Disclaimer: All publicly recognizable characters, quotes, settings, etc., are the property of their respective owners and are simply used under 'fair use'. The original characters are the property of Stephenie Meyer. I am in no way associated with the owners, creators, or producers of any media franchise. No copyright infringement intended. This story is written for legally recognized adults. Rated NC-17.
A/N: Beta'd by Lexi, pre-read by AnnaKatherineC and Tasha. Special thanks to Kathryn for her Port A knowledge.
Thank you for continuing to read and all of your reviews!
Songs:
"The Only Exception" by Paramore
"Sail" by AWOLNATION
"Simply Amazing" by Trey Songz
"Separated by Fools"
Chapter Seven
Edward and I sat on a blanket in the middle of the meadow he brought me to. We've just finished lunch; meanwhile, I've been nervous about what he has to tell me. I can't stomach much; I have only eaten a handful of grapes and some bites of cheese.
"So…what I wanted to tell you is that I have to go back to London for a few days. There's something I need to take care of, and I didn't want to leave without telling you," Edward confessed.
Wow...
That's not what I was expecting.
I'm won't lie; I'm a little disappointed. I could've sworn Edward was going to tell me that he loved me.
"Oh, I see. Well, a few days isn't so bad. But, I'll miss you while you're gone," I sighed. It's going to suck with Edward leaving, but I still have work and Alice to keep me company.
"Oh, babe…I'll miss you, too." He caressed my cheek with the back of his hand. "I don't want to go, but there's a situation I need to take care of." Edward muttered, playing with a lock of my hair.
"You mentioned this is a place where you make 'big decisions'. What did you mean by that?"
"I do have a big decision to make. I'd rather not get into the specifics, but when I get to London, I know what I have to do. That's all I can say for now." Edward admitted.
What does that even mean?
I didn't know what he meant, or even how to respond to that, so I just kissed him and hoped for the best.
~*~*~*~*~SBF~*~*~*~*~
It's the middle of August. There's are just two more weeks of summer vacation, and then I'll start my senior year in high school.
Alice and Esme had taken me to the mall for some back-to-school shopping, and I just got home. I'm done with buying new clothes, as I don't need any more; however, I have yet to get my school supplies, but a quick trip to Target will square that away.
Since I'm leaving for work soon, I hope to see Edward before I go.
While he's been home for a couple of weeks, he's been emotionally distant? Edward was gone for more than a few days—when he left for London last month. He ended up being gone for almost three weeks.
He hasn't opened up about what happened while he was there, nor has he explained what kept him out there for so long. We kept in constant contact and spoke on the phone every night he was away.
Although, when he came back…he was acting different, or maybe indifferent?
We hung out those nights I'd seen him at SoF, be he wasn't as he had been times prior—he was a bit cold.
"Going to work now, Dad! We have inventory this week, so I'm gonna be late tonight. We may do mandatory overnight shifts, too," I shouted as I tied my shoes.
"All right, Bells. Please be careful. And tell Mrs. Newton to let me know when my new fishing pole comes in. The receipt is in your glove compartment, so you can pick it up…and I put a surprise in there, too," Dad hints while making his way downstairs.
Two weeks ago, I got a new job and picked up weekend shifts over at Newton's Olympic Outfitters. I told Dad I'm working there part-time—he thinks I'm working more hours than I actually am—and it's made lying about my whereabouts a lot easier for me.
Dad walks me to my truck, and I look inside the glove compartment. Inside, there's a cassette adapter and a new, neon blue iPod.
"I had Deputy Mark upload the Top 40 songs from 107.3. If you don't like any of the songs, you can delete them. There's an envelope with your iTunes information that he set up for you, too," Dad said, his hand scratching the back of his neck.
"This is awesome, Dad." I beamed up to him but wondered how we could afford it. "Wasn't this kind of expensive?" I mean, I know that being police chief can't pay all that well, considering this is a small town, and the only exciting thing that ever happens is Waylon getting thrown into the drunk tank.
"Don't you worry about it, kiddo. I got a lot of overtime from working that case in Seattle," Dad answered.
Sadly, Riley Biers was never found.
"Thanks, Dad. I love it, and I can't wait to start adding music to it." I kissed his cheek and then entered the truck.
Before I pulled out of the driveway, I plugged my new gadgets in and set the iPod to shuffle. All of which allowed me to get lost in some tunes while I drove to work.
After finding a spot in the parking lot at Sex on Fire, I entered through the back and waved to Jacob. He is sitting on a stool, working the door again. I really like Jake. He has the most infectious smile and is almost always laughing. You can't help but be in a happy mood when you're around him.
It's open mic tonight, so I'm performing one song. There's a full house, too, and I know Edward won't be singing. He's most likely manning the front door, if Emmett isn't here.
I'm the first one up tonight.
I hear Jazz introducing me and I grab my guitar before walking onto the stage. There's a stool nearby, so I pick it up and move it up towards the front.
After adjusting the microphone, I sit and begin strumming the opening chords, and I start to sing.
When I was younger
I saw my daddy cry
And curse at the wind
He broke his own heart
And I watched
As he tried to reassemble it
And my momma swore that
She would never let herself forget
And that was the day that I promised
I'd never sing of love
If it does not exist
But darlin'
You are the only exception
You are the only exception
You are the only exception
You are the only exception
Maybe I know, somewhere
Deep in my soul
That love never lasts
And we've got to find other ways
To make it alone
Or keep a straight face
And I've always lived like this
Keeping a comfortable, distance
And up until now
I had sworn to myself that I'm content
With loneliness
Because none of it was ever worth the risk
Well, You are the only exception
You are the only exception
You are the only exception
You are the only exception
I finish the song and make my way off the stage. I spot Rosalie, Angela, and Jazz heading toward one of the booths, so I go over to sit with them.
Angela and I get to talking about our set list for next week and she asked if I would sing backup for her. We make plans to hang out tomorrow night, and we're currently trying to pick out a song.
She was naming a few while I saw Edward enter the bar in my periphery.
He makes a beeline to our table. "Bella, can you come with me? I need to talk to you for a second," Edward asked.
As I scooted out of the booth, I answered him, "Yeah, sure. What's up, Edward?"
He pulled me over to the other side of bar by my elbow. By the way he's tugging at me, I think that I'm in trouble.
"Bella, I know I've been in my own bubble lately, but I wanted to ask you out. Like on a real date?" he inquires, as he twirls a piece of my hair around his finger.
"Sure, when did you have in mind?" I love the way Edward always has to touch some part of me. Like, he has a need to be touching me constantly.
"Tomorrow night? We can go grab dinner and go for a walk, if that is all right?" Edward suggested while a familiar song began to play.
It's "Sail," by AWOLNATION.
The song is thumping loudly, and it causes me to have to talk a little louder.
"Sure, do you want me to meet you at your house, or at the restaurant?" I'm hoping he says the restaurant. That way he won't want to pick me up from my house.
"Why don't I pick you from your house for a change? It'll be like a real actual date!" Edward shouted.
It's just as I feared. Once again, I'd have to lie to Edward. Maybe I can get Edward to let me meet him at his house? He can't know I live across the street from his sister and his parents yet.
"I'm going to be nearby anyway." I continued. "Angela and I are hanging out tomorrow night, so I can just get dressed at her house, and maybe meet you somewhere?" I didn't want him to pick me up at Angela's, because while she and I do talk at work, it will be my first time hanging out with her outside of Sex on Fire.
"Just meet me at my house at eight-thirty. No sense in taking two cars, you know?" Edward replied, as the music ends and I can hear him talk at a normal level.
"That's fine. Where are we going anyway?"
"It's a surprise…Dress nice. Shit, not that you usually don't. I mean, dress in dinner attire. Semi-formal?" Edward chuckled nervously.
"All right. I'll see you then. I can't wait."
~*~*~*~*~SBF~*~*~*~*~
Arriving at Edward's house, I'm nervous as all get out.
I smoothed out my coat and rang the bell, and I heard him making his way to open the door from the other side. All while my heart starts beating faster.
"Isabella. You look gorgeous as always. Please, come in. I just have to grab my keys and wallet," Edward said.
I exhale a long breath that I didn't realize I was holding.
Edward Cullen in a suit should be against the law. He is wearing a black suit, a grey tie, and a crisp white shirt. Good Lord, he is a sight to behold.
"Thank you. You don't look too bad yourself." I winked, as I walked into the entryway to wait for Edward, as he goes up the stairs.
I stood there looking down to admire my toes. They're a deep red OPI nail polish color. It's called, "I'm Not Really A Waitress," and I'm in love with it.
Dressed in a knee-length, peach-colored chiffon dress and black pumps, I'm also wearing a black trench coat.
I wanted to look nice for Edward, and I hope this does the trick.
"Let's go, shall we?" Edward suggested.
He placed his hand on the small of my back and escorted me to his car. As he opened the door for me, he held on to one of my hands to help me in.
"Edward, I've noticed the past few times we've been in the car, you drive so slow. I know your car can go faster than 60 MPH."
"I know that, but I'm in no hurry, Bella." Edward confessed, flashing me a dazzling smile.
"So, where are we going? I'm starving."
"I thought I'd take you to Michael's Seafood and Steakhouse. After dinner, maybe we could go for a walk along the waterfront?" he asked while we pull into the parking lot of the restaurant.
"That sounds perfect."
We walked in and Edward gave the hostess his name. "Hi. Two for Edward Cullen," he told her, giving my hand a gentle squeeze.
"Oh, er, yes, ri-right this way," the hostess stumbles.
We arrived at a family sized table, and I began to sit without any objection. Edward had to tell her that his reservation was for someplace private.
She then walked us to the back to seat us in a private room, called, "The Palm Room".
Edward pulled out my chair and helped me out of my coat. He draped it over the back of my chair, unbuttoned his own jacket, and then he sat down.
"Um, your server will be right out," she sighed, setting our menus down before leaving.
"You really should be careful doing that."
"Doing what?" Edward whispered.
"Dazzling her like that? She's probably hyperventilating in the bathroom right now."
Edward gave me that panty-dropping smirk, and I know exactly how the hostess must feel.
"I dazzle people?" Edward laughed, tilting his head to the side, waiting for my answer.
"Oh, get real, Edward. You must know the effect you have on women."
Just then, our waitress comes over to take our order.
"Hi, my name is Amber. What can I get you?" she asked, openly staring at Edward—just Edward.
"Can we get a Singapore Sling and a Laphroaig, please?" Edward requested, all while never taking his eyes off of mine.
Once the waitress brought our drinks, we placed our food orders.
Edward ordered Oyster Shooters topped with Vodka and a Northwest Bouillabaisse. I ordered an Heirloom Tomato Salad, along with Ivory King Salmon.
The food was delicious. I let Edward taste my salmon while he fed me an oyster.
Unfortunately, the sauce dribbled down onto my dress, but Edward was sweet. He dipped his napkin in his water glass, and then awkwardly tried to help me get the stain out.
By the time the waitress came back to check on us, I was more than ready for the second part of our date.
Edward must have picked up on my mood or felt my anticipation, or maybe he had the same idea? He asked for the check right away; however, the waitress just stood there stoically and unmoving while looking at Edward.
"Sweetheart, the check?" I raised a brow, staring her rude ass down, but then my gaze fell on Edward.
He smirked at me again, as the waitress recovered herself and walked off.
I think he gets it now.
When the bill arrived, Edward opened the money folder. He looked at it quizzically and shut it before reaching for his wallet. He placed two one-hundred dollar bills in.
We helped each other fasten our coats while we waited for the waitress to come back.
As she reached for the folder, Edward told her, "No change. Thank you for the meal," and then we leave.
"Don't think I didn't see that, Edward."
"What do you mean, Bella?" he asked.
"The paper with Amber's phone number on it."
"I have no idea what you're talking about," Edward denied it.
I laughed as Edward and I walk hand-in-hand along the waterfront.
~*~*~*~*~SBF~*~*~*~*~
We take a leisurely stroll and admire some fabulous art down Avenue Of The People on Laurel Street.
Edward and I find a bench along the sidewalk and he tugs on my hand to sit with him. It's so peaceful out. The streets aren't very busy—mostly couples walking along the streets—on this warm, serene night.
"Bella, there is something I've been meaning to tell you. I know I've been distant with you, but I was going through some shit, and I'm sorry," He pleaded. By the apologetic look in his eyes, I knew he truly was sorry. I just wish he would have come to me, so I could've been there for him. To help him with whatever was troubling him.
"But, I'm not that sorry…because while I was sorting through my own feelings, I realized something. Bella, I'm in love with you," Edward confessed.
Immediately, I start crying. I'm crying because these are the words I've been waiting to hear. These are the words that I want to say back. But I don't. I don't want to taint those words and the meaning they hold by lying when I say them.
Edward needs to hear the truth. He needs to know I'm only sixteen. He just put all his cards on the table and went all-in, and I need to do the same.
"Edward, I… "
He cut me off, as he wiped the tears from my eyes. "No, please don't say it back. I found the right time to tell you, and I want you to find your own moment to tell me back. Please don't tell me, just because I've said it," Edward begged.
I nodded, agreeing with him before I lean in to place my lips to his.
With all the strength I can muster—to show him I feel the exact same way—I kissed him passionately.
~*~*~*~*~SBF~*~*~*~*~
It's the last week of August and summer is over. School starts the day after Labor Day. Of course, I'm sick and have the ending stages of a cold that has now turned into a cough.
Being sick sucks. I haven't been to work in over a week, and I can't perform quite yet. If I try to sing, I practically hack up a lung.
I have, however, recovered enough to go watch Edward sing.
Jazz and I are sitting in a booth to the left of the stage. I'm drinking a Sprite with a cough drop floating on the bottom.
Rosalie introduced Edward, and he walked his way onto the stage. He sat on the stool and looked out to the crowd, searching for me. When he sees me sitting next to Jazz, he starts talking.
"I, I can't really explain what it is that she does. But, um, yeah, whatever it is, whatever it is, it's um, it's... It's simply amazing."
He then starts strumming his guitar and begins to sing.
Her head is on my chest
The sun comes rolling in
We're lost in these covers
And all I feel is skin
I slowly kiss your face
Beautiful in every way
You are, you are
See I'm a man, that don't believe in much
But I'll be damned, if I don't believe in us
And how we play a fight up in the bathroom
Next thing you know I'm making love to you
Girl, promise me you'll never change
She ain't perfect, but she's worth it
Every breath I breathe for the life I'm in
And I know I might not deserve it
But she loves me, and it's simply amazing
Simply amazing, simply amazing
And she loves me, and it's simply amazing
Amazing, amazing
The girl's a work of art and I can't help but stare
With a smile like the sunset and the ocean is her hair, ooh
What she do ain't fair, ooh
And she know me better, than I know myself, mmhmm
See I'm a man, that don't believe in much
But I'll be damned, if I don't believe in us
Like when I said I loved you for the first time
And the tears dropped from your eyes
Girl, don't you ever change
She ain't perfect, but she's worth it
Every breath I breathe, for the life I need
And I know I might not deserve it
But she loves me, and its simply amazing
Simply amazing, simply amazing
And she loves me
There is nothing in this world,
That can keep me away from you
And there's nobody who could ever compare to you
Oooohhh
Already making my way backstage, I intend to wait for Edward to finish his song. When I hear the last chord of his guitar strum, I run on stage and kiss him, because I know he'll be "the one" forever. Even if we don't stay together, Edward will ALWAYS own my heart.
A/N: I update every other Wednesdays and on the week I don't update, I do "Music Mondays" and "Photo Teaser Thursdays". That way you will be getting something each week! This can be found at byrd009fanfic dot blogspot dot com. Just replace the word "dot" with an actual period. I can also be found on Twitter at: Byrd009Fanfic or on my Facebook page under the same name. I would love to chat with you!
