Disclaimer: I own no rights to "Twilight" or any characters within the books.
A.N. I just want to say thanks to everyone who reviewed the last Chapter, it really made me feel good about this story. I had a bit of writer's block with this Chapter that's why it took so long for me to update. I hope it's to your liking, but it's more of a filler Chapter if anything.
There's a pivotal point in this Chapter for Bella and Edward, which was my main focus for Chpt. 8.
Please R&R and tell me what you thought of this Chapter.
As always, I have to show love for some of my favorite reviews…even though ALL of my reviews are great, I just like to shine the spotlight on random ones.
Lulu.1989 wrote: I personally think it would be funny if Bella ** slapped Alice. From personal
experience I beat the crap out of my "best friend" when I walked in on her and my ex going at it like rabbits in my bed. a few months after the incident me and her talked it out and have been friends since then, we were never the same again but we still talk. So I don't think Bella should forgive Alice so quickly. Just my opinion. Can't wait for the update.
Snoodles wrote: I can't believe that Alice knew what she what she was doing! Jasper at least woke up to a **. Not to many guys are going to back away after that. Jasper also wants to talk to Bella face to face. Alice just sounds phony. I think that Bella just needs to tell Alice off in a big way. If it could be around Alice's parents or the school gossip would be great. Of course Bella will realize that E/B and J/A are truly soulmates and would have found each other in time.
**I wanted to add real quick that I do NOT have a BETA for this story, so please forgive me if you find spelling and grammar errors or if I go from present to past tense when I shouldn't. This whole writing thing is still new to me. Thx for understanding.:)
I awoke to the sun shining bright in the sky, the next morning. I slept wonderfully last night and I feel very much refreshed.
After a hot shower, I pulled on a light washed skirt with fringes on the end and a pink babydoll top. I stepped into a pair of pink flip-flops and headed down to the kitchen, picking up my phone on my way.
There was a note waiting for me on the corkboard saying that my mom went to drop off PaPa at the church to help out with feeding the homeless. She said she would return after making a stop at the grocery store.
Our meeting with the insurance guy wasn't until nine, so there's still plenty of time for me to grab a quick bite to eat and maybe call Edward before he goes to school.
I wasn't that hungry so I just ate a bowl of Fruit Loops and washed out my dishes when I was done.
I went into the family room to get comfy and make my phone call. I dialed the number and waited for him to answer. He picked up on the second ring.
"Bella, I didn't expect to hear from you this early," he said.
"Oh are you not happy that I called you," I said teasingly.
"Don't ever think that, love. I want to hear your sweet voice each and every day. I want to wake up to it, listen to it throughout my day and go to bed hearing it. Don't ever think anything otherwise," he told me.
"That was the sweetest thing anyone has ever said to me. Sometimes I think you're just too good for me and I won't ever be good enough for you," I told him honestly.
"You're not only the best thing for me Bella, you were made specifically for me. I can't imagine myself with another woman for the rest of my life. Why do you think I wouldn't date any of those sluts at school? They're not you and I didn't want to settle. So don't ever think you're not good enough for me, if anything, I'm not good enough for you.
"You know, you're making it very hard not to fall in love with you so quickly. If I didn't have so much baggage to sort through first, I would allow myself to just let go and be with you completely. I just hope you can be patient and allow me the time I need to get through this."
"I'm not going anywhere love. I have no problem with being patient and waiting on you. I'm even willing to come out there and be with you, to hold your hand or do whatever you need me to just so you don't have to go through this alone."
"That would mean a lot to me, but like I told you last night I can't ask you to do that. No matter how badly I may want you to be here."
"Edward, don't you need to get to school? It's almost eight and you're going to be late."
"No I'm not going to be late, love. I'm already at school. I've been sitting in my car talking to you. I do need to go and get to class though, but I can ditch if you want to talk some more," he said hopefully.
"As much as I would like to talk to you more, I do need to get going myself. We have a meeting with the insurance agent in an hour and I need to help my mom unload the groceries she just brought in. Call me later though, okay?"
"I'll call you at lunch. In the meantime, I will be thinking of you love."
"And I you. Have a good day at school Edward. Talk to you soon."
We disconnected from our call and I went to help my mom in the kitchen.
"Was that Jazz you were talking to Bella," she asked.
I couldn't lie to her, well I could, but I didn't want to. She would find out sooner or later.
"No mom, I was talking to Edward. Jasper and I are no longer together. Before you ask, it was a mutual decision."
I decided to give her half of the truth. I wouldn't tell my mom why we truly broke up, because I didn't want her to look down on Jasper. I'm not a saint in all of this either, so why should I paint him as being the villain?
"Sweetheart, when did all of this happen. You just went on a date with him just last week. Does Edward have anything to do with this?"
"No mom, Edward does not have anything to do with the reason Jasper and I broke up. I do like Edward though, but Jasper does not know that. We've just outgrown each other," I made up.
"Do you think it's wise for you to be moving on to another boy when you just broke up with one? I don't think that's very smart Bella. I'm sure your father will agree with me."
"Mom, I think it's my choice on who I date and who I don't date. You even told me that I shouldn't be too serious with one guy and that I should date different people while I'm young. I don't want to be with Jasper in that way anymore and it may not even work out between Edward and I, but I want to give it a try."
"It's your call Bella, I just hope you know what you're doing. You know that I will support your decision if it's what you truly want."
With that said, we finished unloading the groceries and made sure the house was cleaned up before the insurance agent arrived.
At exactly nine, the doorbell rang. My mom went to answer the door, while I waited in the dining room. A few minutes later, she walked in, followed by a tall muscular guy named Jacob. He had to be damn near six feet seven inches. His hair was silky black and really long, pulled back into a ponytail.
He was definitely a good-looking man and I noticed that some lucky girl had caught him. His left ring finger housed a gold band with diamonds around it.
I stood as they entered the room and my mom introduced him to me. He shook my hand and said hello. His hand was rough and callused, like he work on cars or something.
We all sat at the table and he pulled out a thick folder and placed it on the table. He gave us his condolences and then went over my grandmother's policies with us, letting us know what the amounts were on them.
Since her death was sudden and wasn't found to be suspicious, he said there would be no investigation and that we could come by his office on Wednesday to pick up the checks, since the death certificate had been faxed over to him just this morning. (A.N. This may be unrealistic, I've never had to deal with anything like this and since it's only a fictional story I thought it wouldn't matter.)
My mom had a few questions and he answered them with ease. He was very thorough and made sure that we understood everything before he left.
My mom and I walked him to the door and before he stepped through the door he turned and said that his wife, Vanessa had made some food dishes for us and they were in his car.
I walked out to his car with him and helped bring in the food she had prepared. She had made quite a bit of food and I thought that was really nice of her to do that. Considering she didn't know my grandmother or any of us.
I thanked him for everything and then walked him to the door. After he drove away, I went back into the dining room to sit with my mom. She was sitting there looking through the documents Jacob had left for us. I could see the tears welling up in her eyes.
I just sat down next to her and put my arm around her, leaning my head on her shoulder. She leaned her head on top of mine and cried a few tears. I began to cry too, remembering my grandmother. After a few moments she pulled away from me and stood up, placing all the documents back in the folder.
I wiped my tears away and stood up too. She told me that she was going to go and meet with the funeral director and then go over to the church to finalize things for the funeral on Saturday. She said she would return when PaPa was ready to come home.
She drove my grandfather's Lexus, leaving me the rental car. I decided that I didn't want to stay in the house, so I opted to go to the mall. It was just after ten and the mall opens up at eleven. By the time I drove over to the mall, it would be open.
I needed to get a black dress to wear to the funeral and something to wear to the viewing on Friday. So my visit to the mall wouldn't be for nothing.
I pulled up to Arrowhead Mall and parked outside of the Macys department store. I headed inside the store and made my way to the junior department.
I found a simple gray pinstriped pencil skirt and a white blouse that I could wear to the viewing. Finding a black dress was proving to be more difficult.
I went over and looked in the more formal section to see if I could find something over there. After a brief look around, I found a black, knee length sleeveless wrap dress. It was perfect, considering. I didn't even try it on, I just found my size and placed it on my arm with my other items.
I needed a pair of black pumps too, so I checked out the shoe department and found a pair of 3 ½ inch peep toe pumps that would work with both outfits.
After paying for my purchases, I went out into the mall to browse a few stores. I also just wanted to get my mind off the bad things in my life and get lost in the world of window-shopping.
At 12:30 I made my way over to the food court and got myself some Panda Express. Of course I couldn't finish all my food, they give you way too much. I took the rest with me and I made my way back through Macys and out to the rental car.
I drove over to Border's Books to browse their books. I needed some new reading material and Border's was one of my favorite bookstores.
I wasn't sure what I was looking for exactly, I just wanted to browse really. If something caught my eye, then I may be inclined to make a purchase.
I looked around at the newly released books and found one to my liking. It was titled "The Host" and it was by Stephenie Meyers. The summary sounded amazing so I grabbed one of the hardcover books and placed it in my basket. On the inside of the book were a list of other books by this author, so I decided to find those books as well and see if they would interest me.
They were located over in the youth section of the store and after reading a few pages from the first book, there's four in the series, I was hooked. So I added all four books to my basket as well, of course they all had the hardback cover. It's just what I prefer.
After getting a new journal and a couple bookmarks, I made my way up to the checkout to pay for my purchases. The cashier made polite conversation with me, once she saw what I was purchasing.
"You're a Stephenie Meyers fan huh," she asked.
"No, not so much. I've just discovered her and all these books sound very interesting," I told her.
"Oh. Did you know she lives here in Phoenix? I've met her once before and she's really one of the nicest people you'll meet. These "Twilight" books are a big hit. Have you seen the movie?"
"Nope, I've never seen the movie or heard of her before. If the book is as good as it sounds, I will probably check out the movie."
I gave her my debit card and went through the verification process and then I thanked her and left the store.
I drove back to my PaPa's house, it's going to take some time to get use to saying that, and went straight up to my room to put away my purchases. No one was home, so I thought this would be as good a time as any to start reading one of the books.
I grabbed the "Twilight" book out of the bag and headed back downstairs, remembering to bring my phone along with me. I didn't want to miss Edward's call.
I got comfy in one of the oversized armchairs in the family room and began reading my book.
Two hours later I was damn near finished with the book. I am totally and irrevocably in love with this book! I can't wait to read the other three.
As if on cue, my phone started humming the ringtone I picked out for Edward, "Angel of Mine" by Monica.
I picked up on the first ring. Anxious much…I thought to myself with a laugh.
"Hey you. I was just thinking about you," I said to him.
"Oh really, then that makes two of us. I've been thinking about you all day. So much so that I left in the middle of sixth period so I could come home and call you," he told me.
"That's so sweet Edward, but I don't like the fact that you skip class just to call me. I would have still been here after school."
"Don't worry about Bella, I didn't totally skip class. I just feigned sick and the teacher let me leave early. You know that I could pass that class with my eyes close and only showing up for test days. I missed you today, please just understand that and not give me grief woman," he said exasperated.
"Okay I'll let up on the reprimanding since this isn't a usual occurrence for you. Just so you know though, I miss you just as much. So how did things go today?"
"I basically ignored Alice and completely ignored Jasper. Rose and Angela kept giving me weird looks, trying to figure out why I was treating Ali and Jasper the way I was. Your brother came over to make sure we all knew about your grandmother and even told us when the funeral would be. I think my parents may come down, but don't say anything to your mom, Carlisle isn't sure if he can get the time off yet."
"I'm sure that would make my mom very happy if Esme and Carlisle could make it. I won't say anything to her though in case they're not able to come."
"Edward, I really want you to be normal with Alice and Jasper. I mean, we did do things that we should not have been doing either that same night. You knew I was with Jasper and even if he was down the dancefloor kissing Ali and letting her feel him up, that doesn't make what we did any less wrong. So can you try to be nicer to them," I pleaded.
"You really are something. Those two do the most unforgivable thing to you and you're worried about the way I'm treating them. God you're wonderful. You are so selfless Bella and that's one of the things I love about you."
"Oh really. What are some of the other things you love about me?"
"Where do I start? I love your beautiful silky hair, your doe like eyes, the way you bite your bottom lip when you're nervous and the one that tops my list of things is the way you tasted when you came in my mouth."
I damn near creamed my panties when he said that last part. He definitely has no shame that's for sure.
"Wow Edward, you really know how to make a girl smile and wet her panties. Too bad you're not here to see for yourself," I said flirtatiously.
I couldn't believe how forward I was being with him, but then again, I felt so comfortable with Edward that it just came naturally. I love the way he makes me feel.
"Hmmm, we'll have to see about that," he said without continuing.
"What does that mean," I asked curiously.
"Just that we'll have to see how I make you wet your panties. What did you think I meant?"
"Oh nothing, I just was clarifying…that's all."
I was sure there was a hint of an underlying meaning in his words, but it must have just been in my head.
We talked for a bit more and then he had to go and help his mom with dinner. He promised to call me later this evening before he went to bed for the night.
I went back to reading my book, waiting for my mom and PaPa to get back. It was now after four and I wasn't sure what time they served dinner to the homeless over at the church. I knew that once that was done, PaPa would more than likely be ready to come home.
I had just finished my book and was looking through all the various dishes of food to see what to warm up for dinner, when I heard them pull into the driveway. There were two resounding sounds of car doors closing. Moments later I heard the key turning in the lock and then my mom and PaPa was entering the house.
I went into the family room to meet them. I hadn't seen my PaPa all day and I had missed him. I practically ran into his arms and gave him a hug.
"Did you miss me today Bellzy? I missed you. Maybe you can come and assist me one day this week at the church. That way we could spend some time together and you can see what I do when I'm at the church," he said with a smile.
"That would be cool PaPa. I can go with you tomorrow if you're going back."
"Great, that sounds like a plan."
I looked over at my mom who was smiling at us. She didn't look sad, her smile reached her eyes making them shine bright as ever.
"How was your day mom," I asked her.
"Oh it was really pleasant over there at the church. I helped with feeding the homeless and I got to meet your grandfather's pastor. We finalized the details for your grandmother's funeral on Saturday."
"Speaking of which, I really need to go and call your father so he can purchase tickets for him and James," she told me.
"I'm glad that you had a nice time mom. Tell dad hello for me, okay," I said to her as she turned to go off to another part of the house.
"Are you hungry PaPa?"
"Not at all. Your mom and I ate with the homeless. It was a gratifying experience for her. Your grandmother and I use to sit and eat with them all the time. Hearing some of their stories just makes your heart ache for them and makes you really appreciate the things that you have. Some of them have master degrees and use to make six figures, but with the change of the economy they loss everything."
"That is so sad. I'm so glad that mom and dad always taught James and I to never take anything for granted. That's why it has never mattered to me if we had money or not. As long as I have my family I'm happy…I'm truly happy with just my family and their love."
After that we were quiet for a moment and then my grandfather said something to me that made me question a lot of things.
He told me that I was never created for Jasper (he literally said his name) and that the one I was created for would be revealed to me on Thursday. Then he got up, kissed the top of my head and left the room.
I couldn't do anything but stare at the empty spot he stood in moments ago. I've heard my mom tell me things about PaPa's random visions, over the years. I've never really put much thought into them, until now.
One thing I won't do is doubt his words, because his visions have been known to come true. I will just have to wait it out and see what comes of it.
My mom came into the family room with me while I was watching TV and told me that my dad and James would be arriving on Thursday evening. She told me that dad had called Jasper to see if he wanted to come with him and James to Phoenix for the funeral. Thinking that it would be nice for you to have your boyfriend here with you.
Jasper informed your dad that you had asked him not to come, that you needed to do this alone and he was going to respect your wishes. My mom and I both knew that he just told Charlie that so he wouldn't ask any more questions.
My mom said that she told my dad that Jasper and I broke up and that it was a mutual decision. She told me that dad wanted to talk to me and she told him that I didn't want to talk about Jasper. He didn't push, so she said that he might ask questions when he gets here Thursday.
Just great, I thought to myself. I could pull a lie over on my mom, but my dad would see right through my lies. I wouldn't be able to keep the truth from him, he would pull it out of me in the end. He'll use all that police interrogation crap on me and get me to spill everything I've never wanted him to know.
I would have to be careful not to give too much away, in hopes that my father would just be satisfied with knowing that Jasper and I parted on good terms. Even if it's a lie, I have to make him believe it.
Where my mom would be more forgiving about what Jasper did if she was to find out, my father would not. Jasper would be mud in his book and no amount of good deeds will make him forget what he's done. I couldn't live with that, Jasper is a good guy who's made bad choices.
My mom and I sat and talked and watched some TV together, before I went off to my bedroom to wait for Edward to call. I needed to hear my angels voice to make me think of happier things.
The next two days went by in a blur. I had spent the day with my PaPa at his church on Tuesday feeding the homeless and met some really nice people. On Wednesday my mom and I went to the insurance agent's office to pick up the checks from my grandmother's policy. If Jacob wasn't married and I wasn't head over heels for Edward, he would definitely be somebody I could see myself being with. After stopping off and depositing the checks in my grandfather's account, my mom and I went back to the house and finished packing up all the things of grandmother's that my PaPa didn't want to keep. The Salvation Army would be picking those things Friday morning.
So here it is Thursday and I'm sitting in the kitchen talking with my mom. PaPa is at the church again, his normal routine through the week.
"Don't forget that I'm expecting a delivery sometime this afternoon and I need for you to stay here at the house to sign for it. I should be back later this evening after PaPa is done over at the church. We'll pick your father and James up from the airport this evening," she reminded me.
"I don't have any plans to go anywhere mom, so I'll be here. You never did say who these friends of yours are that you're going to meet up with. Is it anyone I know," I asked her.
" I may have mentioned them before, but they're just friends I knew from a long time ago. I really need to get going Bella. I'll see you later," she said while walking to the door.
I walked her to the door and she gave me a kiss on the cheek and I watched as she walked over to my grandfather's car, got in and moments later she was pulling away from the house.
I wasn't sure what kind of package she was expecting. It couldn't be the obituaries because they were being delivered to the funeral home. I was a bit curious, so I made sure to stay in the family room so I wouldn't miss the delivery when it came.
I had just finished cleaning the kitchen and was going to watch a movie when the doorbell rang. I walked over to the door, not even bothering to look through the peephole. When I opened door, I was not prepared to see who was standing on the other side.
"Edward!"
He was standing there looking more gorgeous than I remembered. All I could do is stare after saying his name. I didn't even make a move towards him or invite him inside the house. I guess I was being a tad bit rude.
"Um Bella, is it alright if I come inside," he asked a bit hesitantly.
"Oh um, yeah, right…sure. I'm sorry Edward, I'm just a bit surprised to see you, but please come inside."
As if I wasn't flustered enough already, he goes and dazzles me with the crooked smile of his as he walks past me into the house.
I shut the door firmly behind him and walk up to him and before I could make a move, he wrapped his arms around my waist and pulled me close to him while placing his lips on mine. We stood there kissing for a good few minutes before we needed to come up for air.
God this man knew how to take my breath away. His kisses were amazing and it felt so wonderful to be inside of his warm embrace. I was in heaven.
"Edward what are you doing here, how…why? Do your parents know you're here? What about school?"
"Bella take a breath. Slow down and let me answer your questions, why don't we go and have a seat?"
I led us into the kitchen because I needed something cold to drink. I offered him a soda and he accepted. I then sat at the kitchen table, with him sitting in the chair next to me.
"Remember the other night when you said how you wish I was here to hold you and I told you that I could be here the very next day?"
I nodded my head.
"Well, after hearing how much you wanted to have someone else besides your mother or grandfather to comfort you, I knew I had to come. I talked to my parents about it and they agreed to let me come with them and miss school so I could be here for you. Before you ask, my parents are the friends your mom is meeting up with right now. She's known about us coming since Tuesday. My mom called and told her."
"At first she was skeptical about me coming along, but my mom told her that you practically asked me to come here. She must have understood that you needed someone here for you too and I'm guessing you told her about Jasper and you already."
"Yeah, I told her we broke up a few days ago. Of course she had questions, but I just told her that it was a mutual decision," I told him.
"Well I'm just glad that she said it was okay for me to come. It's been hell not seeing your beautiful face each day. Not being able to hold you or kiss you has been complete torture."
"I've missed you so much too Edward. Why is it so intense between us and we haven't even officially agreed to be together?"
"Maybe because we're meant to be together so our chemistry is almost combustible when we're together. I know I feel electricity alive in my veins whenever I'm near you and it's only become more intense since the night at the club," he said.
As I listened to Edward's explanation, something he said struck me hard and made me gasp. "We're meant to be together", is what he said. Suddenly my Papa's words came flooding back in my mind…"the one I was created for would be revealed to me on Thursday."
Could Edward really be my soulmate? The person I was intended for? I could definitely see myself being his wife, pregnant with his children, even growing old together.
Edward is my destiny and I'm not going to let another moment pass without us being together.
"I want to ask you something and I need for you to be completely sure of your answer. Okay Edward," I said to him.
"Sure love, what is it?"
"What do you want to happen between us, specifically?"
"I'm not sure exactly what you're asking me Bella. Do you mean today, tomorrow, or in the long run?"
"Long term," I said.
"Oh that's easy, I want to start out by being your boyfriend, getting to know you and falling more in love with you. Then when the time is right, I want you to be my wife. Before you ask, yes I know that it's you I want as my wife and the mother of my future children. Is that specific enough?"
I swooned when he told me that he wanted me to be his wife one-day. I didn't expect him to go that far in detail, but I guess I did say "long term".
"That makes me very happy Edward. I want those same things with you too. I just hope that I can make you happy in the long run and you don't have a reason to seek solace or love in another woman's arms."
"Bella, I will never hurt you the way that Jasper did. I've never felt this way about any other woman in my life. You are my life now," he said with earnest in his voice.
"I'm trusting you with my heart Edward and I honestly believe that you will not harm it. So if you want me to be your girlfriend, I accept. I still have to talk to Jasper so let's not say anything to anyone until I have a chance to meet face to face with him."
"I won't say anything to anyone Bella, until you're ready for us to do that. I must say that you've made me the happiest man in the world right now. So from this moment until you become my fiancée, you are my girlfriend."
"Yes I am."
"So girlfriend, what do you want to do now," he said with amusement in his voice.
"Edward, you know that you don't have to refer to me as "girlfriend". I'm still Bella, an individual," I said laughing at him.
"I know, I was just being funny. I'm glad that you're my Bella…all mine."
"That sounds nice, real nice actually," I said.
It was still early enough that my mom wouldn't be coming home for awhile with my PaPa and we have to go and get James and my dad from the airport.
"Edward, where are you and your parents staying?"
It had just occurred to me that I didn't know where he would be sleeping.
"Oh we're staying at the Renaissance over by the stadium. Not far from here at all," he said like he was familiar with this area.
"How do you know how far is not far from here? I thought you've never been to Phoenix," I asked suspiciously.
"My dear Bella, there's always the Internet, mapquest, and GPS."
"Yeah, I guess I didn't really think that one through before I asked."
"That's okay my love, I know you're probably still in shock from me just showing up on your doorstep without any forewarning. So, you're forgiven."
I could've slapped the smirk off his smug face, but he looked too adorable for me to be violent.
We sat and talked for a little while and then he asked if he could take me out to dinner and I agreed after calling to see if that would be okay with my mother. She said she would go pick up my brother and my dad by herself and I could see them when I got back.
Before we disconnected our call, I thanked her for letting Edward come out to be with me and I also told her that Edward and I were a couple now and that she should prepare dad before he gets to the house. She said she would inform him and James of the new development so it wouldn't be too awkward.
After going to change my clothes into something more suitable for going out to dinner we left the house. Edward drove the rental car his parents got, it was a silver Chrysler 300.
We opted on Olive Garden for dinner, we were both in the mood for Italian food. The restaurant wasn't crowded, so we didn't have to wait long for a table when we got there.
Dinner was a pleasant experience. We talked a lot, held hands over the table, and even fed each other food off the other's plate. It was exactly what I needed to get my mind off what was coming in the days ahead.
I knew that in no time I would be hopelessly in love with Edward Cullen and I would love every minute of it.
After dinner we drove to his hotel to hang out for a bit. My father and brother will be arriving soon and I wanted to give my mother plenty of time to tell him about Edward and me.
Edward has his own room, separate from his parents. Of course it was plush and beautiful. Although I'm not big on people buying me things, especially expensive things…I would let Edward spoil me as much as he want to. That's what people do when they love someone.
"Bella, are you okay? Did you want me to take you back to your grandfather's house, instead of coming here," he asked me.
"No, I want to be here with you. I was just taking in how nice this room is. I'm sorry that I drifted off into my own little world."
"Oh that's okay, I just wanted to be sure you were okay. How about we take a seat and talk some more? Or we can just sit in silence, whatever you like…we can do."
The last part of that statement was open to so many possibilities. I could see myself doing a lot of things with Edward, but in time of course.
"Edward I just want you to know I do fully intend to be with you in every way couples are together. Can I ask that you give me just a little bit of time, before we sleep together? I want all of my baggage put to rest and I don't want any skeletons in my closet. Do you understand what I mean by that?"
"There's no rush for us to sleep together love. Maybe I did seem a bit aggressive before, but after what you've been through I just want to go slow so I don't scare you away. So yes, I understand what you mean."
"Whatever did I do to deserve you? You are remarkable."
"No Bella, it's I who isn't deserving of you. You're perfect in every way imaginable for me and I'm lucky enough to have you as my girlfriend."
We made out some and then watched a movie on the free HBO channel his hotel offered. It was pretty good too, although I can't remember the name of it.
Around eight, I had Edward drive me back to the house so I could see my father and James. I was tense because I didn't know what to expect when I arrived. My grandfather's Lexus and our rental car were parked in the driveway.
Edward's parents were here as well, they would be driving back to the hotel together.
We made our way to the door and I took a deep breath as I turned the knob and walked in. I could hear voices coming from the family room, so we walked in the direction of the voices.
As we entered the family room my mom came to greet us. Giving Edward a warm hug hello and then kissing me on the forehead. She leaned in and said, "Your father and brother are aware of your break-up with Jasper and your new relationship with Edward." They will not bother you with questions, for now.
I thanked her and felt a heavy burden lift off my shoulders. Now I wasn't so scared to face Charlie. When I came fully into the room I saw Carlisle and Esme first, they gave me a hug and a kiss on the cheek. James was next, he gave me a big hug…lifting me off my feet and twirling me around a bit.
"I missed you little sis," he said warmly.
"I missed you too James, really I did," I said to him with honesty.
"Aww, don't make me cry in front of everybody," he said jokingly.
"Crying never hurts anybody."
He moved over to shake Edward's hand and then I was face to face with my dad. He gave me an awkward hug and said, "how are you Bells. You look good."
"I'm good dad and I feel good. Thanks for saying so."
There was a red haired lady sitting on the sofa next to my mom and I couldn't quite see her face because my mom was blocking it from view. Finally James spoke up and motioned me over to where the lady was sitting.
"Hey Bella, this is my girlfriend Victoria."
I thrust my hand forward to shake her hand and I said hello. She looks really mature for her age. I thought for sure she was around 21, but she's actually 19…like James.
Edward and I sat in the two oversized chairs that were in the family room. I noticed that my PaPa wasn't here, but when I asked about him, my mom said he was tired and he went to bed.
I knew that tomorrow and Saturday was going to be hard on him and I hope that he will be okay.
After about an hour Carlisle said that they were going to get ready to go, but that they would be here in the morning to help out with anything we needed help with. I walked out to the car with them so I could say bye to Edward without my parents watching.
I told him he could call me tonight if he wanted to talk, because I would probably be awake. He gave me a deep passionate kiss and then got into the backseat of the car. They watched me walk back up to the house and then drove away.
Back inside, everyone was a little quiet. I asked my mom if she needed me to make up the room for James, but she said it was already done. I excused myself for the night and went up to my room. I just wanted to take a shower and crawl into bed. I did just that.
Edward didn't call me, but he sent me a text to say goodnight. I replied with the same sentiment.
I fell asleep thinking of my day with my new boyfriend, but ended up dreaming about my grandmother and the one time she took James and I to the Phoenix zoo. We had such a good time and we made it a habit to visit the zoo at least once a year together. I would miss those kinds of outings we use to share.
The next day was hectic and sad. The viewing went off without any problems. There seemed to be an everlasting flow of people coming and going. I didn't even know my grandmother knew this many people.
When Edward notice me getting tense and if I looked like I was going to cry, he held my hand and stayed close to me. He was wonderful through the whole thing.
We were all so exhausted that we all came home and went right to bed. Saturday morning was going to be the hardest day of all.
The next morning I woke up pretty early and I was dreading the memorial service. Only because I knew it would be hard for me to see my grandmother in that casket and not her usual happy self.
As hard as it was, I pulled myself out of bed and took a shower. I just put my hair up in a French twist and applied some light make-up. I didn't want to make it look like I was a drag queen or something dramatic like that.
The wrap dress complimented my body and I felt comfortable wearing it. When I made it downstairs, Edward and his parents were there waiting.
I couldn't even eat this morning. I just didn't have any appetite at all.
Edward patted the seat next to him so I could come and sit with him. He looked so handsome in his all black suit. I sat next to him and leaned my head on his shoulder. We all just sat in silence waiting for the rest of my family to make their way down.
The funeral home was sending over two family cars for us. Edward was riding with me and whoever else my mom designated to ride in the car with us. I was going to need Edward close by all day today, so that I could stay sane.
We were all ready and waiting downstairs for the cars to arrive. I had introduced my PaPa to Edward and he immediately liked him. They were talking off and on and then the doorbell rang. The driver of the first car told my mom that they're ready whenever we are.
We all left the house and made our way to the cars. In no time we were making the journey to the church where the memorial service would be held. In just a couple of hours, my grandmother's body would be put in the earth, never to walk this earth again. In just a couple of hours, I would say goodbye to the woman who had given me my own mother. I would be saying goodbye to…my friend.
A.N. I'm really curious to know what you thought about this Chapter. I had a really hard time writing it and then I wasn't really satisfied with the finished product. Please don't hold back…your reviews are motivation for me to continue this story. It's the Chicken Noodle Soup to My Soul.
Also I wanted to let you all know that I'm working on another story that I will be posting in the coming weeks. I have the title "Doing Things Her Way" and I'm working on the last part of Chapter 1, but I won't post it until I have Chapter 2 started and close to finished. So please look out for that. Thx!
