HOME
Edward Cullen smiled at me as I walk through the terminal. I smiled back, relieved to finally coming home to Edward. A month in Jacksonville is enough to drive me crazy. Although Edward and Alice are kind enough to pay a visit to Jacksonville, they can't stay long. Thanks to me and my newfound secret.
"Welcome home Bella" He took me into his arm and kiss me lightly on my lips.
I shuddered as bliss washed my entire body in a cloud. I closed my eyes and look up at Edward only to notice that the whole Cullen is here for me.
"Bella dear," Esme came to me, placing her arm around me and kiss my cheek "we missed you terribly"
"Yeah well, the case is much worst with Edward though" Emmet said, his arm around Rosalie's waist. Rosalie smiled too. I was more blessed than I thought.
I smiled sheepishly.
"Why don't we take the celebration home, where Alice and Jasper waited for you Bella" Carlisle said. Cullen looking youthful as ever standing beside me, putting one arm on my shoulder.
This is home. I said to myself that. Edward and Emmet carried my bags. Carlisle then handed me his cell phone so that I could call Charlie.
I eagerly took the phone. I bet Charlie missed me, and I was right as it didn't take long until somebody answers it. I look around me as Charlie said that he'll be back late tonight and tell me to spend a little more time at the Cullen's.
Edward smiled at me. Flashing my favorite crooked smile as he ushered me into his car.
"I love you too dad," I ended the conversation. I sighed gladly. Glad to be home.
"They were all excited, Alice and Jasper are busy making preparation to celebrate your homecoming" Edward said, soothing the texture of my skin with his palm.
"You guys are bunch of party vampires you know that? I hope it's not something big like my birthday" I said imagining the house's decorative theme this time.
Edward looks stiffed. Pain flickered in his eyes though his face looks expressionless. I felt chagrined. I bet he remember my birthday party very well too. The one that I accidentally gave myself a paper cut causing Jasper losing his control which lead to Edward's decision to break up with me and a three days trip to Italy to meet Vampire royalty. The Volturi
Not a pleasant memory.
"Alice said it would be simple nothing too extravagance" Edward said suddenly when I settled into a hushed all of sudden.
"Nothing too extravagance?" I asked knowing that Alice would very much relish at the thought of throwing a party. In fact the Cullen is all party enthusiasts. I guess being a vampire didn't really give them much opportunity to enjoy human social function.
"Esme cooked roasted lamb for you and was awfully critical about it as we all can't judge how it supposes to taste." he continued ignoring my question.
"Esme cooked? Wow" My eyes filled with tears.
"We all missed you Bella, even Rosalie can't wait to see you" Edward said again. A warm smile flashed his face.
"Well, that is good to hear" I replied. My thoughts couldn't stay in bliss. I have to tell him. I have to let the Cullen know. I wonder how Edward and everyone else would react to that. I have to tell them of who I am now. Or to be more precise of what I am now.
"You seem to be awfully quiet. Are you tired?" Edward asked. His eyes flickered with concern.
I gave him a big smile "No. I'm just excited to see you guys. Especially you" I added in whisper.
Edward replied by pulling my hands to him and kissed it.
The Carlisle resident is fabulous as usual. Alice and Jasper waited at the door. Their face full with anticipation.
"Welcome back Bella" Jasper greeted, still keeping his distance from me. Obviously he didn't want the incident reoccurred. Alice didn't say anything, in microsecond; she's already beside me, squeezing me tightly.
"Oh, I missed you Bella" Alice whispered.
"Me too..." I replied then I noticed balloons and a 'welcome back Bella' banner hung up on the front door with flowers scattered on the floor and I suddenly noticed the exquisite fragrance coming from the house " Nothing too extravagance huh?" I shot a look at Edward. He shot me his crooked smiled that almost knock the air out of me.
Jasper opens the door, welcoming me. I look at Edward hesitantly. Edward smiled encouragingly. I went inside and the rest of the Cullen followed.
I gasped.
The house is lit with what could maybe hundreds of candles. Alice ushered me to the dining room where the table are filled with foods.
"Oh, Alice I don't eat this much!" I gaped at the amount of food. A huge chocolate cake, Esme's roasted lamb, and various other mouth watering and scrumptious dessert, oh well, mouth watering for me in this case.
"I know, you can bring the rest home for Charlie" Alice exclaimed.
"Charlie didn't eat this much either" I narrowed my eyes at the beautiful vampire.
Alice beamed at me "We can still bring them to school, I bet you be a favorite in no time"
I snickered at the thought. Before Edward and I rekindled our romance, the whole friendship thing are sliding into the dumpster except then I have Jacob Black but now even that are lost as Werewolves and Vampire don't see eye to eye. With that I thought warily. The Quileutes should be warn. I wonder what Jake would feel, seeing me again. My stomach starts to twist into a familiar pain.
"Bella?" Edward shook my shoulder gently.
I snapped out of my reverie. All the Cullen is staring at me.
"Are you ok dear?" Esme look concern.
"Sorry, maybe I'm just tired a little bit" I lied.
Carlisle smiled then "Then you should eat" he settled into a chair and all of the Cullen followed.
Edward pulled a chair for me. Holding my hand lovingly. I felt awkward; the thought of eating in front of bunch of vampire who would just watched, making me slightly uncomfortable. Esme cut a medium size roast lamb into my plate and pouring me wine. Then everything fall into place, the awkwardness couldn't even settle for a second as the Cullen started talking, immersed in conversations that I don't feel awkward at all to eat while they watched. It was like any other family's dinner.
I wonder if this would change when they know the truth.
Edward drove me home as usual. I was really happy tonight, to see Edward, to meet the Cullen again. It really feels like home. Despite Edward obvious objection of me becoming one of them, I can't wait to be turned. It was more than anything that I could ever imagine. To be with Edward forever, to have a family like that, forever. Who would turn back at that?
"Is there something wrong?" Edward asked me suddenly "You are so quiet today"
I bit my lip "I was tired…a little" that was all I said.
"Then I shouldn't be coming over tonight. If that the case" Edward said.
I look at him then. I really wanted him to come over of course. I missed him terribly; I don't think I wanted to pass on the opportunity to spend the night with him, too bad that I got something to do tonight and that is something that I shouldn't be telling Edward. At least not now.
"Ok" I replied. Looking away.
Edward turns to look at me. I can feel his astonishment by my reaction.
"You really didn't want me to come?" He asked.
"Yeah, maybe I need some sleep after all" I smiled at him but that didn't erased the curiosity on his face.
He smiled then. "Alright, but that didn't stop me, I used to watched you when you're asleep remember?"
My heart skipped a beat. I can't believe I didn't thought about it. Of course, what would he do or thinks if he found my empty bed as I go out tonight? Or would he waited in the dark and followed me? Listening to my conversation?
"I really didn't want you to come tonight Edward" I snapped at him suddenly. I gasped innately. I look at him. He looks hurt.
"I'm sorry I didn't mean that…" I was lost for words "I love you"
He didn't say anything.
"Please don't be mad" I plead "I'm sorry"
"You seem to change" Edward suddenly said ignoring my plea "Did something changed while you're in Jacksonville?" He asked.
Again my heart skipped a beat, I wonder if he knows
"What do you mean?" I asked him anyway.
He parked his car a little far from the house and we went out to walk to the car. He didn't answer my question until we are out of the car. He swiftly moved to my side and kissed my forehead and his kiss went down to my lips pushing me into paradise.
"I wonder…" He said, tracing my lips with his finger "that you, probably met someone…someone that can make you change your mind"
"Changed my mind about what?" I asked, in a whispered. Out of breath.
He looks into my eyes intently "about me"
I shook my head furiously "Nothing and nobody in this world can make me change the way I felt about you" my strange behavior may have alerted him, making him thinking of the impossible. Me leaving Edward? My feelings for him are permanent, eternal. The thought of life without him is absurd.
We stand like that for a while. Looking into each other's eyes.
"Then why won't you let me come tonight?" He asked again, clearly are not satisfy with my 'I'm tired' excuse.
I hesitated then I sigh "Edward there are something that you must know…" I trailed off.
He looks at me, patiently.
"But…" I placed my palm on his chest, rubbing it gently" I can't tell you now"
"I don't like this" He eyes are fierce "Its bad enough that I can't read your thoughts and now this…this secret?"
I lean on him, my head on his chest "I promised I'll tell you"
Edward nodded "I won't come then, but I missed you" his voice soft, a hint of sorrow flushed in his tone.
"I missed you too. I'll try my best…so you can know" I said, whispering.
Edward pushed me gently "I sense that this secret isn't something petty" he looked into my eyes again.
"No. Its not but I wanted you not to worry just the same" I assured.
Edward didn't even look comforted at my words. He put both of his hands in his pockets
. Both of us are leaning against his car. I look at the sky. Edward did the same too.
"Alice has a vision…days before you came back" He said softly.
I froze. Did he know already?
"She said something really significant happens to you, that now, at this very moment you are not what you are…" He kept looking at the sky. Its moonless night, I noticed.
"What else did she see?" I asked, I wanted to know the length of information that Alice receive.
"Nothing much, but she insisted that something happen to you" Edward look down on me now " On that day when Alice receive her vision, I almost fly to Jacksonville to see you, but Alice stopped me, insisting that this changes is important for you"
"That's it?" I prodded
Edward nodded at me.
I went mum. Didn't really know what to say, should I tell him right now since he got the clues anyway. I take a deep breath and I look up. I gasped.
A shadow flew past me. A wing-ed creature just flies above me.
"What is it Bella?" Edward asked me.
I didn't look at him "I forgot to tell Charlie that I'll be late"
Edward frown at me "He's not even thinking about it"
"Oh" I didn't know what else to say.
Edward sighed again "If it's about the secret that you been having, then I won't force you to tell me. Though I do wish that you will" he said.
"I will Edward. You're part of my life now. I just need…confirmation on what should I tell you" I assured him. Obviously my poor acting didn't fool him. He knows me, even if he can't read my mind.
Edward holds my hand and we start walking to the house. I can sense reluctance in him. As if he didn't want me to go home. I knew he was disappointed; his nightly visit can't be done tonight. I kept quiet.
Didn't really know what to say.
"Here we are. Right at your doorstep" Edward still holding my hand. He flashed me a smile. There's a hint of sadness in his smile.
"I'm sorry. Don't take this the wrong way. I wanted you to stay" I mumbled, sadness washed over me.
Edward kisses me on my forehead and then my lips. We shared a deep soulful kiss before we parted. He smiled me his crooked smile.
"It is alright. For once I'm just a boy taking my girlfriend home with her father waiting inside with a shotgun" He tried to humored me.
I chuckled "Well then, you better get home if you didn't want a hole on your behind, Mr. Cullen"
"Goodnight Bella" He swiftly walked away. And the sound of the car's engine only hummed for a minute then everything is vanished. No more sound.
I open the door then, hoping to see Charlie inside watching games or something. But the house is dark. I went inside, guess I have to see him in the morning. I switched on the light, wanting to inspect the house's condition while I was gone. Everything is like where I left it. Charlie didn't eat much at home I guess, the kitchen are squeaky clean. I sighed, really glad that I'm back in Forks, a feeling that would be impossible without Edward Cullen existing in my life.
I switched off the lights and went upstairs. I missed the greenly smell of the forest, the cold breeze at night.
"What else did you miss?" A voice asked me.
I was not surprised even a little "I told you not to read my mind, Yuzen" I warned the silver hair man that is standing behind me.
He ignored my warning and smile slyly "This is your room?" he asked, provoking. His long hair illuminate when the moonlight shines on it. His face is beautiful. Pale, smooth with sharp penetrating eyes that would strike any unsuspecting girls. He's a real heartbreaker. I wonder if Jessica and Lauren would finally set up a truce and be nice to me tomorrow when they know that Yuzen is related to me or they would just hate me even more.
"You don't get to be critical, you don't even have a room" I said sharply and Yuzen just snickered "Where's Kero? We have to discuss about tomorrow" Yuzen will be enrolling into Forks High tomorrow as my distant cousin. I eyed him critically, he definitely have a very enchanting human feature. I had to admit; even Edward will go unnoticed walking beside Yuzen. Yuzen is like an angel and I mean it literary, other than his out of this world beauty, he has other unhuman physical feature. His ear are pointed like an elf, his hair are silver colored, with the smoothest shade that wont be available in hair dyed color
product and he has wings. A pair of white fluffy wings. I wonder if he had to wear a cape to hide his wings tomorrow.
Yuzen stretched his leg. Like he needed to. Like Edward he didn't need to be asleep, eat or anything. His existence depended solely on my power. My power.
"Kero will come in two weeks" H said "Don't worry about me, I can transform into a more humanly feature"
"Will you be as handsome as you are right now?" I asked him, narrowing my eyes.
He chuckled "I'm afraid there is nothing I can do about that" his face turn serious abruptly. A trait that reminded me of Edward. "Your Vampire, will you let him know about me?"
I pondered awhile "Of course, I never kept secret from him. Unless there is reason why I shouldn't"
Yuzen shook his head "A coven of Vampire is absolutely alright and the werewolves will have to hear that from you too" his face is still serious.
That was dreadful. Seeing Jacob again, I winced at the thought facing a pack of wolves that would probably resented me for going back running with the Vampires.
"I'll talk to a …" I wanted to say friend, but am I entitled to it now? "to someone that I know"
Yuzen look into my eyes deeply "You want to tell him tomorrow" he stated, not a question. Not referring to Jacob or the pack of werewolves.
"Yes, now that you said there is no problem whatsoever, I would directly tell him tomorrow"
He mused over the thought.
"What will you say? how will you explain? He asked, curious.
I shrugged "Honestly I don't know but your version of stories is good"
Yuzen smiled. "Right, see you in school tomorrow" he leaps out of the window, flapping his wing, ready to fly off.
I stuck my head out "you're not going to stay?' I asked expecting a long lecture about the burden and the responsibility of a Cardcaptor.
He smiled, a hint of mockery in it "I think your boyfriend miss you, he's on his way now" with that he fly away and vanished into the dark sky.
I let my head out of the window for a moment waiting for Edward. A minute passed and no sign of him, I wonder if Yuzen is kidding me because Edward is fast, speeding bullet fast. Or maybe Edward is here already hiding or standing behind me and so I turn, expecting Edward. But no, he is not there. I looked into my closet. Under the bed. And I felt stupid. Why would Edward hide under my bed?
"What are you looking for?" His velvet voice asked me.
I turn to him. He's sitting on the rocking chair looking puzzled.
"For you" I admitted, a little annoyed.
Edward smiled then "You think I would hide under your bed?" clearly amused by my action.
I knew it was stupid to go look for him under my bed. I didn't answer.
He didn't stop smiling and I went to him. Sitting on his lap. He rests his head on my chest.
"I thought you won't come tonight" I said. Obviously glad that he came.
Edward patted my back smoothly "I missed you. I thought you are asleep already" he then look at me "How do you know that I'm coming."
"My secret told me so" I answered, "I could tell you about that tomorrow" feel a little relieved that I won't hold anymore secret from him.
"Why not tell me now?" He asked stroking my hair gently.
I let the question hang in there. I turn to him. To look at his face, I kissed his lips slowly and the kissing goes deep and intense. For the first time, Edward let me go this far as I put my hand under his shirt rubbing against him sensuously. Then I pulled away.
Edward was breathing hard.
"Bella…" He whispered my name.
I kissed him again, then I hugged him closer, dozing off and whenever I woke up in the middle of night, I kissed him again and again. Edward just let me do whatever I want despite his rules of our physical boundaries.