Here is next chapter as promises. This chapter is very important for the characters. It will start something new... I hope you like it…
I don't own anything….. But thanks for reading!
Chapter 8
BPOV
I had a pleasant dream last night. I dreamt I was dancing in a big ball room with Caleb. The place was full with candles and the music was soft and tender. I was so content and happy that I rested my head on his chest while he whispered "I love you" in my ear but then I noticed his voice was off so I lifted my head to meet his eyes. But what I stared at was not at brown one but golden ones. It was Edward and he was telling me he loved me. I immediately let him go and turned around, when I did this I bumped into warm arms. Caleb's arms, he said; "I got you now and you won't be alone anymore." and hugged me so tight.
I woke up anxiously wanting to know what that dream meant. I knew I was confused and that I like him but I still love Edward... maybe it meant that I could move on. I don't know, only time would tell me the answers I want.
Today was the barbecue. It was 7:30 and I had to figure out what to wear. I wanted to impress the counsel that Charlie seemed to talk so highly of.
One thing I was proud to have learned from Alice and that was that to look good you need to combine the right set of clothes in the right way. So today was my chance to prove I could do just that. Even though I knew that in events women are used to wear summer dresses, there was no way I would wear a dress in front of all the town. I would simply be myself.
I have built my confidence at some point but I still felt self aware of my clumsy moments and a dress would only do more damage. So I got up and took a moment to decide what to wear and went to the shower. I got dressed in a low waist boot cut pair of jeans and a pleated cap sleeve top that Alice bought me last summer. I put on my faux leather harness boots which match the event for today. I had only worn these boots once and after that time I placed them back on their box because they were expensive and too luxurious to wear in Forks. But now it was time to wear them again. I comb my hair into a low pony tail and put on a little bit of make up. Mascara, eyeliner, blush and lip gloss, just to look fresh.
I looked at myself on the mirror before I got out of my room. I was happy with the results. I looked good but didn't look like I had spent a lot of time getting ready. I looked at the clock and it was almost 8:40 and I could hear Charlie in the kitchen.
"Good morning!" I said walking down to the kitchen where my father was with a cup of coffee and newspaper.
"Good morning…. WOW… Bella you look good…mmmm... I think you look too good… GO CHANGE I don't want boys drooling next to you..." Charlie said and pointed to my room.
"What!" I raised my eyebrow at him. Was he serious?
"You heard me. I don't want boys in town following you around… in every town there is a Mike Newton, you know." He said and took a bite of his bagel.
"Dad... be serious!" I was not sure if he was being serious or joking.
"Well I am serious you are growing up to fast and we are not leaving until you change." He demanded but by the little smirk that escaped his lips I knew now he was just kidding.
"Very funny, Charlie you scared the crap out of me. Now come on let's go." I grabbed a bagel with cream cheese and a travel mug of coffee.
"Language Bella! But you are right let's go. We need to stop by the police station and then we are headed toward the Danver's." He said giving the last sip in his coffee before walking to grab the keys.
On the road we talked about the changes I wanted to make in my room. I needed a bigger study table and he suggested to take his. It was bigger and he didn't use it at all, so we would make the change during the week. When he stopped at the station, he told me to get out as well and he introduced me to everyone there. He looked very proud when he did, that my heart melted a little. I felt proud of my dad.
We got to the Danver's house almost an hour and a half later and I felt my eyes pop out of my head when I saw where they live. The house was huge. It was a mansion for sure and a very old one just by the look of it. There were a lot of cars parked on the parking lot so it was difficult to find parking but when we got in the house I was more impressed, antiques were everywhere in that house; it was bigger than the Cullen's house and with exquisite taste too.
We were greeted by one of the staff who pointed us toward the patio where the barbecue was taking place. Since we were late when we go to the patio, there were at least 100 people in there and I found myself very aware of the attention I would get being the Chief of Police's daughter. Charlie held my hand and squeezed it a little knowing I would be nervous as hell. I smiled and lifted my chin to reassure him that I was fine. We walked where Karla was. She was with her daughter and as soon as she spotted us she came to meet us.
"Charlie, Bella, I am glad you make it. You look wonderful, sweetheart." she said and smiled at me.
"Thanks, we are glad to be here." I said very politely. I knew Charlie wanted me to out do myself and I was trying.
"Come, I will introduce you to the rest of the counsel." As she said this I noticed that we were walking toward a group of women who were talking and laughing very gracefully.
"Evelyn… this is Charlie Swan and Isabella Swan, his daughter." Karla said and the lady turned around.
"Ah yes. Chief. Swan. I am Evelyn Danvers. It is nice to have you here, at last we meet. I am sorry I didn't go to welcome you when you arrived but I had business to take care of. But I hope my son did a great job." She said. She was very elegant and classy.
"We are happy to be here and thank you for having us. Caleb did a wonderful job, you didn't have to send him though, we could have gotten home easily." Charlie spoke and I spotted Kate behind Mrs. Danvers smiling at me… Oh thank god they are here! That meant I could escape from here… I thought
"You have a lovely daughter." Mrs. Danvers said and I smiled.
"Thank you... she is my jewel." Charlie said and I blushed which was stupid but I did.
"Isabella, how are you copping with the academy. I hope you are not having a bad time adjusting to the system." Mrs. Danvers said looking straight in the eyes.
"I am doing wonderfully. I love it here and the opportunities are great." I said wanting to get out of the spot light.
"Wonderful…. but tell me. Is my son being a good host? I specially told him to keep an eye on you. Your father is very important for this community thats why we were so eager to have him." She said and she reached for some one. I was so nervous that I hadn't noticed that Caleb was talking to the women in her mother's circle.
"Yes mother?" He said and turned around and placed his arm under his mothers elbow. He smiled his gorgeous smile and looked at me. Every time I saw him my heart literally stops.
"Have you been nice to Bella?" Mrs. Danvers asked.
"Yes, he has Mrs. Danvers. He and his friends have helped me a lot so I can adjust in the academy." I said before Caleb spoke.
"Ok then, I am glad, now Caleb take Bella were the young people are. She would be bored if she stays here. I guess you have a lot of fun things to do." She said and turned to my father who was talking to Karla.
"Yes, mother." Caleb said and rolled his eyes at her… I could see he hated formalities as well.
Charlie looked at me and nodded, and Caleb smiled at me and pulled me to where Kate was. She was smiling at Pogue and Tyler was playing with Reid.
"Bella!" Kate shouted and I was relief to be away from all the formalities.
"Hey! Kate. Hi guys." I smiled.
"You looked like you were being interrogated back there." Reid chuckled and the rest of them laughed.
"My father's job and formalities. I was just a little nervous, that is all." I took a big breath to calm my heart who was thinking that Caleb was holding my hand.
"Come on, we were waiting for you so we can go have FUN!" Pogue said and lifted Kate on his shoulders. She squealed and Pogue walked to the back of the house. Tyler and Reid followed them and I was left with Caleb.
"Where are we going?" I asked confused.
"We are going to the stables. We picked up an activity recently that maybe you would like." Caleb spoke and I froze... what! Horses and I don't mix, I would probably end on the hospital or killing the horse, I thought.
"No way!" I said and took a step back. I had always loved horses, but as a child, my mother could neither afford horseback riding lessons, nor the hospital bills that would have inevitably followed my first riding experience.
"Come on, you are with me. I won't let any warm come to you." He said and gave this reassuring smile while pulling me to walk with him. That little gesture made my heart race a 100 miles per hour. It was so odd, those words were almost the same words he said in my dream last night and the warm of those words came to me once again.
"Ok, but you better have the ambulance outside your house and then you explain to Charlie how I broke my neck." I frown and he laughed. His laugh was warm and had a strong hold on me. It made all my worries and fears disappeare.
When we got to the stables the guys were already in their way up the field. Each with one horse. Only Kate and Pogue were sharing one. They looked so in love that I felt my guts being squeezed tight on my stomach.
"Wait here, I will be right back." He said and I nodded, he walked in the stable and I was left on the fences in front of the stable.
There were 10 Spanish horses in the field and I walked toward them. I was curious, I have never been close to a horse before. As I got near them a few of the horses trotted away, while a couple looked on with mild interest staying behind.
I soundlessly as possible approached a black colored mare and reached my hand out to touch her. She jumped a little but didn't run so I ran my hand through her mane. She snorted appreciatively and leaned into my hand. This horse was beautiful. She became feisty when I got closer to place my head on her neck.
"It's okay." I whispered. "I won't hurt you." I said, continuing patting her stomach.
The horse leaned forward in expectation of my touch. I hesitated but, reached forward again, stroking her mane. The mare's ears perked up, and her head turned in the direction from which I'd just came. Caleb was coming to meet me and I could see his smile when he saw me with the horse.
"Shhh… it's ok, he won't hurt you either." I whispered to the horse.
"Wanna ride her, she is very calm and she seems to like you." He said. I stared at the horse and raised my eyebrows and continued to pet her.
I shrugged and walked towards one of the other horses. I spotted a bronze gold colored mare, "these horses are beautiful but I think no one deserves to be trapped like this. I think they are animals to be free, run in the field not for us to use them as we please."
"I guess you are right, but we treat them well, no hard labor or anything, they were my father's collection." Caleb spoke and ran his hand on the mare.
I gazed into his eyes and I could see they were lost in thought. He looked hurt and upset.
"Sorry I didn't mean to make you upset." I whispered low but I knew he heard me because he smiled.
"I'm not so upset, don't worry. I was just remembering the last time I saw my father brushing this mare's hair." Caleb said, walking over to me and patting the horse's shoulder. He had an amused look on his face
"Come on let's ride. You can ride with me so you feel safe." He said and smirked... OH MY GOD! I don't know why I was feeling this way, my hands were sweating, my heart rising and my brain was not processing things fast.
"Have you ridden?" he spoke again getting my attention.
"No, definitely not! I always wanted to, but I was always afraid of falling." I said embarrassed and staring down at the horse muscles twitching under my touch.
"Why were you? Afraid I mean" he asked.
"Oh well, I am a very clumsy girl and when I was little my mom was afraid that if I fall and I would brake my neck and besides we never really had the money to pay for lessons, or anything horse related, barn fees and the like so I let it go." I blushed. It was embarrassing to admit that we didn't have a lot of money.
"What about now?" he asked and I raised an eyebrow
"What about now?" I asked confused but I know where this was going and to tell the truth I was nervous as hell.
"Well, the horse is here and I am here." Caleb said, patting the horse.
"But I don't know how!" I cried, taking another step back.
"I'll show you." He said, patting the horse firmly on the shoulder, then hoisting himself up onto the horse's back. She whinnied loudly and he whispered softly in her ear, stroking her neck, "Easy, easy."
He looked down at me and raised his left eyebrow at me twice. "Ready?"
"Well, go on then. I will watch you" I said, exasperated.
"Uh-uh," he shook his head. He held out his hand and smiled coyly.
"What? You don't actually expect me to get up there with you." I shouted and the horse moved a little. I got scared only by looking how high Caleb look up there.
"Yes, come on." He sighed and stared at me once more.
"You're crazy." I said flatly, crossing my arms over my chest. I knew I was being a whiney baby but he actually expected me to get in that horse with him.
"Come on Bella. I know you want to. You won't fall off, I won't let you, trust me." He said and I shook my head once more. Could I trust him? Could I trust some one again? This was not anymore about riding a horse, it was me giving my trust to some else again.
I considered it, my resolve weakening. I bit my lip and sighed.
"Come on Bells." he said. I sighed once more and reached out for his arm.
"Good girl" he said, reaching down, and grasping me by the elbow and swinging me up onto the horse with him so that I was sitting in front of him, just behind the horse's shoulders.
I squealed a little because I was now really aware that the ground seemed far away and that I was very breakable. Where are the vampires when you need them. I thought feeling very scared.
"Don't be scared Bella." Caleb said soothingly on my ear. His breath brushing on my face. I shivered a little when a current of electricity went through my body.
"I am not." I said more like reassuring myself than answering him.
"Ok horse riding lesson 101; point your heels down, just flex your ankles a little, now make sure your legs are right here." He said reaching around me and pushing my knees inwards. "Squeeze enough to keep your balance here." He said and I followed all his instruction. Every time he touched me I felt my heart popping out of my chest
"What if I felt like I'm falling?" I blush feeling like a girly girl in every way.
"I'll be right here." He said, scooting closer towards me. His body pressing against my back, and leaning forward placing his hands on my thighs, holding me firmly in place. I gasp at his action, I had never been this close to him and I felt odd but I like it.
"Ready?"
"Y-yes," I said, unable to steady my voice.
"Ok!" Caleb said. He clicked his tongue and issued a light nudge with his heel and the horse began to move. I was scared as hell so I shut my eyes tight, expecting to feel the ground and pain to come.
When it didn't hurt I opened an eye hesitantly. We were moving lazily across the field. I looked around slightly confused.
"What?" he asked, sounding amuse.
"I just, I just thought that…" I started talking but he interrupted me.
"You thought that I'd have you galloping your first time on a horse?" he said chuckling.
"Well, yes." I said shyly.
He let out a laugh so loud that it eco across the field. I was impressed, I have never seemed him laughing this openly, he seems so care free and I love it. I wanted to hear that laugh again.
"Ashhhh... Stupid" I said, elbowing him lightly.
After a few minutes of moving around the field, the horse impatiently stamped her feet.
"Oh my god! Something wrong?" I asked scared again.
"Nothing is wrong, it is just that these horses are not used to going this slow. Are you ready for something faster?" he asked.
"Yes?" I asked uncertainly.
Caleb eased the horse around and nudged it with his calves. The horse broke into a bouncy trot. I felt myself slipping to the side, and tried to scoot back into place. Caleb used his arm to ease me towards the middle again.
"Wanna go faster?" he asked, pulling himself forward so that we hugged together tightly. "Just follow my movements and the movement of the horse and you will be fine." He said, our bodies moving together in a fluid motion with the horse.
My body was reacting in ways I never felt before. I felt care free and willing to try anything. This barbecue was the best meeting I have ever went to with Charlie. God bless him for moving out here.
I was beginning to comprehend the minute motions, the pattern of movement, and was able to ease into them comfortably. I felt this sense of confidence well up inside me. Until he clucked loudly and gave a firm kick, and the horse broke out into a gallop.
We started running across the pasture, the wind streaming past my face, making my eyes shut tight. It was scary but I knew I was safe with Caleb holding me. The feeling of freedom and happiness washed over me, and I couldn't help myself but to laugh like I hadn't done in almost a year. It was the first time that I felt like this.
Not even with Edward I felt this carefree, with him it was always so careful but now it was so different. I was different and I was in the arms of someone I now admit, I truly like.
Caleb laughed, turned the horse in a new direction and urged the horse forward. We were running across the field, until we approached the end of the paddock and we saw the guys not so far from where we were.
Caleb's arm clenched around me. I nearly fell off but he tightened his hold on me, and reached forward pulling firmly on the horse's mane. The horse reared back its head and slowed abruptly. My head flew forward at this and my heart literally stopped.
"Did I scare you?" he asked with a smirked on his face.
"You did!" I said, glaring at him. Stupid smug gorgeous man!
"Sorry, but I thought you wanted to slow down before we reached for the group." I turned around to see his face and as I did this, he looked at me. Our faces were inches apart, and I could feel his sweet mint breath on my face. I must be dreaming because I saw him lean over so our lips were touching slightly but then we heard an annoying voice calling us.
"Bella, Caleb… here you are." Kate squealed and the rest of them show up after she did with Pogue. I turned to them and smiled feeling very disappointed.
"Hey..." Caleb said and sighed.
"You had fun?" Reid asked me flashing a bright smile.
"I did." I said, rolling my eyes avoiding everyone's faces in order to hide my blush, I wanted to disappear. "I actually had an amazing time." I said when I no longer felt my face hot.
"Ok, let's go back so we eat something. I am starving." Pogue said started too walk with the others.
Caleb began to stroll in the direction from which we'd just came. We rode beside them. My eyes following the horses and our friends who had abruptly interrupted what it seems to be our first kiss. Kiss… I was going to kiss him and he was going to kiss me…. But does it mean he likes me? Shit or it was just the moment…
Maybe I was imagining things and it was just an accident and before Kate came he would have apologized for it… YEP that was it... just an accident.
On the way to the house, we talked about everything. They told me jokes they made with each other and I told them about my friends in Forks. I told them about how I always find myself in trouble and that my friends called me "danger magnet", they laughed at that. It was a very pleasant conversation. We got to the stables again and I got off the horse to walk toward the house.
I was fixing my hair when I heard Caleb speak from behind me near my ear.
"You know…. I haven't ridden for a long time? And I am glad I did this with you."
He whispered and walked pass me to meet the guys. Then he looked at me with a soft smile. Our eyes met briefly before I glanced down at my feet, smiled and blush all kinds of red.
"Wow... what was that!" Kate came from behind me. I still was blushing like crazy, so I tried to hide my face looking down.
"Nothing, he was just thanking me for the company!" I tried to defend myself but she just laughed harder.
"Yeah right! You know... you two made a hell of a cute couple." Kate smirked at me and I raised an eyebrow.
"Don't say it!" I said to my friend who was being a match maker all of the sudden.
"Yes. and I have to admit, it has been so long since I've seen Caleb smiling like that or even enjoying himself with us." Kate's face was serious.
"Why is that. you seem very close. Why wouldn't he?" I asked curious.
"Well... umm... seven months ago, Caleb's lost some one he really cared about and we lost a good friend as well." Kate looked really sad about it.
"Who was it?" I don't know but I had to ask.
"Sarah, she was his girlfriend and my best friend." She said and I could tell she didn't feel comfortable taking about it, so I tried to sympathize telling something personal about me.
"I know it is not the same, but I've lost some one too. Not just someone but a whole family." I said trying to let her know I understand their pain.
"Tell me about it?" she asked and I took a long breath before I told her the basic about Edward and his family.
"When I moved to Forks I met this guy. His name was Edward, his family took me in as a daughter. My best friend, Alice, she was very important to me too. I learned to love them all. I loved him very much, but that all changed on my birthday. Something happened and Edward left me. They all left me. It was like if I had died. I became very depressed. The doctor even mentioned catatonic to Charlie, my dad was really worried about me. So when I saw that it was killing him too, I tried to get better, and I did. Then almost eight months later, he got this job and we moved and now here we are.. I am still learning to deal with the pain but I am better…. but my point is…. that I know how a heartbreak feels and how hollow you feel so I understand your lost... and his loss even though my loss doesn't compare to yours. When you are left alone by someone you love… you turned your back to the world as well." I took another breath so the tears didn't come out.
"I had no idea... Bella… I am sorry." Kate said and hugged me.
"It is ok… now enough sad talk and let's get something to eat I am starving." I placed my arm around her shoulders and guide her to the food table where the boys were getting their food.
"But you know… you are changing him… he is feeling happy now... and thank you for that." Kate said and pointed me to Caleb who was playing and laughing with the guys.
We got our food and sat on table, we ate and laughed. I noticed Charlie talking and enjoying himself with the counsel too, it was so refreshing to see my father in a light mood.
The afternoon past really quickly between games and talks. I truly had a great time. Caleb and I didn't have the chance to speak alone for the rest of the day and I was very disappointed at that. It was almost five in the afternoon when Charlie came to find me so we could go home.
"Bella here you are ready to leave?" Charlie asked and I sighed.
"Yes. I am ready." I said but the truth was that I wasn't ready to leave yet. I wanted to stay with Caleb and the boys, but I had to go with Charlie. I knew we hadn't spend time together and we needed it.
"Chief... we were just asking Bella if she want to go with us to Nicky's. It's still very early for us." Caleb said and I instantly smiled.
"I don't know, tomorrow is a school day and she didn't bring her car. How would you get home?" Charlie said and I looked down.
"I will take her." Caleb said eagerly.
"Maybe some other time. I think that Bella and I should go home tonight." Charlie said and I knew it was because he didn't want to be alone tonight. We hadn't spent time together in this week and next week would he as hectic as this one was, so I smiled and nodded.
"It's ok guys, maybe some other time. I am actually pretty tired. I really enjoy today see you at school tomorrow!" I said and they were actually frowning.
"Good night." Charlie said and turned to bring the car.
"Good night Bella." Kate said and kiss my cheek and climb up on Pogués bike which by the way, it encourage me to buy mine soon.
"See ya Bells." Tyler said pushed Reid so he would let go of Marie. I was left alone with Caleb on the side walk.
"So are you going to Nicky's tonight?" I asked curious about it.
"I don't think so, I feel pretty tired too." he said and shook his head.
"Ohh well... umm I have to... see you tomorrow." I said when I spotted at Charlie who honked three times…
"Ok… bye" I said and turned around but he grabbed me by the wrist and spun me around to face him.
I ended up tripping but he caught me, I squealed at this but before I could say something, I felt his lips crashed into mine in the softest way possible. I have never had in my entire life a kiss so soft and sweet lips like these. I was speechless. I blinked my eyes a few times trying to comprehend what was happening. But soon I closed my eyes and responded the kiss.
"Good night Isabella." He whispered on my lips and smiled. He let me go and I smiled at him. I felt like if I was going to spontaneously combust at the moment.
"Good night" I smiled and turned around again where Charlie was of course enjoying the show.
I got in the car and shook my head, biting my lip and smiling at what had just happened. I hid my face with my hands expecting Charlie's extensive talk about boys again.
"Well I guess I could say you really enjoy the barbecue uh?" He chuckled as he drove out the gates of the Danver's residence.
"I don't want to talk about it Charlie" I said talking through my hidden face.
"Is there anything to talk about?" his tone changing from jokingly to serious.
"I don't know." I said after I calmed myself down and looked at him. I was confused about the whole day. Caleb's actions, his tone of voice, his charms, my feelings all seems too sudden.
"Do you like him?" Charlie asked breaking my thoughts.
"Dad… I… well…. he is ummm…." I sighed loudly and gave in…. "Yes dad I like him…" there… I admit it out loud and to tell the truth it didn't sound tragic. I like him and for his action today he liked me back…. but it was too soon… too fast…. Too normal and my life was all drama.
"Well, Bells... it seems he likes you too…" he said and I shook my head. I didn't want to believe that, just yet.
"I don't know, dad… It's too soon." I said as Charlie parked the car outside the house.
"Bella what happened with Edward was just one crush darling. Life will be full of those until you find the one that lifts you up off your feet... and never let you fall. But before that, you will get hurt. You will experience new things and the worse thing you can do is not take charge when they come. So if Caleb likes you and you like him back. Take the chance to feel again. It's called living, and it is wonderful. My darling daughter LIVE, don't hold back because you could get hurt in the process. Your father will always be next to you to help you stand back up again." Charlie said and turned to look at me. I lunged to his hold. I cried on his chest. I have never cried in front of Charlie, ever; not even when Edward left. Now I was crying because I was scared to fall in love again. I was crying because now I know I was able to move on from the one I thought would be "my forever"
After I ruined his favorite shirt with my tears, he kissed my head and made a joke about how I have ruined my make up. I laughed and got out of the car. We spent the rest of the night enjoying board games and making plans to bring Billy and Jacob to see the house. I was happy about it; Jacob meant my way to learn to ride a bike and I was willing to take it.
Charlie and I agreed that he would call Billy later this the week to see if they could come next weekend and spent at least a week with us. I was glad because Charlie was glowing with joy and so was I to see my dad happy. Billy was in a way his brother and I was sure he missed him greatly.
It was almost eleven when we went to bed. Neither of us talked about what had happened in the car, we just let it be. I went to my room after saying good night and decided to take a bath; I needed to think and I think better when I was relaxed.
I got in and sighed in contentment; in the instant I got in the tub my muscles loosen up tremendously and I started thinking about my day when it hit me…
"SHIT… I kissed him…. Well he kissed me…. but I kissed him back!" I said with my eyes wide open staring at the bubbles on the tub.
I soon realized that I was smiling touching my lips where the feeling of his lips on mine lingered. Caleb Danvers had kissed me and tried to kiss me on the field. I couldn't believe it!... I squealed in the tub and screamed some water spilt out the tub but I was in heaven… I wanted to cry, laugh and screamed my lungs out that Caleb Danvers kissed me today and I LOVE IT!
Well what do you think...? Romantic or not….
