Shouldn't this be Paradise

2

I was sound asleep when I felt a cold hand on my arm. I jumped and had to throw my hand over my own mouth to keep from screaming. Edward was standing next to my bed and my room looked empty.

"What the hell, Edward." My heart was racing from fear until I realized I was only wearing a tight white t-shirt; the racing continued but from embarrassment now.

My closet was bare and all my pictures and stuffed animals were gone. The room looked like it did before I moved in. Alice was standing by my dresser with an envelope in her hand.

"It's time." She smiled as she sat the envelope on top of the dresser. I noticed the word 'Dad' written across the front.

"I haven't packed," I said sleepily.

Alice laughed aloud. "Silly Bella," she said shaking her head.

"I have all of your stuff," Edward explained before turning away from me.

I dragged myself out of bed and headed for the bathroom. Alice handed me a garment bag as I passed her and Edward headed down the stairs. I showered as quickly as possible and put on the clothes Alice bought me.

She had an eye for sizes since everything fit perfectly. The dark blue t-shirt was stretchy and very comfortable with the matching grey cotton pants and hoodie.

After brushing my teeth and putting on makeup I headed down stairs. Alice grabbed my toiletry kit and assured me a new one had already been packed. Dang, I could get used to this.

Edward was staring at me with another one of his unreadable expressions until he looked at Alice accusingly. I could swear I saw him glare at her and she just laughed and shrugged her shoulders.

"The color looks good on her skin," Alice said suddenly as if she was answering some unasked question.

"Where exactly are we going?" I asked.

"You mean your ghost didn't tell you?" Edward said with sarcasm.

"Oh, she told me plenty," I spewed back. "Just not the specifics of where the island is located."

Edward turned and walked out of the house. "Sour ass," I mumbled as I shook my head in resignation. I assumed I would be a carcass drained of all blood by nightfall.

When we reached the airport Edward walked up to a kiosk and checked our bags. I tried to see where our tickets said we were going but he moved his hands so quickly I didn't get a good look. As we made our way through security he handed me a passport which shocked the hell out of me.

"How did you get me a passport so quickly?" I asked stunned.

He rolled his eyes at me without answering. I had a brief fantasy of telling the security agent that the man I was traveling with just made me a fake official document and watch in glee as they drug his ass off to prison. But something in the pit of my stomach made me want to snuggle up to his side and beg his sour ass to never leave me. I'm too stupid to live.

I noticed how all the women would stare at Edward with longing. The security agent who looked at our documents didn't even glance at mine. She was too busy smiling for Edward and telling him she hopes he has a good trip. He charmingly told her thank you and walked to the conveyer to remove his shoes and jacket. The entire area gave a collective sigh as he stood in his tight blue t-shirt, the exact color of mine, and low slung jeans.

I desperately wanted to scream…..he's a freaking vampire ladies! No, that's not true; I really wanted to scream…..he's MY freaking vampire ladies! Of course nobody would believe that since he only looked in my direction with irritation when my slow, clumsy movements held up his pace.

We traveled the entire way without having a decent conversation with each other. I slept off and on while Edward read. We switched planes in Texas for Sao Paolo, Brazil and I finally got the courage to ask him if I could get something to eat. I noticed his eyes softened a bit as he reached for his wallet.

"I have money," I just want to make sure you will wait for me. He simply nodded and turned back to his book. I let out a frustrated groan and walked away. When we found our seats in first class I turned to offer him some of my M&M's without thinking.

"Sorry, just a habit," I said when he glared hatefully, so the bitch in me took it further. I extended my arm over his book to get his full attention. "How about a sip?"

Now I had done it! His eyes flashed with anger as he quickly looked around to see if we were being watched. "Do you have any sense of self-preservation?" he whispered in rage.

I smirked at him, happy I finally found a button to push, until he found one of mine to push. "Go to sleep, you look haggard," he suggested.

I grabbed my travel pillow and turned to face away from him. Of course I would look haggard sitting next to him. He was perfection and I was the stupid girl who was forcing him to run away with her. I was never more certain Elizabeth was completely wrong.

From Sao Paolo we drove to the city of Santos and boarded a private boat. I felt exhausted and in want of a shower when the small boat pulled up to the dock on Isle Esme, twenty miles off the coast of Southern Brazil.

The Island was only about five miles wide with sandy beaches and dense Jungle. A section of land jutted out exposing a beautiful bungalow designed perfectly to blend in with the surroundings. The house sat at an angle so the back looked over a large beach area.

Three men began unloading crates of supplies and carrying them into the house. Edward motioned for me to follow him and he headed toward the back of the bungalow. We entered through a pair of sliding glass doors into a beautiful bedroom. Edward sat down two large suitcases and walked over to a side door, opening it to reveal a bathroom.

"This will be your room. Mine is down the hall."

The bed was all white, white rod iron making intricate patterns against the white wall and covered in a white comforter with white pillows, white billowing gossamer hung from the canopy over the bed, I don't know why that struck me as odd.

A king size bed... freaking amazing…this was so much better than my room in Forks.

He turned toward yet another door and exited down a hallway. I followed slowly behind as he walked into a large sitting area. Elegant furniture was everywhere and a white grand piano sat off the kitchen.

The Cullen family definitely had money. Their island home was better than most people's main residences. Maybe that is why Edward acts like he has a stick up his ass.

The three men were frantically putting food into the refrigerator and cupboards. I was hoping I could stay alive long enough to eat it all.

Edward turned to finally speak to me. "Bella, I'm going back to the mainland."

My eyes grew wide and I motioned for him to follow me back into the hallway.

"Edward, I don't want these men to know I will be here alone." I was hoping to appeal to his protective nature that I thought all men possessed….but I wasn't sure if vampire men had the same instinct.

He smiled and added, "I'm going back so I can bring Carlisle's boat here. We need some means of getting back and forth." He leaned in closer and whispered, "And I need to hunt before I return."

I instinctually backed up as I shook my head in acknowledgement. Edward laughed aloud and followed the men out to the dock.

Taking advantage of the situation I began looking around. Edwards's room was just as beautiful as mine but it didn't have a bathroom. I looked at the blue bedspread and dark mahogany bed frame and tried to imagine Edward lying there. I just couldn't wrap my mind around it. If I couldn't picture him doing something as mundane as lying on a bed he must not have a shred of humanity in him. My job was going to be tough.

The living room had a huge flat screen television with an entire bookshelf full of movies. Another door off of the sitting area led to an amazing library, I was excited at the thought of actually having something decent to read, since I was sure Edward wouldn't be the best company.

I went back to my room and opened the sliding glass doors. I could see the water about 50 yards away. Palm trees lined a walking path and I noticed hammocks hanging from some of the trees.

I walked over to a small out building and pressed my face against the window. I saw jet skis, scuba and snorkeling equipment, kayaks and rafts of all sizes. Hum, who knew vampires were so into water sports?

I walked to the water's edge and put my feet in. I was shocked at how warm it was. It felt like bath water. I suddenly couldn't wait to put on my swimsuit and jump in. I planned on staying close to the shore since it was getting so dark.

I ran back to my room and laid both suitcases down. Alice obviously loaned me her luggage since I didn't own anything so classic. I unzipped both cases and lifted the lids at the same time.

I instantly thought I had Edward's cases by mistake. I didn't recognize anything. Then I noticed tags on the garments and began pulling them out one by one. Nothing of mine was in either bag. Everything was brand new.

"Damn it," I yelled into the air. Why wasn't I smart enough to look ahead of time? Alice obviously wanted me looking stylish when her brother snapped and drank my blood.

I found a total of six swimsuits. All designed for style and not comfort, and all so much smaller than what I was comfortable wearing. I decided on the largest of the small pieces and put it on vowing to wear a t-shirt or towel whenever I was around Edward.

I knew I had a decent figure but my pale white skin made me uncomfortable wearing a bikini. When you live in Arizona, Valley of the Sun, being pale as death was not a marketable feature.

I walked into the water until it was up to my chest. I lay back and floated in the warm waves as I stared at the moon. I felt my tired muscles begin to relax. This was absolutely paradise. I felt like I had won the lottery or something until I remembered my mission. I wasn't here to just relax, or was I? Maybe that is exactly what Mr. Sour Ass needed, a chance to relax.

When I began to get sleepy I headed back to the house and grabbed the new toiletry bag, instantly noticing the expensive shampoo. I jumped in the shower and enjoyed the strawberry smell of my new shampoo, imagining how it would tame my wild hair and instantly turn me into model material….maybe not. The shower was cool, since I was already overheated by the warm ocean water.

I used the blow dryer to dry my hair and loved the silky feel from the expensive conditioner, no wonder Alice and Rosalie always looked so beautiful. I brushed my teeth and couldn't hold back my yawns any longer.

I wrapped the towel around my body and went back into my room. I checked to see if the door was locked, even though I didn't hear anything to signal if Edward had returned. The glass door in the back of the room was still open letting a cool breeze into the stuffy interior.

It took forever digging through the suitcases to find something decent to wear to bed. Who wears negligees and peignoirs? I settled on a pair of little boxer shorts and a tank top. I had them in my hand heading for the bathroom to cut the tags, when I pulled off my towel to hang it up. I was walking naked and totally oblivious when I heard a sound, causing me to jump.

I looked over just in time to see the back of Edward, walking quickly away from the glass door. I screamed and ran into the bathroom, throwing on the pajamas, as if quickly dressing could somehow remove the images of my naked body from Edward's mind. I wanted to die!

After what seemed like hours I made my way into the dark bedroom, the white interior mocking me, and climbed into bed. I could feel my face turning red just thinking about facing Edward tomorrow.

I couldn't believe it was almost noon when I woke up. The time change and the travel had my inner clock so messed up. But I really didn't have any reason to arise early. I think I'm gonna love this whole island thing! I got up and put on a long sundress, trying to cover as much skin as I could.

My stomach reminded me I was starving, so I headed straight to the kitchen. Edward was nowhere to be seen. I held perfectly still to see if I could hear him somewhere in the house, but all I could hear was waves crashing against the shore.

I fixed a breakfast of cereal, toast and bananas; ate slowly and washed my dishes afterwards. I decided to put on another swimsuit and cover it with a t-shirt before heading out to the hammock to read.

By nightfall I was beginning to worry about Edward. I walked back to the dock and noticed a beautiful boat with a red tarp canopy shored with thick rope. Hum, he has to be here somewhere, how big is this island? I went back to the house and looked for Edward…..nothing.

After making a grilled cheese sandwich for dinner I put on a movie and fell asleep on the couch. When I woke up the television was turned off and I was covered in a light blanket. Obviously, Edward was around somewhere and trying to avoid me.

The next day was more of the same. I didn't see or hear Edward but noticed fresh flowers on the piano. I would expect Alice or even Rosalie to make sure there were fresh flowers, but Edward? Maybe there was another reason he never talked to the swarm of girls always following him around.

I was now beginning to get irritated and very, very bored. Instead of staying in the living area after dinner I went straight to my room; I could sulk too. I was beginning to get cabin fever and really wanted someone to talk to, even if it meant talking to a vampire who hated me.

Piano music woke me up on the third morning. Thank God. I was so afraid he was going to leave that I jumped out of bed and ran into the room wearing only a pair of skimpy pajamas Alice had packed.

He looked up and his fingers froze momentarily when he saw me. His eyes quickly looked back at the piano and I felt my face blush.

"Sorry, Edward, I don't mean to be improper but I didn't want to chance missing you. If I go change will you promise to stay?"

He nodded without saying a word.

I put on yet another swimsuit and covered it with a white short sundress. I returned to the piano and stood next to it while he continued to play.

"You are very talented. How long have you played?"

He looked up at me and shrugged. "I don't remember. I just know I can play."

Memories flooded my brain as I walked slowly to the piano bench and sat down next to him. He stopped playing and looked at me. I held out my hand and he just stared at it. I finally reached out and pulled his hand into mine.

He cringed as if his cold skin would be repulsive to me, so I just smiled and began, "You took lessons from an elderly woman across the street when you were six. By the age of eight she encouraged your parents to invest in a private tutor. A man from the local conservatory came to your house three times a week until you were fourteen."

He stared at the piano keys for a long time before he whispered, "I don't remember."

My heart broke a little, he didn't move again until I let go of his hand.

"Do you know how to play, Bella?" he asked hopefully.

I laughed hard. "I was dragged to lessons but we didn't have a piano. It gets pretty hard to practice on a piece of cardboard. I only remember one song."

"Will you please play it for me?"

"God no," I laughed.

"Please?"

He seemed so serious and I had to admit it felt good to be conversing with someone, so I relented.

I began my painful rendition of 'Raindrops Keep Falling on My Head' and he quickly jumped in adding colorful rifts and supporting melodies. We were both laughing loudly by the time the song came to an end.

He quickly looked at me and asked, "Do you want to take the boat out and do some snorkeling?"

"Sure," I responded a little too energetically. Anything would be better than the mind numbing days I had so far.

I grabbed a box of cherry pop tarts and sunscreen as he collected the gear. I followed him to the boat and tried my best to keep up with his fast pace. It was then I noticed he had on a pair of swimming trunks. Before heading off in the boat he took off his shirt and threw it onto the deck.

I felt my face redden so I turned away from him. His physique looked like a perfect sculpture, as if he had been chiseled by an artist. His body glistened in the sun, like millions of diamonds were embedded in his skin. The only thing that gave me any comfort was the fact he was paler than I was.

He stayed close to the shore and drove us halfway around the island. When he finally stopped he threw over the anchor and handed me some equipment. I stood awkwardly looking back and forth from the sun, to the water, to him.

"What?" he finally asked.

"Um….I…well, um, I."

He looked at his uncovered chest sparkling in the sun. "Nobody will see me, don't worry."

"No, that's not it," I stammered.

"What is it, Bella?"

I finally lifted the sunscreen towards him. "I'm very fair skinned and I didn't bring a t-shirt so I need this. Um…I need it on my back." I could feel myself turning red and mentally smacked myself for being so lame.

He reached out and took the bottle from me. I turned around and pulled my sundress off, holding it tight against me. I reached back with one hand and unhooked my bikini top.

I had just barely registered the cold feeling on my back when my suit was suddenly re-hooked and the sunscreen was back on the seat.

"Wow, you're fast," I exclaimed. "I should have you do this every day."

He didn't respond and quickly jumped in the water, but I would swear he would have blushed if he could.

We spent hours snorkeling around the island, the beauty was indescribable. It took me a bit to get used to Edward swimming underwater without surfacing or needing to breathe. He seemed just as awed by the colors of fish and plant life as I was.

He stayed about 6 feet from me at all times until a stingray swam under me and I screamed. I lunged toward Edward and he took my hand while laughing at me. After that he stayed right by my side.

When we returned to the house I was beyond hungry and so exhausted I couldn't even think about cooking. Edward volunteered to make dinner, as long as I promised to walk him through the process. I sat at the table with my head on my arms and barked out instructions. It was every woman's dream.

He made a huge salad which I munched on as he cooked noodles. "Okay," he started, "isn't there some sort of sauce that goes over the pasta?"

"Just add some butter, salt and pepper."

"Bella, I know something red is supposed to go over this."

I laughed loudly. "I want it the way I want it, so no sauce, just a little butter with salt and pepper," I repeated.

After following my instructions he reached for a bowl. "Hold on Cullen. I am starving and presentation doesn't really matter so just hand me the pan."

"I am not going to make you eat like a barbarian, Bella."

"Please tell me you don't take a napkin with you when you hunt," I laughed.

At first he looked shocked but then played along. "I am a very civilized hunter, never a drop on my clothing."

"What a fancy vampire boy you are," I said while shaking my head.

"What does that mean, Swan?"

I grabbed the pan from his hand and got a fork out of the drawer before I answered him. "Whatever floats your boat, it isn't my place to judge."

"Judge what?" He was getting defensive now.

"Relax Edward, I'm just teasing you. But for my own curiosity can I ask you which way you lean?"

"Lean," he repeated. "I don't know what you mean."

"Are you gay, Edward?" I asked bluntly.

His jaw dropped in surprise.

"It's a simple yes or no question."

"I would think your ghost would have told you that information." He was having a hard time controlling his anger which was growing.

"Why do you do that?" I asked between bites.

"Do what?"

"Make fun of this situation? If I just wanted to get you alone I would have come up with a much better story. And, I personally feel you are disrespecting your mother when you refer to her as my ghost."

"I guess I am having a hard time dealing with all of this." He was speaking very quietly. "There are times I totally believe you but…."

I put my fork down and looked at him until he finally met my gaze. "Edward, a week ago I would have laughed at the mere mention of vampires. You exist, so why's it so hard to imagine your mother is in heaven watching over you? Waiting for you?"

"Heaven… right!" He scoffed.

"Why would hell want you?"

His eyes flashed with anger again.

"I'm serious Edward, why would hell want someone who cares about others to the point he will only drink animal blood to survive, even though it is totally against his nature?"

"I have killed humans, Bella."

I instantly remembered his mother telling me how Edward hunted only evil, guilty people.

"So what makes you any different from the man who pulls the switch on the electric chair?"

"He is carrying out a sentence. I acted as judge, jury, and executioner all rolled into one." His jaw tightened as he spoke.

"Only because you have the gift of knowing if the person was truly guilty or not, you have more right to judge than people sitting on a jury trying to make an educated guess."

He continued to shake his head as I spoke.

"I don't get this Edward." I made a sweeping motion toward him with my hand. "Why aren't you drinking my blood at this very moment?"

His face went from anger to pain and back to anger again, but he didn't respond.

"I already killed myself once, what would it matter if you just helped me do a better job of it?" I waited several minutes for him to answer but he never did. "I think you know deep down that you still have a purpose in your life."

"And," I continued while I still had the nerve. "I think you are starting to enjoy my company and that gives you hope."

He turned quickly on his heels and went straight to his room. I heard the door lock after he slammed it shut. I felt defeated. It was so nice having someone to spend the day with and now I had blown it.