A/N: Please fasten your seatbelts and return your tray tables to their upright positions. The Captain has turned on the fasten seatbelt lights. The ride could get a little bumpy from here!
*DISCLAIMER* I OWN NOTHING TWILIGHT!
BPOV
After Edward left, I took his advice and headed for the shower. I can't deny that I smelled pretty rank. Frankly, I think I smelled like I'd been rolled in Grey Goose shit. Note to self: Do not drink top shelf vodka shots ever again.
I got in the bathroom and started to remove my pajamas. As I pulled my shirt over my head, I caught sight of my bare breasts in the mirror and realization came crashing down on me. How the fuck did I end up braless and in my pajamas?
I desperately tried to remember taking them off myself…but there was nothing. I ran out to my room looking for the tell tale signs of a drunk person randomly shedding their clothes and throwing them all over room…but there was nothing. I went over to the hamper and flipped the lid open. There on the very top were my jeans that I had worn last night neatly folded on top. My cashmere sweater and bra were in the dry cleaning basket sitting next to it. This can only mean one thing…Edward.
I shook off the feelings of violation that were suddenly coursing through me and kept telling myself that he did it for my own good. Yeah right!
Once I was clean, I decided to head to the kitchen and try the smoothie that Edward had made for me. I pulled it from the refrigerator, sniffed it and then took a small, tentative sip. My eyes widen with the realization that not only did it taste good, it agreed with my stomach. In a few more swallows, the glass was empty and I found myself standing in the middle of my kitchen pouting. As I turned to put my glass in the sink, I noticed a Post-It note stuck to the refrigerator door.
Princess,
I took the liberty of leaving you a pitcher of the smoothie in the refrigerator, should you find it appealing.
Edward
The smile that took over my face nearly split it in two. Thank you, Edward! I quickly retrieved the pitcher and poured myself another glass, gulping half of it in no time at all. A person could live on this shit.
I had just settled into the couch, when I noticed that it smelled just like Edward. A hint of tobacco, combined with fresh laundry. I picked up the pillow he'd been laying on and brought it up to my face inhaling and closing my eyes. Delicious.
"It's worse than we thought, Jasper! She's trying to snort a pillow!" Alice giggled, making me instantly regret my decision to give her a spare key.
"I didn't hear you guys come in." I blushed, pulling the pillow away from my face and resting it in my lap.
"Well I see Edward already set you up with his sure fire hang over cure." Jasper chuckled. "That concoction has nursed me back to sober many times over the years."
"Um yeah, he did. I'm actually surprised it tastes so good."
"He's a bartender, Bella." Alice snickered. "If you can't trust him to make you a good drink, who can you trust?"
"True." I shrugged, taking another big swig from my glass.
"So." Alice started, settling on the couch next to me. "Are you going to tell us what the hell happened last night? How the hell did you end up getting drunk with Jake?"
"Edward and I had a disagreement and I went to the club looking for him. Of course he wasn't there, but Jake was. He could see I was upset. So he offered me a drink, which ended up turning into many," I said, rolling my eyes at my own stupidity.
"Is that all that happened then?" Alice pushed, earning an eye roll from Jasper, who had settled himself next to her on the other end of the couch.
"Yeah, Jake and I just talked about Edward mostly." I shrugged.
This seemed to get Jasper's attention, as his whole posture stiffened and his attention turned away from the television.
"And what did Jake have to say about him?" Alice asked, throwing a concerned look at Jasper. What the hell?
"Not too much. He just basically said Edward was prone to flights of fancy and that he was 'damaged'." I mocked Jake's voice and made air quotes.
"Asshole." Jasper muttered and then wandered off into the kitchen like he couldn't listen to anymore.
"Bella," Alice said gently, patting my leg and bringing my attention back to her. "You mustn't listen to Jake. I think he might have his own intentions where you're concerned."
"You mean Jake is lying? Edward doesn't disappear for months at a time?"
"It's not that simple Bella. I really think that Jake was making his business trips sound like something they're not."
"Does he stay in contact with Jasper when he leaves?" I asked, looking straight into Alice's eyes watching for any sign of deception.
"Not always." she frowned.
"And you don't find that strange?"
"No, I don't." she said confidently. "Sure, if it were anyone else, I would question it. Absolutely. But it's Edward and he's complicated. To have him in your life, you have to accept his quirks."
What the fuck does that mean? Since when did Alice become so vague?
"OK Alice! That's it!" I yelled, slamming my glass down on the coffee table. "You're going to tell me whatever it is that you're not telling me, right fucking now! I'm done with people being so fucking cryptic!"
"I can't tell you that," Alice said sadly. "It's not my story to tell. But I can tell you that Edward isn't a bad person, he just requires understanding. You have to look past all that he isn't, to see all that he is. Look at what all he did for you last night and today. That's who he really is, Bella."
I shook my head and took in her words. She was right; Edward is a great person…when he wants to be.
"So let me get this straight," I said pointedly, settling back on the couch. "You think that Edward and I together is a good thing. But there's a story there that you can't tell me anything about, that makes him runaway from everyone for months on end with no contact, has made him an emotional cripple and his moods unpredictable. But all he needs is understanding?"
"Basically…yes." Alice mumbled. "I know it sounds ridiculous, Bella. But please, just trust me. Edward is worth it."
"She's right," Jasper said walking back in the room. "Edward is a great friend, Bella. Just be patient with him. He'll let you in and tell you everything. Just give him time."
I knew they were being sincere and protective of Edward. Their loyalty to their friends is one of the things I love most about Jasper and Alice. But they're asking me to make a huge emotional investment, without having the full story. And reading between the lines, they are basically telling me that having Edward in my life, in any capacity, will be a test of both patience and character. Was I really ready to risk hurting myself or worse, Edward, if I fail?
I silently shook my head and stared out the window realizing that I really didn't have choice. Edward was already in my life and despite my better judgment; I had already allowed myself to care for him. And he's already proven that he can be there when I need him. So it would only be fair that I show him I can do the same.
"We're not asking you to fall in love with him, get married and make a hundred babies, Bella." Jasper laughed. "We're just asking you to give him a chance and maybe your friendship."
I turned from the window and looked down at the nearly empty glass of smoothie and smiled.
"Don't worry Jasper, he already has that."
EPOV
My night at the club was predictable. Hundreds of drunken bitches slobbering all over me and my bar. I ended up wearing my fedora and working with my head down the whole time.
When I got there tonight, that asshat that Jake had hired was behind the bar. The guy was utterly useless. He only knew how to pour whiskey and uncap beer bottles and that's about it. An hour into our shift, I told him to pack his bags. Of course the little bitch went whining to Jake about it. When Jake showed up and started ranting about firing his employee's, I cut that fucker down right away and reminded him that this was 30/60 partnership at best and when it's the majority of his cash on the line, he can have opinion. But until then, he needs to learn to hire people that benefit the club and not his unemployed family members.
Of course Jake didn't like it. But instead of arguing with me, because he knew he didn't have a leg to stand on, he decided to kick me in the balls instead.
"So Edward, tell me, how's my girl today?" he yelled over the music with a smirk on his face.
I tried to ignore the adrenaline and anger that immediately flooded my system. But he knew he got to me when I slammed a glass down in front of drunken wench that had been trying, unsuccessfully, to eye fuck me all night.
"She's fine!" I spat, ripping my hat off my head and pulling at my hair.
"Damn right she is!" he smiled, popping open some beers for a rowdy group of guys.
I just laughed humorlessly, still tugging at my hair, ignoring the drink orders being shouted at me.
"If you're not going to tap that shit, I think I might make a play for Bella. We had chemistry, I think." he smirked.
"You've got the bar!" I told him, not being able to listen to anymore of his bullshit.
As I stormed past him he laughed and yelled out, "Do me a favor and leave her number on my desk would you?"
I shoved my way out of the club, got in my car and peeled out of the parking lot. I ripped my hat off my head and pulled at my hair. Fucking Jake! That motherfucker knew exactly what he was doing and that realization caused another wave of anger to roll through me.
Before I knew it, I was at Bella's. I stood outside my car and chain smoked until I could get my shit together, but that was becoming harder and harder to do.
"Edward?"
Fucking hell. I turned around and there stood Jasper and Alice.
"What's up?" I mumbled, pulling at my hair some more and then slipping my fedora back on.
"Alice, why don't you go get in the car? I'll be along in a minute." Jasper tells her, never taking his eyes off me.
I watch Alice walk away and Jasper watches me. I know what the fuck he's doing. He's reading my mood and that pisses me off.
"I'm fine" I snap, once Alice is out of ear shot.
"No you're not, Edward. You're wound tighter than hell and ready snap. What happened?"
"Just Jake and his fucking mouth." I laugh humorlessly and then light another cigarette.
"Yeah, Jake's mouth is getting him in all kinds of trouble lately." Jasper sighed.
"Does she want him?" I mumble, yanking my hat off and pulling at my hair.
Jasper reached out for my fedora and put it back on my head. "You need to stop that shit before you yank it all out."
"You didn't answer my question."
"No." he said, the finality clear in his voice. "At least not the way he might want her."
I felt relieved, but the anger and anxiety were still there, making my thoughts race and my hands shake.
"Edward? Look at me." Jasper said waiting until my eyes met his. "You're on the edge man. You need to pull it back. Bella sees you as a friend. Don't make her regret that."
BPOV
After Alice and Jasper left, I turned on a movie and cuddled under a blanket. I fell asleep at some point and when I woke up I was freezing cold and the sliding glass doors to the balcony were open. I started to panic, until I smelled the cigarette smoke.
I made my way over to the door and found Edward sitting on the floor in the corner, his knees pulled up to his chest with his elbows resting on top, one hand pulling at his hair and the other holding a lit cigarette.
"Edward? What are you doing here? How did you get in?" I asked, moving to kneel in front of him.
He looked up at me and his eyes looked empty. It startled me.
"I still had your key." he mumbled quietly in a dead, broken voice. "I took it this afternoon when I went to the market and I forgot to give it back. Sorry."
"No apologies. It's fine. I don't mind." I smiled, as I gently pulled his hand out of his hair. Watching him pull at it like that was giving me a headache.
"Are you alright? What happened to you?"
He looked like he'd been through war. There were purple bags under his eyes, like he hadn't slept in days. His hair was a wild mess most likely from having his hands in it and he was visibly shaking.
"Do you want Jake?" he whispered so quietly, I almost didn't hear it.
"What? Want Jake? Why would you think that?" Now I was just utterly confused.
"He wants you," he said, looking up at me with pleading eyes.
"Well he can't fucking have me!" I laughed, trying to lighten things up. "Jake's not at all my type. Men with fucking pony tails do nothing for me."
I thought I saw the faint hint of a smile, before he turned his head from me and rested it on the wall behind him.
"I'm tired. So fucking tired." he muttered, closing his eyes.
"You can't sleep out here, Edward. Come inside, please."
"Mmm" he hummed, almost asleep.
Looking at him I could tell something was wrong. I could also tell that either he hadn't slept well in the last couple of days or he hadn't slept at all.
Standing up, I held both hands out to him.
"Come on, Big Boy." I laughed. "You're coming inside."
"No couch." he mumbled, barely conscious.
I took the cigarette from his hand, before he caught himself on fire and chucked it over the side of the balcony.
"No, no couch you fucking whine bag. I'll share my bed with you, as long as you promise no funny business."
He opened one eye and smirked at me.
"Fine. But the same goes for you. Keep your fucking paws to yourself, Princess."
"Cross my heart." I chuckled as he grabbed my hands and pulled himself up.
We made our way into my room and Edward toed off his shoes before throwing himself down on the bed.
"Edward you can't sleep fully clothed. Your studded belt and stuff will cut into you while you sleep."
"Too tired," he mumbled, eyes already closed.
"Edward come on!" I pleaded, gently slapping his face. "Don't make me undress you; it breaks the fucking "Keep Your Paws to Yourself" rule."
Groaning and mumbling something about me being a pushy bitch, he undoes his belt and button fly, before pushing his jeans down to his knees and then collapsing back down on the bed.
"Fine! I guess I'll do the rest! Thanks so much for your cooperation, Edward!"
I pull and tug until I finally get his jeans off. Which was quite the feat, considering his long lean body was nothing but dead weight. As I folded his jeans and balled his socks, setting them on the dresser, I tried to ignore his muscular body lying sprawled across my bed in nothing but boxer briefs and a tight black T-shirt.
"Alright big guy," I tell him, smacking him on the ass. "Take that shirt off and let's get you turned around and under the covers."
He groans again, but complies. Yanking his shirt over his head, he tosses it to me, crawls up to the pillow hugging it to his head and settles onto his stomach.
I fold his shirt and put it with his jeans. When I turn back around, he's already out. I pull the blankets up to shoulders and resist the urge to run my fingers across his "Cullen" tattoo.
From his pants, his phone rings. I go over and fish it out of his pocket to silence the ringer, before it wakes him up and see that it's Jasper.
"Hello? " I mumble, answering the phone as I walk out of the room.
"Bella?"
"Hey Jazz, yeah it's me." I whisper.
"Why are you whispering?"
"Edward's here, obviously, and he's sleeping. I don't want to wake him up."
"Edward's sleeping," he tells someone in the background. Probably Alice. Nosy bitch.
"Good, I'm glad he decided to come up and see you, Bella."
What?
"What do you mean by that? How did you know he was going to come here?"
"Oh. Um, Alice and I saw him your parking garage when we were leaving." Jasper says quietly.
What the fuck? Jasper and Alice left my place at 11 pm. I started a movie after that and got over half way through it before I fell asleep. That means that Edward was down there for at least 2 hours before he finally came up.
"Bella? You still there?"
Fuck, I forgot Jasper was on the phone.
"Yeah, sorry Jasper," I mumble. "So yeah, he's here and is going to spend the night. He's too tired to drive home."
"Alright, Bella. Thank you for letting him stay."
"It's no problem, Jasper." I laugh; still baffled by the fact that Edward was hanging out in my parking garage for over 2 hours.
"Um Bella? If you don't mind my asking, what was his mood when he got up to your place?" Jasper asked cautiously.
"His mood? It was okay, I guess. We talked about Jake a little bit, and then he got tired and started to fall asleep on me."
"Okay, good. That's good. Thanks again Bella, and tell Edward to buzz me in the morning."
"Will do. Bye Jazz."
I hit the end button on the phone and went back into the bedroom. Edward was still passed out right where I left him. I couldn't help but look at him. In sleep he looked so beautiful. His face was relaxed and childlike as his eyes danced behind his eye lids. I kissed my hand and placed it gently on his cheek.
I looked at the clock as I climbed into the other side of the bed and groaned when I realized it was 3:30 am. With I sigh, I rolled over and click off the bedside lamp.
"Sleep well, Edward." I whisper into the darkness.
What's wrong with our Eddiekins? Any guesses? I am not above begging for reviews. So this is me on my knee's! Let me know what you think! I love reading them and responding to them! :)
