AN: My version of Eclipse/Breaking Dawn. How will Bella and Edward bring in the New Year? Find out!
Thanks to my super-star Beta reader, TwilightFan4Life, always the encourager!
Disclaimer: My goal is to write as well as SM but at this point I'm only playing with her characters. I wish I could keep them but alas they belong to another - along with all the fandom, celebrity, copyrights, and money!
9. New Year's
"Hi Dad," I called from the kitchen as I heard Charlie stomp the snow off his boots as he came through the front door.
"Hey Bells," he answered. I could hear him taking off his heavy outerwear in the hallway. "What're you cookin' that smells so good?" He sniffed appreciatively as he entered the kitchen.
"Pot Roast, are you hungry?" I asked as I put the lid back on the big pot and turned to smile at him. His face was bright red from the cold wind that was whipping snow flakes around outdoors but he smiled warmly at me. I noticed he still wore his gun belt. Normally he always took it off and hung it with his coat.
"Very," he confirmed as he pulled the milk out of the refrigerator to pour a glass.
"Well, it's ready so we can eat now," I said pulling two plates out of the cupboard. I quickly set the table and put some rolls, hot out of the oven, in a basket and set them on the table in front of him.
He sat down reaching for one of the rolls. "You sure do spoil me, Bells. It'll be hard when you leave this summer to go to France," he said applying butter liberally to the roll.
I put a plate of steaming pot roast down in front of him and a smaller helping at my place. "I'll miss you too, Dad." I smiled remembering my ruse for "disappearing" after school let out.
I would miss him much more than he knew.
I didn't know if I would ever be able to see him again after Edward changed me into a vampire. He had not gotten into a lot of details about what would happen, afterwards. I knew he wanted me to enjoy the rest of my time as a human, hoping of course, that I'd change my mind. That wasn't going to happen though. I was already committed. I'd already made my decision.
It would be very hard though, saying goodbye to Charlie, not knowing for sure if it was the last time I'd ever see him. I had decided that I would have to go see Renee, maybe over spring break, so I could spend time with her and say my goodbyes. I wished there was someway to keep them both in my new life but I was doubtful that it would be possible. It would be too easy for them to see the differences in me and how would I be able to explain that I never aged? In my mind, it was the only downside to joining the Cullen's Coven. Edward saw many downsides but it was my decision to make.
"This is really good," Charlie said around a mouthful of pot roast.
His plate was half empty already and I was just putting the first bite into my mouth. Charlie was a bit like a vacuum cleaner though. He could Hoover his food down pretty quick. I guess all those years of eating on the go and never really taking time to sit down and enjoy food would facilitate that type of eating pattern.
"Bells?" he paused fork half way to his mouth.
I looked up at him.
"Are you planning to spend the evening at the Cullen's?" Interestingly, he sounded hopeful at the idea.
"Um, yeah, they're having a little New Year's Eve party and invited me," I said hesitating, confused by his tone. "If that's okay," I added, wondering if he had wanted to spend it with me.
"Good," he said relieved. "I'm going to have to go back to work. One of the boys called in sick and we need to have a presence out on the road tonight. This is the worst night for accidents with all the parties and now with more snow coming too."
I was relieved and surprised. I guess he was finally accepting that I didn't need to spend time with other friends. It made my next question a little easier.
"Um, Dad, I think it might be a good idea if I stayed over night again, like I did at Christmas." I said not really wanting to ask but not confident enough to just tell him that's what I'd be doing.
"Oh," he said and then seemed to think about it for a minute. "That would probably be a smart idea," he agreed, surprising me again, "with all the drunks out on the road and all."
"Yeah, that's what I thought too," I said knowing both of us were really thinking something else. I wished I could tell him, it wasn't what he thought but if things were different, it might be exactly what he thought so I guess…
He interrupted my convoluted thinking, getting up and rinsing his plate in the sink. "I'm sorry, honey, but I have to get back." He kissed my cheek and turned to go. "Have fun tonight," he said and actually seemed to mean it.
"Thanks, Dad," I sat at the table shaking my head in amazement as he pulled on his boots and coat and was back out the door before I knew it.
Wow, that was just too easy, I thought to myself.
I finished off my dinner and washed the dishes. After putting the rest of the pot roast in the fridge, I went upstairs to get ready for the party.
Since I would be staying over, on purpose this time, I could pack a little bag and be more prepared. I threw in my bathroom necessities, a change of clothes for tomorrow, an additional outfit in case we had another snow war and I ended up soaked again, and lastly I threw in my latest purchase from the shopping trip Alice and I had taken a few days ago to Seattle.
We had gone to the city when Edward and Jasper were hunting including a stop at Victoria Secrets so I could spend my gift card from Renee. I knew she would start badgering me about using it soon so I thought I'd go ahead and get it over with. Unexpectedly though, I actually found a cute little nightgown that I liked. It wasn't really a nightgown, which sounded like something a grandmother would wear, but not being well versed in lingerie I didn't really know what else to call it.
In any case, it was short but not too short, about mid-thigh length and the bottom flared out slightly so it flipped a little when I walked. The hemline was cut in a ruffled zigzag pattern and the loose stretchy material had a lacey look and feel to it. There were pastel colored flowers subtly dyed into the fabric and somehow it reminded me of Edward's meadow when all the spring flowers were in bloom. It was simple and feminine and made me feel light and pretty. Which was amazing in and of it's self. I thought Edward would like it too and it wasn't any more revealing than my silk pajamas that I had worn on the Island. I was anxious to see his reaction this time.
Are you trying to do me in, I heard his velvet voice in my head. The look in his eyes made me quiver with anticipation even now at the memory of it. It was worth feeling silly wearing these things to have him look at me like that.
I saw headlights flash around the corner coming towards the house, their beams illuminating the swirling mass of white outside. I grabbed my bag and raced down the stairs almost tripping as I went. I caught the handrail and took a deep breath – no accidents tonight I vowed to myself.
His soft rap sounded at the door and I hurried, trying to be more careful, to let him in. I fumbled with the door for a moment before finally getting it open to find him standing there, glorious with snow flakes clinging to his tousled bronze hair. No one should be that beautiful without the assistance of an airbrush, I thought.
He looked at me with a concerned expression. "Where's Charlie?" he asked as he stepped inside the house.
"He had to work," I explained grinning. "He's already gone."
"How convenient," Edward said grinning back at me. He brushed my cheekbone with the back of his hand and his eyes were dancing as they captured mine. "Are you ready?" he asked as I stood dazed in his perfection.
"Yeah," I said not really knowing what he had just asked me.
"Come on then," he said laughing softly as he broke our eye contact, releasing me.
"Oh, right," I said finally realizing what he'd asked and I headed back to the living room for my bag. He followed me and took my bag once he understood what I was after.
"So you told Charlie you were having another sleep over at the Cullen's house?" he asked mocking me.
"Something like that," I returned sarcastically.
"And does he still think we're behaving ourselves?" He smiled mischievously.
"I wouldn't really know but I'm sure you could find out if you really wanted to," I retorted.
"Hmmm," was all he said as he closed the passenger side door behind me and walked around the front of the Volvo to get in.
We made our way carefully through the snow covered streets but still too quickly for my comfort level. Eventually, we turned onto the Cullen's road. Someone had plowed the long winding road almost but not quite to where it met the rural highway, leaving a short patch of deeper snow to get through before it was clear.
Instinctively, I knew that this was to keep interested by passers from noticing it and wandering down the wooded lane to the big white house. From the highway, the lane was hardly visible. You would never know it was there unless you were looking for it. I breathed a little easier once we were on the cleared drive leading through the dense woods to their home.
"So, what will we be doing tonight?" I asked wondering how the Cullens 'partied.'
"Well, on New Year's Eve, if we're celebrating, we'll usually play music, sometimes sing or dance, tell favorite stories from the past year, 'toast' the New Year, and, of course, everyone kisses at midnight." He grinned his breath-taking crooked smile at me and squeezed my hand.
I returned the smile, happy that he wouldn't feel like the odd man out for this New Year's kiss. I could already imagine how Esme would be almost beside herself with joy at him being able to finally participate fully in the New Year's celebration.
"Dancing, huh?" I asked still a little nervous about my two left feet.
He laughed softly and pulled the Volvo into the garage. He walked me along the shoveled path, holding my hand in his icy one, my bag swinging from his other hand. The house was lit up and I could already hear the music playing loud inside. We entered through the back door into the kitchen and everyone called to us from the living room.
Alice flitted into the kitchen. "Come on we're dancing, join us!"
I groaned as we walked out to greet everyone.
"I'm just going to run this upstairs," he said motioning to my bag. "I'll be right back," he promised.
And he was but Emmett was too quick.
"Come on Bella," he said grabbing my hand as soon as Edward reached the second floor landing. "Edward always hogs you and the rest of us never get a chance to dance with you," he said grinning, flashing his brilliant white teeth.
"No really, Emmett…" I protested as he pulled me out onto the dance floor.
An upbeat Fifties tune was playing and he started swinging me around on the floor. Emmett didn't know that Edward monopolized me because I didn't know how to dance and he could cover my inability, making me appear graceful.
Emmett was also a fantastic dancer, all the Cullens were, and he artfully twirled me around the floor. Like Edward, he led me so skillfully that I didn't have to think about where my feet were going, I just had to relax and follow. He laughed and spun me around until I was dizzy and couldn't stand without staggering which he found hilarious.
Edward reappeared and growled at Emmett.
"Thanks for the dance, Emmett," I said still a little woozy as he handed me over to Edward.
A slower song began and Edward pulled me close to him. His hand, on the small of my back, guided me slowly around the room as the other one wrapped gently around my hand. He moved so smoothly and held me so close, I felt graceful too melded to his hard body. I laid my head against his shoulder and sighed. The song ended too soon and something more upbeat started.
He walked me over to where Esme and Carlisle stood by the piano watching their "children." Esme was beaming just as I had anticipated.
"Bella, we're so glad you could come to our little party tonight," Carlisle said. "This, of course, will be one of many New Years we'll bring in together and we're so happy you'll be part of these celebrations from now on."
"Thanks Carlisle," I said. "I'm really looking forward to it."
We watched Alice and Jasper and Rosalie and Emmett performing what seemed to me to be a complicated swing dance. There were all kinds of twirls and lifts, bodies flying every direction, I wondered how they could remember it all and perform it so flawlessly. Edward noticed me watching them intently.
"Would you like to learn the Jitterbug?" he asked, amused at my fascination.
"Um, no, I don't think I could ever do that Edward." I gulped as I watched Jasper toss Alice up in the air and catch her easily then swinging her to one side and over his back catching her on the other side.
He laughed understanding. "Well, maybe next year, when you're not so breakable," he suggested chuckling softly.
I thrilled at his words, "next year." I liked the sound of that. I realized I'd have an eternity to learn to dance or learn to do anything for that matter. The possibilities were endless. I smiled up at him excited about the coming year.
The evening continued on as we danced and then sang while Edward played the piano. I didn't know the words to a lot of the songs they sang but listened as their beautiful voices made music together. I hoped that once I was transformed, I'd have a better singing voice – everything else seemed to improve why not that too?
Finally, midnight was drawing near and we all sat together, as we had on Christmas day, facing each other in the sitting area. Carlisle stood to make his "toast" just before the clock struck twelve. He looked at each one of us and smiled, his beautiful golden eyes glowing with satisfaction.
"As this year draws to a close and we stand at the brink of the next, I just want to thank all of you for keeping my dream - our dream alive," he began. "I am so proud of each of you. For being more than you have to be, for rising above the circumstances of our existence. You've made me very proud. And I'm overjoyed that we will have a new member in our family soon. Bella, you have already been a blessing to us and we can never thank you enough for the joy you've brought to Edward. I look forward to the coming years with you as a wonderful new addition to our family."
Just as he finished, the grandfather clock in the corner of the room started announcing the hour. "Happy New Year, Everyone!" he exclaimed and turned to kiss Esme.
Alice and Jasper and Emmett and Rosalie followed suit. Edward turned to me, gently taking my face in his cold, stone hands. "Happy New Year, my love," he whispered and bent down softly placing his lips on mine. "I've waited nearly ninety years for that kiss," he said his lips still very close to mine, "and it was worth it." He closed his eyes and kissed me again.
After a moment, everyone was talking and hugging and kissing. Alice jumped on Edward and me hugging us together, pecking both of our cheeks. Jasper hugged Edward and then turned and like a true gentleman gently lifted my hand and lightly kissed it – his lips like a cold whisper on my skin. Carlisle and Esme both hugged me kissing me on the cheek. I saw Esme give Edward a special look and an extra long hug. Emmett grabbed me and gave me his big brother bear hug so tight I couldn't breathe but he released me quickly and kissed me on the cheek, smiling warmly at me. Rosalie even gave me a brief hug and wished me Happy New Year.
Not long after midnight, everyone seemed ready to go to bed. I found this interesting as I knew they weren't going to sleep. A normal human party would just be getting underway at midnight but I was pretty tired after all the dancing so I was glad we weren't going to stay up all night talking. Edward and I were the last ones in the living room. He turned out all the lights except just a few that helped guide us to the third floor.
"You look a little tired; are you ready to go to sleep?"
"I'm ready to go to bed," I said but I wasn't ready to go to sleep. I wondered if he could read that on my face.
"Hmmm," he murmured raising an eyebrow as he opened his door to let me in.
My bag rested on his black leather couch. I grabbed it, grinning at him, and headed into the bathroom. I was so glad to have my toothbrush and other toiletries. I scrubbed my face, brushed my teeth, and ran a comb through my hair letting it loose from the barrette that had held it off my face all night. I undressed and slipped the pretty "nightgown" over my head. I took one final look in the mirror and opened the door.
Edward had dimmed the lights and two candles glowed softly on a table near the couch. He had the heating blanket spread on the floor over top what looked to be a thick bearskin rug. He sat on the rug, bare-chested in the same grey cotton pants he'd worn before, leaning back against the black sofa.
I forgot for an instant that I was anticipating his reaction to my new outfit; I was so stunned by his beauty. He sat there looking impossibly perfect, my own personal Adonis.
He interrupted my worshipping appraisal. "Bella," it was almost a moan. His eyes full of agony.
This was not the reaction I had hoped for. I quickly knelt beside him taking his face in my hands. "What is it, Edward? What's wrong?" I asked searching his pained expression.
He looked up at me through his black lashes, his golden eyes scorching me with their intensity. "You are so incredibly beautiful," he said as he took my hands from his face kissing each one and finally smiled at me. But his smile still looked pained.
"What's wrong?" I asked again not understanding his response.
He sighed still holding my hands in his while he tried to explain. "Seeing you like this," his eyes traveled up and down my body, "makes me realize how desperately I need you, how much I want you. I've never felt like this, Bella, never in my whole existence. This is so new for me. It's hard to stay in control of all the emotions and desires coursing through me."
He'd told me before that he'd never had an intimate relationship, that until he met me, he'd felt complete in himself only needing his family for companionship. As a human, he'd been too young to be married and in that era that would preclude any physical relationships. He'd told me that he had never found anyone to love or lust in all his existence, until he found me.
Strangely enough, my story was much the same (other than the ninety intervening years as a vampire). I'd never found anyone either, until him.
I looked down then ashamed of myself. "I'm sorry," I said looking at our hands.
He freed one hand and lifted my chin. "What could you possibly be sorry about?" he asked gently, his eyes as soft as his voice. The pain from a moment ago gone.
"I guess I was trying to tempt you. Trying to get you to look at me the way you did on the Island that first night. I didn't mean to make it harder for you. You're already trying so hard to be careful, to be good. I never meant to be…"
He placed his fingertips on my lips, quieting me. "Bella," he whispered my name, "you could wear a flannel shirt and jeans and tempt me. I love that you have this effect on me, that I'm capable of feeling this way. I'm just learning how to deal with it, that's all. I love looking at you whatever you're wearing and I appreciate your desire to … please me."
"Are you sure," I said still concerned. "I can change into something else."
"Not a chance," he said grinning and looking me over again giving me the appreciative look I had originally hoped to receive.
I blushed, of course, and he laughed his soft musical laugh.
"You know," I said sliding one fingertip down his cold hard chest, "I feel like that, every time I look at you." The knot in my stomach tightened with my admission.
He pulled me to him then, folding me into his arms and running his long fingers over the back of my hair. He gently guided my face to his and our lips met, mine burning, his freezing. His lips parted and I deeply inhaled his sweet scent which sent my head spinning.
I must have stopped breathing because the next thing I knew I was lying flat on my back on the soft rug. I opened my eyes to see his amused expression. His lips curved up as my eyes fluttered open.
"Are you all right?" he asked but he didn't look too concerned. He'd seen me faint before. It didn't seem to take much when he was around.
"I'm okay," I said slightly embarrassed.
He laughed softly and stroked my face. "What am I going to do with you?" he asked playfully. He seemed so happy; I didn't want to ruin his mood with my sarcasm or with another more tempting but impossible suggestion.
Edward's expression grew more serious as his fingers traced lightly over my collarbone, across my shoulder and down my arm. I shivered slightly at his touch. It was more thrilling than cold but my body responded the same in either case. His soft golden eyes searched down into mine, illuminated not only by the soft candlelight but also by the light smoldering from within him. They were like liquid gold shimmering of their own accord.
"You are so beautiful; Bella," he murmured, "and you feel so exquisite." His hand traveled down my leg capturing my foot. He gently massaged it, the way that only he knows drives me wild.
"Mmmm," I moaned captured in his eyes.
After another moment, he released my foot and his hand slid back up my leg and over the lace of my nightgown. It was thin and I could feel his cold hand as he moved it up my side. "Exquisite," he whispered again as his fingers lightly traced every contour of my neck and shoulders.
My need was mirrored in his eyes as he caressed me. "Bella, I …. I need you," he said not exactly sure how to articulate his desire, his human-based desire.
"Edward, could we…?" I looked up at him, hopeful. I needed him too.
"No," he said, his eyes dimming as he pulled his hand away from my skin, stroking my hair fanning out on the thick rug beside me instead, a much safer place to touch.
"But once I'm changed then we…," I confirmed.
"Yes, then it will be safe," he said a smile turning up his lips but not reaching his eyes.
"Safe?" I asked.
"Yes, I won't be able to hurt you then," he explained gently.
I didn't respond, trying to take this in and what all that it could mean.
"Please, tell me what you're thinking?" he said after a moment, a slight edge of frustration in his voice but his eyes where soft with pleading.
I hesitated but have finally learned that the truth is always best with Edward. Too many misunderstandings had plagued us in the past when the truth was hidden.
"I'm wondering what exactly you mean when you say, 'I won't be able to hurt you then'."
"Oh," he said softly, apparently not wanting to continue with this discussion. He resumed tracing the edge of my collarbone.
"Well?" This time it was my turn to be frustrated.
"Bella," he sighed. "You have resurrected so many human desires in me. I never thought I'd feel like this. If we were to ... to make love, I'm not sure I could stay firmly in control of that human desire and I might hurt you, physically. Then, there's also the other problem."
"The other problem?" I asked. "You mean your desire for my blood?"
"No," he said smiling for real this time. "I believe I finally have that firmly under control although, once I allow the human desires to take over I can't be sure. I have no experience in this area – so I guess that is also something to still be concerned about."
His face grew more serious.
"You haven't answered my question, Edward." I reminded him. "What is the other problem?"
He hesitated again. It was unlike him to be at a loss for words.
"You can tell me anything, you know." I reassured him.
"I know," he said his eyes shifting away from mine, debating. "I guess I'm concerned because you have not… you haven't ever… because you're a virgin."
"Oh," I laughed nervously, not expecting that. "Well, so are you," I said trying to ease his obvious discomfort and mine as well.
"Bella, I'm not concerned because neither of us have experience," he sighed finally meeting my eyes again, "but because normally a woman will bleed the first time."
"But you just said that you thought you had your thirst under control," I reminded him.
"No, it's not that." He was really struggling now. "I'm afraid if I… give in to my human desire...I may infect you with venom. If you're bleeding, it may be enough to change you," he said trying to make me understand that there were several ways I could get hurt if we were to make love. "I'm just not really sure, never having experienced that personally," he admitted, somehow annoyed at his own ignorance on this subject.
"Oh," I said not really sure how to respond.
Then, like a bolt of lightning, it hit me and I sat up.
"Are you saying that you could change me by making love to me?" I asked incredulously. I felt like Dorothy in the Wizard of Oz realizing she could have gone home ever since she first put on the ruby red slippers.
"I'm not completely sure, Bella, but it is poss…"
"Edward, this is fantastic! How could there be a better way? You wouldn't even have to bite me and be tempted by my blood. You wouldn't have to taste it and fight with yourself to stop." I smiled with satisfaction feeling like I had solved the world's greatest mystery.
He looked stern now. "Bella, No, it's too dangerous and I'm not even sure it would work."
I looked at him and could see the turmoil in his eyes. He did see the advantages, I could tell. "Would you talk to Carlisle about it?" I pleaded.
Edward lay back on our makeshift bed and stared up at the ceiling. He was silent for a long time. I would have given anything to know what was going on inside his head. Finally, he turned his dark golden eyes to me.
"Okay, I'll talk to him about it," he agreed quietly.
I lay back down next to him resting my head on his cold chest. His arms slid around me as I whispered, "Thanks."
I felt his gentle squeeze in response and his lips on my hair. I closed my eyes but my mind was racing with the thrill of thoughts of being so intimate with Edward and also getting my greatest desire at the same time. I wondered if I'd be able to sleep at all.
Edward pulled the heating blanket around us as I snuggled close to him. The soothing scent of him calmed my mind which finally began to slow and wander aimlessly; I really was tired after all. I wondered briefly if the thick rug we were laying on had been from a hunting expedition in the past – Edward had told me that bear was Emmett's favorite. I felt my lips curve up at the thought.
Safe in Edward's arms, I dreamed happy dreams in the early hours of the new year. My dreams were a series of images of us together; walking down the beach hand in hand, throwing snowballs at Emmett, sitting by his side at the piano marveling as his hands flowed over the keys, his amusement in receiving the electric blanket, and his amazed expression at my real gift to him on Christmas day, my own reaction and thrill of driving my new Audi, and his anguished look of desire last night. In my dream though, his desire was met.
I woke to his quiet voice humming a melody so soft and light I thought perhaps I was still dreaming. It sounded supernal like something one might expect to hear in heaven. I lay still pretending to sleep, not actually sure if I was awake or not, but hoping he wouldn't stop. It was lovely.
But after another moment, he trailed off and whispered, "Are you awake?"
"I think so," I said opening my eyes slowly. I was still on the floor with my head on his chest not having moved an inch all night. From his wall of windows, I could see the snow still wafting down in the subdued morning light. The mountains beyond were white, everything pristine with the new snow fall.
I sat up slowly, still a little groggy, and ran my fingers through the mess that was my hair. He lay on his back, his head on the pillow, smiling up at my "morning look". If he didn't see me like this on a regular basis after Charlie left each morning, I'd be embarrassed.
"What was that you were humming?"
"Just something I'm working on," he said propping himself up on one elbow.
"You're composing it?" I asked incredulously, although I don't know why it surprised me. The other songs he had written were every bit as beautiful.
"Yes," he said. "I often compose when you're sleeping. I'm sorry if I woke you," he apologized.
"No, it's okay. It was just so ethereal I thought at first I was dreaming. It's a nice way to wake up," I assured him smiling.
"No, you were dreaming earlier," he said his eyes dancing with amusement.
"Oh, no," I said hiding my face in my hands. "What did I say?" It was so embarrassing when he heard my sleep talk.
"Well, it was no nightmare this time," he said laughing.
He had woke me many times during nightmares after I had nearly been killed by James and then again by the Volturi. Too many times to count, he had comforted and quieted me before the screaming started so I wouldn't wake Charlie and he wouldn't have to make a quick exit.
"I just hope the real thing will live up to your dreams - when the time is right," he said amused.
I looked up suddenly to see the grin on his lips and the smolder in his eyes.
"Oh no," I moaned, hiding my face again as I felt the heat rising in it.
He laughed and tipped my chin up with one finger, prying my hands away from my face.
"Bella, you don't have to be embarrassed," he said, the laughter gone, his voice gentle. "I already know you want me. It's nice to get a preview of what it will be like, at least for you." His eyes held mine and he leaned in slowly.
His lips were soft on mine at first but quickly grew more demanding. I could feel my body respond and my hands clutched his hair at the back of his neck. His arms tightened around me and I pushed against him, molding myself to his perfect physique. He lay back on the rug rolling with me until I was under him. I strained up to his hard body, one leg curling around his waist, pulling my hips tighter to him. I wanted so much more.
"Oh, Edward," I moaned as he kissed my neck.
"I know," he said breathlessly, "me too." His eyes were flashing and he closed them for a long moment working to reign in his own desire. I lay very still waiting. When they opened again they were calmer.
"Bella, we have to get up now," he said in a tight voice. I knew he was struggling.
"Okay," I said weakly and he released me rolling away from me onto his back. I rose without looking at him lying there on the bearskin rug, the blanket in disarray around him – looking - I was sure more gorgeous than ever. I couldn't look at him because I couldn't trust myself. The end of the school year, five months away, seemed like a very long time at that moment.
I closed the bathroom door behind me and leaned against it. This was really getting hard. If only the school year would end earlier! I took a quick shower, careful to keep my hair dry. I felt a little better after letting the hot water pound on me for a while.
I dressed quickly in the outfit I had brought, brushed my teeth and hair and opened the door to find him dressed and standing by the windows that made up the southern wall of his room. He looked out towards the mountains until he heard the door and then turned to me. I set my bag on his couch and noticed he had unplugged and folded up the blanket, placing it neatly on the end of the couch.
"Hi," I said feeling shy for some reason.
"Good Morning," he said in his composed velvet voice – everything back to normal it seemed. "I believe Esme is cooking up a storm downstairs for you. I hope you're hungry," he said grinning at me.
"Actually, I am pretty hungry," I said as we headed out his door. The smells wafting up the stairs from below were incredible and my step quickened as we headed downstairs.
"Esme, you didn't have to do all this," I said in amazement as I looked at all the food she was preparing.
"Well, I did get little carried away, I guess," she laughed lightly. "I had forgotten how much I enjoyed cooking," she said turning back to the French toast she was flipping on the griddle. "Just eat what ever you want," she encouraged.
I grabbed the plate she left out for me and piled it high with bacon and eggs and the French toast she had just finished cooking. "Wow," I exclaimed, "I won't have to eat for the rest of the day after this!"
I was pretty famished and ate more than normal. Edward and Esme watched me, pleased with my enjoyment of her efforts. I couldn't imagine hunting down an animal and drinking its blood could ever be as enjoyable as this food but I tried not to linger on that thought too long. That was one of those areas of my future life that I didn't want to think about too much.
"Where's everyone else?" I asked leaning back feeling stuffed.
"They're tuning up the snowmobiles for your ride," Esme explained clearing the table. "And Carlisle had to go into the hospital for a little while, he'll be back soon. He said to tell you to be careful," she said smiling warmly at me.
"Snowmobiles?" I asked raising an eyebrow. The Cullen's certainly had a lot of fun toys.
"Yes," Edward said. "We like to ride them especially after a new snow. Another speed event, you know." His smile was brilliant.
"Wow," I said, "I've never ridden a snowmobile before."
"Really," he said teasingly. "They didn't have them in Phoenix?"
I scowled at him.
"Don't worry, all you have to do is hold onto me. We'll be riding in pairs today," he explained seeming to like the idea immensely.
"Edward, please be careful. I know how you and Emmett like to race," Esme cautioned.
"Don't worry," he said kissing Esme's cheek. "I'll be extra careful with her."
Sometimes it was as if I wasn't even in the room, the way they talked about me. After bundling up the best I could, we joined Emmett, Rosalie, Alice and Jasper out by the snowmobiles.
"Are you ready?" Alice asked us, her eyes dancing.
"I think so," I said a little unsure.
Emmett, Jasper and Edward each straddled a snowmobile and started them up. Rosalie and Alice climbed on behind their respective husbands and I mounted Edward's snow mobile, feeling the power thrumming beneath me. I wrapped my arms around his hard frame; it was like holding onto a stone. And we were off.
We traveled across the backyard and over a bridge that spanned the Sol Duc River. Jasper led and found a trail up through the dense woods leading towards the mountain range beyond.
I was glad for the ski gloves, hat, and glasses that Esme had lent me as we whipped through the trees at a pretty fast clip. All my reckless "extreme sports" during Edward's absence last year had left me with a new desire for exciting experiences such as this. I was really enjoying it. I wondered if he would teach me to drive the snowmobile.
About forty-five minutes later, we stopped in a large open clearing. I realized it was the place where the Cullen's liked to play baseball. I dismounted feeling a little stiff from holding onto Edward so tightly.
"Wow, that is cool." I said lifting my glasses so I could see him better.
He grinned at me, "I hoped you'd like it. Would you like to learn how to operate the sled?" he asked as if reading my mind. "This clearing is a good place to learn – no trees to run into."
"Yes," I said excited at the prospect.
"Bella and I are going to stay here for a while," he called to the others over the idling engines. "I'm going to teach her how to drive the snowmobile. Feel free to go on ahead, we'll catch up later."
Emmett and Jasper nodded and sped away as Alice turned waving to me.
Edward spent twenty minutes explaining how to start, accelerate, turn, and most importantly stop the snowmobile. It was fairly straightforward. Then he let me try. It took me a few turns around the field to get the hang of it but it was easier than learning to ride my motorcycle when Jake had taught me. Edward held me around the waist and provided helpful instruction in my ear as we circled the field.
Finally, he felt I had the knack of it and we headed down a trail through the woods following tracks left by his family members. We cruised along at what I'm sure he thought was a snail's pace but I was really enjoying myself. The day was crisp and clear and what little bit of Edward's exposed skin showed, shimmered in the sunlight. It was glorious. Miles from nowhere with no one but us in the whole world or at least that's how it felt.
And then I saw him through the trees. A lone figure standing at the top of the hill in an open stretch we were just about to reach. I leaned over trying to see him again and I let off the gas. Who would be out here in the middle of the Olympic National Forest, miles from any road or town in the dead of winter?
At last we left the forest and the clearing was open before us but there was no sign of him. I pulled up to where I thought I had seen him and let the sled slow to a stop. We both got off and walked over to where he would have been standing and sure enough there were foot prints in the snow but only coming out to this spot, there were no tracks returning to the forest. I looked up at Edward, the confusion plain on my face.
He had seen him too and he also studied the tracks. He took a few steps towards the trees and then squatted down looking closely at the snow. The snow was all churned up with no clear tracks there. He rose fluidly and took a few more steps and then cursed low under his breath.
"What is it, Edward?" I asked, not understanding.
I walked to his side and looked down, immediately comprehending. There was a very large paw print in the snow, a wolf print. The print led clearly back to the protective coverage of the forest.
"This is really too much. The boundaries were clear," Edward muttered angrily.
"Do you think it's one of the Quileute's?" I asked as if there was another option. "I didn't recognize him."
Although I had barely had a glimpse, I felt fairly sure it wasn't one of Indians I had come to know when Edward and his family were away. The Quileute Indians who turned into werewolves. "He didn't look big enough," I said.
Edward's eyes were tight a he stared into the forest. "Come on. Let's go," he said curtly and strode quickly back to the snowmobile.
He took the driver's position and I rushed to keep up, stumbling a bit. He steadied me as I threw my leg over the snowmobile and settled in behind him. Once he felt my arms around his waist he took off, the snow flying out behind us as we headed back towards home.
We raced too fast through the forest, the cold wind biting at my nose. I hid my face in Edward's back until I felt him slowing to cross the bridge over the river behind his house.
The others were already back and Edward pulled the sled up next to theirs. He didn't say a word but just took my hand and walked in silence to the house. He looked angry. I had a million questions I wanted to ask him but his fuming expression warned me to hold my tongue.
"Carlisle," Edward barked as we entered through the kitchen. He continued on into the living room stripping off his outside wear as he went.
I left Esme's borrowed coat, hat, gloves and glasses in the kitchen and then followed him into the other room.
He was talking to Carlisle, his words so fast and low I couldn't catch most of what he said but it sounded like he was explaining what we had seen in the clearing. Carlisle communicated something silently to Edward who closed his eyes and clenched his jaw in frustration. He nodded slightly and then turned to me.
"I need to take you home now, Bella," he said his voice soft but his eyes hard with tension.
"But, I ..." I stammered.
"I'll get your bag." He disappeared up the steps.
I turned to Carlisle, the questions clear in my eyes.
"Don't worry Bella. We'll take care of everything," he assured me.
I was still lost as to what needed to be taken care of. I was guessing that Edward was angry that the Quileute werewolves were not holding to the treaty. The Park was Cullen territory. But why wouldn't Edward just tell me that? What did they have to take care of?
Edward reappeared at my side, wrapping an arm around me and led me away from Carlisle, my questions unanswered.