A/N
By the way, we're already on the second half of the story. :(
Chapter 9
Camping
I drop my backpack on the ground and stretch my back. We've found a clearing in the middle of the woods. It was a long walk so I slump, sitting on the ground. I took my water jug and drank as much as I could. The guys decided they should get logs and twigs for the campfire.
Alice and Rose are still chatting about the upcoming wedding. This left Angela and I to ourselves. She starts the conversation by asking about Edward's childhood.
"He tells me you guys were pretty close," she says. The butterflies in my stomach come alive. He talks about me, that gives me hope. But then I have to remind myself that I am talking to his girlfriend.
"Well, as close as we can get, I suppose. We went to school together and I'm his bestfriend's sister," I give a sad smile as I think of how far our relationship was from what I just described.
"Maybe you can help me think of a way to surprise him for our anniversary next month? He's a very private man, he never really tells me a lot of stuff about himself. I have to observe him to know," she relays, deep in thought.
I nod knowing it's the truth. I wrap my arms around my middle, afraid that my guts can spill at anytime now. I try to look for answer, "Well, um...I think he's a very simple man," I tell her but really what I wanted to say is that he's so extraordinary, intelligent, creative and beautiful.
Rose picks up on our conversation, distracting Angela about wedding details and giving me a knowing look. I thank her silently, pulling out my phone and earpods to listen to music while I wait.
Soon enough, I find myself helping out in putting up the tent. Jazz brought a tent for two while Em brought a bigger tent. It can fit five so, obviously, I have to take the 5th spot.
Rose exclaims, "Wow, Bells, you're packing it, you know," as she slaps my butt. I jump in surprise and turn around to laugh and hit her back. Everybody laughs at our banter except for Edward. I realize he's staring so I move closer to Rose, feeling more exposed than ever.
Once it's dark and the campfire has been lit, we all sit around the fire as Jazz and Alice serve us bread and cooked fish that the guys have caught earlier. The storytelling then ensues.
"Do you remember when you guys, Ed and Em, walked around the school like you were god's gift to women, when in reality you're both just little dipshits then?" Jasper asked while laughing. He was a level higher than Ed and Em in school.
We all laughed. "Oh, Angela, if you just knew," Alice tells her nostalgically.
"I really hated it when you'd prance around with your girlfriend of the month, then," Rose tells Em, "it was like I didn't exist. And I was right under your nose!"
I laugh, remembering that I only found out about Rose's appreciation for my brother later on in our friendship.
"Hey, I've always noticed you, baby," Em kisses Rose's forehead, "it's Bella who didn't want me around you."
Everyone 'awwed' and I looked at Edward. We share a moment as we remember the times we stole once Emmett and Rose started dating.
"How about Edward?" Angela asked excitedly, cuddling into his boyfriend some more.
"Oh, oh! I know," Em volunteers, "on our senior year, I once saw him sneak behind the bleachers with Jessica Stanley."
I choke on the food that I was eating. Everybody worries about me. I'm fine, I keep telling them and I heard Rose gasp from behind me. I look at her pleadingly and she nods quietly.
After I drink water to loosen my pipes, I look at Edward in panic. He only smirks at me like this is the exact reaction he wanted to get out from me.
"Did you lose your virginity to her?" Em probes.
Both Edward and I choke on our food this time. Angela assists Edward while Rose comes by my side to give me some more water.
"Are you feeling alright, Bells?" Em asks me and I nod vigorously, hoping to take his attention away from me.
Edward pats his chest, "Can we not talk about my virginity or past sex life?"
Emmett laughs out loud, "It's just that you're the 'I'm waiting for the right person' kind of guy and you never told me who you lost it to."
"Let's just say I lost it to someone special," he says while giving me a look.
I look down and finish my food quietly. I only have a bottle of beer after dinner then I decide to sleep early. I don't think I can take anymore of the reminiscing.
