Chapter Three.
"Children! Don't run too far! Dinner will be ready soon, and you mustn't be late!" My mother shouted from the door of the castle. We just giggled and ran along through the woods, holding hands like there was no tomorrow.
"Where are we going, Eddie?" I squealed as I tripped over a small twig and stumbled, but his hand kept me up.
"You'll see, I want to show you something." The little boy turned to me, his emerald eyes shinning bright and his bronze hair all out of whack. I couldn't help but giggle.
"You know I don't like surprises! Tellll meeee!" I chanted and smiled. "If you don't tell me, Alice and I will beat up on you! Even Emmett wouldn't be able to save you! You know how Alice gets, Eddie…I don't think you want to go up against her. Especially since her mother is cutting off her toy supply lately. You know how she gets!" I sang and teased him. Hoping he'd give in. But of course, he did not.
"Just hang on a moment, Bella. You don't have to sick Alice on me just yet, We're almost there." He grinned his gorgeous smile and winked at me as we hopped across a small creek and up a hill, running into a beautiful clearing. It was the meadow.
"Eddie! This is beautiful!" I shouted and threw my arms around his neck hugging him tight. He seemed to freeze under my touch. I stepped away and blushed slightly before running away and down into the water, splashing around and searching for fish.
"What are you doing now, Bella!" He shouted from across the meadow.
"Fish, Eddie! Fish! I want to touch a fish!" I shouted back, giggling.
"Fishing is for boys! Not for girls!"
I frowned. "I don't think it should matter. Fish are fish. It shouldn't matter who touches them." I crossed my arms and pouted a bit before spotting a small fish and diving for it, sinking under the water, missing it completely. I came above the water, coughing.
"Bella! Bella!" Eddie rushed over to my side, pulling me out of the water. "Are you okay!?" He asked frantically as I continued to cough. I started shivering so I crossed my arms and held them against my body, trying to create body heat for myself. He apparently noticed. He took off his small jacket and wrapped it around my shoulders. I pulled it against me and smiled.
"Thank you, Eddie." I leaned over and kissed his cheek quickly and pulled back quickly enough to see him blush a beautiful red.
He rubbed the spot where he was kissed and turned away from my eyes.
"What?" I asked curiously. He should be over the kiss by now. It wasn't a big deal.
He glanced over at me and a quick look down that I just caught. I looked down at myself and noticed my shirt was see-through from the water. My breasts clearing showing through the thin white fabric.
"Oh." I frowned and slipped my arms through his coat and buttoned it up, turning towards him to smile. "All better!" I shouted. He smiled at the lightened mood.
We ran around a few times, splashing in the water and playing tag. Eventually sunset started coming, the sky turning a bright pink, a orange color clashing within it.
"We should head back." Edward spoke up and glanced at me. I smiled and took his hand.
"Yeah."
We headed through the woods and walked through the garden in the castles courtyard. Suddenly, Edward pulled me aside behind some bushes and peeked over.
"What?" I whispered, wondering why we were hiding.
"Shhh! Look over there." He pointed over the bushes towards a canopy with a bench underneath where a couple cuddled, entranced with each other. They were hugging and kissing each others neck and lips and cheeks. They couldn't keep their hands off each other.
"What are they doing?" I asked curiously. He turned toward me and his eye brow creased as if he didn't know what to say.
"They're being affectionate." He stated simply.
"What does that mean?" I pressed, wanting to know more.
"Well, they're touching each other and not wanting be away for one moment because they love each other." He started to blush a light pink.
"Love? Like how our parents love us?" I questioned.
"Sort of. Accept this is a love between a man and a woman. When two people really care about one another and just seem to smile at the thought of the other person, They usually are in love. This kind of love is special, one where you would die for each other and want to be together forever…" he spoke off into a whispered when his thoughts wandered.
I smiled a little and tilted my head. "You mean like how we care about each other?"
He flushed a dark , dark red, and turned his face away from me. "I suppose."
I grinned. "I love you Edward." I spoke thoroughly and placed my hands on either side of his face so that I could adjust him to look at me as I leaned in and pressed my lips to his. A soft chaste kiss.
After a small moment and pulled back and smiled at his shocked face. He seemed a bit flustered as he brought a hand up and rubbed the back of his neck uncomfortably.
"I love you too, Bella." He spoke in a slight whisper.
I jolted awake, Immediately running a hand through my disheveled hair and looking around the room, wincing as the early morning sun caught my eye. "Ouch." I mumbled and closed my eyes for a moment.
Last night once it got dark, Edward walked me home and said goodnight, leaving me to my quarters where I quickly got ready for bed and crashed, undisturbed by any Prince what so ever. That was the best part of the whole night. No grunts or moans coming from a certain pig in the middle of the night.
I wonder why I had that dream? I wondered suddenly. We were both around the age of eight back then. I couldn't believe I forgot that day. Was it because of the encounter in the meadow again? It was a wonderful dream. I miss those days. The days when I had a mother. The days where I could freely love whomever I wanted. Edward…Oh how I missed him. But what could I do about that now? We were both destined to be with other people. Fate seemed to have worked against us in that way. How unfortunate.
"Isabella? Are you up?" A voice called from behind the door. Alice.
"Yes, Alice. Come in, Come in." I scooted up in bed and let my hands fall in my lap when she opened the door and grinned.
"You slept in later than usual, My lady. Did you have a long night?" Her features were crossed with amusement, telling me she knew something.
I groaned. "What did you see, Alice?" I watched her as she walked over to the dress from yesterday that I dropped on the floor last night after I got home. She picked it up and folded it over her arm, walking around the room even more, attempting to look busy.
"Oh nothing…" She traced her finger along the edge of the bed. "Only a very happy handsome Edward and a very beautiful Isabella showing up late last night at your door." She spoke and the side of her mouth flickered upward.
"It was nothing really. We just took a walk." I looked down at my clasped hands as my cheeks turned a light red. She saw.
"Oh that is a lie, Isabella. You and I both know it. I seem to recall a little boy and girl whom were the best of friends in our childhood years…" She glanced up at me and grinned.
"Was it that noticeable?" I whispered.
"Was what noticeable?" Her forehead creased.
I closed my eyes an leaned back against the wooden headboard. "How happy I am when I'm around him." I stated simply. I knew it was true, but could other people tell too? Was I really that easy to read?
"That is nothing to be ashamed of, Miss Swan. Edward is a delightful and not to mention yummy, character. It is perfectly normal to be drawn to him." I opened my eyes a little to see her smiling and I couldn't help but smile in reaction.
I looked towards the door and the bit the inside of my lip for a moment. "Jasper?" I questioned loud enough for him to hear if he was behind the door, which was where he usually was.
The door opened and Jaspers lean body stepped through, his long blonde hair perfectly done back in a ponytail at the back of his neck. "Yes, Princess?"
I groaned internally at the title he named me. "What is on the agenda today?" I asked curiously, tipping my head to the side a little. Maybe I could spend a little more time with Edward again today if I didn't already have much planned.
Jasper cleared his throat. "Actually, Miss Swan. You don't have an business to attend to today. Although, Your father as requested a meeting with you. But I supposed that wouldn't be reasonable, So I didn't mark it down." I smiled a little. "You have been given a day to relax so that tomorrow you are fresh and alive to get ready for the ball in time. " The smile faded. The ball. Jacob. Shit.
I put on a fake smile and raised my head to meet Jaspers eyes. "Thank you, Jasper. You are dismissed to do whatever you please for the rest of the day." I saw him smile and turn to leave when his eyes flickered to Alice's whom was standing beside my bed, folding a few garments. Their eyes met and I saw Alice blush as Jasper left, shutting the door behind him.
I glanced back at Alice who was looking down, purposely trying to avoid my eyes. I cleared my throat. "Um, Alice?" She still didn't meet my eyes. "What was that?" I asked, amused.
Her cheeks flushed even more so. "What was what, My lady?" She spoke quietly, the crack in her voice apparent.
"Oh I don't know, Maybe the way you two looked at each other and I swear I saw fireworks in your eyes. But maybe it just my drowsy head, I did wake up quite late today.." I trailed off, leaving her to blush a deep crimson.
I got up on my bed on all fours and crawled over to her, sitting crossed legged before her. "You know you can't lie to me, Alice. I know you better than anyone else in this kingdom."
She finally looked up into my eyes and broke down. "Oh Bella! I'm so sorry!" She was in friend mode now. I missed it. She crawled up on the bed and sat crossed legged across from me, her eyes excited. "We're in love, Bella! He's so amazing. I can't stop thinking about him! You know how we work together for you and well we just started talking and it just happened! One moment we were speaking about how delightful it was working with such a generous Princess and the next our lips were pressed together, our hands traveling everywhere possible. Oh you cannot imagine how his hands felt against my bare flesh-"
I held up my hands in front of her. Motioning her to speak no further. "I think I get the picture Alice. " She just smiled silently, her body shaking with excitement. "That's wonderful! I'm so happy you found someone, And Jasper being the perfect gentlemen, Or so I thought before I heard that little tidbit…I think it's just wonderful. I'm happy for you, really." I faltered a little at the end. I didn't want to mention how jealous I was also. She had found her true love with no problems what so ever. Oh how I wish my love life could be that simple.
She just grinned. Like a child at Christmas. Nothing could make her sad. A little realization flickered through her eyes and she bounced off the bed. "I'm sorry. I got side tracked from work." She made her way into the closet, placing clothes in their correct places.
"You know that you're not really my maid, Alice. You're my best friend and whenever you want to talk, I'm here. Don't think that you are anything less." I moved my body to the side to see her in the closet and she was looking towards me with a smile on her face and bleary eyes.
"You're my best friend too, Isabella." she spoke and grinned, wiping a finger under her eye.
I smiled and hoped off the bed and into the closet with her. "So I'm thinking…I'd go see Edward again today…" I mentioned and blushed a light pink.
"I think that's a wonderful idea, What are you going to wear!?" Of course she's more worried about my wardrobe.
I laughed and had her pick out a simple light pink casual dress for me to wear. She put it on for me and ruffled up my hair in a stylish sort of way until I was all done up. I smiled and walked towards the door opening it up and seeing Jasper to the side. He looked a bit flustered when he saw me, considering he blushed wildly. "I already know Jasper. And I'm happy for you. But I'd like to ask a favor of you." He nodded once and I continued. "Do you have an idea of what Edwards agenda is of today?"
He smiled softly, "Edwards schedule is no more busy then yours, My lady. Right about now I have heard that he is in the southern building in the music ward, practicing. I'd bet you could find him there now." I smiled politely and spoke a soft thanks then glanced behind me at Alice who was bouncing on her toes once again.
"Have a nice day you two." I smiled and turned on my heel, heading down the corridor and out into the courtyard, heading to the south building.
I made it halfway down the hallway when I froze. Tunes of all kinds floated through the air and swept by me. Music? I took another step, watching my feet as I go to make I was being as quiet as possible. I eventually made it to the door to the music room and gasped.
There I saw Edward, sitting with his back towards me on a bench by the piano. His slender fingers moving along the keys playing a sweet tune that filled the room with serene. I took a step inside the room, closer and closer, being drawn into the music. It was absolutely…magical.
He was wearing a white flimsy undershirt tucked into a pair of tan trousers. His hair was as messy as usual. As I stepped closer I could see that his eyes were closed and he was feeling the music through his fingertips. Not reading off any sheets of music, just playing from the heart.
The thought made my heart flutter.
Suddenly he stopped and tensed in his seat. He groaned to himself and his elbows leaned down on the keys, creating a nasty sound that echoed throughout the room. He put his hands over his face and seemed stressed out.
I took another step closer, so that I stood right behind him. "What has got you so sad, Edward?" I spoke quietly.
He turned around quickly on the bench and gasped as he saw me, his hand flying over his heart as to contain the beating that quickened with the shock. "Isabella." He breathed.
My mouth quirked up, amused. "Did I give you a fright?" I raised my eyebrows and passed by him slowly as I trailed my fingers over the top of the piano, glancing at him every now and then.
"How long were you standing there?" He asked, not answering my question. He seemed a little afraid of my response. Hoping I didn't hear the song, I supposed. But why wouldn't he want anybody to hear that lovely tune?
"Long enough to hear the loveliest melody that my ears have ever encountered." I grinned at him and glanced down at the piano. "Was that one of your creations?"
He looked down at the keys and nodded quietly. "Yes. It came to me a few years ago and I have been tweaking it ever since."
"What is it named?" I was curious. Did he write it for Rosalie? A tune like that seemed to be dedicated to a lover. One who is very much adored.
"Um… I haven't thought of a name yet…"He seemed to be distracted the quickly stood up and gave me a fake smile. I can see right through you, Edward… "What brings you to this side of the building, Isabella?" He smiled my favorite smile and I smiled in reaction to it.
"I had a dream about you last night, Edward…" I glanced up at him and smirked.
"Oh? What about? Hopefully nothing too…personal. " He seemed to blush at that. "Would you tell me of it?" He raised his eyebrows in hope.
I smiled and chuckled softly. "No, nothing that is inappropriate. Just a dream of the past. Take a walk with me, and I'll tell you all about it." I smiled and walked towards the door, knowing that he would follow. In time he came into step right beside of me.
"Remember when we were eight, Edward?" I glanced at him and saw that he was staring at me. I quickly looked away and blushed.
"Yes. I do believe that you were the clumsiest child that had ever stepped foot in this kingdom." He chuckled silently to himself at the memory. I grimaced.
"Yes…I do recall that. But anyways. I had a dream about the first time you brought me to that meadow that you took me to yesterday," I glanced back up at him to see his green eyes deep in thought. "Do you remember that day?"
He nodded once.
"It was a beautiful day. I remember I tried to go fishing and fell in. You gave me your jacket. "I blushed as I left out the minor detail of the see-through shirt. I glanced up to see him blushing a bit, he remembered that part as well. "Then we went back and saw that couple." The color changed to deep crimson on both of us. "I can't believe I had forgotten that day, It was very memorable." I sighed to myself and looked down at my feet as I clasped my hands behind my back.
"Yes. I haven't forgotten that day for a moment. That was the first time you had said you loved me, Bella." Bella. He used my nickname. How long has it been since I've heard that from his seductive voice?
"It was the first time that you said it as well…Eddie." I chuckled at his nickname and looked up to see one side of his lips up in that perfect smile. I looked back down and frowned a little. "What happened to us?" I asked quietly.
He didn't answer for awhile and then he suddenly stopped. I looked up to see his eyes boring into mine. There was something there behind them though, Those deep emerald eyes darkened with something that I must have been mistaken about.
"Prince Jacob! We have to go to the East Building to discuss the plans of tomorrow night. Have you forgotten?" We both flinched at the sound of a mans voice and looked behind us to see Jacob and one of his men walking down, Not having seen us yet.
"No I have not. But I'm looking for Bella, I heard she was in this building and I'm curious to see what she is up to. That's part of my role as her fiancé." I clenched me teeth at the word and was about to stomp up to him when Edward grabbed my arm and dragged me into a small room off to the side, usually kept to hold the towels and sheets for the bedding. We pushed into the room and were pushed up against the wall. I couldn't see a single thing but I could still make out Jacobs voice from behind the door. A cooling breath stopped my train of thought.
I looked up and could see the outline of Edwards face in the dark, his face only inches from mine. His breath came out in slow full breaths and the warmth of it hit my face soothingly. I could feel myself blush.
"Edward." I whispered quietly and could faintly hear the footsteps outside fading away.
His face leaned into mine, his lips merely a few millimeters away from mine. "Bella." He breathed out.
A realization came to me then. Before, when he was staring at me. That emotion, the one I couldn't see before Jacob came into the picture. I could see that emotion clearly now though. Desire.
I enjoyed this chapter : It's the longest one I've ever written so far. Haha, I'm proud of myself : I have tons and tons of ideas so review review review and i'll get them to you.