Helllo (= Thank you guys for the reviews on the first chapter. It's nice to know people already love this story so much. I'm going to try and go back to my daily updates, but people seem to enjoy the longer chapters, so that puts some strain on daily updates. I'll try, but no promises .. I know what it's like to be addicted to a story and want frequent, quick updates, and I don't want to upset my readers (=
Anyways, enjoy (=
Chapter 2 .. Bella
"Edward? Where are you?" I walked into the house and laid my keys down on the table, shutting and locking the door. Ever since I heard that Jacob was possibly going to be bailed out, we kept the doors locked at all times. I felt so bad for the others. They had to watch out and make sure they locked the doors and the windows and couldn't miss it, not even just once. I felt bad, really bad. This was my problem, and now I was living with five other people. Putting them in just as much danger. I hated it. "Edward?!"
I walked into the living room and he wasn't there, so I walked into the kitchen, grabbing a bottle of water, then heading upstairs. I called his name all the way upstairs, but no answer. He got a ride home with Jasper and Alice an hour ago, and he told me he'd be home when I got home. But he didn't appear to be here. I checked the bathroom, then walked over to the little room. The door was opened and I walked in to see Edwards papers all over the room. What happened in here?! He never left a mess. I put down the water bottle and walked over, picking up the papers, and stacking them back up on his keyboard.
That's when I noticed something red on the keys. I instantly fell backwards realizing what it was. Blood. I ran out of the room and back into our room, looking around for any sign of Edward. He was the only one that ever even touched his keyboard. I didn't even touch it. So it had to be his blood. There was no path, no other blood that I could see.
I ran out of the room and back into the kitchen. "Edward!" My eyes wandered to the knife block. One was missing, and since I was the last one to do dishes, I knew they were all clean. And there wasn't one in the sink, or on the counter. I was starting to panic. Where was Edward? I pulled my cell phone out of my pocket to call him, but noticed I had one missed call. It wasn't a number I recognized, but I had a voicemail. I ignored it. I needed to call Edward, find him and make sure he's OK. He had to be.
I dialed his number and let it ring and ring. I heard something vibrating and wandered into the living room looking for it. There was his phone, laying on the end table by the couch. I hung up and ran over to it, but as I reached for it I saw it was smeared with blood too. I gasped and jumped back, falling on my butt.
"Edward!" I screamed at the top of my lungs. Just sitting there on the floor staring at his phone. I finally reached for it and opened it, completely ignoring the blood on my hands now. I opened it to see a missed call from the same number that called my phone. He had a voicemail too, but I figured it was just a coincidence. I didn't have time for that. I needed to find Edward.
I grabbed my phone back up and dialed Alice's number. It rang a couple times before she finally answered. "Hello?"
"Alice! Where is Edward?!" I was trying my best not to cry, but it wasn't working.
"He's at home. What's wrong Bella?"
"He's not here Alice. I'm here. And there's blood. Blood on his keyboard and his phone and I can't find him Alice!" I jumped up and just stood in the middle of the living room crying.
"OK, Bella, calm down. We're on our way. Alright?" I could hear her yelling for Jasper. "We'll be there soon OK Bella? Have a seat and calm down."
"OK. Hurry Alice."
I hung up the phone and dropped it. I couldn't move. I couldn't breath. I felt myself start to get light headed from the lack of air, but I didn't care. My thoughts were centered on finding Edward. I took one more look around the house just incase I missed him. As I got upstairs I decided to check Alice and Jaspers room just in case. The door seemed stuck, so I pushed. I pushed and pushed but the door wouldn't budge. I stopped and started pounding on the door. "Edward?! Edward, are you in there?"
I pressed my ear to the door, but didn't hear anything. I started pounding again and still nothing. The door wasn't locked, it just couldn't be opened. I thought I heard something downstairs so I rushed down. As I hit the last step, someone banged on the door. I ran over to it and looked out. I couldn't see anybody, but it was probably just Alice and Jasper. Thank god. I opened it up, but no one was there. I stepped out and looked around, but still no one. I heard my phone start going off, so I turned back inside, shutting the door.
I ran to my phone and picked it up, seeing the number pop up again. Only it was a text message this time. I opened it, but it didn't say anything. It was just blank. I was sick of the pranks from whoever it was, so I texted them back telling them to leave me alone. That I didn't have time for this crap.
I crumpled to the floor and hollered for Edward again. Still no answer; not like I expected one this time. My phone went off again and I automatically picked it up and read the message
'What, don't you want your husband back?'
I gasped and read the message over and over again. I dropped the phone and started crying. Someone really had him, and it was my fault. Everything was my fault. The phone went off again and I hesitantly reached for it.
'Why aren't you answering me Bella?'
I started crying harder and it went off again.
'Don't cry Bella.'
I started breathing quickly and looked around me, through all the windows. I didn't see anybody, but obviously they could see me. It went off again.
'ANSWER ME BELLA.'
I finally responded back, asking where Edward was.
'You'll find out soon enough. Miss him yet?'
I told them to give him back to me. I tried calling the number, but no one answered. Coward. Can text me, but can't answer my phone calls. Then I remembered the voicemail. I dialed my mail box and listened.
"Hello Bella. I hope you and Edward are happy. You know, we could have been good. If you would have given me the chance. I would have shown you that I'm the better man and you could love me. Bye Bella."
I dropped the phone and crawled over to Edwards, dialing his mail box.
"Edward. If I've told you once, I've told you a million times. Bella is mine, and all you need to do is get out of the way. It'll be easier that way. Get in my way and I'll have you taken care of, permanently."
The hot tears fell even harder and I started hyperventilating. My phone went off again and I crawled back over.
'Get my message finally? You should have answered earlier. None of this would have happened. Did you lock the door Bella?'
I quickly looked up and saw it wasn't locked. Where was this person?! Before I could scramble to the door, it flew open and Edward fell in. He fell to the floor and I hurried over to him. He had blood everywhere. On his shirt, and his pants, his face and arms. His chest was rising and falling really slowly. "Edward!" I took his face in between my hands, but he didn't respond. "Edward! Wake up! Can you hear me?!" I lowered my ear to his mouth to see if I could hear his breath. It was frail and slow and labored. I crawled back over to my phone to call nine-one-one, but before I could dial, a big figure stepped inside the door frame.
"Drop the phone Bella."
I dropped it and stood up slowly, not turning around. I knew that voice.
"Turn around Bella."
I slowly turned around and came face to face with my worst nightmare. He ran toward me and I raised my arms to protect myself. "No!"
I jolted up in bed and felt the sweat running down my face.
"Bella?!" I felt hands on my shoulder, but quickly moved from them. "Bella, relax. It's me." Edwards voice rang through my ears and I shut my eyes. "Love, what's wrong?" He moved to sit in front of me and I felt myself shaking.
"Edward?"
"Yes love. Open your eyes sweetie." He put his hands on my shoulders and I opened my eyes, seeing it was really him and throwing myself forward into his arms. "Bella, what's wrong?"
"Jacob." That's all I had to say. For the past week I've been having the same reoccurring dream every other night. And every time I woke up screaming and Edward had to prove it was him before I would settle down. "It got worse this time." I looked up into his sad eyes and felt awful for waking him up.
"Bella, you know I won't let him anywhere near you." He gripped my tighter and leaned forward to kiss me.
"I know, but he hurt you. You weren't there to help me." I started crying again and fell back into his arms. "He can't hurt you Edward."
He shushed me gently and rubbed his hands up and down my back. "Sweetheart, just lay back down. You need your sleep. I'll hold you and you'll be fine. I promise. I'm not going to get hurt. And I'm not going to leave you alone." He laid me back down and started humming in my ear. It was a sweet melody that made me feel a lot better.
I sighed and rested my hand on his chest. "That's beautiful. Did you write it?" I looked up at his eyes and he smiled, nodding. "Is it for work?" He shook his head. "For what then?"
"You'll see." He stretched to kiss my forehead and resumed humming.
I eventually fell back into a dreamless sleep. And in the morning I awoke feeling a lot better. I instantly felt Edward hot breath on my forehead and opened my eyes to see his open too. He started humming again and I sighed. "Goodmorning Edward." I looked up and met his eyes. He smiled
"Feeling better?" His gentle voice relaxed me and I nodded. "Good. Want some breakfast?" I nodded again and he chuckled, climbing out of bed and reaching back for me.
I climbed over to him and into his arms. I giggled as he lifted me up and carried me through the door. He set me down at the head of the stairs, but kept hold of my hand the whole time. When I was with him, I don't think I let go of his hand for more than a couple minutes over the last week or so. I needed his presence there to make me feel better and sometimes I felt that maybe I was using him. But he was my husband, that's what he was for. To hold my hand and love me and take care of me when I needed it. Right? He was doing an amazing job and I couldn't have asked for anyone better.
We got downstairs and walked into the kitchen. I immediately went for the cookies. He just chuckled and grabbed one himself. "Want some eggs Bella?" He reached for the pan and I nodded.
"Please." I smiled and he smiled back, nodding.
He got everything ready while I grabbed our books from the table and stuffed them in our bags. I hated having to leave Edward during the day, but Tuesdays were hardest. I had to come early because he had two more classes than I did. So I came home and worked on my four online classes. I had a schedule all worked out, and as long as I stuck to it perfectly, I kept on track. Three online classes Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, and four classes at school. Three classes at school and four online classes Tuesday and Thursdays. Saturdays were used for homework I hadn't got to during the week, which was never much, and spending time with my friends. Sundays were strictly me and Edward. That was our day. The day we spent with each other with no interruptions. We didn't worry about school work or his job, or anything. Usually we went to the park and then lunch, then took a walk around the mall or something. It was always simple, and that's what made me love it so much. Besides the fact that he was entirely mine for a whole day.
"What time are you getting home today?" He peaked over his shoulder as he was cooking the scrambled eggs in the pan.
"Um, it's Tuesday, so little after noon. Why?" I was packing a lunch for us and putting it in our bags.
"Well, I was thinking, maybe we could spend our lunch at the diner today?"
"You could have told me that before I made our lunches." I looked over at him and he smiled.
"Sorry love. I've been thinking about it." He turned the stove off, took the pan away from the heat and turned to me. "Maybe we should talk about this job."
My face lit up. I knew my schedule was already busy, but there was a good two hours in the middle of everyday that I was alone and had free. Since Edward took more classes at the university, he got home later. And I hated being home alone, so I wanted something to do. I knew I could handle it and it's not like the extra money wouldn't hurt. We didn't need it, but it would help make things a little more comfortable. It wouldn't be a huge paycheck, but since Edward was only working part time, we had little extra left each month to spend or put away towards our own place when we got back to Forks.
"I want you to sit down with me and explain how this is going to work. I want you to write down your schedule and mark exactly when you're going to work, and how long. If it starts to get in the way with school, you know I'm going to ask you to quit." He dished the eggs out for me and set it in front of me.
I nodded, "Yes sir." I joked with him.
He smiled, "Bella, I don't wanna boss you around; I'm your husband, not someone that tells you what to do. But I do wanna know how this is going to fit into your day. I just don't see why you wanna get a job so bad."
"I want it because it will give me something extra to do. I've already talked to the manager and he said he can schedule me during lunch hours and that's all I'll work. It's from noon to three, three-thirty, everyday. I would get home in plenty enough time to start my online classes and get that done just like any other day. It won't affect school because it's between hours." I got us both silverware and poured us some milk before sitting next to him at the table.
He sighed and nodded. "OK."
I smiled and closed the distance between us in a hug. "Thank you Edward. You know this will make me feel better."
He nodded, "I know. But promise me something." He looked at me and I nodded. "You'll quit as soon as it becomes too much. You won't hide it if it becomes too much. You'll still have lunch with me everyday and you won't work on Sundays."
I nodded, "Of course. To all of it. I love you Edward." I leaned over and kissed him before returning to my breakfast. "And thank you for breakfast. You're getting better at this cooking thing." I laughed and he smiled.
"Thank you."
We finished our breakfast and left as soon as we were done. Alice and Jasper always leave earlier than us and Emmett and Rosalie are still sleeping. They had afternoon classes and never usually get home til dinner time. Sometimes I really missed my friends during the weekdays, but Saturdays were always fun.
When we pulled into the parking lot of the school, I spotted Jared sitting on the tailgate of his Dodge pickup. He smiled and waved. I heard a small groan come from beside me. I turned to Edward and saw him glaring at Jared. "Edward? What's wrong?"
"I don't like the way he looks at you." He turned to me as he was parking and smiled. "He doesn't seem to know you're my wife."
I smiled and shrugged. "Don't let it bother honey. I don't like him. I kind of have my eyes on someone else." I leaned closer and softly rubbed my nose and lips across his cheek. He let out a small moan and chuckled.
"Really?" He looked at me and I could feel his breath hitting my lips. "He much be one lucky guy to have caught your eye."
I laughed and nodded. "I'd say so." I smiled and kissed his lips, running my hand up his chest to his cheek. I felt him smile into the kiss as I pulled back. "Let's get to class." He got out and I reached in the back for our bags, glad I remembered to take our lunches out before we left. Edward opened my door and held his hand out. As I was walking into my first class, I kissed Edward goodbye and took my seat. The seat next to me was always empty so I dropped my backpack in between the seat and grabbed my book, setting it on the desk and making sure I had everything.
"Um, is it OK if I move this?" I heard a mans voice coming from beside me and my head shot up.
"Jared. Oh! Um, yeah. Sorry about that. That seat's never taken." I grabbed my bag and kicked it under my desk behind my feet.
"That's OK. So, then I guess it's OK if I sit here?" He smiled down at me and I nodded.
"Sure. Since when are you in this class?" I set the papers down and turned a little in my seat, being polite.
"Today. There was a little mix up in the office, and my other class became overbooked, so they moved me and another guy." He sat down and put his stuff on the desk top. "You were the only one I recognized in this class, so I hope it's OK I sit next to you."
I nodded, "Of course." I smiled and heard the teacher walk in, so I turned forward in my seat and listened.
All throughout class I could see, from the corner of my eye, Jared looking over. I figured it was just to see what was going on. He asked a lot of questions, being new to a class a week or so into a semester was confusing, so I made sure to be nice. I know I would want someone to help me if I needed it, so that's what I had been doing. Helping. I know Edward said he didn't like him, but I really didn't see anything wrong with a friendship with him. Edward was never really the jealous type. Only when a guy couldn't take a hint, and Jared hadn't done anything wrong. I figured it was just because me and Edward didn't have any classes together, and that kinda sucked for both of us. Now that he had agreed to talk to me about this job, and to let me apply, it would take away almost two hours of the time we did have together everyday. It's not that I wanted to be away from him, but I needed a job. I needed the responsibility. I wasn't going to depend on Edward's part time job while we were both in college. That wasn't going to work.
Class finally ended and I grabbed my bag, getting up to leave. I was going to meet Edward in the picnic area, since it was directly in the middle of our two classes.
"So, um, Bella?" Jared stepped next to me as I left the room and walked next to me.
"Yeah?" I looked up at him and he smiled.
"Where's your next class?"
"Across the lawn, building thirty-four."
He smiled and walked right along side of me. "Cool, mine's in thirty-seven. Mind if I walk with you."
I shook my head and walked forward. "No." I gave him a small smile and walked through the hallway and out the door. Him beside me the whole time. He was a nice guy, but something about him reminded me of Mike Newton. Mike had a puppy dog quality about him that made him follow you everywhere and do things for you constantly. It was nice at first, but quickly became over-bearing and annoying. Jared hadn't yet reached that point and was very kind. I had found out he just moved here and started school this semester, so I helped him when I could. Showing him where things were and how to get to the buildings. I didn't know much myself, but he had a couple of his classes with me, so I let him walk with me sometimes.
Edward didn't like it one bit. He said yesterday that Jared was annoying him and starting to get on his nerves. He said he had a bad feeling about him and that I shouldn't let him follow me around like that. I had only known Jared for a week, and I figured it was Edward watching out for me and being my husband. I would probably say the same if some girl was following him around. But I didn't know how to tell Jared to back off a little. It wasn't uncomfortable, but I knew it upset Edward, and I didn't want that. But sometimes it seemed like every corner I turned, he was there. This is a big campus, that shouldn't happen.
I saw Edward coming across the lawn and sped my feet up a little, smiling and walking straight for him. When he reached me, he grabbed me in a hug and kissed me. "Hello love. How was class?"
"It was good. Yours?" I kept my arms around his neck and he leaned down pressing his forehead to mine.
"What's he doing behind you?" He lost his smile and I sighed.
"He joined my class today and I helped him catch up a little. He has class right over there, so we were headed in the same direction anyways." I was keeping my voice down so Jared didn't hear anything.
Edward took a breath through his nose, then let it go, nodding his head. "OK." He led me to a table and we sat down for a minute, his hands around mine. I said a quick goodbye to Jared and he walked right past, nodding at Edward.
"He's not that bad Edward." I leaned up and kissed his lips sweetly, hoping to not have to have this conversation again.
"OK. Whatever you say. I, myself, still have a ill feeling about him, but if you trust him, I'll believe you." He kissed me back and I smiled.
"I love you." I didn't feel the need to remind him, just the need to let him know I was happy right where I was at. Just like he had reassured me when Tanya pissed me off, I was now reassuring him.
I loved Edward with all my heart, and never ever, in all the time I've known him, have I been able to even think about another man. Not even when we were friends was I able to concentrate on other boys when we were together. He was the center of my attention and I loved it. All I ever thought about was us, and how much I loved him more than anything. I meant every word of my vows and there was no way I was going to let them fall through. He was mine, and I was his, and nothing in this world could change that.
"I love you too." He kissed me once more before looking at his watch. "We'd better get going. I'll see you in an hour." He leaned in a kissed the tip of my nose before standing and handing me my bag off the table. He kissed me once more before turning to walk in the opposite direction of me. I looked back at him and saw him looking at me smiling. It caused me to chuckle and I opened the door to the building.
After class I met up with Edward again. The rest of the day passed much in the same manner, meeting up with Edward in between each class and after I was done, we walked to the car and drove to the diner.
Walking inside, I saw the manager and he waved at me, coming over to take our order himself. "Hello there Bella. What can I get you today?"
I smiled and started to speak, but Edward spoke first. "Um, actually, can she maybe get an application?" He smiled at Rick and Rick nodded.
"You've thought more about working here Bella?" He sat down on the other side of the booth and looked at me.
I nodded, "Yeah. I think I finally convince Edward I could handle it."
"Well, I need an extra waitress for lunch, it's not much, but until Christmas, it's all I have open." He gave us a friendly smile and I nodded.
"I know. It's all I want. Just a small part time job that helps us a little bit. Kinda something to do." I looked over at Edward and noticed he was staring at me.
He grinned at me and kissed my cheek.
"Well, you don't need an application. Jasper and Emmett have already told me you'd be great. So you're hired. When can you start?" He chuckled and I kept looking at Edward for an answer.
"She can start tomorrow if she wants." He gave me a soft smile and I nodded.
"Perfect."
"Alright. Well, I'll see you tomorrow at noon?" He stood up and pulled his order pad out of his pocket. I nodded. "Two cokes for you guys?"
We both nodded and he left the table. I looked over at Edward and sighed. "Thank you Edward." I kissed him quick then pulled back and rested a hand on his knee.
"Don't thank me." His smile grew and he reached down for my hand. "You can do this. It's going to make things a little more hectic, but I have faith in you." He laughed and squeezed my hand.
I nodded and grabbed a menu. "Hamburger and fries?" I looked over at him and he nodded.
We ordered our food shortly after, and finished up lunch so Edward could get back to school. He dropped me off at home real quick and kissed me goodbye. He waited in the driveway til I got the door opened. I waved at him and he pulled out of the driveway. After I shut and locked the door, I went into the kitchen to start my homework. I got most of it done in classes this morning, but I always had at least some left over.
I splayed my books over the dining room table and pulled out paper. The phone rang about fifteen minutes after I sat down, so I got up and grabbed it, going back to my seat and sitting back down.
"Hello?"
"Bella. Hi dear, how are you?"
"Hi Esme. I'm doing great, how about you and Carlisle?" I loved hearing Esmes voice. It was a touch a home and I missed her. I missed having her to talk to all the time.
"I'm doing amazing. I was actually calling to see if I could drive up there for the night. I know it's last minute, but I have something for you and Edward, and I really want you two to have it."
"Of course Esme. You know you're always welcome here. But you didn't have to get me and Edward anything." I closed the book in front of me and put it away. I was done with it, so might as well get it out of the way.
"Well, it's nothing big. Don't fret dear."
I giggled a little and sat back in my seat. "Alright Esme. When do you think you'll be here? Maybe you can help me make dinner?"
"Of course, I'm leaving as soon as we get off the phone. Carlisle is on call all night, so he's staying at the hospital tonight."
"Alright, well I guess I'll see you soon. I'm gonna finish up some homework and let you go so you can get ready."
"OK sweetie, I'll see you soon. Love you Bella."
"Love you too Esme."
I hung up with her and finished my homework, then went into the living room to watch some TV and wait for Edward to get here. He got home a little after two and I got up to unlock the door for him, wrapping my arms around his neck before he even got in the door. "Well hello to you too love." He smiled and leaned down to kiss me. "Miss me?"
I nodded and kissed him again, pulling him inside and shutting the door. "Your mom is coming up to visit for the night because Carlisle is on call at the hospital. She said she has something for us. She'll be here in a couple hours."
He dropped his keys on the table and then his bag next to the couch. "Alright. Did she say what she had?"
"No, she wouldn't tell me." I grabbed his hand and drug him to the couch with me. As he sat down, I climbed myself up onto his lap. "I really did miss you." I smiled up at him and he bent his neck, kissing me.
"I missed you too Bella." His eyes grew serious and he sighed. "Are you sure you want to take this job?"
I nodded slowly. "I do Edward. I hate that it'll give me less time with you, but I just need that sense of responsibility. I can't depend entirely upon you. I need to do something for myself as well."
He wrapped his arms around me and nuzzled into my neck. "I know." He trailed smooth, light kisses all down my neck. "But I'm your husband. You're supposed to be able to depend on me Bella." He moved his head to look at me, "That's my job, to take care of you love."
"It's not your job to take care of me." I giggled a little and he nodded, starting to say something. I quickly stopped him by putting my finger against his lips. "Yes, we're married, but that doesn't mean I will depend on you like that. I will depend on you for most things, like love and support and when I need someone to talk to. But I won't depend on you when it comes to money and well-being. I want to help you. This isn't nineteen-eighteen Edward. I'm not going to sit at home by myself and watch you go to work everyday."
"I know that Bella. But I feel bad. You're already taking more classes than I am. I only have three serious classes this semester, while you have all seven. You get up, go to school and work harder than I do, then come home and take more classes. It's not like you're taking an easy class, or a class you can relax in. All of yours are serious and are required for your graduation this year." He looked down for a minute and I smiled.
"I know. But it's what I wanted. In order for us to go home at the end of the school year, I have to be done. And that's what I'm going to do. We made a deal, and a commitment to this, and I'm gonna see it through."
There was no way I was going to hold Edward here in Seattle for any longer than he needed to be. He wanted to go home and start working full time on his music. He wanted to be closer to his parents. I wanted to too, so I was going to work my butt off in order to keep to this agreement.
"What if it becomes too much for you to handle?" He looked into my eyes and I saw the conflict in them.
"I promise I'll tell you. If work starts affecting school, I'll let you know and then I'll quit. But until then, I'm keeping the job and continuing school; University and online." I lightly touched his cheek and smiled. "OK?"
He nodded and pulled me closer to him. Edward was everything to me; and more. He meant more than words could explain. I knew he was having a hard time with this, but so was everyone. Alice and Jasper had it the easiest. She got a job on campus is a small coffee cafe and was only a part time student. Since her and Rosalie were taking over Esmes business starting next year, neither of them were full time students. But both Jasper and Emmett were. Rosalie worked at the dealership as a parts manager. She had got the job over a year ago, and all the guys in the office were pretty ticked off. They didn't like being overshadowed by a woman. Especially one as pretty as Rose. Emmett was working on his Physical Education degree, hoping to coach the football team back at Forks high next year. He was assistant coach his senior year and Coach Clapp promised he's give him a job.
I let out a small giggle at the mental picture of Emmett coaching. He would be so good at it, but could you imagine the intimidation he'd set in those young boys. He was huge compared to almost everyone. Put him next to a worried freshman and he was sure to scare the crap out of him.
"What's so funny?" I felt Edwards lips move against my earlobe and I giggled louder.
"Nothing. Just thinking."
"About?"
I turned to better face him and saw him grin at me. "Emmett coaching."
He started laughing and nodded his head. "I've thought about that from time to time. I wouldn't want him as my coach."
"I wouldn't either. Remember when he tried to teach you how to play basketball?"
He nodded and grimaced a little. Freshman year, Edward had decided he wanted to go out for a sport. He had done football since fourth grade, and wanted to try something different, so we flipped a coin to decided between basketball and baseball. As soon as Emmett got word that Edward needed to know more about the game, he stepped up. Not even an hour into the first 'lesson', Emmett had pulled the basketball net down from above the garage door, twice. Carlisle had to fix it, and finally told them they had to stop. That's the night I helped Edward sneak into the gym at school and we played basketball for hours until he was confident he would make the team.
He did of course, but soon got tired of it, so he picked up baseball. Baseball was where he really shined, and he played every year, but decided not to senior year. I never understood why; he was so good at it.
"Of course I remember. We finally got him to stop dunking it just a couple months ago." He laughed and I joined.
This was what I enjoyed. Just being with Edward. Being the best friends we had always been, only closer now. The night we got married, I promised myself that no matter what, Edward would always be my best friend. No matter what I was going through. No matter what he was going through. Our friendship would always come first. I would by no means let our marriage fall apart, but I was more worried about our friendship. Because as long as that stayed intact, our marriage would flourish. Nothing would go wrong, if I could just keep my friend. I still opened up to him like I had all those years ago. I still clung to him for support and love. I still offered a shoulder when he needed it, or just wanted it, and there wasn't nothing I didn't tell Edward.
Around four, I got up from the couch and kissed Edward before heading upstairs. It was time to start my classes online and Esme would be here soon.
Classes weren't hard, it just took a lot of time. I never had homework from them, because well, it was all kinda homework, so it was actually easy. Easier than Edward thought.
An hour or so later I heard the front door open and Esmes soft voice drift up the stairs. I smiled and turned back to my work. I heard her and Edward chattering away and discussing what they should make for dinner. Pretty soon Alice and Jasper arrived, quickly followed by Emmett and Rosalie.
When I was finally done, I hurried downstairs and joined everyone. The living room was small and crowded, but it was perfect. We all seemed to fit just right in our small home and I loved it. In reality, the house wasn't small. It was a four bedroom, three bath, two story townhouse that would accommodate a small family with ease. But having six college students living here was a little hectic, and way different than a family. Given we were all family, just not that kind of family.
"Bella. It's nice to see you again." Esme got up and walked over to me, hugging me tightly.
"It's nice to see you too Esme." I hugged her back and she led me back to the sofa to Edward.
"OK. I have something for you two. And I really hope you'll like it." She got back up and walked over to her bag, pulling out a book. She walked over and handed it to Edward and I.
On the front cover it said Mr. and Mrs. Cullen is an elegant script that could only be Esmes. It had two conjoined hearts and doves on either side. I looked up at her and smiled. "Esme it's beautiful."
"You haven't even opened it yet." She motioned her hands toward the book. I smiled up at Edward and flipped the first page open. It was our wedding picture. It didn't look like a typical wedding photo, but it was ours. It was the picture Alice took as I was saying 'I do'. It was blown up and took up the whole page. Edward leaned down and kissed my cheek as I turned the page again. The next page was of us kissing right after the man pronounced us man and wife. It was also blown up and looked incredible. I smiled, thinking back to the that day in Vegas. It was wonderful and everything we wanted.
Thinking back on it, I didn't remember Alice taking these pictures, but I was so wrapped up in Edward that I guess I didn't notice much at all.
"Mom, this is great. Thank you so much." Edward got up and walked over to give his mother a hug.
"It's no problem. I wanted to do something nice for you two. Plus every couple needs a wedding album. Even if they did just elope." She looked over Edwards shoulder at me and smiled.
"Thank you Esme. It's beautiful." I got up to give her a hug, then we walked into the kitchen to make dinner.
Alice and Rosalie kept looking through the book over and over. Esme had taken every single picture Alice took and put it in the book. Even pictures of the scenery and the hotel we stayed at. The place and hotel wasn't as nice as it could have been, but it meant a lot to me and Edward to have that moment in time in pictures. We spent the most incredible weekend together and I loved every minute of it.
So? Like? I know the dream at the beginning was sorta weird and out of no where, but the night after I finished this chapter, I had this really weird dream that kinda went a little bit like that. So I went back and re wrote the beginning of this chapter and the next (=
Review and lemme know what you guys think (= and don't forget.. the poll is still up on my profile!
