent." I laughed. He chuckled as well he laugh sounding like a melody to my ears.I brought us some lunch., it's almost 1 and I figured you might be hungry." I said giving him his bag.
"Roasted chicken on Italian, romaine lettuce, no tomatoes, and pepper jack cheese, with just a dab of vinegar." I smiled. He looked on surprised.
I even brought you a bag of those nasty sun chips you like so much." I grinned, as he wrapped me into a hug.
"God I love you." he said and I momentarily froze. It was the first time he had said it since the incident. H didn't seem to notice how uncomfortable I was, so I quickly shook it off. We both engaged in easy conversation as we ate our sandwiches, and once we were finished eating, I decided to go into dangerous territory with what I was about to ask. I just had to know.
"Um Edward?" I said, fingering my leftover wrapper from my sandwich.
"Yeah Bella?" he said, looking up at him, as I became lost in his lovely green eyes. I was beginning to become incoherent so I looked back down at my hands.
"So Tanya…' I said, rubbing imaginary patterns along the floor tile.
"What about Tanya?" he asked, raising an eyebrow at me, questioning me to go forward.
"Specifically, you and Tanya." I said.
"Okay we're friends." he shrugged, picking up his guitar strumming a few stray notes.
"May I ask why?" I asked looking up at him through my eyelashes.
"We talked." he said, and once again began strumming his guitar."About?" I asked.
"Nothing that concerns you." he said sternly. I was taken aback at how harsh he sounded. He never got that defensive towards me before.
"Well, sorry. I just wanted to know." I said in a quiet voice, willing myself not to cry in front of him.
"Why do you want to know?" he asked me in a more husky tone.
"I…don't think you should be friends with her." I said.
"Are you serious?" he boomed, and I flinched back at the loudness of his voice.
"Really Bella? You are seriously telling me who I should be friends with now, you're unbelievable." he growled.
"That's not what I meant and you know it.' I screeched, stray tears falling from my eyes.
"Than, tell me Isabella exactly what you are trying to say." He hollered in my face. I stumbled back. He knew I hated being called by my formal name.
"I'm just trying to be a good friend." I acknowledge.
"Out of everything we've been through, you suddenly want to be a good friend?" Edward retorted back. This hit me like a ton of bricks.
"Yeah, especially to asshole like you." I growled back.
"Well, people change." he answered.
"So you rather hang out with Tanya, than your best friend?" I asked.
"My best friend Jasper accepts whatever I do. You on the other hand make things complicated." he huffed.
"What is your problem?" I growled at him, my face an angry shade of crimson.
"I don't have one, but I know yours. You're just jealous." he said.
"Jealous. I'm jealous. Oh Please tell Edward." I huffed crossing my arms over my chest.
"You're jealous that I'm spending time with Tanya instead of you." he said. I laughed un-humorously.
"Oh, that's priceless. Yeah Edward, I'm so jealous of your relationship with Tanya." I said sarcastically.
"At least you finally admit to it." Edward breathed.
"For fucking sakes Edward, I was being sarcastic." I growled back at his standing form.
"She has nothing I want." I answered. "She's up to something and I don't think you should trust her." I said, rubbing my eyes.
"You see, right there, that is for me to decide not you." he said rolling his eyes at me. At that moment I wanted nothing more than to stop his chances of being able to procreate.
"You know what? Go screw yourself, because that's what Tanya's going to do to you, and you know it. I'm tired of explaining myself." I moaned, picking my bag off the floor.
"Whatever Bella." he rolled his eyes at me before turning away. I huffed and headed towards the door, but stopped momentarily to get one final look at him.
"You know what? If I am jealous of anything, it would be the fact that you rather hang around Tanya then me." I whispered so quietly, that I even don't know if he had heard me or not.
Grabbing my bag, I ran out the door and settled into my car. One in the confines of my safe haven I let the tears fall. I couldn't believe he called me jealous. Jealous of all things. I think that hurt more than anything. I was anything but, and I couldn't fight my intuition that something wasn't right. Of course I had no evidence to support that she had a hidden agenda, that doesn't mean I was wrong either. Sighing, I started my engine. I wiped my eyes and nose on my sleep and took in a deep breath. At this point, I didn't care what happened to Edward fucking Cullen. If he didn't want to listen to me, he wouldn't listen to no one else. It was his loss. Pulling out the driveway, I headed back to campus to finish my remaining classes.
Unknown POV (phone call)
"Babe, I think we may have some interference."
"What do you mean interference?"
"I think she may know that we're something."
"What do you mean she? Are you referring to HER?"
"Yeah her. She's been really inquisitive lately."
"Well, well. We just might have to do something about her then. I won't have anyone trying to take what's rightfully mine."
"I'm still yours right babe?"
"Yes you are, you both are."
"So what do we do?"
"Well ,if she's still probing around, we'll have to get her. I may even let you have a little fun with her."
"Really?"
"Yep. I see how lonely you get sometimes. Besides you have needs, that I cannot sometimes fulfill."
"So is our plan still in action?"
"Yep, Edward will never know what hit him."
"I love you."
"I love you too, and soon he will love us too.
BPOV
At this startling revelation. You'd think I would have learned by now to mind my own business but as everyone always told me (Even Renee) that I'd always been too perceptive. It had been a month since I saw Tanya kiss that female. I tried to ignore it; I mean why I was so obsessed with what Tanya did with her life was beyond me. You know that strange little voice in the back of your head that tells you something that you know is wrong. That little voice has been pounding in the back of my head for some time now.
Over the weeks prior, I noticed Edward was spending more and more time alone with Tanya. Even if I hadn't seen her do what she did, I was still suspicious about her behavior. I to put my worries aside and pay attention to Alice and Rose's countless gabber. We were currently back in the city sitting in a bridal shop looking for my MOH dress. Rose and Alice had found their gowns earlier that week so it was now my turn to be pricked and prodded.
"Alice, Rose!" I exclaimed. "Will you two just pick something already? My feet are starting to hurt!" I moaned.
"Well Bella, we need to find you the perfect dress." Alice beamed.
"Uh Alice, if you haven't noticed this isn't your wedding." I grimaced. I gazed to Rose who sat there comfortably in a chair with her feet propped up. She apparently enjoyed Bella Barbie time.
"Rose." I pleaded.
"Sorry Bells," she shrugged. "I just haven't seen the right dress yet. Moaning, I closed my eyes and prepared myself for the next 4 hours of endless torture.
After a while, I was just going through the motions, trying on whatever they gave me. We were on my 23rd dress, when I actually looked down and realized it was the one.
I stepped out and smiled. It was a beautiful dark champagne color with polka dots; it was strapless, clenched at the waist and ended at the knee. It looked amazing on me.
It's beautiful." Alice and Rose cried. My stomach also found that moment to growl loudly.
"See, you've been depriving me. Can we go now?" I asked, wincing as I stepped down.
"Fine, fine. It's time to feed the human." Rose joked.
I quickly changed into my clothes, careful not to wrinkle the beautiful dress. It still need to be tailored a bit so I walked to the counter to give it to the seamstress. I was to return later that week for final measurements. I looked around and saw that Alice and Rose were nowhere to be found. I tried to pay for my dress, but she quickly stopped me, telling me that the dress was already paid for. I let out a grumble of frustration. I hated people buying me things, especially when I had more than enough money to buy it myself. I asked the seamstress if she new where they were and she told me they went to the shoe store down the street. I thanked and headed out the door walking down the street. Bad Idea.
"Just down the street, my ass. I grumbled. I had been walking for the past 30 minutes and there was no shoe store in sight. The streets seemed liked they went on forever. I was lost. The streets were filled with people, and everyone I asked, just shrugged and looked at me as if I were crazy. I couldn't call because a certain blonde and black haired pixie decided to take my phone, claiming I was talking to Edward way too much.
Our friendship was slowly getting back to normal. It wasn't the same as before but it was progress. I could have tried a pay phone, but I had went to the bank earlier that day and all I had were hundred dollar bills, that could have been broken if they hadn't already paid for my dress. I tried finding the boys when I passed the tuxedo shop they were supposed to be at, but when I got there it was about to close and they were no where to be found.
Sighing, I sat down on a bench and closed my eyes. I was tired of looking. If they wanted to find me, they would eventually. Luckily, I had passed by Borders not to far back and decided to myself that I need a few more books to read. I quickly went inside and immediately became enamored with the words of Emily Bronte. I must have been in there for hours because when I checked out with my purchases of nearly twenty books, it was nearing twilight, and the buildings were lit up with the flickering lights of the night life. I was sipping on some hot chocolate as I headed towards the park when I crashed into a hard chest.
"Sorry." I mumbled, before I could bend to pick up my books, I was crushed unto a hard chest that smelled of musk and citrus. Edward.
"Oh thank God." Edward mumbled against my hair, as he held me to his chest. Wondering curiously, as to what was going on. I just let him hold me momentarily, relishing in the feel of his arms around me.
"Guys she's over here." He hollered. Less than a couple of seconds later, I was wrapped into a massive hug, with a plethora of voices screaming in my ears. I was only able to let out a squeak as I pleaded for them to release me. Everything was beginning to get a little woozy.
"Uh guys can't breathe." I muttered, as they quickly released me-well Edward held on a little longer than necessary before releasing me. I took in a deep breath, letting the air fill my deprived lungs. Before I could release my breath, I gazed into the eyes of a furious pixie and raging Barbie.
"Isabella Marie Swan!" Alice screeched, causing me to wince at the use of my full name.
"How could you do that to us? We thought something happened to you." Alice huffed hitting me on the arm."Ouch, Hey I need that." I winced, rubbing furiously over my now aching arm. Alice was stronger than she looked.
Do you know how worried we were?" Rosalie asked.
"Yeah, we all thought you were dead in some ditch or something." Alice huffed, on the brink of tears.
"Guys, its New York. So many people, so little time to do anything. I doubt anything could have happened to me." I laughed. Again bad idea as I received two death glares.
"Sorry?" It came out more as a question than a statement.
"Why didn't you call? You know better than that, to wander off without your cell phone." Edward asked. Shuffling on my feet from the boys' glares, I pointed to Alice and Rosalie.
"It's their fault, they took my phone." I blurted out. They gazes quickly shifted to the two of them.
"Well maybe, but Bella knew where we were." Rose added.
"Yeah down the street, my ass." You guys no better than to leave me by myself." I huffed.
"What do you mean down the street?" Alice asked. "We were just next door." she looked at me confusedly.
"Next door!" I screeched. "The sales lady told me down the street. Do you know how long these streets are? Extremely long." I huffed.
"That damned woman, I told her next door then we were going down the street." Rose mumbled.
"So now you tell me. This piece of information would have helped earlier." I groaned. I could practically feel the blisters on my feet pulsing with every move I made.
"So what have you been doing for the past 5 hours?" Jasper asked. I shrugged my shoulders and lifted my bag off the ground, and held it up in front of me. They all shook their heads.
"So we've been frantically searching for you for 5 hours, praying to ourselves that you haven't been kidnapped or even worse, you're out buying books." Alice blanched. I nodded my head as she rolled her eyes at me.
"Only you, only you Bella." Emmett laughed, shaking his head.
"Whatever, can we go? My feet hurt." I winced.
"Uh no, we spent so much time looking for a certain bookworm that we didn't manage to grab a bite to eat." Emmett moaned rubbing his stomach.
"Sorry Emmy Bear. If it makes you feel any better, I saw a Chili's not too far back.
"Well come on woman. Time's a wasting." Emmett grinned grabbing Rose's hand as he pulled her along, Jasper and Alice trailing behind. I picked my bag back off the ground to carry but Edward quickly took it out of my hands as he smiled crookedly at me. I timidly smiled back the two of us gazing at one another before Emmett's voice broke the soothing silence between the two of us.
"Come on! I'm getting skinny over here." he hollered breaking our little reverie. We both laughed as he put his hand on the swell of my back. As we both knew, a hungry Emmett wasn't a happy one.
A couple of weeks later…..
Once again, I found myself lost in the confines of the campus library. I always found solstice being in quiet captivity. I was alone. Alice and Rose were off in Florida for some fashion workshop, Jasper and Emmett tagging along since they had nothing better to do. So it was just Edward and I. Me and Edward, Usually I wouldn't be so nervous being around him, but ever since he started hanging with Tanya, I had been walking on eggshells. It's strange really, I never found someone who irked me, not even Renee. I didn't like the woman, but I didn't hate her either. There was just something about Tanya that made you dislike her. For some strange reason, I felt she had a secret agenda with Edward, a ploy if must be to get on Edward's good side. Maybe, I was just being paranoid jealous ex girlfriend. Nah…. I doubt that. I was sitting at a table in the far corner when someone approached my table. Looking up from my book, I gazed up into a pair of piercing blue eyes.
"Speak of the devil and she shall appear." mumbled under my breath.
"Tanya." I said my void of any emotion.
"Bella, can I talk to you?" she asked.
"Um sure?" I said closing my book, pushing it off to the side.
"So what do you want Tanya?" I asked curiously.
"I want to apologize." she said looking at her fingernails.
"Apologize?" I questioned.
"Yeah, I'm sorry." she repeated in a careless tone.
"Well...okay then?" it still came out more as a question.
"Look, I still don't like you, but for Edward's sake, we need to get along." she said.
"What does Edward have to do with this?" I asked.
"Not much really. We friends, and if it changes to something more, I don't want him on my case about you." she sneered.
"Something must be wrong with Edward's head then." I mumble under my breath, but apparently she heard me.
"Look, I'm only doing this for him, okay!" she glared, and I wanted nothing more than to punch her in her face.
Well it's an apology wasted. I needed to hear nothing form you. Honestly Tanya, I don't trust you as far as I can throw you, and trust you look a little pudgy. So that's definitely effort wasted." I pushed back.
"Why you little…" She struggled trying to find the right words. I took this as a perfect opportunity as I gathered my belongings and threw my book bag over my shoulder.
"Good day Tanya. I hope not to see you soon." I smiled, a big grin plastered across my face. I walked away proudly, knowing that Tanya was a sneaky bitch and that she had no control over me. I swear as I was walking away I heard her mutter to someone that someone was going to pay- again maybe I was just hearing things.
Grabbing two bottles of apple juice, I grabbed our sandwiches from Subway and headed home. I only had class today so Edward was at home. I had about 2 hours before my next class so I thought it would be nice to bring the two of us lunch. I arrived home, and went up the stairs to find Edward in his room strumming along on the guitar that I had purchased for him. His eyes were closed as he played. I silently sat down beside him as he continued strumming as he softly began singing.
She spoke with a voice that disrupted the sky
She said "walk over here to the bitter shade."
I will wrap you in my arms
And you will know that you have been saved
Let Me Sign
Let Me Sign
Can't fight the devil so just let me sign
I smiled at the rough velvety voice that consumed me. I closed my eyes, as he plucked out the last few strings. I became mesmerized in the strokes of his soft fingers as the last string's note trilled throughout the room. I opened my eyes only to see a pair of green ones staring right back, his glasses perched on top of his head.
"Sorry. I just like hearing you play. It's been awhile. I hope I didn't bother you." I said.
"No you didn't bother me. I was just messing around." he shrugged nonchalantly.
"So what brings you over here to the pale faces?" he smiled.
"Uh Edward, I'm paler than you, and you're almost translucent." I laughed. He chuckled as well he laugh sounding like a melody to my ears.I brought us some lunch., it's almost 1 and I figured you might be hungry." I said giving him his bag.
"Roasted chicken on Italian, romaine lettuce, no tomatoes, and pepper jack cheese, with just a dab of vinegar." I smiled. He looked on surprised.
I even brought you a bag of those nasty sun chips you like so much." I grinned, as he wrapped me into a hug.
"God I love you." he said and I momentarily froze. It was the first time he had said it since the incident. H didn't seem to notice how uncomfortable I was, so I quickly shook it off. We both engaged in easy conversation as we ate our sandwiches, and once we were finished eating, I decided to go into dangerous territory with what I was about to ask. I just had to know.
"Um Edward?" I said, fingering my leftover wrapper from my sandwich.
"Yeah Bella?" he said, looking up at him, as I became lost in his lovely green eyes. I was beginning to become incoherent so I looked back down at my hands.
"So Tanya…' I said, rubbing imaginary patterns along the floor tile.
"What about Tanya?" he asked, raising an eyebrow at me, questioning me to go forward.
"Specifically, you and Tanya." I said.
"Okay we're friends." he shrugged, picking up his guitar strumming a few stray notes.
"May I ask why?" I asked looking up at him through my eyelashes.
"We talked." he said, and once again began strumming his guitar."About?" I asked.
"Nothing that concerns you." he said sternly. I was taken aback at how harsh he sounded. He never got that defensive towards me before.
"Well, sorry. I just wanted to know." I said in a quiet voice, willing myself not to cry in front of him.
"Why do you want to know?" he asked me in a more husky tone.
"I…don't think you should be friends with her." I said.
"Are you serious?" he boomed, and I flinched back at the loudness of his voice.
"Really Bella? You are seriously telling me who I should be friends with now, you're unbelievable." he growled.
"That's not what I meant and you know it.' I screeched, stray tears falling from my eyes.
"Than, tell me Isabella exactly what you are trying to say." He hollered in my face. I stumbled back. He knew I hated being called by my formal name.
"I'm just trying to be a good friend." I acknowledge.
"Out of everything we've been through, you suddenly want to be a good friend?" Edward retorted back. This hit me like a ton of bricks.
"Yeah, especially to asshole like you." I growled back.
"Well, people change." he answered.
"So you rather hang out with Tanya, than your best friend?" I asked.
"My best friend Jasper accepts whatever I do. You on the other hand make things complicated." he huffed.
"What is your problem?" I growled at him, my face an angry shade of crimson.
"I don't have one, but I know yours. You're just jealous." he said.
"Jealous. I'm jealous. Oh Please tell Edward." I huffed crossing my arms over my chest.
"You're jealous that I'm spending time with Tanya instead of you." he said. I laughed un-humorously.
"Oh, that's priceless. Yeah Edward, I'm so jealous of your relationship with Tanya." I said sarcastically.
"At least you finally admit to it." Edward breathed.
"For fucking sakes Edward, I was being sarcastic." I growled back at his standing form.
"She has nothing I want." I answered. "She's up to something and I don't think you should trust her." I said, rubbing my eyes.
"You see, right there, that is for me to decide not you." he said rolling his eyes at me. At that moment I wanted nothing more than to stop his chances of being able to procreate.
"You know what? Go screw yourself, because that's what Tanya's going to do to you, and you know it. I'm tired of explaining myself." I moaned, picking my bag off the floor.
"Whatever Bella." he rolled his eyes at me before turning away. I huffed and headed towards the door, but stopped momentarily to get one final look at him.
"You know what? If I am jealous of anything, it would be the fact that you rather hang around Tanya then me." I whispered so quietly, that I even don't know if he had heard me or not.
Grabbing my bag, I ran out the door and settled into my car. One in the confines of my safe haven I let the tears fall. I couldn't believe he called me jealous. Jealous of all things. I think that hurt more than anything. I was anything but, and I couldn't fight my intuition that something wasn't right. Of course I had no evidence to support that she had a hidden agenda, that doesn't mean I was wrong either. Sighing, I started my engine. I wiped my eyes and nose on my sleep and took in a deep breath. At this point, I didn't care what happened to Edward fucking Cullen. If he didn't want to listen to me, he wouldn't listen to no one else. It was his loss. Pulling out the driveway, I headed back to campus to finish my remaining classes.
Unknown POV (phone call)
"Babe, I think we may have some interference."
"What do you mean interference?"
"I think she may know that we're something."
"What do you mean she? Are you referring to HER?"
"Yeah her. She's been really inquisitive lately."
"Well, well. We just might have to do something about her then. I won't have anyone trying to take what's rightfully mine."
"I'm still yours right babe?"
"Yes you are, you both are."
"So what do we do?"
"Well ,if she's still probing around, we'll have to get her. I may even let you have a little fun with her."
"Really?"
"Yep. I see how lonely you get sometimes. Besides you have needs, that I cannot sometimes fulfill."
"So is our plan still in action?"
"Yep, Edward will never know what hit him."
"I love you."
"I love you too, and soon he will love us too.
Chapter 33
Chapter 33
BPOV
I was home for 3 days before they came back from New York City. I was sitting in my room reading The Devil in the White City when Alice bounced into my room.
"So how are you feeling?" she asked cautiously as if I was going to crumble any moment.
"Okay." I lied. It wasn't a complete lie. I was indeed okay but guilt was slowly creeping up on me. When I first arrived home I engorged my self with a carton of ice cream while watching Cruel Intentions. The next two days were pretty much of the same. So I just dismissed the fact that Alice was worried about my well being.
"You know he's a mess." she said nonchalant.
"Likewise." I answered dismissively looking back down at my book.
"Bella. Look at me." Alice said stern. I timidly raised my eyes to hers.
"Look me in the eyes and tell me you did the right thing."
I stared into her wide hazel eyes. "I did the right thing."
She must have accepted what I said because she gave me a one armed hug before mumbling a quick goodbye. I laid back on my bed thinking what in the fuck I did to deserve this.
The next three weeks were pretty much of the same. I interacted with Em, Jazz, Rose and Alice but Edward and I avoided each other like the plague. We were cordial towards one another when the opportunity came but that was only the benefit for the others. I didn't want them to feel like they had to choose between the two of us. I had hated how things had ended but in the end I knew I was doing the right thing. Luckily I hadn't received any other text messages and for that I was relieved. I had accomplished in saving my family and most importantly Edward.
I was heading off to class one day eating an apple, when I noticed a familiar blond head sitting next to a man with familiar russet colored skin. Slowing but mysteriously stopping in my tracks I spied on the couple to see it was Tanya and Jacob. Tanya was resting her head on his shoulder with his arms casually wrapped around her waist. It didn't get away from my notice that Jacob was married and yet he and Tanya were cuddled up so intimately. It was none of my business so I headed off to my Western Philosophy class. Class was quickly let out when I headed off to my car to go home.
On my drive home, I decided to go pick up some pizzas and along with some drinks for dinner tonight. After ordering three pizzas and picking up a twelve pack of cokes I headed home. Of course luck was not on my side because as soon as I pulled into the driveway so did Edward. I knew the others wouldn't be home for another hour or so, so I was pretty much screwed being left along with him. I tried grabbing my backpack and bag along with the pizzas and drinks to no avail. Edward obviously seeing my struggle cautiously strolled over to me looking down as he walked.
"May I help?"
"If you want, it'll be nice. Thank you." I said in a surprisingly calm tone. Lately every time I got around Edward I became a stuttering mess since he made me so freaking nervous. Politely gesturing out his arms he took the pizza boxes out of my hands and pulled them into one hand while grabbing the drinks in the other. Closing and locking my car door behind me, I walked over to the door shakily opening the door with Edward following behind. He dropped the boxes and drinks on the kitchen counter as he laid his belongings down on the floor. We both stood there in complete silence not looking at one another. I had to do something before the silence ran me insane.
"Um do you maybe want to watch a movie until the others return?" I timidly asked looking at the floor.
"Um…, yeah let me just drop my stuff in my room and I'll be right down." he responded picking his stuff off the ground. Releasing a deep breath I didn't know I was holding, I turned to the food on the counter and decide to fix us both plates of food. Laying a couple of slices on each plate and grabbing two cokes I headed into the living room where Edward was casually sitting on the couch barefoot his glasses perched on top of his tousled bronze mane.
I placed a plate in front of him and settled on the couch next to him leaving a considerable amount of distance between the two of us.
"I didn't know what you wanted to watch so…" he said nervously."Oh I don't mind. Pick anything." I answered taking a bite out of my pizza.
He settled on American Pie, as we settled back in our seats to watch the movie. Emmett had texted Edward claiming they were going to be late and grab a bite to eat later. Edward and I both deciding that we had nothing better to do and no homework we were to make the rest of the night a movie night. Although not that many words were spoken between the two of us, I strangely felt contented that this was some form of healing for the two of us. Edward even smiled when I nearly collided into him when I tripped over the rug. We both changed into our pajamas and were soon sitting back in front of the television once more listening to the crazy antics of Bradley Cooper in The Hangover.
"Oh my god this movie is epic!" Edward laughed for the eighth time, and my heart skipped a beat at his joyous laughter.
"I know I can totally see you, Emmett, and Jasper doing the exact same thing." I laughed.
"Hmm, maybe we should for Emmett's wedding." Edward thought humorously.
"Not the best choice. If the alcohol poisoning doesn't kill you first Rose will." I added.
"Yeah so will Alice; she'll kill us all for ruining her hard work." we both burst out laughing as Alice, Jasper, Rosalie, and Emmett came through the door. They looked a little startled at the sight of the two of us.
Rose gaped at us before asking "Good night?" I blushed at her words at the double meaning behind them she quirked a perfectly arched eyebrow at me, while I tried to ignore Alice's shit eating grim spread across her face.
"Yep. You?" I asked.
"Goooood…" she singed prolonging the word. I glared at her.
"Well how about we all head off to bed. We all have classes in the morning and need the rest." Edward said breaking me out of my reverie. I shrugged and began grabbing some left over pizza and trash while the others went upstairs.
Grabbing the drinks as well I headed into the kitchen o refrigerate it. I was cleaning off the counters and was about to turn off the light when I heard Edward timidly call out my name.
"Bella?""Yes Edward?' I said in a small voice.
"I just want to say goodnight and sweet dreams." He answered.
"Sweet dreams." I mumbled quietly that I'm not even sure he had heard me say it. I closed my eyes in content as I heard the soft patter of his feet going up the stairs. I leaned against the door frame and released a breath I didn't know I was holding. I had enjoyed this little minuscule moment we had together, we were back in our little bubble away from it all. We had made progress in this strange relationship and at the moment there was nothing more I could have wanted.
The next couple of days you would say our relationship was back to normal? Well not completely our usual banter still wasn't the same, but still it was better than nothing. We were all going through our classes and decided to meet each other up for lunch. I decided to meet Edward outside of his Art class when I saw the two of them. Edward and Tanya sitting on the bench her legs casually lying in his lap. I tired to ignore this gesture until I saw Edward smile. Edward smiling? I didn't want to admit to the strange pang in my chest. We were broken up so he was free to do as he pleased.
I was walking ominously in some random direction until I heard my name being called.
"Bella…Bella!"
I turned around to see everyone staring at me from under the tree. I shook my head and walked over towards them.
"Bells are you okay. You almost passed us up." Emmett asked wrapping an arm around my shoulders.
"Um yeah, I fine." I lied; I was everything but.
"You sure? You look like someone killed Nessie or something." Jasper said.
"Don't joke like that," I smacked Jasper's arm. "I'm just a little distracted.
"At what?" Alice asked. Damn she was too inquisitive for her own good. I had to make up a lie and quick.
"Oh nothing really, one of the characters in my book died and I was attached." I breathed. Edward looked at me curiously try to gauge me reaction, but I was queen of blocking out painful memories.
"Ooh… I hate when that happens." Alice said linking her arm through me. She started babbling about some trip but my thoughts were elsewhere. I was feeling sick to my stomach. Was it so selfish of me to say that just because we broke up under some unreasonable circumstances, that I didn't want him dating anyone else?
We settled on Mexican food so we decided to split cars. Emmett, Rose, Edward and I in Emmett's jeep while Alice and Jasper rode in her Porsche. We rode in complete silence with the occasional remark from Emmett or Rose commenting on his driving.
"Slow the hell down. Are you trying to kill us?" Rose screeched as Emmett sped up on the interstate.
"Chill Babe I know how to drive. Besides there aren't that many cars out here anyway." Emmett laughed sticking an arm out the window. Emmett was partially right there weren't that many cars on the road but that doesn't mean I want to be splattered across the road. I as he pushed the gas past 90, I unconsciously grabbed Edward's hand in reassurance. Surprisingly he didn't say anything as he held my hand. As soon as we were at the restaurant Rose and I bolted out the car where I emptied the contents of my stomach in the waste bin while she emptied hers in the nearby bush. Jasper and Alice strolled over to where they were standing, raising questioning eyebrows at the two of us.
"Uh Edward…Em…why is Bella's head in the garbage can and why is Rose hunched over a bush.
"Well Emmett over here decided to speed scaring the shit out of all of us. I guess the girls just couldn't handle it." Edward added.
"No duh." I huffed. Slowly raising my head back up I wiped the sweat that had adhered itself to my forehead. Strangely enough I had felt much better. Checking on Rose to see if she wad alright we both headed into the bathroom to rinse our mouths out while the others went and found us a table.
"Better?" Edward had asked me as I sat down between him and Jasper.
"Much. Although I would have really appreciated it if someone hadn't tried to kill Rose or me on the way over here." I glared at a sheepish Emmett.
"Sorry Bella, I just got excited." Emmett said.
"Excited?" Rose added
"Excited can be a lot of things but nearly making us crap our pants isn't exciting." she said. Emmett looked down at the table in shame… I kicked him under the table and smiled at him to let him know that all was well. Well since my stomach was now empty I was now extremely hungry. After finishing eating ourselves to death I hopped back into Emmett's car cautiously praying that I kept my food down.
Emmett was such a freaking idiot.
"God Em! Just because the girls commented on your driving abilities doesn't mean you have to drive so fucking slow!" Edward moaned next to me.
Emmett must have taken our comments to heart because he was driving very slowly. We had left the restaurant over 20 minutes ago and we weren't even halfway back to campus.
"Em I have class in less than 10 minutes hurry the hell up. I swear if I'm like your ass is mine." Rose hollered at him front seat.
"Hello mine start's in five." I grimaced. I had never been late to one of my classes and my professor didn't take kindly to tardiness either. Edward was just as agitated classes for him started in 5 minutes as well.
"Fine…Have it you way." Emmett said before pressing his foot against the pedal sending us all flying back in our seat. It was Edward's hand this time who had grabbed mine in comfort. We made onto campus in 3 leaving Edward and I two minutes to get to our classes.
We both broke out into a run not even bothering to shut the door as we headed out into separate directions. I was halfway to my class when I crashed into a couple kissing sending my belongings and their's strewn everywhere.
Before I could even mumble an apology I'd grabbed my books and ran for my class at the end of the hall. I sighed in relief to my professor wasn't in class so I stuck my head out the door to apologize to the couple I crashed into. I looked around and couldn't see anyone but two females leaning toward each other in the hallway. When I gazed a little closer I could see it was Tanya and a tall black haired woman. Usually that wouldn't breech my attention…what had happened next did. Tanya slowly leaned forward as to whisper something in her ear when she pressed her lips against the woman's beside her.
Trying to hold in the gasp that bubbled up my throat I stuck my head back inside the classroom and headed toward my seat, the blood swishing inside my ears. Settling back into my seat to listen to my professor's theory on Shakespeare, I took a deep breath as I tried to concentrate on taking notes but I couldn't. All the thoughts that ran through my head were recurring. That this was definitely something I never saw coming.
BPOV
I was home for 3 days before they came back from New York City. I was sitting in my room reading The Devil in the White City when Alice bounced into my room.
"So how are you feeling?" she asked cautiously as if I was going to crumble any moment.
"Okay." I lied. It wasn't a complete lie. I was indeed okay but guilt was slowly creeping up on me. When I first arrived home I engorged my self with a carton of ice cream while watching Cruel Intentions. The next two days were pretty much of the same. So I just dismissed the fact that Alice was worried about my well being.
"You know he's a mess." she said nonchalant.
"Likewise." I answered dismissively looking back down at my book.
"Bella. Look at me." Alice said stern. I timidly raised my eyes to hers.
"Look me in the eyes and tell me you did the right thing."
I stared into her wide hazel eyes. "I did the right thing."
She must have accepted what I said because she gave me a one armed hug before mumbling a quick goodbye. I laid back on my bed thinking what in the fuck I did to deserve this.
The next three weeks were pretty much of the same. I interacted with Em, Jazz, Rose and Alice but Edward and I avoided each other like the plague. We were cordial towards one another when the opportunity came but that was only the benefit for the others. I didn't want them to feel like they had to choose between the two of us. I had hated how things had ended but in the end I knew I was doing the right thing. Luckily I hadn't received any other text messages and for that I was relieved. I had accomplished in saving my family and most importantly Edward.
I was heading off to class one day eating an apple, when I noticed a familiar blond head sitting next to a man with familiar russet colored skin. Slowing but mysteriously stopping in my tracks I spied on the couple to see it was Tanya and Jacob. Tanya was resting her head on his shoulder with his arms casually wrapped around her waist. It didn't get away from my notice that Jacob was married and yet he and Tanya were cuddled up so intimately. It was none of my business so I headed off to my Western Philosophy class. Class was quickly let out when I headed off to my car to go home.
On my drive home, I decided to go pick up some pizzas and along with some drinks for dinner tonight. After ordering three pizzas and picking up a twelve pack of cokes I headed home. Of course luck was not on my side because as soon as I pulled into the driveway so did Edward. I knew the others wouldn't be home for another hour or so, so I was pretty much screwed being left along with him. I tried grabbing my backpack and bag along with the pizzas and drinks to no avail. Edward obviously seeing my struggle cautiously strolled over to me looking down as he walked.
"May I help?"
"If you want, it'll be nice. Thank you." I said in a surprisingly calm tone. Lately every time I got around Edward I became a stuttering mess since he made me so freaking nervous. Politely gesturing out his arms he took the pizza boxes out of my hands and pulled them into one hand while grabbing the drinks in the other. Closing and locking my car door behind me, I walked over to the door shakily opening the door with Edward following behind. He dropped the boxes and drinks on the kitchen counter as he laid his belongings down on the floor. We both stood there in complete silence not looking at one another. I had to do something before the silence ran me insane.
"Um do you maybe want to watch a movie until the others return?" I timidly asked looking at the floor.
"Um…, yeah let me just drop my stuff in my room and I'll be right down." he responded picking his stuff off the ground. Releasing a deep breath I didn't know I was holding, I turned to the food on the counter and decide to fix us both plates of food. Laying a couple of slices on each plate and grabbing two cokes I headed into the living room where Edward was casually sitting on the couch barefoot his glasses perched on top of his tousled bronze mane.
I placed a plate in front of him and settled on the couch next to him leaving a considerable amount of distance between the two of us.
"I didn't know what you wanted to watch so…" he said nervously."Oh I don't mind. Pick anything." I answered taking a bite out of my pizza.
He settled on American Pie, as we settled back in our seats to watch the movie. Emmett had texted Edward claiming they were going to be late and grab a bite to eat later. Edward and I both deciding that we had nothing better to do and no homework we were to make the rest of the night a movie night. Although not that many words were spoken between the two of us, I strangely felt contented that this was some form of healing for the two of us. Edward even smiled when I nearly collided into him when I tripped over the rug. We both changed into our pajamas and were soon sitting back in front of the television once more listening to the crazy antics of Bradley Cooper in The Hangover.
"Oh my god this movie is epic!" Edward laughed for the eighth time, and my heart skipped a beat at his joyous laughter.
"I know I can totally see you, Emmett, and Jasper doing the exact same thing." I laughed.
"Hmm, maybe we should for Emmett's wedding." Edward thought humorously.
"Not the best choice. If the alcohol poisoning doesn't kill you first Rose will." I added.
"Yeah so will Alice; she'll kill us all for ruining her hard work." we both burst out laughing as Alice, Jasper, Rosalie, and Emmett came through the door. They looked a little startled at the sight of the two of us.
Rose gaped at us before asking "Good night?" I blushed at her words at the double meaning behind them she quirked a perfectly arched eyebrow at me, while I tried to ignore Alice's shit eating grim spread across her face.
"Yep. You?" I asked.
"Goooood…" she singed prolonging the word. I glared at her.
"Well how about we all head off to bed. We all have classes in the morning and need the rest." Edward said breaking me out of my reverie. I shrugged and began grabbing some left over pizza and trash while the others went upstairs.
Grabbing the drinks as well I headed into the kitchen o refrigerate it. I was cleaning off the counters and was about to turn off the light when I heard Edward timidly call out my name.
"Bella?""Yes Edward?' I said in a small voice.
"I just want to say goodnight and sweet dreams." He answered.
"Sweet dreams." I mumbled quietly that I'm not even sure he had heard me say it. I closed my eyes in content as I heard the soft patter of his feet going up the stairs. I leaned against the door frame and released a breath I didn't know I was holding. I had enjoyed this little minuscule moment we had together, we were back in our little bubble away from it all. We had made progress in this strange relationship and at the moment there was nothing more I could have wanted.
The next couple of days you would say our relationship was back to normal? Well not completely our usual banter still wasn't the same, but still it was better than nothing. We were all going through our classes and decided to meet each other up for lunch. I decided to meet Edward outside of his Art class when I saw the two of them. Edward and Tanya sitting on the bench her legs casually lying in his lap. I tired to ignore this gesture until I saw Edward smile. Edward smiling? I didn't want to admit to the strange pang in my chest. We were broken up so he was free to do as he pleased.
I was walking ominously in some random direction until I heard my name being called.
"Bella…Bella!"
I turned around to see everyone staring at me from under the tree. I shook my head and walked over towards them.
"Bells are you okay. You almost passed us up." Emmett asked wrapping an arm around my shoulders.
"Um yeah, I fine." I lied; I was everything but.
"You sure? You look like someone killed Nessie or something." Jasper said.
"Don't joke like that," I smacked Jasper's arm. "I'm just a little distracted.
"At what?" Alice asked. Damn she was too inquisitive for her own good. I had to make up a lie and quick.
"Oh nothing really, one of the characters in my book died and I was attached." I breathed. Edward looked at me curiously try to gauge me reaction, but I was queen of blocking out painful memories.
"Ooh… I hate when that happens." Alice said linking her arm through me. She started babbling about some trip but my thoughts were elsewhere. I was feeling sick to my stomach. Was it so selfish of me to say that just because we broke up under some unreasonable circumstances, that I didn't want him dating anyone else?
We settled on Mexican food so we decided to split cars. Emmett, Rose, Edward and I in Emmett's jeep while Alice and Jasper rode in her Porsche. We rode in complete silence with the occasional remark from Emmett or Rose commenting on his driving.
"Slow the hell down. Are you trying to kill us?" Rose screeched as Emmett sped up on the interstate.
"Chill Babe I know how to drive. Besides there aren't that many cars out here anyway." Emmett laughed sticking an arm out the window. Emmett was partially right there weren't that many cars on the road but that doesn't mean I want to be splattered across the road. I as he pushed the gas past 90, I unconsciously grabbed Edward's hand in reassurance. Surprisingly he didn't say anything as he held my hand. As soon as we were at the restaurant Rose and I bolted out the car where I emptied the contents of my stomach in the waste bin while she emptied hers in the nearby bush. Jasper and Alice strolled over to where they were standing, raising questioning eyebrows at the two of us.
"Uh Edward…Em…why is Bella's head in the garbage can and why is Rose hunched over a bush.
"Well Emmett over here decided to speed scaring the shit out of all of us. I guess the girls just couldn't handle it." Edward added.
"No duh." I huffed. Slowly raising my head back up I wiped the sweat that had adhered itself to my forehead. Strangely enough I had felt much better. Checking on Rose to see if she wad alright we both headed into the bathroom to rinse our mouths out while the others went and found us a table.
"Better?" Edward had asked me as I sat down between him and Jasper.
"Much. Although I would have really appreciated it if someone hadn't tried to kill Rose or me on the way over here." I glared at a sheepish Emmett.
"Sorry Bella, I just got excited." Emmett said.
"Excited?" Rose added
"Excited can be a lot of things but nearly making us crap our pants isn't exciting." she said. Emmett looked down at the table in shame… I kicked him under the table and smiled at him to let him know that all was well. Well since my stomach was now empty I was now extremely hungry. After finishing eating ourselves to death I hopped back into Emmett's car cautiously praying that I kept my food down.
Emmett was such a freaking idiot.
"God Em! Just because the girls commented on your driving abilities doesn't mean you have to drive so fucking slow!" Edward moaned next to me.
Emmett must have taken our comments to heart because he was driving very slowly. We had left the restaurant over 20 minutes ago and we weren't even halfway back to campus.
"Em I have class in less than 10 minutes hurry the hell up. I swear if I'm like your ass is mine." Rose hollered at him front seat.
"Hello mine start's in five." I grimaced. I had never been late to one of my classes and my professor didn't take kindly to tardiness either. Edward was just as agitated classes for him started in 5 minutes as well.
"Fine…Have it you way." Emmett said before pressing his foot against the pedal sending us all flying back in our seat. It was Edward's hand this time who had grabbed mine in comfort. We made onto campus in 3 leaving Edward and I two minutes to get to our classes.
We both broke out into a run not even bothering to shut the door as we headed out into separate directions. I was halfway to my class when I crashed into a couple kissing sending my belongings and their's strewn everywhere.
Before I could even mumble an apology I'd grabbed my books and ran for my class at the end of the hall. I sighed in relief to my professor wasn't in class so I stuck my head out the door to apologize to the couple I crashed into. I looked around and couldn't see anyone but two females leaning toward each other in the hallway. When I gazed a little closer I could see it was Tanya and a tall black haired woman. Usually that wouldn't breech my attention…what had happened next did. Tanya slowly leaned forward as to whisper something in her ear when she pressed her lips against the woman's beside her.
Trying to hold in the gasp that bubbled up my throat I stuck my head back inside the classroom and headed toward my seat, the blood swishing inside my ears. Settling back into my seat to listen to my professor's theory on Shakespeare, I took a deep breath as I tried to concentrate on taking notes but I couldn't. All the thoughts that ran through my head were recurring. That this was definitely something I never saw coming.
Chapter 32
Chapter 32
APOV (Surprise!)
I was sitting next to Rosalie on the couch in my room when I heard a rapid knock at the door. Emmett and Jasper were too enthused watching whatever was on television, and made no bother to move. Sighing I pushed myself as the raid beating of the door became harder and desperate.
"Okay, Okay already. Geesh!" I exclaimed, opening the door to a very disturbed Edward. I was startled by his appearance. His hair was in even more disarray his eyes had dark circles forming under them. I could clearly see he had been crying because his eyes were bloodshot.
"Edward…What happened?" I asked concerned. He didn't answer he just fell into my arms.
We both fell to the floor as I wrapped my small arms around his massive form. Rose, Jasper and Emmett all stood behind us with dumbfounded expressions. They clearly didn't know what to do, so I told Emmett to help me lift Edward up, and drag him to the couch. Jasper closed the door behind us as I rested Edward's head in my lap. Everyone soon filed in around us and we were all probably thinking the same thing. What in the hell happened? We sat there in relative silence until one of us was actually brave enough to ask the inevitable.
"Edward honey, what happened?" Rose cooed.
"Over." Was all he said.
"What do you mean over?" Emmett asked.
"Over as in done, finished, terminated. No longer together." He boomed staring into space.
"You mean you and Bella aren't together anymore?" I asked.
"I just said that didn't that." He bellowed at me. Jasper tensed as he spoke to me.
"Chill Edward, she just asked a simple question." Jasper said protectively.
"It's okay." I said, raking my hands through my brother's hair.
"You didn't make her cry did you, and that's why you two broke up?" Rose said sternly.
"I don't know. She's probably crying now. We got into this heated argument. She won't speak to me. I know she's hiding something from me and its eating her, I just know it. We both said things we didn't mean, but I left. I just couldn't bear it. I…don't think she loves me anymore." Edward said in a blank tone.
"Nonsense. Can you see the way she looks at you?" I reassured."You didn't see what I saw Alice. She looked so broken, like she was fighting an internal battle. All I saw was hurt, and confusion in her eyes, I couldn't see love Al…I couldn't…" Edward broke off as tears fell from his eyes. I never seen my brother so broken not since the day Bella first left those years ago.
"There's got to be more to this." Emmett spoke.
"Em's right. Did she say why?" I asked.
"No, all I got from her was saying that she couldn't do this anymore." He wailed. I rubbed his back as he spoke once more.
"God…she even begged me not to kiss her. And when I did it was full of so much passion but her eyes…her once vivid eyes that led me to her soul was dull and lifeless… No emotion in them whatsoever. I just don't know what to do. I told her how sorry I was and that this was some big misunderstanding. She told me she believed me in her heart but her head couldn't get rid of the mental image. With this whole Tanya fiasco and Leah kissing me…" He started, but I broke him off.
"What who's Leah?" I asked curious as to why he would know the females name who had kissed him.
"She's the one I told you about a while back, how Bella and I both had those disastrous dates." He responded.
"That was her?" I said astounded.
"Yep, and because of her, and my horrible reflexes, I'm, without the love of my life." Edward said looking up at me, his bright green eyes dark and bloodshot.
"There has to be more to it. Why don't you go lay in my room, while I go make a little visit." I said lifting his head of my lap.
"You want me to come with you?" Rose asked.
"No, I'm going to have a little talk with Bella." I said. Kissing Edward on the forehead, I headed toward the elevators. Although it was a big misunderstanding, I was still angry at both Edward and Bella. Edward for being stupid enough not to realize what was happening fast enough and Bella for breaking my brother's heart without an explanation. We were going to have a nice talk alright; I was going to get to the bottom of this even if it killed me.
BPOV
I was a mess. I couldn't believe just what I had done. I had told the love of my life, that I couldn't do this anymore. Pulling myself off the floor I headed back towards the bathroom. I looked like shit. So much for that shower. My hair was now a haystack again my eyes were puffy, and tear rimmed. I probably could scare a little kid right now with my appearance, hell I scared my self. I needed to get away. I had some things to figure out. We still have 5 more days left here, and maybe if I left early things would cool down. I was about to go grab my bag when I noticed my phone was lit up on the vanity. Sighing, I opened it up and my heart dropped into the pit of my stomach.
Good Girl…Say anything and no one gets hurt. - Unknown sender
The tears I managed to stop were running full blown once more. I was actually scared of an unknown person. I feared for my life and of my friends who I know called my family. I was even more afraid for Edward. I knew I was breaking his heart, while also breaking mine in the process. What's done is done. I had thrown on my sweats and just finishing packing up my bag when there was a knock at the door.
I breathed deeply before trudging over to the door, where a very agitated Alice stood.
"Hey Alice." I said in an emotionless tone.
"Well you certainly look better, can't say the same for Edward though." She said looking at her fingernails.
"Look Alice-.." I started to say, but she waved up a hand towards me."Save it. All I have to ask is why." she said in a clipped tone."I have my reasons." I said not wanting to further discuss this matter.
"And those reasons being?" She asked.
"I can't tell you. " I whispered."And why not?" she huffed. "I'm your best friend." she said a look of hurt across her face.
"Please Alice." I breathed.
"Don't please Alice me. I want to know what's going on." she said crossing her arms."Alice it's none of your business." I snapped. I was getting agitated by the second."The hell it is, when I see my brother heartbroken and my best friend crying her eyes out." she snapped at me.
"You don't know anything Alice. When I tell you I don't want to talk about it, you need to step away." I answered.
"Where's the girl who used to tell me everything? Every single one of her problems no matter what the situation or how embarrassing. The girl who would come over for sleepover and then share her heart out. The one who always wore her heart on her sleeve. Where's that girl?" Alice asked in a soft tone.
"Maybe she's gone." I breathed, trying to keep my tears at bay.
"No she isn't. She's somewhere in all of this. I mean this is the first time in awhile I've seen my brother so down. I looked to him tonight, and thought: Where was the little boy who would give me piggy back rides and buy us both of ice cream when I cried? The boy who would snuggle up with me at night when I had a nightmare. I don't now what going on with the two of you, but it affects all of us. You've both changed some for the better and some for the worst. At the end of the day I always realize something that the two of you were fine just the way you were." Alice spoke, her own tears streaming down her face.
"Al… I had to, I just had to." I whispered, trying to get rid of the mental image of Edward's heartbroken face.
"Well whatever the reason, just know I'll be here." Alice said walking towards the door.
"I'm so sorry." I wailed in a tiny voice."I know Bella. Just know that you're not alone. We're family and you should never have to handle things on your own. We'll always have your back. Have a nice trip." With that she closed the door softly behind her.
Again I was back at point a. Once again I was hurting the ones I loved. Calling a taxi to meet me out front, I grabbed my things and headed out the door. Once I was situated in the lobby I headed towards the front desk to return my key. I could have sworn I saw a familiar blonde watching me out the corner of my eye, but when I turned there was no one there. As I settled my bags in the back of the taxi's trunk Alice's words hit me hard making me shudder in desperation.
"We'll always have your back."
Little did she know it was her back that I was trying to protect…
APOV (Surprise!)
I was sitting next to Rosalie on the couch in my room when I heard a rapid knock at the door. Emmett and Jasper were too enthused watching whatever was on television, and made no bother to move. Sighing I pushed myself as the raid beating of the door became harder and desperate.
"Okay, Okay already. Geesh!" I exclaimed, opening the door to a very disturbed Edward. I was startled by his appearance. His hair was in even more disarray his eyes had dark circles forming under them. I could clearly see he had been crying because his eyes were bloodshot.
"Edward…What happened?" I asked concerned. He didn't answer he just fell into my arms.
We both fell to the floor as I wrapped my small arms around his massive form. Rose, Jasper and Emmett all stood behind us with dumbfounded expressions. They clearly didn't know what to do, so I told Emmett to help me lift Edward up, and drag him to the couch. Jasper closed the door behind us as I rested Edward's head in my lap. Everyone soon filed in around us and we were all probably thinking the same thing. What in the hell happened? We sat there in relative silence until one of us was actually brave enough to ask the inevitable.
"Edward honey, what happened?" Rose cooed.
"Over." Was all he said.
"What do you mean over?" Emmett asked.
"Over as in done, finished, terminated. No longer together." He boomed staring into space.
"You mean you and Bella aren't together anymore?" I asked.
"I just said that didn't that." He bellowed at me. Jasper tensed as he spoke to me.
"Chill Edward, she just asked a simple question." Jasper said protectively.
"It's okay." I said, raking my hands through my brother's hair.
"You didn't make her cry did you, and that's why you two broke up?" Rose said sternly.
"I don't know. She's probably crying now. We got into this heated argument. She won't speak to me. I know she's hiding something from me and its eating her, I just know it. We both said things we didn't mean, but I left. I just couldn't bear it. I…don't think she loves me anymore." Edward said in a blank tone.
"Nonsense. Can you see the way she looks at you?" I reassured."You didn't see what I saw Alice. She looked so broken, like she was fighting an internal battle. All I saw was hurt, and confusion in her eyes, I couldn't see love Al…I couldn't…" Edward broke off as tears fell from his eyes. I never seen my brother so broken not since the day Bella first left those years ago.
"There's got to be more to this." Emmett spoke.
"Em's right. Did she say why?" I asked.
"No, all I got from her was saying that she couldn't do this anymore." He wailed. I rubbed his back as he spoke once more.
"God…she even begged me not to kiss her. And when I did it was full of so much passion but her eyes…her once vivid eyes that led me to her soul was dull and lifeless… No emotion in them whatsoever. I just don't know what to do. I told her how sorry I was and that this was some big misunderstanding. She told me she believed me in her heart but her head couldn't get rid of the mental image. With this whole Tanya fiasco and Leah kissing me…" He started, but I broke him off.
"What who's Leah?" I asked curious as to why he would know the females name who had kissed him.
"She's the one I told you about a while back, how Bella and I both had those disastrous dates." He responded.
"That was her?" I said astounded.
"Yep, and because of her, and my horrible reflexes, I'm, without the love of my life." Edward said looking up at me, his bright green eyes dark and bloodshot.
"There has to be more to it. Why don't you go lay in my room, while I go make a little visit." I said lifting his head of my lap.
"You want me to come with you?" Rose asked.
"No, I'm going to have a little talk with Bella." I said. Kissing Edward on the forehead, I headed toward the elevators. Although it was a big misunderstanding, I was still angry at both Edward and Bella. Edward for being stupid enough not to realize what was happening fast enough and Bella for breaking my brother's heart without an explanation. We were going to have a nice talk alright; I was going to get to the bottom of this even if it killed me.
BPOV
I was a mess. I couldn't believe just what I had done. I had told the love of my life, that I couldn't do this anymore. Pulling myself off the floor I headed back towards the bathroom. I looked like shit. So much for that shower. My hair was now a haystack again my eyes were puffy, and tear rimmed. I probably could scare a little kid right now with my appearance, hell I scared my self. I needed to get away. I had some things to figure out. We still have 5 more days left here, and maybe if I left early things would cool down. I was about to go grab my bag when I noticed my phone was lit up on the vanity. Sighing, I opened it up and my heart dropped into the pit of my stomach.
Good Girl…Say anything and no one gets hurt. - Unknown sender
The tears I managed to stop were running full blown once more. I was actually scared of an unknown person. I feared for my life and of my friends who I know called my family. I was even more afraid for Edward. I knew I was breaking his heart, while also breaking mine in the process. What's done is done. I had thrown on my sweats and just finishing packing up my bag when there was a knock at the door.
I breathed deeply before trudging over to the door, where a very agitated Alice stood.
"Hey Alice." I said in an emotionless tone.
"Well you certainly look better, can't say the same for Edward though." She said looking at her fingernails.
"Look Alice-.." I started to say, but she waved up a hand towards me."Save it. All I have to ask is why." she said in a clipped tone."I have my reasons." I said not wanting to further discuss this matter.
"And those reasons being?" She asked.
"I can't tell you. " I whispered."And why not?" she huffed. "I'm your best friend." she said a look of hurt across her face.
"Please Alice." I breathed.
"Don't please Alice me. I want to know what's going on." she said crossing her arms."Alice it's none of your business." I snapped. I was getting agitated by the second."The hell it is, when I see my brother heartbroken and my best friend crying her eyes out." she snapped at me.
"You don't know anything Alice. When I tell you I don't want to talk about it, you need to step away." I answered.
"Where's the girl who used to tell me everything? Every single one of her problems no matter what the situation or how embarrassing. The girl who would come over for sleepover and then share her heart out. The one who always wore her heart on her sleeve. Where's that girl?" Alice asked in a soft tone.
"Maybe she's gone." I breathed, trying to keep my tears at bay.
"No she isn't. She's somewhere in all of this. I mean this is the first time in awhile I've seen my brother so down. I looked to him tonight, and thought: Where was the little boy who would give me piggy back rides and buy us both of ice cream when I cried? The boy who would snuggle up with me at night when I had a nightmare. I don't now what going on with the two of you, but it affects all of us. You've both changed some for the better and some for the worst. At the end of the day I always realize something that the two of you were fine just the way you were." Alice spoke, her own tears streaming down her face.
"Al… I had to, I just had to." I whispered, trying to get rid of the mental image of Edward's heartbroken face.
"Well whatever the reason, just know I'll be here." Alice said walking towards the door.
"I'm so sorry." I wailed in a tiny voice."I know Bella. Just know that you're not alone. We're family and you should never have to handle things on your own. We'll always have your back. Have a nice trip." With that she closed the door softly behind her.
Again I was back at point a. Once again I was hurting the ones I loved. Calling a taxi to meet me out front, I grabbed my things and headed out the door. Once I was situated in the lobby I headed towards the front desk to return my key. I could have sworn I saw a familiar blonde watching me out the corner of my eye, but when I turned there was no one there. As I settled my bags in the back of the taxi's trunk Alice's words hit me hard making me shudder in desperation.
"We'll always have your back."
Little did she know it was her back that I was trying to protect…
Chapter 31
Chapter 31
So the pain begins
As the music fades
And I'm left here with
With more than I can take
If you lift me up
Just get me through this night
I know I'll rest tomorrow
And I'll be strong enough to try
Lift me up~ Christina Aguilera
EPOV
Two hours. That's how long I been running up and down the streets of New York City. Maneuvering through the still thick crowd, I headed back toward our hotel looking for any sign of a tousled mahogany mane. I had tried calling Bella's phone, but all I kept getting was her voice mail. I even tried calling my brother's and sister's phone but to no avail. Sighing, I quickened my pace back to the hotel when my phone vibrated in my pocket.
We'll be together soon my love…
- Unknown Sender
"What the fuck?" I screeched, startling innocent bystanders. Who in the hell was texting me. I thought about tracing the message, but inwardly growled when I saw it was from an unknown sender. I shoved my phone back into my pocket, and was almost at the entrance of the hotel when my phone vibrated once more in my pocket.
Well the hell r u?
-A
On my way up…See you soon
-E
After quickly messaging my reply, I headed towards the elevator. I pushed the button for my floor, and leant back against the banister against the back wall. I started taking deep breaths, and prayed that Bella would give me a chance to explain myself. The elevator doors soon open and before I could even realize what was happening a small, but hard hand punched me in my left eye.
"What the Fuck!" I winced covering my now pulsing eye. I tried to see who had hit me but all I could make out was a short female stature with spiky hair. I cringed at the sight."Hello brother dear. Care to explain why my best friend is balling her eyes out right now?" A furious Alice said tapping her foot angrily against the ground.
"It's complicated." I wince once more. I could already feel my eye starting to swell. I carefully and cautiously exited the elevator doors and leaned back against the wall.
"Well you better explain before I make the other eye match." Alice screeched at me.
Taking a deep breath I quickly went into what happen and soon all the fury that once was in my sister's eyes was replaced with pity. During the duration of my telling, I slid down the wall and laid my head in my hands.
"Well…damn." she said.
"Damn indeed." I breathed."You know you need to fix this right?" Alice whispered, sliding down the wall next to me.
"How? What if she doesn't believe me?" I asked.
"Edward, Bella's not stupid. If you tell her what you just told me, she'll believe you." Alice said.
"How can you be so sure?" I asked."Trust me. It'll all work out for the best never bet against me right?" she grinned.
"Never. What would I do without you Ally Bug?" I smiled using my favorite childhood name for her.
"You would probably be a smudge on the ground." Alice said. I looked at her in confusion.
"Emmett and Jasper wanted to pound your face in for making Bella cry, if it weren't for Rose and I calming the two of them down and then making them go pick up something to eat; Bella wouldn't have a boyfriend anymore." She said wearily. I let out a deep sigh.
"Well isn't that just great." I mumbled sarcastically, getting up off the floor."Go get em tiger. Mind you, be careful. Rose is in there with her, and she's even more furious then I was."Well thanks that makes me feel so much better." I huffed.
"Just go Edward." Alice pushed.
"Fine." I breathed, waving to her as she headed towards the elevator her heels tapping across the marble floor.
I slowly walked towards the door. As I timidly knocked on the door with a gentle tap I said a silent prayer to the god that was hopefully watching over me. Hoping she would let me explain my side and that Rose wouldn't find some way to castrate my ass… Here goes nothing…
BPOV
Moments…earlier
"Where…are...you...going Al?" I sobbed, as Rose got up to grab me some more tissues.
"Oh I'll be right back. I just need to take care of some things." she said before closing the door behind her.
I'd been crying my eyes out for two hours now. I probably looked a sight, red nose, blotchy skin, and tear rimmed eyes. I had given Emmett a near heart attack when I called him earlier sobbing on the phone. He had asked me where Edward was and that made me only sob even harder. Eventually he gave the phone to rose, who calmed me down enough to tell her where I was. They soon found me curled up in a ball on a bench crying my eyes out. Emmett had to actually carry me out because I didn't have the strength to walk. Alice and Jasper met us at the hotel, and were immediately concerned about my well being. I didn't have the strength to tell them what happen so Rose gave a brief overview of what I told…well sobbed to her. Alice looked confused and Emmett and Jasper looked like they were on the warpath.
"That son of a bitch!" Emmett growled.
"Calm down Em, why don't you and Jasper go grab us something to eat." Alice had said.
"But what about Bella?" he asked.
"We'll take care of it. She needs girl time right now." Alice said pushing them out the door. Jasper gave a quick kiss to the forehead, which had brought a new round of tears. Just that minuscule gesture made me remember when Edward did that to me.
"Shush…its okay sweetie." Rose cooed in my ear.
"Why me? One moment we were happy, and the next thing you know there's some slut attached to his lips. I don't know if I want to beat Edward's ass more or the bitch he was kissing. " I huffed. Rose snickered at my profanity.
"Rose, this is not funny. Right now I'm thinking of ways to kill your brother." I said.
"Sorry Bella. I don't blame you. But did you actually wait long enough to hear his side of the story?' Rose asked."I didn't need to, his actions were clearly shown." I blubbered.
"Well I'm not denying his actions, but are you sure of what you saw?" she asked."Well no…"I said honestly.
"Then this may be a complete misunderstanding." she answered."Rose. How can you be so calm about this? You're supposed to be Team Bella not Team Edward." I breathed.
"Chill Bella. Someone needs to be the calm one. I'm on nobody's team except Team Emmett, but that's beside the point. Besides, if I find out that he intentionally hurt you and this was not some big misconception, you won't have to worry about killing him, I'll do it myself." Rosalie said in a sweet tone. I burst out laughing at the seriousness on his face. I wiped the few stray tears that fell from my eyes as the result of my laughter. Feeling slightly better, I decided to go take a shower so I grabbed some pajamas and headed towards the bathroom. I heard a soft rap at the door and was about to answer it when Rose stopped me and told me to go back. I gave her a timid smile before closing the bathroom door. I felt like crap. I quickly undressed and stepped under the calming rays of the shower. The hot water instantly soothed my aching muscles, but I knew it wouldn't soothe the aching one in my chest.
EPOV
"Well if it isn't that nefarious brother of mine." Rose greeted in a clipped tone.
"Nefarious?" I smirked; it soon fell when she glared at me.
"Don't question my intelligence Edward. Mess up and your ass is mine." she said.
"What do you mean?" I asked.
"You and Bella. You have one hour. You're lucky I'm even doing this." Rose huffed at me.
"So you believe me?" I asked astounded.
"I don't know what to believe, but if you make her cry again, I'm going to make the right eye match the left." She pushed.
"Odd. Alice said the exact same thing." I responded."Of course she did, that was from me. A little incentive if must be. Remember Edward don't mess up." She waved pushing me into the room closing it behind me as she exited.
It was now or never.
BPOV
I felt slightly better. Dressing in a tank top and pajama pants, I grabbed my clothes off the floor. I heard chatter come from the other side of the door so I figured Rose was watching TV. I stepped out the door and instantly shivered as the cold air hit my flushed skin. I looked around looking for the blonde locks of Rosalie or even the spiky black do of Alice's but was met with the tousled bronze man of none another than Edward. He still didn't notice me so I grabbed my phone and high tailed to the bathroom. Silently closing the door behind me. I sent Rose a text.
Rose what the hell?
-B
My phone buzzed quickly in response.Just go with it…
-R
What do I do?
-B
I waited for my phone to buzz but it never came.
I rested my face in my hands. He knew I was here. Soon or later we had to talk. I rather do this now. Honestly I don't know what to do. Interrupting my thought process, my phone vibrated against the vanity. Thinking it was Rose I quickly opened my phone up.
End it now. If you want your family safe. You'll do as I say.
-Unknown sender
Looking at the text in confusion I responded.
Who is this?
My phone buzzed again in response.
Don't worry about it. If you want to protect the ones you love including Edward
You'll end it now.
Feeling curious I responded.
And if I don't?
Before I could even send it my phone buzzed again. After sending it, I opened the text.
It had numerous attachments. I opened it and I was shocked at what I saw.
Pictures. Hundreds of them. Some from when I was younger to where I was now. That wasn't even the scary part. Some showed the inside of my house, even Carlisle and Esme's. Some were from the gala, and even tonight from a couple of hours ago. I was frozen in my spot. Someone was watching me. Before I could even reply back that I was going to the authorities my phone buzzed once more.
Don't even think about it. Do it now or else.
Attached was one more picture. It was all 6 of us from my 18th birthday. Except in this picture their faces were scratched out except for Edward's and mine. I shuddered in disgust, I didn't even realize I was silently crying until a single tear drop fell on to my cell phone screen. I was facing an internal battle. I didn't know whether or not I should believe who this 'unknown sender' threats were actually serious or not. What if this person was telling the truth and I fail. The people I love could actually get hurt. This person might be crazy. I was taking deep gasping breaths when my phone vibrated once more. This time it was from Rose.
Follow your heart…
My decision was already made.
EPOV
I was still waiting for Bella's departure from the bathroom. It had only been about 10 minutes but it felt like it was an eternity. I turned on the television and laid my head back on the couch in the room. I closed my eyes and took some soothing breaths. I swore I thought I heard her come out, but when I open my eyes the bathroom door was still closed. After another couple of minutes I heard the bathroom door creak open. I jumped off the couch and turned the television off. Bella was timidly leaning against the doorframe. I could tell she had been crying. Even in the dimmed light I could see the tear tracks strewn across her face. I hated seeing her cry and it hurt even more knowing that I was the reason for it. We both stood there looking at each other. Her eyes were scared and desperate. I could always tell how she was feeling. Bella's eyes were dark and lifeless. She looked broken. I could see she was having an internal battle and I wanted nothing more than to wrap her in my arms.
"Bella?" I called out. My voice hoarse with worry.
"Ed-ward..?" She squeaked out in uncertainty.
"Bella, love I'm so sorry. It wasn't what you think. I was looking for you and she came out of nowhere. I swear I pushed her off as soon as I realized what was happening." I breathed out. I didn't realize I was on my knees in front of her.
"Edward." She whispered.
"Bella." I whispered getting off my knees and grabbing her into a hug. I felt her resisting, but she soon relaxed and cautiously pressed her arms around my waist.
"I'm so sorry." I cried. Silent tears dropping from my eyes onto her shoulder.
"It hurt…" She mumbled onto my shirt.
"It hurt so bad." She said clearer pulling away from my embrace.
"Knowing that your lips were pressed against someone else's that weren't mine. That hurt. Every time I close my eyes, that's all I see. You didn't even look like you were resisting. I ran. I ran and ran to get to you." Bella breathed through her silent tears.
"I swear Bella on everything I love. I would never intentionally hurt you. It kills me to see you hurt." I said.
"Look what good its done." she said leaning against the wall for support.
"Don't you believe me?" I asked curiously."Honestly, I don't know what to believe." her words felt like a knife to my heart.
"You don't trust me?" I gasped.
"God no… Edward I never said that. It's just that I'm so confused, and it's killing me. I know deep down in my heart you're telling me the truth my brain can't. It's all I see." She sobbed.
"I'm so so so sorry. I don't know how many times I can say it." I breathed kneeling down in front of her. I leaned forward until my face was inched apart from hers.
"Please don't. I can't do this" She breathed, her scent hitting me hard in the face. I stumbled back on my heels.
"What do you mean you can't do this? You can't do us?" I asked in confusion.
"I don't fucking know Edward. Happy. I don't fucking know." I was startled by her sudden outburst.
"All of this because of a stupid kiss?" I blurted out, my voice coming out harsher than I wanted, I saw her flinch and I instantly regretted it.
"Yes. No. I don't know." She screamed.
"See this is the fucking problem right here, Bella I love you so god damned much that I would go to hell and back for you, and it kills me to see you so unsure of this of us.
"I growled."You don't think I know that Edward? I would do the same for you. Despite whose fault it was it still hurt." Bella pushed.
"Why can't you get over it Bella? I said I'm sorry. How many times do you want me to say it?" I asked.
"I don't want you to say it anymore." she timidly said.
"Then what's the problem Bella. I'm dying here." She just stood there looking at me.
"I just need time." she spoke up.
"Time?" I asked.
"Yeah. I need to think some things out." Bella grimaced as she spoke.
"Time. You've got to be kidding Bella. We wasted nearly five years trying to figure things out. I've waited all my life for you and you want me to wait. What is it? There has to be more to this. Is it Renee? Are you still stuck up on her.?" I asked. She looked taken aback.
"Don't talk about that wretched woman. You know better than to talk about it." Bella screeched.
"So that's it. Is that why we can't move past all of this? Well news flash Bella I'm tired of walking on eggshells around you. I love you with all the fiber of my being but you shut me out, and I'm tired of it. You need to get over this control she has over you. I thought you were over this. I'm trying to help, but you must let me." I said.
"This has nothing to do with her and you know it." Bella said sternly.
"Yes it does. Sometimes it makes me wonder if you are as messed up as she is." The words flew out of my mouth before I could even stop them. She gasped and her face flushed a deep crimson.
"Bella… I'm so sorry… I didn't mean it… I'm sor-.." Bella raised up one finger to silence me.
"So that's what you think Edward. That I am as messed up as she is. For your information she has nothing to do with us. Yes she has affected a great deal of my life but she has nothing to do with you or me. How could you say such a thing? I would never be that woman. I would never do the things she did to any man or child. How dare you? You know what… Fuck you Edward Cullen." Bella screamed.
"Now you know I didn't mean that. I know something's bothering you." I said.
"And that's was the best reason you came up with? Edward I'm tired of going back and forth." She sobbed sliding down the wall.
"I know." As sad as I was to say it. She was right. All we did lately was argue make up and argue some more.
"So what does this mean?" I asked.
"Maybe we should pause things right now. I think we both have things we need to work through." Bella cried.
"I don't want it to end." I breathed, my own eyes welling up with tears.
'Me either, but it's probably for the best." she sobbed.
"Bella please, don't do this. " I spoke up my lips inches from hers.
"Edward please…" she started but was cut off when my lips crashed to hers. So much hunger, passion, desperation, sorrow and hate all into one kiss. Our entire bent up emotions. I slowly pulled away and pressed my lips to he forehead. She closed her eyes and took a deep breath. Slowly standing up I pressed a kiss to her palmed hand and headed for the door. I could hear Bella's silent cries, and it took all my strength to step away from her. I opened the door, and with a final glance closed the door behind me. I leaned my head against the doorframe and wondered how could everything you worked so hard for come crashing down.
BPOV
As soon as the door closed, I collapsed. I cried and cried letting out all my anger, frustration, and sorrow out. My heart was breaking in pieces. I was hurting and I needed someone to comfort me and that said person was now gone. I had to do it, I just
had to. How could one small conversation turn into something deeper? I thought I was doing the right thing. Seeing Edward walk out that door hurt much more than I could put into words.
Who knew protecting the ones you love could cause yourself to crash and burn?
When the static clears
And all is said and done
I will realize
That we all need someone
When you see me crashing
And theres nowhere left to fall
Will you lift me even higher
To rise above this all
So the pain begins
As the music fades
And I'm left here with
With more than I can take
If you lift me up
Just get me through this night
I know I'll rest tomorrow
And I'll be strong enough to try
Lift me up~ Christina Aguilera
EPOV
Two hours. That's how long I been running up and down the streets of New York City. Maneuvering through the still thick crowd, I headed back toward our hotel looking for any sign of a tousled mahogany mane. I had tried calling Bella's phone, but all I kept getting was her voice mail. I even tried calling my brother's and sister's phone but to no avail. Sighing, I quickened my pace back to the hotel when my phone vibrated in my pocket.
We'll be together soon my love…
- Unknown Sender
"What the fuck?" I screeched, startling innocent bystanders. Who in the hell was texting me. I thought about tracing the message, but inwardly growled when I saw it was from an unknown sender. I shoved my phone back into my pocket, and was almost at the entrance of the hotel when my phone vibrated once more in my pocket.
Well the hell r u?
-A
On my way up…See you soon
-E
After quickly messaging my reply, I headed towards the elevator. I pushed the button for my floor, and leant back against the banister against the back wall. I started taking deep breaths, and prayed that Bella would give me a chance to explain myself. The elevator doors soon open and before I could even realize what was happening a small, but hard hand punched me in my left eye.
"What the Fuck!" I winced covering my now pulsing eye. I tried to see who had hit me but all I could make out was a short female stature with spiky hair. I cringed at the sight."Hello brother dear. Care to explain why my best friend is balling her eyes out right now?" A furious Alice said tapping her foot angrily against the ground.
"It's complicated." I wince once more. I could already feel my eye starting to swell. I carefully and cautiously exited the elevator doors and leaned back against the wall.
"Well you better explain before I make the other eye match." Alice screeched at me.
Taking a deep breath I quickly went into what happen and soon all the fury that once was in my sister's eyes was replaced with pity. During the duration of my telling, I slid down the wall and laid my head in my hands.
"Well…damn." she said.
"Damn indeed." I breathed."You know you need to fix this right?" Alice whispered, sliding down the wall next to me.
"How? What if she doesn't believe me?" I asked.
"Edward, Bella's not stupid. If you tell her what you just told me, she'll believe you." Alice said.
"How can you be so sure?" I asked."Trust me. It'll all work out for the best never bet against me right?" she grinned.
"Never. What would I do without you Ally Bug?" I smiled using my favorite childhood name for her.
"You would probably be a smudge on the ground." Alice said. I looked at her in confusion.
"Emmett and Jasper wanted to pound your face in for making Bella cry, if it weren't for Rose and I calming the two of them down and then making them go pick up something to eat; Bella wouldn't have a boyfriend anymore." She said wearily. I let out a deep sigh.
"Well isn't that just great." I mumbled sarcastically, getting up off the floor."Go get em tiger. Mind you, be careful. Rose is in there with her, and she's even more furious then I was."Well thanks that makes me feel so much better." I huffed.
"Just go Edward." Alice pushed.
"Fine." I breathed, waving to her as she headed towards the elevator her heels tapping across the marble floor.
I slowly walked towards the door. As I timidly knocked on the door with a gentle tap I said a silent prayer to the god that was hopefully watching over me. Hoping she would let me explain my side and that Rose wouldn't find some way to castrate my ass… Here goes nothing…
BPOV
Moments…earlier
"Where…are...you...going Al?" I sobbed, as Rose got up to grab me some more tissues.
"Oh I'll be right back. I just need to take care of some things." she said before closing the door behind her.
I'd been crying my eyes out for two hours now. I probably looked a sight, red nose, blotchy skin, and tear rimmed eyes. I had given Emmett a near heart attack when I called him earlier sobbing on the phone. He had asked me where Edward was and that made me only sob even harder. Eventually he gave the phone to rose, who calmed me down enough to tell her where I was. They soon found me curled up in a ball on a bench crying my eyes out. Emmett had to actually carry me out because I didn't have the strength to walk. Alice and Jasper met us at the hotel, and were immediately concerned about my well being. I didn't have the strength to tell them what happen so Rose gave a brief overview of what I told…well sobbed to her. Alice looked confused and Emmett and Jasper looked like they were on the warpath.
"That son of a bitch!" Emmett growled.
"Calm down Em, why don't you and Jasper go grab us something to eat." Alice had said.
"But what about Bella?" he asked.
"We'll take care of it. She needs girl time right now." Alice said pushing them out the door. Jasper gave a quick kiss to the forehead, which had brought a new round of tears. Just that minuscule gesture made me remember when Edward did that to me.
"Shush…its okay sweetie." Rose cooed in my ear.
"Why me? One moment we were happy, and the next thing you know there's some slut attached to his lips. I don't know if I want to beat Edward's ass more or the bitch he was kissing. " I huffed. Rose snickered at my profanity.
"Rose, this is not funny. Right now I'm thinking of ways to kill your brother." I said.
"Sorry Bella. I don't blame you. But did you actually wait long enough to hear his side of the story?' Rose asked."I didn't need to, his actions were clearly shown." I blubbered.
"Well I'm not denying his actions, but are you sure of what you saw?" she asked."Well no…"I said honestly.
"Then this may be a complete misunderstanding." she answered."Rose. How can you be so calm about this? You're supposed to be Team Bella not Team Edward." I breathed.
"Chill Bella. Someone needs to be the calm one. I'm on nobody's team except Team Emmett, but that's beside the point. Besides, if I find out that he intentionally hurt you and this was not some big misconception, you won't have to worry about killing him, I'll do it myself." Rosalie said in a sweet tone. I burst out laughing at the seriousness on his face. I wiped the few stray tears that fell from my eyes as the result of my laughter. Feeling slightly better, I decided to go take a shower so I grabbed some pajamas and headed towards the bathroom. I heard a soft rap at the door and was about to answer it when Rose stopped me and told me to go back. I gave her a timid smile before closing the bathroom door. I felt like crap. I quickly undressed and stepped under the calming rays of the shower. The hot water instantly soothed my aching muscles, but I knew it wouldn't soothe the aching one in my chest.
EPOV
"Well if it isn't that nefarious brother of mine." Rose greeted in a clipped tone.
"Nefarious?" I smirked; it soon fell when she glared at me.
"Don't question my intelligence Edward. Mess up and your ass is mine." she said.
"What do you mean?" I asked.
"You and Bella. You have one hour. You're lucky I'm even doing this." Rose huffed at me.
"So you believe me?" I asked astounded.
"I don't know what to believe, but if you make her cry again, I'm going to make the right eye match the left." She pushed.
"Odd. Alice said the exact same thing." I responded."Of course she did, that was from me. A little incentive if must be. Remember Edward don't mess up." She waved pushing me into the room closing it behind me as she exited.
It was now or never.
BPOV
I felt slightly better. Dressing in a tank top and pajama pants, I grabbed my clothes off the floor. I heard chatter come from the other side of the door so I figured Rose was watching TV. I stepped out the door and instantly shivered as the cold air hit my flushed skin. I looked around looking for the blonde locks of Rosalie or even the spiky black do of Alice's but was met with the tousled bronze man of none another than Edward. He still didn't notice me so I grabbed my phone and high tailed to the bathroom. Silently closing the door behind me. I sent Rose a text.
Rose what the hell?
-B
My phone buzzed quickly in response.Just go with it…
-R
What do I do?
-B
I waited for my phone to buzz but it never came.
I rested my face in my hands. He knew I was here. Soon or later we had to talk. I rather do this now. Honestly I don't know what to do. Interrupting my thought process, my phone vibrated against the vanity. Thinking it was Rose I quickly opened my phone up.
End it now. If you want your family safe. You'll do as I say.
-Unknown sender
Looking at the text in confusion I responded.
Who is this?
My phone buzzed again in response.
Don't worry about it. If you want to protect the ones you love including Edward
You'll end it now.
Feeling curious I responded.
And if I don't?
Before I could even send it my phone buzzed again. After sending it, I opened the text.
It had numerous attachments. I opened it and I was shocked at what I saw.
Pictures. Hundreds of them. Some from when I was younger to where I was now. That wasn't even the scary part. Some showed the inside of my house, even Carlisle and Esme's. Some were from the gala, and even tonight from a couple of hours ago. I was frozen in my spot. Someone was watching me. Before I could even reply back that I was going to the authorities my phone buzzed once more.
Don't even think about it. Do it now or else.
Attached was one more picture. It was all 6 of us from my 18th birthday. Except in this picture their faces were scratched out except for Edward's and mine. I shuddered in disgust, I didn't even realize I was silently crying until a single tear drop fell on to my cell phone screen. I was facing an internal battle. I didn't know whether or not I should believe who this 'unknown sender' threats were actually serious or not. What if this person was telling the truth and I fail. The people I love could actually get hurt. This person might be crazy. I was taking deep gasping breaths when my phone vibrated once more. This time it was from Rose.
Follow your heart…
My decision was already made.
EPOV
I was still waiting for Bella's departure from the bathroom. It had only been about 10 minutes but it felt like it was an eternity. I turned on the television and laid my head back on the couch in the room. I closed my eyes and took some soothing breaths. I swore I thought I heard her come out, but when I open my eyes the bathroom door was still closed. After another couple of minutes I heard the bathroom door creak open. I jumped off the couch and turned the television off. Bella was timidly leaning against the doorframe. I could tell she had been crying. Even in the dimmed light I could see the tear tracks strewn across her face. I hated seeing her cry and it hurt even more knowing that I was the reason for it. We both stood there looking at each other. Her eyes were scared and desperate. I could always tell how she was feeling. Bella's eyes were dark and lifeless. She looked broken. I could see she was having an internal battle and I wanted nothing more than to wrap her in my arms.
"Bella?" I called out. My voice hoarse with worry.
"Ed-ward..?" She squeaked out in uncertainty.
"Bella, love I'm so sorry. It wasn't what you think. I was looking for you and she came out of nowhere. I swear I pushed her off as soon as I realized what was happening." I breathed out. I didn't realize I was on my knees in front of her.
"Edward." She whispered.
"Bella." I whispered getting off my knees and grabbing her into a hug. I felt her resisting, but she soon relaxed and cautiously pressed her arms around my waist.
"I'm so sorry." I cried. Silent tears dropping from my eyes onto her shoulder.
"It hurt…" She mumbled onto my shirt.
"It hurt so bad." She said clearer pulling away from my embrace.
"Knowing that your lips were pressed against someone else's that weren't mine. That hurt. Every time I close my eyes, that's all I see. You didn't even look like you were resisting. I ran. I ran and ran to get to you." Bella breathed through her silent tears.
"I swear Bella on everything I love. I would never intentionally hurt you. It kills me to see you hurt." I said.
"Look what good its done." she said leaning against the wall for support.
"Don't you believe me?" I asked curiously."Honestly, I don't know what to believe." her words felt like a knife to my heart.
"You don't trust me?" I gasped.
"God no… Edward I never said that. It's just that I'm so confused, and it's killing me. I know deep down in my heart you're telling me the truth my brain can't. It's all I see." She sobbed.
"I'm so so so sorry. I don't know how many times I can say it." I breathed kneeling down in front of her. I leaned forward until my face was inched apart from hers.
"Please don't. I can't do this" She breathed, her scent hitting me hard in the face. I stumbled back on my heels.
"What do you mean you can't do this? You can't do us?" I asked in confusion.
"I don't fucking know Edward. Happy. I don't fucking know." I was startled by her sudden outburst.
"All of this because of a stupid kiss?" I blurted out, my voice coming out harsher than I wanted, I saw her flinch and I instantly regretted it.
"Yes. No. I don't know." She screamed.
"See this is the fucking problem right here, Bella I love you so god damned much that I would go to hell and back for you, and it kills me to see you so unsure of this of us.
"I growled."You don't think I know that Edward? I would do the same for you. Despite whose fault it was it still hurt." Bella pushed.
"Why can't you get over it Bella? I said I'm sorry. How many times do you want me to say it?" I asked.
"I don't want you to say it anymore." she timidly said.
"Then what's the problem Bella. I'm dying here." She just stood there looking at me.
"I just need time." she spoke up.
"Time?" I asked.
"Yeah. I need to think some things out." Bella grimaced as she spoke.
"Time. You've got to be kidding Bella. We wasted nearly five years trying to figure things out. I've waited all my life for you and you want me to wait. What is it? There has to be more to this. Is it Renee? Are you still stuck up on her.?" I asked. She looked taken aback.
"Don't talk about that wretched woman. You know better than to talk about it." Bella screeched.
"So that's it. Is that why we can't move past all of this? Well news flash Bella I'm tired of walking on eggshells around you. I love you with all the fiber of my being but you shut me out, and I'm tired of it. You need to get over this control she has over you. I thought you were over this. I'm trying to help, but you must let me." I said.
"This has nothing to do with her and you know it." Bella said sternly.
"Yes it does. Sometimes it makes me wonder if you are as messed up as she is." The words flew out of my mouth before I could even stop them. She gasped and her face flushed a deep crimson.
"Bella… I'm so sorry… I didn't mean it… I'm sor-.." Bella raised up one finger to silence me.
"So that's what you think Edward. That I am as messed up as she is. For your information she has nothing to do with us. Yes she has affected a great deal of my life but she has nothing to do with you or me. How could you say such a thing? I would never be that woman. I would never do the things she did to any man or child. How dare you? You know what… Fuck you Edward Cullen." Bella screamed.
"Now you know I didn't mean that. I know something's bothering you." I said.
"And that's was the best reason you came up with? Edward I'm tired of going back and forth." She sobbed sliding down the wall.
"I know." As sad as I was to say it. She was right. All we did lately was argue make up and argue some more.
"So what does this mean?" I asked.
"Maybe we should pause things right now. I think we both have things we need to work through." Bella cried.
"I don't want it to end." I breathed, my own eyes welling up with tears.
'Me either, but it's probably for the best." she sobbed.
"Bella please, don't do this. " I spoke up my lips inches from hers.
"Edward please…" she started but was cut off when my lips crashed to hers. So much hunger, passion, desperation, sorrow and hate all into one kiss. Our entire bent up emotions. I slowly pulled away and pressed my lips to he forehead. She closed her eyes and took a deep breath. Slowly standing up I pressed a kiss to her palmed hand and headed for the door. I could hear Bella's silent cries, and it took all my strength to step away from her. I opened the door, and with a final glance closed the door behind me. I leaned my head against the doorframe and wondered how could everything you worked so hard for come crashing down.
BPOV
As soon as the door closed, I collapsed. I cried and cried letting out all my anger, frustration, and sorrow out. My heart was breaking in pieces. I was hurting and I needed someone to comfort me and that said person was now gone. I had to do it, I just
had to. How could one small conversation turn into something deeper? I thought I was doing the right thing. Seeing Edward walk out that door hurt much more than I could put into words.
Who knew protecting the ones you love could cause yourself to crash and burn?
When the static clears
And all is said and done
I will realize
That we all need someone
When you see me crashing
And theres nowhere left to fall
Will you lift me even higher
To rise above this all
Chapter 30
Chapter 30
EPOV
"I'm freezing my ass off over here." I huffed. We were still waiting on Alice and she was god knows where. She was over 25 minutes late; she knew how I liked getting to places on time. At the rate, we will never make it for dinner. To ease my nerves I glanced over at the beautiful girl beside me. She was talking to Emmett, and I admired her from a far. Her flushed face and twinkling brown eyes. She was all mine, I went to wrap my arms around her when we saw Alice's car pull into the driveway.
"Something dangerous this way comes." I muttered into her ear loudly. She visibly shivered but I doubt it was from the cold.
"Hey I heard that!" Alice screeched locking her car door.
"You were supposed to. We have been waiting for almost 30 minutes now. We have a whole a long drive ahead of us. Not to mention it's beginning to snow." I glared at my sister pointing to the sky.
Well I'm here now so stop being a baby." she pushed, glaring back full flare at me.
"You know you don't scare me." I smiled playfully at her. She walked forward and leaned towards my ace. I had to squat down just so she could just reach my face.
"Oh yeah?" Alice smiled evilly.
"Yeah." I laughed, and the next thing I knew, 90 pounds of pure pixie was on my back giving me a wet willy.
"Ew! Al. Get off!" I hollered running back and forth with Alice perched on my back. She wasn't even that heavy, but I loved messing with her.
"Say it." Alice pushed, ruffling up my hair. Why she did it, I do not know. My hair has always been a catastrophe.
"Never!" I laughed, although I knew we would never get there at this rate if we kept playing around.
"Fine, Alice. You are a terrifying little thing. It's disgusting how much I love you." I breathed. Everyone else was still chuckling at our antics.
"Tell me about it." Alice grinned kissing my cheek before jumping off my back. Alice grinned over her shoulder at me, and skipped into Jasper's arms. Rose and Emmett were over by the car talking, and I noticed Bella was looking at me with an amused expression. I put on a fake pout and walked over towards her.
"Love, you were supposed to help me." I said, and I noticed her face flush to that beautiful shade of red."Well babe, what do you want me to do about it? Your sister scares me." I laughed. I did agree to some extent. Alice could be a scary little thing when she didn't get her way.
"Well how about you help me and I'll help you." I proposed.
"And what if I don't need your help." Bella grinned. I wrapped my arms around her and whispered into her ear.
"Oh you will. She's going to corner you one day, and you'll need me." I said Bella sort had a dazed look on her face and I was instantly worried. She kept blinking at me until Alice pulled us from our reverie.
"Hey are you two finished plotting against me now? It's been 10 minutes of you two staring at each other." She smirked.
"What?" Bella had asked.
"Bells, you two dummies have been standing there for the past 10 minutes now. At this rate with all these delays we will never make it to mom and dad's on time." Jasper said.
"Really?" she gasped.
"Yeah and now if you and lover boy are finished. Can we go now?" Alice asked.
"Fine." Bella pouted not wanting to pull away from my grasp. I could help but laugh at her disgruntled expression. I kissed her forehead, and pulled her towards the car.
"Come on love." I smiled and she rolled her eyes at me.
I would say the car ride was horrendous. After Emmett's booming voice nearly destroyed my eardrum, I wanted nothing more than to get out the car. The only thing that even made the car ride bearable was Bella's smile. Her smile could pull me from one of my worst days. I would do anything to see her smile and her flushed face. I made a vow to myself that I would do anything to see her smile, and I would be mortified with myself if I did anything to pull that smile off her face.
We had soon arrived at my Parents house. Dad was still at work, so only Mom was home. She welcomed us warmly.
"There's my sweet boy." Mom said kissing my cheek.
"Missed you too Mom." I smiled. The guys and I went to put the bags up in our rooms. Rosalie trailed behind Emmett so those two could do whatever they do, while I overheard Alice pester Bella about her Christmas present. I had been thinking about this all day, and I really hoped that she would say yes. I came down the stairs just as Jasper was carrying a giggling Alice up. I smiled humorously at them and stopped at the base of the stairs. Bella was just turning towards the guest room when I called her name.
I could not help but fidget. I felt like I was shitting bullets just to ask her one single question. She raised a questioning eyebrow at me waiting for me to continue.
"Uh Bella?" I asked.
"Yeah?" She said timidly at me.
"I was wondering if you wouldn't mind sharing my bed with me." I asked. She looked a little startled at me until I realized what I had said. That definitely was not what I had meant. I had to hurry up and backtrack.
"Uh- no! That is not what I meant. Would you mind sharing my room with me? I promise to keep my hands to myself! I promise. Scout's honor." I gasped quickly raising my right hand. She burst out laughing and I looked at her confused. After she composed herself, she smiled beautifully at me.
"I would love to share a room with you. But I swear if you knock me off the bed again, your ass is mine." Bella glared. She was so cute trying to be angry. It was like a little kitten trying to be a tiger.
"I'll have your word on it." I smiled. I grabbed her closer and pulled her lips to mine.
Her taste was so sweet. I couldn't get enough. I moaned into her mouth and pulled her closer if even possible. I heard a throat clear from behind us and we broke apart. Bella quickly turned around and flushed. I looked up into the warm eyes of my mother in the doorway. Bella pressed her face onto my shoulder. My chest shook in silent laughter. Bella grimaced and smacked me in the chest, her flushed face still against my chest.
"Don't worry Bella, Carlisle and I did more than that in our day." Mom laughed, wiggling her eyebrows suggestively.
"Ew Mom! Gross. I did not want to know what you and the doctor did before we came along." I shuddered. That was forbidden territory. I mean who wants to hear about their parents' sex lives.
"Silly boy." Mom smiled at me. Bella must have been over her embarrassment because she slowly lifted her face. I smiled down at her. Mom looked at us with awe in her eyes.
"Go on you two. Your father should be home soon, and dinner will be ready in an hour. Why don't you go upstairs to freshen up?" Mom smiled shooing us.
"Yeah we should. Come on lover boy." Bella grinned at me, and I swore my heart skipped a beat. She grabbed my hand and pulled me towards the stairs.
We headed towards my room and I wrapped my arms behind her. She was so warm, and the heavily soothing scent of strawberries and freesia consumed me. I laid my head on her shoulder and we swayed back and forth. A dance to our own rapid heartbeats. I gestured for her to take a shower. I kissed her once more before grabbing my own clothes to take a shower in the guest bathroom.
After taking a quick shower, I changed and headed towards the dining area .Emmett and Bella were still missing so I sat down beside Alice.
"Where's Em?" I asked curious."Oh he went to go get your girlfriend. He insists on eating now and pulled us all from our rooms. Mom won't let us eat until everyone's down." Jasper said."Leave it to Emmett." I laughed rolling my eyes.
"Hey leave my monkey man alone." Rose huffed.
"Monkey man?" Jasper asked.
"Yeah. When we play Tarzan and Jane I call him my monkey man." Rose smiled.
"Gross Rose. I really don't want to hear about my sister's sexual escapades." Jasper grimaced.
"Well you asked." Rosalie shrugged.
"Yeah. Remind me to never ask you questions again." Jasper told her. I laughed and Emmett bounded into the room with a laughing Bella thrown over his shoulder. She was swatting at him, and I grimaced worried that he would drop her. With a loud chuckle, he dropped Bella unto my lap. I laughed at her flushed face, and kissed her against her temple.
Well it is about time. Bella for a second there I thought you were trying to seduce my monkey man away from me." Rose said.
"Ew, first off it's Emmett. He's practically my brother. Even if he wasn't I would never do that too you, because I love you too much." Bella grinned, and everyone mocked awed. I smiled to myself. I knew Bella could never love Emmett in that way. I rubbed my nose along her jaw line and she shivered.
"Aww…That's so sweet but look at me I'm hot as hell." Emmett beamed.
"Emmett language!" Mom pushed.
"Sorry mommy. Just look at me though. The muscles and the dimples for crying out loud." Emmett laughed. Well he was surely full of it. I never saw what girls found in Em. Then again, I am not a member of the opposite sex, so I wouldn't know.
"Well someone apparently has a big head." Alice laughed.
"No I don't pix. In addition, most importantly the blue eyes. My Rosie said that they are the best she's ever seen." Emmett said proudly.
"Well duh! She loves you, so of course they are the best she has ever seen. Besides, I am a sucker for green eyes if you catch my drift. "Bella added smiling down at me.
"Well who in the hell has green eyes!" Emmett asked. Boy, my brother could be so stupid. Really, after being around me for over 10 freaking years now he would notice that my eyes were green."Me dumbass!" I laughed. I swear Emmett has book sense but no common sense. Why rose put up with it is beyond me."Edward!" Mom said.
"Sorry. Still, how can you not know I have green eyes? Rose even has them for crying out loud." I said stating the obvious. Hello twins over here.
"Well excuse me for not noticing." Emmett laughed.
"So wait, does this mean you never noticed my eyes?" Rose said angrily towards him. Well Emmett just dug himself into a huge hole.
"Ooh you're in trouble!" Jasper and I chuckled.
"Well babe it's not like I didn't notice them, I just never really paid attention to them." Emmett said.
"Stupid." Alice muttered loudly to Bella. She had to cover her mouth to hide her laughter. Mom had to lean on the counter for support to stifle her own laughter.
"And what is it that you do pay attention to then?" Rosalie growled.
"Uh?" Emmett said.
"Well, you have all night to think about it in the guest room." Rose said folding her arms across her chest.
"Isn't that Bella's room?" Emmett asked."It was, but now its yours." Rose glared.
"I can't just put her out like that." Emmett pushed.
"Oh no worry Em. I am staying in Edward's room." Bella quickly said. Everyone's gazes fell upon the two of us. Bella flushed and leaned back against me. I lifted her off my lap and settled her into the seat to the opposite of Alice and I. Dad soon arrived and greeted us hello. He grabbed mom, and pulled her into a passionate kiss. Mom moaned into his mouth. Uh hello, children still in the room here. Alice's voice interrupted their little rendezvous.
Eww, if you don't mind Daddy, I would really like the mortifying images that are now popping into my head to stay at bay please?" Alice shuddered.
"How is my Ally-bug?" He grinned kissing her forehead."Just fine without all the mental images thank you." she cheered. I nodded my head in agreement. No one and I mean no one wants to see their parents like that.
Dinner was delicious. Mom made her prized pot roast, and I nearly matched Emmett with my consumption of food. By time, dinner was over. I was stuffed. Bella looked tired herself. I grabbed Bella bridal style and carried her to my room. Bella had changed into her pajamas. A cute turquoise camisole with boy shorts. I definitely got an eyeful of her creamy pale legs. Her hair was in a messy bun at the top of her head giving me a lovely view of her long neck. I had to lean against a wall just to support myself. She was going to be the death of me. After changing and brushing my teeth, I sauntered back into the room. Bella was on her back on the bed with one of pillows pressed against her face. I could hear a faint noise, and I realized she was smelling my pillow. Most people would be creeped out by it, but I couldn't blame her. There were a many days when I would inhale her scent off various objects she touched.
I sat on the edge of the bed, and she must have felt it shift. She pulled the pillow away from her face and I looked at her with an amused grin.
"What?" Bella blushed at me.
"Did you actually smell my pillow?" I asked. She must have realized she was caught, because she pressed the pillow back against her face.
"Don't hide from me love." I begged. I lifted up the pillow and looked down into those chocolate colored eyes. She smacked my chest, and I barely even felt it.
"Stop that." Bella squeaked.
"Stop what?" I asked smugly."Stop dazzling me like that. It's not fair." Bella pouted at me. I wanted nothing more than to press those luscious lips to mine, but I was having so much fun."I dazzle you?" I asked dumbly. Girls often told me how I mesmerized them with my "Panty dropping eyes." Their words not mine, although the outcome always led to the same.
"Damn it Edward! Yes, you dazzle me quite frequently. Happy now?" Bella huffed at me.
"I'm only happy when you're around." I smiled kissing her lips. The faint taste of toothpaste against her lips.
"You're such a marshmallow Edward." Bella laughed. I fawned hurt.
"Oh, so now I'm a softy eh?" I teased.
"Maybe." she grinned evilly at me.
"Love nothing about this is soft." I said. I then lifted up my tank and pressed her hands against my chest. I worked out 3 days of the week, and had an accomplished six-pack.
"You got that right." Bella mumbled quickly pressing her lips against mine. I know Bella said she wanted to take things slow but she was testing my limits. I groaned into her mouth, Bella had straddled my lap and we were kissing each other feverishly. I was just started to grab Bella's ass when the cock-blocking pixie bounded into the room.
"Mary Alice Cullen! Ever heard of knocking?" Bella screeched frustrated. She wanted it just as bad as I did.
"Yeah, but this is much more fun. Now go to sleep you two. We have a lot of prepping to do tomorrow." Alice grinned at us.
"Al, seriously?" I huffed. Bella looked a little startled at my outburst. She realized she was straddling me and quickly rolled off. I groaned at the loss of contact.
"Is that all?" I breathed through clenched teeth at my annoying sister.
"No, but Edward get rid of the wood, that is definitely something I don't want to see." Alice laughed. I looked down, and sure enough. I grabbed my pillow and covered myself. Alice just laughed and strolled out of the room.
"Well if that wasn't embarrassing." I mumbled mortified. My sister has just caught me hard."You'll get over it Lover boy, now lets get some sleep." My angel said kissing me. Bella pressed he head against my chest and I closed my eyes. Bella's delicate fingers began raking through my hair, and I groaned at the touch. Her fingers were so soothing; I felt a deep rumble in my chest. I was astounded at myself. I Edward Cullen just purred. I opened one eye to see Bella with her eyes closed a smile played upon her lips. I closed my eyes once more and let her soothing hands take me away.
"Dude come on. Let's get go before Alice comes to annihilates us." Jasper said to Emmett. We were sitting on the living room couch playing on the wii. Alice had laid out our clothes for us. I was still disgruntled at her, when I woke up this morning to an empty bed. All I had left was her pillow, in which I inhaled her heavenly scent. We were all dressed when Dad came down and told us Mom and the girls were coming down. Apparently for some big "entrance". Honestly, I could care less about an entrance. All I wanted to see was my Bella.
Mom came down looking more radiant than ever. Next came down Rose, in which Emmett "fainted" earning some useful amount of descriptive words from Rose. Alice practically bounced down the stairs into Jasper's arms. I knew there was only one person left. I felt my breath catch as soon as she descended the stairs. Words could not even describe how beautiful she looked. She was dressed in a flowing black gown with her hair pinned to the side flowing in soft waves. My eyes quickly drew to her face. Her dark makeup making her eyes sparkle, and those ruby red lips. God help those lips looked so full and delicious, I wanted nothing more than to taste their sweet nectar. I quickly went to her and kissed her hand.
"You look ravishing love." I grinned. Bella blushed from my compliment. I was about to press a kiss to her lips when Alice screeched."Bella if you even smudge that lipstick." She pouted. Jesus… my sister had been on a roll lately. Always interfering when you least expected. I was about to say something when Bella spoke up.
"Okay what's the point of me wearing it if I can't kiss my boyfriend?" She asked. I smiled smug at my sister.
"Fine, but you better fix it." she huffed. Jasper just chuckled and pulled her towards him.
"Now where were we?" I grinned.
"We were right about here." Bella smiled pressing my lips to hers. I smiled against her lips when Emmett interrupted us. I sighed and took a deep breath.
"Now if you don't mind. Some of us are starving here." Emmett boomed, causing Rose to smack him in the chest.
"Is that all you think about you big oaf?" Rose asked him.
"No, most of the time I think about you?" Emmett grinned."Most of the time?" Rosalie questioned, raising her eyebrow at him.
"Wait babe that didn't come out right. I think about you all the time." Emmett quickly said."Yeah, whatever." Rose shrugged walking over to the door."Aw man. I guess another night in the guest bedroom." Emmett pouted. I bust out laughing. Lately it seemed like everything Emmett did he still ended up in the doghouse.
"What are you laughing at Eddie? I always knew red was your color." Emmett laughed. I looked at him in confusion until I realized what he meant. I tried to get it off but failed miserably. Bella gazed up at me and used her thumb to wipe the smeared lipstick off my lips. I felt my eyes darken in lust by her touch, and looked at her again. Jasper had to pull us apart because I was about to jump her in a mere second. I don't really remember the whole conversation with Mr. Volturi about my studies, or the conversation my father held with me at the dinner table. All I could remember was my Bella. I even pawed her onto the dance floor. She was still a little nervous but we danced with ease. I was often used to being the fifth wheel. I never brought any of my hookups to these things because it never lasted long enough to even bring it to this point.
We had soon arrived home clearly exhausted. I was nervous about tomorrow. I had found Bella the perfect Christmas present and hope she liked it. Tomorrow was another worry. I only wanted to relish in what we had now. She raked her hands through my hair once more, and I once again was lulled to sleep by her touch.
"Wake up! It's Christmas!" Alice screeched jumping on our bed. This was definitely how I didn't want to spend my Christmas morning. You think I would be used to it by now, but sadly, I wasn't."Alice." I moaned holding Bella close to me. I did not want to get up yet.
"Wake up Edward!" Alice said.
"No, I want to sleep and snuggle with my Bella in bed, now go away." I huffed. I pulled her closer. I was about to fall asleep again when I felt my sister's lip pecking kisses all over Bella and mine's faces.
"Eww pixie germs." I laughed. Although it was rather gross. I loved my sister so much. Bella's tinkling laugh made my heart swell.
"Gross Al. "Bella laughed wiping her face.
"You know you love me. Come on breakfast downstairs, and you know Emmett." Alice grinned jumping off our bed. I wiped my face with my hand, and grabbed Bella again.
"I guess it's time to get up love. "I said.
"I guess it is." she grinned. With that, we both got dressed and headed downstairs. Alice was right. Emmett was consuming everything in sight. I always wondered where he put it all, but I usually always got my answer when on Sundays we have a specific designated hour for the bathroom called "Emmett's release." We all leave the house on that day, not a pretty sight.
We all settled under the tree and began opening presents. I had received a composition notebook from my parents, some clothes she deemed perfect for me. Rose gave me a gift certificate to get my car cleaned and reupholstered. Jasper had given me a new watch and Emmett being the dummy he was gave me a book called "How to get laid." which caused Bella and mine's faces to flush. Soon Bella began passing gifts around. She treated Alice and Rose to a retreat in Hawaii, and she gave us guys an envelope. We all looked at her curiously.
"Well open already." Bella huffed. I chuckled at her and opened it. I let in a ragged breath. Super Bowl tickets. I grinned broadly and we all but nearly tackled the love of my life.
"I love it!" We all cheered.
"Well what is it?" Rose asked.
"Box tickets to the Super bowl. Jesus Bells, they were sold out. How did you even get these?" I ask gasping mouthfuls of air in excitement.
"Phil had some old friends." She answered.
"But didn't Phil play baseball?" Jasper asked. We all looked at her waiting on an answer."Hey he had many friends." Bella laughed. Again, her beautiful laugh echoed off the walls. One by one we hugged her, leaving me to hold on to her the longest.
"I'm so pumped I cannot wait." Carlisle laughed. I laughed at loud when Mom muttered how men were with their football. She had no room to talk. She was just as bad as we were. She never missed Sunday night football.
Everyone had given Bella their gifts, and I was mentally pacing anxiously. I desperately hoped she liked it. Nervously I handed the box over to her. She looked at me curiously and she silently unwrapped the box to reveal her gift. It was a heart pendant I saw at Tiffany's and I instantly knew it was perfect for her. Her hands began shaking and tears welled in her eyes. I was afraid she wasn't going to like it. She gazed at me and her face broke out into a beautiful smile.
"I love it." She grinned. She raised her hair for access, and I closed the clasp around her neck. It looked beautiful against her flawless skin. I pulled her close and whispered in her ear.
"Now you can know for sure my heart belongs to you." She shivered and laid her head back against me. Everyone was beginning to clean up, when Bella jumped off my lap and headed towards the closet. I was wondering what in the hell she was doing when she brought out a huge box like shape and laid it in front of me.
"Bella what is this?" I asked. The tickets were more than enough.
"Well you will never know if you don't open it." Bella said. She was chewing on her bottom lip anxiously.
I removed the wrapping paper and revealed a huge black case. It couldn't be. I thought to myself. I slowly open it and my eyes grew on the beauty in front of me. It was a black Jimmy Page electric guitar. It had gold trimming and even had my name spelled out in elegant gold printed letters. I looked at her, her face emotionless waiting for me to say something.
"How-.. How did you know?" he breathed, his emerald eyes blazing.
"I didn't." She answered.
I was in awe. What did I deserve to get such a wonderful gift like this? I walked over to her and pulled her up off the couch. I wanted to talk to her in private.
"That was one of the most thoughtful gifts I ever received. Thank you. I don't know what I would do without you." I breathed inhaling her heavenly aroma.
"I know. Absolutely nothing." She beamed at me."I agree. I would die if you didn't exist. I love you so much." I whispered. Bella looked deep in thought until she whispered in my ear.
"I love you too." My breathing paused and I gasped out a gush of air I did not know I was holding.
"You love me?" I asked in a hoarse tone. She happily nodded her head and said those beautiful words once more.
"I love you Edward Cullen." That was all it took until my lips came crashing down on hers. This kiss was so much different than our others. This kiss was sweet and passionate, our lips molding together as we each poured our souls outs. We both pulled away, gasping for air. I leaned down and pressed my forehead against hers. She grasped onto my shirt and pulled me closer.
You don't know how long I've waited to hear those words." I whispered. I thanked the heavens and whoever else was out there for sending this angel to me. Someone who would love me for me despite my flaws. I was about to kiss her again when she breathed."Well you will never have to wait again." Her words hit me full force and I pressed my lips to hers once more.
It was now New Year's Even and we were in the Big Apple. Bella and I were strolling down the streets looking at various stores around us. We all decide to split up and spend the New Year with the one we loved. Bella and I were going to smack in the center. We soon saw the crowd starting to pull in so I we went up to save our spot. We were there for a while until Bella mentioned that she had to use the bathroom. I offered to follow her afraid that she was going to get loss, when she pointed to a small café directly behind us. She wanted me to save our spot, and she quickly hurried we had about 30 minutes until the ball dropped so I hope that she would make it back in time.
Fifteen minutes in and still no sign of Bella. I was getting anxious. The crowd was in full force and cheering as Anderson Cooper and Kathy Griffin hosted above our heads. I was about to go search for Bella when I felt someone grab my hand. I looked into the eyes of none other than Leah Black.
"Funny seeing you here." She smiled.
"Yeah you too." I said uninterested in the direction of the conversation.
"Are you having fun?" She asked.
"Are you?" I asked in an agitated tone. I still haven't forgotten about that little dinner fiasco a couple months ago."Oh still sour about that I see." She said more as a statement than a question.
"You think?" I said rolling my eyes. I looked at my watch to see we still had 5 minutes.
"Damn it Bella, where are you?" I muttered under my breath.
"Bella?" Leah asked.
"Yes. Bella. My girlfriend." I said through clenched teeth.
"She's a lucky girl." she smiled at me. She obviously could not see I was uninterested. There were two minutes left, and I was panicking. I was afraid she was hurt or even worse. Leah was still standing beside me staring."Don't you have a husband to get to?" I huffed."Maybe. He's someone around here." she winked at me. I shuddered in disgust.
"Look I don't know what your intentions are, but I'm not interested. I am in love with someone else. Now if you don't mind." I said and stepped away from her. There was a minute left and I was frantically looking for her mahogany mane. I could faintly hear my name being called and I prayed that it was Bella. There were now ten seconds left, and I was still looking around anxiously around for her.
"5, 4, 3, 2-" The crowd erupted around me.
"ONE!" the crowded cheered and someone pressed themselves against me. I instantly knew it wasn't Bella. I tried to pull away and when I finally did. I looked down into the cold eyes of Leah Black. I was fuming that she did not understand that I did not want her. My eyes suddenly shifted to the ground where my angel lay. Her eyes held everything I never wanted to see again.
Hurt. Betrayal. She picked herself off the ground and began plowing through the crowds. I could hear her anguished cries as I screamed out her name. I was about to follow her, when Leah grabbed my arm.
"Come on babe she doesn't have to know." She purred. I wretched my arm from hers and looked her dead in the eyes. My expression must have frightened her because she flinched back.
"No thanks I think you did enough." With that, I began running through the crowds, praying that I would find her, and hope she would give me enough time to explain what happened.
This was not the way I intended to bring in the New Year
EPOV
"I'm freezing my ass off over here." I huffed. We were still waiting on Alice and she was god knows where. She was over 25 minutes late; she knew how I liked getting to places on time. At the rate, we will never make it for dinner. To ease my nerves I glanced over at the beautiful girl beside me. She was talking to Emmett, and I admired her from a far. Her flushed face and twinkling brown eyes. She was all mine, I went to wrap my arms around her when we saw Alice's car pull into the driveway.
"Something dangerous this way comes." I muttered into her ear loudly. She visibly shivered but I doubt it was from the cold.
"Hey I heard that!" Alice screeched locking her car door.
"You were supposed to. We have been waiting for almost 30 minutes now. We have a whole a long drive ahead of us. Not to mention it's beginning to snow." I glared at my sister pointing to the sky.
Well I'm here now so stop being a baby." she pushed, glaring back full flare at me.
"You know you don't scare me." I smiled playfully at her. She walked forward and leaned towards my ace. I had to squat down just so she could just reach my face.
"Oh yeah?" Alice smiled evilly.
"Yeah." I laughed, and the next thing I knew, 90 pounds of pure pixie was on my back giving me a wet willy.
"Ew! Al. Get off!" I hollered running back and forth with Alice perched on my back. She wasn't even that heavy, but I loved messing with her.
"Say it." Alice pushed, ruffling up my hair. Why she did it, I do not know. My hair has always been a catastrophe.
"Never!" I laughed, although I knew we would never get there at this rate if we kept playing around.
"Fine, Alice. You are a terrifying little thing. It's disgusting how much I love you." I breathed. Everyone else was still chuckling at our antics.
"Tell me about it." Alice grinned kissing my cheek before jumping off my back. Alice grinned over her shoulder at me, and skipped into Jasper's arms. Rose and Emmett were over by the car talking, and I noticed Bella was looking at me with an amused expression. I put on a fake pout and walked over towards her.
"Love, you were supposed to help me." I said, and I noticed her face flush to that beautiful shade of red."Well babe, what do you want me to do about it? Your sister scares me." I laughed. I did agree to some extent. Alice could be a scary little thing when she didn't get her way.
"Well how about you help me and I'll help you." I proposed.
"And what if I don't need your help." Bella grinned. I wrapped my arms around her and whispered into her ear.
"Oh you will. She's going to corner you one day, and you'll need me." I said Bella sort had a dazed look on her face and I was instantly worried. She kept blinking at me until Alice pulled us from our reverie.
"Hey are you two finished plotting against me now? It's been 10 minutes of you two staring at each other." She smirked.
"What?" Bella had asked.
"Bells, you two dummies have been standing there for the past 10 minutes now. At this rate with all these delays we will never make it to mom and dad's on time." Jasper said.
"Really?" she gasped.
"Yeah and now if you and lover boy are finished. Can we go now?" Alice asked.
"Fine." Bella pouted not wanting to pull away from my grasp. I could help but laugh at her disgruntled expression. I kissed her forehead, and pulled her towards the car.
"Come on love." I smiled and she rolled her eyes at me.
I would say the car ride was horrendous. After Emmett's booming voice nearly destroyed my eardrum, I wanted nothing more than to get out the car. The only thing that even made the car ride bearable was Bella's smile. Her smile could pull me from one of my worst days. I would do anything to see her smile and her flushed face. I made a vow to myself that I would do anything to see her smile, and I would be mortified with myself if I did anything to pull that smile off her face.
We had soon arrived at my Parents house. Dad was still at work, so only Mom was home. She welcomed us warmly.
"There's my sweet boy." Mom said kissing my cheek.
"Missed you too Mom." I smiled. The guys and I went to put the bags up in our rooms. Rosalie trailed behind Emmett so those two could do whatever they do, while I overheard Alice pester Bella about her Christmas present. I had been thinking about this all day, and I really hoped that she would say yes. I came down the stairs just as Jasper was carrying a giggling Alice up. I smiled humorously at them and stopped at the base of the stairs. Bella was just turning towards the guest room when I called her name.
I could not help but fidget. I felt like I was shitting bullets just to ask her one single question. She raised a questioning eyebrow at me waiting for me to continue.
"Uh Bella?" I asked.
"Yeah?" She said timidly at me.
"I was wondering if you wouldn't mind sharing my bed with me." I asked. She looked a little startled at me until I realized what I had said. That definitely was not what I had meant. I had to hurry up and backtrack.
"Uh- no! That is not what I meant. Would you mind sharing my room with me? I promise to keep my hands to myself! I promise. Scout's honor." I gasped quickly raising my right hand. She burst out laughing and I looked at her confused. After she composed herself, she smiled beautifully at me.
"I would love to share a room with you. But I swear if you knock me off the bed again, your ass is mine." Bella glared. She was so cute trying to be angry. It was like a little kitten trying to be a tiger.
"I'll have your word on it." I smiled. I grabbed her closer and pulled her lips to mine.
Her taste was so sweet. I couldn't get enough. I moaned into her mouth and pulled her closer if even possible. I heard a throat clear from behind us and we broke apart. Bella quickly turned around and flushed. I looked up into the warm eyes of my mother in the doorway. Bella pressed her face onto my shoulder. My chest shook in silent laughter. Bella grimaced and smacked me in the chest, her flushed face still against my chest.
"Don't worry Bella, Carlisle and I did more than that in our day." Mom laughed, wiggling her eyebrows suggestively.
"Ew Mom! Gross. I did not want to know what you and the doctor did before we came along." I shuddered. That was forbidden territory. I mean who wants to hear about their parents' sex lives.
"Silly boy." Mom smiled at me. Bella must have been over her embarrassment because she slowly lifted her face. I smiled down at her. Mom looked at us with awe in her eyes.
"Go on you two. Your father should be home soon, and dinner will be ready in an hour. Why don't you go upstairs to freshen up?" Mom smiled shooing us.
"Yeah we should. Come on lover boy." Bella grinned at me, and I swore my heart skipped a beat. She grabbed my hand and pulled me towards the stairs.
We headed towards my room and I wrapped my arms behind her. She was so warm, and the heavily soothing scent of strawberries and freesia consumed me. I laid my head on her shoulder and we swayed back and forth. A dance to our own rapid heartbeats. I gestured for her to take a shower. I kissed her once more before grabbing my own clothes to take a shower in the guest bathroom.
After taking a quick shower, I changed and headed towards the dining area .Emmett and Bella were still missing so I sat down beside Alice.
"Where's Em?" I asked curious."Oh he went to go get your girlfriend. He insists on eating now and pulled us all from our rooms. Mom won't let us eat until everyone's down." Jasper said."Leave it to Emmett." I laughed rolling my eyes.
"Hey leave my monkey man alone." Rose huffed.
"Monkey man?" Jasper asked.
"Yeah. When we play Tarzan and Jane I call him my monkey man." Rose smiled.
"Gross Rose. I really don't want to hear about my sister's sexual escapades." Jasper grimaced.
"Well you asked." Rosalie shrugged.
"Yeah. Remind me to never ask you questions again." Jasper told her. I laughed and Emmett bounded into the room with a laughing Bella thrown over his shoulder. She was swatting at him, and I grimaced worried that he would drop her. With a loud chuckle, he dropped Bella unto my lap. I laughed at her flushed face, and kissed her against her temple.
Well it is about time. Bella for a second there I thought you were trying to seduce my monkey man away from me." Rose said.
"Ew, first off it's Emmett. He's practically my brother. Even if he wasn't I would never do that too you, because I love you too much." Bella grinned, and everyone mocked awed. I smiled to myself. I knew Bella could never love Emmett in that way. I rubbed my nose along her jaw line and she shivered.
"Aww…That's so sweet but look at me I'm hot as hell." Emmett beamed.
"Emmett language!" Mom pushed.
"Sorry mommy. Just look at me though. The muscles and the dimples for crying out loud." Emmett laughed. Well he was surely full of it. I never saw what girls found in Em. Then again, I am not a member of the opposite sex, so I wouldn't know.
"Well someone apparently has a big head." Alice laughed.
"No I don't pix. In addition, most importantly the blue eyes. My Rosie said that they are the best she's ever seen." Emmett said proudly.
"Well duh! She loves you, so of course they are the best she has ever seen. Besides, I am a sucker for green eyes if you catch my drift. "Bella added smiling down at me.
"Well who in the hell has green eyes!" Emmett asked. Boy, my brother could be so stupid. Really, after being around me for over 10 freaking years now he would notice that my eyes were green."Me dumbass!" I laughed. I swear Emmett has book sense but no common sense. Why rose put up with it is beyond me."Edward!" Mom said.
"Sorry. Still, how can you not know I have green eyes? Rose even has them for crying out loud." I said stating the obvious. Hello twins over here.
"Well excuse me for not noticing." Emmett laughed.
"So wait, does this mean you never noticed my eyes?" Rose said angrily towards him. Well Emmett just dug himself into a huge hole.
"Ooh you're in trouble!" Jasper and I chuckled.
"Well babe it's not like I didn't notice them, I just never really paid attention to them." Emmett said.
"Stupid." Alice muttered loudly to Bella. She had to cover her mouth to hide her laughter. Mom had to lean on the counter for support to stifle her own laughter.
"And what is it that you do pay attention to then?" Rosalie growled.
"Uh?" Emmett said.
"Well, you have all night to think about it in the guest room." Rose said folding her arms across her chest.
"Isn't that Bella's room?" Emmett asked."It was, but now its yours." Rose glared.
"I can't just put her out like that." Emmett pushed.
"Oh no worry Em. I am staying in Edward's room." Bella quickly said. Everyone's gazes fell upon the two of us. Bella flushed and leaned back against me. I lifted her off my lap and settled her into the seat to the opposite of Alice and I. Dad soon arrived and greeted us hello. He grabbed mom, and pulled her into a passionate kiss. Mom moaned into his mouth. Uh hello, children still in the room here. Alice's voice interrupted their little rendezvous.
Eww, if you don't mind Daddy, I would really like the mortifying images that are now popping into my head to stay at bay please?" Alice shuddered.
"How is my Ally-bug?" He grinned kissing her forehead."Just fine without all the mental images thank you." she cheered. I nodded my head in agreement. No one and I mean no one wants to see their parents like that.
Dinner was delicious. Mom made her prized pot roast, and I nearly matched Emmett with my consumption of food. By time, dinner was over. I was stuffed. Bella looked tired herself. I grabbed Bella bridal style and carried her to my room. Bella had changed into her pajamas. A cute turquoise camisole with boy shorts. I definitely got an eyeful of her creamy pale legs. Her hair was in a messy bun at the top of her head giving me a lovely view of her long neck. I had to lean against a wall just to support myself. She was going to be the death of me. After changing and brushing my teeth, I sauntered back into the room. Bella was on her back on the bed with one of pillows pressed against her face. I could hear a faint noise, and I realized she was smelling my pillow. Most people would be creeped out by it, but I couldn't blame her. There were a many days when I would inhale her scent off various objects she touched.
I sat on the edge of the bed, and she must have felt it shift. She pulled the pillow away from her face and I looked at her with an amused grin.
"What?" Bella blushed at me.
"Did you actually smell my pillow?" I asked. She must have realized she was caught, because she pressed the pillow back against her face.
"Don't hide from me love." I begged. I lifted up the pillow and looked down into those chocolate colored eyes. She smacked my chest, and I barely even felt it.
"Stop that." Bella squeaked.
"Stop what?" I asked smugly."Stop dazzling me like that. It's not fair." Bella pouted at me. I wanted nothing more than to press those luscious lips to mine, but I was having so much fun."I dazzle you?" I asked dumbly. Girls often told me how I mesmerized them with my "Panty dropping eyes." Their words not mine, although the outcome always led to the same.
"Damn it Edward! Yes, you dazzle me quite frequently. Happy now?" Bella huffed at me.
"I'm only happy when you're around." I smiled kissing her lips. The faint taste of toothpaste against her lips.
"You're such a marshmallow Edward." Bella laughed. I fawned hurt.
"Oh, so now I'm a softy eh?" I teased.
"Maybe." she grinned evilly at me.
"Love nothing about this is soft." I said. I then lifted up my tank and pressed her hands against my chest. I worked out 3 days of the week, and had an accomplished six-pack.
"You got that right." Bella mumbled quickly pressing her lips against mine. I know Bella said she wanted to take things slow but she was testing my limits. I groaned into her mouth, Bella had straddled my lap and we were kissing each other feverishly. I was just started to grab Bella's ass when the cock-blocking pixie bounded into the room.
"Mary Alice Cullen! Ever heard of knocking?" Bella screeched frustrated. She wanted it just as bad as I did.
"Yeah, but this is much more fun. Now go to sleep you two. We have a lot of prepping to do tomorrow." Alice grinned at us.
"Al, seriously?" I huffed. Bella looked a little startled at my outburst. She realized she was straddling me and quickly rolled off. I groaned at the loss of contact.
"Is that all?" I breathed through clenched teeth at my annoying sister.
"No, but Edward get rid of the wood, that is definitely something I don't want to see." Alice laughed. I looked down, and sure enough. I grabbed my pillow and covered myself. Alice just laughed and strolled out of the room.
"Well if that wasn't embarrassing." I mumbled mortified. My sister has just caught me hard."You'll get over it Lover boy, now lets get some sleep." My angel said kissing me. Bella pressed he head against my chest and I closed my eyes. Bella's delicate fingers began raking through my hair, and I groaned at the touch. Her fingers were so soothing; I felt a deep rumble in my chest. I was astounded at myself. I Edward Cullen just purred. I opened one eye to see Bella with her eyes closed a smile played upon her lips. I closed my eyes once more and let her soothing hands take me away.
"Dude come on. Let's get go before Alice comes to annihilates us." Jasper said to Emmett. We were sitting on the living room couch playing on the wii. Alice had laid out our clothes for us. I was still disgruntled at her, when I woke up this morning to an empty bed. All I had left was her pillow, in which I inhaled her heavenly scent. We were all dressed when Dad came down and told us Mom and the girls were coming down. Apparently for some big "entrance". Honestly, I could care less about an entrance. All I wanted to see was my Bella.
Mom came down looking more radiant than ever. Next came down Rose, in which Emmett "fainted" earning some useful amount of descriptive words from Rose. Alice practically bounced down the stairs into Jasper's arms. I knew there was only one person left. I felt my breath catch as soon as she descended the stairs. Words could not even describe how beautiful she looked. She was dressed in a flowing black gown with her hair pinned to the side flowing in soft waves. My eyes quickly drew to her face. Her dark makeup making her eyes sparkle, and those ruby red lips. God help those lips looked so full and delicious, I wanted nothing more than to taste their sweet nectar. I quickly went to her and kissed her hand.
"You look ravishing love." I grinned. Bella blushed from my compliment. I was about to press a kiss to her lips when Alice screeched."Bella if you even smudge that lipstick." She pouted. Jesus… my sister had been on a roll lately. Always interfering when you least expected. I was about to say something when Bella spoke up.
"Okay what's the point of me wearing it if I can't kiss my boyfriend?" She asked. I smiled smug at my sister.
"Fine, but you better fix it." she huffed. Jasper just chuckled and pulled her towards him.
"Now where were we?" I grinned.
"We were right about here." Bella smiled pressing my lips to hers. I smiled against her lips when Emmett interrupted us. I sighed and took a deep breath.
"Now if you don't mind. Some of us are starving here." Emmett boomed, causing Rose to smack him in the chest.
"Is that all you think about you big oaf?" Rose asked him.
"No, most of the time I think about you?" Emmett grinned."Most of the time?" Rosalie questioned, raising her eyebrow at him.
"Wait babe that didn't come out right. I think about you all the time." Emmett quickly said."Yeah, whatever." Rose shrugged walking over to the door."Aw man. I guess another night in the guest bedroom." Emmett pouted. I bust out laughing. Lately it seemed like everything Emmett did he still ended up in the doghouse.
"What are you laughing at Eddie? I always knew red was your color." Emmett laughed. I looked at him in confusion until I realized what he meant. I tried to get it off but failed miserably. Bella gazed up at me and used her thumb to wipe the smeared lipstick off my lips. I felt my eyes darken in lust by her touch, and looked at her again. Jasper had to pull us apart because I was about to jump her in a mere second. I don't really remember the whole conversation with Mr. Volturi about my studies, or the conversation my father held with me at the dinner table. All I could remember was my Bella. I even pawed her onto the dance floor. She was still a little nervous but we danced with ease. I was often used to being the fifth wheel. I never brought any of my hookups to these things because it never lasted long enough to even bring it to this point.
We had soon arrived home clearly exhausted. I was nervous about tomorrow. I had found Bella the perfect Christmas present and hope she liked it. Tomorrow was another worry. I only wanted to relish in what we had now. She raked her hands through my hair once more, and I once again was lulled to sleep by her touch.
"Wake up! It's Christmas!" Alice screeched jumping on our bed. This was definitely how I didn't want to spend my Christmas morning. You think I would be used to it by now, but sadly, I wasn't."Alice." I moaned holding Bella close to me. I did not want to get up yet.
"Wake up Edward!" Alice said.
"No, I want to sleep and snuggle with my Bella in bed, now go away." I huffed. I pulled her closer. I was about to fall asleep again when I felt my sister's lip pecking kisses all over Bella and mine's faces.
"Eww pixie germs." I laughed. Although it was rather gross. I loved my sister so much. Bella's tinkling laugh made my heart swell.
"Gross Al. "Bella laughed wiping her face.
"You know you love me. Come on breakfast downstairs, and you know Emmett." Alice grinned jumping off our bed. I wiped my face with my hand, and grabbed Bella again.
"I guess it's time to get up love. "I said.
"I guess it is." she grinned. With that, we both got dressed and headed downstairs. Alice was right. Emmett was consuming everything in sight. I always wondered where he put it all, but I usually always got my answer when on Sundays we have a specific designated hour for the bathroom called "Emmett's release." We all leave the house on that day, not a pretty sight.
We all settled under the tree and began opening presents. I had received a composition notebook from my parents, some clothes she deemed perfect for me. Rose gave me a gift certificate to get my car cleaned and reupholstered. Jasper had given me a new watch and Emmett being the dummy he was gave me a book called "How to get laid." which caused Bella and mine's faces to flush. Soon Bella began passing gifts around. She treated Alice and Rose to a retreat in Hawaii, and she gave us guys an envelope. We all looked at her curiously.
"Well open already." Bella huffed. I chuckled at her and opened it. I let in a ragged breath. Super Bowl tickets. I grinned broadly and we all but nearly tackled the love of my life.
"I love it!" We all cheered.
"Well what is it?" Rose asked.
"Box tickets to the Super bowl. Jesus Bells, they were sold out. How did you even get these?" I ask gasping mouthfuls of air in excitement.
"Phil had some old friends." She answered.
"But didn't Phil play baseball?" Jasper asked. We all looked at her waiting on an answer."Hey he had many friends." Bella laughed. Again, her beautiful laugh echoed off the walls. One by one we hugged her, leaving me to hold on to her the longest.
"I'm so pumped I cannot wait." Carlisle laughed. I laughed at loud when Mom muttered how men were with their football. She had no room to talk. She was just as bad as we were. She never missed Sunday night football.
Everyone had given Bella their gifts, and I was mentally pacing anxiously. I desperately hoped she liked it. Nervously I handed the box over to her. She looked at me curiously and she silently unwrapped the box to reveal her gift. It was a heart pendant I saw at Tiffany's and I instantly knew it was perfect for her. Her hands began shaking and tears welled in her eyes. I was afraid she wasn't going to like it. She gazed at me and her face broke out into a beautiful smile.
"I love it." She grinned. She raised her hair for access, and I closed the clasp around her neck. It looked beautiful against her flawless skin. I pulled her close and whispered in her ear.
"Now you can know for sure my heart belongs to you." She shivered and laid her head back against me. Everyone was beginning to clean up, when Bella jumped off my lap and headed towards the closet. I was wondering what in the hell she was doing when she brought out a huge box like shape and laid it in front of me.
"Bella what is this?" I asked. The tickets were more than enough.
"Well you will never know if you don't open it." Bella said. She was chewing on her bottom lip anxiously.
I removed the wrapping paper and revealed a huge black case. It couldn't be. I thought to myself. I slowly open it and my eyes grew on the beauty in front of me. It was a black Jimmy Page electric guitar. It had gold trimming and even had my name spelled out in elegant gold printed letters. I looked at her, her face emotionless waiting for me to say something.
"How-.. How did you know?" he breathed, his emerald eyes blazing.
"I didn't." She answered.
I was in awe. What did I deserve to get such a wonderful gift like this? I walked over to her and pulled her up off the couch. I wanted to talk to her in private.
"That was one of the most thoughtful gifts I ever received. Thank you. I don't know what I would do without you." I breathed inhaling her heavenly aroma.
"I know. Absolutely nothing." She beamed at me."I agree. I would die if you didn't exist. I love you so much." I whispered. Bella looked deep in thought until she whispered in my ear.
"I love you too." My breathing paused and I gasped out a gush of air I did not know I was holding.
"You love me?" I asked in a hoarse tone. She happily nodded her head and said those beautiful words once more.
"I love you Edward Cullen." That was all it took until my lips came crashing down on hers. This kiss was so much different than our others. This kiss was sweet and passionate, our lips molding together as we each poured our souls outs. We both pulled away, gasping for air. I leaned down and pressed my forehead against hers. She grasped onto my shirt and pulled me closer.
You don't know how long I've waited to hear those words." I whispered. I thanked the heavens and whoever else was out there for sending this angel to me. Someone who would love me for me despite my flaws. I was about to kiss her again when she breathed."Well you will never have to wait again." Her words hit me full force and I pressed my lips to hers once more.
It was now New Year's Even and we were in the Big Apple. Bella and I were strolling down the streets looking at various stores around us. We all decide to split up and spend the New Year with the one we loved. Bella and I were going to smack in the center. We soon saw the crowd starting to pull in so I we went up to save our spot. We were there for a while until Bella mentioned that she had to use the bathroom. I offered to follow her afraid that she was going to get loss, when she pointed to a small café directly behind us. She wanted me to save our spot, and she quickly hurried we had about 30 minutes until the ball dropped so I hope that she would make it back in time.
Fifteen minutes in and still no sign of Bella. I was getting anxious. The crowd was in full force and cheering as Anderson Cooper and Kathy Griffin hosted above our heads. I was about to go search for Bella when I felt someone grab my hand. I looked into the eyes of none other than Leah Black.
"Funny seeing you here." She smiled.
"Yeah you too." I said uninterested in the direction of the conversation.
"Are you having fun?" She asked.
"Are you?" I asked in an agitated tone. I still haven't forgotten about that little dinner fiasco a couple months ago."Oh still sour about that I see." She said more as a statement than a question.
"You think?" I said rolling my eyes. I looked at my watch to see we still had 5 minutes.
"Damn it Bella, where are you?" I muttered under my breath.
"Bella?" Leah asked.
"Yes. Bella. My girlfriend." I said through clenched teeth.
"She's a lucky girl." she smiled at me. She obviously could not see I was uninterested. There were two minutes left, and I was panicking. I was afraid she was hurt or even worse. Leah was still standing beside me staring."Don't you have a husband to get to?" I huffed."Maybe. He's someone around here." she winked at me. I shuddered in disgust.
"Look I don't know what your intentions are, but I'm not interested. I am in love with someone else. Now if you don't mind." I said and stepped away from her. There was a minute left and I was frantically looking for her mahogany mane. I could faintly hear my name being called and I prayed that it was Bella. There were now ten seconds left, and I was still looking around anxiously around for her.
"5, 4, 3, 2-" The crowd erupted around me.
"ONE!" the crowded cheered and someone pressed themselves against me. I instantly knew it wasn't Bella. I tried to pull away and when I finally did. I looked down into the cold eyes of Leah Black. I was fuming that she did not understand that I did not want her. My eyes suddenly shifted to the ground where my angel lay. Her eyes held everything I never wanted to see again.
Hurt. Betrayal. She picked herself off the ground and began plowing through the crowds. I could hear her anguished cries as I screamed out her name. I was about to follow her, when Leah grabbed my arm.
"Come on babe she doesn't have to know." She purred. I wretched my arm from hers and looked her dead in the eyes. My expression must have frightened her because she flinched back.
"No thanks I think you did enough." With that, I began running through the crowds, praying that I would find her, and hope she would give me enough time to explain what happened.
This was not the way I intended to bring in the New Year
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