"This isn't necessary," I grumbled.
"Bella, this isn't up for discussion"
"They will probably kill me themselves out of boredom." I tried to convince him one last time.
Edward looked at me in exasperation—I have to admit that wasn't a smart argument. But staying at his place with his siblings this weekend wasn't something I was looking out for. I knew it was dangerous for me to be alone. Victoria was still out there.
Looking for me.
I shuddered. Thinking back to that day in the meadow, when Laurent told me what she would do to me—
"Bella you have it all wrong." Edward said, bringing my attention back to him. His eyes gazing deeply into mine—making me lose myself in them. They were dark brown, almost black. He hadn't hunted in a while, but it didn't make his eyes any less beautiful. His face was close to mine. He was all I could see. All I could think of. His scent was intoxicating, something I couldn't get enough of.
"You promise not to give them a bad time?" He whispered, his words were coated in sweetness.
"Hmm—hm." I answered, not really knowing what the question was exactly—I would give him anything right know without thinking twice about it. His face came closer. His eyes were still holding mine captive. His lips brushed mine softly. To soon the connection broke, but I wanted more. It felt like his lips coaxed mine to follow. So I did. A kiss like that should never end. Sadly it did after I felt cold hands on my face—they gently held it, while taking his lips away from mine.
Edward looked at me in satisfaction. Only then I realized what he did.
"You did that on purpose!" I accused, while still shaking of the dizzy spell.
"Did what on purpose?" I could hear the amusement in his voice.
"You—you kissed me—"
"I'm sorry love, I won't kiss you again, if that makes you happy." He said, trying to sound innocent.
"No! That is not what I meant," I moaned.
I sighed.
"You dazzled me into agreeing with you"
He stroked my cheek. Tilting my chin up so I was looking at him again. His icy breath fanned over my face. The frustration ebbed away and I began to feel weightless again. He was like my drug, taking me somewhere high. Floating in my own shoes, feeling weightless and spaced out. There was nothing I could think of in these moments except him.
The hard slam of the front door shook me out of it. He looked away from me annoyed—probably because the noise snapped me out of his bewitchment.
"You play dirty," I said while stepping away from him.
"And I almost got away with it." He murmured absently.
I turned away from him frustrated—mainly with myself for falling twice for his dazzling vampire-self. Fool me once shame on you, fool me twice shame on me. I started packing again, after all I was still going to his house for the weekend. Unfortunately he had to hunt and normally Alice would stay, but this time she went to. So did Esme and Carlisle. That left me alone with Emmett, Rosalie and Jasper.
It's not that I didn't like them. They were great, but I'm sure they had better things to do than watch a human. I already how it was going to be this weekend. Emmet will tease me a lot, being as clumsy and falling over air was apparently very amusing. Rosalie was nicer after the incident in Italy—she didn't shoot daggers at me anymore with her eyes, but a friendly conversation was something I shouldn't count on yet. She tolerated me and that went as far as staying, after I entered the same room she was in. Lastly there was Jasper. I have never even spoken to him without someone else in the room. Of course this was because of safety reasons, but it didn't really made me feel better about it. It made me think that he didn't like me, nor accepted me. I knew that wasn't true—Edward often told me that Jasper did like me—and I told myself that every time he left the room when I entered it.
Cold arms wrapped around me and pulled me against his chest. "Please don't be mad at me," he whispered in my ear. I relaxed against him, letting him know I already forgave him. "I just want you to be safe," he went on. "They will be on their best behavior, I promise. Emmett is actually really eager to spent time with you." He chuckled.
"He just wants to see me being a klutz."
"No, believe me. His exact words were: "I finally get to spent time with my future sister without your boring self being there!" He imitated Emmett's low voice. I giggled. That did sound like Emmett.
"What about Jasper and Rosalie?" I asked, he couldn't convince me that those two wanted to spent time with me. Especially Rosalie. I think she would rather dye her hair purple, than play a game like monopoly with me.
"You really don't see yourself clearly," he sighed. His breath felt cool in my hair and he inhaled my scent. I was still using my strawberry shampoo, because I knew it was his favorite.
"Yeah… that must be it." I mockingly patted his chest.
Before I knew it happened, I was spun around and laid down on my back, with him on top of me. His eyes were fixed on me like a predator would be on his prey. His hands pinning down my wrists, which resembled much like iron chains. His chest vibrated every time he made a soft growling noise. My heart was beating fast, but I knew he was only playing.
"Want to repeat that?" He growled playfully.
I giggled, when he bit my ear softly.
"Maybe it's good that you're going hunting for three days," I said.
"And why is that?" He was still holding up his facade but his voice sounded curious.
"Well, you are often playful when you haven't hunted recently." I said shyly. "Maybe because you haven't let your predator side out in a while." I continued.
He looked thoughtfully.
"That is an interesting theory," he mumbled.
"Can I continue packing my clothes now?"
He just laughed.
I struggled underneath him, trying to worm my way out of his grasp. It didn't really get me anywhere—he possessed more strength in his pinky than I had in my whole body. I quit trying to get out and just stared at him. "Having some trouble?" He looked amused.
I stuck my tongue out.
He let me up and sat down in my rocking chair. I finished packing my back. I made sure I had enough books with me and my homework. So I don't have to stare out the window out of boredom. "done," I murmured.
Edward suddenly stood in front of me. "I have to go, Charlie is coming upstairs in a minute." He said, kissing my forehead. "Oh, alright. Will I see you tonight before you leave?" I asked. He nodded and kissed once more before flashing out of the window.
The floorboards in front of my bedroom door creaked and Charlie stuck his head inside. "Hi, Bells. How was school?" boring. "It was great." I answered. I saw him looking at my back. "You already finished packing." Of course, Charlie was told that Alice was the one that I was having a sleep over with. He would not be okay with me sleeping with Edward. He still had not forgiven him for leaving me. But he slowly started to accept that he was a part of my life now.
"Yes. Uhm dad? If you're hungry, I made some dinner."
"Thanks Bells, but are you not hungry? Do you feel sick? You should stay home if you don't feel well" He said.
Still not over it.
"No I already ate, I was hungry." I said sheepishly
"Oh, okay then." He backed off.
"I'm just going to take a shower before I leave." I ended the conversation.
"Sure... well I see you before you leave, right?" He asked and started walking down the stairs.
"Of course, dad" I grabbed some towels and went into the bathroom.
I stripped down and turned the shower on. The water made my muscles loose and I completely relaxed. It even made me forget that I was in for a dreadful long weekend. After showering I checked if I got any new emails from my mom. Then I tidied up my room, which wasn't messy at all. Well that was everything I could do to procrastinate going to the Cullens. I grabbed my bag and put on my jacket. Before slamming the door shut I yelled "Bye" to Charlie. I pulled on my hood, because it was slightly drizzling outside and made my way to my truck.
The path to their house was easier to find each time I went there. I parked my car next to the house and got out. I skipped up the steps in front of the house and opened the door. I imagine them being vampires doesn't make them afraid of robbers getting in their house without them knowing. I was still amazed with how big and open their house was. So many walls where completely made of glass. And all the furniture was stark and fitting with the walls and paintings. The Cullens are very modern vampires. They all loved the newest technology. Emmett had thousand games, but looked all the same to me. They all involved violence. Jasper loved his new laptop, which he got for his birthday from Alice. And Edward had an endless choice of songs on his iPod.
I walked into the living room and saw Alice and Jasper being very… intimate. Alice sat on Jasper's lap, they weren't kissing, but they might as well have been. The staring into each other's eyes was just as intimate.
"Oh… Uhm, hi guys." I stammered.
Alice looked away from Jasper and shot me a grin. "Hi, Bella! Sorry I didn't hear you coming. Normally you trip over something to make yourself known." She giggled a little.
"I've been practicing my walking for eighteen years now, I'm glad it finally paid off." I joked.
"That's great! Maybe you can try something different than sneakers next time." She said with an mischievous smile.
Oh no. I could already see a plan forming in her head for the next time she could take me shopping. The last time was only two weeks ago. "Alice, we went shopping two weeks ago! There is no way I can even wear all the clothes you keep buying for me, if you continue to shop every week." I protested.
"Bella, you can never have enough clothes," she said with a serious face.
I sighed. Behind Alice stood a very amused Jasper. Certainly he found Alice being persistent very endearing. I shot him an annoyed look. He never even attempts to help me from being Barbie Bella and he was the only one who could distract her. The only one who stood on my side was Esme, sometimes she sees me being tortured and asks if I want anything to eat. I always nod eagerly even though I am not hungry. Anything to escape Alice clutches.
"Hi Bella," he said cheerfully and ignored my annoyed look completely. I felt my mood switch quickly from irritated to joyous. He was changing my emotions. I always wonder why he does that. Was it for my benefit or his? Maybe if I get a chance to talk to him alone this weekend I'll ask him.
"Hi, do you know where Edward is?"
"He is upstairs." He answered.
"Ok, I'll see you guys in a bit," I said and turned around. Before I could set two steps forward I was blocked by something. Alice. She had moved too fast for my human eyes.
"I think you should stay downstairs with us." She said innocently.
"Why?"
She giggled.
"He is not able to see you right now." She replied.
What? I turned around to Jasper and he was wearing the same smirk as Alice. What the heck? Before I could ask another question Alice grabbed my arm and towed me to the couch.
"What do you want to watch?" She had a TV remote in her hand and began zapping through channels. Jasper made himself comfy on the chair next to the couch.
"Uhm, Alice? Why can't I just go upstairs to see Edward? What did you mean by: "He is not able to see me right now?" I asked.
She turned her eyes from the TV and looked at me. "Well if you really need to know… He is showering." Oh. Right. Vampires need to shower too.
"Don't worry, vampires shower quicker than humans do."
"Of course they do," I said under my breath. Was there something they didn't do at the speed of lighting?
"Unless when they have company of course." Alice said while looking at Jasper seductively. I quickly looked away from them and to the TV. There was some lame drama series on.
Cold hands obscured my sight. I smiled. I would recognize those hands anywhere.
"Hello love," Edward whispered in my ear. I shuddered from the cold air that was being breathed in my ear. The hands disappeared but I still couldn't see, there were colored spots in my sight and after a couple seconds of blinking they disappeared. Edward's face was a couple inches away and his hand stroke my cheek lovingly. I looked at his hair. It wasn't wet.
"Is that also a vampire thing?" I asked.
"What do you mean?" He tilted his head a little.
"Having dry hair instantly after a shower." I replied.
He laughed and placed me on his lap. The movement was quick, too quick for a normal human to do. He always carried me like I was an empty box. Edward once told me that my weight was nothing to him. Like he was indeed carrying an empty box. He was still laughing and I felt the vibration through is chest.
"No Bella, but vampires can use hairdryers too." He answered when he finally stopped with laughing. I have to admit sometimes my questions where pretty stupid, but I know he doesn't always tell me everything that comes with being a vampire.
"When are you guys leaving?"
"Now," Alice was the one who answered. She was skipping away, towing Jasper with her. When I looked behind me I saw the rest of the Cullens descending down the stairs. Esme, Carlisle, Rosalie and Emmett. Even though the last two weren't going, they obviously still wanted to say goodbye to the others. Esme, Carlisle, Alice and Edward are all going north, were the 'big game' is. Bears and mountain lions are the main course I believe. Edward grabbed my hand and we made our way outside. Carlisle's car stood outside, since they were only going with four they didn't need two cars. I threw my arms around Edwards neck.
"I am going to miss you." I whispered.
"I'm going to miss you more," he repeated. He pulled me closer and kissed me. Much too soon he pulled away from the kiss and looked behind me.
"Remember what I told you. If I find one hair on Bella's head harme—"
"Then you will kill us all. We got the message the first time Edward." Replied Emmett.
"I mean it Emmett! No endangering Bella. She already gets herself in enough trouble as it is. I don't want you guys to make it worse by getting her involved with your crazy ideas." Edward said sternly.
I wanted to object at the part: "she already gets herself in enough trouble as it is" but Emmett had his own come back ready.
"Don't be a Debby downer Edward. We are just going to do normal human activities, right Bella?" Emmett shot me a wink.
"Euh—yeah… I guess," I felt my cheeks getting red. Why does he have to make me so uncomfortable all the time? I looked down and let my hair cover my face.
"See! Bella wants to spend time with us too!"
Edward scoffed and looked down at me. His hand tilted my chin so now I was looking him in the eyes. "Call me if they do anything…" His sentence trailed off.
"Don't worry about me. I'll be probably hiding out in your room and listen to music." I reassured him.
"Hm—hmm" He leant forward and kissed my forehead.
"Bye love, be safe." He whispered, before getting in the car with Alice, who just finished saying goodbye to Jasper. Carlisle and Esme waved at us and got in the car too. I waved until I couldn't see the car anymore.
Before I could turn around I was embraced from behind and carried inside by two very buff arms.
Emmett.
"Really? Emmett, I may not be vampire-y fast like you, but I can still walk." I grunted. His arms were really tight, almost to the point that I had trouble breathing.
"But what's the fun in that? Besides, Edward told me that when he comes back and finds you have the tiniest injury, we will regret it for the rest of our lives." He said it like he was more amused by it than threatened.
"What has that to with me not walking like every normal human?" I complained.
"Bella, you are not a 'normal' human. Normal humans don't spend their time with vampires and secondly, you are so clumsy that you probably would have tripped on the way here." He sat me down on the kitchen counter.
I looked around confused. "What are we doing in the kitchen?" I asked.
"Well, Edward told us that humans have to eat more frequently, so what do you want to eat?" He asked eagerly. I made a face. He was taking babysitting Bella to literally. I can feed myself just fine.
"Firstly Its nine pm, I already had dinner. Secondly, I am capable in feeding myself Emmett." I said and made move to get of the counter.
Emmett's hand reached out and slid me back in my previous place. I looked up, he studied my face. Is he thinking that I just lied? Oh my god. He really takes his job serious.
"hm—hmm, are you sure? I don't remember much from my human years and definitely not what or when I ate…" He pondered on it
"Well, while you chew on that, I am going to watch a movie or something." I slid to the side and jumped down without injuring myself. Maybe hanging around graceful vampires has made me a little less clumsy. Don't count on it, said a voice in my head. I didn't hear his footsteps behind me but I saw Emmett's shadow on the wall following me. I was still getting used to that. How could someone so big, be so quiet? Jasper sat in the living room on the couch with a game controller in his hand. Rosalie was sitting in a chair reading some fashion magazine.
I sat down on the couch, but let a few feet separate me and Jasper. I didn't want to make him uncomfortable. Even though he has hunted recently, my presence could still make his throat feel like a barbeque. This was the main reason why he voted yes to me becoming a vampire.
Emmett sat down between us and picked up another controller and joined Jasper in the game. I think it was called "Call of Duty" or something. I didn't really remember but all their games looked the same. This time I watched with little more interest than normally, because normally I was sitting with Edward.
They were playing against others, and both were on a different team. Jasper was red and Emmett blue. They both had amazing technique. Jasper was more stealthy and quickly in killing of his opponents one by one. Emmett chose a more up front meeting and slayed his by passers before they could even draw their gun. Sometimes it was hard to choose which screen to follow. Soon it was over and Jasper's team won by six more kills.
"You only won because I didn't play the whole game." Emmet claimed.
"Right keep telling yourself that." Jasper laughed.
I sniggered. Sometimes it was just amusing to see those two compete with each other.
"Want to bet on it? Next round I will show you what defeat feels like." He sounded really sure of himself.
"Game on! What are we betting on?" asked Jasper.
"Uhm… we can't do that thing we did last time. Esme still hasn't forgiven us for destroying the toilet." Emmett said with a grimace.
I was kind of curious what they did last time, but decided that maybe I was better of knowing. Whatever they did it made Esme really angry and she doesn't get angry fast.
"No, we better not do that again." Jasper agreed.
"What do you think Bella? What should the loser do?" Emmett turned to me.
I was really thrown off by that. He wanted my suggestion?
"Didn't you guy used to bet with money?" I asked.
"Yes, but that gets boring after a while. Especially if you already have a lot of it." Jasper explained.
"Oh, right. Uhm—what about food?" I questioned.
"Food?" Jasper's face scrunched up.
"Yes, like the loser will have to eat something." I said. That would motivate them really well. I knew how disgusting human food was for them. They even had to throw it up later.
"I think it is gross, therefore great! I can't wait to see your face while you force nasty human food down your throat." Emmett managed to sound excited and evil at the same time.
"You are going down Mccarthy!" was Jasper's answer.
And they were at it again. After ten minutes the game ended and it was a tight competition, nevertheless Jasper won with three more kills.
"Oh. My. God. I lost!" Emmett whined.
Jasper and I where both laughing at his expense. "Yes you did, you know what that means?" Jasper said with a sinister smile.
"No! Please don't make me eat human food. That is disgusting!" He pleaded.
"Idiot" Rosalie said, keeping her eyes to her magazine.
"Rosie! You're on my side right?" He sounded hopeful.
"You are not getting out of this Emmett. A deal is a deal. Now be a man and come with us to the kitchen. Or do I have to drag you?"
"Fine. Let's get this over with."
All of us except Rosalie walked to the kitchen. I took a seat on the counter and looked at Jasper. He looked around thoughtfully, clearly he didn't come here very often. Emmett looked just as clueless and hopeful. It was almost more sad than funny. I mean which person on earth doesn't know where the food is in the kitchen. I should help them a bit.
"Maybe you should try the fridge?" I teased. They both looked my way, one of them grateful and the other… not so much.
"Thanks Bella!" Jasper said and opened the fridge.
"Yeah, thank you so much Bella." Emmett repeated only this time I could hear the clear sarcasm in the thank you.
"Just happy to help." I looked at him innocently.
He growled at me.
And it wasn't as playful as Edward's growl when we were playing around. No this growl was one that could easily scare a grown man. My heart skipped a beat and my eyes widened a little bit. Emmett can be really scary when he wants to be.
"Don't scare the human just because you lost a bet." Jasper said. His head was half in the fridge and his hands where pushing things out of the way. Was he looking for something? Did it even matter what Emmett ate? I thought everything would taste just as disgusting for him.
"It's her fault. She came up with the stupid idea." He grumbled.
"Well you asked for my suggestion, so next time you say yes to a bet like that, you should really ask yourself if your skills are good enough to win." I defended myself.
In a flash he was in front of me. My heart didn't just skip one beat but was thudding fast. His face was just a few inches in front of mine. His face was beautifully terrifying. His arms were holding the cupboards behind me—caging me in.
"Care to repeat that?" his voice suddenly sounded foreign to me. It got a completely different tone than I was used to. Instead of his normal Emmett tone this one sounded scary and luring. Like a real predator. I couldn't even utter a word. My instincts were telling me to run and hide. Not that I would get past him if he didn't want me to.
"Well, would you look at that. She can do something else than just blush. Your face is as pale as a ghost." One of his hands came from the cupboard to my face and stroke my cheek. "Breath Bella," Emmett whispered. "I won't hurt you."
After that I suddenly snapped out of my deer in the headlights moment. I jerked my head to the side, taking my head out of his hold on my chin and glared at him.
"That was not funny!" I exclaimed.
"Yeah it was. Sorry Bella, but Edward always complains to us that you are not afraid of us like you should be." Emmett continued. "I just proved him wrong, but I understand why you never felt scared around my little brother. He can't even scare a mouse off." He laughed at that.
"I wasn't scared, you just caught me of guard." I lied.
"Don't lie Bella, I'm an empath remember? I could feel the fear. Don't worry it is only natural." Jasper said and then added. "If it makes you feel better, a lot of humans get that level of scared by us when we just look at them."
No it didn't make me feel better.
"Whatever," I mumbled.
"Don't be sad Belly bear, I won't do that scary thing again" Emmett said as if talking to a child and spread his arms. Before I could object he was already hugging the life out of me. "Unless you give me a reason to." He growled, playfully this time. His hug was getting painful and I couldn't help the soft whimper that escaped my lips. He quickly let go of me and ruffled my hair before turning to Jasper—who had piled a lot of food on the island counter.
"Ok. Now what should I make Emmett eat?" Jasper said more to himself than us.
"Nothing, because I am your favorite brother." Emmet said.
"Nice try. You're not getting out of this"
Emmett's face fell. After the stunt Emmett pulled on me just a few seconds ago, I wasn't the one who was going to defend him either. He could choke on a banana for all I care.
"Here, I want you to eat this." Jasper held out a chicken leg.
"That's disgusting," I scrunched my nose up.
Did they even know that no one eats chickens raw, because the chance of dying was high? Did they even know anything about human food? I guess being a vampire and eating next to nothing for over a century makes your knowledge on food non existing. Well it wouldn't taste any better to Emmett if it were cooked either. One way or another, he still had to throw it up later.
"You don't eat this?" Emmett asked curiously.
"I do… when its cooked." I replied and then added. "Humans die if they eat chicken raw."
"You can die of this?!" He said doubtful.
"Yes, I can get salmonella."
"Jesus, being a human must be awful. Even a little chicken can kill you." Emmett said.
"Just eat your chicken, Emmett." I said annoyed.
Jasper handed him the chicken leg. He grabbed it like it was a poisonous plant or something. After a deep sign Emmett bit a big chunk out of the uncooked chicken, but immediately spit it back out. He even gagged a little. "This tastes like sticky mud." He stated.
"You have to go again. It doesn't count if you immediately spit it back out." Jasper said, he stood against the counter with his arms crossed over his chest. He was enjoying this.
"I'm gonna get you back so hard for this." Emmett snarled.
I held back a giggle. It was amusing to see Emmett so appalled by human food.
"You are on my hit list too Bella." He glared my way.
"It's worth it," I laughed.
Emmett took another bite— he swallowed it this time without spitting it out after and shuddered like he stood in a snow storm. His face was priceless though. His revenge on Jasper and me would be worth it. I mean what is the worst he could do? Embarrass me? I already do that myself, nothing new there.
"Ok, you can get rid of it now if you want to." Jasper said merciful.
Emmett was gone in a flash.
"That was quick." I blinked.
Jasper shot me a wink. "Don't worry Bella, I'll make sure he won't do anything harmful for his revenge." He sent me a wave of calmness. I suddenly felt a lot more tired. I looked at the clock. eleven pm. It feels like I just got here. Jasper must have felt my tiredness.
"Bedtime?" He teased.
"I guess so, I didn't realize that it was already this late." I mumbled.
"Time goes by fast when you have fun huh?" Jasper smiled. It was true, I had fun. Edward never really lets me get close to Emmett or Jasper when I am here. So I never really got to know them. There was that time in Phoenix when Jasper and Alice had to hide me from James. But that was under different circumstances. Now we didn't really have to worry about a tracker trying to kill me. Well, Victoria was still out there… waiting. But I felt really safe with three vampires protecting me. Jacob and his pack also made it more difficult for her to get a swipe at me.
"I think I'm getting ready for the night." I said after yawning. "Goodnight Jasper."
"Goodnight Bella," He said kindly.
I got of the kitchen counter and made my way out of the kitchen. I passed through the living room where Rosalie still sat, reading a magazine. She didn't even glance my way. I sighed. Would we ever become friends? I stepped on the first step on the staircase. Emmett was walking down, he probably was just done puking. Iew.
"Where are you going Bella bear?"
"It's late, I'm getting ready for bed," I replied.
"Right, because humans need sleep." He said. "Well, good night! Don't let the vampires bite." He joked.
"Har-har, Emmett." I swatted him lightly and climbed the rest of the stairs. I grabbed my bag and did my normal night routine in the bathroom. Brushing my teeth and washing my face. Their bathroom is really spacious and beautiful. The tiles are a dark grey and made of stone. The walls are an off white and there are two sinks which matched the walls. The shower door was completely made of glass and the showerhead was huge! Lastly the bathtub was in an oval shape and the edges came up to my waist. Luxury was something the Cullens were very used to.
I crossed the hall and entered Edwards room, the room I would be sleeping in. The new bed still stood in the center of it. The sheets were golden and were the softest sheets I have ever slept under. No doubt this little investment cost him a huge sum of money. Which irritates me a lot, I hate it when he spends money on me. My pajamas had miraculously disappeared from my bag, instead I found new one lying on the bed. Alice. Who else could it be than the one who constantly wants to dress me in new clothes. At least they weren't made of lace. Pink shorts with a bow on the front to tighten it and a pink lose spaghetti top, which also had a little bow in between the build in bra. It was very cute and definitely something I would never wear. Not that I had a choice this time.
I changed quickly and got between the sheets. The moon was bright enough for me to still see the other furniture. I closed my eyes and slid into my dream world.
