Huge thanks go out to: EdwardsFirstKiss, AWayWithWords, and LaPumkle, who all help keep me readable.
And for my wonderful writing partner, Nicola Pitt, who always supports me in all I do in the Fandom FanFiction world.
Chapter 10
The trip to the Oregon Zoo was amazing. Though we only had a little over five hours, we were able to see most of it. We rode the train twice, taking in each side view of the ride by switching sides. After the zoo we had a lovely dinner at a place called Morton's Steakhouse.
The food was amazing, and Edward and I decided to each get something different and share. I ordered a steak with shrimp and scallops, and sides of sautéed spinach, button mushrooms, and macaroni and cheese with bacon and onions. Edward chose rack of lamb, sautéed brussels sprouts, and parmesan and truffle matchstick fries. Everything was out of this world, and I think I would drive for hours to eat there again.
We spent the rest of the evening watching movies on demand, and eating leftovers. I fell asleep sometime during the second one.
Waking up this morning, I felt refreshed. I was shocked when Edward was asleep next to me. He was on top of the blanket and covered in a blanket from his bed. I wasn't able to get up without waking him, but he smiled at me and I couldn't help but smile back.
So here I am in the bathroom, unsure as to why I feel like I am hiding out. I need to ask him why he was sleeping in my room, but I can't help but like that he did. Being close to Edward is easy, but I do not want to overstep my new found friendship. I know how he feels, and I do not ever want him to lump me in the same category as that girl, Tanya.
The knock on the door startles me, and I let out a clearly girlie noise.
"Bella, are you okay?" he asks, sounding almost as unsure as I feel.
"Yeah, I'll be right out," I stammer and hurry to finish packing up my toiletries.
When I come out, I see that my bag is on the bed for me to put my things in. He is so considerate, and I can't help but smile. I pack up my things and double check the room. Finding everything is picked up and packed. I go out to the sitting room.
The dining table has several breakfast dishes on it, and I make myself a plate from the choices he has ordered. I sit down, and he smiles at me.
"Bella, I hope you're not mad because I slept in your room last night."
"I'm not. I just didn't know what to think this morning," I admit.
"Well, you fell asleep while Sleepy Hollow was playing. When I picked you up to carry you to bed, you begged me to not leave you alone. You were worried that the headless horseman was going to find you."
"Oh, God!" I say palming my face.
"It's really okay. I shouldn't have picked a movie like that to watch; they scare me, too. Carrying you to my room to get my blanket was the tricky part, but I managed."
"Why did you have to do that?" I ask.
"Well, once I picked you up, you refused to let me go."
"Then how did you put me down?"
"Once you were sleeping deeply, I was able to set you down, and cover you up. I then lay down and covered up with my blanket."
"I'm so sorry, Edward. I swear I have never done anything like this. I would never do that to you, I hope you kn—"
Interrupting me he says, "I do know, Bella. There was nothing you did that made me feel uncomfortable at all."
I arch my brow, but eat my food.
When we check out of the hotel half an hour later, I'm shocked to find there is only one day charged to my account. Apparently, Marcus had compensated us on the room, due to his behavior. The only night I actually paid for, was the night we were stuck in another hotel due to the weather.
The trip to Winston, Oregon takes about four hours, and we arrive at one. After stopping at a few small stores and getting gas, we arrive at the Wild Life Safari Park. The first thing we do is figure out which of the daily activities we want to participate in. We sign up for things to keep us busy at the park until five o'clock when we will be one of the last groups admitted into the drive through attraction.
We start our day by going to the Safari Village Café and having lunch. The menu is rather basic, but the food was served hot, fresh, and was very good. The more we talk about things from our childhood, the more we learn about each other. It's very easy to be around Edward, even when we don't talk.
We go to the Giraffe Group Enrichment and Feed area. We load into a truck with others and drive into the heart of the park. Once we are there, the guide tells us information about the giraffes, and we are introduced to them as they come up and eat the offerings we have. I can't help but laugh loudly when one of them licks Edward's face. He just smiles at me, though as I wipe his face with a wet wipe from my bag.
After returning back to the main area, we go on the underground waterhole adventure. We get to watch elephants playing in the water and then feed them. It is a wonderful experience, and if I could have an elephant for a pet, I would. They are very caring animals and love to have fun.
When that is finished, we load into another truck and head off to the elephant barn. It's hilarious watching some of the antics of these brilliant creatures. They are executing elephant artwork, and both Edward and I pick out and purchase a painting.
I chose one with a navy background and copper, gold, and silver paint. The copper color reminds me of Edward's hair. Edward chose a red background painting that has black and gold paint. We visit the gift shop, and I can't help but smile when Edward buys a stuffed elephant, and gives it to me. I picked out a stuffed giraffe for him, too, and he just laughs when he sees it has a shirt on that says "kisses" on it.
After stowing our artwork and stuffed animals from the gift shop in the Durango, we head off to see more of the park. We visit Primate Island, Lemur Island, and walk around the Australian Walkabout and Aviary. Before we realize, it is time to start our drive through the adventure area. Edward drives, and I snap pictures on both sides when we see different animals. We stop several times, and the peaceful feeling at watching these beautiful animals is wonderful.
It's nearing seven o'clock when we leave the park. A little over an hour later we are pulling into Grant's Pass. We booked a room at a place called the Shilo, so we check in.
"Edward, I'm starving, but tired. How about we get some pizza someplace and hit the bed early tonight?"
"Sounds good to me," he answers.
We find a place called Wild River Brewing and Pizza Company, that is open until ten, and head there. We both end up ordering a calzone, and it's delicious. It isn't long before we are back at the hotel.
"Bella, are you too tired to go for a swim?" Edward asks me.
"I don't really know how to swim," I tell him feeling stupid.
"The water isn't deep, and I will be right there. Please … will you go swimming with me?" he asks.
"Yeah, I'll go. But you have to promise to not let me drown," I say.
"The last thing I would do is let any harm come to you, Bella," he says and I get a warm feeling inside.
A/N: So that happened ... what do you think of how she handled it? How do you feel about these two now?