Chapter 4
BPOV
Who they hell did they all think they were to fucking talk to me about my father being a protector of the US when other father are protecting their daughters against the useless fucks like the fucker last night, my father chose to protect the other people leaving me vulnerable to protect myself. He protected the US yet there were still killings and bombs going off so why the fuck did he die? For nothing I tell you nothing!
I walked around aimlessly on deck before I decided to retire to my room to sulk. I locked the door and crawled into the bed crying myself to sleep.
I didn't want to be haunted by memories of my father but they seemed to flood my dreams.
Bells come on we have to get there early if we want the best shells! My father called to me from the front on the beach house we had for the summer. This would be the longest he has ever been on leave from active duty, but he injured his leg during training and hasn't been cleared for battle yet.
We headed out to the beach before the sun had even reached its peak to gather the shells the tide had bought in.
My, but don't you look cute? My father smiled as I came out wearing my polka dot one -piece costume. I felt like a dork I was 15 years old and just developing, all the other girls around were showing off their bodies in bikinis but no me. I didn't really care about anything or anyone I just wanted to focus on having this time with my father.
We spent the whole morning on the beach collecting shells and swimming, eating ice cream and then some exploring.
We went back spent and thirsty. When we got back there was a military car waiting for us.
An hour later we were heading back to Fort Nelson as my father's services were needed. My summer cut short again.
I regret taking time to sleep as I could have spent those hours laughing with my dad. I regret taking my time to get dress as I could have been on the beach playing games with my dad. I even regret taking my time to explore the house as those would have been a few more minutes I could have had with my dad.
I woke up crying at the memory of my father driving away in the army vehicle and leaving me in the care of my drunken mother.
I was late in the afternoon as I emerged from the room. We had already set sail and I moved to grab a bite to eat. Having skipped breakfast was not the best idea to cure motion sickness. I grabbed a plate and helped myself to some delicious fruit. I ate by myself and felt the depression cloud bursting and soaking me.
I got up and dragged my sorry ass back to the room and pushed one of the super fucked up DVD's the cabin had into the player and stared aimlessly at he screen not even noticing what I was watching.
"Bella?" I heard Esme ask as she knocked gently on the door.
"Come in" I said not moving from the bed. She came into the room looking like the life had been sucked right out of her. Her eyes were rimmed with red and puffy. Alice and Rose stood silently behind her, great now I feel like shit.
"I am sorry for not telling you" She said as she sat down next to me and I moved closer to hug her. She wanted this so bad just to be happy and who was I to take that away from her? This was her time and I needed to suck it up and make sure she was happy, just like she had done for me so many times in the past. She had also offered up a lot and lost a brother I wasn't the only one left mourning.
"I am sorry for overreacting and sulking like a little baby" I said not only to Esme but Alice and Rose as well.
"We love you Bella" Rose and Alice said as they came and sat down next to me on the bed. I really needed to fix this for them not for me but for them. Four weeks that is all Esme has ever asked of me, and then Edward would head back to the Marines and I will be okay till Christmas or New Year or when ever it doesn't really matter right now.
"I know I love you guys too, it all just took me by surprise" I said not sure what else I could say to redeem myself.
"Do you really feel like that though?" Esme asked.
"Like what?"
"Like the Marines took your father away from you?"
"I do."
"Bella do you have any idea how many life's your father saved? Do you know how proud he was of himself? Even when we were little kids, our father was in the marines and all Charlie ever wanted was to be in the marines too. He loved you dearly and lived for you. He wanted to make the world a better place for you, so that you could walk around freely and life without fear. That may have been a warped dream but Bella that man would have bombed the whole world and left just your house standing if he could. Every thing he did, he did for you. He was a man of honor and integrity. You should be proud of him." Esme said and I listened.
I knew all this and I was proud of my father but I still felt like he chose the marines over me. But like she said he was doing something he loved. All jobs had risks. I mean there were not guarantees, you could be a doctor and get killed with a deadly disease you were trying to cure, or be an attorney and get killed by the person you are prosecuting, and a teacher could get killed by a rampant student. But life still boils down to the choices you make. Sure maybe Charlie thought he was making the right choice for himself and me. It is not like he intentionally died.
"Your right but it still hurts" I cried as Esme and the girls wrapped their arms around me.
"Awww" Emmett said walking into my room. Also wearing dog tags! That didn't bother me as much. So I was left to the conclusion that maybe I was being a bitch. Jasper and Emmett could go tot the marines but Edward? What was wrong with me, I was in a profession where I needed to be able to hear an argument and make assumptions based on the fact yet here I was making fucking stupid childish conclusions.
Emmett jumped on the bed and forced a gap between me, and Alice so he could wrap his arms around me. He effortlessly picked me up and put me on his lap.
"Sorry Swan!" he said kissing my cheek and hugging me close.
"No, I am sorry for saying the things I did and spoiling your day" I cried into Emmett shoulder.
"No Blood no Fowl" Jasper breathed as he took the seat next to Emmett that Esme just vacated.
"Yeah Swan, we good" Emmett said.
Jasper pulled me into his lap and held me close.
"So General Major Swan was your dad?" he smirked and I filled with pride as I nodded.
"Dude that man is a fucking legend!" Emmett breathed.
"Retreat Hell we just got here" they both said together and my brows furrowed.
"That was your dads saying" Emmett smirked at me.
"Tell me please" I begged with watery eyes.
"I will" I heard a voice say from the door as Edward stepped in. He didn't meet my gaze but sat down on the couch and started talking.
"Retreat, Hell." We just got here"
Your father had fighting spirit and determination against heavy odds, it is a sound tradition in the Marine Corps and nowhere is there a more graphic illustration than an incident which occurred in Iraq. The occasion was the third great breakthrough when the 4th Marine Brigade and its parent 2d Infantry Division were thrown in to help stem the tide in the Belleau Wood sector. The 2d Battalion, 5th Marines, had just arrived at its position when an automobile skidded to a stop and an officer dashed out and approached your father. He explained that a general retreat was in progress and that orders were for the Marines to withdraw. Your father looked him dead in the eye and exclaimed in amazement, "Retreat Hell! We just got here."
And the Marines proceeded to prove their point. The battalion deployed and took up firing positions. As the Iraq Soldiers approached, they came under rifle fire which was accurate at ranges beyond their comprehension. Not in vain had the Marine Corps long stressed in its training the sound principles of marksmanship. The deadly fire took the heart out of the Iraqi troops and the attack was stopped. The Marines won the battle and many of the prisoners that were taken into Iraqi camps were saved and brought back to their families because of your father's persistence to get the work done. Fear had no place in his life." Edward finished and I was rendered speechless.
My father? Charlie swan that picked up shells and went down water slides and saved those soldiers.
The man with the heart of gold had died to save someone else. But he left me to fend for myself so that other fathers could spend time with their kids.
"Thanks" I breathed as Jasper kept me on his lap his chin resting on my shoulder.
"Well, if we are all done here, the captain has agreed to give us a tour of the boat" Carlisle appeared in the door.
So my room was now grand fucking central station and open to all.
I got of Jaspers lap. "I just need a moment" I said as the guys left and I changed into my swimsuit and a cute summer dress that was short but comfortable. Rose and Alice helped fix up my hair and make up to hide my puffy eyes. No one said much they just seemed to absorb themselves in the calm emotions floating through.
I smiled and linked my arms with Alice and Rose as Esme led us into the passage.
"Finally!" Emmett boomed as we met them all at the elevator.
We arrived top deck and followed Emmett in search of the captain.
"Fuck but you guys are glum" Emmett moaned and smirked.
"I don't know what I've been told" he sang and we all just looked at him
"Come on guys please?" he asked
"I don't know what I've been told' he sang and we all followed
"I don't know what I've been told" we sang
"No guys with feeling!" he yelled
"I don't know what I've been told" he sang with enthusiasm
"I don't know what I've bee told" we all sang jolly merry.
"Eskimo pussy's mighty cold" he sang and we all just laughed but the guys followed Emmett by saying
"Eskimo pussy's mighty cold"
"Feels good"
"So good"
The boys sang and we all just laughed at their silly-ness.
Edward seemed to have relaxed but he was still not the same Edward. He laughed but it seemed like the light has left his eyes. He was not carefree and exuberant.
"Hi there" I heard a grey haired man dressed in an all white uniform say.
"Captain Morrison" Carlisle said stepping forward and shaking his hand.
"Please meet my family, this is my fiancé Esme" he said gesturing to Esme with a beaming smile. "And her lovely daughters Rose, Bella and Alice" he said as we all stepped forward to shake his hand.
"Pleased to meet you ladies" the captain smiled.
"And my sons Emmett Jasper and Edward" he smiled at them as they all introduced themselves to the captain.
"America's finest. Well lets be off then" the captain said leading us along the top deck of the liner.
"The Majestic Lady is a century class vessel that was built in the Papenber shipyard. I won't bore you with the lenght and breath unless you really want that information." He said looking at us as we all shook our heads.
"Okay then. The vessel has a variety of luxury facilities spread over 12 decks. The ship has 935 luxury staterooms with 639 offering ocean views. A digital telephone system is provided on-board with 24 satellite channels for telephone calls ship-shore.
"Here we have Boutique Boulevard," the captain said as we reached the mall area and Alice shrieked.
"We have a Beauty, Cosmetic, Jewelry and clothing shop with numerous brands as well as everyday wear, fitness and evening apparel." He said, as we literally had to restrain Alice from entering the stores
We all followed on me still linked with Alice and Rose, the guys following silently behind.
We walked past the pool with hot tub tanning beds and outside bar, which needed no introduction
There was a surfing simulator with real waves and super tubes for water fun, volleyball in and out of water. Putt-Putt as well as a miniature gold course, a games arcade with ten-pin bowling and movie theatre and lounging area.
A day spa that I was sure would be frequented.
I was broken out of my thoughts when the captain took us to the lower decks.
"The vessel is propelled by four man B&W l48/60 non-reversible four stoke engines. There are enough lifeboats for everyone, just in case that was one of the questions you were going to ask, as well as an abundance of life jackets flares canned food." The captain smiled at us coming to a stop in the casino.
"If you guys would like a tour of the engine room it could be arranged" the captain smiled and me, and Alice groaned.
"You ladies are welcome to have a drink at the bar while you wait?" he questioned as we moved off to the bar. The men headed off to the engine room for more talk about the propeller.
"What can I get you ladies?" the barman smiled.
"I will have a long island ice tea please" I said
"Yeah me too" they all said.
"4 long Island Ice Teas coming up" he smiled.
"So what exactly did happen last night?" Rose asked me and I paled as I looked at Esme.
"Nothing" Fuck Rose and her stupid dumb ass comfort zone.
"Well Thank you Captain" we hear Carlisle say.
The waiter placed our drinks down and Esme grabbed hers and winked at us before leaving to find Carlisle.
I picked up my drink and pretended to be very interested in the little umbrella stuck into it.
"Anyone up for a swim?" Jasper asked as the boys walked over to us.
"Yeah" I said grabbing my drink and walking towards the pool hoping that the distance will effectively end the conversation.
The pool wasn't far from the casino so the walk was fairly short. I slumped down into one of the recliners.
The boys pulled their shirts off like little kids and jumped into the pool. The girls around the pool all seemed to freeze as their eyes fell on the marines who had just jumped into the pool. Showing off their mother fucking awesome drop dead gorgeous bodies!
"Hot!" Rose said as she took the recliner next to me. The waiter came over to clear my glass and I was amazed that I had been able to finish the drink so fast.
"Long Island Ice tea please, and keep em coming" I said to the waiter.
Rose rolled her eyes as Alice walked over and plopped herself down.
"Spill" she said looking at me.
"What? It is not like I am asking you girls what you had done last night?" I said looking at no one in particular.
"SO?" they both asked as they looked at me.
"Okay some piece of shit tried his luck with me and Emmett saved me and then this morning Edward found us and assumed I had sex with Emmett which I did not!" I moaned
"So how is having sex with a piece of ass as hot as Edward?" Alice asked
"He is beyond anything anyone could imagine" I said in a dry voice
"Jesus Bella it is not like you had sex with fucking Hannibal Lector or Jack the Ripper" I heard Edward say right in front of me the fucking smug bastard.
"Yeah, you're right because that would have been much more enjoyable" I smirked as I took my drink from the waiter.
Everyone just stared at me with wide eyes. Emmett joined us still smiling. So I got up and pulled my dress off just as Emmett reached my side knowing full well that their game was to get me into the water using force. Any woman knows that, that is not what you want to look like an idiot spluttering and holding your nose while water seeps into your every facial pore to come streaming out of your nose the moment your head surfaces for air! No way am I going to allow these idiots to make an ass of me! I was going to bite the bullet and just jump into the water willingly
So here I was getting ready to jump into the most inviting blue water on a freaking luxury liner heading towards an idyllic destination and all I could think about was what the useless marine was going to think of me while I dived into the pool. Not that his opinion matters but around him I kind of feel like I need to bring my a game so that he can see what he might of had if he didn't….? didn't what? Fuck I don't even know why I hate this man so much? He isn't the one that made my father choose the marines and he wasn't the one that caused my fathers death so why the hell was I so upset by him being him and being around me? My mind kept relaying the fact that I was more than happy to listen to Emmett and spend time with him as long as it wasn't Edward? Fuck Bella, Judgmental much?
I was startled out of my inner monologue by a shrill shout followed by a puttering Alice and watched as Edward very eloquently raised his eyebrows in question to me and there I had my fucking answer he was a smug bastard!
I saw Emmett and Jasper trying to corner me, and I dove right in without giving them a second glance or another second to get me into the water by force. Just as my body hit the water I felt the tension leave me. I was going to relax and enjoy this time I had and just ignore Edward as much as I possibly could.
I surfaced to find a very stunned Edward and Emmett staring after me. What was their problem? Was my nose dirty? Shit it was wasn't it? More than anything I wanted to bring my hand to my face but there was no way I could manage that without looking like a total idiot. So I ducked under the water again and swam to the other side of the pool.
EPOV
Bella stripped her dress off and jumped into the pool landing a perfect dive. Her body was magnificent and I could not help myself as I thought back to the awesome Bella I had beneath me not too long ago, now a distant memory with no chance what so ever of repeat. This woman really hated me and I had no real reason to understand her judgment towards me, she adored spending time with Emmett it seemed like I was the only one she could not stand to be around, I just wanted her to explain to me what the hell I did to piss her off so dramatically.
"Edward come on we need one more on our team!" Jasper yelled as I saw they were getting ready for a volleyball war. Jasper had arranged for a net while the other people just lazed around the pool he seemed to crave vigorous activity. He was teamed up with Alice, Emmett Rose and Bella while the other team was made up of three very hot looking blonds with bikinis that just barely covered the necessities. There were also three guys there trying very hard to get my Bella's attention. My Bella yeah that is what I said my Bella! This was on like fucken king kong!
I dove into the pool and stopped off right next to Bella, she looked over at me and rolled her eyes while I blew her a kiss. She blushed but I could see she still wanted me!
"I can't play!" Bella moaned to no one in particular while Jasper was still making sure the net was secure.
"Don't worry babe I will keep the ball away from you" I said as teasingly as I could just to get a rise out of her.
"Yeah you do that Rambo!" She snarled as we were getting ready to start the game.
She was bouncing in the water like she was trying to warm up and her breast looked so tempting. I could see that all the guys on the other side of the net was eyeing the too and I wanted her to stop but she seemed oblivious to the reaction she was getting. So I just snarled at the guys at the other side and they just grinned. I was going to take those fuckers out.
"Let's kick some ass boys!" Emmett boomed.
"OOH RAH" Jasper yelled while me, and Emmett followed.
"Rose you and Alice up front with Jasper and Me and Edward will be middle Bella you can have way back?" Emmett asked.
"Why do I need to be in the back?" Bella asked
"Cause you were the one complaining you can't play?" Emmett stated
"Yes but from this position no one can help me" she said blushing.
"I got you covered babe" I winked as we all made our way over to our spots. The guys in front were visibly disappointed to see Bella at the back but when Rose and Alice surfaced right in front of them they seemed to cheer up a bit.
Emmett served first putting all his power in it, and we were in the lead immediately.
They guys on the other side were sensing Bella's inadequacy for playing volleyball and I was diving to her rescue on more than one occasion, and I was starting to get pissed at their game plan and I could sense that Emmett and Jasper were kind off starting to feel it too.
Half way through we were tied and needed to change sides. I got out the pool and automatically reached for Bella's hand and to my utter surprise she accepted it with a very weary look over her shoulder. Something seemed to be spooking her.
"That fucker there is the one that tried his luck with your lady" Emmett said from next to me indicating to some guy seated next to the pool with a blue eyes, broken nose and busted lip, which made me smile but the fact that he was still able to walk pissed me off to a new degree of being pissed, especially when the losers we were playing against got out the pool and started talking to him. He was deep in conversation while we all had a quick drink, we were shielding the girls with our bodies when the whole group we were playing against turned to look in our direction and I knew he was giving his friends a half assed version of his story of what really happened. They shot venomous looks at us.
"See that?" Jasper asked us under his breath and trying not to alert the girls of what was going down, both me and Emmett nodded.
"Time to play" I said as we all made our way back to the pool. The loser that had tried his luck with My Bella was a new member on the team and I smiled knowing we were going to kick some trashy ass.
Bella froze on the spot when she saw the guy in the pool. His friends referred to him as James.
"We got you babe" I whispered into Bella's ear as she got into the pool. The fucker could not stop looking at her and me and Emmett were trying our utmost to keep our tempers in check.
We all stuck to the same positions as before only difference was that I could see Bella moving closer to me every second. I wanted to reassure her that that asshole could not hurt her while we were around but I was more focused on the piece of shit trying very hard to stare us down now that he wasn't alone he seemed to have grown some balls.
"I should have done more damage" Emmett moaned as the ball went flying towards Bella.
I moved over fast to help and hit the ball toward Emmett as I fell back into the water. I surfaced and saw that we had scored and we were leading. It was also my turn to serve and I wanted us to change strategies.
"Time" I yelled and saw everyone move closer to us to find out what was going on.
"That's the fucker that tried his luck with Bella" Emmett said as Rose swam in next to him. They all eyed him down but he was smug.
"Lets take him down" Jasper breathed in agitation.
"I want to serve the ball into his face but he is watching me protecting Bella so we need to get his attention" I suggested.
"Bella, are you game for some fun?" Alice asked her with an evil smirk.
"Bella, we won't let anyone get close to you, you are safe I promise"
"Fine, Edward I am taking your word on this," Bella moaned and I had to smile because regardless of anything she was trusting me, and that felt good.
Rose, Alice and Bella were all talking under their breaths to each other, Alice smiled as Rose moved to take the back position.
"Jasper you will need to cover me?" Bella pleaded with Jasper as I saw her take Rose's place right in front of the net, she was now standing right in front of James and it was fucken game on!
A rather large crowd had gathered around the pool, which pleased me immensely in my quest to beating down James who was now firmly focusing on Bella.
She was standing in front giggling with Alice and just as I was about to serve, Rose said "Aim for his nose the girls are going to distract him" and without question I aimed for his nose.
Bella was squirming and next thing I know she starts giggling like a school girl and James and just about every guy around the pool was firmly focused on Bella's chest. I served with venom and the ball made contact with his nose. It didn't take long for the girls to yell and hop out the pool. Bella was moving back not really wanting to pass James to get out. She was now standing right in front of me clutching her bikini top firmly to her chest.
Her games plan seems to have been to distract the boys by letting them think that she was about to lose her top and show them all her boobs. I wanted to smack her and kiss her at the same time but James and his friends were fuming as they cleared the pool area and followed the lifeguard out. I just smiled brightly as I watched him leave.
Bella bumped into me in her attempt to get out of the pool, I quickly picked her up and headed for the stairs.
"What are you doing?" she asked
"You seemed to be having a hard time holding your top and swimming out so I thought it might be nice if I help you" I said as innocently as I could not wanting her to know how badly I was aching to touch her.
Once we were out I placed her on her feet and watched as the water rippled off her glorious body.
I took the bands of her top and hastily tied them for her.
"Is that okay?" I asked once I secured a very firm knot in the back.
"Thanks, and thanks for taking that guy out" she smiled and headed towards the bar where everyone was laughing.
"Nice!" Emmett said tapping me on the back.
BPOV
I was shitting myself when that low life from last night joined the team we were playing volleyball against.
But I should have known the guys had my back, why Edward was even helping me made no sense what so ever. I have done nothing but treat him like shit.
I grabbed a towel and starting drying myself. When it felt like I was dry enough I slipped back into my shorts but left the top off because my hair was still dripping. I tried brushing and hoped I had done enough to look okay-ish!
"Bella, are you coming?" I heard Rose and I grabbed my bag and followed Rose and Alice to the bathroom.
"Are you okay?" Alice asked as I was putting some lotion on my legs.
"Yeah, I think so." I smiled.
"You bitches think you the fucken shit don't you? Accusing my boyfriend of pushing his luck with you just because you couldn't get him to willingly fuck you?" I heard someone yell behind me as I turned around.
Was every piece of shit in this place out to get me? Come on Bella time to slip into those big girl panties and defend yourself.
"I don't know what you think is acceptable behavior but this isn't it. You need to get your facts straight and then when you have them you come back and apologize to me." I snarled.
"Fuck you whore" the girls spat and swung towards me hitting me just above the eye.
Without thinking I swung my fist at her hitting her in the mouth.
"HELL NO!" Rose yelled and she jumped one of the girls, and Alice had another by the hair.
"You going down now!" the girl spat at me with blood coming from her mouth.
She swung towards me and I ducked as she moved away.
Within seconds she had me pinned to the floor and was pulling on my hair. I swung my fist up again and it collided with the bottom of her jaw. I spun around and I was on top of her in no time.
I was about to go all Rambo on her ass when I was lifted off of her kicking and screaming as she held onto my hair.
Alice bit down on the bitches hand as she let me go. Rose was holding me back from the girl before I hurt myself, or her. I never knew I had it in me too punch, seems like I was more like Charlie than I thought.
"Let's go!" Alice said looking at the girls on the floor.
I bent down so that my face with right against hers "You ever touch me again and you will regret it" I said.
We came out of the bathroom and headed to the bar.
"What the fuck happened" I heard Edward say as he rushed to my side.
"Those two bit bitches jumped us in the bathroom" Alice finished and Jasper quickly took her hand and led her to the bar.
Edward and Emmett stormed towards the bathroom but Rose stopped them "Don't worry boys we got them good" she smiled and then Edward was at my side again.
"Are you okay, Jesus look at your hand!" he moaned and for the first time I was able to look at myself, my hand hurt like a mother but I was sure it was fine, I had scratch marks on my arms and a bite mark on my arm. I was so tempted to go back but for some reason my eye hurt like shit
Edward turned to the bar and returned after a few minutes and held an ice pack to my eye. Emmett was tending to Rose but after establishing that she was fine he had another ice pack resting on my hand while Rose got us girls some cream for the scratch and bite marks.
"Dad wants us all in the diner for lunch" Jasper suddenly said in front of us.
"Should I make up an excuse?" he asked
"They will just worry more, seeing as I was a total lunatic." I said looking up and meeting Edward's crystal gaze. His eyes were boring into my soul and I felt my face heat up at his touch.
"Does that hurt?" he asked as he applied a little more pressure to my eye.
"Yessss" I almost cried.
"Sorry." He said and took my good hand and held it tight. It felt good I mean Emmett was holding my injured hand too but having Edward hold my hand had a completely different effect. He set my soul on fire with fireworks of desire. I wanted him and of that I was sure. I wanted him to cover my body with his and make love to me without stopping, I wanted to have him fill my body with his and run his hands up and down my body in desire. I wanted his lips to cover my nipples as my toes curl in pure ecstasy.
"Bella?" I heard Emmett call my name and I snapped out of my daydream.
"Sorry what was that?" I asked
"I said Esme and Carlisle are already waiting for us and your shirt wont cover up that nasty scratches" Emmett said and I noticed both Alice and Rose trying to get their scratches covered with their scanty shirts.
"Uhh Edward" I said very hesitantly
"Yes?"
"Would you mind If I lond your shirt?"
"No of course not" he said and got up to get his shirt where it was laying across a one of the recliners we had used earlier. Alice and Rose also ended up wearing Jasper and Emmett's shirts just like I thought that they would. In fact I think Rose was coming in her bottoms just at the mere thought of wearing Emmett's shirt.
"Let's go" I said once I had slipped Edwards shirt on. I smelled just like him. Fucking delicious. I hope he forgets that he loan it to me so I can keep it.
I must have looked like shit so I grabbed a brush from my bag and ran a brush through my hair and thankfully my hair was so use to my style that when dry it just seemed to go to the way it was when styled.
"Ready?" Jasper asked me as we got to the restaurant entrance. Thankfully the lunch was very informal and the guys could get away walking around in their fuck-me-I-am-gorgeous bodies. Edward had me salivating over his abs so I had to avoid his gaze and presence at all costs.
"Afternoon" I said to no one in particular as I grabbed a seat at the table Esme and Calilse were occupying.
"hi…..What happened to you all?" she asked as she eyed us all wearily.
"We had a very challenging volleyball match" Alice smiled
Good cover bloody hell, I was not looking forward to telling Esme about what had happened considering I already made enough waves.
"I didn't know that volleyball is a very violent sport?" Esme asked
"It isn't but when you are passionate about winning, it is a whole new game" Emmett said trying to punch some humor into the situation.
"Oh" was all Esme said and I knew she was not buying the story.
"So have you all been spending the day….together?" Carlisle asked and I knew he wanted to know if we were all getting along after what happened.
"Jip, and I am starving lets eat." I said getting up from the table and grabbed Edwards hand to follow me.
"Ease up there Rocky, I will follow willingly" Edwards laughed.
"Sorry, I just wanted them to think we are okay, you know maybe we can just call a truce until this shit is over' I asked
"Okay Bella if that is what you want"
"It is, and thank" I said as I grabbed a plate.
There were so many dished to choose from that my head was reeling. I made a dash to fill my plate with ice cold fresh fruit dripping in its natural syrup. This was just what I was going to need.
Edward was already at the table eating a delicious tramazini and I instantly regretted my choice.
"Shit I should have had the fruit too" Edward sighed when he saw my fruit.
"We could share?" I asked and he nodded as I moved closer to him and we both dug into his tramazzini.
"Hmmm, this is delicious" I moaned as I ate the food. The whole table seemed to have gone terribly quiet and when I looked up I saw that everyone was watching me and Edward.
"What?" I barked as I took another bite.
The tramazini was done and I moved the fruit in front of me and Edward as we both immediately dove for the strawberries and even had a bit of a fork fight for it, which caused us both to laugh.
"So Bella?" I heard Carlisle call me.
"Yes?"
"Do you think that maybe you should have your eye checked out?"
"Nope it is fine this is just tissue damage nothing to worry about" I mean was he serious I have a fucken medical degree and he wanted a paramedic to have a look at me? My hand was swollen but nothing I wasn't able to treat myself for.
"Volleyball you say?" Esme asked again
"Jip, volleyball" I smiled sweetly
"So do you kids have any plans for tonight?" Esme said still not totally buying into the whole volleyball business.
"Nothing much just hoping to slam a few beers at the bar by the pool you know" Emmett said
"Sounds nice are you girls joining them?"
"Why?" Rose asked Esme
"Well I heard that some girls got beat up pretty bad in the bathroom earlier by a group of men and I just don't want you girls to be off on your own." Esme said
"Well Esme I give you my word we will be keeping an eye on the girls" Jasper drawled.
I was getting antsy and my cocktail had long since seen the pit of my tummy and the only one of us still nursing a drink was Edward and he had his hand wrapped around an ice cold beer that looked so inviting. God how I was I was that bottle that his hands were wrapped around. Shit!
I leaned closer to Edward just as he was about to take a sip of his beer and snatched the bottle away leaving his hand mid air and him staring after me. I took a sip of his drink and then handed it back to him. Emmett was doubling over in laughter but I was getting ready to just let go.
