AN: Hope you all had a lovely Xmas and are looking forward to the New Year celebrations?
I'm on a bit of a roll with this story now- hopefully I will keep to the regular updates when I return to work :(
This chapter might seem like a bit of a filler but it's an important one as you will see when we get to the end : l
Finally, thanks again to all my loyal supporters- I can't tell you how pleased I am by the response to this story.
Chapter 7
Despite my initial concerns about meeting Edwards family, the night was actually very enjoyable, a sentiment he seemed to share.
"See, that wasn't so bad after all, was it?" Edward whispered as we made our way back to his car.
"No it wasn't," I replied truthfully. When I tried to release his hand, he pulled me closer to him, a serious look on his face.
"When am I going to get to meet your family?" he asked.
"Why are you so keen?"
"I don't want to hide anymore, Bella. I'm sick of sneaking around. Is it so wrong that I want to show you off?" he sounded so sincere that I was temporarily speechless.
For a moment I considered what it was like for him. Edward had opened his life and family to me and here I was holding back on him. He probably thought I wasn't serious about the two of us.
"You're right as usual." I admitted. "I want that too, I'm just scared is all. My mom can be a little intense, not to mention she'll probably hit the roof when she finds out. I don't want her to scare you off."
"Even your mom couldn't do that. You've got to know I'm crazy about you," Edward reassured me.
The next day my resolve was set; I was going to speak to my mom. I just wanted to enjoy my day with Edward first.
At the start of the day he picked me up, wearing a simple grey t shirt that highlighted his impressive physique and shorts. He looked incredible.
"Good morning beautiful," he said, leaning over to kiss my cheek.
"Good morning" I replied smiling brightly.
"You're extra chirpy today. You still wont tell me where we're going?" I asked hopefully.
"Nope," he smirked, looking pleased with himself. "It's a surprise!"
I looked at him dubiously and he smiled, giving my hand a squeeze.
"Trust me, okay," he replied, refusing to give anything away.
Since there was no use questioning Edward further, I let it rest and sat back taking in all the beautiful scenery the country had to offer.
For our first stop Edward took me to breakfast at a lovely restaurant off the touristy track where I had one of the most delicious breakfast I'd ever eaten.
After that we headed over to the beach, on the way stopping at a local farmers market in one of the surrounding villages.
While I was distracted looking among all the exotic fruits, Edward surprised me with a beautiful bunch of sunflowers. I was surprised he knew they were my favourites but when I quizzed him about it he seemed embarrassed to admit he'd grilled Alice about some of my favourite things.
"Thank you, they're beautiful," I said, touched by the gesture.
"So are you," Edward countered, causing my cheeks to re-flame.
I'd always thought that when I finally met someone I would feel embarrassed and awkward out on dates, but with Edward it just felt right. I wasn't concerned or worried what other people thought. Even when we hit the beach and I was next to a Greek God, wearing my dreaded bikini I was content.
Once we had settled on our loungers in a more secluded part of the beach I began reapplying my cream, worried I would burn.
Of course Edward insisted on helping me. "It would be a shame to burn such lovely English skin," he teased while nibbling at my shoulder.
"We can't all be like you and be blessed with a golden tan" I retorted.
Edward laughed heatedly. " Hardly, my moms family are original from Ireland. If I didn't apply sun cream I'd be more of a lobster than you."
"I pity our poor kids, they are doomed with our pale skin," I declared before I realised what I'd said. No amount of sun cream would disguise the burn I felt in my cheeks. Thank God I was facing away from him and I didn't have to see Edwards reaction.
I thought he was on his way to his own lounger, so I jumped a little when he leaned down and softly whispered in my ear, "I don't know about that, I think they'd be pretty blessed."
My embarrassing outburst aside, I had a lovely day out with Edward. It was a welcome break from the drama of keeping our relationship hidden. To most passers by we were just a young couple out enjoying the day together.
That's not to say I was completely immune to moments of discomfort.
At times I felt a little self conscious walking around with Edward so freely in public. We couldn't avoid some level of recognition and when you're as naturally good-looking as Edward Cullen, I'm sure you get used to strangers staring at you. When you're an ordinary girl used to going unnoticed, it can be unnerving – rude, even, but with Edward by my side I was surprisingly unaffected by the attention. He put me at ease. Whether it be by a hand on shoulder, or a calming word of assurance Edward had a magical ability to make me see nothing but him.
Every time we were together I never wanted it to end.
I never thought I would feel this way about anyone. Before I met Edward I didn't realise how cynical I had become. Without even realising it I had shut myself off from the possibility of love. I could blame it on my shyness or the bitterness from my parents divorce, but the truth was I was just wary of getting hurt and letting people in.
I'd never feel good enough or special in anyway.
Meeting Edward had changed everything; my entire outlook on love and life was different now. He'd restored my faith in marriage, and just because my parents couldn't make it work didn't mean I couldn't.
I could see a future with Edward by my side.
Still that didn't mean I was completely thrilled at the prospect of telling my mom, and when the time came to return home, the closer we got the more nervous I became.
I'd had such a fun day I didn't want to spoil it, but more than that, I had no idea how she was going to react.
So lost in my thoughts I didn't realise we had pulled up outside my house until Edward took my hand, giving it a gentle squeeze and said, "You're awfully quiet over there. Whats wrong?"
"Nothing is wrong. I'm going to tell my mom about us," I turned to face him.
"Really?" Edward seemed happy before his expression changed to one of concern.
"Yes really. I'm trying to figure out the best way to break it to her. I know I'm making a big deal of it. I'm sorry," I apologised realising how ridiculous I sounded. After all, I was telling her I had a boyfriend- not that I had committed a crime!
"Bella, if it's gonna cause you this much stress we can wait. We can hold off until after the competition is over. I don't want to push you into anything you're not ready for."
Overwhelmed by his concern I leaned in to give Edward a quick kiss.
"Thank you."
"For what?" Edward looked confused.
"For always being so great." I answered truthfully.
"It's time I told her. I'm sick of sneaking around like what were doing is wrong. Besides, I know what the next few weeks are going to be like when the competition really kicks off. I want to see as much of you as I can without looking over my shoulder all the time. No more sneaking around."
"Do you want me to come with you? We can face her together." He thoughtfully offered.
"No, it's probably best I tackle mom on my own. But thank you for the offer."
With one final kiss from Edward I stepped out of the car. Begrudgingly I walked to the door, a sense of unreasonable dread filling me.
I went inside and intended to grab a quick drink from the kitchen before waiting for my mom to return from the gym. Except she was already there waiting for me; a stern look on her face.
She didn't look best pleased.
She actually looked livid.
"Finally decided to join us," she sarcastically said, her voice void of any emotion.
Given her current mood I thought perhaps this wasn't the best timing for my announcement but if I didn't tell her now I'd chicken out again.
"Mom i..." I paused taking a moment to collect myself before i could get my words out. I made the mistake of looking at her. What I saw scared me and from the look on her face I knew that something was seriously wrong.
"Are you okay? Has something happened? Is Alice okay?"
"No, I'm not okay Isabella. I'm far from okay," she seethed. I knew that whatever had caused her mood was bad for her to use my full name.
"Do you want to explain this?" she yelled, shoving an I Pad in my hands like a grenade.
Looking down at the screen of some generic gossip column I was unprepared for the sight that greeted me; Plastered all over the Internet were pictures of me and Edward from earlier today. Some of us eating breakfast in what I thought had been a remote area, and more photos of us during our time at the market. There was even one photo of us kissing on the beach.
I visibly shuddered at the eye catching title:
ROMANCE IN RIO
News just in. We have a world exclusive that is sure to break millions of hearts worldwide.
We are sorry to break the news to you ladies, but it looks as though Olympics heartthrob Edward Cullen is off the market.
And who is the lucky lady we hear you ask?
Well, he was seen with none other than Isabella Swan- the sister of fellow Olympic hopeful Alice Swan. Though neither party have confirmed the budding romance, the pictures clearly tell the story of the young couples budding romance.
'Cullen could barely keep his eyes or hands off her' an eyewitness claimed.
While another local commented on how 'Adorable the couple were.'
Sources close to the five time winning Olympian say it is early days, but he is smitten by this new love interest.
Only time will tell whether this is just a passing fling or the real deal for the pair.
In the meantime, we will keep you all updated as and when we know any more!
AN: Looks like the paparazzi beat her to it. There will be all the fallout in the next chapter most likely in the New Year.
Perhaps this chapter was a bit too mushy in parts but who cares, it's fan fiction after all. Real life is pretty grim at the moment! Lets hope for a better 2017.
Enjoy your New Year celebrations and best wishes for 2017