I'll miss you
When I woke up the next morning I saw that it was still dark outside. I looked over at the alarm clock on the nightstand and saw that it was only 4.30 in the morning, still a few more hours to go until we had to get up. I snuggled back into Edward's embrace, trying to fall asleep again, but somehow sleep wouldn't come. After some time I gave up and decided to watch Edward again instead. I was once again struck by how vulnerable and peaceful he looked when he was asleep. I couldn't believe that this sleeping angel was a tough business man who didn't care about other people's feelings like he told me a few days ago. 'Unemotional' and 'Ice cold' were the words he used to describe himself then, but I knew that wasn't true. The way he treated me and his friends was the perfect example of how much love he was capable of.
"Hey," A voice said suddenly and pulled me out of my thoughts. I hadn't noticed that Edward had woken up. His voice was rough and deeper than usual from all the sleeping.
"Hey. Did you sleep well?" I asked him quietly, stroking his face. He closed his eyes again and leaned into my hand.
"I haven't slept this well for ages," he whispered and opened his eyes again to look at me. I smiled at him and lay my head on his chest so I could still look at him. We didn't say much for the next few minutes, we just stared into each other's eyes.
"I'll miss you," he breathed while his hands caressed my back.
"I'll miss you, too," I confessed quietly. "Will you call me?"
"Every day if you want me to," he answered smiling warmly at me.
"Thank you," I whispered and I leaned up to kiss him. I hadn't kissed him since I found the note Alice left for me two days ago. The kiss was gentle and sweet and when we ended it I saw his eyes sparkling with joy. I giggled a bit at this image and leaned in to kiss him again to which he responded eagerly. This kiss was different though. It was gentle, yet forceful. He took my bottom lip between his and sucked on it which caused me to moan into his mouth. Suddenly I felt his tongue tracing said lip, begging me for entrance which, of course, I granted. His tongue explored my mouth then and played with my own. While we kissed he pulled me completely on top of him and wound his arms around my waist to keep me close to him. When we broke the kiss we were both gasping for air.
"Yeah, I'm also going to miss this," Edward said, breathing heavily while smiling at me.
"Oh well, I'm sure you'll find some hot, attractive Chinese girls in Hong Kong that would be all too willing to help you not getting lonely," I teased him.
"Maybe you're right," he said, calling my bluff. I slapped his shoulder playfully which made him laugh.
"I was just joking, Bella. I'm not like that anymore," he said earnestly.
"I believe you. And even if you were, I would have the perfect weapon to punish you," I said.
"Huh?" He asked, looking at me confused. "You don't own a gun, do you?"
"No, I don't," I laughed, "but never forget that my best friend is none other than Alice 'Don't-you-dare-hurting-my-friends-or-else-I'll-hurt-you' Brandon."
"You think I'm afraid of tiny little Alice?" He asked me, laughing hard.
"Oooooh Mister, you have no idea. Alice is a force to be reckoned with. Hmm, I'm curious what she'll do when I tell her you called her 'tiny little Alice'. Did you forget the day at the coffee shop when she went outside with Emmett? Or maybe we should just call Jasper to see what they did to him yesterday?" I asked.
"She can't be that bad," Edward said, still not believing how scary Alice could be.
"Correction. Yes, she can. One day back in NYC she set up a date for me with this guy, I totally forgot his name. Anyway, to tell you the short version it was living hell, so I called Alice to rescue me and of course, she came. The guy on the other hand had no intention of letting me leave, so he turned to scare Alice away. To keep this short, he ended up lying on the floor writhing in pain as 'tiny little Alice' kneed him in the groin pretty hard. And the guy wasn't small! He was in the football team of NYU!"
"Seriously?" Edward asked, his expression now at least a bit scared.
"Yep," I sang happily.
"God, remind me to never get on Alice's bad side," he said.
"Yep, that would surely be your death sentence," I laughed.
"Well, I don't know Ms Swan, you probably forgot that Alice isn't the only who's gifted with a special talent," Edward said in a half-joking voice.
"Ooooh, so you're gifted as well, Eddie?" I giggled.
"Yeah, and especially being called 'Eddie' makes me use my gift. A gift that's torture for every woman on this planet," he announced.
"What? Can you read minds?" I asked him playfully.
"Noooo, it's way better than that," Edward said in a voice that was supposed to be mysterious but just cracked me up more.
"That's hardly possible," I laughed.
"Oh, why Bella, do you have some improper thoughts you don't want me to know?" He said wiggling his eyebrows which made me blush and him laugh harder.
"Don't distract me! Just tell me about that amazing talent of yours that could torture every woman on this planet," I said while rolling my eyes at him, trying to hide my embarrassment. He wasn't too far off the mark with 'improper thoughts'.
Edward just stared at me and then without a warning his hands went to my waist and he started tickling me. I laughed really hard because I was incredibly ticklish.
"Oh god, Edward, stop!" I laughed.
"Hmm, what would you be willing to trade for that?" He said and stopped while pretending to think about it.
"Erm, a hug?" I said, knowing full well that that wouldn't be good enough for him, but I tried not to start out too high.
"Hmmm, let me think…NO!" He screamed the last word and started tickling me again. We rolled around his bed, him lying on top of me while I was laughing really hard below him. At some point I managed to escape his hold and ran for it, laughing. Of course he followed me and chased me through his apartment. He was faster than me, but because I was shorter than him I could take little short cuts he wouldn't fit through, so it was an even fight. Well, it was an even fight until my klutziness chose to make an appearance and I tripped over the edge of a carpet in the hallway. I already prepared myself for the impact, but it never came. I felt two strong arms wrap around my waist and pull me up again. I was looking up at Edward's beautiful green orbs that sparkled with amusement.
"You should really watch where you walk," he said, trying to suppress a chuckle. I was about to protest when he suddenly threw me over his shoulder and carried me back to the bedroom. I was kicking and screaming in protest which only made him laugh harder. When we entered the bedroom he tossed me playfully onto his bed and started tickling me again as a 'punishment' according to him.
"Edward, stop! Please, Edward! I'll do anything! Anything you want!" I laughed. He stopped instantly.
"Anything, you say?" He asked and I nodded.
"Good. I'll think about something. For now you are free," he answered.
Up until this moment I didn't notice the position we were in. I was lying flat on my back on the bed while Edward hovered over me, his hands pinning my wrists above my head and his legs straddling my waist. I stared up into his eyes again and found a wholly new expression in them. They were still sparkling, but I couldn't find the usual happiness in them. All I saw was hunger. Pure unadulterated lust. This knocked me breathless. Was Alice really right with what she had said a few days ago? I remembered her exact words as if she were there in front of me speaking them yet again.
Yeah, you are both, beautiful and smart. He finds himself not only being intrigued by your personality, but also desiring your body.
"Bella," he said in a rough voice before his lips once again met mine. This kiss was different from the one before. It was less gentle and tender, but more passionate and intimate. Edward pressed his body against mine and although I could feel all his weight I didn't feel uncomfortable. Quite the opposite actually. It had a strange calming and at the same time exciting effect to feel his weight on my body, his skin touching mine wherever it was possible. Edward deepened the kiss further by once again exploring my mouth with his tongue. I responded with a quiet moan which again made him moan loudly in return.
After a while Edward broke our kiss, groaning. Lying down next to me he put his arm over his eyes and remained like that for a while.
"Edward, are you okay?" I asked worriedly after some time, my voice still husky from our kiss. Edward groaned again.
"Bella, please, never tempt me like that again. It took every ounce of my self control to not just rip your clothes off and take you right there," he said, still not looking at me. I was dumbfounded. Alice was apparently right and as impossible as it sounds it really looked like Edward was desiring me the same way I was desiring him.
When I didn't respond in any way Edward pulled his arm away and looked at me with worry edged on his beautiful face.
"Bella? Bella love, did I scare you?" He whispered while caressing my face.
"No," I said, "I was just thinking about how close we already were to the point of no return," I confessed.
"We were really close, love, really close," was his answer.
After a few minutes of lying next to each other in silence I turned towards Edward again and snuggled into his side. His arms were around me immediately and I heard him sigh in contentment. I looked up at him and he was smiling his warm, crooked smile again, the one that made my heart melt.
"I really don't want to go," he said after a few minutes of us gazing into each other's eyes.
"I don't want you to go either, but you have to. It's your job. Go sign some important business deals over there and then come back quickly," I told him and he laughed.
"If it only were that easy," he sighed in response.
"How long are you staying there anyway?" I asked him.
"Well, as of now the plan is that I stay there till Friday, but this deal in particular is kind of difficult, so I might have to stay another week or two," he answered and I pouted.
"Believe me, I'd like to be done with it on Friday either, but you'll never know with these Chinese business men. They are very smart and sneaky." He laughed in response to my pout.
"I really don't like the idea of not seeing you for nearly three weeks," I said.
"Neither do I, Bella, neither do I."
At 6 o'clock we decided to get up and have breakfast. Edward once again made pancakes and just like the day before they were delicious.
"You really have to give me the recipe for these," I munched with my mouth full of delicious pancake.
"Really Bella, did your Mom never tell you not to speak with your mouth full?" Edward asked in a mock indignant voice and I smiled.
"I can't help myself, your pancakes are so delicious that I forget all my manners," I laughed.
"Well, it's good to hear you like them. They were prepared according to Nana Masen's secret pancake recipe," he laughed in response.
Suddenly we heard the doorbell ringing and looked at each other questioningly.
"Do you think we'll ever be able to have breakfast without being interrupted?" Edward asked annoyed.
"I really hope so, although it looks like our chances are rather slim," I answered, equally irritated.
Edward got up then and walked away to get the door. Unlike yesterday though our visitor didn't need to come into the dining room for me to know who he was. There was no one else on this planet with quite a voice like that.
"Hey Eddie, my brother from another mother! How are you this morning?" I heard Emmett's booming voice ask Edward in the hallway.
"Emmett, use your indoor voice. I really don't need my neighbors to wake up and start complaining," Edward said, still highly annoyed.
"Hey! Why are you in such a bad mood? And here I thought I was doing you a favor saying goodbye to you properly and therefore getting up really early and leaving my hot as hell girlfriend alone," Emmett said grumpily.
"Sorry Emmett. But it was really unnecessary."
"Hey, no one ever gets up to say goodbye to you, so I thought I should come here and do it for a change. I bet nobody else will show up," Emmett said proudly while walking through the doorway. I hated to burst his little bubble, but I just couldn't help myself.
"Hey Emmett, nice to see you! Did you want to say goodbye to Edward either?" I called, waving to him while I watched his face fall. However a few seconds later a devilish grin appeared on his face.
"So, that's why you were so unpleasant to me. You just wanted to be alone with Bella. I wonder what Jasper will say to this," Emmet said, smirking and pulling out his phone to call Jasper.
"I don't think Jasper will mind, right Bella?" Edward asked in a sweet tone while winking at me.
"Yeah. I think he will be okay with it. I mean I only stayed the night at your place," I answered and watched as Emmett's eyes grow larger by the second. When Jasper finally picked up the phone Emmett started talking instantly.
"Oooooh Jasper, my brother, I have some news and I don't think you'll like them," he started.
"Oh, it's just that I'm at Eddie's place right now and guess what I've found out!? Bella is here and she stayed the night at Edward's. See, Rose and I aren't the only ones who are going at it, as you liked to say, like bunnies."
Jasper apparently started talking and whatever he said didn't seem to amuse Emmett as his expression grew more and more somber by the second.
"What do you mean, you don't mind? You give Rose and me hell for having a bit of fun, but if Bella and Edward do it it's okay?" Emmett asked incredulously.
"What do you mean, you trust them? And you don't trust Rose and me?" He asked.
"Only because you didn't hear them doesn't mean they're not doing it," Emmett practically shouted.
"Gah! I can't believe you're serious about that!" Emmett said before hanging up and looking at us murderously. While Emmett talked to Jasper Edward moved to my side and put an arm around my shoulders.
"Stop grinning like that you two! I bet you were doing it as well. I know you Edward," Emmett ranted.
"Sorry to disappoint you Emmett, but we didn't. Bella is far too important to me to ever take chances with, so I changed my way of life," Edward answered calmly while looking into my eyes the whole time.
"Oh my god," Emmett said breathlessly, "Oh my freaking god."
"What?" Edward asked.
"You're serious," Emmett said, still absolutely shocked.
"Of course I am," was Edward's irritated answer.
"Wow! Eddie the prude is back! It took me ages to convince you that one-night stands are real fun when we were at Harvard and now you just throw all this away? I can't believe it," Emmett said.
What? Emmett was the one that made Edward a player in college? But, was he just playing with Rose then? And if he did would he even care about hurting her?
"Emmett," I hissed and he looked at me alarmed.
"Are you saying that you are only playing with Rose? That you'll dump her sooner or later for someone else?" I continued angrily while stalking towards him.
"What? No, I never said that," Emmett defended himself. I reached him then and poked my index finger into his chest.
"Swear to me that you'll not hurt her or, so help me god, Alice and I will hurt you," I seethed.
"I swear Bella! Really, I do," Emmett said hastily, looking truly scared.
"You better," I answered and turned around to walk back to Edward who looked at me admiringly.
"If any of you guys hurt one of us you're going to face the wrath of all three of us, so be warned," I said to both of them seriously.
"Yeah, uhm, I see that. You know Eddie, now that Bella's here I think my presence is no longer required. Have a safe trip, have fun and call me when you get back. See ya," Emmett stuttered and ran out the door. A few seconds later we burst out laughing.
"Jesus, Bella! Emmett was really scared of you. I haven't seen him like this since Esme got angry last time."
We laughed a bit more and then continued our breakfast.
"Edward?" I asked him once we were done.
"Hm?" He looked up at me questioningly.
"Would you mind if I came to the airport with you?" I asked shyly.
"Not at all Bella, but don't you have to go to work?" He asked, beaming at first and then growing somber.
"No, before we left Jasper's place yesterday Alice told me that I have the rest of the week off, so my injuries get better soon," I answered.
"Well, then I don't see any problems with you coming along. Wait! How are you going to get home? I'm going to park my car at the airport," he looked at me.
"I'll just take a taxi, that's no problem," I answered.
"Do you want to take my car?" He asked.
"No, it's okay. I couldn't forgive myself if I damaged your baby while you're gone," I teased him and we both laughed together.
Before it was time to leave for the airport I decided to call Alice, just to make sure everything was fine at the coffee shop or if they needed any help.
"Hello?"
"Hey Alice, it's Bella."
"Hey Bella! How are you? Does your face still hurt? I heard Edward's going on some business trip today, is that true? Is he gone already? Do you mind-"
"Alice, phone calls are supposed to be dialogues, not monologues. But to answer you anyway, I'm absolutely fine and yes Edward's flight leaves in about two hours. I just wanted to know whether you need any help at the coffee shop?"
"No, we're fine here. Just go home and relax. I already talked to Rose, tonight we'll have the second official couch meeting and Rose is going to spill. Oh, by the way you should go over to Jasper's place tomorrow. Rose picked his punishment and it's going to be so funny, but I won't say anything else."
"Okay, I'll be there. See you Ally."
After I hung up I went to find Edward and saw him sitting on his piano in the living room. He looked up when he heard me coming and gestured towards the free spot next to him on the bench. I didn't hesitate, strolled over and sat down.
"Are you ready to leave?" I asked him.
"Not yet. I just need to play the piano once more. Then we can go," was his answer and he began to play a very beautiful and powerful song. You could easily see there was a meaning behind it. As soon as I heard the song a picture began forming in my head, a picture of an older lady and an older gentleman who despite being together for so long still loved each other like on the first day. I closed my eyes, a small smile playing at my lips while I listened to Edward playing the rest of the song. When the song drifted to an end I looked up at Edward and caught him staring at me.
"That song was beautiful, Edward. What was it about?" I asked in a quiet voice.
"I wrote this one for my parents. I was always fascinated by the love they share. It was as if nothing on this world could ever separate them," he told me.
"That's a nice story. I bet they love the song," I said and he smiled.
"Yes, my Mom especially. Every time I come home the first thing I have to do is play their song. My Mom still cries every single time she hears it," he said, still smiling sweetly.
"When was the last time you visited your parents?" I asked him because he sounded so wistful before.
"It's over a year ago that I was in Portland the last time. I miss my parents, but my schedule is just very, very full, so I hardly have any time to visit them," he sighed.
"Why don't you invite them to spend Christmas here in Seattle? Together with you, Giulia and Francesco? I think you said they were friends, right?" I asked him.
"That's actually a good idea and then I can finally introduce you to my parents. My Mom is really curious about you since I told her about 'Jasper's lovely cousin'," he smiled and I laughed lightly.
A few minutes later we were already sitting in the car and were on our way to Sea-Tac airport. We were silent for most of the ride, only making light conversation now and then. Once we arrived at the airport we went straight for the check-in counter. After getting rid of his suitcases, Edward and I walked a bit through the airport, looking at the different check-in counters and their various destinations. This was one of my favorite hobbies since I was a kid. I remember walking through the airport with my Mom and asking her about all the different places, where they were, how far they were away and so on. I smiled at the old memory and when Edward asked me for the reason why I was smiling so broadly I told him the story and he chuckled.
"You truly were one adorable little kid," he said and I smiled.
After a while it was time to say goodbye though as an announcement over the intercom stated that Edward's flight to Hong Kong was now ready for boarding and that all passengers should be on their way to the gate now. When we were standing at the barrier only people with airplane tickets could pass through I hugged Edward one last time and gave him a sweet and gentle goodbye kiss.
"Have fun in Hong Kong. And don't forget my postcard," I told him smiling with my arms around his neck.
"Thank you, but I doubt 'fun' is the right sentiment for a business trip. Anyway, you have fun, too, and take this," he said and handed me a key. I looked at him questioningly.
"Only in case Emmett and Rose are once again occupying your apartment. This is a spare key to my apartment. The people in the lobby know and won't block your way up."
"Edward, no, I can't take this," I said hurriedly and wanted to give him the key back.
"No, Bella," he said and closed my hand around the key with his, "I couldn't sleep well knowing that you had to beg other people to let you sleep over at their place. Just do me this favor."
"Okay," I whispered, blushing at his concern.
"Goodbye Bella, I'll miss you," he said with one last kiss before he turned and walked through the barrier.
"Goodbye," I whispered, too quiet for him to hear.
Once he was through the barrier he turned around one more time and waved to me and I waved back with a smile. Then he disappeared inside the airport and I was alone once again.