1. Routine
I swung the door closed and made my way to the silver Volvo. Edward sat waiting, his eyes a rich golden brown.
"Good morning", his velvet voice sang. His turned to face me and I had to remember to keep breathing. I had to do everything thing in my will just to reply.
"Hi" I stuttered. Jeez, well done Bella.
He chuckled softly and brushed his marble fingertip along my jaw.
I felt my cheeks burn instantly. Why did I always have to do that?
He faced forward again, but I didn't. Funny, even after knowing Edward for so long now, I couldn't help but feel so insignificant in his presence. My eyes travelled from his bronze coloured hair to his silk smooth forward, continuing to his eyes. I felt at home whenever I looked into them. The liquid topaz was so familiar, so comforting.
We got to school pretty early, so we sat together in the car. "You left early this morning" I murmured, hoping he'd hear the upset in my voice. "I'm sorry. I had to hunt. It's been a few weeks since I've gone, and Emmett has been tormenting me." His flashed his crooked grin, but his eyes bore into me with apology.
I looked away quickly, before he dazzled me and I lost my train of thought. "Oh, no it's fine. I missed you though." I grabbed my bag and reached for the car door. He caught my arm before I was any way close. "Not even close to the agony I felt." His eyes melted before me, rendering me speechless. He gave me a quick peck on my lips, leaving me thankful for the seat supporting my buckling legs. Already he was holding the car door for me, chuckling at my flustering.
We walked to the door of the school.
"Gym" I groaned. "I'll see you at lunch" I called, heading off in the direction of my own personal hell, and I could hear his throaty laugh echo across the halls.
The cafeteria was bustling when I got there. I stepped into the lunch line. I'd be forever waiting to get some food. Stupid Gym. I thought angrily.
Just then I looked toward the table Edward and I shared. There Edward sat with a table full of food, and beckoned me over with tilt of his head, making his hair dance in the light. I smiled appreciatively and made my way towards the table.
"Thank you." I said as I sat opposite him. Our daily lives had become a routine, and I loved every minute of it. "No problem, do you want to go to my house after school? Alice has been moaning that she hasn't seen you in ages." I looked up and thought about it. I'd give anything to go, but Charlie was still a stranger in the kitchen. "You don't have to if you don't want to Bella." He assured me.
I looked up, baffled. Did he honestly think I didn't want to spend a minute without him? I lived for him.
"Of course I want to! Its just I told Charlie I'd have the dinner ready when he came home..."
He relaxed his creased eyebrows, seemingly pleased with my assurance, and smiled, "Change of plans. He's thinking of stopping by the Blacks to watch the game with Billy. Checked his thoughts when I picked you up." He tossed an apple in my direction.
"You don't forget anything, do you?" I teased as I bit into the apple. I looked towards the table where Angela, Mike, Eric, Ben, Lauren and Jessica sat. Angela met my gaze and smiled warmly. I gave a small wave to her just as Lauren shot me a cold stare, then she said in a stage-whisper, "Oh, so we're good enough for her again are we?"
The table felt silent. They all knew that comment wasn't directed at them. I looked down before they could see the hurt in my eyes. Did they really think I thought I was better than them? Did they honestly think that that was the reason I didn't speak to them as much anymore? Edward was the reason. And it wasn't his fault. I chose him because only he could make me feel wanted, appreciated, loved.
Edward shot a piercing look at Lauren, a low growl rumbling deep in his chest.
"Why do you let her treat you like that Bella?" I looked down, avoiding his gaze.
"Its just Lauren, I try not to let it get to me." I fiddled with the lid of my water bottle. "Anyways, I heard her parents are about to separate, so she's bound to be cranky. It's fine, seriously."
Suddenly a cool hand propped my chin up. "Always thinking of others, you now that?" He smiled lazily and took my hand as we walked together to Biology. He turned again as we exited, and stared at Lauren. She blinked, terrified and looked nervously down in her lap. Despite myself, I laughed quietly and couldn't shake off the smug smile. You picked the wrong guy to mess with Lauren.
"What's so funny?" Edward asked curiously as we walked slowly through the halls, oblivious to the stares. People still found it hard to believe that Edward and I were together. Before I came to the school, most people hadn't even heard him speak. "Nothing, just thinking."
"What I wouldn't give to hear what you're thinking." He chuckled. We took our sits in Biology and feigned interest as our hands stayed connected in a tight embrace under the table.
The rain lashed forcefully against the glass as we drove the winding road to the Cullens home. Edward propped an umbrella for me was we raced inside. I hung my coat and followed him into the living room. I was greeted instantly by a huge hug from Alice. "Bella, finally! I was beginning to think you'd disappeared."
She let go and I felt a gentle hand squeeze mine.
"Bella, how are you? Are you hungry? You know we do have food in that kitchen. It would only take a min-"
"No, I'm fine Esme, honestly" Esme smiled acceptingly and walked gracefully back to finish her painting.
"Oh. She's here. I'm going to hunt. Are you coming Emmett?" Rosalie ignored me as she walked towards the door.
"Sorry hon, went this morning with Edward. Maybe Carlisle will go?" Emmett shrugged apologetically.
"Fine. No I'll go by myself. I'll be gone a while. It takes hours for her stench to leave the house anyway." She slammed the door shut and we were left in an awkward silence.
"Sorry about Rosalie, she's still finding it hard to accept the change" Edwards minty breath tickled my ear.
"No, I seem to have a negative affect on everyone today, don't worry about it." He squeezed my hand reassuringly and guided us both toward the grand piano in the hall. He sat me down as he played my lullaby, and I rested my head on his shoulder.
"When did you make this?" I asked curiously.
"Soon after we met. I hadn't played in a very long time until then. You bring out the best in me Bella." As he said this the melody still echoed across the hallway with ease. He gently kissed my head as the lullaby picked up pace, Edward hands flying across the keys.
"You too" I murmured. He looked up and we stared deep into each other's eyes, oblivious to the world around us, except for the faint ending of my lullaby in the distance.
We were interrupted by Carlisle, who patted Edward on the back and Edward broke my gaze reluctantly.
"What is it Carlisle?" He asked, slightly irritated.
"The Denali's should be arriving soon. I think its best that you brought Bella home, for her own sake." He gave me a warm small, showing me there was no offence meant. I understood him well. Not many had the restraint of the Cullen family.
I said my goodbyes and sat back in the Volvo. Edward started up the car and we raced home, the lights flashing by us in a blur. We stopped too soon outside my house.
"Don't go" I pleaded, and I reached for his hand.
"I'll be back as soon as Charlie's snoring. Like always. Don't worry Bella." His ice cold lips kissed my hand, but I didn't flinch.
"Bella, Charlie's worrying. I'm sorry. I didn't realise the time. You better go inside"
I got out of the car and waved, he flashed his crooked grin and then he was gone.
When I got inside Charlie rose from the couch in a flash. "Where were you? I was worried Bella. You're usually home when I'm back from Billy's" He looked at me for an answer. "Sorry Ch-.. Dad. I went to the Cullens for a while. I didn't realise how late it was." I muttered while I fiddled with my bracelet.
"You're spending an awful lot of time with that Cullen boy Bella. I don't know, I don't trust him." He said worriedly. "Dad, seriously don't worry. You can trust Edward."
"I know. I just don't want you getting hurt is all."
"I know Dad. I'm gonna go do my homework and I think I'll go straight to bed then. Night Dad" I gave him a quick hug before going upstairs, racing through my homework, while wishing Charlie would hurry up and go to bed already.
I went for a quick shower, and when I returned I waited as long as I could before my sleep deprived body won the battle with my mind.