Disclaimer - I don't own anything.
Sorry about the long wait for an update. It's been a hectic time in my real life. School and work went mad and I had no free time to write. I'm getting a head start on the chapters though. I've got a couple of free days coming up so I'm going get as much written as I can.
EDIT: Had to make a few small changes. Nothing too noticeable. Enjoy.
Sorry again.
*~*~*~*~*March 20th - part 2 *~*~*~*~*
There was an awkward moment and Edward and Jasper both looked in my direction.
"Edward," Jasper began. "She'll give you a run for your money."
"No I won't" I said. "He's magical."
"He won't get out of the room if you keep complimenting him. Unlike you, he lets the comments go to his head."
"I do not." Edward defended. "I'm just as humble as the next guy."
"If you say so." Jasper said in a baby voice. It was cute and I let a giggle escape me. Both looked at me and smiled. It was a little weird and I hated the attention I was getting. I wasn't used to it.
"I do," Edward said, in a caveman way. That was even cuter and I let out another giggle.
"She's laughed at us Edward. I wouldn't take that if I were you."
"No, I won't." Edward said as he made sat back on the stool. "She'll have to pay." He in a fake menacing voice.
Before I could respond, I felt Edwards hands sit on my hip. I jumped at the contact but his hands help me onto the stool. The next thing I knew his hands had gone up a little and he was tickling my sides. I began to laugh, as did Jasper and Edward. I began to squirm and squeak in my seat. I knew I must've sounded like a right moron but I couldn't bring myself to care. I was lost in the moment.
1) Edward was touching me.
2)He wasn't horrified at that fact.
3)His laugh was the most perfect sound I've heard.
My arms soon began to fly around, as everyone continued to laugh. The next thing I knew Edwards arms had left my side, Jasper began to laugh even harder and I heard a groan come form Edward. I looked over to him and saw him doubled over in pain. I glanced up at Jasper to question him on why he was still laughing.
"Jasper, why are you laughing?"
"I… think you… just… erm…" He gasped through his laughed. "I think that you have just taken away he ability to have children." Just to make me that little bit worse, Edward groaned as Jasper finished talking.
"Oh, Edward. I'm so sorry. Can I get you anything?"
"No," He gasped. "Just give me a minute."
"I'm so sorry," I repeated, looking over at Jasper with a death glare so that he would stop laughing. It wasn't funny. Edward was in pain, and that's not a laughing manner. Jasper just laughed harder. I frowned more and turned my gaze back to Edward.
"I'll be back. I'm going to check on dinner with Esme."
"Thanks for nothing," Edward half laughed, half gasped as Jasper left the room.
"Edward, are you sure you'll be okay. Are you sure there is nothing I can do for you?"
"Bella, I'm fine. Growing up with Emmett gave me enough prep for this. I can handle it. It's okay. Don't worry yourself. It's a guy thing and it happens all the time."
"But,. I really. I can't believe I did that. I'm so sorry. You have no idea how sorry I am."
"Bella," He said, turning to me whilst he straightened up. "It's fine. Look," He said, standing. "All better.
Now we should follow Jasper because I'm sure I heard the front door go which means my dad is home."
"Are you sure you are okay?"
"I'm positive. Do you always worry so much?"
"Yes. I hurt myself all the time, but I normally avoid others so that I can't, well, do things like that to them."
"Avoid other people?"
"I don't have many friends. They were all kind of embarrassed by my obvious clumsiness. I really find it hard to walk in a straight line sometimes." I laughed. It was true which was the hilarious part about it. He gave a little laugh and then closed the piano. He began to walk to the door but paused in the doorway.
"I should probably give you a little heads up about my dad." He took a deep breath. "He can be a little forward at time. I think you may be a little embarrassed by what he says."
"A little forward?"
"He speaks his mind. He tells the truth. He's not mean. He's never horrible and he's a great man."
"Okay. I'll try to keep that in mind." With that, we walked out of the room, Edward closed the door and we made our way to the kitchen. I was once again amazed by the kitchen. I don't think it was possible to get over the beauty of just about everything that was in it. It was perfectly spotless and everything matched perfectly. It must take some serious time to acquire every thing that matches, and some serious money. I was a little intimidating to see people that obviously had so much money. Jasper, Emmett and Edward seemed down to earth enough, I just hoped everyone else would be because I really don't like it when people let money go to there head. I have never seen the appeal in having so much money. Sure, you can have everything you want, but isn't it a well known fact that money doesn't buy happiness? I have a rather simple outlook on life, and maybe it's naive of me but I think that a little challenge in life is great and that if everything is handed to you on a plate then you don't really appreciate what you have.
Esme entered the kitchen and took a look around. Even though there were things cooking, everything was perfectly under control. Esme looked perfectly relaxed. When my mom cooked, she used to have little freak out and rush around like a headless chicken, even when there was no need. It was refreshing to see the complete opposite.
"Edward, can you lay the table please? Jasper started but he got a call from his brother."
"Of course, Mom." Edward said, heading into the dining room. I quickly followed Edward into the dining room and saw the table that had been partly laid. It was beautiful and looked like something that belongs in a 20's era movie. It was elegant and perfect and just… wow and it was only half laid.
"This is beautiful."
"Really? You don't think it's a little old fashioned?"
"I like old fashioned. It beats two TV trays with Pizza on, that's for sure. Do you not like it?"
"I think it's amazing. Mom always told me I was born in the wrong time. I love all this stuff. She thinks I belong in 1901."
"That's specific. The date I mean?"
"Her great, great grandfather or something like that was born then. He was always thought of as the perfect gentleman. I'm named after him."
"That explains a lot."
"How?"
"I think you're the only person to hold a door open for me. My own father's not that much of a gentleman."
"I just think that's how a lady should be treated. I think the idiots that boys are today is awful. They're rude and who ever thought of the saying treat them mean, keep them keen deserves a punch in the face."
"You're passionate about this, aren't you?"
"What gave it away?" He laughed. "I have some pretty strong opinions on something's. Sorry."
"It's nothing to apologise for. It's lovely to see."
"Most people think it's kind of weird."
"Well then they are the idiots you were speaking of before."
I laughed. I handed him a pile of cutlery that was next to where I stood and watched him gently place everything down in the proper place and with near perfect precision. He then walked over to a cabinet filled with plates. He took out six plates and set them down carefully at each setting that he made with the cutlery. Everything was in perfect line and everything matched perfectly. It was amazing how it was done with no arguments and no hassle. It was simple. It was a happy family and that was hard to come by. With a grace that I thought wasn't possible Edward finished setting everything out, including wine glasses. I hope we didn't have wine. I didn't handle alcohol well, I had tried it once at my mothers insistence and it wasn't that I disliked the taste, it was just that it went straight to my head and I felt tipsy after a few sips. It was awful and I couldn't understand why anyone would enjoy that sensation. I hated being in less control than normal. I hated not truly knowing my own mind.
Edward then went to the kitchen where Esme was just tasting something at the stove. She made a happy face and turned off the heat. It must be done.
"Edward, I don't want to interrupt Jasper but dinner is nearly ready, so could you go warn him."
"Sure, mom" And with that he walked off, and left me in the kitchen alone with Esme. I was suddenly panicking, I hadn't been left alone with her yet, this was not good. I couldn't interact with people well, what if I say something insanely stupid or make a complete fool of myself.
Calm down Bella. I thought to myself. He'll be back in a second. He's gone to find Jasper and he'll be back and you won't be left alone with a guy's mother who you have known for all of two days. I then began to think about the size of the house and how hard it might be to find Jasper and then I started panicking a little more. My breathing picked up and my heart started to race. This wasn't a good racing either, it was I think I need to go to the hospital racing.
"Bella, dear, I hope you like Alfredo Pasta?"
"I love it." I replied on instinct. It wasn't a lie I did like it.
"Brilliant. So, how do you like town?"
"It's good. I'm still getting to know the area. My aunt has the weekend off so she said something about going out."
"That would be nice. Who's you aunt?"
"Elizabeth. Elizabeth Swan."
"You're Elizabeth's niece. Oh, she's been talking about you coming out here ever since you told her.
She's been looking forward to it so much. You must be close?"
"Yeah. We are. I love her, she's the sensible sister."
I laughed and she joined in. This was no where near as awkward as I thought it would be. I slipped into conversation easily and we discussed how she knew Elizabeth. Apparently there was some kind of club that the two go to and they met and are quite good friends. After a few moments, Edward walked in with Jasper at his side. They both gave a smile and a small nod at the same time. It was funny how in sync they were. I let out a soft giggle as did Esme.
"I swear they should be brothers." Esme laughed as she poured the pasta into a serving dish.
"What?" They asked at the same time. That made me laugh a little harder. They really should be brothers. They looked enough alike to be brother and they seemed to have the same disposition.
"What's so funny?" Edward asked.
"You too. You're uncannily similar." Esme chipped in, before handing the serving bowl full of pasta to Jasper. She didn't have to ask him to do anything he just took the bowl and walked toward the dining room. There was no more chat after that. We all followed Jasper. I was a little confused as Carlisle wasn't here and after that there was another place setting to be filled. I then remember Emmett, and wondered where he was.
"Where's Emmett?" I asked Edward as he pulled out my chair for me.
"He's got football practice. He'll be a little late but he'll be here."
"And your father?"
"Good question." He said and turned to his mom. "Hey, Mom. Where's dad?"
"He's right here," A male voice answered from behind. He swiftly walked in and went over to Esme and gave her a kiss on the check. "Good evening dear." He said with a smile.
"Good evening," she replied with the biggest smile on her face. You could almost feel the love radiating off of them, it was lovely. Too see a couple still so in love after god knows how long together. I smiled softly and looked down, feeling like I was intruding on there moment.
"Dad, this is Bella. Bella this is my father Carlisle."
"It's nice to meet you sir," I whispered. Sir? Well, it was polite right?
"It's lovely to meet you too Bella. And we'll have none of that sir crap. It's Carlisle."
"Okay, Carlisle."
"So, lets eat. I'm starving." He announced, and he sat down in the seat next to Esme. Esme handed him the serving spoon and he began to pile pasta onto his plate. He then did the same for Esme and then past the spoon to Edward. Edward put some pasta on his plate and then did the same for me. It was a simple act but it made me feel strange. Good strange, but strange. No one had ever done that for me, not that I ever had someone in my life that should have done it or anything.
"Thank you," I said, quietly whilst blushing like mad. Edward handed the spoon to Jasper who piled a small amount of pasta on his plate. There was lots left over so I just assumed that they would save it for another day, or freeze it or whatever you do with left over pasta.
We ate in silence for a little while and then as the plates got to about half way empty the conversation started. "So, Bella, you're new in town?"
"Yes, I just moved here to live my aunt."
"Not with your parents. Where are they?"
"My father lives in Forks. He's the chief of police. My mom got re-married and moved away. I think she lives in Arizona. I'm not to sure."
"Not to sure? You're not close."
"No, I haven't really heard from here in the past couple of years. She sends e-mails every now and then
but that's about it."
"Oh, that's awful." Esme said.
"Not really. I've never really known her. She and my Dad split when I was young and I stayed with my
Dad so she could live the life of freedom she wanted."
"Still, that must be quite upsetting? Not having a mother figure?"
"My aunt filled that role. Even though I didn't see her much she was the best mother figure I could ask for. She's a lot like me so she understands everything I'm about."
"That's good. At least you have a female role model. So, you going to college next year?" and the questions continued for the rest of the meal. The only interruption was from Emmett when he came in and joined everyone. I said there was lot of food left, well I hadn't realised how much Emmett could pack away. I mean wow, how was he not 300 pounds by now. It was scary seeing him eat so much and with such ease. Edward laughed a little when my jaw dropped when Emmett got a third plate.
When Emmett finished, Carlisle gathered the plates and took them out to the kitchen. Esme followed her husband, declaring that she was going to get dessert. I couldn't eat much more so I hope it was small. I wasn't used to real food. Elizabeth and I were take away girls and quite proud of that. We both loved to cook, but it took so much effort and I would much rather grab a book and just wait for the food to be cooked for me. God, that makes me sound like such a snob. Like I have a personal chef or something. I don't I just think reading's important and I love having time to do it, and cooking bites into that time. Now I just sound like a geek. I can't deny that, I am. A big geek. I love school, I love to learn and I don't see the shame in that. I don't want to be one of those cheerleaders that don't eat and make themselves sick and say 'like' in front of everything. It was something I didn't find appealing at all.
"So, I'm sorry about all the questions." Edward said with a small smile.
"It's fine." I lied. I really hated being the centre of attention but I couldn't help that. I was the new kid at the table and they wanted to know me so that had to ask the questions because I was way to shy to offer the information up without them asking. It was at that point that Esme entered with a large bowl of trifle.
Now, I could make room for trifle. I loved it and it was the perfect dessert. No lie, I could have eaten the whole bowl. I would probably be ill tomorrow, but when it came to things like that I just didn't care. Trifle = good.
Carlisle and Esme sat down and Emmett entered the room once again. Carlisle placed a bit of the dessert into the bowls he brought in and handed them around to everyone. When it came to Emmett's turn he made sure to put an extra large piece into the bowl.
"You know me too well, Dad." Emmett laughed grabbing the bowl, and a spoon and digging in.
"Dad," Edward said, as Carlisle began to open his mouth. "No more questions. I'm sure Bella doesn't want to answer any more."
"That's how you get to know people Edward. Questions help you get to know the situation and that helps you assess what to do next."
"There is no situation to assess, she's not one of your patients."
"Well, I happen to think there is a situation."
"No. There. Is. Not" Edward said slowly. I was still processing what was said earlier. I was a situation. One that needed to be assessed none the less. That could be good, right? Situations normally imply something bad or not good if not bad.
"Edward, don't speak to you father like that." Esme scolded. "Bella, I'm sorry for this. There so similar, they tend to butt heads from time to time."
"That's fine" I said quietly, looking down at my dessert.
"Bella," Carlisle began. "Do my questions bother you?"
"Umm… I… It's just…" I stuttered, and everyone looked up at me. "I just don't like being the centre of attention." Everyone continued to look at me, and I felt my cheeks heat even more. I wasn't used to this. I couldn't deal with this. I started to panic a little but then Emmett spoke up.
"Come on, you heard the girl. No more interrogations and no more staring."
"You have such a way with words Em," Jasper laughed, and attention was diverted away from me. I looked up at Emmett and he looked back with a friendly smile. I mouthed a 'Thank You' and he just nodded in return and continued to eat his dessert.
The rest of the evening passed perfectly. No more questions and no more attention. After dessert, we stayed at the table and the Cullen's talked about their day. It was about eight when Edward asked if I would like to go home.
"I suppose so." I answered. "My curfew is ten, but my aunt doesn't know where I am."
"And you are in a\very dangerous situation."
"I know. I should have run away hours ago." I said, in my most serious tone.
"You have no chance now. It too late to save yourself."
"Oh no. Whatever will I do." I said, bursting out in to a fit of giggles.
"Come on," He said "I'll take you home." I collected by bag and said goodbye to everyone. Carlisle apologised for putting me on the spot for the tenth time that evening and I once again told him it was nothing to worry about.
Edward and I made our way out to his car, he opened my door and I got in. I pulled the seatbelt on whilst he got into the drivers side.
"So, I'm sorry about my dad." Edward said, once we were on the road.
"Is that a Cullen trait?" I asked
"What?" He asked confused.
"The need to apologise, too much."
"Sorry." He said, with a slight laugh. I laughed at him.
"Look, it's fine. I really didn't mind."
"But, he called you a situation. That's just… not right."
"You want me to be honest?" He nodded. "I was a little put off by it at first. I was a little worried but it's
really okay. That's his way of thinking. So, Edward, please, just drop it and trust me when I say it's okay."
"Okay," He said, with a slight nod. The rest of the ride was quiet, and Edward was a perfect gentleman when he pulled up to my aunt's house. He opened my door for me and walked me to the front door.
"I had a lovely night." I whispered as we face one another on the door step.
"Me too," He whispered back. He breath covered my face and I put my hand out against the door to steady myself. My heart did a strange flippy thing in my chest and my stomach tightened. My knees began to get a little weak and my palms got sweaty. I looked directly into his eye. I mean I really looked. I looked past the bronze hair and past the perfect looks. I looked past the emerald eyes and I saw him. I saw Edward Cullen. In that moment everything but nothing made sense. I felt like I finally was together but falling apart. In that moment, I realised I was screwed. I was happy and sad, scared and excited. Every emotion in my self had conflicting opposite emotion that hit just as hard. In that moment I realised one thing that would effect me for the rest of my life. In that moment I knew one thing for certain.
I was in love with Edward Cullen.
Crap!
So, a shorter chapter, but I hope it's okay. Let me know what you think and I'm thinking of running a contest. I tried before but it failed epically. So the out line would be 5 prompts, cannon couples and any length of story and any rating. What do you think? Should I do it. Let me know.
Reviews are loved, they are like inspiration in one tiny e-mail.I'm not gonna get all ten or more before I update because I don't write for reviews but is the story that bad that it only get's 3 reviews?
Anyhow, let me know what you think, even if you think it sucks. I can make it better that way.
I make this an M story. I'm still a little unsure about it at the moment. I don't know if I can write that but I want to give it a shot so I might, I thought pre-warning might be a good thing.
Thanks for reading.
Sarah x