Year 17
I stared at the mirror. I huffed twisting this way and that. It would have to be good enough. Lord knows Edward hates it when I, as he says, show off. A simply black tee hugged my, thankfully, fully developed breasts and flattened out across my abdomen. Dark wash jeans hugged my ass and thighs while taking on a boot cut past my knees. Hair down. Light makeup to only accentuate my 'natural beauty.'
Edward would approve. Flatter me with words to be left only for a significant other and then trapeze with some fake blonde headed bimbo in our classes, and yes I meant all of them. How he managed to do it for 4 years I'll never know.
As I turned now staring at the innocent folded paper on my desk, my stomach knotted and throat became tight. We graduated tomorrow. After that…I could barely bring myself to even think the words in fear he would hear me.
The acceptance letter to Seattle University. Not far enough away to be disconnected but far enough to hinder our visitations. And I still wasn't quite sure how he would take it. I'd kept it a secret this long. I grabbed the letter and stuck it in my right pocket being sure to flatten it into invisibility. I glanced to the final two boxes sitting in the corner of my room waiting to be hauled to Alice's and my apartment in Seattle; the rest of my belongings already moved. Discreetly of course.
With one last courageous breathe I grabbed my bag and walked out of the house. Charlie's cruiser gone to work and my mother's Corolla somewhere along the Eastern Seaboard.
I couldn't help but smile remembering Edward's…annoyance when she left and tried to take me with her. I guess kidnapping is a bit too drastic of a word because I was willing but we ran. Together. Hiding in some makeshift palace out in the woods Edward had been creating bit by bit for the last 12 years. We still would go there and be alone sometime when the judging became too much.
I climbed into my rusty truck feeling extra nostalgic this morning. Edward was the only good thing I would take with me from this place. While the little show we'd had in my room after Alice's birthday party, so long ago, had repeated itself numerous more times; he and I never managed to create that title of boyfriend and girlfriend. Perhaps if he had, then my drive this morning would be a little different. The letter now burning into my ass. I was also still sore over the never had sex thing; whenever we'd gotten that far he'd stop and leave.
His attitude still mind boggling to me. Everything had just intensified with age. And yet…nothing. Girls throwing themselves at him and bragging about their previous night's activities; and Edward throwing his fist at any boy who even glanced at me inappropriately. I think secretly Charlie was thankful I had a full time virtue protector. That didn't mean he wasn't excited for me to leave Forks behind, especially Edward.
Even thinking about telling him I was accepted to SU made my heart rate pick up. I was delusional if I thought this was going to blow over smoothly. He's never hurt me but I didn't put anything past him.
I made the short drive to the school, parking in my usual spot at the back of the lot. I turned off the ignition and sat in my quiet car focusing on my whitening knuckles. Can I do this? A knock on my window caused a short shriek to peep through my lips. I looked to my left as saw Edward standing there with his eyebrows cocked. And just like that I became speechless. Sucked every thought from my brain.
"Isabella." I nodded pulling the lock up so he could open the door. He leaned in placing a soft kiss against my cheek leaving a soft tingle. He stood still with his face pressed against mine, waiting. "Say it." He commanded. I took a deep breath. This may be the last time I ever say this to him.
"I'll always belong to you Edward. Whether I like it or not." It was so true it was sad. There was no one who was ever going to be able to surpass the way I feel for Edward. How could they? He gave a deep throaty chuckle as he kissed the base of my throat before pulling me out of my truck. He tossed my bag over his shoulder while tucking his hand into my back left pocket. Everyday. Predictable.
I noticed the parking lot to be nearly empty. The lower class men had already been dismissed for the summer. The last remaining seniors had been asked to set up for the graduation ceremony. Edward didn't want to be here, said he'd rather have me all to himself out at our place but I wanted to keep distracted and so he loyally followed. Didn't want too many eager boys stepping on the wrong path, aka within 50 feet of me.
And since Edward was here, most of the female population was as well. He continued to walk with his hand in my pocket as we entered into the gym. Several people were shuffling around tables, banners, posters, and chairs trying several different formations to see what would work best; I suppose only having a graduating class of 76 was a plus in this situation.
"Oh Edward!?" I tensed. Bitch. Not what I needed to right now. Today was not a good day. Edward smirked turning his head as Jessica came bouncing down the court waiving her hands.
"Hello Jessica." I deftly stepped away as she came placing a hand against his chest. He snapped his eyes to me glaring at my clear disobedience. From the day I told him I wasn't going to stand by while I was cast aside, I kept my word. Didn't mean he liked it. But the longer I stood watching him talk and flirt my anger flared. Whether he knew it or not today was going to be his last chance to finally prove how devoted to me he was. She giggled as he tucked a strand of hair behind her ear.
Fuck it! I was going to hell anyway. I scanned the room searching for my victim. Who would get a rise out of him the most? My eyes fell on Tyler. I grinned. Two can play at this game Edward. I turned my head giving a wink to Edward as he stared at me in confusion. I looked over at Tyler making my move towards him with a newfound purpose.
This was going to be payback for every single moment I've pined for his attention and was met only with callous judgmental glares. For every time he would give me hope and squash it in the same breathe. For every time he made me vow myself to someone without the courtesy to do the same in return.
The gym went silent as I walked determinedly to Tyler. He smirked dropping the stack of chairs in his hands full facing me.
"Isabella, don't you dare." Edward's strict voice wrapped around me attempting to halt my goal. Not this time. This time I was in control. I came to stand before Tyler, his grimy smile fully taking in my appearance. I didn't allow myself time to think about the consequences sure to follow as I closed the distance throwing my arms around his neck planting my lips firmly against his. Tyler moaned slipping his arms around my waist not hesitating to give his all.
The kiss was rough, fiery, heated. His tongue quickly making work of sliding past my lips to dance with my own. Far different than any other kiss I've shared with Edward. Void of any passion mind you, but it was going to be burned into Edward's memory for the rest of his life.
Cat calls and gasps rang around the gym as the kiss picked up in intensity. There was no emotion in the kiss. Pure revenge was my only motivation. Tyler was officially my first non-Edward sexual contact and I was loving every second of it. Defiance; something I'd never done before. It felt amazing.
My vision blurred as a strong hand grabbed my arm pulling me forcefully from Tyler's arms. Edward's fiery eyes burned angrier than I'd ever seen before. But I stood strong. I think there was even a smug smile on my face. His chest heaved as he attempted to stare me down into submission. Not this time. Not anymore.
Even Tyler wasn't dumb enough to go up against Edward right now. He slowly backed away trying to put as much space between them as he could. A pissed off Edward was something many feared. I was basking in it right now.
"What they fuck do you think you're doing?!" He shouted. I just hummed and shook my head ripping my arm from his grasp. I stepped forward my face inches from his. My adrenaline was running on high as I stood confidently. I grabbed the paper from my back pocket throwing it at him allowing it to fall to the ground.
"Fuck you." I said softly before taking a few steps back before turning on my heels walking towards the doors. My whole body had begun to tremble. I just destroyed the only life I'd known. I threw back in his face everything he had told me not to do. For once I hoped he felt just a little bit of the pain I'd suffered through my entire life.
"Isabella, come back here right now." I shook my head throwing up my middle finger; my peers clapping and cheering as I made my dramatic exit. Well today could've gone better. I continued my fast pace through the school towards the parking lot. He had his chance. He had many chances.
As the rush wore off I couldn't help but to feel…lost? My life had been Edward. Where he was? What he was doing? When would I see him again? Even now I wasn't sure what was going to happen in the next few minutes. But if one thing was for sure Edward was not going to just let me leave.
Alice saw me charging down the hallway and came running after me as I crossed the lot to my car. I fumbled with my keys wanting to get out of here as quickly as possible. I'll be damned if I'm going to wait for him to catch up with me. His shock should've worn off by now. My anxiety now grew as it became hard to swallow. I think I might faint.
"Hey Bella! Hold up." She shouted coming to a panting stop beside my door. I thrust my knee into the side of my truck unable to hold back my frustration. Fucker. Alice continued to stare at me in confusion. "Where's," I shook my head giving her a silencing glare.
"Don't say his name...to me...ever again." Her eyes began to grow wide at my clear turn in feelings. I'd never been so harsh against him. While he deserved it the most, I always justified for him. Always forgave. Even just this morning I thought fondly of his quirks.
"What happened?" She whispered. Heavy footsteps echoed through the hallway, he was coming alright. I continued to fumble with the keys as Alice stared in the direction Edward would be coming from.
"I kissed Tyler." I whispered. Alice gasped snapping her eyes back to me.
"What were you thinking?!" She shouted. I chuckled shaking my head finally turning the key in the hole.
"She wasn't. Isabella Swan, you will come here this instant or I swear to God," He drifted off. I turned my attention to him as he came to stand inches from me. His intoxicating scent catching me off guard. Focus. I bowed my chest to him giving it back just as hard. Alice slowly stepped away. Submissive Bella was gone for the moment. Please let it stay that way.
"To God what? You'll hit me? What Edward? You can't even keep me from kissing other men." I jabbed. He snarled pushing me up against my truck his chest pressed firmly against mine. His eyes intensity making me look away momentarily. This defiance thing was still all new to me. His chest vibrated against mine with his growls. His hands came up to trap me on both sides against my truck.
"Boys," he corrected. Another thing which pissed me off. Like he was the only worthy man to walk this Earth; at least to me anyway. He continued, "And you're fucking wrong I can't. You just wait and see what I'll do to you when we're alone." His snapped his glare to Alice. She rolled her eyes. She was used to all of this. She was actually probably the only other person who had any mental grasp of our…relationship.
"Edward. Breathe." Alice whispered. He took deep calculated breaths as his continued to stare determinedly at me. His body slowly began to relax the longer we waited. The parking lot had remained, thankfully, empty.
As my own anger diminished I began to feel childish for my behavior. Did I think he was wrong, yes. Did I treat the situation like the adult I'm supposed to be, no. His hands came up to hold my face in place as he dropped his forehead against mine rolling it back and forth slowly.
"Call me later Bells." Alice muttered before stepping away resuming whatever task she was doing before chasing me. It took everything in me to keep from wrapping my arms around his waist and beg for forgiveness and continue on like it never happened. But it did. And it needed to. I couldn't keep doing this.
"Why?" He whispered looking straight into my eyes. Seeing everything. The thoughts and emotions. My biggest weakness against him. I closed my eyes. "Open your eyes Isabella." He commanded softly. I sighed obeying. His cool minty breath blurred my brain making it hard to concentrate. He smirked. He knew what he was doing. No.
"I can't do this anymore Edward." I whispered. His head snapped back away as his face looked at me incredulously.
"What does that mean? Can't do this anymore?" The ire coming back to his eyes. I stepped away another means of further pissing him off.
"That's just it. I'm done Edward. I've tried and tried to do this. With you. That's all I ever wanted but you could seem to care less. I'm done. I'm going to be leaving for," He put up his hand shaking his head.
"No you're not." He said defiantly.
"Yes I am. You give me no reason to stay." I kept my voice soft; one because I was trying to keep him calm but I also didn't think I could hide the sticky voice my oncoming tears were causing if I spoke any louder. At the end of the day I loved him. Sick wasn't it?
"No reason?! Isabella you are mine and you are not going anywhere without me. Especially to a place filled with more boys like them." He hissed motioning back to the school. I closed my eyes feeling my eyelashes began to bead with tears. Why did I think today any possibility of today going smoothly?
"Believe me when I tell you I had no intent in hurting you today; Jessica always brings out my worst. All of the girls do. Watching as they throw themselves at you. Envying the response you give them. I can't take it anymore. I'm sorry Edward. But I am no longer yours." As I said it the words burned hot. Even now it wasn't something I fully believed. I would never be able to replace him. But did I want to?
I kept my eyes closed as I turned to my truck fumbling with finding the door handle. If I looked at him now I don't know if I would keep strong. I could feel his cool long fingers trail up each of my arms pushing me up against the door face first. His lips ghosted up the back of my neck placing soft kisses up and then along my jaw. His teeth bit softly on my lobe before his warm breath came across my ear and side of my face. My entire body ached from the full pressure of his body against mine. The distinctive bulge of him pressing against my ass. God how did he control me like this?
"You are going to stop this nonsense Isabella. You will be staying with me. You are going to drive to our place," his hands came up to grasp my breasts in his palms. "You are going to learn why you are mine." He growled while grinding his hips into me. I couldn't stop the soft whimper which pushed past my lips. For fucks sake! After all this time NOW is when he was pulling all stops.
"Do I make myself clear?" His stern voice shook me to my core. If only he could figure out how to use his sexiness to my benefit. But I wasn't going to be weak now. I've come this far. If I met him there…I just gave a simple nod. He chuckled darkly kissing behind my ear again.
"Wonderful. Now be my good little girl and go home first and grab a few changes of clothing. I don't know how long I'll want to keep you all to myself. Then again I don't think you'll be wanting to go anywhere anyway." Again my body betrayed me as I shivered. I nodded again. My voice nowhere to be found.
"And be sure to bring that dark blue deep V shirt which just looks fantastic," He squeezed my breasts for emphasis, "on you." Again I nodded. I felt like his damned puppet. My knees continued to grow weaker the more he spoke. His body weight the only reason I was still upright. My thighs continued to push together tighter and tighter trying to ward off my growing ache in the pit of my stomach and between my legs. He knew exactly what he was doing. His sweet words and sultry voice. Rock hard body. Stimulating scent.
Fucker.
I was going to have one chance at this. Play nice Bella.
"Now what was that you were saying about being mine?" He whispered. I took a deep shaky breathe testing my limits grinding my ass into his groin. He hissed my name.
"I'm yours Edward." He hummed.
"Good girl. If you make me come for you, you will be punished. So I suggest you be quick." I nodded. He ground himself into me one last time before retracting himself. My breath came out in one gush as I retained control of my body.
How much I hated and loved the way he was able to send my body into chaos so easily. I was even almost considering going out there…almost. I glanced over my shoulder watching as he slipped into his Volvo taking off out of the lot quickly. I finally pried open my door with a yank and hopped in roaring the engine to life.
I pulled out my phone calling Alice as I drove home. I was going to have a 2 minute head start if I pulled everything off smoothly. It was going to take him 8 minutes to get home, 3 to grab his things, and 10 to reach the field. He'll give me 12 minutes, 10 for expected wait time and 2 for my tardiness. Once I didn't show he would sprint back to the house cutting his time back down to 4 minutes and then speed into town taking only 5. I had to be out of town before 42 minutes if I had even a chance of shaking Edward.
By my schedule I would be home in 11, at home for 5 to finish grabbing my things. I would have to go out of my way to get to dad taking up 12 minutes and 5 saying goodbye. I know Charlie would flip if I skipped out on him; even if that did take time from my escape. From there I would be 8 minutes from the interstate putting me at 40 minutes. It was going to be close. Let's hope my timing was spot on today.
"Bells?" she answered. I sighed.
"Hey Al. It was bad. He's offering what he wasn't before and if I go back to him he won't let me go. I'm going to head to our place now." She gasped.
"Seriously Bella? Edward's a bit much but he's not," I laughed.
"Alice. He's finally moved onto using sex. I'm not going to get stuck in that. My mind can't handle that. Please understand me. I'm a coward but I can't face him again. I'm barely going through with it now. If I have to watch him give someone that side I crave one more time then I will go insane. I need space. And once he gets it too I think he'll level out." Hell I didn't even believe that. He's going to flip his shit.
"You don't really expect me to believe that do you?" I sighed. Damn Alice.
"Please Alice." I begged. She sighed but relented.
"Alright. I'll divert as long as I can. It's a good thing he doesn't know where we live huh? I'll see you tomorrow night. Good luck Bells. Better move fast." She was laughing as I ended the call. Damn woman.
I jogged into the house swiftly making my way upstairs. I pulled a picture of Edward and I off the wall tossing it into one of the boxes before taking the last of my possessions and heading back out to my truck. 18 minutes before Edward would be heading back for me. My heart beat rapidly. I was really going to do this.
I took off towards the Sherriff's Station so I could say goodbye to Charlie. I would be ripping away my graduation walk from him but he's been wanting me to run for a long time now. I would only be 45 minutes away but it was far enough to hide me in a big city and close enough to keep him close.
Charlie stood his smile falling as he looked at my determined face. He nodded pulling me in for a hug. We held onto each other for dear life. This was not the way I had envisioned any of this happening.
"Why don't you just let me arrest him or something?" I laughed shaking my head.
"Come on Pops. You know he's a great guy. He's just," I paused.
"Unique. I know. You've been telling me that your whole life. I still don't get it but then again who am I to interfere? I love you kid. Be safe. Call me when you get there. I'll stop by this weekend for a dinner. And give Alice a hug for me." I nodded unable to stop the tears from welling in my eyes. I was being ridiculous but I couldn't help myself. I was a big softy for my dad.
"Thank you dad. Oh, and please go and ask Sue out. For me. I don't want to see you alone in that house anymore." I winked causing his face to pinken. I giggled kissing his cheek before turning and heading back out to my truck. As I took off towards my final driving stint to the interstate my phone began to vibrate in my pocket.
I pulled it out looking down at the lcd screen and my stomach flipped as Edward's name flashed. Forgot to factor in those damned cellphones everyone had now. I ignored the call setting it on the passenger chair. Then it began again, and again, and again. Calling every time the previous call didn't go through. My heart continued to ache every time. I was already missing him. There was definitely some form of Stockholm's Syndrome in me.
The further I drove away from Forks the calmer I became. I actually managed to deceive him. I got away. And my phone still vibrated. He was persistent; I'll give him that. I must've had at least 80 missed calls by the time I pulled up to our apartment. Not to neglect the 43 texts varying from demands, anger, forgiving (to my disobedience mind you), pleading, and even some sexy suggestions to how I could make it up to him.
But I held strong. I didn't answer the calls or the texts. After telling Alice and Dad I had made it here safe I turned off my phone. Having it go straight to voicemail was REALLY going to piss him off. I smirked. And yet that was oh so satisfying.