Lyrical Melodrama Story Contest
Name of story: Right before My Eyes
Pen name: Lovedforeternity
Song story is inspired by: The Search Is Over
Artist: Survivor
Category: Bestseller
Main Pairing: Edward and Bella
POV: EPOV and BPOV
To read the rest of the entries, go to the Lyrical Melodrama Story Contest on the website/forum.
If you want to see the rules for this contest, go to the website.
If you have any questions about the contest, contact them either via PM or their email:
www (dot)thewriterscoffeeshop(dot)com
A/N~ Thank you so much for reading and all the support. We only have one week left. I hope that you will take the time to go over to the website above and register. There are lots of blogs and stories and just good fun. You can also go over and read some of the other entries for the contest. You would not believe the amazing new talent out there. Check it out!
Special thanks for Keepingupwiththekids and my Clarisa for taking care of all the unsightly messes. I would be lost without them.
Okay… Enjoy a bit more of our clueless twosome!
Chapter 4 Woo
BPOV
When Edward came in from practice, I couldn't help staring at him as he cheerfully greeted his mom and sister. He looked different, almost lighter, as if he were happy. I hadn't seen this in awhile. When he asked for a hug I reluctantly walked around the counter. Edward and I used to be very affectionate with one other in the beginning, but the last few years, since we've grown apart, we usually avoided touching each other since we weren't as close. There was no denying that at one time, hugging Edward was an earth-shattering, pantie dropping experience for me. I loved the feel of his body against mine, even if the hugs we'd shared weren't of the sexual nature. When I first met Edward, I used to crave any kind of physical contact, and I would take any excuse to hug him, but all of that seemed like a lifetime ago.
This time when he held me close to him I felt something stir in my body, familiar feelings. It felt like home, but I pulled away from him soon enough, pushing those thoughts away, just like I had almost three years ago. Things were different now, Edward was different. He was self-absorbed and broken. I needed to remind myself of that, because I learned a long time ago that Edward had the potential to hurt me. Truthfully, he had hurt me when he effectively ended our friendship. He chose the world of fake women and fame over his family and his friends. My heart lurched at the reminder of the feelings I'd long since buried.
As Edward recapped his day for us, I had to admit that I was impressed. It was reminiscent of the old Edward. The man I had once convinced myself that I loved. When he mentioned that he had apologized to his teammates at practice, I was shocked, but thrilled. Maybe my career had some hope of surviving. As happy as I was at his progress, I knew that I had to be on the lookout for his angle, I am sure that his actions were meant to prove to the organization that he was serious, but a part of me hoped that there was more. Realistically it didn't matter his reasons for his change in behavior, but for some reason I wanted to know.
True to his word, Edward played the perfect host and bartender. He also figured out the perfect way to cheat at scrabble. I laughed hysterically as he searched the online dictionary with his blackberry under the table.
Alice and Esme tried to figure out how he was coming up with such obscure words. Alice was in charge of validating the words in question and every time she checked, we'd come out victorious.
Edward laid down the word Zuche. The word would put our team into the win column. I laughed as Alice protested.
"That is not a word Edward!"
"It is a word Alice!" he defended.
"You can't use proper nouns Edwards, isn't that a small country in Africa?" Esme chimed in clearly drunk.
"No mother, it's not a country, it means tree stump." Edward replied, barely keeping a straight face.
Alice searched for the word and then threw the book across the room.
"You cheat! You always cheat! I just have to figure out how?" Alice screamed, while searching under the table for any signs of a dictionary.
Edward grabbed my hand in his and squeezed. I felt a surge of energy at his touch, while totally enjoying the solidarity that game night had brought. It was once again strange to be touching him but on the other hand it felt…nice. I moved my eyes from our joined hands to Edward's eyes. His intense gaze stirred something deep inside of me and as hard as I tried I couldn't bear to look away. I couldn't place the look on his face, but I sure felt something in my girly bits. I need to get laid. Once I finally tore my eyes from his face and his hand, I could breathe again. Just being near him, I felt out of control and even more drunk. I knew that I needed to go home.
Our goodbyes were short and sweet though Edward insisted that he walk me out to his car. It was ridiculous because he lived in a gated community and his closest neighbor was at least a quarter of a mile away. We both knew that I was perfectly safe.
He walked next to me our hands occasionally grazing each other. That stupid energy was back. I didn't understand why it kept happening. I wanted it to go away, because I felt so uncomfortable and nervous and out of control. I hated that feeling. As we approached the car, Edward smiled at me.
"Hey Bella, you know a few years ago, when you asked me if I would be interested in putting my name in for the Make a Wish Foundation?"
"Yeah, I remember, you said you didn't want to hang out with anyone who was dying. Have you changed your mind?" I asked flatly but immediately felt terrible as I watched him flinch at the reminder of that particular conversation.
His head hung in what appeared to be shame and he looked so sad. I wanted to reach out to him, but I couldn't. I wasn't that person in his life anymore.
"I really was an asshole, wasn't I?" He asked, finally looking up at me.
I didn't know what to say, because even though he was making changes in his life, I didn't know his motivation, but I wanted to be encouraging to my friend, but I couldn't think of anything to say except to agree with him so I just stayed quiet.
"Bella, I don't want to be that man that would say something so callous and cold. I know that it is not who I am inside. Today, with Angela, I think that I have finally figured out where I went wrong, and I want to be excited about that so I can make the changes, but it is so fucking hard when I am constantly faced with who I have been for the past three years. I don't know how to fix it!" He said earnestly, once again bowing his head in shame.
I grabbed his hands, and he lifted his eyes to meet mine again.
"Edward, you are fixing this mess. It takes a man to admit your mistakes and try to move on, but a lot has happened, and even though you've figured it out, my guess is that the whole process is going to be painful."
Edward squeezed my hands in his without dropping them.
"I am just so angry at myself for everything. I've never been patient, so this is going to be hard. Bella, I need you… I need to know you will be there at the end of this whole thing, and hopefully someday you will look at me the way you used too."
I looked at him and I melted. His words were sincere even though his voice was broken.
"I will be there Edward, I promise. I've missed you!" I smiled and he put his hands on my face. My heart started beating fast, and I couldn't help imagining the way his lips would feel on mine. For a moment I really thought he was going to kiss me.
"I'll always be your friend," I continued. I watched as his face fell, looking somewhat disappointed before his smile reappeared.
"I've been a lousy friend Bella, but if you'll let me, I'd like to work on being there for you for a change. Can you ever forgive me for letting you down?"
I was shocked by his sincerity and overwhelmed by his words. I smiled at him with tears in my eyes.
"I forgive you Edward and I would love nothing better than to rebuild our friendship."
Edward wrapped his arms around me again and held on tight. I felt his body give way to the sobs. I had never seen Edward cry before and my heart broke. Even though logically it made sense that he would be going through the emotions while he was healing, it made me feel protective of him. I hated that he was hurting, and I hated that he was crying, but I loved the fact that he was opening up. I hope that one day, he would tell me what brought on this change, but all that mattered at that moment was helping my friend.
Once we finally broke apart, Edward tearfully told me that he wanted to get in touch with the Make a Wish foundation so that he could help if they ever needed him. I promised to get the information to him and then we said goodnight. He thanked me once again before I drove off. I couldn't help but notice his form still standing in the place where I left him as he watched me drive away.
On the way home, I was assaulted by the intense feeling that I once had for him, as if they had laid dormant over the past few years and were suddenly awakened in me. Fear was the only emotion that I recognized. I was in big trouble if Edward really changed. I no longer had Jacob to distract me and I was terrified that everything in my life was about to get harder. An intense fear filled my body as I made my way home.
EPOV
The last few months have been the most difficult yet the most rewarding in my life. I honestly felt different, hell I was even boarding on happy. My life on the field had improved one- hundred percent. I had been playing like I did when I was first drafted sans the rookie mistakes. My teammates were looking towards me as their leader again instead of the fuck-up, and my coach actually told me that he was proud of me. There were three games left in the regular season, and we were contenders for the playoffs. We hadn't made it that far in three years.
My work off the field had been tougher to deal with. Not only has it been tough to clean up my image, but it has been fucking painful to be reminded of the dick that I had been. So many of my selfish moments were all caught on film or in the memories of those around me, and I had a hard time facing that. Angela had been great. I still saw her at least once a week, even though she cleared me to play after the first week of therapy.
Angela had really made me look back at those that I had hurt with my attitude. I had to start close to home. One of my assignments was to talk to my family and find out how my behavior affected them and their daily lives, which in turn opened it up to how sad they were when I had emotional left the family. As crazy and painful as it was, I needed to know what I had done to my brothers and sister, and I had to hear from my mother her shame and disappointment. Although they all have claimed to forgive me, I was still working on forgiving myself.
My work with the youth NFL program had been my greatest joy. I loved those damned kids. They needed someone strong that could tell them the importance of education and the dedication it takes to play professional football. I also enjoyed it, because the kids didn't see me on YouTube acting like a drunken fool, they saw me as a man who spent time with them, pushing them to be better. It made me feel good about myself and I was excited about the sports clinics and the summer program. I signed up to lead one of the big camps during the upcoming summer, as well as donated ten- thousand- dollars for scholarships to underprivileged children. It felt great to know that I was helping them, but in truth, they helped me more. Things were looking good in my life. All accept for Bella. Once I had come to terms with my feelings, I couldn't spend enough time with her.
I tried to see her as much as I could and it was wonderful. I didn't realized how much fun I had with her. She was full of life and great advice. I loved that she never agreed with me, just to placate me, but she choose to show me a different way of thinking. Though she never had expectations of me subscribing to her way of thinking, she was patient with me. Patient! I sure the hell wish I was patient. Fuck, I couldn't even be around her alone for awhile, because I didn't trust myself to not try and dry hump her leg. Her smell surrounded me and I felt almost euphoric. Angela said that I was in love with her. I want to argue, but I knew that she was right. Every moment I spent with her just ended up giving more validity to Angela's theory.
I ended up arriving early for my appointment with Angela. I waited in the waiting room and I picked up the latest issue of Sport Illustrated, and I couldn't help but smile. Not because it was the latest swimsuit edition, since that is the only edition that I usually read, but because there was a picture of me on the cover during last Sunday's game throwing the game winning touchdown, along with the headline, "Colt's Can't Catch Cullen." The alliteration made me laugh as Angela opened the door to the outer office.
"Good morning Edward, you seem to be in good spirits today!"
"Yeah, I guess I am." I replied as I followed her back to her office, while taking my normal place on the couch.
"Do you know what today is?" Angela asked.
I shrugged my shoulders in confusion.
"Today is your last session Edward. I think that you are ready to try this on your own."
My face must have fallen and Angela sensed the fear in my eyes.
"Edward, we have talked about this and you haven't needed me for awhile, I think it is time that you start opening up to the person you want to be closest too."
I took a deep breath and let it out loudly. I knew that she was right, but I somehow didn't trust myself yet. As if reading my mind, Angela smiled brightly.
"I know that look Edward. You have to trust yourself, if you want anyone else to have trust in you. Tell me, how was the last week with Bella?"
I thought back to the dinner she had cooked at her house. It was the first time in awhile that I had been alone with her, due to my fear of jumping her. She made a wonderful lasagna dinner and when I arrived, she was wearing a snug pair of gray yoga pants and a black tank top. Her hair was pulled up in a messy ponytail, exposing her creamy long neck. I was mesmerized by her neck all night. We enjoyed the wonderful meal, and we talked about life in general. We ended up talking about the future. I took in Angela's question before responding.
"We had dinner the other night… alone. I asked her what she wanted for her future. I don't even know how we ended up talking about it, but I really wanted to know. I still don't know if I have a shot at being with her. We've never talked about those things before."
"So how did she respond?"
"She blushed a lot, but then told me that she hoped to one day find the love of her life, get married and have children. She said that she knows that she doesn't want to be a sports agent forever, but that she is investing her money, so that when she does meet Mr. Right, then she will be prepared for a family."
"Wow, Edward… isn't that exactly what you said that you wanted?"
"Yes, she is everything I want Angela. That is why I'm afraid of not coming here anymore. See, I only have one shot at this and if I screw it up, I'll lose her forever. I can't let that happen, that is why I don't want to stop coming to see you."
Angela sighed as she listened to Edward speak.
"Edward, what you are failing to see is that you are doing it all yourself. Think about the last few months? All the decisions that you have made to change your life have been your own. All I have done is encourage you and you have people… you have someone in your life that will do that for you. Trust me when I say that you are ready, and if I'm wrong, you can just make an appointment."
I took in her words and knew that she was correct once again. I did need to start making my own choices and trust myself. If I am truly not the man that I've pretended to be the last three years, then it will be easy. I just needed to go with my gut. I sighed deeply and smiled.
"Okay Angela, I trust that you know what you are talking about, though I'm not convinced, but can I call you if I need advice." I asked in a slightly whinny voice.
"Sure Edward, but I want you to trust in the man that you are now. Don't look backwards, look forward and make a plan to woo your girl."
"What if she rejects me?" I asked my stomach full of fear.
"What if she doesn't? She asked in response.
"I hate that you are so smart." I replied.
"It is an occupational hazard. I can't help my brilliance and neither can you. You'll be fine Edward and I am here if you need me."
Edward stood up and gave Angela a huge hug.
"Thanks for believing in me and helping me find myself. You will always be one of my favorite people."
Angela laughed.
"I would have never guessed that on the day we met and I wanted to castrate you that you would come so far so fast, but you did it. You have become one of my favorite clients, but don't tell anyone I said that." She said chuckling.
I left Angela's office and sat in my car for a while just processing everything in my head. I wanted to find a way to show Bella how I felt about her, but I feared chasing her away. She deserved to be wooed and I wanted to show her how much she meant to me, but I was out of my element. I decided that I needed to use the resources that I had available, so I called my mom.
I sat in my car and poured my heart out as my mom listened intently. I could almost feel her excitement through the phone when I told her of my feelings for Bella. She even squealed at one point and I had to chuckle in response.
"Mom, I need to know if she could ever feel anything romantically for me… but I am so scared that I will end up without her in the end. Can you help me? I feel like a complete loser around her."
My beautiful mother took a deep breath before giving me some solid advice and encouragement. She was sure that Bella and I were meant to be together. I just hoped that I could give figure out a way to convince Bella of that truth.
After listening to my mother for over an hour, and processing her words, I decided I was ready to talk to Bella. I made my way home. My friends had invited me out for dinner, but I decided to forgo the invitation to make my game plan. I need a good solid offense while I tried to woo the beautiful Bella Swan.
Once I was home and showered, I grabbed a Gatorade and sat in my music room. I had been playing the piano a lot lately. It seemed that it was a wonderful stress reliever. After an hour or so of relaxing with my music, I finally got enough courage to call my Bella. My Bella, that sounds nice. Shit… when did I turn into such a chic?
I let the phone ring several times, certain that I would be leaving a message on her voice mail when she breathlessly answered the phone.
"Hey Edward… I almost didn't make it. I am painting my bedroom, and I left my phone in the living room. I think I should have hired a professional. I'm making a mess," she laughed.
"Well, I am a professional!" I laughed.
"True, but I'm not in need of a professional bullshitter." She said laughing at her joke.
Her laughter filled my ears and sent chills down my spine. That sound was something that I had really missed for the last few years. I smiled to myself imagining how she looked at that moment.
"Well, I may not be a professional painter, but I can help. How about I grab some take out and I'll come over and help you?" I asked… Please say yes, please say yes.
Bella was silent. I felt fear rise in my chest. Maybe she has some one over there helping her already. What if she was dating someone and just hadn't told me. I felt sick to my stomach while I waited for her answer.
"Edward, I don't want to ruin your night."
"Bella, you have bailed me out and helped me so much so many times. Can you just let me help you? Please?" I asked. I am such a pussy, I am resorting to begging. Man this girl has me spinning.
"I would love your help Edward. I'll see you in a few minutes then. I want Chinese." She demanded playfully.
"I know… orange chicken with white rice and an eggroll." I spouted quickly.
"Wow Cullen, more than impressive. I had no idea you paid attention."
Be brave asshole… flirt!
"I pay attention to everything you do Miss Swan. I'll be there in a half hour." I said seductively and then I quickly hung up the phone. My heart was pounding. I couldn't help but wonder what she was thinking. I quickly put on some old jeans and a tight white tee-shirt and practically sprinted out the door. I was going to go get my girl!
BPOV
What the fuck was that? Did Edward Cullen just flirt with me? I couldn't decide if he were just being playful, but the butterflies were having a party in my stomach when he told me that he paid attention to everything about me. Grow up Swan, he was just playing. It's not what you think.
Once Edward arrived, my heart was pounding. I answered the door and found him in his leather jacket and his tight white tee-shirt. His abdominal muscles were protruding through the thin fabric and I felt myself go weak in the knees. Damn… why does he have to be so beautiful?
"Thanks for coming Edward!' Man I would love to see him come. I mentally scolded myself for going to that nasty place in my mind. I couldn't help it; he was the epitome of sex.
Edward entered the house, looking relaxed and happy. I had been so impressed with the changes he had made over the last few months. I enjoyed being with him so much, and it really felt like he had returned to the old Edward. I could feel the walls coming down when it came to him. I was less guarded and I felt like we were truly friends again. How could I not let him get closer when he was doing everything to be a better man? I had decided that there was no way that he could be making all the changes he had just for the sake of the organization. I remember the day I figured that out. I went to check out the Saturday youth clinic that Edward hosted on the team's bi-week. I didn't tell him that I was stopping by, but when I got there he was helping a young boy work on his form in the pocket. My heart soared when the boy threw his first touchdown pass. The joy on the boy's face was awesome to witness, but the pride in Edward's eyes was absolutely priceless. I knew at that moment that this was a man with a heart of gold. He was there for the kids on his only weekend off during the season. My heart melted in that moment. I could no longer deny the changes that Edward had made and I didn't want too.
After that day, I have been trying to be as encouraging as possible. I know that before I had chosen my words carefully, but I couldn't keep my happiness in any longer and so once again I found myself extremely attracted to Edward Cullen. In my moments of panic, I found myself almost wishing that he would relapse and be the dick that he had been, just so I could push the feelings away, but those were fleeting moments. Edward was becoming the man I always knew he could be, and I found an inexplicable joy in his growth.
Edward made his way into the living room and pulled out the food and set it on the coffee table. I went into the kitchen to get some plates and silverware as I took a moment to take a few deep breaths before joining him. We sat on the floor and Edward chatted about his day. He mentioned that Angela ended their sessions, saying that he was ready to be on his own. I was proud of him that he had followed through with Angela. His obligation with her had ended when he was granted permission to play at the beginning of the season, but he had continued to see her weekly. I was glad that he had someone to talk too, but I couldn't help feeling slightly jealous that I wasn't privy to the inner workings of Mr. Cullen. I wanted to know everything about him. After Edward finished his run down of his last session with Angela, I just had to probe a little more.
"How do you feel about not seeing her anymore?" I asked tentatively.
Edward took a deep breath before answering.
"I guess I was a little scared at first, until she helped me to realize that she was not actually making decisions for me, but rather encouraging me to continue. She also reminded me that I have people in my life that are willing to do that for me for free. She mentioned you in particular."
He stated, though he sounded a bit nervous to say that aloud.
"She's right, I want to be there for you. You have to know that I am your biggest fan Edward." I said smiling.
He reached over and lightly held my hand.
"You are all I need Bella." He whispered and my I felt that nervous jolt in my heart again at his words.
I took his hand and brought it to my lips and kissed it softly.
Neither of us said anything, we just started into each other's eyes for a moment. No words were needed. I felt the mutual respect for one another that I thought was long gone. Fuck… this is bad… I can't feel what I'm feeling. I know that it is pointless to get all wrapped up in him, but I didn't want this feeling to end. I wanted him to lean over and kiss me. Finally, I broke myself out of my haze.
"Are you going to sit here all day and stare into my eyes Cullen or are you going to paint my damn room like you promised?" I teased effectively ending the stare down. I stood up on my shaky legs.
Edward laughed loudly.
"Okay, slave driver… lead the way."
I grabbed his hand to help him up and when I tried to release him once he was on his feet, he held on tighter, so I led him to my room hand in hand.
My nasty thoughts returned and I imagined him throwing me on the bed and ripping every stitch of clothing off my body and burying himself deep inside of me. My panties were uncomfortably wet, as I tried to clear my mind once again.
We spent the next two hours painting my room, laughing the entire time about one thing or another. Relaxed and fun Edward had come to play. When we were done, Edward helped me clean up and removed the tarps from my bed and my dresser. When everything was put back together, we stood and admired the wonderful coffee color that now resided on my walls. It looked great as we made the bed together we placed my new sheets and comforter on my king size bed.
Edward finished tucking the last side on the blanket and smoothed the wrinkles with his large hands, as I secretly wished that I was the fluffy down comforter. I was so lost in my thoughts that I didn't realize that Edward had made his way to my side of the bed. He was so close to me that we were practically touching.
"Bella" he whispered. The sound of my name in his breathy voice was almost my undoing.
I looked up at him and the corner of his mouth lifted while his eyes pierced mine.
"I really care about you Bella" He randomly stated.
I smiled at him, sensing his nervousness.
"I really care about your too Edward. Thank you for your help tonight."
He moved closer and pulled me into a hug. My body was flush against his and I melted, relaxing my form against his. His hands were laced together around my waist and he nuzzled his lips into my neck.
"Can I ask you something Bella? I just need you to be honest without worrying about hurting my feelings okay?
I nodded as I tensed up against him. He pulled back again so that I could see his face. He looked pained and somewhat frightened.
"Have you ever thought about us… I mean, have you ever thought about me and you… Umm, damn, I can't even fucking speak!"
"Edward… you can ask me anything, just say it."
He took a deep breath and moved further away, but grabbed my hands in his.
"Bella, have you ever thought about being together with me in anyway other than friends?"
My heart dropped into my stomach. I wasn't expecting his to ask me that. I was floored and my mind raced. I could lie and end the misery that I knew I was headed for if I answered truthfully, but as I looked into his eyes, I just knew that I had to tell him the truth. I briefly wondered if he was setting me up to be the butt of a joke, but he looked too sincere for that.
I took a deep cleansing breath while I found the words that I would say to him.
"Yes… when we first met, I had a mad crush on you. I wondered what it would be like for us." I answered quietly. "Have you… ever?"
Edward let out a long breath as if he had been holding it for too long and smiled.
"I think about it everyday." he answered, his voice still in a whisper.
I looked at him closely, searching for any sign that he was joking or playing, but I found only truth in his eyes.
"Wow, I wasn't expecting that." I said, obviously speaking without my filter.
"I know that this must be strange for you, especially because I have been such an asshole, and I clearly don't deserve someone like you, but Bella, I think about you all the time and well… I… I would love to take you out on a date, Bella will you go out with me?"
I thought of all the reasons why this wasn't a good idea. First and foremost he was my client, secondly, he did not have the best track record with relationships and lastly, I feared that I would fall for him. Despite all those thoughts I just smiled at him. Fuck it!
"I would love to Edward." I answered and the next thing I know his lips were on mine. My whole body tensed in shock, until he started moving his lips softly against mine. The intense pleasure of his mouth on mine was almost too much to handle. I felt my legs give way slightly but his arms snaked around my waist as his tongue grazed my lower lip. The chills and electricity that flowed through my body could have fried a small country. I opened my mouth to him and his tongue slipped through my lips gently and I wanted to cry at the amazing taste of him. His movements were hesitant but powerful and it took every ounce of energy I had to not run my hands down his body to his evident erection. Just when I thought I would lose my mind with want, he pulled his lips from mine and smiled.
"I'll call you tomorrow." He whispered, his breath ghosting my lips while the desire settled over me.
I heard the door shut and I stood in exactly the same position he left me in with my body leaning slightly towards where he once stood.
What the fuck just happened?
A/N~ please review and let me know what you are thinking. Your reviews make me happy and I love them. Thanks for reading and supporting my writing. You guys ROCK HARD! Next week is the last chapter before the voting starts. I hope that you end up loving the last chapter. It is going to be a dooossseeeyyyy!
