Chapter 3
DAY WITH EDWARD
I was wondering what was going on back at the Cullen house, and I imagined the discussion would be fierce. I already knew where Esme stood on the subject. Alice was probably leaning in that direction as well, considering the visions she'd had even prior to my visit. They possibly showed something more between Edward and Bella. Jasper was going to be downright suspicious of me and everything I was saying, but that was his nature. Emmett would let others decide what to make of me. Rosalie might want to go back to Forks. It meant easy access car parts and all that, not to mention seeing 'Mr. Perfect' humbled even more. Carlisle would go with whatever Edward himself decided and it looked like Edward was leaning toward Forks and Bella. Well, it looked like things would go the way they were supposed to, and not a minute to soon. Because the last time I had checked on Jacob and Bella, it was only a matter of time.
Now that I had thought all that through, I didn't quite know what to do with myself. I thought about taking a shower, but decided that was kind of creepy, this not being my actual body. I didn't feel hungry or tired. I decided to explore the suite and my body's wardrobe, since I might be here a while. I liked her clothes and I loved her purses. I picked out a few outfits that I liked, and changed in case I decided to go out and explore the island a little. Who knew when I might hear from the Cullens again? I turned on the T.V. and my thoughts turned to the Cullens.
Edward had already been gone about three hours and hopefully they were making a decision. If the Cullens decided to go back to Forks today, what was I going to do with myself for the rest of the time that I might be here? Well, if you had to be stuck somewhere, Hawaii was not a bad place to be. I was sure if they decided to go, they would they let me know. At least I would get a chance to see Edward again. Edward in the flesh was so much better than seeing Edward as a ghost. As a ghost, I could see his beauty and appreciate it. But in a body, being near him was a full on physical assault on my senses. He was a feast for the eyes, the nose, the ears… all the senses. When we had been in the car and he turned his intense gaze on me, I had melted like butter until he spoke so angrily. Even then his voice was beautiful, but it had been the menace in his tone that had stopped me cold. Edward was a paradox, beautiful and terrifying all at once. I thought of our conversation in the car, and realized whenever he spoke in that velvet voice; it made want to reveal everything to him. I was going to have to be careful around Edward, because his future was at stake. All their futures were at stake.
I was still marveling at the day's earlier events, analyzing Edward's every move and gesture like the obsessed Twilight fan that I was, when there was knock on the door. My heart started immediately pounding with the idea that it might be Edward again. If it was, I knew he could hear it through the door. Damn it! I took a deep breath, did some quick math to steady my nerves, and I opened the door. It was Edward! And he was smiling! He wore a white T-shirt, black jeans and black shoes, and he looked amazing. How could anybody look this good in jeans and a T-shirt?
"Hello again."
"Hello, Edward." I was glad my voice was steady.
"May I come in?"
"Of course." I pointed to a chair in the living room area. "Have a seat."
Edward gracefully walked into the room and sat down. I was glad I was behind him so he couldn't see just how ungraceful I was in comparison. Not to mention, the view from back here was spectacular. I shook my head free of those thoughts, and took a seat across from him.
Edward began, "First, I would like to apologize for my behavior yesterday. I know I was less than cordial."
I shrugged my shoulders. "It's fine. Considering what I dumped in your lap, you could have handled it a lot worse."
Edward sighed in relief and continued, "Carlisle has never encountered anything like you. I have some additional questions."
Well, I guess it couldn't have been that easy. "Edward, I understand I'm a complete stranger. I am not from your world, and you need to know more before you take my word for everything and just go moving back to Forks. I get it."
Edward smiled again, obviously pleased at my answer, which immediately made my stomach do flip-flops. If we were going to talk, I had to get out of the suite. The proximity was wreaking havoc on me. "Well, if we are going to talk, let's go outside. I have never been to Hawaii before. It seems like a waste to stay inside. The storm will only last about three hours, and then we will have to be back inside."
Edward looked at me questioningly. "How do you know the storm will only last three hours?"
I smiled at him teasingly, "Do you really want to know?"
He seemed intrigued and replied, "Yes."
"The weather channel," I said laughing.
Edward didn't laugh, but he couldn't suppress a smile. "Let me grab a jacket," I added.
I stood up, feeling very self-conscious about my every move. Edward went to the phone and called the valet for his car. I grabbed the jean jacket that went with this outfit and my body's purse, and we headed out the door.
As Edward held the door open for me, he commented, "My sister, Rosalie, has that exact outfit. She is partial to Dolce and Gabbana. Are you as well?"
I had really liked this outfit and thought I had looked pretty good in it until he said that. The idea of being in the same outfit as Rosalie, pure beauty incarnate, was absolutely depressing. "I just picked out what I thought would wear well in the rain. I've never really paid attention to designers, except when it comes to purses. I am a sucker for Louis Vuiiton and Coach. It's one of the few luxuries I allow myself. This purse is an LV Denim Baggy. But with clothes, usually I just buy what I like, or what I think flatters me." And what I could afford, I thought to myself as we stepped into the elevator.
Edward pushed the elevator button and continued, "So you come here often, from where you are from?"
I began to think I had said too much in that last rambling statement. "Maybe we should stick to questions that will help you decide whether or not to go back to Forks."
The valet had already brought up his car. Edward didn't press the question further, so we stepped out of the hotel entrance and into his car.
Once we got inside, Edward turned to me and asked me in a very pleasant human voice, "Where are we going?"
"I have never seen the sunset in the Pacific Ocean, so you tell me. I am sure you know a great spot for a sunset. Could you take me there?"
Edward smiled and answered, "How about a little tour along the way?"
We drove off into the rain to what Edward referred to as the North Shore. All along the way, Edward pointed out landmarks, tourist spots and told me some Hawaiian history. Hawaii was amazing! When I was here before in the dreams, I was usually focused on the people I was with. But today it was all about the scenery. It was spectacular! Once we headed out of the city and got on Highway 3, everything I looked at took my breath away.
Although it was overcast and drizzling, you could see for miles all around you. The sunlight broke through the clouds in giant patches, illuminating everything in its path with golden light. The majestic Waianae Mountains were in the center of the island. They were lush, in an array of green and earth colors with bright red patches of exotic flowers. Then the highway wound through the center of the range, and we were surrounded by imposing jagged mountains covered with all kinds of trees, including palm trees and, rather unexpectedly, what looked like pine trees.
Edward watched me, as I repeatedly gasped at every new change in the scenery. He seemed to enjoy my reaction. We left the highway and Edward explained we were on the Windward Coast. The mountains were on my left, and the road hugged the coastline. There were literally waves spilling over onto the road. It was spectacular. Edward continued to point out landmarks like the Polynesian Cultural Arts Center and the Laie Temple. He explained their history and relationship. He was an amazing personal tour guide. Finally, we pulled into a small secluded beach area.
I went to get out of the car and Edward asked, "Where are you going?'
I turned to him with a raised eyebrow, "To the beach, to watch the sunset."
"But, it's raining. You'll get wet."
Raining? It was barely drizzling. Typical overprotective Edward worrying that the frail human was getting wet. I gave him a knowing smile, "Yeah, I know, but people usually come to the beach to get wet, and I know the rain doesn't bother you, so come on."
Before I could say another word Edward was opening my door. I found a spot I liked and we sat down. Even though the sky was overcast, Edward assured me that the sun would dip below the clouds in the last ten minutes, so I wouldn't miss the sunset.
Within minutes even the light rain had stopped and we spent the rest of the time talking. Edward expounded on Hawaiian history and I answered his questions. I set ground rules, though. Questions about the Cullen's past were safe. Speaking about Bella in the past and present was also fine, the future was off limits, and too many questions about me were off limits as well.
During Edward's explanation about the history of surfing, I remembered my question from the day before, so I interrupted him. "I remember what I wanted to ask you yesterday. What are the Cullens doing here in sunny Hawaii?"
Edward laughed and warmly responded, "Actually, Hawaii is not that sunny, as you can see. Honolulu only has about ninety to one hundred sunny days per year. And where we actually live, in Hilo, there's an average of thirty-six sunny days per year."
"Then why are you in Honolulu, and not Hilo?"
Edward answered offhandedly, "We are waiting for Esme's renovations to be complete." Then the smile on his face disappeared and I wondered what he was thinking about. Then he added, "I don't know why I just told you that." He looked flustered.
I shrugged my shoulders and responded, "Maybe, because I asked?"
He shrugged his shoulders and went back to his tour guiding. "Early Hawaiians called surfing 'he'e nalu,' which literally translates to 'wave sliding.' Back then, only high-ranking ali'i had access to the best surf spots. King Kamehameha himself was said to be an avid and skilled surfer." He went on to tell me about a recent surfing contest between Emmett and Jasper.
While I was listening to his tale, I noticed that he was so different from earlier, so human and charming. Then it hit me. He was going out of his way to be disarmingly charming. Wow! I couldn't believe I fell for it. He was pumping me for information, while I sat here and gushed like a school girl.
So, while he was still regaling me with his funny surfing competition tale, I stopped him, "So, have you finished yet?"
Edward playfully stated, "No, the story is not nearly over."
"No, I mean have your finished trying to charm me for information?"
The smile disappeared from his beautiful face and he looked sufficiently chagrined. "Was I that obvious?"
I shook my head and smiled, "No, I only just figured it out about ten minutes ago. You've had me going all this time."
He looked guilty, before he cast his eyes down.
"You don't need to charm me, Edward. I will be as honest with you as I can be, without jeopardizing the future. So, what have you figured out about me, so far?"
He looked abashed but continued, "You seem to be familiar with the twenty-first century, your speech and gestures are modern. Your accent sounds like you're from southern New Jersey, or perhaps Philadelphia. You like designer purses, but not designers. You have a great sense of humor, and you love to laugh. You seem well traveled in the USA, although you have never been to Hawaii before and..
I interrupted him, "Well, is any of this helping with you decision to go back to Forks?'
"Yes."
"In that case then, its fine, like I said, just ask. And just to let you know, in case I forget, I'm having a wonderful time." It was a wonderful, it was almost like a date, I thought to myself. Getting to know each other and Edward was so terribly charming. He was dazzling, just like Bella said. Who needed the stars, when you had Edward shining right in front of you? What I wouldn't give to just stay here forever with him. But I had to stop doing this! I was letting my imagination run away with me. I was here to get Edward back with Bella. And I had a husband, a daughter and a life to get back to once my mission was complete. I thought of my daughter, she was the absolute light of my life, and suddenly I was missing her terribly.
Edward looked at me thoughtfully and asked, "Where did you go just now?"
There was no point in lying. I said I would be as honest as I could be, without jeopardizing the future. I spoke wistfully and said," My thoughts were back home."
Edward looked contrite, "I'm sorry I am keeping you from your home."
"It will be there when I get back."
"But you miss it."
"Yes, I do." I looked away from him because I felt my eyes water. When I was here as a ghost I was barely aware of the passage of time, but here in this body, I felt time and distance. Although for her, it would be as though I never left, I was feeling a million miles away from my daughter. We sat quietly staring at the horizon, while I collected myself.
Edward spoke first, "I never once thought about whether this was an inconvenience, let alone a sacrifice, for you." He paused. "I'm not worth it." I could hear the remorse in his voice.
I smiled at him and replied, "See, now there's my Edward. Like I said before, for someone who can see others so clearly, you can't see yourself at all. Or worse, you see only one aspect of who you are, and you let THAT define who you are. You are so much more than that. How I wish you could see yourself through my eyes. Edward, you are worth it."
We sat staring into each other's eyes. Well, I was gazing, and I am quite sure he was still trying to read my mind. But I didn't care. His amber eyes were mesmerizing.
He finally broke the silence. "Now I feel even more remorseful for the earlier interrogation."
I lightheartedly responded, "Well, if you call that an interrogation you can keep the inquisition going. I enjoyed this time, more than you will ever know."
Yes, I was going to lock this day in my memory banks. It had been a wonderful day. This was a gift, no more tears, because fate had allowed me to meet Edward. I resolved to enjoy every minute of it. At my words, he smiled at me with that crooked smile, then shook his head and turned back toward the sunset. My heart was in my throat. OMG! That was his crooked smile. It was heaven on earth. No wonder Bella loved that smile! I felt dizzy and it took me a moment to realize it was because I had stopped breathing. I tried to quietly inhale, so my lack of breathing wouldn't be too noticeable, and then turned back toward the sunset while trying to catch my breath.
Just as Edward had promised, the sun finally dipped below the dispersing cloud cover, just before it touched the Pacific Ocean. This was what I had been waiting for. The setting sun cast a golden ray of light upon the darkening waves, as it slowly disappeared into the ocean behind the horizon. Although the sun was no longer in view, its light lingered in the atmosphere, turning the sky a strange bright blue. It was the beginning of Twilight; that small window of time when the world is neither completely lit or nor completely dark. The moment was surreal; I was in Hawaii on a beach, with Edward, watching twilight! Yes, today had been extraordinary.
As we returned to the hotel, Edward's questions were focused more on Bella: her personality, her life and her family. Then, as we pulled into the hotel, he asked, "I noticed something else. You haven't eaten all day. Do they not eat, where you're from?"
I laughed, "Yeah, they do. I guess I just forgot." So, we stopped in the hotel restaurant to order me some food. I ordered a glass of wine and then I had to laugh when I almost considered ordering the ravioli. But then I thought better of it and went with a New York strip and a baked potato with butter. Back home, it would have been a grilled chicken salad. But I figured this body was in good shape. She could handle it. That's when I realized, we were in another romantic setting. I thought, "Well, even though I was here to give him to Bella, I could enjoy him for a little while, couldn't I? So I asked, "Your turn, tell me about you."
Edward smiled and said, "And here I thought you knew all about me."
His smile was so beautiful and his eyes seem to sparkle with amusement. I sighed, placed my elbow on the table with my face cradled in my hand. I found myself leaning forward towards him. He was like a magnet drawing me in. I answered, "Actually I don't. And you have already heard most of what I know about you. Tell me something I don't know."
Edward began to tell me about his early years with Carlisle. I listened to every nuance in his melodic voice. I was mesmerized by his every gesture. I was completely captivated by every expression that crossed his exquisite face. Needless to say, I was sorry when our evening came to a close.
As he walked me to my room, I asked, "So, have I passed the test? Do you believe me? Are you going to Forks, or do you need more convincing?"
"I still have to talk to my family, but I think we are going back to Forks."
"That's what I wanted to hear!"
He walked me to my door and I thanked him again for a wonderful day.
He shook his head and replied, "No, thank you. If all that you say is true, then this is the second time in my existence that a stranger has come to my aid. So I am indebted to you."
He then bowed, grasped my fingers in his, and gently pressed his lips to the back of my hand. An electric shock ran through me, and I was taken aback. He released my hand and then looked up at me, and we both had astonished looks on our faces. We both seemed to realize at the same moment that he had touched me and it was a very old fashioned and very human gesture. I recovered first and flashed him my best 'everything's okay' smile, and said, "See, and you think you're not worth it. Obviously Edward, Carlisle and I both see something in you that you don't."
His amber eyes were pools of confusion; he looked and sounded uncertain, "I apologize. I seemed to have forgotten myself."
I wasn't sure if he was referring to the antiquated gesture, or the fact that he touched me. Then, I said reassuringly and teasingly, "Don't apologize. Chivalry is sorely lacking in the twenty-first century. I personally wouldn't mind if it made a comeback."
His mask back in place, he seemed to recover, and finally smiled back at me. Then, he said good night, turned on his heels, and walked away.
I watched him head down the hall and silently asked him to look back. I just wanted to see his glorious face one more time.
And then, he looked back.
He saw me watching him. This time he flashed me a genuine, crooked smile. Yep, that crooked smile. Then he shook his head and turned around.
Wow! I loved that crooked smile. I would never get enough of that smile, that face, that backside, that everything. God, I could have just gone on and on about Edward. I watched him turn the corner and finally let myself into my room.
As soon as I got inside the door, I let my self-control go and did a little happy dance. I was on cloud nine! I was like, "Wow! He touched me! Wow! He kissed my hand! Wow, wow, wow!" I finally understood what people meant when they said, 'I will never wash this hand again.' That's exactly how I felt! I was beyond happy. I could not have planned the day better! It was perfect; he was perfect. I knew he poured on the charm to get information out of me. But I didn't care. I had been the object of Edwards charm and attention all day.
But I knew that if I wasn't careful, I would be in over my head. Oh, who was I kidding? I was in way over my head, and I had only spent one day in his presence. Bella didn't stand a chance. No one did when this guy poured on the charm.
I went to my body's room and changed into some pajamas. I tried to lie down. I was still dreaming I was there with Edward. That I could talk to him, gaze at his beautiful face, hear his magical voice, touch him. Well no, I should not touch him. But he had touched me, and it was electrifying. I took a second to relive the moment. I could finally fully enjoy the experience. I was almost too stunned in the hallway to really enjoy the moment. When he picked up my hand, at first I was startled by the cool touch and feel of it. And then, the electricity shot through my hand, up my arm, and seemed to spread throughout my whole body like wild fire, leaving a trail of heat and bliss wherever it went. When he pressed his lips to my hand, I felt my knees go weak. The only thing that had kept me standing was the fact that I was simply too stunned to do anything, including falling. Then, when he looked up at me, the look on his face was like a deer caught in headlights. It jolted me back to my senses enough to get me through the moment.
I continued to play the experience over and over in my mind, and then I let my mind wander. What would it feel like to have those lips pressed to my lips, those hands touching me, his whole body pressed against mine? As my imagination went over the endless possibilities, I fell asleep smiling, and dreaming of Edward.
I woke up a few hours later, but I wasn't tired. I figured it was the incredibly amazing day that I had had, and I was still too wound up about everything that had happened. So, I got up and got glass of orange juice, more out of habit than thirst. I was replaying the whole day again in my mind and couldn't seem to stop smiling. I decided to go out to the balcony, to watch the sun come up, while I mulled over my day. The view from this room was spectacular. Hawaii was breathtaking. While on the balcony, I felt eyes on me, so I looked around. I didn't feel fear, but I did feel like someone was there. It could only be one person, so I spoke in a teasing tone, "Edward, come out, come out, wherever you are!"
Nothing. There was no movement that I could see. So, I continued in a light, teasing tone, "I know you are here. There's no reason to spy on me. I am not hiding anyone or anything, and I am telling you everything that I can, without screwing the future up."
He came out of the shadows to my right and said, "How did you know I was here?"
I started laughing. "Because you're a creeper."
Edward looked puzzled and said, "A what?"
I said, "A creeper."
Edward was still puzzled. "What's a creeper?"
"You. You're such a stalker!" Then I started really laughing, remembering how much debate there always was in the Twilight Forums about Edward and his stalking ways. He just shook his head and began laughing as well.
Now it was my turn to ask, "Okay, why are you laughing?"
He continued to smile a genuine smile and answered, "Because you never react the way I expect you to, and I am not used to people being able to surprise me. But you surprise me all the time. I find it rather refreshing."
"I am glad I amuse you." At that, we both continued laughing.
I sat down on a balcony chair and made myself comfortable. "Well, since I am awake, and you don't sleep, besides watching the sunrise, what are the plans for today?"
Edward sat down on a balcony chair beside me, "I have a question for you. Where you are from? Do they not have sunrises and sunsets?"
I eyed him curiously. "Yes, they do. Why do you ask?"
"Because you seem to have this fascination with sunrises and sunsets." He seemed genuinely intrigued.
I sighed, "Well, in my day to day existence, I don't get a lot of time to stop and smell the roses, as they say. So, while I am here, I intend to make the most of it. I take it you have seen enough sunrises and sunsets in your time. Kind of boring for you, huh?"
Edward turned toward the horizon and thoughtfully replied, "Actually, they are one of the few things that don't get mundane. The sunrise and sunset is different every day, even if you stay in the same spot. I am always awed by its beauty and majesty, and its ability to make me feel that the universe has a grand plan, one far greater than anything I could imagine. It's hard to look at the sunrise and sunset and not believe that God exists. There has to be some great architect to all of this. The design is too perfect to all be a happy accident. At least that is what Einstein said."
I smiled at his answer and reluctantly tore my eyes away from him and looked back at the sunrise. I didn't want him to catch me gazing at him again, looking like a love-sick puppy. So, I tried to focus on the magnificent sunrise before me, when all I wanted to do was turn back to gaze at him and listen to his beautiful voice.
As I stared out at the horizon, I had to smile because this adventure was mine. All mine! As a mother, a wife, a daughter, a sister; a woman shares so much of herself with the people around her. But this adventure was mine, and I was going to enjoy every moment of it!
Edward was right; the Universe had a plan. There was a reason I was here. I had to help Edward return to his true love, and this was a gift for me as well. Don't get me wrong. I loved my life and all my family and friends. But as I got older, I'd started looking back more. There was so much more I wish I had done or seen. It's not that I didn't appreciate all that I had, it's just that I wanted… more. More time for myself, more adventure, more excitement, more time to enjoy life and those I loved.
Because of this adventure I was on my own again, with no responsibilities, and with brand new possibilities. It was wonderful to be just me again. It was like finding myself. But at that same time, I really did miss all the craziness and responsibilities in my real life. I knew I would miss my family, but I was surprised that I missed all of the other stuff to. Truly, this experience was giving me a greater appreciation for my life back home, and that was a good thing. Maybe I'm having a mid-life crisis? I thought and I almost laughed out loud.
I realized I had been lost in my own thoughts for a while, and I turned to find Edward staring at me intently. He spoke softly, "So often I had wished I could shut off my ability to hear other people's minds. But now that I can't hear yours, it's so incredibly frustrating. Yet at the same time, it's peaceful to not hear the thoughts of another. People's thoughts are usually so random and jarring. Stranger still, I find myself enjoying the frustration as much as the peace."
I could tell from the way he was speaking he had said more than he meant to say. "You're an immortal Edward, who because of your ability, has seen and heard too much in your time. I am an enigma, so that has to be a refreshing change, particularly for someone like you."
He shook his head, looked disconcerted and responded, "I find myself revealing more to you than I should. Maybe not being able to hear your thoughts have made me less careful around you, when I should be more guarded."
I looked at him thoughtfully trying to think of a way to reassure him, and to find the right words. Then the sun's first rays shone upon him and my breath caught in my throat as I became lost in the beauty of his face. He was magnificent, brilliant and glittering. The surface of his skin sparkled like thousands of tiny diamonds. Before I realized what I was doing, my hand reached out to touch his face. The impulse was so overwhelming; I was powerless to stop myself. He stood perfectly still as the tips of my fingers brushed his cheek, then traced down his jaw line. His face was cool, hard and exquisite. I felt the blissful, electric heat spread through me again as my eyes took in every plane of his face, trying to burn his image permanently into my brain.
I wanted to remember this moment because I had the sudden feeling it would all disappear soon. I wanted, I wanted …, it didn't matter what I wanted. I unwillingly dropped my hand and I could see the confusion in his eyes that my actions had caused. I did not know what to say about my actions, so I looked back towards the sunrise to gather myself. Edward was enough of a gentleman to not comment on my behavior, so we said nothing for a while and just watched the sunrise.
Finally, I shook my head, took a deep breath and embarrassingly spoke, "I guess you are not the only one whose guard is down and is revealing more than they should."
Still the gentleman, he made no comment. I stood up, still too embarrassed to look him in the eye, and tried to break the intimacy of the moment by saying, "Excuse me, I think I'd like to go drown myself in the bathroom right now."
I heard him laugh that beautiful musical laugh before he replied, "I have to admit, I am really enjoying the fact that I never know what you are going to say or do. I find you absolutely fascinating."
While trying to make my escape to the ladies room, the world went black, and then I was home in my bed. It was morning. Relief and disappointment flooded over me at the same time. I was relieved that I did not have to face Edward right now. And I was disappointed for the same reason. Well, at least now I had time to figure out what to say to him next. Once I saw the sunlight on his perfect beautiful face, and his skin sparkled so brilliantly, touching him was irresistible. I couldn't have stopped myself if I tried. But it was also inexcusably stupid. I had to better control of myself around him.
For the next six weeks even though I will still copying the Twilight Saga down, I didn't have a single Twilight dream and I was absolutely miserable.
THANKS FOR READING AND REVIEWING! I have enjoyed all your emails, input, comments and reviews it really inspires me! If you're busy please just say good, bad or okay chapter. If you have time then please let me know any of the following; what do think of their day together? What did you think of Edward laying on the charm to get info out of Jenny? Do you see glimpses of the Edward we all know and love? What's your take on Edward's stalking ways? One of my favorite parts to write was the "Edward in the Sunlight Balcony Scene" I would love to hear your thoughts on it? Thanks for all your support!
