Well first of all thank you to everyone for reading my story so far and for reviewing. It is very much appreciated. Here is another chapter.
I hope you enjoy.
Bianca
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Chapter 7:
"Bella? What's wrong?" Renee' asked me. I called her after school. I was currently sitting on my bed next to Edward. My voice was still a little scratchy and she was now worrying.
"Nothing mum. I just had a small flu before and my throat is a little sore" I answered and heard a soft noise coming from Edward and playfully glared at him.
"Why didn't anyone tell me? My child was sick and I didn't know. I am your mother Bella. You need to tell me these things. I don't like it when I am uninformed and have to find out from someone else my daughter is sick in the hospital with pneumonia. How could you Bella?" she rambled on and I was finally able to interrupt as Edward chuckled at us.
"Mum. Everything is fine. I am sorry I didn't call you but I was recovering, that is why I am calling now. To tell you" I rolled my eyes.
"Thank You Bella. That is so sweet" she said and I was beginning to think it was her hormones talking, after all she was pregnant.
"So, how is everything?" I asked.
"Everything is good" she started, "Phil is great. I told him about the baby and he is really excited."
"I told you"
"Bella don't interrupt" she warned me.
"Sorry" Edward was giggling at me and I couldn't help but join in. Luckily Renee' was too busy talking to notice.
"I really think he wants a boy but can you just imagine me trying to control a boy. If the child was anything like you, I am definitely going to have to take energy supplements" I was a bit offended and Edward raised his eyebrows.
"Come on mum, I wasn't that bad" I defended my honor.
"Bella. You killed almost every animal you had except for the dog that we had to get rid of. The poor creatures were flushed down toilets, poked, tortured, chased and pulled. Not to mention all the naughty things you did around the house, you were basically hanging off the curtains"
"No I wasn't! First of all, I only put the dog in the toilet because I wanted to give it a bath, secondly, the fish can swim so I did them a favour because they were obviously over fed and obese, and thirdly, I was trying to reach the string to pull the blinds down because you were sleeping and the sun was in your eyes" I explained in a long breath.
Sure Bella. Believe what you want but you did turn out to be quite the opposite and I am so very proud"
"Thanks mum" not sure if that was a compliment or insult.
"Now I must go because I am hungry like you won't believe. I will call you soon. Love you" my mum said before hanging up. I sighed and put the phone down and looked at my handsome vampire. If there was one word to describe him at the moment it would be 'amused'.
"Cleaning a dog in the toilet, flushing over fed fish down the toilet, torturing animals, hanging on the curtains. What were you thinking?" he asked me. I blushed and laughed.
"I was young and curious ok. It isn't my fault. Besides it was just me and mum and she is a softy so I could try these things and not get hit" I answered grinning at him.
He just shook his head, "You know how dangerous all your little tricks are?"
I groaned, "That was in the past before I even met you. Please don't use it against me"
"I'm right though" he said standing up and looking at my small collection of books on my computer desk. He pulled a large book out that I grabbed immediately.
"What is it?" he asked.
"Nothing... Just personal stuff" I lied. Really it was baby pictures of me. The ones I finally got Charlie to put away and a whole lot more from mum. I didn't really want him to see my in some of my bad years especially when I had short hair and missing teeth.
"Like what?" he asked trying to take it from me but i held on as tight as possible even though it wouldn't make the slightest difference.
"Just some letters and photos" I answered walking back to my bed. Before I knew it he sped past me taking the book and holding it high so I couldn't reach.
"Edward..." I whined jumping to reach but failing miserably. "Give it back"
"Why won't you let me see? I know it is baby photos" he grinned.
"Well if you have already peaked when i was sleeping then why do you need to see it again" I asked.
"I didn't peak but it was obviously by the way you almost attacked me for it."
"But I don't want you to see me growing up. Some of those photos are ugly"
"Just a little look?" he asked opening the book. I did however know what would make him participate and decided it was time to do it. I jumped up wrapping my legs around his waist and reaching up for the book. He was shocked by my movements, froze like a statue and allowed me to take the book from his hands and I jumped back onto my bed grinning like a psychotic maniac.
He stood for a moment staring into space so I just waited for him to compose himself, "Don't do that again Bella" he told flatly.
"Don't you like close contact with me?" I asked messing around and giggling.
"I do, a little too much and I don't want to hurt you"
"I was just kidding" I told him. "How about we make a deal. I will show you these when I am ready and will not try to find it and have a look without me knowing?"
He chuckled and put his arm around me, "Anything for you Bella but can you at least show me sometime this year?"
"Yes" I answered simply.
I saw a smug look on his face and didn't really have a chance to answer. "Your dad is five minutes away. You better start on dinner" he told me.
"Are you going to stay in here or are you going to disappear on me like you did the other night?"
"Bella, you know why I am doing that." he sighed, "I would much rather be with you but more importantly. I want you to be safe"
"Edward, I am safe. He hasn't come here and nothing strange had been happening since the break in at school. Cant you give it a rest now?" I begged. I hate it when our time together is limited and even though he is doing something for me I still don't get to see him. I am greedy.
"Bella the only reason nothing has been happening is because I have stopped it. I didn't want to tell you this but he has been here. The other night we tracked him very close to your house" he explained, and I was too stubborn to admit I was scared to him but I was really terrified.
"When?" I asked.
"The night you got sick" he frowned at me for a moment before going on. "He didn't do anything. Just watched you but I know he is planning something"
Charlie arrived outside and was paring the car. We dismissed the subject for another time and I moved downstairs to make a quick dinner.
"Bella?" Charlie yelled walking through the door.
"Dad, I'm right here. No need to yell" I laughed uncovering my ears.
"Sorry Bells. How's it going?" he asked me.
"Fine. What do you want for dinner? I am not really hungry so you can choose"
"I am not really hungry. Let's just skip dinner tonight and make sandwiches if we have the need" Charlie said and I sat opposite him. I knew there was something on his mind because when does a man ever refuse a freshly cooked meal.
"So what's up dad?" I asked cautiously.
"Nothing. Tell me, how is school and your friends?" he asked folding his hands together and placing them on the table.
"School is good and so are Jessica and the other girls. Why?"
"Just serious. What about boys? Anyone you are interested in?" This conversation was officially getting weird and I really didn't want him to drag it out.
"Dad, what is your point?" I exhaled.
"Well Edward seems to like you a lot Bella and I know you have a little thing for him. Why don't you to do something about it?" he asked grinning at me.
"Since when does a father encourage his daughter to get a boyfriend?" I asked.
"I'm not Bella. I am just saying he is a nice boy from a good family that obviously adores you. Maybe you should think about giving it a try"
"Right..." I said. Maybe I should by play along with it and breaking the news about us will me easier. "Well actually now that you mention it, I do like him. Do you really think he likes me?" I asked smiling and leaning forward.
Charlie smiled and nodded in triumph. "Just let me know if there is any development in the situation. Just because I am your father doesn't mean you can tell me things about boys and what not" he told me getting up and moving to the front room.
"Thanks dad." I yelled trying not to laugh, "I'm going to Jessica to talk to her about all of this? Do you mind?"
"No, go have fun. Don't be too late" he told me. I grabbed my jacket from the rack and my keys before leaving.
Of course Edward was waiting by my truck grinning at me. I finally let all of my laughter out and got into the truck. He waited and watched as I giggled and my eyes watered.
"Finished?" he asked when I was finally done.
"No, I still have a bit more" I answered but drove to his house.
"Well it looks like Charlie approves of me. I have passed the test" he told. "Tell him tomorrow that I asked you on a date for Friday night"
I giggled but stopped asking, "What are we doing on Friday?" I smiled waiting hoping it wasn't a surprise.
"It's-"
"Not another surprise" I groaned, "Edward you know I don't like to feeling of being surprised; all vulnerable and not knowing what to expect"
"Relax Bella. I was going to say it's going to be something fun. I think we are going to play some baseball. Are you interested?" I smiled in relief and nodded and we pulled up by his house.
"Yay! Bella is playing baseball with us" Alice yelled running out of the house and hugging me. I laughed and returned the hug while Edward rolled his eyes and pried her off me.
"Hello Alice" he greeted walking inside and greeting everyone as well. "Hi mum"
"Hi mu-" I stopped realizing I almost called Esme mum. I thought the idea was simply hilarious and as everyone turned to look at me I burst out laughing again. Edward chuckled and waited yet again for me to calm down.
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"I never knew it was so funny to call someone else mum" Alice commented. I couldn't control myself. The mere thought of someone so beautiful and perfect like Esme being my mum was the funniest thing in the world; not that Renee' was ugly, she is just ordinary like me.
"It must be a human thing" Emmet commented from his usual spot on the floor.
"No, she has been like this all day. Laughing at everything" Edward explained. I was finally finished and wiped away tears from my eyes.
"Why is Bella crying?" Carlisle asked just walking in the door; home from work. I thought that was very funny and laughed and they all groaned. "Did I say something wrong?" he grinned watching me curiously.
"No, it's a long story" Esme said kissing him on the cheek and taking his briefcase.
"Did someone give her laughing gas?" Carlisle asked again. They shook their head in response and he frowned trying to find a logical reason.
I suddenly stopped laughing and looked around for a moment.
"What happened? Did the fire go?" Emmet asked.
"Forgot what was funny?" Alice added.
"Are you going to be sick?" Edward worried.
"No, do you guys smell that?" I asked sniffing the air. They all sniffed as well but must not have noticed after being in the house for so long.
"It does smell a little odd" Carlisle told.
They got up to investigate when I stopped them, "Um guys... I think its gas"
Before I could react Edward lifted me from the ground and ran outside a few meters from the house. He looked around frantically. "It's him isn't it?" I asked. He didn't answer but waited for Alice.
"It was the gas pipe" she told joining us, "But I didn't see anyone tampering with it. I think it is just a coincidence"
"I better take you home Bella" Edward told distantly and put me into the truck before I could object.
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That night I lay in my bed alone because Edward claimed he had some more stuff to do. I hated when he did that. I am human but I can handle the truth as well. I guess in a way I love him for trying to protect me from it but it can be frustrating if it happens as much as it has been.
I tried reading, counting sheep, drinking warm milk and doing an essay but nothing was helping me sleep. I decided that I would do the take-some-cough-medicine-to-make-me-drowsy-and-sleep method. I have only ever done it once or twice before so it isn't a common habit and it worked fantastically but I did notice that before you finally fall asleep it is the same feeling as being drunk.
I mistook my lamp for a pillow and the bathroom vanity for a toilet but after not being able to reach I gave up and held it in. Edward did approve of this method of course and has never seen me do it but I never need to do it when he is with me.
I finally dozed off and slept like a baby despite the pouring rain outside thrashing against my window. It was very frustrating not having Edward with me when I sleep and I didn't like how it was becoming a common habit. I just got used to him being next to me and now he leaves again.
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I sat in Spanish with Jessica as she asked me questions trying to get all the little juicy details she could from me.
"So have you told Charlie about Edward yet?" she asked writing something in her notebook.
"No, but yesterday he said that he liked Edward and hinted at me going out with him" I answered, she was going to find out sooner or later.
"Seriously!" she grinned, "That's great, now you can tell him you and Edward have started going out and he will like it because he will think it was his idea in the first place" she said quickly.
"You are talking to fast for human ears understand" I rolled my eyes but she continued to which I didn't listen. When the bell rang I practically ran to the door and sighed happily when I saw him waiting for me.
"Hello Bella" he said coolly kissing my cheek and taking my hand. Of course my heart was thumping like techno music but I loved every minute of it. I dumped some of my books in my locker and made our way to the cafeteria.
"Aren't you hungry?" he asked when I only took water.
"No" I answered sitting at the table with the rest of the Cullen's.
"Bella, you need to eat" he told disapprovingly like my mother but I just rolled my eyes.
"But I'm not hungry. I only eat when I am hungry" I explained.
"Just have something... for me?" Edward asked looking down at me through his eye lashes and I helplessly nodded silently as he disappeared.
"I hate it when he does that" I mumbled. They all snickered at me and watched my face turn to horror when he appeared with two trays full of food. "I'm not eating all of that"
"I know but now you have options so you don't have another excuse" he answered sitting down and waiting expectedly for me to take something. They all watched me and I grinned taking a piece of fruit.
"Bella" he complained. "You have to eat something else" he took it away from me.
"You said I have to eat something. You didn't say what and when you put it on the tray surely you knew there was a possibility I would take it" I grinned sweetly taking it from him and biting it.
"She got you there brother" Emmet commented and I giggled silently.
"Good one. Now she will never stop" Edward told as I giggled to myself.
I took a deep breathe and sighed, "I'm fine" The looked at me for a moment and then believed me. "So what is the progress on the bad guy situation?" my causality did not please one Cullen.
"Bella, why do you talk about it like it isn't a problem? Someone wants to kill you and it isn't a big deal however I ask to look at some photos and the world stops turning" Edward said obviously miffed but it never really lasts long.
"I'm just asking because you haven't been telling me anything" I told looking at Alice for some sort of help but she was shifting in her seat not looking at Edward. No one said anything.
"Fine if you don't tell me I will find out myself" I stood up and Edward was holding onto my arm.
"Where are you going?" anger slowly rising.
"I have to pee before class" They all laughed at that point and I left. I did hear Alice mutter 'She's telling the truth' before I left and I shook my head.
I hated the way he tried to protect me by not telling me anything and I had to find out sometime so I have made it another mission to, along with being turned into a vampire and staying alive until that happens.
I went into the bathroom and heard a few girls muttering in the corner. I ignored them until I heard my name.
"I can't believe he chose her. She is so ordinary and boring. Look at what she wears and she falls over like all the time. I just don't understand how a masterpiece like him can settle for something so beneath him"
I moved into a cubicle and sat on the toilet seat not needing to go anymore and just listened to them talk. It stung and I guess that hole time I have been with him I have always thought that but I didn't know other people did as well.
"I know, but no one else is as good-looking as him though" another girl said.
"Well some of us are much better" the other said. I decided I should go. I flushed and washed my hands and before leaving said, "Sorry I am not up to your standards" I felt them watching me as I left and made my way to gym.
I hated when things that other people think or say bother me and in Gym I actually didn't hurt myself and hit the ball. Never have I ever hit the ball now and it scared me because I didn't know what it meant.
After changing I left the gym and he was waiting for me. He watched as I walked towards him and frowned at me and I silently cursed for wearing my feelings on my face so freely.
"Bella, what's wrong?" he asked immediately and hugged me.
"Nothing" I answered.
"What are you hiding?"
"Nothing" I repeated.
"I hate it when you eep things from me" he told and I shook my head at his hypocritical statement.
"So do I" I said and walked down the corridor. He was at my side in an instant and walked silently to my truck. I saw the two girls that were talking abou me in the bathroom and passed them casually as they stared at me. I cringed at the noise Edward made obviously knowing what happened in the bathroom today.
I sat in the driver's seat and buckled up but he stood by the door and didn't look like he was going to close it anytime soon. I waited as he stared at me.
"Bella, you know that I don't agree with those girls" he said lovingly and holding my hand, "You are beautiful but I also love you for your personality. I don't want you to think like them"
"It's true"
"No its not" he argued softly.
"Yes it is. I have always known it but I guess others do too" I answered.
"Bella, I have spent almost a whole century looking for someone to be with. Surely you know that I don't do things just for the fun of it. I chose you for a reason and not all of those other girls at school or wherever" he told me.
"Doesn't change anything Edward. You still look like a goddess and I am just Bella." I said, "I better go and make dinner"
With a lot of effort I pulled the door closed and drove away. I knew I would see him soon but I just wanted to be alone for a while. I glanced at his silver Volvo and saw his family watching me drive away and that made me feel worse. I didn't want sympathy either.
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I ate dinner with Charlie silently but he didn't really like silence.
"How was school?" he asked casually munching on pasta.
"Fine"
"Anything interesting happen?"
"No but something rather ironic did happen" I told.
"Oh really, do tell"
"Edward asked me on a date on Friday night" I explained.
Charlie laughed and continued to eat, "Wow, he is like a mind reader"
"Yeah, something like that" I muttered.
"Why aren't you happy Bella? I thought you like him" He noticed my boring tone.
"I'm going for a quick walk dad. I'll be back soon" I told throwing on a jacket. I decided fresh air was definitely needed.
"Be careful Bella and not too long." he said and handing me his phone if I needed it.
I walked past or house and down the street. I went where my legs took me and ended up in a deserted street sitting by myself on a silver bench. I knew that Alice was watching me but right now I didn't care. I just sat and thought.
In the ten minutes that I was there it felt like all my problems had disappeared and I realized I was being a complete idiot. My mum has always told me not to listen to anything other people say and what really matters is what I think. Of course I agreed with those girls but the important thing was that Edward was happy with me the way I was and I had no reason to be feeling like this.
I did have a conclusion... If by Friday I was still thinking about what those girls said about me I would do something to make myself feeling better. I grinned feeling a whole lot better and got up walking back home. I turned around and all sense of happiness disappeared immediately.
"Hello Bella" a calm and low voice greeted. My stomach churned and I stood frozen on the spot. "Don't I get hello?"
"Go away" I said quietly, no doubt he could hear me.
"What happened to the polite Bella I am waiting to feast on?" he asked.
I rolled my eyes and surprised myself as the horror that was first to overcome me slowly calmed down and I even caught myself singing a song that was stuck in my head from the drive home.
"... you want a piece of me" I sung mainly to myself and ignored Jack staring at me with his pitch back eyes.
I stopped and realized exactly what I said and found myself in another hilarious and couldn't help but laugh hysterically. He watched me with raised eyebrows but they were soon frowned and I guessed the Cullen's were there. I didn't care though because I was now snorting from the bench.
"I thought I told you to stay away from here" I heard Edward say.
"I was simply strolling around and she sat on my bench" he answered casually pointing to where I was sitting. I didn't hear the rest of what happen but Jack was soon gone and the Cullen's were standing over me. I snorted unattractively and sighed.
"Bella are you ok?" Edward asked sitting next to me. I giggled and nodded. "You know, your laughing problems are going to get you killed" he commented a smile pulling at the side of his face.
"That's why I keep you around" I answered.
"Did you hear what I said?" I snorted.
"No" they all answered.
"I was singing a song and the words just happened to be... you want a piece of me" I slapped the bench and the others chuckled softly.
"I think you should take her home before she gets sick again" Carlisle told smiling down at me. I jumped up and skipped ahead. Despite almost being killed by a dangerous vampire, I was in a good mood.
I walked inside and Charlie was at my side straight away.
"Bella, what took you so long? I was going to send out a search party" he told me with folded arms.
"Sorry dad. I lost track of time"
"Alright, well you better finish your homework" he told me and sat in the living room again.
I made my way up to my room. My homework was already finished which I didn't mention. I finished in one of my other classes and now had a few hours to spare. Edward must have made sure Jack stayed away.
I had a shower and pulled out an old diary where I used to write song when I was back in Phoenix. I laughed as I read over my stupid lyrics. My mother made me take piano and singing lessons when I was younger when ballet failed because you need elegance and balance mostly.
She was excited to discover that I was actually good at it but of course I quit that as well because I didn't want people asking me if I could sing them a song even though it happened anyway.
I still enjoy singing and but I never mentioned it to Edward. I don't really know why either but it could be for the same reason. Can you just imagine if he tried to organize a jam session? I sing and he plays the piano.
I wrote in my messed up diary for a while and fell asleep waiting for Edward to come back. I felt his cool arms circle around my waist during the night and it helped me sleep much better.
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"Bella, I know it's early in the morning but where is my pink top?" my mother asked me. It was currently 6am and she called me to ask where he favorite top was.
"Mum, how would I know? I don't live with you anymore" I groaned and snuggled back into Edward's chest. He chuckled silently.
"I know Bella, but I haven't worn it in so long" she told me and I heard loud noises from her side.
"Mum, I am sure you have worn during the pass few months" I told.
"Well I can't find it" she said frantically.
"Check the laundry"
"I did"
"Inside the washing machine mum" I heard a small laugh and guessed she had found it.
"So how have you been?" she asked casually.
"Mum, no offence but I am not really in the mood for talking"
"Ok, I'll call again later" she said and hung up. Edward took the phone from me and put it down.
"That's Renee' for you" I mumbled.
"Go to back to sleep" he said kissing my head and I happily obeyed.
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Another cahpter. Enjoy!
I hope it was good. Let me know
Bianca
