Disclaimer: I do not own any Twilight characters and Twilight related credit goes to S. Meyers. The storyline and any original characters are mine.
Barren
Chapter Six
I slowly decended down the stairs, thankful all the parents and Edward were waiting in the living room in case I fell. Once I was safely on a flat surface I walked carefully into the living room. Edward had his back to me and was conversing with Carlisle and Charlie. Renee and Esme were by the fireplace mantel, drinking a glass of wine when I entered. Esme spotted me first and she gasped. "Oh Bella...you look lovely." Everyone turned to look at me but my eyes were all on Edward. When his eyes met mine and he took me in his face broke into a painfully beautiful smile. I blushed bright red as I waited for someone to say something. "Give us a twirl baby girl." Charlie called, his voice a little choked up. Slowly I twirled in place. I had my hair stylist sweep my hair into a classic chignon with tredrils at my ears. I kept my makeup light other than a gray smokey eye and black mascara. The dress was floor length with a little train. The deep sapphire blue material had a soft sheen to it and clung perfectly to my body before flaring out at my hips into a little ball gown shape. The top was a halter top covered in tiny silver beads. The beads were weaved into long waves that snaked down the dress to my waist. It was very over the top for my taste but standing in it with the look on Edward's face made me feel that I was the most stunning woman he had ever laid eyes on. Renee's sudden burst of tears pulled me from my daze in time to return her big hug. "Oh sweetie I am so overwhelmed. You look like a woman instead of my little girl!" I pulled back and smiled at her, mentally rolling my eyes at the dramatics. Esme came forward with a camera. "Why don't we take pictures now before we head out?" Renee, Charlie, and I took a picture separately then one together. Renee took Edward's picture with his parents before we finally stood arm in arm for one of our own. "You look breathtaking." He mummered through his smile as Esme snapped the shot. My whole body flushed red. "You look...dashing." I grinned wickedly up at him. He chuckled and picked up my hand to give it a soft kiss. "Bella I-" Click. We both turned to see Esme catching our moment. She smiled sheepishly. "You looked so sweet giving her a kiss like that." Edward scowled at her, sending a message with his eyes that made her wink and walk over to where the other adults were talking. Edward turned to look down at me again, his eyes searching mine for...something. "You look like you want something." I raised my eyebrow at him, waiting for his reply. His ears turned red before he dug out his cell phone. "The limo should be at my house to pick us up if we leave now." He took my arm in his and we said our goodbyes to my parents. "No drinking, no sex." Charlie grumbled into my ear, my face pulling back to give him the evil eye. He gave me a pointed look before turning me over to Renee for a hug. Edward said his goodbyes then led me outside to let the parents finish up talking. Esme and Carlisle graciously gave us a ride back to their home and the silence was...deafening. I was worried this strain with his parents was never going to ease up. Edward took out his cell and typed out 'dad likes quiet in the car-don't take it personal.' I nodded though I wasn't entirely convinced that was true. This wasn't the time for it though so we kept silent.
The limo waited in front of the house, the driver standing at the back door to let us in. We hopped out of Carlisle's car like it was on fire. I thanked him and Esme but Edward was dragging me away. "Is it just us taking the limo?" I asked curiously. He stopped walking and halted my step as well. "No...in fact I need to warn you. My ex is going to be riding with us. We didn't end on good terms. We broke up two years ago. Her family are family friends and she is good friends with alot of my friends. I should have told you sooner...will you be ok with this?" He asked, very serious. I shrugged, truely indifferent. "Edward if she doesn't mind me why should I mind her?" He kissed my forehead and smiled. "Thank you...come on let's get this started." We approached the open door and heard the cheers of Edward's friends inside. I slipped in first across the leather seat to give Edward room. Aside from us there were four other people. Edward introduced his friends Peter, Victoria, James, and Charlotte. I murmmered my hello and sat back to listen to them interact. Victoria was very nice, asking me about school and who my friends were. Turns out she and Rosalie knew each other from volleyball. We were discussing her scholarship for ISU when the limo stopped again. The door opened and in slid the most gorgeous girl I had ever seen. She wore a tight golden gown with a long shimmering train. Her hair was curled into soft blonde waves down her back and her make up was model perfect like the rest of her. As she sat her dress hiked up, the slit in the front practically giving away the goods. I was shocked when Mike, a kid in my class, followed in behind her. He looked surprised to see me as well but it was the girls' face that caught my attention. She was glaring at me, her hatred very evident. Edward wrapped his arm protectively around me and I scooted close to him. "Tanya nice to see you." Edward started trying to be pleasant. Tanya was still glaring at us before she draped herself over Mike. "Edward nice to see you. Everyone this is my date Mike Newton." Mike gave an akward nod since Tanya was pratically pinning him down. Edward nodded hello. "Nice to meet you. This is my girlfriend Bella Swan." I smiled knowingly at Mike. "I didn't know you'd be here Mike." He grinned a friendly grin at me. "I heard you say in homeroom you were going to a prom so I thought I might see you. You look really nice." I felt a little red at the compliment but it didn't last long. "Oh you two know each other?" Tanya asked, her tone of voice making it obvious she was annoyed. I simply nodded my head and turned my attention to the others. Tanya was very persnickety the whole drive to the dance, purposefully flirting with Mike in an obnoxious way, asking loud questions to interrupt conversation, and giving both of us the death glare when we ignored her. When we finally pulled up she stormed inside first, leaving poor Mike to give us an apologetic look before trotting in after her. The rest of us followed behind, talking and enjoying the happier atmosphere. We walked into the ballroom and I had to pause to enjoy the scene. It was an old Victorian dance hall. The walls were covered in dark red velvet. A huge chandelier hung in the middle of the room, dimly lit. Several tables were set up for people to sit. They had drinks and snacks at the bar. A DJ was set up at the far end of the dance floor. Half the floor was covered by students dancing wildly. Victoria and James were gone in a flash into the crowd. Peter and Charlotte walked to a table with us. Many of the students came up to us as soon as we walked in. Edward must be very popular as he was constantly being given hugs and claps on the back. He was very attentive to introduce me and include me in the conversation. We ended up dancing to a few songs. I was surprised at how unabashedly I would grind up against him. Even more surprised that he would dance easily with me, holding me close, and rocking with me to the music. He was even a good sport to humor my mosh pit moves with Charlotte and some other girls as t.A.T.u's 'Not Gonna Get Us' blared, getting the crowd riled up. Finally a slow song played. We swayed back and forth in a circle to Enrique Iglesias 'Hero' both breathless and sweating from dancing. "Having fun?" He asked, concern laced in the question. I smiled breathlessly up at him. "Alot. Thank you for bringing me." He leaned down and kissed my forehead. "Thank you for saying yes." The song ended too quickly and suddenly Chingy 'Right Thurr' blasted over the speakers. Exhausted we left the dance floor to socialize again. After another hour Edward hinted it was almost time for the dance to end. We both agreed to leave early since Esme had dropped off his car so he could take me home. I excused myself to quick use the restroom.
I was so absorbed about getting my train through the door without catching it I didn't see that I was in someone's way until I looked up. The blonde from earlier, Tanya, was glaring down at me from her six foot height. Nervously, I excused myself and slipped past her. Her makeup had been running and her face was red from the tears burning her skin. "Skank." I heard her mutter under her breath before storming out. I looked over my shoulder at the closing door, saddened that she didn't even know me but felt justified to call me that. Poor Mike. He was probably miserable and didn't deserve her anger. I would have to apologize for not looking for him to hang out. I pushed Mike and Tanya from my thoughts, determined not to let her ruin tonight for Edward or myself. I rushed through the bathroom (which anyone wearing a big dress will agree that is no easy feat) and I caught up with Edward at his car. He stood by my open car door, his face lighting up as I made my way towards him. I settled into my seat and buckled up. Edward was in and starting the car in no time. "So...our spot?" He questioned. I stared at him, confused. His face faltered when I didn't answer. "Um...I thought we could go to our spot under the bridge." Realization dawned on me and I smiled. "So that's gonna to be our 'spot'?" He caught my mischievous face and floored the car out of the parking lot. "I think so." He flipped on his radio and we sped to our spot jamming out to ACDC, Pink Floyd, Ozzy, and Queen.
We arrived a while later turning off the headlights to not attract unwanted attention. Edward reached out to cup my chin and bring my lips to his. Then I was crawling over to straddle him, our lips tilting and slanting in a quickly heated make out session. When Edward pulled back to breathe, his eyes slowly searched mine with an unsure look. "I love you Bella..." I held my breath, letting the words washed over me. He loves me...we love each other...he loves me... "I love you too Edward." His face split into an incredibly happy smile until his lips settled against mine. It wasn't our typical kiss. This was full of more love than passion or lust. I closed mh eyes and basked in his tender kisses that turned into light pecks. When my eyes opened I immediately knew something was wrong. His face gradually lost its light and became pretty serious.. "I know something bad happened to you...but whatever it is won't change how I feel for you." I felt like a statue, cold as marble and stiff with fear. I had to tell him. This was my chance. The words were just choking on my tongue. "Please Bella?" He whispered, achingly soft and encouraging. "I was...taken advantage of when I was fourteen." I felt the words finally tumble from my lips before I registered that I had spoke them. He was rubbing his hands slowly up and down my arms. "I am so sorry Bella. Was it someone you knew?" I hesitated before nodding a little. "It was one if Charlie's friends. Mom was gone to a seminar and dad had his buddies over to watch a game and drink. They were up late in the garage, bullshiting and getting wasted. I had gone to bed when they went outside. Then...it was dark...it just reeked of whiskey. I woke up when he yanked down my pants...and...and..." I was sobbing quietly at first but now I was wailing so hard that he probably didn't get hear the last part. He pulled me into a tight hug, kissing my forehead, and rocking me gently to calm my cries. "Charlie was an idiot for not protecting you. He's a fucking cop for Christ sake." I forced myself to suck in my tears as Edward raged above me. I know Charlie fucked up but he was still my dad. I just wanted this all buried and gone. "He didn't know this would happen...there hasn't been a party since." He took hold of my face, his eyes burning with rage. "It was not ok Bella. Don't make this any less than what it was." My tears slid down my cheeks and along his fingers. I should just tell him the 'other' thing. I was letting everything out now anyway I might as well get it all out there. But...I wasn't ready to deal with his reaction if it was bad. I loved him and didn't want to chase him away already. Besides hadn't I done enough damage for one day? "Edward...I am sorry to ruin your prom night like this." He scoffed, gently brushing my tears away with his thumbs. "You think I care about prom? I mostly did this because I thought you would like it. I'm an old soul. This kind of crap doesn't do it for me. If anything I should apologize to you for ruining the end if your night. I...I had to know." I kissed his cheek. I was so relieved to get it out in the open. "I did ruin the mood though too." He leaned in and kissed my tear soaked lips softly. "I'm glad we finally talked about this instead." He kissed me once more and leaned back against his seat. "I don't know about you but I'm exhausted. Ready?" I nodded, the emotions overcoming my high and sapping me of energy.
He started the car and we drove in quiet contentment down the roads towards my house. I held his hand, rubbing my thumb across the top of his hand. After a few minutes he suddenly blurted out, "No one is going to be at my house next weekend." I turned to look at him, my eyebrow raised. "Oh? What are you suggesting?" I could see him visibly gulp and it made me feel bad that I was making him uncomfortable. "Bella...you are ok with having sex with me even after what happened right?" I snorted. "I haven't made it obvious I do? I think there won't be anymore issues now...now that you know. Also I love you and trust you. That's a big part of my decision that yes, I want to be intimate with you." He smirked out the window. "Ok...well I don't want your real first time to be in the back seat of a car. So...I was wondering if you could come over Friday night?" I was so freaking red that if it wasn't dark Edward would probably be concerned. I knew in my young heart I was ready for this. My hormones were running a muck in my body demanding it now. Luckily my brain rationalized that this would give me time to prepare and sneak a bottle of Renee's wine. Rosalie had told me to not be drunk but at least have a glass or two to mellow. Edward raised my hand to his lips and kissed it. "You can say no Bella. I will wait as long as you need." I smiled at his shadowed face, loving him in an overwhelming way at that moment. I leaned across the seat to rest my head on his shoukder. "Okay."
Sorry readers! I was having trouble writing this chapter because I didn't want it to drag on with all the prom related stuff. When I was in high school it was literally an all weekend affair. I remember the first time I spent the night with my now husband. I was so scared his mom would come home early and find us. Yes we were in high school, naughty, naughty. Young love, stupid love, but I regret very little of it really. I had some of my best memories in those early days. I have a good chunk of the next chapter done. I am hoping to post it yet this weekend but no promises!
On the flip side,
Elisa
