DISCLAIMER: Stephanie Meyer owns all things Twilight AUTHOR'S NOTE: Hey everyone! Here's the daily update. I hope you like it. Here's the rest of the ages: Bella-21yrs. old. Edward-23yrs. old. Alice-20yrs. old. Jasper-23yrs. old. Rosalie-24yrs. old. Emmett-24yrs. old. Abby-3yrs. old. Random: I just saw Monsters vs. Aliens. It was so cute! Extremely funny too. And the cast? Amazing. Hugh Lurie plays a brillant cockroach. Priceless.
-BPOV- I had never been afraid of the dark before but as I walked down the narrow hallway a shiver ran down my spin. I didn't know how to explain it except to say something was not right. I bumped into an end table and my heart jumped erratically in my chest, causing a little squeak of fright to emit from my lips. I leaned against the wall, my hands clenched to my chest over my racing heart. I shook my head, chuckling a little at how ridiculous I was being. I had been in the Blaque's home several times before. Why was I scared now? Maybe because Jacob wasn't with me. A sudden crash pulled me from my reverie. The hairs on the back of my neck stood up as another crash echoed through the desolate house. "Jake?" I whispered, feeling my way down the hallway. My voice sounded like the petrified victim in a horror movie. CALM DOWN. I told myself. IT'S JUST YOUR OVER ACTIVE IMAGINATION. As I neared the end of the hallway I heard voices- one pleading and one malicious. "Please." The voice said. "Please. We've been friends for years." "'Friendship' is of no value to me." The other voice replied coldly, almost bored. My eyebrows pulled together into arcs over my confused eyes. I recognized the voice of Billy Blaque but I had never heard this tone before. He was usually cheerful and kind. A picture instantly popped into my mind of the older man with his thick black hair and mischievous smile, his eyes dancing with amusement. "Billy?" I whispered but my voice was still too choked with fear to be heard. I took a step towards where the voices had been coming from- Billy Blaque's office. The door was slightly ajar and light was pouring out of the crack, casting menacing shadows throughout the hallway. Through the opening between the door and the wall I could see Billy's office. A lamp was laying shattered beside the desk and the coffee table was knocked over. A man was laying half on the table and half crumbled on the floor, his legs tangled as if he had fallen over it... or had been pushed. I gasped, my hands flying to my mouth as I took in the scene before me. Billy Blaque was standing over him, just his back visible to me. I knew I should walk away but I couldn't force myself to move. My breath was shallow and my heart rate was unbelievably fast, my palms sweaty. "Please Billy." The man pleaded. I swear I saw a tear roll down his cheek. "Please." "It's Mr. Blaque to you." Billy snapped, his voice drenched in renewed hatred and spite. The man closed his eyes, a few more tears slipping down his cheeks. "Please Mr. Blaque." He whispered. He used the voice of someone who knew that there was no hope for what they were pleading for. "I don't know what I was thinking." He whispered. Billy chuckled darkly but thee was no humor in it. The sound made a new shiver of fear run down my spine. "I thought you wanted out for your family." Billy said, his voice now mocking. At the mention of his family the man's eyes snapped open. "Please." He begged with renewed desperation. "Please. Please." Billy ignored his heart wrenching pleas. "Do you know how I have eluded the police for so long?" He asked. The man didn't answer but this didn't seem to bother Billy. He went on without a reply. "It is because I weed out my employees VERY carefully." He answered his own question. "And no one leaves alive." "Plea-" And then so quickly that I didn't have time to react Billy shifted ever so slightly and I saw the gun he held in his hand. I started to push open the door. I had to do something! I couldn't just let this happen. This couldn't be happening. It was all a horrible nightmare and I would wake up at any moment in my warm bed. But before I could do anything he pulled the trigger. I jumped and bit my tongue around the sobs that were racking through my body. "Insolent man." Billy grumbled. I clamped my hands over my mouth, trying not to let him hear my cries. I needed to get out of here. Billy stalked calmly to the leather sofa and set the gun down. "I know you're there Bella."
The house was quiet and dark.
Warm arms encircled me but I shoved against them.
"Bella. It's just me."
"No!" I screamed. "Leave me alone!"
"Bella, Love. It was only a nightmare."
I pried my eyes open and blinked around the tears that were pouring down my face but more followed.
"You're okay. You're safe." The voice whispered gently. I'm here. The moonlight from the wall of windows illuminated the room before me and everything from the past day raced back.
"Edward?" I cried, my voice chocked as another sob racked through me.
"Yes Bella. Ssh. It's me." He comforted. "I'm here. No one can hurt you now."
I blinked again, my eyes trying to adjust t o the dark.
He sat beside me on the bed, an anxious worried look on his face.
"Oh Edward!" I cried, flinging my arms around his neck.
He wrapped his arms around me, pulling me closer to him.
I nuzzled my face against his chest inhaling his scent, calming gradually.
"No one can hurt you." He repeated in a whisper, sounding fervently determined as he rubbed my back soothingly.
"I will never let anyone hurt you."
----
The light was shinning. I could tell that even with my eyes closed.
I yawned and stretched my hands over my head.
...or at least I tried to stretch my hands over my head. Something was stopping me from moving.
My breathing hitched. Being restrained is not good for someone who has just witnessed a murder and has a vindictive ex boyfriend after her.
But then I got a whiff of a familiar scent, something masculine yet comforting. I couldn't really recall when I had heard it before but it was heavenly and I instantly relaxed. Nothing that smells that good could be dangerous right?
I hesitantly opened one eye and then the other. I was lying on my side facing a wall of windows.
I frowned. Wall of windows... Forks... Edward.
My eyes flew open wide. Edward.
My eyes flashed to the futon across the room. Empty.
My breathing hitched for a whole new reason when dream and reality separated themselves as the haze of sleep wore off.
OKAY BELLA. I thought. BREATH.
I looked down warily and I saw what had been holding me captive.
Two strong arms were wrapped tight around my waist, pinning my arms to my sides.
Oh, this was not good. Because if he's here with me it means I really did cry to Edward, a man I didn't know in the least. A drop dead gorgeous stranger. My husband. Well, my pretend husband.
I rolled awkwardly onto my other side so I was facing... yes. Edward.
His eyes were closed, his breathing was deep and even, his lips slightly parted. His usually messy hair was in drastic disarray and a few messy locks fell onto his forehead.
My heart lurched and I swear my eyes glazed over.
I needed to get out of here. I couldn't think with him this close. Even unconscious the man was dazzling.
I started to wiggle out of his arms but the minute I tried to escape Edward's arms tightened around me and instead of escaping I was suddenly closer. Much closer.
He sighed and nuzzled his face into the crook of my neck.
"Oh God." I whispered, my voice shaky.
Knock. Knock.
Crap!
My eyes frantically flashed to the door.
Please be locked. Please be locked. (AN: In all the craziness our dear Bella has forgotten that it would be better for someone to see them in bed together-not like that guys! Than not, because they're supposedly married. Lol)
"Edward. Bella. Can I come in?" Came a muffled voice from behind the door.
"It's Alice. Can I come in?"
Just when I thought it couldn't get any worse! Why must everything in my life be hectic and nerve wracking?
I looked back to Edward, trying to formulate a plan to wiggle free.
But he was awake. He blinked around the sleep and looked back at me with penetrating eyes.
"Guys?" Alice called again, a little louder this time. "Are you awak-"
"Come in." Edward called out without breaking eye contact.
I expected him to release me but instead he pulled me even closer so that my head was resting on his chest. I wanted to pull away. Or look away at least but it was as if those dazzling jades kept me paralyzed.
I heard the door open and Edward finally broke the trance by looking at the newcomer.
"Sorry if I woke you." Alice apologized.
I blinked and sucked in a deep breath. Why did I lose all ability to breath when ever I was looking at this man? It's just ridiculous.
"We were awake." Edward assured her, his voice still laced with sleep.
"Oh okay." Alice said. "Well Rose and I were going to have a girls day today and we wanted Bella to come with us."
It finally dawned on me that maybe I should look at Alice.
She was standing just inside the door with a broad smile on her face. She was already dressed, brand name heels and all. Clearly a morning person.
"I wouldn't want to intrude Alice." I said politely.
That was part of it. The other part was just me being scared to be left to my own defenses; to have to pull this charade off without Edward. The thought made me slightly panicked.
Alice's grin got even wider if that's possible.
"Don't be ridiculous!" She chirped. "We're really looking forward to getting to know our new sister."
I bit my lip anxiously. That was what I was afraid of. They'd have a thousand questions for their SISTER IN LAW and I couldn't lie. I wasn't born with the capability. Besides that, I didn't want to lie to them. They seemed nice.
Edward must have seen my hesitation because he moved one arm from my waist and stroked my hair.
"What if I want to keep her all to myself today?" He smirked.
I blushed all the way to my toes, even as I tried to keep that traitorous reaction in check.
Alice placed her hands on her hips.
"Don't you think you've kept her all to yourself for long enough Brother?" She quiped.
Pain and guilt flashed across his face for an instant before his features hardened into a cold indifferent mask.
"Alice. I don't have to explain anythi-"
"A girls day sounds like fun." I interrupted him before he could say something he'd regret.
Edward and Alice were in some sort of intense staring contest between siblings. It wasn't me they were fighting over anymore. Maybe it never had been. Maybe it was just the principal of who was right.
With one of Edward's arms gone it was slightly easier to free my own and I gently rested one on his chest.
"Edward?" I whispered.
Please look at me, I thought.
He cooperated and his gaze was on my face as soon as I had spoken his name.
His mask fell immediately and his face softened.
"What ever you decide my Love."
His breath wafted over my face and a small shiver ran down my spine.
"I don't mind hanging out with Alice and Rosalie today." I told him, smiling reassuringly.
I really didn't mind spending time with them. They seemed nice, like they'd be a lot of fun. Alice especially.
I was just nervous.
But if it would make things easier for Edward and less tense between he and his family I would go. He had put a lot on the line to keep me safe after all. I owed him, more than I would ever be able to pay I'm afraid.
"We're not as bad as Edward makes us out to be." Alice promised. "We'll have fun."
I smiled at her.
"Edward's only ever had good things to say about you. I'm sure we'll have a good time."
I wasn't sure if I was trying to convince her or myself now. I hated not knowing what to expect.
Alice looked at her brother and smiled, almost timidly.
"I'll go tell Rose." She said. "Just meet us downstairs when you're ready Bella."
I nodded and then she was gone, closing the door with a soft click behind her.
Edward sighed and buried his face in my hair.
"I'm so sorry Bella." He groaned.
I nodded weakly, dazed either by the turn of events or by his extremely close proximity. Probably both.
"It's okay." I didn't sound very convincing.
Edward lifted his head from my hair, which I wasn't sure if I was appreciative for or not. It definitely made it easier to concentrate.
He propped himself up on his elbow and looked at me.
"I knew they'd insist upon spending time with you alone." He said, brooding. "But I thought they'd give it a little longer."
He rolled his eyes.
"I don't know why. They're probably rehearsing the line up of questions they want to ask you already."
I gulped.
He gave me an apologetic look and reached out to tuck a strand of hair behind my ear.
"I'm sorry." He repeated sincerely. "I thought I'd have time to prepare you."
"It's okay." I assured him, my voice shaky as his hand lingered.
He shrugged.
"You'll do fine."
I rolled my eyes.
"Uh-huh." I murmured sarcastically.
I'd probably ruin our entire mission, blow our cover, start a family fued, and give away our hiding spot. Oh god, that would just be my luck.
Edward frowned.
"You will." He insisted. "You can do this. Just use you good judgment as to how to answer their questions."
I winced. My 'good judgment' got me into a relationship with an infamous criminal. It led me t his house in the middle of the night. And it's what led me down that dark desolate hallway.
"Bella. You'll do fine." he promised.
My thoughts must have been pointed all over my face.
"I won't let anything happen to you."
I swallowed around the lump in my throat.
"You won't be there." I mumbled pathetically.
Edward corked an eyebrow, amusement now shinning through.
"Who says?" He smirked.
I frowned.
"You're coming with me?" I asked, confused. "To the girly day?"
Edward chuckled, his eyes crinkling at the corners.
"I promised the CIA I'd not leave your sight while we were here Bella."
I just continued to stare at him, bewildered.
And then his hand dropped from my face and he sat up, slinging his legs off the side of the bed.
"Edward..."
He looked over his shoulder at me and winked.
"What kind of protector would I be if I left you to fend for yourself?"
"Is Alice really going to let you come?" I asked incredulously.
Twenty four hours ago I wouldn't have thought anyone could stop Edward from doing anything. But I hadn't known his little sister twenty four hours ago. Resistance was futile. (AN: Yes, I do use this in every story. Because I love it. Lol)
Edward shook his head, grabbing a shirt off of the nearby futon.
I almost cried as the image of his back and sculpted shoulders disappeared behind the tan sweater. Even the mans shoulder blades were sexy! God, he was created to torture me.
"No." He answered, breaking me from my ogling.
My traitorous blush pooled in my cheeks and I prayed it faded before he turned so he wouldn't guess I had been shamelessly staring.
"She wouldn't. But she doesn't have to know I'm there."
He fished into his duffel bag, searching for something or another.
I corked an eyebrow.
"You're going to come incognito?" I guessed.
Edward didn't turn, still bent over the duffel bag.
"Yes. I'll be your best friend Samantha, here from Chicago to visit your new husbands family."
"Please tell me you're kidding."
Not even the CIA could make Edward Cullen look like a woman.
Edward smirked at me from over his shoulder.
"Yes." He chuckled. "That would be a joke."
I frowned.
"Well then how-"
"A ha." He said victoriously, pulling something small from the duffel bag.
He turned, holding it out in front of him with a smug little grin.
I just stared at the small item in his hand, just as confused now as I had been before.
"You're going to distract her.... with a... brooch?" I guessed slowly.
Why do all CIA agents have to be so mysterious and cryptic?
Edward laughed.
"It has a mike in it, enabling me to hear everything going on around you through a wireless head set." He explained.
"I'll follow you inconspicuously and make sure nothing suspicious happens."
He looked down at the sky blue brooch in his hands, proud of his plan.
"You'll still be on your own with Alice's interrogations I'm afraid but I'll know if Mr. Blaque tries to contact you or anything dangerous happens." He continued. "And I'll be close by."
I bit my lip.
"That makes sense." I decided but I still wish I could hear him too so that he could help me with the 'interrogations.' But at least I knew I was safe with him watching out for me. I hadn't even thought of the possibility of Jacob trying to contact me.
They had told me so many times that the chances of being found in Forks was microscopic but I still needed to be on my guard. The reality of that was hitting me.
"But I'm a little disappointed I'll miss 'Samantha's' debut." I teased, trying to get my mind of the life threatening situation that I would have to worry about for the rest of my life. I couldn't imagine a day when I wouldn't feel the need to look over my shoulder.
Edward laughed.
"I'm so sorry to disappoint you 'my love.'" He smirked.
I blushed.
"I'll leave you to get dressed. Don't forget your brooch."
I nodded and then he too was gone.
I showered, not bothering to dry my hair. Alice and Rosalie were probably waiting for me. I pulled on a pair of jeans and a charcoal gray teeshirt, fastening the small blue brooch to the front.
Maybe it was a good thing we were going out today. The agency had packed me only three or four outfits. I had a feeling this mission was going to be considerably longer than four days. Alice had seemed pretty happy to shop for the 'wedding' yesterday. Maybe she wouldn't mind stopping be a store sometime today. I didn't usually enjoy shopping but clothes were kind of a necessity. Hopefully I could get away with a quick trip.
I slipped on my black ballet flats and took a deep breath. No more procrastinating. I could do this. And Edward would be close by at least. That provided some measure of comfort.
"Bella!" Alice exclaimed when she saw me standing in the entry way to the living room.
I waved timidly, feeling like a spot light shone on me as everyone in the room turned to look at me.
Emmett and Rosalie had come over again, their adorable daughter in tow. Edward was sitting on one end of the sofa playing a video game with Emmett but he looked up with a warm smile when he heard Alice.
I smiled back reflexively.
I wonder why he didn't visit his family more. He seemed so happy and carefree when he was with them. Could it really just be his job keeping him away? A year is such a long time to go without your loved ones.
"Bella?" came a soft little voice.
I looked down to see Abby standing in front of me. Her big blue eyes were innocent, her expression was thoughtful.
I smiled at her and bent down so I was eye level.
"Yes Abby?" I prompted.
She shuffled back and forth on her little feet, looking at me speculatively.
"Momma and Daddy said you're my new Auntie." she said finally.
The room became very quiet.
I nodded, looking at this innocent little girl who knew nothing of deceit, or shades of gray, or vengeance.
"Yes." I said softly. "Is that okay with you?"
She studied me for a moment before a wide grin lit up her face, dimples showing. She really looked like her daddy then.
She nodded and I smiled. I don't know why it meant so much to me that this little girl accept me as a part of her family but it made my heart just about melt.
"Can I call you Auntie Bella?" She asked.
I chuckled.
"If you want to." I shrugged.
She smiled, seemingly satisfied with our conversation, and skipped over to Emmett.
Emmett chuckled.
"Hey Monkey." He grinned, helping her onto his lap. "Are you going to help me obliterate Uncle Eddie?"
"Yeah!" She enthused. "Oblis...erdate!"
Edward frowned at her playfully.
"Thanks." He pouted. "I love you too."
"Stop whining." Emmett admonished. "This is war! Love's got nothing to do with it. Right Ab?"
She nodded seriously.
"Every body's for themselves!" She declared.
Emmett and Edward laughed, highly amused with their playmate.
"That's my girl!" Emmett beamed, holding out a hand which she smacked with a high five.
"Are you staying to wage war with Daddy or are you coming with Momma and you Aunties?" Rosalie asked, slinging her purse over her shoulder.
Abby pursed her lips for a moment in thoughtful consideration.
"We might get ice cream." Alice sang.
Abby looked up at Emmett.
"Sorry Daddy." She said.
Emmett frowned and Edward chuckled.
She kissed his cheek and wiggled off of his lap.
"Bye bye Uncle Edard." She chimed.
He leaned over so that she could reach his cheek and she planted a kiss there before running over to take Rosalie's hand.
"Abandoned by my own daughter for an ice cream cone." Emmett mumbled.
"Aw. Don't be sad Em." Edward said. "I'll let you beat me at some Madden." (AN: Awesomest football video game ever)
"Come on Ladies." Alice enthused, taking her nieces other hand. "There's shopping to be done!"
"And ice creams to be eated!" Abby cheered.
They walked to the door, Abby between them. Abby looked over her shoulder at me.
"Are you coming Auntie Bella?" She asked, her eyes shinning with the possibility of ice cream.
Rosalie and Alice looked at me expectantly.
"Oh. Yeah." I said.
I had been so caught up in watching the interaction between the family that I had failed to perticipate.
"Just let me grab my purse." I requested.
Alice smiled.
"Sure Bella." She said easily. "We'll wait for you in the car."
I nodded.
Edward stood when I turned to the stairs.
Emmett snickered, sprawling across the couch as soon as Edward had vacated his spot.
"Yeah, you go say good bye to your wifey." He said, waving a hand dismissively. "I'll set up the Madden game. Prepare to be 'obliserdated.'"
Edward sniggered.
"It's war when I come back." He warned him, stepping over to me.
"The NFL gods will strike you down!" He boomed.
Edward shook his head.
"Just ignore him." He told me. "We all do."
I laughed and Edward grinned at me, one side of his luscious lips lifting a little higher than the other.
My knees suddenly felt like jelly and my heart stammered unevenly.
"I'll come with you to your purse." Edward prompted, gently taking hold of my elbow.
I just nodded mutely.
"Put anything you want to buy on this card." he said, handing me a little black card.
Mrs. Isabella Cullen was printed in slightly raised gold lettering across the front.
"Your old card has been payed off and canceled so there wouldn't be any accidental purchases while we were here. Mr Blaque could trace any activity on your account."
I stared at him wide eyed. I could not believe everything that had gone into this mission. I couldn't help wondering if I was worth all the effort. It would have been so much easier to leave me to my own devices.
"I know this is an inconvenience but please don't hesitate to use this. It has no limit."
He looked at me for a moment.
"I just want you to be comfortable here."
he paused, thinking.
"You might want to buy another cell phone while you're out as well. That had to be shut off also."
I looked down, overwhelmed by his generosity. I couldn't imagine going through this without him. Suddenly I wanted to hug him.
"Thank you." I said, hoping he could hear my sincerity. "But that's not necessary. I really don't need a cell phone."
And I didn't. No one I knew would be able to contact me. They didn't know where I was. They might not even know if I was alive. My chest tightened painfully at the image of my mother, of Charlie, grief stricken and worried.
"It would make matters more convenient." Edward replied resolutely.
He left me no time to reply. Or argue.
"Do you have your new ID with you?" He asked.
I nodded.
"It's in my purse." I told him.
He nodded.
"Very good. Now I'm going to play one game with Emmett and follow you." He informed me. "I'll only be about fifteen minutes behind you. That should be a safe distance."
He smiled kindly.
"And I'll be listening."
I bit my lip nervously and nodded, butterflies building in my stomach.
I felt like I was moving out of Charlie's again, leaving my safe reliable home to be on my own.
Edward smiled at me reassuringly.
"The girls are probably waiting for you." He reminded me.
"Okay." I said shakily.
"And Bella?" He called.
I looked over my shoulder, one hand on the door knob.
"Try to have some fun."
Author's Note: So, what do you think? You got a little look at what happened. There will be more on that later but that's all for now. You also got some Eddie/Bellie time. And some more Abby. Love that little girl. Haha. A lot of you know I was writing Welcome to the Real World right before this which is about Bella being pregnant so after writing that for sixty so chapters I wanted a little kid in this one. Haha. Hope everyone likes it. Don't forget to review. Next chapter is EPOV. :)
Much Love! Talk to you all tomorrow.