Sunfeathers, lyta7… as always, thanks for the support!
Special thanks for leannelrh, along with baby sis and pre-reader Catie22866 and my beta-love LexyW. Not only did they did beta this, but they helped me really flesh out the next 4 chapters! Hopefully more updates sooner!
More on the bottom…
Stephanie Meyer owns all things Twilight, but I own this date night!
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Chapter 10
BPOV
I flopped on my bed and let my inner Julia Roberts break free in a fit of giggles, flailing arms, and kicking legs. Edward Cullen freaking kissed me tonight! I was so giddy, and I had no idea how I was going to fall asleep… and I really needed to fall asleep. I had to be at The Diner early tomorrow to get the cupcakes in the oven and ready, especially since I was changing out the special menu.
I rolled out of bed; my cheeks still flushed from the intensity of the evening, and made my way to the bathroom. I took my time washing my face and brushing my teeth, somehow hoping to prolong the excitement of the evening. Walking back toward my room, I heard Charlie trudging up the stairs.
"You heading to bed, Bells?" Charlie asked somewhat gruffly.
"Yeah. I've gotta get up early tomorrow morning."
"Well, good night. And make sure the Cullen kid knocks next time. He almost gave me a heart attack."
I almost laughed at his characterization of Edward as a kid. It's not like I was in high school anymore. "I will. Sorry about that, Dad," I apologized again, stifling a chuckle.
He nodded, and with a grunt, walked to his room.
As I closed the door, I pressed my back against the hard wood, leaning my head back and grinned. Tonight was so much better than I had expected. I mean, I didn't really know what I was expecting, but everything was literally perfect - from the awkward flower ceremony, to the easy chat in the car on the way to Port Angeles, and then the dinner itself. The food was truly amazing, and I was excited that Edward was going to get the opportunity to study under the Chef at C'est Si Bon. There were several times throughout the evening where Edward had taken control, and I still wasn't sure how I really felt about it. On one hand, I was grateful that he navigated the menu for us and chose our dinner, but I think he felt bad when he sensed my hesitation; it was truly a reflexive response to something James had always done. He never let me order my own meals. I could think of so many times where I said I was going to order something, and he told me that I needed to choose something different. He always ordered for us, and I hated it. So, when Edward took charge, a part of me wanted to fight it; but, I realized when Edward noticed my response, he quickly backpedaled and tried to explain himself. In a way, it was very endearing.
I glanced at the clock and groaned. It was already close to midnight, and I had no idea how I was going to drag myself out of bed in time to be at The Diner by 5 a.m. I switched off the light next to my bed and noticed a red light flashing on my phone. I flipped it open and saw that I had four messages. I scrolled through them quickly and laughed to myself as Rose and Alice pounced.
AliceC: Bella! I hope date night was awesome! Call me!
Rose: Just wanted to see how tonight went! Hope he treated you like a princess. Call me tomorrow! I want details.
AliceC: I can't believe you haven't called me yet! I hope this means the night was perfect! You're gonna spill tomorrow! Be prepared!
EdwardCullen: Good night, Bella.
But it was the last one that made my heart skip a beat and sent my mind into overdrive. As I reread the text, I couldn't help but think about the way our night ended the first time. I was so caught off guard when Edward asked what brought me here from Phoenix; I just didn't know what to say. I wanted to tell him about James, but I just couldn't bring myself to do it. What would Edward say when he found out that I had lived like that for so long, that I had been too weak to walk away when it happened the first time, and as much as I wanted to believe deep down that I was truly free, I feared James would show up here and try to take me back to Phoenix? How could I even begin to talk about all of that… on our first date? The panic I always felt thinking about James and of people finding out was making it hard to breathe and my heart beat erratically.
When Edward finally pulled into my driveway, it was all I could do to get out of the car without having an emotional breakdown. As I ran up the stairs and into the safety of my room, I realized I was going to have to see Edward tomorrow and every day after that. The utter mortification and embarrassment at having left like that, without explanation, was almost too much to bear.
Of course, I didn't get the chance to wallow in my misery for long before Edward barged into my room and gave me the most passionate kiss I have ever experienced. At first, I was stunned and didn't even know how to respond, but as he continued pressing his soft, warm lips against my own, instinct took over. His hands were in my hair and then cupping my face as I opened up to him, our tongues tentative and then moving, tangling together. All I could think about was how good he felt, strong and warm against me, and how I didn't want it to end. Edward's broken apology was almost too much to bear, and I knew I needed to give Edward an explanation of what had happened and why I had shut down at his seemingly innocuous question. I just couldn't yet; I knew I wasn't ready to tell him all about James… or to see his reaction to me. His promise to give me whatever time I needed, and that he'd take whatever part of me I could give was heartbreakingly sweet and refreshing. Not knowing what to say or how to tell him thank you without it sounding trite, I placed soft kisses along his jaw, the beginnings of stubble numbing my lips in the most delicious way. When I finally kissed him, it was with purpose and with passion. I wanted him to know exactly how I felt, and I transferred all my thoughts and feelings into it, hoping he'd understand that I wanted to tell him what happened and that I would, just not yet. When we finally broke apart, I looked into his deep green eyes and knew he understood what I was trying to say.
With a brush of his fingers across my cheek, he pressed his forehead against mine and said we probably needed to get downstairs; there's no doubt Charlie was probably wondering what the hell had just happened.
The confrontation downstairs was… interesting. I could see the weird tension between Edward and Charlie - Edward feeling guilty for barging in without knocking or even offering a word and Charlie wanting to, strangely, play the part of protective father. In a way, it was really endearing given that I was a grown woman and hadn't lived with him for well over ten years.
I looked back at the phone in my hand and reread the message from Edward. I quickly typed out a message thanking him for a great evening and told him I'd see him the next morning. Setting my phone on the night stand again, I rolled over and fell into a peaceful sleep, my body finally relaxing from the evening's events.
x-x-x
I walked into The Diner the next morning and found Edward already hard at work. I called out a quick good morning, and we both looked at each other, not quite sure what to do. He wiped his hands on the towel hanging from his waist and made his way over to me.
"Good morning," he said with a smile.
"Morning," I said, smiling in return. I felt the annoying heat creep into my cheeks and wished my emotions weren't always so obvious.
We both stood there for a second before Edward leaned in slightly and placed a sweet, chaste kiss on my lips before pulling away quickly. He smiled sheepishly and mumbled quietly, "Probably shouldn't be kissing you at work, huh?"
I laughed awkwardly, my face fully in flames. "Yeah, probably not."
With one last wistful look, he turned and made his way back over to his station and continued preparing for the breakfast crowd. I put my stuff away quickly and got to work assembling ingredients, heating the ovens, and changed the cupcake board on the counter in the restaurant. I had decided to try out a fruity cupcake this week, and after seeing the strawberries at the local market, I settled on a Strawberry Pie Cupcake.
I spent the next hour de-stemming and chopping three pounds of strawberries, crumbling graham crackers, and cooking strawberry syrup before I pulled the rest of the ingredients together. This recipe was probably one of the easiest berry cakes I had ever made; it was basically a vanilla cake with fresh strawberries. These cakes were different than most because of the graham cracker crust the cake sat on. Once I had the cakes in the oven, I set about getting the remaining batters mixed, cups filled, chocolate melted, and icings whipped.
A couple of times I caught Edward watching me, but for the most part, we were both lost in our thoughts. My mind easily drifted back to last night and how tender and passionate he was. I knew when I got up this morning that today would probably feel awkward. I mean, we had basically made out like teenagers last night against the car and then in my room. Today was bound to be interesting. But like yesterday and the other times things had started out strangely, Edward had a way of making things feel normal. The kiss this morning was case in point. It was sweet and chaste, while acknowledging the way we both felt and effectively caused the tension to dissipate.
When they were finished baking, I poked a few holes in each of the strawberry cakes and drizzled strawberry syrup inside, and then let them cool and soak up the syrup. Once they had all cooled properly, I topped each of the standard cakes with my signature buttercream swirl and topped them with their respective decoration.
The strawberry pie cakes, however, required a little extra care. Rather than use buttercream, I had to create a special strawberry whipped cream, using pureed strawberries, heavy cream, sugar, and vanilla. I watched as the mixer whipped the cream until thick, and then loaded it into my pastry bag to dollop on top. Not one to leave a cake unfinished, I simply added a few fresh strawberries, drizzled a little more syrup, and sprinkled a few crushed graham crackers on top. I stepped back, admiring how well they turned out. They were absolutely stunning, the red of the strawberries contrasting beautifully with the rich white of the whipped cream.
I took one over to Edward. "You wanna split one with me?"
He looked at the cupcake and grinned. "Have I ever turned down one of your cakes, Bella?" he said, laughter in his voice.
I pulled the wrapper off and held it up for him to take a bite. His eyes darkened as he looked between me and the cake, surprised probably at my boldness. He opened his mouth and slowly took a bite, his teeth and lips cutting easily through the cream and cake. His eyes closed involuntarily, and a moan escaped as he savored the sweet, strawberry goodness.
Was that a moan? God, watching him eat my cakes is hot!
"So, I guess they're pretty good, huh?" I said with sass and a smirk.
"You know they are, Bella. The truth is, you just wanted to see me eat your cakes, didn't you?"
For some unknown reason, all this talk of him eating my cake was making me blush violently.
"Wouldn't you like to know," I said, before picking up the cake to take my own bite. I had never really been one to flirt like this, but something about Edward's moan and darkening green eyes caused me to lick my lips and swirl my tongue seductively, or at least what I thought might be seductive, in the cream.
I heard Edward's breath hitch and watch his eyes open wider as he watched me slowly take a bite before moaning for effect. Without breaking eye contact, I set the cake on the table, and quirked an eyebrow before licking my lips.
"Mmmm. That was good."
"Bella…" he growled and pulled me toward him, his lips crashing into mine, as he sucked and licked the remaining cream off my lips.
Breathless, we both pulled back, but not before he smirked his own sassy smile, "Mmmm. Now that was good."
And without a word, he turned and walked out of the kitchen.
Wow. I had no idea that cupcakes could be this hot, but damn, that was intense. In somewhat of an Edward's lips-induced haze, I walked back to my station, loaded up the cakes, and took them out to the refrigerator case in the dining room.
The rest of the day passed quickly. Alice was like a little hummingbird flitting for nectar as she pumped me for information about last night's date. I gave her enough to appease her, without giving away all the subtle little details. I didn't really want her to know that I had freaked out when Edward asked about Phoenix, or that he stormed into my room and kissed me until I was forced to respond. Those were little details I wanted to keep between me and Edward. Of course, the glow and flushed tone of my skin gave me away. There was no hiding the girly giddiness I felt welling up inside of me.
"Hey, Bella," Edward called out.
I looked over at him and was stunned again by how beautiful he was. He had removed his apron and was standing by the door wearing his normal jeans and t-shirt.
"Yeah?" I said as I walked over. The closer I got, the thicker the tension became. It was strange how I always felt this buzzing energy whenever he was near. Of course, that could be leftover remnants from the little cupcakes session we had earlier, or it could just be him.
"What's up?" I said, suddenly feeling nervous and excited at the same time.
"Um," he looked down, stalling and maybe slightly nervous. Eventually his eyes met mine and he continued, "I was wondering if you would want to get together tomorrow night? You know, for dinner and maybe a movie or something?"
I had no idea why he was acting nervous, as if I wouldn't want to go out with him. "I'd really like that. What time do you want to meet?"
"How about I pick you up at 5:00? Would that be enough time for you to get home from work and change and stuff?"
I smiled. "That's plenty of time. I assume we're going casual, right?"
"Uh, yeah. I was thinking about maybe taking you to get pizza at Chicago Ru's…" he said, watching me intently. "Would that be okay?"
"That sounds great! I haven't had pizza in a while."
"It's really good. I think you'll like it. It's Chicago style – you know, thick crust."
"Yum!"
"Ok, well, I'm off to class, but I'll see you here tomorrow morning."
With a quick nod, I said okay. We stood there, staring at each other, both trying to figure out what to do. Feeling empowered from our earlier kiss, I quickly leaned on my tiptoes and placed a soft, open mouthed kiss on his lips. Before I could pull away, I felt his arm encircle my waist, pulling me against his body, as he kissed me back, needy and intense.
I heard the double doors to the kitchen push open, and I quickly broke away from him and smiled nervously. "I'll see you tomorrow, Edward. Have fun at class."
This time he nodded and walked out the door.
I didn't even have to turn around to know that Alice was walking toward me. I knew her eyes were boring into my back, and she was probably vibrating with enthusiasm.
"O.M.G. Bella!" she squealed.
I couldn't help the laughter that burst forth from me. We collapsed into a heap of giggles. "I know, okay. God, you're brother is such a great kisser…"
"Um, Bella. No… I sooo can't go there. It's my brother! No details, please!"
"Fine, fine! I get it! But, seriously, he is!"
She shrieked and punched my arm before walking away, tossing a grin and wink over her shoulder.
I finished putting my stuff away, swiping down the last few tables, and then gathered my stuff, perma-smile still plastered on my face.
x-x-x
The next few weeks were a blur of girl time, date nights, and cupcake baking. As we neared the date of Alice and Jasper's wedding, I got sucked into helping with wedding prep. Alice had every single detail planned, and truthfully, she really didn't need our help. With Alice, it was always a matter of want. If she wanted our help and pressed hard enough, we couldn't resist her wily charms.
We had spent the last week making centerpieces for each of her tables, creating simple chair decorations to run along the outside aisles, and assembling the programs. Alice was uncharacteristically mellow much of the week, despite the sweet smile that graced her face. I imagined that it had to do with her mom not being here for all of this; so, Rose and I did our best to fill in and keep her occupied and smiling. The plan was to hold the wedding on the back deck of the house. It would be a simple, elegant affair, with just close friends and family.
Originally, Alice had placed an order for a really beautiful cake, but not long after I started making cupcakes at The Diner, she asked if I would be willing to make a variety of cupcakes, all unique flavor combinations, for the wedding. Of course, I had agreed because I love her and wanted to help out with her wedding, but also because it was good business opportunity. In Phoenix, I had often wondered what it would be like to own a bakery or catering business. Given my situation at the time, I had shoved those thoughts into the deep recesses of my mind as I just tried living one day at a time, without dreams. I didn't want to be disappointed anymore than I already was with my life. Now that I'd been here for a while and was baking at The Diner, those dreams had been resurfacing. I'd had a couple of customers ask if I was for hire, and at the time, told them I was still looking into how to make that work practically. This was actually looking like it might be a real opportunity to showcase what I could really do when given the time and resources.
When Alice had asked me, I didn't really have a good plan for where to make that many cupcakes. I could certainly have done it in Charlie's kitchen, but after mentioning it to Rose one night over dinner, she offered The Diner's kitchen. I really couldn't imagine a better scenario, and I was really excited.
When Edward had called later that night, I told him about Alice's request and Rose's offer, and he was just as excited for me. I had come to really appreciate how supportive Edward was of my unspoken dreams. I certainly hadn't mentioned my desire to own a bakery at some point in the future, but in many ways, I think it was implied. As a fellow chef, he understood it was part of the dream to have your own kitchen.
Of course, that line of thinking took me back to the early argument, if you could call it that, about his kitchen. We had certainly come quite a ways since then. We had spent a good amount of time together in the last few weeks. The bulk of that, of course, was at The Diner in the kitchen together, but when he wasn't scheduled at C'est Si Bon or in class, we spent much of our free time together. It was never anything fancy, a fact that both of us were more than okay with. We had dinner together a lot, watched old movies, and even played mini-golf and hiked through the woods.
Our time together was always fun and… intense. From the moment he stormed into my room and roughly pulled me into his embrace to the hesitant kisses we shared in the kitchen at The Diner to the more passionate make-out sessions we had, I could tell that Edward was tender and complex; there was always something beneath the surface that I couldn't quite figure out. I would often watch him cooking in the kitchen and see him in a sea of calm, but there were other times where his mood was brooding and stormy. Of course, he probably thought the same thing about me. I knew we both had secrets that we weren't really ready to share.
One Saturday about two weeks after our first date, I had come really close to just putting all my baggage on the table for him to see, pick over, and then pass up in favor of something, or someone, better. We were sitting in the family room at his house late one evening. Carlisle was at the hospital, and Alice was at Jasper's. I was lying with my head in his lap, his fingers running through my hair, as we talked about his childhood and his time in Chicago. After a lull in the conversation, he hesitantly asked me about Phoenix. I tensed a bit, and looked at his eyes; I felt myself relax slightly when I saw only encouragement and warmth. As I thought about what to say, he leaned down and pressed a soft kiss against my lips and told me to take my time, that he didn't have to know right now, and that when I was ready to tell him, he would be here to listen. My eyes had filled with tears and rather than let him see them fall, I buried my face into his stomach. He just held me while I shed quiet tears, all the while whispering that it was okay, his hands continuing to ruffle through my hair. When I finally had the courage to look him in the eyes, I told him simply that the last six years were the worst of my life, but that it was over now. I recounted just briefly the day I left Phoenix and how the girls at the restaurant had finally pushed me to do it, saying I didn't deserve or have to live the way I was. Of course, they had been telling me that for a good two years, but for some reason, that day, it clicked. I packed up everything I could fit in my car and took care of something I had wanted to do for a while and drove here.
When I had finished telling my very abbreviated and vague story, he pulled me up and wrapped me in his arms. I was grateful he didn't ask questions, even though it was clear that there were many that he could have, and I'm sure, wanted to ask. With my head resting against his chest, his heart beating in a relaxed rhythm, I couldn't help but compare him to James. He was everything James wasn't. He was certainly kind, tender, and funny, but more importantly to me, he made me feel valuable and beautiful, smart and competent. He valued my thoughts and opinions and never made me feel like I was less of a person when they differed.
It wasn't long before he pulled back enough that he could see my face. He tipped my chin up, forcing me to meet his emerald gaze, and brought his lips down to mine. There were no words; there was no hesitation, only openness, as we allowed the intimacy of the moment to bring us together. It started out gentle and needy, and quickly turned into hungry, heated kisses of lips, teeth, and tongue colliding together forcefully. His lips brushed my neck and exposed shoulders, along my collar bones before finding their way back to my already swollen lips. Our hands explored freely, bodies shifted to find warmth and friction, and tongues tasted the salty, unique flavors of skin. Eventually we pulled apart, both wanting more, but neither willing to cross that line at this point in our relationship. Lying on the couch wrapped around each other, I fell asleep in Edward's arms for the very first time.
The next morning, I woke up alone on the couch, covered with a blanket. Feeling a little unsettled by Edward's absence, I made my way into the kitchen, the sounds of pans brushing on the burner and glass being placed in the sink alerting me to the activity there. I saw that Edward had whipped up an entire breakfast spread for us.
He looked up when I walked in and smiled.
"Good morning, beautiful."
With a blush and a simple smile, I whispered my own good morning. I walked over, wanting to be near him, and wrapped my arms around his waist, resting my head against his chest. I could feel it rise and fall with each breath, his heart beating quietly. He wrapped his arms around me and trailed soft, warm kisses across my face, pressing a light kiss on my lips before burying his nose in my neck. I could feel his breath and the smile form against my skin as he asked if I slept well. I nodded. Pulling back just slightly, I ran my fingers through his hair and gathered his face in my hands and kissed him chastely. The need for more welled up in me, and I deepened the kiss, tasting hints of sugar, butter, and maple syrup.
I couldn't help but laugh. "Looks like someone got into the French toast," I said with a huge grin on my face.
He just smiled. "I'm the chef here, and I'll do as I please in my kitchen," he said with a smirk.
We both burst into laughter.
I smiled as I thought back on that night. If I had doubts about Edward, or even my newly budding feelings for him, they were certainly put to rest when he pulled me into his arms and held me, no questions asked.
A few days after that, I was buzzing around trying to tidy up the house and noticed that the blanket that was normally draped over the back of couch was folded neatly and laying in the seat of Charlie's recliner. I walked over and gathered it up, thinking it was strange that Charlie would use this blanket. He was typically pretty hot-blooded, but the nights, I reasoned, were getting cooler, and this was an old house with terrible insulation. I unfolded it and laid it back across the couch, and then walked up to my room.
Feeling grimy from cleaning and from being in the same clothes since yesterday, I quickly got naked, pulled on my robe, and walked into the bathroom. Oh, the joys of having one bathroom in a house you share with your father. I had been thinking about getting a place of my own recently. I was grateful that Charlie had allowed me to come back home, but up until a few months ago, I had been living independently. So, it was sometimes hard to share a space.
After my shower, I flopped on my bed and tried to figure out what to do with the rest of my day. I didn't have anywhere pressing to be, and I had already cleaned the house. I thought about calling Alice, but then realized she and Jasper had gone to Seattle together for the day. I was so excited for them; they really were the perfect couple. It was like they were placed on this earth for each other; their simple touches and smiles were often the only words they needed with each other.
I had been thinking a lot about their wedding and by default, the cupcakes I was going to be making for the reception. Alice said they were expecting around a hundred people, which for a small wedding at their house, seemed like a lot. But then again, the Cullens knew a lot of people, so this was probably small by their standards.
Alice had pretty much given me free reign, except for asking me not to use chocolate or yellow cakes. Not being a fan of either of those myself, I happily agreed. I had been experimenting with different cake recipes and ideas, all of which were being consumed by the guys at the station. Alice didn't have a particular theme for the wedding, but since she was a little non-traditional, I decided to go with some of my more unique ideas. I knew that she really liked champagne, and decided to create a mimosa cupcake. I toyed with whether to make the cake orange or champagne flavored, and after several trial runs, decided to go with orange cake soaked with champagne syrup and then topped with champagne frosting. To be honest, I was completely blown away by how amazing they tasted. So when Alice screeched her agreement, I was thrilled!
I was still undecided on the other two cupcakes I was planning to make, but had at least narrowed it down to five different cake options: Chai and Honey, Rosewater and Raspberry, Sour Cherry-Almond, Vanilla-Vanilla with black, red, and white currants, and White Chocolate and Raspberry. My plan was to create all five and let Alice and Jasper try them out. Based on their thoughts, I would go from there.
I rolled over and looked at the clock, surprised that so little time had passed. All this talk of cupcakes and weddings had reminded me that I still needed to get them a wedding gift. Without really thinking, I jumped off the bed, grabbed my bag, and walked out the door.
The drive to Port Angeles had gone faster than I anticipated. As I pulled into the shopping district, I realized I had absolutely no idea what to get them. Their interests were quite different, but I knew they liked having fun together. I meandered through shop after shop, sometimes seeing something that might resonate, but never really finding the perfect gift. I continued down the street until I reached the end of the block. The path seemed to dead end, but as I looked around, I noticed another street with a few stores just across the way.
As I made my way through the open area, I started to feel that same nervous sensation I felt that day in The Diner, the one that creeps up your back, leaving you anxious and a little jittery. I continued walking with purpose, my eyes darting around erratically as I scanned the surrounding area. The further I walked, the more the feeling increased. I stopped and turned around thinking maybe someone was following me, but didn't see anyone. Not sure what to do, I continued walking, my stomach in knots, my heart pounding in my chest. When I finally made it onto the next street, I realized that it was mostly an industrial street with a few random bars. A group of guys were sitting astride motorcycles in front of one place, and I quickly moved across the street to the place that looked the safest.
Frantically pushing the door open, I rushed inside, and was greeted by an overly enthusiastic young, doe-eyed girl. "Welcome to Joy's Wine Bistro."
I looked around and tried to calm my racing heart. I plastered a smile on my face and asked for a place at the bar. She pointed me over to the bar area and told me to make myself comfortable.
After placing my order, I finally started to breathe. I had no idea why I was so worked up. No one was out there ready to jump out behind a corner. Of course, I knew my surface level thoughts were only preventing me from looking at the thing I feared the most – that James would eventually find me and drag me home. Home. No, Phoenix was no longer home, and I had done my best to sever the ties I had to it. I had put an end to my marriage before I left that day, and things were different here. Every day I woke up with a sense of peace and a refreshed spirit. I didn't always have that nagging feeling that something was going to go wrong, and I wasn't constantly worried about saying or doing the wrong thing. But the doubt was still there. After that feeling I got of someone watching me that day at The Diner, I had become even more cautious. I always scanned the room whenever I walked into a new place, always watching to make sure he wasn't there. I locked my doors and windows, and always pulled the blinds closed. Just thinking about someone looking in on me gave me goose bumps. I hated feeling like the shoe was going to drop or that I still felt like I had to do things the way he had required.
I finished my meal and paid. Once I was out the door, I realized I was going to have to walk back to my car. The darkening sky filled me with dread as I looked up and down the road, trying to find a good way to get over to the next street. Not seeing any other options, I made my way back to the open field. The closer I got the same sensation that had plagued me earlier returned. My mind was screaming out at me to get help or at least find someone that looked trustworthy to walk with me, but I really just wanted to get to my car and get home.
I turned the corner and scanned the area quickly, while slowly increasing my pace from a fast walk to a jog to an all-out run. I made it to the other side and didn't stop until I got to my car. I jerked the car door open and slid inside, locking the doors. Remembering what I had learned in one of those self-defense classes I had taken in college, I started the car and got on the road. It wasn't until I was halfway to Forks that I felt myself start to relax. By the time I pulled into Charlie's driveway, I was berating myself for being paranoid and for not even coming close to getting Alice and Jasper a wedding gift. What a waste of a trip.
The weekend came and went, without a lot of fanfare. Edward and I had spent much of Saturday and Sunday together, hanging out and making out, and enjoying every minute of it. When he dropped me at my house on Sunday evening, he kissed me sweetly and said he'd see me the next morning.
I woke up the next morning in a panic. The bad dreams I thought had gone away were back. I hated waking up feeling edgy. Not wanting to dwell, I quickly got up and dressed and left for work.
I arrived at The Diner well before 5 a.m. It was cloaked in that calm, pre-dawn darkness that I had come to appreciate as my time to think and create on my own. I climbed out of the car and grabbed my decorating kit from the trunk. As I made my way over to the back door, I heard a noise around the corner. Feeling a little anxious, I juggled my stuff and fiddled with the keys, trying to get inside. In my agitation, however, I dropped the keys and in my attempt to catch them, hooked the latch of my decorating box on nail that had worked itself loose. In an instant, the box had popped open, and couplers, decorating tips, and jars of coloring gel scattered all over the ground.
"Shit!"
I bent down and tried to gather everything up, when I heard it again. This time, it was closer, and sounded like a pair of boots hitting the concrete. I felt the hair on the back of my neck stand up and my skin prickle, images from my dream flashing before me. The uncomfortable sensation of adrenaline began to course through me as I quickly turned around, scanning the parking lot. I knew I was probably imaging things, but the paranoia from the other day in Port Angeles was feeding my nervousness. The longer I stood there, the closer it sounded. Anxiety, now full fledged and hammering, crept up my back, my imagination now completely out of control, and an overwhelming feeling of dread settled in my stomach. I whirled back around in a panic and wildly jammed the keys in the door. I twisted them in frustration, not able to get the door to open. Gripping the knob, I rammed my body against the door; it crashed open, and I tumbled into the kitchen, busting my knee on the cold, hard concrete floor. I scrambled over and slammed the door behind me, ignoring the pain in my knee and my stuff still scattered all over the ground outside. I pressed my back against the door and sank to the floor, my head in my hands, trying to catch my breath. My heart was pounding and the emotions I had lived with every day for the last six years washed over me, drowning me in fear. I hated this. I hated the constant fear that he would come back, that he had reduced me to this kind of anxiety and paranoia. I thought I had put an end to this, and yet here I was, curled up on the floor of the kitchen at work trying to pull it together. Tears of frustration, anger, and relief rolled down my face and what started out as a natural stress release turned into body wracking sobs.
The longer I sat there, the more upset I became. I was completely lost in my own mind when I heard the door knob rattle. Seized with fear I sat there, frozen.
I heard heavy pounding and my name, and the urgency of it broke me out of my stupor. I scrambled up, and searched the kitchen for something to shield me from him. The little bit of rational thought I had left told me that I was safe here, that he couldn't get me, but the pounding and the yelling complexly pushed me over the edge of panic. My head filled with images of what he had and would do to me when he got in here, and I couldn't let him get me, drag me back to Phoenix. I'd die. I looked around the kitchen in my haze, not really seeing anything.
Bang. Bang. Bang.
"Dammit, Bella! Open up!"
I screamed and ran into one of the heavy wooden prep tables, busting my side against the hard edge. I sucked in a breath, and bit my lip, my eyes welling up with more tears.
Bang. Bang. Bang. Bang.
I could see the door straining with each beat, and realized I had to do something to prevent him from getting in here. Feeling the table at my side, I rolled it over and blocked the door. In a brief moment of clarity, I locked the wheels so that it would be impossible for him to move it.
"Bella! Open the fucking door!" The sound came out garbled, and I couldn't quite make out all the words.
"Oh, God," I whimpered.
The haze of fear enveloped me and I ran into the alcove near the door, and pressed myself into the corner. I could hear the pounding and him calling my name, and it was like I was in our bathroom in Phoenix again. He was calling out at me, telling me I was a stupid bitch, and that I was his, that I'd never get away. I buried my head in my now tightly folded frame and tried to block it all out. I didn't want to be here. I didn't want him getting me. I couldn't go back there.
More pounding, more shouting, this time louder and more violent.
I had to stop him from getting me. I couldn't let him hurt me again. I couldn't miss two weeks of work. I couldn't… Fear, once again, gave way to sobs, and I wanted to be back on the couch with Edward, his warm arms wrapped around me, his lips pressed to my forehead. I wanted to do so many things, to start over, and be happy, for real, for once. It was almost like I could feel his presence calling to me, but all I could hear were the gut-wrenching sounds of my terror-filled, broken-hearted sobs and the pounding and yelling at the door, and then it stopped.
The silence was terrifying. I knew he was out there, but I had no idea what he was doing. I sat there, my heart thundering in my ears, straining to hear any little sound that would give him away. I started to breathe, my heart beat slowing slightly.
Ding, the bell on the front door chimed, heavy footsteps coming into the kitchen.
"Oh, God! Please…"
x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x
::Grins evil grin::
I'm sorry I was totally fail at replying to reviews. Real life has been CRAZY, and I figured you would rather just have this chapter instead. I'll be better next go!
I am participating in an amazing event this June to raise money to fight childhood cancers through The Fandom Gives Back – Eclipse. I will be offering up two one-shots from this or any other story. Heck, I may be convinced to do something completely new. So, be thinking about what you might want, bid on me, or get a group to do it! This is an awesome thing we are doing to help little kids! More details later.
Cupcake Recipe on the blog: http://jessyptff(dot)blogspot(dot)com/2010/04/chapters-9-and-10(dot)html
I'm going to be creating a poll on my profile page with the 5 wedding cupcake choices! Make sure you vote!!!
Ok, tell me what you think, press the button… I'm dying to know!