Ch 4 Bloomed Buds Confessions
Bella's POV
I looked back and forth from the mint green dress or dusty pink color. They were both beautiful, but I had to choose one in the next few minutes to make it to the appointed place in time to meet with Edward.
As soon as he left me a few days ago I felt a rush of happiness and anticipation for the next two days to fly by. Trudy unfortunately couldn't accompany me today due to a family visit but Sebastian would chaperon me.
My mother walked in, a lovely smile on her face. "Isabella what ever can you be doing?" She asked holding her laughter in.
"Trying to decide what to wear." I settled on the minty green dress, grabbing the corset and putting it against my body.
"And where are you going, may I ask?" She walked over to me tugging on the laces before pulling them and tying them into place. My breathing shortened a little, but nothing too unmanageable.
"Out on a stroll with Sebastian." It was partially a lie, but if I told my mom the entire truth then she'd never let me out. Renee smiled and nodded.
"Okay, let me help you get ready before you're off." She ran her fingers through the ringlets in my hair pinning them into place.
"Let us go, Bella." Sebastian said as we walked out of my house and towards the same spot. "This man is nice, right?"
I nodded. "Yes he is. I'm glad you'll meet him." I saw Edward sitting at the small café with a smile on his face as we arrived closer.
"Miss Isabella," he bowed kissing my knuckles, his lips felt so delicate that I giggled.
"Mister Edward Masen. This is my confident, Sebastian." They both greeted each other kindly so I guessed it was okay. We all sat down and spoke the day away.
"Bella, I'm going to buy something I'll be right back. Don't move."
"Okay." Sebastian stood up and walked out of sight to a small boutique next door. When he left Edward wiped at his lips with a napkin.
"Why does he call you Bella?"
I suddenly felt shy, heat rising to my cheeks while I twiddled with my thumbs as I spoke. "I don't like Isabella, it's a mouthful." I answered. "Only some people call me it though, the majority calls me Isabella."
"Bella is pretty." He smiled. "It suits you." The heated increased in my cheeks and my fingers suddenly felt like they were made of a jelly substance. "I enjoy this." He continued. "Would you mind doing another day like this?"
"I, uh," My stomach felt full of butterflies flapping around so I just settled for a nod. It didn't involve words and I got my answer across. Sebastian came back with a small bag in his hands and we left home. My mind was still reenacting Edward's permission to go out again. It made me blush harder that Sebastian had to snap me out of it.
"You like him don't you?"
"I think so."
He smiled whole-heartedly. "I'm glad."
"Don't tell my parents." I begged. They'd probably never allow me out again if they found out. He laughed but shook his head.
"You don't have to worry. I won't say a single word." I sighed with relief as we made our way in the house.
During that evening I finished my dinner, standing up and walking to my father. "You seem rather happy today," he mentioned, taking a sip of his wine. "Did you enjoy that stroll with Sebastian?"
"Yes, it was nice to walk around for a change." I smiled and leaned over, planting a small kiss on his cheek. "Goodnight father," I hummed nearly skipping up the stairs to my chamber getting ready for bed. Charles was right, I was really happy today and I knew it had to do with today's outing.
I removed every pin from my hair, letting the blood circulation flow through my head. I laid in bed feeling giddy inside waiting for sleep to take over me.
"Bella, I'm afraid I can't accompany you today." Sebastian's voice reached me as I finished applying lipstick to myself. I turned in my seat horrified. If Sebastian didn't accompany me, then I wouldn't be able to meet Edward for our outing today.
"But Sebastian!" He sighed, rubbing his cheek harshly with the palm of his hand.
"I'm truly sorry, it's just an urgent matter came up."
"But it's a beautiful day!" The sun was shining brightly over the sky and there was a pleasant warmth in the air today, a perfect day for a stroll.
Again he looked pained but shook his head, he had trouble saying no to me. "Truly forgive me. I just have to attend this matter." I knew he was telling the truth and I didn't want to be selfish. He'd accompanied me to meet with Edward whenever I asked. I didn't want to force him to come when his situation seemed important.
"Ask Trudy, you know she'll have no problem." He was right. Over the last two months, Edward and I have been seeing each other every few days and if Sebastian didn't go—which was very rarely—then Trudy would, although, she always seemed more nervous to get caught.
"Alright, thank you anyways." He apologized once more before disappearing from my room. I asked Trudy to accompany me which she agreed and we were off to the park. "Edward!" I squealed when I saw him standing with his back to me. He was wearing dark dress pants and neatly tucked in white shirt.
He turned when he heard me, a smile of white teeth spreading when he saw me. "Bella," he whispered adoringly to me as he embraced me in his arms. We walked into a more secluded place, where society wouldn't scrutinize us and Trudy excused herself to buy family necessities.
"How's your mother?"
"She's doing great! The pregnancy is making her extremely happy; she even has a little bump!" He talked with such passion that I found myself smiling like an idiot at him. We continued walking, the sun beaming over us and lighting the way through edge of the park, a river nearby.
His mood suddenly switched and I saw a glint of uneasiness and sadness in his eyes. I immediately got worried so I placed my hand on his cheek, capturing his attention. "What's wrong?"
He released a rough breath, placing his fingers over my hand that was against his cheek. "Bella…" There were knots in the pit of my stomach and my mind raced to the worst conclusions but I tried to remain calm. "I got accepted to join the army…" His voice trailed off and I felt my hands go cold.
I remembered when we first met that he had told me about his decision to become a soldier and I supported it finding it quite honorable that he chose to become one. However, I never intended to get so close to him and to get so emotionally attached to him. In truth, I cared deeply about him and seeing him brightened my day, with this news though I felt upset. Now he was eighteen and ready to set forth to realize his decision.
"I-I'm happy for you." I stuttered. I was deep down but in the surface I was hurt and he noticed it because his forehead crinkled.
"Please don't be upset." I half smiled, tracing my finger over my lips.
"Save your worries, I'm okay. The news was shocking is all; I know it's your dream." His face was torn, but I wasn't too sure why. He suddenly grabbed both my hands in his, pulling me closer to him, our proximity making me nervous.
"I'll be back, Bella," he promised. "We'll see each other again." My faith swelled to believe him. "I won't be leaving for a few months but I want to confess something to you." He turned to look at the river behind us, taking a deep breath and turning back to me. "I know we've only known each other for a short time but in this time that I've courted you, I've…fallen in love with you."
I gasped loudly, not expecting his confession and felt myself get light-headed. His fingers which were slightly calloused, stroked my cheek and he stared into my eyes, deeply. He was being as sincere as possible and I was speechless. I gulped once, when he lowered to me pressing his lips gently against mine. The sensation was so sweet and gentle that I responded immediately, without my awareness.
So this is what a kiss is? It's just like they're described in the books. Sweet, gentle, tender and…magical. He broke away, beaming as my cheeks reddened with surprise. "Mm," I muttered at loss for words so I settled for an embrace. He encircled his arms around my waist securely while I mumbled about our return to find Trudy.
Another two months passed in mine and Edward's relationship. It was pure bliss and I'd never been happier. I wondered if my parents ever felt this joy in their marriage.
"Edward, I want you to meet me in my house tomorrow night after supper, around ten." I said in a low toned voice, making sure no one was in my surroundings. His eyebrows furrowed with confusion not understanding my request. It was unheard of for a man to sneak into a young lady's room especially at the time to sleep.
"I'm sorry?"
"There's no need to worry, my parents will be sleeping and service will be getting ready to sleep. Just enter through the side gate and climb up to the balcony above the garden. I'll leave the doors open so you can enter." The confusion on his face didn't disappear, but he nodded.
"O-okay Bella."
I opened my eyes, smiling at his reaction from yesterday. It was nine fifty nine and I eagerly waited for him to arrive. There was a slight knock and I jumped scared, to see the shadow of Edward outside on my balcony.
I skipped over to him and greeted him with a kiss. "Edward," I breathed happy to see him here.
He smiled. "Bella, what did you want me here for?"
I turned and paced in my room gnawing at my thumb. I was jittery and nervous, but there were reasons I asked him to come. He was leaving at the end of next month and time seemed to be flying by.
"I wanted to spend more time before you left." I whispered. "Besides," My fingers traced up his shirt, gripping the hair at the nape of his neck between my fingers. He closed his eyes, his breathing becoming ragged as I kissed his neck.
Maybe I was being too forward, but it felt natural even if it wasn't natural in society's eyes. "Bella," He breathed with warning tone in his voice putting his hands on my shoulders and pushing me back gently. There was now a considerable space between us although my arm remained wrapped around his neck.
My lips were being chewed by my teeth, that nervous feeling returning. My face was awfully warm now not making matters easier. Just say it! My mind screamed.
I took a deep breath summoning all my courage. "Edward, I love you." In the darkness in my room, I was able to make out his green eyes widening with surprise. "I love you very much."
It was true; as the time passed getting to know him I had fallen to love him. Everything about him made me smile. He was an intelligent, handsome, charismatic young man and before he left I had to let him know.
"What?"
I giggled into my hand, nodding. "I love you." When he admitted it to me those two months ago, I never responded back because I was uncertain of my feelings. I had never felt love before so I didn't want to mistake my connection with him, but now I'm more then certain this isn't false. I see a future with him with our many kids running around. The image made me beam.
Before I knew it, lips were crashed against mine, moving with a fire-like passion, different to any other kisses we shared. Our lips matched perfectly, his breath tasting of peppermint. I pushed us together, deepening the kiss until he got nervous and pushed away. "We should stop." His words were barely heard, even in this quiet room.
"No," I reached up and kissed him, untucking his shirt from his pants and unbuttoning with ease.
"But—" He muttered between kisses, as he tried to stop my hands futilely. He was trying to remain in control of himself, but was clearly losing the battle.
"Shh," I whispered. "Don't think." That was the end of that discussion. Our lips moved together and barely separated as he picked me up in his strong arms, carrying me towards my bed where he placed me gently. His shirt was entirely off and I admired his muscles with my hands, feeling how hard they were under my touch.
He looked at me with love in his eyes and placed soft kisses at the base of my ear. Thank heavens that my house is so large and my parents' room is on the opposite side of the room. My clothes met his on the floor as we caressed and adored each other the entire night.
I lied content in his arms, my hands on his chest while his encircled my waist. I felt happy and satisfied. So this was the burning passion that was spoken of when two people made love? I can certainly see why it's so special. "I love you, Bella."
I squirmed closer to him, placing a kiss on his chest. "Mm, I love you too. Thank you for making this a special moment for me tonight."
"I'm more than happy to be part of it." We laid in content silence throughout the night.
The sun woke me up and I stretched my sore limbs with a smile on my face as I got ready for breakfast. I nearly pushed Edward out before the sun rose so he wouldn't be caught and he'd promise to meet me tomorrow during the day at our usual spot.
I dusted my dress while sitting at the table, popping fruit into my mouth. For some reason it tasted sweeter today, or maybe it was just me…either way my mood was beyond the sky.
"Isabella, your mother and I were talking." Charles started with his orange juice in his hand. "You're seventeen and should probably be searching for a suitor to marry."
I knew this would come eventually. Inwardly I sighed and screamed no at the top of my lungs, but on the outside I just forced a smile, continuing to chew the melon I ate without giving them a verbal response.
"Your father's right dear, you're getting older and we want you to be happy." I blocked them out, but held the forced smile on my face occasionally nodding when necessary. I wouldn't let them upset my mood.
When I finished, Sebastian met with me with a stern look on his face. "Bella," uh oh, his tone was reprimanding. "Was Edward here last night?" My jaw dropped and my heart sped up at his accusations.
"Uhm,"
"No lying." I bit my lip but nodded. "That's not decent behavior for a young lady such as yourself."
"I know but it was my choice, Edward's leaving soon Sebastian…" I looked down at my hands feeling the heart retching pain flutter inside. "I love him." When I looked up his face had softened incredibly, his golden eyes held concern and sympathy.
"Does he love you?"
"He does, I know it."
He rubbed his lips together. "Your parents wouldn't like the way you've been acting."
"They're already talking about finding me a suitor like I told you would happen. I think it's okay if I choose the outcome of my happiness, don't you think?"
"Yes," he admitted.
I immediately thought of the loyalty Sebastian had to my father and got worried. "Please don't tell my father or mother!" I begged clasping my hands together, with pleading eyes. He smiled warmly and shook his head.
"I wouldn't Bella, you should know that." Relief flooded through me although one question kept poking at me.
"Sebastian, how did you know Edward was here? We were extremely silent." In a way.
He stilled for a quick second before waving me off. "I saw him sneak out through the garden."
A/N: I think that should fix all the weird formatting! Sorry if you guys thought the alert was an update but I thought I should get around to actually fixing this before continuing so readers aren't discouraged.
