Disclaimer: I do not own Twilight but I'm thankful that Stephanie Meyers shared her love for hot vampires.

This is my submission to the Fandom Against Domestic Violence Compliation.

Thank you to Blair who put this compliation together and everyone who donated to the cause and my fellow authors.

Enjoy!

Awakening: A Day in Port Angeles

Written by: bbwraven

Edward's POV

August 2005

Bella let out a squeal when she heard Muse's 'Time is Running Out' and turned up the volume. She stumbled over the words as she sang but that didn't stop her and she continued on. Granted it was off key more than usual but I realized this occurred when she became overly excited while singing. For some odd reason I found this endearing. I hope once she takes guitar lessons and once the lessons progress she'll find the right chord and stick to it.

Summers in Forks are normally cooler than most places but today the sun shone brightly warming up to the mid eighties which allowed me to take the top off my Jeep Wrangler. I glanced over at Bella and saw her hair was blowing everywhere. Most girls would go insane but not Bella-she embraced it and enjoyed the music, her arms flailing about with her imaginary microphone. During the chorus she would point it to me and we'd sing together.

When Bella called to tell me her shift was cut at the local grocery store, we decided to spend the day in Port Angeles. The one place we didn't have to hide and I could actually hold her hand. We were both uncomfortable with preying eyes in both Forks and La Push.

"So what do you have planned today?" she asked when she turned down the radio.

"Lunch and maybe stop at the music store."

"Sam Goody's?" she inquired.

"I didn't know Sam Goody's was still around but no, I want to go by Strait Music."

"I've never been there, why are we going again?"

"They have sound and recording equipment. I need a new sound board to record."

"So...you're doing the cd?" she asked. I looked over and saw she was staring straight ahead. I couldn't read her facial expression; normally Bella was an easy read.

"I don't know. I really want to...I just don't know. But they need a demo in case I accept the offer," I said, reaching over and rubbing her hand. I couldn't fathom why Bella was worried, no matter what, it would work out.

We arrived in Port Angeles a few minutes later. As promised, I treated Bella to lunch at Fiesta Jalisco Mexican Restaurant. She had mentioned she was craving Mexican food and this was the closest restaurant I could find. It was nothing like the Mexican food I would get in LA, but I didn't share this fact with Bella.

"I have a confession to make," she said when the waiter cleared our plates.

"Yeah what's that?"

"I've had better," she said in a deadpan voice.

"What?"

"Sorry, that was not good Mexican food," she explained.

I chuckled. "Yeah...I didn't want to say anything."

"Food like this makes me want to hop on a plane to LA and head straight to East LA. That's where you get some good Mexican food."

"Okay, how do you know about East LA cuisine?"

Her smiled dimmed a little, her eyes suddenly bright with unshed tears. "My dad and I would take road trips to LA to catch Dodger games. After one of the games we were starving. You would think with hot dogs, popcorn and soda we'd be full but we felt like we hadn't eaten in years. So we drove down some random street trying to get back to our hotel in Hollywood and we saw this line of people standing by this truck and the aroma was mouthwatering. After gorging ourselves my father and I both agreed they were the best tacos we'd ever eaten," she said.

I saw the tear slide down her cheek and reached over to wipe away the lone tear. With her eyes closed Bella leaned into my caress. I wanted to lean over and press my lips to hers but I wasn't one for PDA even though we were miles from Forks.

Thankfully, Straits was within walking distance of the restaurant which allowed Bella and I to walk in and out of shops. It was nothing like shopping with Alice, who had taken her obsession to a whole new level and found an internship with the House of Gucci, which meant torture in my future.

When we walked into the music store, I found a salesperson that was able to find the sound board I needed to record the demo. I was able to finalize my purchase in less than thirty minutes. When I was done I went in search of Bella and found her staring at the guitars, mesmerized by a black Gibson guitar.

"Hey," I said softly.

"Ohmigod Edward you have to get this when you start playing the big arenas!" she exclaimed. "I mean if you take the deal…this is the kind of guitar you should have."

I grinned. "Hey are you ragging on my Gypsy Girl?" I asked referring to my acoustic guitar-I had a habit of naming my guitars.

"I would never rag on Gypsy but look at this baby! Its gorgeous!" she said, lightly touching the curves of the guitar. I felt my dick twitch as she caressed the guitar and knew I had to convince this girl to have sex with me soon or I was going to lose my mind.

I picked up the guitar to try it out and it was a good fit. After a little tuning, it played beautifully. This was the type of instrument that seemed to come to life when you played. Bella bit her bottom lip as I played a few chords, her intense gaze never leaving mines.

I broke contact and closed my eyes went into a song I'd been toying with in my head the last few days, the music and lyrics just poured out at that moment. When I opened my eyes, Bella's eyes were hooded and saw the desire she always seemed to hide. She blinked a few times and the moment was lost.

"Want to try?" I asked and transferred the guitar to her before she could answer. I helped her readjust the guitar until she felt comfortable. She played the few chords I had taught her that week. Her hand movement had improved but could be better if she practiced. "You need to practice more."

"I'm saving up for a guitar then I'll practice more," she said with hope in her eyes. "I promise."

"I know you will," I replied and taught her another riff. She stumbled which was normal but after the fifth time she began to get it, she was so fuckin' cute when she frowned as she concentrated on her hand coordination. Then she bit her lip again and I lost it. I leaned over and kissed her soft lips, before I had a chance to deepen the kiss I heard someone clear their throat. I looked over to see some blond guy looking pointedly at Bella.

"James! What are you doing here?" she asked with a look of surprise as she moved away from my side to greet the blond troll.

I hated the guy on sight.

"I could say the same about you Izzy, I thought you had to work," he said sizing me up, not answering Bella.

Did he really call her Izzy?Izzy, was a character on that 'Grey's Anatomy' show that every chick I knew watched with that doctor they referred to Mc Dreamy. Because of him I walk around with a bouffant. Damn McDreamy.

"My shift was cut and Edward invited me join him to run his errands in PA," she explained but looked slightly nervous.

"So you must be Edward, I'm James Ramsey," he said offering his hand. He squeezed my hand harder than he should have and before I had a chance to retaliate, he took his hand away. I could see him smirk. Just because I'm on the skinny side didn't mean I couldn't take him.

"Well I'll let you kids get back to...whatever it was you were doing," James said sarcastically. "I'll see you at dinner Izzy."

It was safe to say I hated that guy. "So how do you know James?" I asked after James left the store and I put away the Gibson.

"He's a family friend," she said. "His father is my guardian."

"Is he always so...creepy?"

She laughed. "He's a P.I. so he's always sneaking up on people but he's not so bad once you get to know him."

"Yeah, I don't see that happening anytime soon."

"Could we please forget about James and continue to have fun?" she asked as she boldly wrapped her arms around my neck. As if second nature I snaked and arm around her waist and brought her closer to me. The air became thick, all thoughts of James faded and I focused on Bella.

"James, who?" I replied.

Without any hesitation I leaned down to kiss her lips. We walked out of the store hand and hand which is an accomplishment for me. I just knew I needed to touch her.

Our final destination was Bella's happy place – the bookstore. I watched her read book jackets as she tried to decide which book she wanted to purchase.

"Shit I forgot my credit card at Straits," I muttered. "Stay here I'll go get it."

She frowned. "You're sure you don't want me to come with you?"

"Nah, you stay here, I'll be quick," I said with a peck on the lips and ran back to Straits. I found the salesperson that helped me earlier. "Hey, could you add the black Gibson to my order?"

"Sure. Let me go in the back and get it for you?"

"No, just ship it with the other items," I said. He looked confused for a moment. "It's a birthday gift."

He nodded. "Well in that case, would you like for us to gift wrap it was well?"

I grinned. "Yeah, that'll be great."

He rung up my new order and I walked out with mixed emotions. I officially ventured into new territory, my heart raced with excitement and fear. When I reached the book store I watched Bella read her book as she toyed with her bottom lip and I knew at that moment, unconditionally and irrevocably I was in love with her.

Fuck!