A/N: Thanks so much for reading!

…...

Chapter 9: With Thanksgiving next week, now seemed the best time to make the trip. We all agreed a crazy person was behind my parents' killing, and so we questioned my safety. As a result, we thought it best to lay low, which included not using credit cards or leaving a trail, such as flying.

Jasper indicated he could miss a class or two, and I confirmed the same. At the end of the phone call, decisions had been made. Edward had a few loose ends to tie up with his business and would do so in the morning. Jasper planned to contact his professors in the morning for any potential missed work and I planned on doing the same. We decided on meeting at their place and Edward would pick up a rental car for our travels. Then, the cross country road trip would begin.

…...

I handed the phone back to Edward so he could say his goodbyes to his dad. Once the call ended, the four of us recapped the conversation.

"Bella, are you sure you can miss a few classes?" Edward asked.

"Yes, especially since a crazy person is on the loose. If nothing else, I'll show my professors the letter for confirmation of this unbelievable story."

The guys nodded in agreement.

The tension in the room calmed down, albeit slightly. Alice and Jasper paired off into their own little area of the room while Edward and I migrated to mine. I got the sense he didn't want to leave my side. It felt comforting to me especially because I really didn't want him to leave.

"Bella, I've been thinking. And, I hope you won't think this as being too forward, but I would feel more comfortable if you were to stay at my place." He paused, and when I didn't immediately respond, he continued, "You can have my bed, and I will sleep on the couch."

"You can't possibly give up your bed."

"I can, and I will," he smiled that award winning grin.

I wanted to argue, but I couldn't find it within me to do so. Truth be told, the contents of the letter frightened me. And if Alice planned on staying with Jasper, it meant I would be all alone. It made sense to be in the presence of friends.

I packed a few essentials, knowing I would be back tomorrow to get the rest of my things for the trip. I watched as Alice also packed her bag. The four of us made our way out to the parking lot. I began to walk in the direction of my car, when I heard someone clear his throat.

I looked up at Edward, who stated, "I'm driving."

I just stared at him, so he clarified, "Bella, I don't see the need for us to both drive. When we get up in the morning, I will bring you back here, then I'll continue on to take care of my business before we leave town."

I agreed with this arrangement and continued walking in the parking lot next to Edward.

On the drive to his place, Edward explained the set up with his apartment. Since his fiance left him, and the lease on Jasper's apartment ends in a few weeks, they decided on living together.

We had to climb three flights of stairs to get to Edward's apartment. He unlocked it allowing us to enter one by one. The spacious living room greeted us as we walked through the entrance. The room appeared somewhat modern with an eclectic feel.

I watched Edward as he disappeared down the hallway with my bag, only to return a moment later empty handed. He offered a tour and showed us around pointing out the bathroom and the bedrooms.

As we determined what to do next, my stomach let out a loud rumble. At that moment, Edward looked at me and asked, "Bella, when did you last eat?"

I couldn't remember. I thought long and hard but the last meal I had alluded me. I just looked at him realizing that with all the chaos it seemed we all forgot to eat dinner.

"I'm ordering a pizza, I hope that is OK with everyone," he said.

"Bella likes just about anything on her pizza," Alice spoke for me.

I just looked at her, silently thanking Alice for telling Edward about my pizza preference. I still couldn't think straight with all that happened earlier today and I really didn't want to make any decisions.

"OK, I'll order a pepperoni pizza and one with the works," Edward stated.

"And an order of buffalo wings," Jasper requested.

"Anything else?"

Alice and I shook our heads as we walked over to the couch. We sat in silence snuggled next to one another as Edward made the call to order the pizza. After placing the order, Jasper joined him in the kitchen and began discussing the details of the trip.

"Do you want me to call Rose and fill her in?" Alice asked.

"Yes, she will probably want to know why I am M.I.A."

I watched as Alice called Rose, and she began to fill her in on the situation. I didn't want to relive it all again, so I stood and walked to the bathroom. After shutting the door, I just stared at my image in the mirror. I looked so much older. My hair was a wreck, and my mascara smeared slightly. I rinsed my face off then used the hand towel to pat it dry.

Before leaving the room, I took a deep breath then opened the door.

Edward stood leaning against the wall across from me, concern apparent on his face. He held out his hand. As I took it, neither of us spoke a word. He led me in the direction of his bedroom.

"Bella, I want to ask if you are OK, but I can only imagine you're not. I want to ask if there is anything I can do, but I don't think there is. I can see you're struggling to keep it together, but I'm here for you, and so are your friends. I hope I'm not being too forward by asking if I can give you a hug."

"Thanks, there's nothing you can do or say to make my pain go away. But, I could sure use a hug right about now."

The moment his arms wrapped around me, I lost it. I could no longer keep up the facade of being OK. I cried hard, to the point of having those damn hiccups. The whole time, Edward held on to me tightly, never letting go. After a few minutes of continuous sobbing, I finally gained control of my emotions. As I looked up to him, he lessened his grip and gave me a kiss on my forehead.

"Thank you!" I said to him.

I wanted him to know that I truly appreciated all that he did for me. I know I hurt him earlier, but that really wasn't me. I felt there was more that needed to be said, but our moment was interrupted. In the background, we heard a knock on the front door signaling the arrival of the pizza.

"I'm gonna freshen up, then I'll meet you all in the kitchen."

"Sounds good, can I fix you a drink?" he asked.

"I know it's typically pizza and beer, but do you happen to have any red wine?"

"Sure do, I'll have a glass ready for you," he said as he smiled slightly.

We parted ways and I spent a few minutes in the bathroom again. This time, I couldn't get rid of my blood shot eyes so I knew Alice and Jasper would immediately know of my crying episode. Surely Edward already warned them. Or perhaps they heard me. Who knows? I took few deep breaths, blew my nose, then washed my hands before opening the bathroom door and walking towards the kitchen.

Edward, Alice, and Jasper all sat around the table, the pizza boxes and wings in the center and two bottles of wine within reach. I sat at the empty seat and immediately took a sip of my Falling Star Malbec wine. It tasted delightful.

Everyone sat quietly eating their pizza, that is until Alice accidentally tipped her glass spilling the contents on her half eaten slice of pizza. She squealed and apologized profusely.

"It's OK sweetheart, it's just wine on your pizza," Jasper said.

"I know, but this is not what we need right now," she whispered, then looked at me silently apologizing with her facial expression.

"Alice, actually, it helped lighten my mood. Thank you," I giggled slightly.

With that, the mood shifted. I felt as though once I became happier, so did the rest of the group. For the remainder of dinner, we talked about nothing related to me, and everything related to Alice and her various addictions, mostly shopping. I secretly wanted to call her out on her new interest in porn, as I remembered our shopping experience. She appeared to be deeply interested in the various items located at that specialty 'toy' store. We also got a glimpse into the life of Edward and Jasper as they shared stories telling on each other of their childhood memories.

While cleaning up dinner, Edward cautiously said, "I don't mean to bring things back up, but I think it would be best if you gave my friend a call."

"You think I need to see a shrink?"

In all seriousness, that's probably what I should do. I'm just not ready to share my story with a complete stranger. Besides, don't they just listen? I can't see them being too helpful at this point in time.

"No, no, no. My friend, Emmett. He's a detective."

I just looked at him as realization hit me.

"What is it Bella?"

"I think I've met him."

"Who, Emmett?"

"Yes, well no. The other night when you mentioned his name, I didn't put it together. But now that you mention he's a detective, I think I've spoken to him on the phone. I think he's the one who told me about my parents' death."

"Wow, it sure is a small world. In any event, I think it would behoove you to call and fill him in on the latest. He can probably share some insight, offer suggestions or something of that nature."

"You're probably right. What's his number?"

"Do you mind if I call him right now?"

I didn't mind and told him so. Edward pulled out his phone, punching a few buttons then put the phone to his ear. I stood next to him waiting for him to hand me the phone, if needed.

"Hey Emmett. Do you have a moment? …. Do you remember me telling you about the wonderful girl I met recently? … Well, we realized that you may have already spoken with her a few months ago. … Her name is Bella Swan. And, you would have spoken with her about her parents' death. …. Well, there has been a recent development, and with you being a detective and all I thought it best for you to hear. I'm not sure what you can do, but hopefully you can guide us in the right direction. … That sounds great. See you in a little bit."

Edward put his phone away and said, "He will be getting off work soon and will swing by here on his way home. I hope that's OK."

"Sure."

While waiting for him to arrive, the wine continued to flow. With my emotions all over the place today, I expected the alcohol to further induce negative and sad emotions. Luckily, it had the opposite effect. After Alice spilled her drink, it started an evening of laughter and fun, a welcome release after the day I'd had.

We all sat around the kitchen table playing spades. Edward appeared to be quite the pro at the game so everyone wanted to be paired with him. I used my situation to my advantage and portrayed a damsel in distress stating that Edward should be my teammate for the game. I even batted my eyes for dramatic effect. You can blame the alcohol because by now I'd had two glasses.

I'm such a lightweight.

Jasper and Alice put up a good fight so it was a competitive match. In the end, Edward and I won and we celebrated our victory with a hug.

The effects of the alcohol were really beginning to take effect and I just had a strong desire to kiss him. I know I am dealing with a traumatic situation, and his hugs are helping, but I long for the kiss we shared back at the hotel. It was incredible and since then, I couldn't get his kiss out of my mind.

Being in his apartment though, he avoided my lips. I could only assume he wanted to give me space as I worked through my present situation. Or perhaps he didn't want to show affection in front of his brother. I also thought of my aggression towards him earlier in the day and how that didn't help our relationship move forward. But right now, I just wanted him to kiss me. That didn't happen.

Once the game ended, we cleaned up the cards and cleared off the table. I saw Alice and Jasper pick up the deck and walk away with it. I assumed they went to put them away as they disappeared into his bedroom.

Edward remained seated in his chair and motioned for me to come to him. I stood in between his legs. He wrapped his arms around me, pulling me closer. It didn't go without notice, that by doing so, his head was pressed against my chest. I bent down attempting to kiss his forehead, essentially returning his gesture from earlier in the evening. At that moment, Edward looked up to me. Instead of me kissing his forehead, he kissed my lips. Simple at first, but then it deepened as our tongues explored the others.

We were disrupted by a knock on the door. Edward broke free, then stood to open it. Alice and Jasper returned to the room. In walked a tall, muscular handsome man with dark hair. Thinking this had to be Emmett, I reminded myself this is the guy Edward and Jasper thought should meet Rose. When I pictured the two of them meeting each other, I envisioned a perfect connection and became excited for Rose to meet him.

When he spoke, I returned to the present and remembered he stopped by here to discuss my parents' situation. Introductions were made while everyone walked to the table and sat down, I grabbed my purse and pulled out the letter. Touching it made the negative emotions return. I felt as though I couldn't move and it seemed that time simply stopped. To me, it felt like seconds passed. But it must have been longer as I felt a hand grasp mine. I realized Edward appeared next to me. He looked at me with concerned eyes.

"I'm OK. It's just hard," I said.

"I know. Let's just get through this and then we will all get some rest."

I nodded, then he led me to the table. We sat next to each other on one side of the table. Emmett sat at the head of the table next to me, Alice across from us. Jasper sat opposite from Emmett and poured everyone a glass of wine.

"Bella, before you get started, do you want us to leave? Jasper and I can give you all some privacy, if needed." Alice questioned.

"No, you and Jasper can stay. Actually, you being here is helping me."

I offered her an encouraging smile. I hope she understood that her presence helped in so many ways.

I turned to Emmett and began to speak to him, "Emmett, thanks for coming by. I know Edward prefaced this by providing you some insight on how you and I know one another."

Edward never let go of my hand. As I spoke he squeezed it signaling he was right next me.

"Yeah, I remember our discussion," Emmett said. "I'm truly sorry for your loss."

"Thank you. Well, my dad left me a letter. He had given it to his lawyer prior to his death and I finally read it today."

I looked to Edward and he nodded, encouraging me to continue.

As I handed Emmett the letter I said, "I know the file says that their car went off the cliff and it was an accident. But, based on the letter I question the police and their findings."

Emmett took the letter and read it from beginning to end. At one point, he looked up at Edward giving him a quizzical look. I assumed he reached the point in the letter that mentioned Carlisle. Every once in a while, he grunted, or said, "Hmmm." He also jotted down some notes on his legal pad he brought.

Once he finished he said, "First and foremost, Bella, I think you need to make a copy of the letter and put it somewhere for safe keeping. Secondly, let me make some calls tomorrow and dive a little deeper. I definitely see some concerns when comparing this letter to the information I was originally provided. I see the potential for foul play and it is definitely worth checking into."

"Thank you for your help."

"Bella, you don't have to thank me. Your safety is important. It's even more so now that you are dating my best friend."

Dating? Is that we are now? Wow. We haven't even discussed it.

I saw Emmett give Edward a sheepish grin. I wanted to correct him by telling him we were just friends, but when I looked to Edward he just raised his eyebrows questioning me in return.

I shrugged my shoulder while smiling as I silently confirmed I wanted to date him.

Dating! Yay! Holy shit! I am officially dating Mr. Edward Cullen.

Edward squeezed my hand acknowledging our silent conversation, then provided Emmett with our plan.

"So, Jasper, Bella and I are leaving tomorrow and driving to my parents."

"Driving? Dude, that's a long ass trip!"

"I know, but after talking it over with my dad, we just felt this was the smarter option. If they are watching, we didn't want to alert them we were going to be in the Washington area."

"Makes sense. Well, in that case, have a safe trip. You know where I will be if you need me. And if I can dig up any additional information, I will be sure to pass it along."

Emmett finished his wine and stood to leave.

"Thanks for stopping by!" Edward stated as he shook his hand then manly hugged his friend. Jasper did the same.

Once Emmett left, Alice yawned so Jasper said they were going to bed. We all said our good nights. Alice gave me a hug then I watched them disappear into Jasper's room.

I didn't realize how tired I had become until I yawned. I just stared off into the distance thinking about nothing in particular. I'm not sure when Edward left my side, but I saw him coming down the hall with blankets in hand.

"As I said earlier, you can sleep in my bed, and I'll sleep out here."

"Edward, I really don't want you to give up your bed for me. I can sleep out here."

"Shh, this is my home, and I want you to sleep in my bed."

"Fine."

How could I argue with my new boyfriend?

After brushing my teeth and getting ready for bed, I said good night to Edward. He gave me a hug, kissed me on my forehead, then said, "Good night, my sweet Bella."

We parted ways and I climbed into his bed. The sheets smelled just like him. As I laid there, I thought about the day I had. Out of all the negative, I wanted to focus on the one positive in my life, Edward. I inwardly squealed with excitement knowing we were now dating. It amazed me how much our relationship had progressed over time. Is it too early to say that I think I am in love with him?

…...

I looked around and recognized the car in front of me as my parents'. They sat in the front seats as I stood outside of the car next to the driver's side. I looked in to see my parents buckled safely inside. They spoke to me as they said their goodbyes.

As they pulled away, a strong breeze blew my hair in front of my face temporarily blinding me. It caused me to use my hands to push my hair aside. Once I could see again, I looked up realizing my parents now stood in front of me. Their car in the background cruising down a long hill towards an embankment into the Pacific Ocean.

"Dad, your car!"

"Sweetheart, it's OK," my dad said.

"What do you mean 'it's OK?'Your car is about to go over the cliff! And, it looks like someone is inside."

"There is," my mother smiled at me.

"But mom, if the car goes over the cliff, they're gonna die!"

"No they won't," she lied for reasons unknown.

"Dad, do something, they will die if it goes over the cliff," I panicked

"Sweetheart, it will be all be OK. You'll see."

"Dad! Who's in the car?"

"Bella, what do you mean? You're the one that told him to get in it. You're the one that told him to go down the hill."

Panicking even further, I raised my voice in desperation to know more, "What? Mom! Who's in that car?"

"Why, it's Edward, of course."

…...

As I came out of my nightmarish sleep, I screamed, "Noooooo!"

Disoriented, I looked around the room trying to gain my bearings. I heard running down the hall and saw Edward rush into his room. Alice and Jasper right behind him, stopping short in his doorway.

I didn't realizing my breathing was heavy, until Edward said, "Bella, it was just a nightmare. You are OK. Just breathe in and out. Slowly. That's good."

While focusing on my breathing, Edward scooped me up into his arms then sat on his bed. He cradled me close, rocking me. We stayed like this for a while. I eventually looked up to see Alice still standing in the door way. I felt Edward nod, and assumed they were communicating. She smiled at me, then shut the door.

After several moments of regaining the present, I said, "Edward, I'm so sorry to have woken you."

"Shhh, you weren't sleeping long, and I hadn't fallen asleep yet. It's OK."

"I just feel bad. You shouldn't have to worry about my baggage."

"Bella, I know we haven't really discussed this much, but if we are going to have a relationship, your baggage comes with the deal, and that's OK. I bring my own baggage. It's just part of the complete package. Do you want to talk about it?"

"What, my dream? No."

"If you change your mind, I won't mind listening."

"I won't change my mind. But if I do, I will tell you."

We stayed like this for several minutes. I didn't want to stay in this position for the remainder of the night. I shifted but he gripped me tighter. I looked at him questioning his motives.

"Bella?"

"Edward?"

"Listen, I feel as though I need to apologize, so I'm sorry about Emmett's statement about us dating. I only told him about you and that I had strong feelings towards you."

"Edward, it's OK, we were bound to discuss it sometime soon. I am just glad it's out in the open. I have strong feelings towards you as well. But I have to ask. Are you sure you are OK dating someone so soon after your ex-fiance left you?"

"Bella, you have nothing, and I mean nothing, to worry about. My feelings for her do not even compare to the feelings I have for you. What you and I have is real! She is no longer in my life. Even if she walked back in the door tomorrow, she wouldn't be welcome."

"I like what I'm hearing. But, I do need to apologize. I am sorry about earlier, my hitting you. I hope you realize that's not who I really am."

"Of course, I do. Bella, I am serious about what I am saying. You excite me like no one has before. Your strength is amazing."

"Uhm, strength? Have you noticed how I can't seem to keep it together? I've cried several times, and most of those times have been in your arms."

"That's to be expected. You're dealing with an incredible situation. You will overcome this and it will be OK."

Edward yawned and because they are contagious, I yawned too.

"It's getting late," I suggested.

"Yes, and we have a long day ahead of us. Are you OK if I were to go back to the couch?"

I couldn't immediately answer him. Sure, he can go back to the couch. But, I really didn't want him to leave my side. His arms comforted me and right now that is the one thing I needed. I took too long to answer him, so he questioned, "Bella, what is it?"

"Uhm, I hope you won't take this the wrong way, but what if I want you to stay?"

He smiled, and said, "I'd say that I would be glad to. I can sleep on the floor if you prefer."

"No! You can sleep in your bed with me. What I mean to say is that I would prefer you laying next to me holding me close. That is, if it's OK with you."

"Of course that is fine by me."

I looked around and saw his alarm clock on the right side of the bed, so I assumed that was the side he slept on. Once released from his hold, he stood next to the bed. I got on it prepared to move on the side opposite of the alarm clock. To be level with his eyes, I got on my knees, but stayed on the edge. His actions made me hope he would at least tuck me in. Another kiss would be nice, but with it being the wee hours of the morning, I considered it to be a highly unlikely event. I knew we needed our sleep for the road trip.

He stopped me in my tracks and jokingly said, "Are you trying to take my side of the bed, now?"

"I just thought the side with the alarm clock was yo..."

He stopped me mid sentence when his lips met mine. A welcomed gesture, we kissed softly at first. His hands cupped my cheeks, his thumbs caressing them ever so slightly. Our proximity and the feelings I've had for Edward mixed with the physical aspect of touching him on his lips and a bit of alcohol caused my heart to skip a beat. Deep down, I knew where I wanted the evening to go. My desire for him became so powerful a short kiss would not satiate my teenager-like feelings I had at the moment.

I cautiously opened my mouth in hopes he would respond. Afraid of rejection, it excited me throughout my body when I felt his tongue encroach in my mouth. I could still taste the remnants of his minty toothpaste.

He nudged me. Still on my knees, I moved my body backwards and allowed him to take my spot.

His hands moved behind my head holding me in place not letting me go as we continued to kiss. His hands lowered to my shoulders and pulled me closer to him in a tighter grasp. His fingers traced my collarbone, but soon began to explore other areas.

Our bodies began to dance to a beat that further enhanced this moment in time. All my problems from earlier in the day dissipated with a simple kiss. This moment was no longer about what I had to deal with. It became a moment of desperation - of needing to show each other confirmation of our true feelings.

He found the hem of my shirt, lifting it slightly, then I felt as his fingertips touched the skin on my back. It sent tingles down my spine.

Our tongues continued to pulse in and out, but I wanted more of Edward in my mouth. I slowly stopped the kiss, gave a quick peck on his lips then proceeded to devour his neck with kisses. His lips found my ear sucking the lobe gently into his mouth.

I moaned with pleasure as he found a sensitive spot. We continued in this manner for several minutes simply exploring new areas of each others bodies.

His fingers made several loops around my back but with each track he got closer and closer to my breasts. With one hand on the back of my head, his other finally cupped my bosom, eventually taking my nipple between his thumb and forefinger. He let them linger there for a moment, but eventually left my breasts and returned to my back.

I realized his hands found the bottom of my shirt and began lifting it. I welcomed this by parting from his body and lifting my arms over head. He removed my shirt. Since I had already gotten ready for bed, my bra had already been taken off.

Edward responded with an excited, "Mmmm."

He returned to my lips but for only a moment. Being a man, I knew what he wanted. I enjoyed as he kissed his way from my lips, to my chin, down my neck and met my chest. In doing so, he guided me to lay back on his bed. Now on top of me, he had easier access to a new area of my body. His lips grazed my chest and quickly found my nipple. I felt as his tongue licked it slowly then quickly. He returned via the same path, albeit slowly, to my mouth.

With Edward now fully on top of me, I could feel his excitement pressing into me. Him being in that position didn't last long. I could feel him slowing down our intensity. With the depth we physically accomplished this evening, it just seemed like a good place to stop.

Stop? No, no, no!

Be honest with yourself, Bella. Stopping would be smart. You don't need your first time with him to be drunk, or with his brother and your best friend nearby, or on a day like today.

My internal dialogue pissed me off, but in the end, I knew we needed to stop. We both knew what we needed, evident by our actions. But now was not the time. I'd been through a lot today and with several drinks in me, I didn't want him thinking he was about to have sex with a drunk. I also assumed he didn't want to take advantage of me being in quite an emotional state.

He rolled off me, and climbed under the covers, I grabbed my shirt putting it back on then did the same.

"Bella, that was incredible. I would love nothing more than to take things further, but..."

"Don't! It's OK. I think we both knew what we needed, and what we want. In time, it will happen."

He scooted closer to me, and gently kissed my forehead, then my nose, ending on my lips for a tender kiss. I rolled on the same side as him, my back against his chest. His arm wrapped over my side, comforting me.

"Sleep tight, beautiful."

"Good night, Edward."

…...

A/N: So, how was that? Leave me some love, or the other. Reviews excite me. :-)

Thanks to brodeurgirl30 and capitalab!