I do not own Twilight or its characters. Stephenie Meyer does. Gabby and April, thank you for pre-reading, and Fran, thank you for taking your time to edit. Any mistakes left are my own.
Ch. 6
I woke up with a start and was confused by my surroundings—after a quick glance around the room I remembered that I had fallen asleep in the pool house. Although there had been lulls between the thunder and lightning, the heavy rain continued all through the night. Instead of making a run for it, we decided to camp out here.
We…
Where was Edward?
I looked down on the empty side of the bed next to me. The only sign that showed me someone had been here was the indentation on the pillow. He had offered to sleep out in the other room on the couch, but I knew Renée had picked the furniture for looks, not comfort—the thing was as hard as a rock. So we compromised; he would sleep on one side above the covers. We spent most of the night talking until falling asleep. However, I swear that at one point his arms were wrapped around me, but perhaps that was a dream.
I checked the alarm clock to see it flashing—the power was back on, but I wasn't sure of the time. I slipped from the bed and made it up quickly before gathering my things noticing on my way out that every sign of Edward being there was now gone.
Outside was bright and sunny, the humidity was nothing compared to yesterday. I made my way to the pool remembering the plate and the sandwich that were probably destroyed by the storm. I was going to clean it up myself since it would be unfair for anyone else to do it; however, there was no sign of debris from the food, and the plate was sitting neatly on the table. The pool was sparkling, and crystal clear—Edward must have cleaned it earlier.
I heard the hum of a motor and scanned the yard to spot Edward on the lawn tractor with the attachment that vacuumed up leaves and small branches. He had already finished most the backyard.
Judging by the sun in the sky it was still relatively early so how early did he awake?
"Miss Bella, there you are. I was very worried when I couldn't find you. Were you hurt?" Mrs. Cope was standing just outside the patio door her forehead was wrinkled with concern.
"I'm fine. I was out by the pool when the storm hit, I ran for cover in the pool house since it was closer. I spent the night there after the power went out, I figured it was safer than trying to make it to the house with all the storms," I explained.
She sighed in relief. "I was concerned when I saw the broken window in your room, and you were nowhere to be found. I'm glad that you're all right. Are you hungry I can make you some breakfast?"
My stomach rumbled answering her for itself. She chuckled and nodded her head. "I'll make you one of my breakfast sandwiches and then tend to the glass in your room. I already contacted a repairman to come and replace it today.
"Thank you." I smiled at the sweet woman. I hesitated for a moment before praying she wouldn't make a big deal about it. "Would you please make another sandwich for Edward. He got caught here last night as well, and I don't think he's eaten anything before starting to work."
"Mr. Cullen was here all night?" Her eyebrows raised high on her forehead.
"Yes, and I would appreciate it if you didn't tell my mother. He stayed because he was concerned about leaving me alone with the storm and no power. Nothing happened, but Renée would make a big deal of it."
"That she would." The older woman nodded in agreement. "Very well, Miss. I'll make the boy a lunch to take with him if that's okay with you. He's sure to have a long day ahead of him."
"That would be wonderful, thank you, Mrs. Cope."
I headed up the stairs and to my room. Once there, I made my way cautiously to avoid the glass that had been splayed out onto the carpet. I changed quickly and then went to the hall closet and grabbed a dustpan and brush, as well as the vacuum. I picked up the large pieces carefully with the dust brush then ran the vacuum over the area several times until I was satisfied that I hadn't missed any.
When I returned to the kitchen, Mrs. Cope handed me a bacon, egg, and cheese on an English muffin placed on a small plate.
"Here you are, Miss. I wasn't sure if you would like me or you to bring this out to him." She pointed to a second sandwich and a small insulated bag, sitting on the counter.
"Thank you. I'll take it. I wanted to thank him again for last night." I picked up the items from the table.
"Just be careful, Miss." Mrs. Cope smiled politely.
I found Edward near the back of the property, picking up a larger branch that was too big for the mower and tossing it into the cart that was being towed from behind. He glanced up when he saw me coming and paused.
"When did you start working?" I asked casually.
Was I wrong in thinking that he should've woke me up to say he was leaving?
"I started the pool about six-thirty then the lawn, hopefully, I didn't anger your neighbors, but I have a lot of houses to get to today. My cell has constantly been ringing with everyone wanting to be first in line." He removed his sunglasses to reveal his tired looking eyes.
"You should eat to keep up your strength." I handed him my breakfast as well. I could get something else when I went back into the house. "Mrs. Cope made you a lunch to have later, too." I took the bag off my shoulder and held it out by the strap.
"You shouldn't have done that." He frowned looking at my offering.
"Why not, you couldn't have eaten since last night." My shoulders slumped.
"I mean you shouldn't have done that because what would your mother think. Remember, we're not supposed to be friends," he reiterated.
"She's in Greece, probably sitting by a pool, ironically; or shopping, how will she find out?"
"What about Mrs. Cope?" he challenged.
"She won't say anything, I asked her not to. I told her about last night, and how you stayed with me so I wasn't alone. It was her idea about the lunch. Please, take it," I pleaded softly.
"I am only trying to go by your rules. That's what's best for both of us, right?" He took the food but looked uncertain.
"I know, I just…have a good day." I turned to head back to the house feeling defeated.
Instead of it being easier to by around him, it was harder to keep my distance since I broke that invisible barrier. But at the same time, talking with him last night was my best night in a long time.
"Bella?"
I turned back to Edward, who was shifting from foot to foot. "Maybe since your mom is away you can come out to play?" he teased.
"What do you have in mind?" I tried not to look too eager. He could propose a trip to the town dump, and I would be in.
"My parents are having a barbecue tomorrow afternoon and invited some of the others. Would you like to join us?" He grinned crookedly, and my heart skipped a beat.
"I would love to be there. Can I bring anything?" I couldn't help the big smile that spread across my face.
"I'm sure just yourself would be fine. I can pick you up about eleven." His eyes looked more alert and happy.
"Is Rose going to be there? I promised her the next time I see her I would show her my car; I can meet you there," I suggested.
"Oh…yeah she'll be there." He looked slightly disappointed.
"I'll let you get back to work." I took a step back.
"Thank you. I should've said that before." He held up one of the sandwiches before taking a bite.
"You're welcome." I smiled.
MoU
Sunday started off as a nice day, it was warm but no humidity and a gentle breeze. I found the ingredients and made some lemon cookies that I thought would be perfect for a summertime get together.
It felt nostalgic as I pulled up the driveway to the Cullen's house—I remembered when I thought their five bedroom was huge. Edward was out front mowing the lawn, he turned off the motor and waved to me.
"Don't you get a day off?" I asked closing the door with my hip as I balanced the tray in my hands.
He chuckled. "Not often. What kind of cookies are those?"
"Lemon, would you like to try one?" I held out the tray.
He selected one and tossed it into his mouth. "Themh gofm," he informed me with his mouth full.
"What was that?" I giggled.
He swallowed and gave me a sheepish smile. "Sorry. They're delicious.
"Phew. I haven't baked in forever so I was a little worried." I felt relieved since I had been concerned about them.
"Everyone is out back, go ahead and join them. I'll be there in a moment." He gestured to the gate.
"See you in a bit." I started to make my way when he snagged a couple more cookies. "Hey, leave some for the others," I scolded playfully while swatting at his hand.
"I can't help it, they are yummy, and as soon as you go back there, Emmett is going to be all over them." He gave me a pout looking like a little boy.
I rolled my eyes and laughed then headed for the backyard. I paused just inside the gate. Rose and Alice were sitting on the bench at the picnic table watching the Jasper and Emmett bat a ball over a volleyball net in the yard. Carlisle stood near the grill flipping the meat. Whatever it was, the smell was making my stomach growl.
He looked up and spotted me first. "Bella, great to see you, dear. Don't be shy, come join the nut house." He waved his hand for me to come.
"Hi, Dr. Cullen, it is nice to see you, again too," I greeted him politely.
"Call me, Carlisle. You're an adult now, you don't need to be so formal with me." He winked, I noticed he limped slightly on his left leg.
"Okay, Carlisle." It felt a little odd calling him that. "How have you been?"
"I'm doing well. And yourself?" He checked the underside of a steak that was on the grill.
"I've been good," I replied softly.
"Glad to hear it. Esme is inside, I know she dying to see you since Edward mentioned that you were coming." He smiled.
"I'll go say hi," I promised.
I said hello to the girls and left the cookies on the table before heading into the house. Esme was at the counter cutting vegetables, a large salad bowl sat in front of her. She didn't look as if she had aged a day since I last saw her.
"Can I help?" I asked.
She looked up and smiled brightly. "Bella, sweetheart, it's so nice to see you." She dropped the knife on the cutting board then hurried around the counter to give me a tight hug.
She pulled back and held me at arm's length. "Let me look at you. You're so grown up and beautiful," she gushed.
"Thank you. How are you, Esme?" I blushed at how adoringly she was observing at me.
"I've been great. I'm happy you that you could join us, it has been far too long." She looked a little wistful.
"I'm sorry." I felt an overwhelming surge of guilt.
"Shhh, none of that, you're here now." She squeezed my hands before letting go.
"Do you need any help in here?" I asked.
"No, I just have the salad left, and I'm almost finished with that. Thank you for offering. Feel free to use any of the rooms upstairs to change into your swimsuit, in fact, go ahead and use Edward's old one. No one goes in there since he moved out." She went back to her task, and I went up the stairs at the front of the house.
The pictures scattered on the wall of the staircase started off when we were little kids, and I was in most of them as well as Em and Rose. The last picture I was in was on my sixteenth birthday, someone managed to get a shot of Edward helping me with the necklace he gave me. I glanced with curiosity at the other pictures. One was a classic prom photo—the boys in their tuxes and the girls in beautiful long dresses. The same girl from the other night stood next to Edward.
Edward's room hadn't changed much except that it was clean and tidy. Not that Edward was a slob, but his room was never spotless either—books, shirts, and sock often littered the floor.
I tossed my canvas bag on the bed pulled off my shirt then shimmied out of my shorts. I pulled my favorite blue bikini from the bag and started to change. I was just adjusting the top when Edward burst through the door startling me—causing me to drop the strings, I hurriedly yanked the top back up to cover my breasts as Edward's eyes widened, and he spun around shutting the door quickly behind him.
"Sorry!" he yelled through the door.
I finished tying the straps in record speed and placed my folded clothes back in the bag. I went to the door and peeked out. Edward was leaning against the opposite wall staring at an invisible spot on the ceiling.
"I'm sorry. Your mom suggested I change in your old room. I didn't think about locking the door," I apologized as I took a step out into the corridor.
"Well, I'm rarely here anymore, so I guess I can see why she didn't think I would need it. I just wanted a quick shower after mowing the lawn. I promise I didn't see anything." He wouldn't quite meet my eyes.
"Oh, good." I felt the heat rising to my cheeks. "I'll see you outside."
I hurried down the stairs, out the door to join Alice and Rose, who both looked at me then at each other.
"Are you okay; you came out of the house as if it was on fire?" Alice asked cautiously.
"I'm just peachy." I nodded.
She raised an eyebrow, clearly not believing me. She glanced at Rose, who only shrugged her shoulders.
A/N:
There will be more of the cook out next chapter.
Moving on Up? was voted as one of the top favorite Fic Dive stories for June over at A Different Forest, thank you for all that voted for it. It's now up for Fic of the year.
Thank you for all the love and reviews you have given my story.
