Disclaimer: All publicly recognizable characters, settings, etc. are the property of their respective owners.
Falling Effortlessly
Chapter 7- Emotional Acquaintance
EPOV
As soon as Bella and her sons left I stormed upstairs to my room. I put on some hard rock music and flopped on the bed. I was livid. I mean what the fuck was his problem she obviously was uncomfortable with talking about whatever the fuck he was insinuating. I saw it in her eyes and in her posture. She fucking tensed up. She was nervous; and when she abruptly left, I could see she was embarrassed. That was after my incompetent 'father' mentioned something about another attack and made her uncomfortable. I mean he's a fucking doctor; his job is suppose to be about making people comfortable and shit, yet he managed to chase Bella away. But I would be lying if I said that I wasn't curious about what happened to her. I wanted to know who or what attacked this beautiful woman so I could stop that shit from ever happening again. I don't know what it is about her but I felt inexplicably protective her. I would give anything; do anything to always see that beautiful smile she gave me tonight. This is why I felt like kicking Carlisle's ass right now. When mom introduced us I was so freaking nervous, but as soon as I gazed into those dark chocolate pools any nervousness I felt went right out the window. She had the most expressive eyes; when I gazed in them I was immediately captivated. Then her soft ample cheeks tinged a lovely shade of pink; I watched the color descended down to her elegant swan-like neck and when she said 'it's a pleasure Edward'; I nearly came in my went smoothly, I kept stealing glances at Bella at the table and Carlisle even managed to shock the shit out of me by initiating a conversation with me. I knew that mom had something to do with it, but the fact that he did it was shocking and sort of nice. Then he had to go and fuck up the moment by making Bella uncomfortable.
I sighed and raked my fingers through my hair. I couldn't get her out of my head. This woman has managed to dominate all thoughts in my brain after only knowing her a few hours. Yes I was attracted to her, but it was something more. She was different. I felt drawn to her. I wanted to know her; and only one person could help me with that.
Alice.
I must have dozed off because I nearly jumped out of bed when someone started banging on my door. I groaned as I stood up and walked to the door, pulling it open forcefully. Alice stood there with her arms crossed and an angry scowl on her face.
"What the fuck Alice" I said irritably. She pushed past me and stood in the center of my room, facing me.
"Don't what the fuck me Edward. You better stay away from her" she said pointing her finger at me.
"Alice…What the hell are you talking about?" I asked, perplexed.
She walked up to me "I'm talking about Bella. Stay away from her"
What?
"Alice, I just met the woman. What the fuck are you getting at" I said as I frustratingly raked my fingers through my hair.
"What I'm getting at is, she's kind and sweet; and she's been though a lot. She doesn't need your insufferable brooding ass pursuing her" She said brashly, staring daggers at me
I opened my mouth and closed it several times unable to respond to the insult. She was right; my unmerited behavior toward her has formed a constant wedge in our relationship. I took all my frustrations out on her; but that still didn't give her the right to pass judgment on me.
"Alice-"
"I'm not stupid Edward. I seen the way you were looking at her…. and she was no better" She said, and murmured the last part.
Was she really looking at me the way I was looking at her? I couldn't help the grin that formed on my face at the thought of Bella being attracted to me.
Alice pointed her finger at me "You see. That's what I mean. I'm not playing Edward, leave her alone. Okay?…I like her"
I sat on the edge of my bed and sighed in defeat "Okay, if that's what you really want… I wouldn't want you to hate me anymore than you do now"
She sat down beside me and turned toward me "Edward, I don't hate you. You irritate the shit out of me, but I could never hate my brother" she grabbed my hand "I only wish that we had a better relationship"
As I stared at her intently, I could see the sincerity in her eyes. I began to feel guilty about how I treated her all this time. I knew she was generally a great person and sister. It's just that I was so consumed with envy of her and Emmett that I irrationally lashed out on them, especially her since Emmett wasn't home often.
I squeezed her hand and smiled "Me too half pint"
"Hey!" She said. She smacked me on the back of my head "Ass wipe"
"Ouch" I said as I rubbed the back of my head. Then I suddenly looked at her seriously.
"I'm sorry Alice. What can I do to make it up to you?" I ask, earnestly.
She tapped her chin, contemplating what she wanted from me. I crossed my arms and patiently waited, already knowing what she'd want.
"I've got it. You could let me take you shopping" She said, excitingly.
I rolled my eyes "That's all?"
"Yes…And don't date Bella, but you already promised you wouldn't do that" She said.
"Damn Alice, am I really that much of a jerk?" I asked, staring at her intently.
"Yes; but that's not all, Edward. Bella's really fragile right now. I don't think she's ready to date any one" she replied.
"What happened to her, Alice" I asked, seriously.
"It's not my story to tell. Just know, the only thing she needs right now is a friend. Do you think you could be just that to her?" She asked, arching an eyebrow.
I raked my hand through my hair "Yeah I guess I can; but I would be lying if I said I wasn't unbelievably attracted to her"
"Yeah I know. You were practically drooling at dinner" She smirked.
"Whatever" I said. She rose off the bed and walked to the door.
"So…are we o.k. now?" I asked nervously
She smiled at me, holding the door open "Yes. We're o.k. Edward"
I smiled "Goodnight half pint"
"Goodnight ass wipe" She replied. Then she turned and walked out the door, shutting it behind her.
I laid on my back and closed my eyes. Behind my lids, the image of a mahogany goddess came into view. I thought about her laugh, her smile and her lovely blush. God she's so appealing. I would be a friend to her, if that is what she needed. I would do anything just to see her again. Her sons were great to; they reminded me of Emmett and me growing up. Collin was outgoing and social like Emmett and Seth was more reserved and timid like I was. The similarities were staggering. I looked forward to getting to know Bella and her sons and for the first time since I arrived home I was glad I decided to come here.
XXX
The next morning was tedious. I spent most of my time smoking cigarettes and lounging around the house, waiting for the evening so I could see Bella again. I went online to order the movie Cars for Bella's son and was surprised when someone suddenly IM me.
TDenali883: Hi baby.
I groaned in annoyance. What the fuck does she want?
E.C108: Tanya what the fuck do you want?
TDenali883: Oh Eddie don't be such a sour puss. I just want to know how you're enjoying Forks so far.
How the hell did she find out I was in Forks? Jasper, I'm going to kill that prick.
E.C108: That's none of your business Tanya.
TDenali883: Well if you ask me this town can really use some modernization. Everything is dull and boring. Thank god for Port Angeles, Right?
What the fuck.
E.C108: You're in Forks?
TDenali883: Yeah, once I found out you were coming here I thought I'd give my cousin Rosalie a visit. Isn't that great!
E.C108: What are you my fucking stalker? And wait a minute Rosalie Hale is your cousin? Small fucking world.
TDenali883: I know right
E.C108: Whatever Tanya. The chances of you bumping into me are slim to none.
TDenali883: (pout)
E.C108: Bye Tanya. And don't fucking IM me anymore.
I quickly signed off and shut down my laptop. Small fucking world; indeed. Who would have thought Tanya, the bane of my existence and Rosalie, my sister's friend were related. I'll have to ask Alice not to invite anymore guest over while I'm here, I wouldn't want to chance bumping into Tanya here.
I walked to the kitchen and decided to make me a quick lunch then sat in the living room to watch some t.v. Nothing was on but dumb ass reality shows. Usually I'd turn the t.v off whenever one those stupid shows were on but today I decided to sit and watch. It made the time go by quicker and plus one of the girls on the show sort of resembled Bella; she had the same long mahogany locks and slender shape. The only difference was that the woman had blue eyes and a larger nose. As I sat there and watched the woman make out with random guys in a hot tub I began to wonder if Bella was the type of woman to date muliple guys at the same time. I know that's a fucked up thing to think but due to my past experiences I couldn't help but wonder. When the fifth episode of the show ended all of a sudden Seth and Collin ran in the living room with shirts tied around their necks.
"Whoa, whoa fellas. What's the hurry?" I asked.
"We're supa heroes" Collin said as him and Seth ran with their arms out in front of them.
Mom entered the living room smiling, with her apron on "Edward, Why don't you escort these super heroes to the game room"
I stood up from the sofa and stretched. My muscles were stiff from sitting in one position for hours.
"Alright guys. Let's go" I said.
They yelled yay in unison and followed me as I lead them downstairs to the den. The den contained an assortment of games which included a foosball table, a pool table, and PS3 and arcade machines. There was also a lounging area which had a small bar with a refrigerator behind it and a black comfy sofa. This was like Emmett's second room. He spent more time in here than his own room. After practice all his football buddies would pile up in here, play video games and talk about chicks for hours, or until mom threw them out. Some times I'd join them but always wound up leaving after a while; their boisterous behavior and lack of cleanliness was fucking annoying. They always left the den strewed with cans and potato chip bags and I was left to clean it.
Seth and Collin eagerly ran into the room. They went from game to game; so I spent the next hour teaching them how to play each one. They were too young to understand the fundamentals of some of the games but it was still fun to teach them. We were so engrossed in a game of pool, in which we were rolling balls around the table, that we didn't notice when Bella and Alice entered the room. I only noticed because I felt them watching us as they stood by the stairs. They seemed very amused by the boys attempt to play pool preschool style. When Bella wasn't looking I subtly looked her over. She was so beautiful and sexy in sort of an innocent way. She was wearing a grey off the shoulder long sleeve shirt that exposed her neck and collar bone with some dark wash skinny jeans. I imagined tracing a path with my tongue over her smooth creamy skin. I'd start at the top of her shoulder and leisurely make my way across her delicate collar bone then up her neck where I would lightly nip and suck until she's writhing and moaning in ecstasy. The sound of a throat being cleared brought me out of my fantasy. I looked up and see Bella looking down blushing immensely, no doubt from my perusal of her and Alice staring dagger at me. If looks could kill I'd be six feet under right now. Alice walked over to me with her eyes squinted.
"Could you stop with the eye-fucking?" She murmured low enough so only I could hear.
I rolled my eyes at her and looked at Bella. Our eyes locked and I smiled at her and hoped to god I didn't make her uncomfortable; I didn't mean to blatantly gawk at her but I couldn't help it, she was gorgeous. She timidly smiled back. A light blush graced her cheeks and she tucked her hair behind her ear. She looked so innocent and sexy when she did that, that my dick twitched in my jeans and I had to bite my tongue to stifle a groan.
Seth, just noticing his mother's arrival, ran and tackled Bella.
"Mommy, Mommy" Seth said as he hugged Bell's leg. She kneeled down and hugged him.
"Hi baby. I missed you too" She murmured. She affectionately kissed him on the cheek.
"What about you Collin? No hug for mommy?" she asked with her lip pouted, feigning sadness. Collin suddenly ran in Bella's arms, hugging her.
She squeezed both of them in her arms "That's my boys" She murmured
Alice and I smiled at their sweet exchange. Seeing her interact with her sons in such a loving way some how made her even more attractive to me. She was nuturing and tender like my mom was with me. I remember moments when she'd hug me, ruffle my hair and whisper her love for me just before I went to sleep. Those moments were my most cherished. I could tell they would be the same for Seth and Collin.
"Alright boys, Esme said dinner's almost done. Are you ready to eat?" She said. They nodded their heads and she stood up.
Suddenly Mom entered the den and stood by the door. She caught me gazing at Bella and winked at me.
She was up to something.
"Alice, could you be a dear and set the table? I'm going help the boys get cleaned up for dinner" Alice squinted her eyes at mom suspiciously and walked up the steps.
"Come along boys" Mom said. Seth and Collin ran up the stairs and they all walked out the door.
Bella looked up at me timidly, biting her lip. I raked my hand through my hair and desperately tried to think of anything other than how incredibly sexy that was. If I got a boner right now she'd notice and that would be so fucking humiliating, not to mention it will probably scare the shit out of her.
She smiled softly at me and began to walk around the room; touching everything she gazed at. I stood by the stairs and leaned on the wall, watching her.
"You got a lot of nice stuff in here" She said breaking the silence.
She stopped walking and stood by the fooseball table, looking at it intently. My guess was that she probably was interested in the game or she's trying to avoid looking at me.
I pushed my self off the wall, needing to be near her and walked around the table. Standing beside her "Thanks"
She gazed at me briefly then quickly looked at the fooseball table. Yeah she was avoiding my eyes. I noticed she was fidgeting with her hands and biting her bottom lip. As sexy as I thought that little quirk was, I could tell it was a nervous habit. She was nervous. I was making her nervous.
I reluctantly moved back and stood by the bar; putting some distance between us. I didn't want to make her anymore uncomfortable than she already was.
"Do you play?" I asked, gesturing towards the foosball table.
She looked up at me and chuckled lightly "No…What is it?"
I openly gaped at her "You never saw a fooseball table?"
She shook her head and blushed in embarassment. She averted her eyes and I walked to the opposite end of the table.
"It's nothing to be embarrassed about"" I said reassuringly. "Come on, I'll teach you the basics"
She smiled shyly then slowly approached me. As she walked up to me I couldn't help but picture her in a white gown, with a long train trailing behind her and a sparkly sheer veil covering her angelic face. She'd look breath-taking.
Wait a minute. Why the hell am I thinking of shit like that?
I shook my head and immediately dismissed that thought. Later tonight when I'm alone I'll figure out what it meant, but for now my only focus is learning what I could about this enchanting woman.
She stood in front of me and our eyes locked. I was immediately mesmerized by her chocolate orbs. My heart beat sped and fingers twitched, wanting to touch her, as her eyes bore into mine. The moment was so intense; it felt as if we were encompassed in a bubble of electric energy. The same energy I felt when I touched her. My gaze shifted to her small pink lips. I noticed the bottom lip was slightly fuller then the top. They looked deliciously soft and plump. As if she knew what I was thinking, she licked her lips. My body immediately responded to that and I became aroused. I moved back, putting some space between us before things spiraled out of control.
"Um… turn around" I said some what huskily.
I cleared my throat. She blinked twice and turned around. I quickly adjusted myself to keep my obvious erection from her view.
"What now?" she said.
I moved close behind her and was immediately stunned by the scent of her hair. I closed my eyes and took a discreet whiff. She smelled like strawberrys and freesia. So sweet and mouth-watering.
"You grab the rods, push, pull and turn them. The main objective is to get the ball in the opponent's goal while keeping it out of yours" I said, taking a step back before I completely devoured her.
"Oh…o.k, that sounds simply enough" She said. She began demonstrating what I just told her.
She looked at me over her shoulder and smiled. Damn, everything she does looks sexy. I smiled back and walked to the other side of the table.
"Alright, you ready to take me on?" I asked grabbing my rods "I have to admit, I'm pretty good at this game but I'll go easy on you"
She arched an eyebrow "Oh really, bring it on" She said playfully
"I got an idea. Whoever makes a goal get to ask a question about the other person" I said. I was determined to know her.
She bit her lip and looked at me nervously. I immediately regretted the idea.
"It's o.k, we'll play it the normal way" I said, a little disappointed but if she was nervous I wouldn't push.
She shook her head "No, No. I like that idea" She smiled at me.
"Alright" I said. I smiled at her and we began to play.
I got the first goal and asked her what her full name was and she responded by saying Isabella Marie Swan. She got the second goal and asked me what was mine and I told her Edward Anthony Masen Cullen. Through out the game I kept the questions simple and easy, I didn't want to make her uncomfortable. I told her I played the piano, I liked to run and my favorite sport was baseball. She told me she liked to read, cook, and she didn't play any sport because she was extremely uncoordinated. I also learned that she was from Phoenix and she lived with her mother and step father.I noticed she was beginning to get uncomfortable with the questions so when I made another goal I backtracked and asked a simple question I was dying to know the answer to.
"So…What brings you to Forks?" I asked
She gazed at me then quickly looked down. She began fidgeting with her hands and biting her lip. Shit. I hit a nerve
"You don't have to-"
"They died" She murmured. She looked up at me with watery eyes.
"Who?" I asked
"My Mom and step dad. They were killed in a car accident" She said as the tears began to fall down her face.
Her expression was heartbreaking. Immediately hated it; it broke my heart. I rushed to the other side of the table and stood in front of her. I grabbed her hand and she looked up at me, wide-eyed. I wiped the tears from her soft cheeks with my other hand and felt that electric current. She gasped and I wondered if she felt it too.
"I'm so sorry Bella" I murmured.
She nodded her head and closed her eyes as the tears rapidly fell. I gently rubbed circles on her hands, with my thumbs desperately trying to soothe her but that wasn't enough. I wanted to pull her in my arms and tell her she'd be o.k that I'll be there for her I'll be whatever she needed. But I didn't want to make her uncomfortable; she didn't know me well enough. She began to sob uncontrollably and I was fighting the urge, desperately. When her body started to shake and her breathing came out in gasps I couldn't take it anymore and pulled her in my arms. She gripped the front of my shirt and buried her face in my chest as she sobbed. I soothingly rubbed the hair down her back and rocked her.
"Shh…It's going to be o.k Bella" I murmured.
When she looked up at me my heart broke again. Her face and eyes were red and tear streaked.
"You don't understand Edward. Renee was everything to me and my kids, and now we're alone" She sobbed
"That's not true. You got your dad…my Mom, Alice…" I cupped her her face with my hand "…and me" I said earnestly gazing into her eyes
"Look Edward, I'm damaged. I completely out of my mind. My dad can't even go to Pheonix to get my truck without me freaking out… I don't want to bother you guys with that" She said
I grazed her cheek with my thumb "You're not a bother Bella, we want to be there for you"
"We?" She asked
I nervously raked my fingers through my hair and moved back. This is it. This would be the perfect time to tell her that since I met her I couldn't stop thinking about her, I felt inexplicably drawn to her, and I want to help her, protect her, and be with her. Or maybe I should just tell her that I know without a doubt I'm going to fall in love with her. No. Alice will kill me and I promised her I wouldn't pursue Bella; but she did say I could be her friend.
"Bella, I know we just met but…I like you, and I like for us to be friends" I said earnestly
She smiled softly at me "I'd like that too Edward"
Then she shocked me by closing the distance between us and wrapping her arms around my waist, hugging me "Thank you Edward" She whispered
I hugged her back and rested my cheek on her head "You don't need to thank me Bella"
She buried her face in my chest and inhaled. I sighed and reveled in the feeling of having her in my arms. It felt so good and so right. I'd be perfectly content having her in my arms for the rest of my life. I never want to let her go. The feeling was strange and a bit scary because I never experienced it. No woman has ever captured me the way Bella did and it's going to be so hard to be just a friend to her. But I will do it, not because of Alice but because it's what Bella wants. I'm willing to be whatever she needs me to be.
She pulled herself out of my arms and I immediately missed the warmth and closeness. She looked up at me and smiled. I smiled back.
"We should head upstairs, everyone's probably waiting" She said
"Yeah, I don't want Sergeant Alice coming down here to get us" I said
She chuckled "Yeah, she's a bossy little thing"
"I would say you have no Idea, but I'm pretty sure you do" I said, gazing at her.
She looked at me and blushed. She looked so beautiful when she blushed. I felt the need to tell her.
"You know…your blush is really pretty" I said, sounding really juvenile and lame.
Jesus, I sound like a fucking seventeen year old.
She blushed even more and looked down "Um…Thanks,"
"Your welcome." I said, still motified at myself for sounding so stupid.
Real smooth Edward
"Well let's get some dinner, Shall we?" I said.
She smiled and nodded her head. We then ascended the stairs side by side and made our way to the dining room.
Dinner was great. Mom made Pot roast potatoes and wild rice which was delicous but that wasn't the great part. The great part was that the table wasn't filled with the awkward silence that I've grown use to. It was filled with the laughter and chatter I always long for. Maybe it was because of the fact that Carlisle was absent. I don't know what it was but Bella seem more at ease at the table. She laughed and smiled at stories Mom, Alice and I shared, of our childhood. She seems to find the fact that I was an awkward nerd in high school interesting because she too was labeled a nerd. She admitted to tripping down halls and steps all through high school. She said that the nurses in the E.R. knew her at a first name basis. I caused her to blush by telling her I'd never let her fall, which earned me a glare from Alice and a discreet wink from Mom. Seth and Collin also joined in on the conversation by telling us how much they like the daycare and their new friends; Bella smiled at that. When our eyes met she didn't look away like she normally does, she smiled. This showed that she's becoming more comfortable with me; and I couldn't be happier. I wanted her to feel that she can let loose and be herself around me because that's what friends want. Right?
Hell, who am I kidding? The feelings I feel for Bella are way beyond friendship. It's going to be so damn hard to remain just her friend; but I will try. For her I'll try.
All too soon dinner was over and it was time for Bella and the boys to go home. I offered to give them a ride but Alice shooed me away, saying something about girl talk and fashion. Whatever. Before Bella left I told her I'll be in Port Angeles tomorrow running some errands and asked her if she'd mind if I took her out for lunch. She smiled shyly and said she'd love to. Alice, who was standing behind her squinted her eyes at me and silently mouth 'you promised'. When Bella bent down to fix the boy's jackets I looked at Alice and silently mouth 'friends'. She rolled her eyes, probably not believing me, and walked out the door. I high-fived Seth and Collin and told them the movie should be here in two days. They yelled yay and ran outside with Alice. Bella looked up at me from under her eyelashes and smiled. I stared at her wide-eyed and gulped. She was flirting with me. Before I could even utter a word she said she'd see me tomorrow and walked out the door. I stood by the door completely flabbergasted with a raging hard on. I ran upstairs before Mom could see me in my present state, went in the bathroom and took a warm shower.
I got out the shower after I alleviated myself with fantasies of Bella. Then I went to my room and curled up in bed. I sighed and closed my eyes, feeling sated from my self action in the shower. Something told me that this will become my nightly ritual. Bella was a temptress and she didn't even know it. Everything she did I found sexy and enticing but she also had this innocent vibe about her. I mean, she had two kids. Most women with kids lose that whole innocent vibe but not Bella; she was shy and she blushed like a virgin. I have no doubt that the father of Seth and Collin was probably the first and only guy she's been with. I could sense that about her, she wasn't a skank like Tanya and the other whores I slept with.
I yawned and felt myself falling asleep until a thought I repressed earlier resurfaced.
Bella in a white gown, with a long train trailing behind her and a sparkly sheer veil covering her face.
What I realize now that I didn't earlier was that I imagined Bella getting married. The part that scared the shit out of me was the fact that I imagined her marrying me.
What the fuck?
That realization only confirmed my earlier thoughts. I'm going to fall in love with Bella Swan, hard and fast. And there's nothing anybody could do to stop it.
An: First of all thanks to all the people reading my story. This is the first story I have ever written so I'm really inexperienced at it.
Secondly, I'm not updating frequently because I don't have a Beta anymore (pout) but if there's anybody who isn't too busy and willing to give my story a chance PM me.
And thirdly, Please, Please Please review. A lot of you guys are reading but not enough reviewing.
