When Bella next came to consciousness, she was being jostled awake as her pillow seemed to move.
Mumbling her displeasure, she clung harder to the soft warmth as a gentle hand began to detangle her from it completely.
When she finally cracked an eye open, Bella realized that what she had been sleeping on was not, in fact, her pillow, but Edward's arm.
He gave her soft smile that she barely saw through the dark. "Sorry to wake you."
Bella blinked a few times before he sat up, "What's wrong?" She whispered. It was barely light out, and he was leaving her like a bad, one-night stand. Actually, in their case, that was perhaps worse, since absolutely nothing had happened last night.
Edward gave her a tight smile before he stood; the lack of weight making Bella dip lower into the air mattress, and the sadness in the motion matched her expression.
"Nothing." Was all he said, turning his back to her as he ruffled through his pack.
"Where are you going so early?"
There was no answer but the whisper of clothing being pulled over his skin, and then, "Go back to sleep, Bella." Edward's voiced was hushed.
"I don't understand, did I do something…" Bella trailed off in confusion.
"You did nothing wrong. I'm just going for an early hike." There was a certain tenseness in his voice that made Bella hesitate.
"Okay," Was all she could say, somewhat hurt that he seemed so shaken all of a sudden. "Well, have a good work out." She offered.
He just nodded before exiting the tent silently; the only sounds were his footsteps. And despite the early hour, Bella had difficulty falling back to sleep.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
When Bella awoke next, it was to a sun-warmed tent and an empty bed. Although Edward's small pack was placed in the corner, there was no other sign of him since he had left that morning.
Stretching her stiff limbs, Bella recalled the past night. Not once had he gotten too close to even remind Bella that her bed was not her own. Edward had done the opposite actually, so much in fact, that it left her slightly perturbed.
Shrugging it off, Bella roused herself from her tent; curious as to what they were all going to do today.
"Hey, sleepy head." Rosalie greeted as soon as she exited the tent.
"Morning" Bella answered groggily, immediately going to the freshly made bacon and eggs sitting on a nearby table.
"So," Alice started with a curious look pointed at Bella, "How'd you sleep?"
Crap, Bella had completely forgotten the consequences when she had invited Edward into her tent last night. Of course, they would all have questions.
"I, uh, slept fine." Bella glanced around their camp, but Edward was nowhere to be seen.
"Ah ha," Emmett pressed his lips together, as everyone fought to keep their snickers and giggles in.
"Christ, are you all two-year-olds?" Bella crossed her arms, "Nothing happened just because we shared a space together."
"We believe you. We just thought it would at least cure his moping." Rosalie fixed her perfect eyes on Bella. "We were wrong."
Well, this was news to Bella. Last she knew, they had slept comfortably and most importantly: innocently. "Why? You think he was moping?"
Her friends and her brother gave each other wary looks before Alice answered, "We've noticed he's been a little off since you arrived. A little…on edge."
Bella was completely still. "Really?" She pulled a hand through her hair; her eyes landing on the lake before she resigned, "And you think it's because of me."
Alice gave her an apologetic smile, "Well, we don't know. It might be the mix of the wedding and everything else."
"He did seem off this morning," Bella admitted.
"We're not blaming you, Bella," Rose offered, "You've been gone for a while, so we wanted you to know he isn't usually like this." Her words weren't meant to hurt, but they still hit her like a truck.
There was a time when Bella knew Edward better than anyone else. But then she had chosen to leave, and subsequently, forfeited that privilege.
"Is that the reason why you set this up?" Bella angled herself towards Jasper. "Tell me the truth; did you intend to push Edward and me together this weekend?"
"What would you say if we did?" Alice grimaced, and God damnit, she couldn't find it in herself to be mad at the little pixie.
"You guys," Bella groaned, "That is unfair to the both of us."
Alice shrugged, "We just want you two to reconcile. Nothing can be the same until you get over what happened." Alice pressed her lips together as she glanced to the lake, where Edward was just getting finished with his morning swim. "I know he seems tough and all, but I think he feels worse than you about what happen with your father."
Bella squeezed her eyes shut at the mentioning of it; at the recollection of what she had done years ago; she had been selfish and had chosen Edward over her own career and her family, and the world dealt her the consequences of that choice.
"I thought this was about you two." Bella looked to her brother and Alice.
Jasper shrugged, "We just want you to be happy."
Bella sighed, "I'm plenty happy with my life."
Alice got up to give her a hug, "I know honey. I'm sorry we intervened. It was Rose's idea anyways."
Rosalie threw her hands up, "Thanks."
Bella just shook her head, "Just promise me, no more manipulation."
"We promise, no more." Alice agreed.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Everyone, including Bella, spent the day lounging on the beach, playing games, eating, drinking and swimming. Jasper and Emmett were in the water, while her Alice and Rose were lying in the sun. Bella usually wasn't one for sunbathing, since she hardy ever had time for it, but she had to admit, it felt good.
The only problem was that Edward had still not returned from his hike.
"So Bella," Rosalie started, snapping her out of her thoughts, "The bachelorette party is the Friday before the wedding, and we're making it a trip to Chicago. Do you think you can make it?"
"Sure, I don't see why not," Bella replied, her eyes wandering to the forest line for the thousandth time that afternoon.
Should they be worried Edward had still not returned? I mean, Bella of all people could understand the need for some alone time, but she was beginning to worry.
"Great," Rosalie continued, "And somewhere between now and the wedding, we need you fitted for your bridesmaid dress. Oh, and we need help with place cards and making the decision on the centerpieces."
"Don't remind me, Rose," Alice sighed, "This is supposed to be our last chance to relax before the craziness."
"I'm sorry, you're right. Let's talk about Bella." Rose fixed her attention on her, "We're curious about your new life!"
There was genuine interest on each their faces, but something still lodged in Bella's throat. "Um, well. I love my job." Both of them nodded encouragingly, "It's a lot of fun and its pretty fulfilling."
Alice smiled, "And how about your love life, anyone special?" Rosalie's eyes lit up as well. Both of them wanted to know these integral parts of Bella's life, even if it didn't include them.
"Well, I actually just got out of a long-term relationship." Immediately, both of their faces fell. "It's fine, though. I knew it was bound to happen."
Even though she and Jacob had broken up only recently, Bella was surprisingly okay with it.
"Oh Bella, I'm sorry we asked," Alice replied. "But we're still so happy for you, and all the things you've done. It's sound like you're finally healing."
Healing.
Alice had accepted what Bella had done with her life without question, and that made Bella think about how lucky she was to have friends such as them in the first place. Maybe she didn't deserve them.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Before they knew it, it was turning dusk, and Edward still had not returned from his hiking trip. Yet no one else seemed to be concerned with his whereabouts. He had been gone the whole day, while they all played, and no one had mentioned his name much.
"Hey, Where's Edward?" Emmett finally asked what Bella had been worrying about the entire day.
"Em, I told you he is into these long-ass hikes that he claims as spiritual. This is nothing new," Alice noted with the wave of her hand.
So no one was concerned, which meant Bella shouldn't have a reason to be either. Still, she had to fight the urge to run into the woods and start looking for him. He's fine, he does this all the time. She kept repeating to herself, even though she couldn't help but feel that Edward was only avoiding her.
"Hey, Alice you can make fun of him all you want, but Edward's pretty fucking toned." Rose gave Bella a pointed look that she deftly avoided.
"Then what does that make me?" Emmett asked Rose with raised brows.
"Calm down, your jealousy is showing." Emmett just shrugged as Rosalie gave him a peck on the cheek.
Bella felt a tiny pang of loneliness at the sight. Even though she was nervous to see Edward return, she still wished he would show up soon, just so she wouldn't be the only one amongst these couples.
"Guys what should we do tonight?" Alice asked.
"Truth or Dare!" Rosalie shouted, her eyes lighting up in excitement.
"Really?" Jasper moaned.
"Hey, in two weeks I'm going to be married. This might be the last chance I get to play the game." Alice answered in defense. Jasper just sighed as he and Emmett shared sullen looks.
"Play or not, I don't particularly care." Rosalie shrugged. "But if you refuse a truth or dare, you have to finish your drink."
"Count me in." Em nodded his head towards Rosalie. "You first."
"Okay," Rosalie's eyes narrowed as they went around the fire. "Bella, Truth or Dare."
Bella squared her shoulders with a deep breath, "Truth."
"Boo, lame!" Emmett bellowed before Rosalie could start with her question.
"Hush!" Rosalie ordered as she tapped her finger against her temple, obviously trying to come up with a juicy question.
"What's the most adventurous thing you've ever done sexually?" Rosalie seemed pleased with her question, but Bella paled.
And Jasper spit out his drink.
"I'm leaving," Jasper groaned as he sat up and went into his and Alice's tent with a huff.
Once he was gone, Alice just shrugged, "Good, now that he's gone Bella, you can choose to answer the question or finish your drink."
Her eyes widened just trying to think of something. She wasn't a particularly crazy person when it came to sex, but still, an answer popped into her mind.
"Well," Bella started, not sure how to explain it, "It's nothing insane or anything. But I once had sex in a closet." Bella, however, left out the little tidbit of information that included Edward being on the other end of such an escapade.
Emmett choked on his drink as Alice and Rosalie started squealing together.
"Wow! Go Bella." Alice cheered, "Who was the guy? A college boyfriend, a one night stand?"
Bella shook her head "One question per truth."
Alice deflated with a pout. "Fine."
"So now it's your turn to ask someone," Rosalie informed as she pointed at everyone in the circle.
"Fine," Bella sat up straighter, "Rosalie, Truth or Dare?" Rosalie turned to her with a smug look on her face.
"Dare." Her face meant business, so Bella knew she needed a good one.
"Rose, I'm so sorry, but I dare you to kiss Jasper." Bella gave her a sly smile when she saw Rosalie's smug face fall. Since they had all grown up together and treated each other like siblings, it would be like kissing her brother.
Alice burst into a fit of giggles. "Yes, I approve. This will be priceless."
"Uh, no!" They all suddenly heard Jasper shout from the tent before he poked his head out. "I refuse."
"This is definitely happening." Alice gave him a stern look, "Think of this as my wedding present from you." She just shrugged her shoulders. "It's Truth or Dare, after all, it's bound to get evil.
"Calm your shit Jasper, it's not going to be that bad." Emmett chuckled, as Jasper exited the tent with a pout. "Just one little kiss." Em teased as Rosalie stood from her chair and approached Jazz.
And before Jasper could run back into the tent, Rosalie laid one on him.
Everyone burst out in laughter as Jasper's face contorted. He looked like he was about to throw up.
Alice was laughing her ass off, Rosalie gave Jasper a wink that set him gagging even more, and Emmett was laid back in his chair laughing.
They were all hooting and hollering when a voice cut through the noise.
"You guys seem to be having fun."
All at once, Bella's blood stilled and rushed as Edward strolled into their camp with raised brows as everyone mumbled their hellos. But her eyes were glued to him as he took a seat next to his sister.
It was clear that he had been active all day with his wrinkled shorts and slightly sweaty shirt, but the sight of his messy hair reflecting the fire's flame made Bella's stomach clench.
"Fuck Edward, it's about time you showed up!" Emmett bellowed as he raised his beer in salute. "Where have you been, brother?" He asked in the same breath he threw Edward a beer.
"In the woods, hiking. It seems you guys somehow missed the point why people camp in the first place."
"What do you mean? While you've been trying to be one with nature, we've been enjoying the best thing nature has ever made: Beer." Jasper answered.
Edward gave a rich chuckle, and it was all Bella could do to tear her eyes away from his intoxicating smile.
"So what have you guys done all day, besides drink, I mean," Edward added with his own salute to Emmett.
"We were just playing Truth or Dare," Rosalie informed.
"Truth or Dare?" Edward asked before his eyes flicked to Bella's; too fast for anyone but her to catch it.
"Don't look at me, man, it was all your sister's idea." Jasper defended as he pointed to his fiancé.
"Well, bring me up to speed, what's happened so far?" Edward shrugged, and Bella's heart plummeted. Rosalie was going to tell Edward about her truth that he was inadvertently a part of.
"Well, we found out Bella had sex in a closet, and I kissed Jasper," Rosalie announced rather proudly.
Bella pressed her lips together when Edward's eyes settled on her. "Well, now I'm sorry I missed it." His voice coated her senses, and it took every part of Bella to meet that calculating gaze.
Bella quirked a brow at the unspoken question he already knew the answer to. She could feel the eyes of all her friends on her; everyone suddenly knew just who had been in that closet with her.
"Well," Alice started with wide eyes, "Let's continue…" There was a beat of awkward silence before she suggested, "Jasper, why don't you pick someone."
"Emmett, don't make me say the words." Jasper asked, with the most uninterested voice he could muster.
"Dare." That was no surprise, ever since he was young; Emmett was the one who would take any dare. However, Jasper had a mischievous smile on his face as he obviously had a good dare for Emmett.
"I dare you to jump in the lake, naked, shouting you want to have sex with Edward in a broom closet."
Bella groaned as her face fell into her hands, as Edward answered. "You wish, Emmy boy."
"Is that the best you got?" Emmett stood abruptly, as he welcomed the insults with a motion of his hands.
They all followed Emmett as he strutted towards the lake, all with their respective drinks of course. And all the while hooting and wolf whistling as Emmett started to undress in the dark.
"Nice ass!" Rosalie called out, as the hollering and catcalls intensified.
They all waited on shore, as Emmett continued to the end of the rickety old dock until he was only a dim figure as he turned to give them all a salute.
But before he jumped in, he announced, "I WANT EDWARD TO FU…" but he was unable to finish his proclamation before he hit the water.
They continued the teasing from afar, as Emmett climbed back out of the cold water and began to gather up his clothes.
Now that the show was over, they all left and made their way back to the fire.
We were all talking when Emmett finally returned, fully dressed, his hair dripping wet as he shot a look at Rosalie, "Thanks for the towel by the way."
She just shrugged her shoulders in response. Emmett, of course, stood over Rosalie, shaking his head as water droplets showered over her.
"Ugh! Emmett! " She screeched as she chased him into the woods, Emmett laughed the whole way, clearly getting the reaction he wanted.
The rest of them watched the two chase each other before disappearing behind the cover of the trees.
"They won't be back for a while," Alice commented with a knowing look to each of them.
"So now it's only the four of us." Jasper threw up his hands. "Do we really have to keep playing?"
Alice ignored his pouting and instead turned to her brother in excitement. "Edward, your turn to pick someone."
Edward sighed in resignation, "Jasper, Truth or Dare."
"Dare. Give me your best, we need to make this interesting, or I'm going to fall asleep."
A hint of a smile from Edward, "Go out and find Emmett and Rosalie, and scare the shit out of them."
Bella watched her usually upbeat brother, pale.
"Eew, she's basically my sister, man, I don't want to see that shit." Edward just chuckled, the rich sound doing delicious things to Bella's body.
"That was my worst." Edward shrugged.
"Fine, are you guys coming, I assume?" Jasper got up with a sigh and started towards the line of trees
"Yeah, we will hang back a bit, but you have to be the one getting close." Alice giggled as she followed Jasper into the woods, leaving Edward and Bella in an awkward silence.
"We should probably get going; we don't want to miss this." Edward flashed her a quick grin.
"Are you acknowledging me now?" Bella hated the way the words sounded so needy and desperate as she stood from her chair, the movement making the alcohol slosh in her veins.
"Hey, I thought you'd be grateful that I didn't reveal just who you were with, in that closet." His eyes flashed with mischief
"Yeah, thanks for that." Bella scoffed, "But really, you're gone all day, and everyone is saying it's because of me."
Edward rubbed the back of his head, "I have to admit, seeing you back here was weird. And sharing that tent with you…" Whatever thought he was going to finish, he stopped himself before he could. "But I didn't leave because of you. I just needed to clear my head."
Bella just continued trying to navigate the dark woods, all the while cursing the heated gaze she could feel on her back, "Whatever you say."
"Bella, hold up." Edward's arms went to her elbow, and every nerve in her body narrowed to that touch.
"What?"
"I'm sorry I checked out today and left you with everyone else. Honestly, though, no matter what they say, I'm happy you're here."
"It's fine," Bella sighed as she stepped over a huge log. Then she felt it again, that steady hand at her waist, before it disappeared entirely.
"Here, let me lead or you're going to kill yourself." He offered, and for the briefest of moments, their hands touched as he passed her. Bella chalked it up as an accident, but the electricity still lingered on her skin.
They were moving at a pretty fast pace, Edward taking huge strides while she practically jogged behind him to keep up. Bella had no idea how he was weaving through the fallen logs, countless saplings, and loose sticks with such minimum light. "Edward?" she whispered as loud as she could, trying to make him stop. But right when she took her concentration off her feet, she missed a crucial step, efficiently tripping, and slicing her calf on an uprooted branch.
"Shit!" she cursed, clutching her leg as she immediately felt the warm trickle of blood saturate her pants. "Crap."
"What's wrong?" Edward was instantly at her side.
"I think I cut my leg." Bella winced, managing to take a seat on a fallen log in the dim light.
"God, you haven't changed, have you?" Edward shook his head before he crouched in front of her.
"Usually I can take the teasing, but this actually feels like a deep cut." Bella grimaced as she pulled up her pants to reveal a massive gash.
Oh boy, blood: the one thing Bella hated, as she felt all the consciousness rush from her head.
Edward eyes widened when he saw Bella start to sway, "Whoa, you're okay." His hands came up to steady her shoulders, "Deep breaths Bella." He ordered as he as he came to her level.
Bella, pushed against the wooziness even as Edward raised her leg into his lap, "How bad is it?" She watched as his strong hands came to grasp her calf, angling her leg to the moonlight.
He shook his head, "What are we going to do with you, huh? All I wanted to do was enjoy a good, old-fashioned dare, and here we are. Just like old times."
Bella winced as his thumb accidently swept across the cut, "Like I said, I can usually take the teasing, but this actually hurts, Edward."
"Fine, hold on." He huffed before he quickly pulled his shirt over his head in one swift movement.
Bella quirked a brow at the newly revealed flesh. "Uh, what are you doing? You can't possibly be overheated, now."
"Sorry," He shrugged, "But I had to cover it with something." His eyes turned treacherous, "Unless you want to volunteer your shirt instead?"
Bella was surprised by the cackle that came out of her, "Look at you, one minute you're stumbling out of our tent, and another you're flirting with me like a shameless frat boy."
Edward laughed along with her, "It takes the edge off things. How else could we survive this trip?"
Bella just shook her head and nodded towards her newly bandaged leg, "Am I fixed now, doctor?"
"You should survive until we can get back to camp and put a real bandage on." Edward eyed her leg warily, "Do you think you can walk?" When Bella didn't answer, he held out a hand to her, "Let's just try standing, how about that?"
Bella nodded before taking his firm grasp, fighting a grimace as she put her entire weight on her leg.
And when she faltered, Edward's hand shot straight to her side. "Okay, let's get you back. Come on." He started leading her in the opposite direction, his strong arm never leaving her side.
"No, I don't want to ruin your fun." Bella groaned. "I don't mind if you want to leave. I'll wait here, and you can come back afterwards."
"I'm not leaving you, Bella." He rolled his eyes as she looked up at him with a grin.
"Oh come on, Edward. I did it to you, now we can call it even."
All humor vanished from his face, "Why is it that you keep joking about that?"
Bella shrugged, "Part of me has to make fun of the fact that I was too much of a coward to face you all until now, or I'll just crumble completely."
Bella didn't know why she was suddenly admitting any of this. Maybe it was the many drinks she had consumed during the day that was catching up to her or the intimacy of what he had just done. All she knew for sure was that she regretted it after she saw it did to him.
Sadness and pity were painted across his features, so overwhelmingly, that Bella had to look away.
She opened her mouth to say something else, but just then, a blood-curdling scream pierced the forest. Followed by a few choice words that Bella assumed came from Emmett.
Jasper had scared them after all and completed his dare.
Edward released a heavy sigh, "Well, that's that. Let's get you back to camp."
"I'm sorry Edward, I didn't mean to ruin…" But he interrupted Bella before she could continue, an unknown weight settling in his shoulders
"It's okay, let's just go."
Bella nodded and welcomed his arm as her crutch before they made their way back to camp in deafening silence.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Bella and Edward were the first to arrive at camp, so he helped her to the closest camp chair before hunting down a first aid kit.
"I'm impressed someone even thought of packing one," Edward noted as he held up a container full of Band-Aids and ointment.
Bella chuckled even as Edward grabbed her leg a little too gently, "It's a miracle it made it here with all that alcohol."
He nodded with his grin, his eyes intent on his task, "Now, are you going to faint if I unwrap this?"
Bella eyed the bloody t-shirt that was currently covering her cut. She swallowed, "No, smart ass, I'll be okay."
Edward didn't look too convinced, "Just checking." Bella nodded as he slowly unwrapped his shirt.
And instead on concentrating on the pain, Bella chose to watch Edward's beautiful face. And after years of not seeing those thick brows knit together, and those pine green eyes narrow, did Bella realize how much she missed him.
She was snapped out of her staring when she felt him wipe the sore, cover the cut with antibiotic cream before finishing with gauze. "Just tell me when you're done." Bella winced and turned her head away again just as he applied the tiniest bit of pressure.
"I'm almost done. Can you hold the bandage down while I tape it?" Finally, having no choice but to turn, Bella's eyes zeroed not on the blood, but Edward as he ripped the medical tape with his teeth.
God, the way his jaw clenched and his lips curled back to reveal those stunning teeth had her senses swimming. And just the pure arousal of watching him bite down and rip the tape made Bella think of all the other things he could bite…
"Bella?"
"Hmmm?" She hummed before realizing he was staring up at her.
"Are you alright? You looked a little out of it. You're not going to pass out, are you?" His hands were still on her calf, warm and sure.
She cleared her throat, "No. I'm fine."
Edward gave her another wary look, his eyes landing on her leg before coming back up to meet her gaze. And Bella realized he was now kneeling in front of her; his fingers wrapped around her leg, and the sight made her blood rush. "Okay, well, does it still hurt? Try putting some weight on it." He offered softly.
"Okay," Bella started, but they were interrupted by a rustling in the bushes.
Edward retracted his hands and stood like he had touched a burning stove, just in time as Rosalie and Emmett came into sight.
"Are we interrupting something?" Rosalie quirked a brow.
Bella watched as Edward fixed his face into something nonchalant, "We were about to send out a search party," He stated with ease before laying himself in a camp chair. "But it sounds as though it would have been a lost cause."
"Hey, not cool, by the way." Emmett did his best effort to look stern, "I hope you know there will be payback, you two."
Edward shrugged, and Bella tried to find some part of the soft and gracious man she just saw in the hard and indifferent one that currently sat in front of her.
A/N Tell me what you think :)
