A/N: Welcome to the next installment of Beaches!! I'm glad you are all here and I hope you enjoy this chapter!! I have to forewarn you all...you are catching up with me on chapters! I have two more chapters written after this one. I am also focusing on going back and fixing some things in chapters 3 and 4 before they go up on Twilighted. As I said before none of these changes will affect the storyline or where it's going, but small details might be changed. When I get them done and up I will let you know if I think you should go back and read, but I doubt anything that major is going to change! That being said since you all are catching up with me and since RL has been so hectic lately I might not be updating weekly! It might end up being bi-weekly, but I assure you I will get the chapters up as fast as I can!
Thank you so much for all of the reviews!! I appreciate all of my readers and I reply to every single review that I get! I appreciate all of you that are reading and not reviewing too! With over 100 people set up to have this story on alert I know there are a lot of lurkers out there and that's ok! I completely understand, but please know that I thrive on reviews and they really do help me write! It helps motivate me! So...if you want more and you want it faster hit that review button! ;)
Disclaimer: I own nothing Twilight, but on Saturday I will own the DVD and Rob FOR SURE owns me with those new GQ pics! YOWZA!!!!
Chapter 10 ~ Possession
Two weeks had passed since the scandle that was Jordan and Edward's parting. Edward was no closer to any kind of closure on their relationship and I watched him slip further and further into himself, completely helpless, I stood by his side and listened when he spoke and cried when he cried. We had grown even closer if that was possible.
Much to Edward's relief our friends took his side. They were furious with Jordan for doing what she did. None of them, except Rosalie, had spoken to her since the fiasco. Rose, of course, called Jordan, and gave her a thorough, verbal beating. Now the seven of us were like a small, closely knit family. It was, for the most part, a pleasant time when we all got together.
Jude was meshing seamlessly with my friends. All except for Edward. It seemed I had to split my time accordingly. Unfortunately for Jude, Edward could come over anytime he wanted since he was my neighbor. Jude wasn't incredibly happy with this situation and took every opportunity that arose to remind Edward I was his. That was that in his eyes, but it got on my last nerve more than once. I was tired of the perpetual pissing contest. Edward would just roll his eyes and twist his lips into that all-knowing, smug smirk. That would fire Jude up every single time and I spent a generous portion of the time when we all got together trying to diffuse situations that I was almost certain Edward started. I, of course, had no proof and if it was brought up at a later time Edward feigned innocence.
As of late, Jude, preferred that we hang out alone at my townhouse. I was alright with this for the most part. I enjoyed spending time with him alone. Edward, on the other hand had a very hard time accepting that we weren't into the group gatherings every weekend. Jude wanted me all to himself and I couldn't be more ecstatic. I mean what girl in their right mind would turn down alone time with the epitome of walking sex? I sure as hell wasn't going to be that girl.
I could tell Edward was feeling dejected since he would call or text me whenever we were apart. Jude had implemented a rule that if we were hanging out alone, Edward, was not allowed over. I couldn't fault him for this because it seemed anytime we hung out with Edward my attention was drawn away from Jude and towards him. It put me in a really tough position and I was glad for once to not be the one to make the decision. Finally, I had someone to take care of me and love me for who I was.
Presently, Jude, was on night number four at my house. He only left to get clothes and to go to work. Which was never for very long since his company was in between jobs. I was to the point that I was thankful for the small amount of time he left me to myself. I was falling behind in my writing since he proved to be such a major distraction. When I was home alone it wouldn't be for long. Edward would always end up coming over exactly thirty minutes after Jude left, but he let me work in silence. He would just bring his laptop over and we would sit next to each other on the couch furiously typing. I know he just needed to be near me as I felt the same about him.
Our mojo was slipping though. Jude had insisted I move the furniture in my living room around. I think he had a sneaking suspicion that Edward had something to do with my furniture arrangement. The way the couch and television were situated now just didn't flow. Most of the time I avoided sitting on the couch because it felt wrong. Like something in my life had been taken, but I just couldn't put my finger on what it was.
Before Jude, and the scandle, Edward anticipated my every need. He was always two steps ahead of me and we worked together perfectly. I felt more confident with his reassurances of my needs also. That confidence was slowly slipping and I looked to Jude for that reassurance, but he spent most of his time stewing over my neighbor and what he was doing rather than paying attention to what I needed. I knew he loved me even though we hadn't exchanged those heavy words. I knew he cared for me and took care of me the best he could, but he was having such a hard time getting past Edward. Brushing off his concerns and acting like it was nothing consumed three quarters of our time together.
Needless to say things with Jude could have been better, but he was so caring when his attention was directed towards me. The few times that we were all together as a group I knew Jude was jealous of my relationship with Edward. It seemed that every time I was a swallow away from finishing my beer Edward already had another one waiting for me. Anytime we had everyone over for dinner Edward helped me in the kitchen and was pulling out ingredients for whatever I was making before I could list them off. He handed me the wooden spoon and not the spatula before I asked for it and he always cleaned up after me. I love cooking, but I am not neat about it.
I never noticed these quirks of Edward's until Jude pointed them out one night after everyone had left. He told me it wasn't right that Edward could anticipate my every need before I verbalized it. I argued that any best friend who is really in tune with the other could have the very same relationship. He didn't like that, but dropped the subject.
If I'm being honest with myself I have to admit that if it weren't for the incredible sex Jude probably would have been gone a long time ago. He just...he knew what I wanted. He knew what I needed in the bedroom leaving me breathless and writhing in orgasmic aftershocks almost every night. I'd never had such mind blowing sex and I wasn't sure that any man would be able to compare.
Jude had agreed to having everyone over for home made pizza and a game night. I was currently in the kitchen preparing ingredients and waiting for the dough to rise. Jude had gone home to shower, change and check his mail. He assured me he wouldn't be any longer than two hours. I was pleased to have some therapeutic cooking time to think. Alone. Except I wasn't. Edward showed up thirty one minutes after Jude's bike roared out of the driveway and down the road.
"He's moved your furniture," Edward stated somberly. I nodded slowly.
"He's driving us apart," he whispered. I jerked my head up at this statement and carefully examined his expression.
"No one will drive us apart, Edward. You are my best friend. No one...it...it's not going to happen." I drew my head back down to the dough and punched it a few more times.
"He's...," Edward started quietly. "Bella, you are....you're my constant. I need you in my life. I need to know you are here. I can't...I can't even imagine trying to get through the day without you. You are what keeps me grounded and I can NOT lose that. Do you understand what I'm saying?"
I looked up at his words and saw the tears streaming down his cheeks. I grabbed his wrist and pulled him to me. "Edward, no one is taking me from you. I will always be here."
"He's dimming our spark, Bella, he's ruining our charisma. Do you see that? Do you see what he's doing to us? You have to promise me you aren't go to leave me." He breathed deeply taking my hair into bunches as I hugged his body to me.
"Edward, I'm not going anywhere. No one is going to take me from you. Please don't talk like that." I pulled back to look into his eyes. I didn't like the dejected, sad eyes that had replaced his normal vibrant green orbs. "Listen, I know he's taking something away from us, but it's to be expected. I mean any boyfriend of mine would have to be jealous of the relationship we have. You know everything about me, Edward, more than anyone else knows. More than Jude knows. You are such a huge part of my life. I could never let you go you are too important to me."
He nodded and pulled me in for another tight embrace before the front door opened with a jolt.
"Getting cozy with my girlfriend again, Cullen?" Jude sneered from the entryway.
Edward sighed deeply and stared into my eyes for another moment before turning and heading into the living room. He didn't even acknowledge Jude. He just flopped unceremoniously onto the couch and flipped the television on.
"Bella, why do you let him get that close to you?" Jude softened his voice slightly, but I could still hear the rage within.
"He's my best friend, Jude, you know that. I'm tired of defending our relationship. Please just leave it alone."
"Awww...babe I'm sorry. I just...you know how I feel about him." Jude whispered into my neck before peppering it with soft kisses.
"Jude, please don't call me babe. You know I don't like it." I said quietly while pulling out of his embrace. "Go head on into the living room and watch some TV. I have some more prep work to do before everyone gets here."
He nodded and started to walk into the living room. Without thinking I added, "can you please send Edward in here to help me finish all this chopping?"
Jude stopped in his tracks and inhaled sharply. "What the fuck, Bella?"
I stopped chopping the peppers and looked up momentarily as the gist of my last sentence sunk in. I remained quiet while I waited for Jude's next outburst.
"God damn it, Bella, why can't I help you with the prep work? Why don't you want me to help you? Time and time again you've chosen Cullen over me. Don't you see anything wrong with that?"
By this time Jude was back in the kitchen standing next to me pointing to my down turned face. "You hate cooking, Jude. You've told me that millions of times. Why would I ask you to help me in the kitchen when I know you would rather be watching a game?" I replied keeping my voice tight. I was trembling on the inside. I'd seen some end results of Jude's rage in the few times we went out, and I didn't want to provoke him any further.
Edward appeared in the doorway of the kitchen looking gloriously furious. "You have no right to speak to Isabella that way. Take it back and apologize now." Edward was seething and I could tell it was taking everything in his control to not connect his fist with Jude's jaw.
"I will not take anything back. She's my girlfriend, Cullen, not yours. You don't need to stick up for her. She can do that herself. She needs to explain herself." Jude was now staring at me waiting for words of sorrow to come tumbling from my lips.
"I already gave you my reason for my previous statement Jude. I'm not going to defend myself over nothing. You make such a big deal about my relationship with Edward when I've told you over and over again that we are best friends." I kept my voice calm and even, but my insides were squirming with fear, rage and regret for even opening my mouth in the first place. "Just go watch TV Jude. The other's will be here soon and as I said before I still have more prep work to do."
He huffed out angrily, but didn't push the subject as he headed into the living room. I let out a shaky breath I didn't realize I was holding once he was out of the room. Edward silently picked up a knife and started chopping pepperoni. He was standing close enough to brush his arm with mine and I was grateful for the contact. It was his silent way of reassuring me.
"He's not right for you," he whispered while he chopped away at the meat.
I shook my head, silently begging him to drop it. I didn't want to discuss it right now. I wanted to enjoy the evening ahead of us and try to forget about the constant turmoil that my life seemed to be in. Defending both relationships to both men in my life was wearing me down quickly. I didn't know how much longer I could keep it up.
I just wanted an object to crave and when I realized I couldn't have Edward, Jude became a stand in. It sounds shitty and it's slowly eating away at my conscious, but I don't have much of a choice. Edward has so many issues to deal with in his scandle and as caught up as I am in it now I don't want to be thrown into the middle of it. Nor do I want Jordan to have any ammunition against him. He deserves everything he gets from her in order to make a clean break.
Jude has issues, but his are mainly his caveman and possessive qualities. He's been so loving and doting on me I can't help but be drawn to him. I do crave him...I crave the attention and the love he's willing to give. I can't help but wonder if this is it for me. The few minutes I get alone lead my brain down pathways of a future with Jude. It never gets to marriage though. For some reason my thoughts don't let it go that far. Maybe I should take that as a sign.
"You can do so much better beautiful, Bella." Edward's breath fanned out across my exposed neck as he whispered. "You deserve so much better than what he can give you. Please think about that."
I nodded my head slowly as the goose bumps spread from my neck down to my toes. I closed my eyes at the sensation and the closeness he was offering me as a shiver rocked my body.
"You deserve someone that will lavish you in the tenderness that you exude. You deserve someone that will ravage you and fulfill your every wish and desire." His lips were centimeters away from my earlobe as he pressed his chest into my back, shoving me into the counter. "He doesn't do all that for you, Bella, I can see it in your eyes. You shouldn't be scared of your lover."
I whipped my body around quickly and came nose to nose with him. His green eyes penetrated my soul and I had a hard time keeping my own eyes open as the electricity flowed through my body. "I...I'm...not scared of him." I whispered breathlessly.
"Does he make you weak in the knees like you are right now? Does he do that to you, baby? Does he ignite sparks that flow through your very being with a whisper? Can he make you feel the way I do with just one touch? Can he make you melt with one look, Isabella?" Edward whispered as he questioned the very foundation of my relationship with Jude, never once breaking eye contact.
"Please stop it, Edward. Please...I....can..." I whispered in what I willed to be a furious tone, but came out as a strained, weak sound. He ran his nose from my earlobe down my jaw causing a moan to build in my throat. I beat it back with everything I had as Edward planted small soft kisses up the column of my neck.
"I will be legally divorced soon, Isabella. It's no secret that I'm attracted to you. I'm just letting you know now that I will fight for you. You are worth it. I will not stand by and let him treat you like shit when I know that I would worship you like the goddess you are."
The doorbell rang as he finished his last statement, but I barely heard it. I couldn't even comprehend what had just happened before Alice was bounding into the kitchen with bags on her arm. I was more than a little angry that he could just go back to chopping the vegetables and meat without so much as a flinch. My breathing was still labored and my legs felt like jelly.
"Bella," Alice sang bringing me out of my stupor. I smiled quickly at her and replied, "evening Ali, where's Jas?" She started rattling off some story about him having to bring more bags in from the car while I turned my attention to Edward. He had his gaze turned to the mushrooms he was slicing, but a smile played across his lips. I fumed silently at his joy. How could he even think of doing that to me when Jude was just in the next room.
Alice had floated back into the house with Jasper at some point and Rose and Emmett came in too. I was so lost in the thoughts that Edward stirred in my brain that I couldn't even begin to think about being an active participant in any conversation. My body was on autopilot forcing me to smile and interject when needed, but my thoughts were spiraling out of control.
We were all seated at the dining room table enjoying home made pizza. Rose and Alice were talking about some new spa treatment technology. Jasper, Emmett and Edward were talking about hockey. I was staring at Edward, admiring his jaw and his nose and his eyes, ogling his features, all the while Jude was staring at me.
I cursed Edward for sitting next to me at that moment. I didn't want to look at him or feel the electricity in the air between us, and I was mad that I couldn't force all of my attention onto Jude. Edward would offer a sideways glance every few minutes and then his face would break out with that twisted crooked smirk. It made me want to slap the shit out of him.
"Hey, babe?" Jude called from my other side. I knew my auditory senses were working because I could hear him, but my brain wouldn't let my head turn. I was focused so intently on Edward that no one else existed in the room but me and him. I was disgusted with myself.
"Bella?" Jude said a little more forcefully. His tone had enough malice that everyone's conversation ceased and they all stared at me. Finally the spell was broken and I turned my attention to Jude.
"Mmmhmmmm?" I mumbled.
"So, yeah...uh...my...uh...parent's have a beach house down in Carova and I want you to go with me next weekend." He sounded so nervous I couldn't help but feel bad for him and the rejection he thought he was going to get.
I didn't say anything right away and Rose must have noticed the tension because she quickly cut in. "Is the house right on the beach, Jude, or is it back off the water?"
"Oh..ah...it's one street away from the beach." He replied without taking his eyes off mine. "So what do you say babe? You up for it?"
For some reason I didn't think I had a choice. I nearly jumped when I felt a hand firmly grasp my thigh from my opposite side. Obviously Edward found it irresistible to torment me. His large hand covered the top of my thigh as his fingers started massaging my inner thigh. I instantly felt relaxed and slumped further into the chair. "I guess I could head down there with you. A weekend away might be nice." I shrugged my shoulders as Edward immediately removed his hand from my thigh moments before Jude ripped me out of the chair and pulled into a bone crushing bear hug.
"Thanks babe, you won't regret it. It's so secluded and remote. You will love it. I just know it." He seemed genuinely excited and swung me around the room until Emmett interrupted our happy moment.
"Isn't there a hurricane offshore right now?"
Jude froze and set me on the ground carelessly. I stumbled a little bit before Edward's arm snaked out and steadied me. I heard a low growl rumble through Edward before Jude spoke.
"It's still near Cuba and they don't think it's coming up the coast. The forecasters think it will go out to sea." Jude was seething, his chest was rising and falling rapidly before he turned his attention back to me. He glared at Edward who returned his menacing gaze. "Will this hinder things for you, Bella?" I couldn't understand why he would be angry at Emmett's innocent question.
I shook my head silently, and just like that the tension dissipated and easy conversation returned. I gathered everyone's plates and utensils and carried them to the kitchen. Edward followed silently causing me to jump when he placed his hand on my shoulder gently.
I turned toward him willing the scared expression away, but he saw it and his gaze softened. "Bella, please don't go. I have this horrible feeling that something is going to happen. Please stay here with me."
"You are being ridiculous," I spat out angrily. "I can't do this with you, Edward. You have to stop. I'm dating Jude and you aren't even divorced yet. It's no secret that I'm attracted to you too, Edward, but we can't do this. You have been through so much. You need time to heal, and as awful as you think Jude is I don't agree with you whole heartedly. He takes care of me. He offers me things that I never thought I would have. He loves me, Edward, and I can't just turn my back on that. I've never had a relationship like this and I appreciate it. I appreciate being loved and taken care of."
Edward halted his actions and lowered his head. "This is so much harder than I thought it would be. I can't do anything more than tell you how wrong he is for you. I've seen the anger and possessiveness that flashes through his eyes. I don't think you see it, Bella, and I'm afraid he's going to hurt you. I can't have that. I can't stand back and let him do this to you. He is slowly taking your friends away so he can have you all to himself. Which I can't say that I blame him entirely or that I wouldn't want to do the same thing if I were in his shoes, but I would never forbid your best friend from entering the house when I was here. Something isn't right about him. If something happens to you I will not be held responsible for my actions. Do you understand that?" He lifted his head to look in my eyes. The raw passion of his words and the intense gaze he unleashed upon me took me by surprise.
I nodded my head in acknowledgment and returned to the dishes. We finished cleaning the kitchen in silence and returned to the dining room where Emmett and Jude were exchanging Rock Band stories. Everyone was laughing hysterically at Emmett's reenactment of the epic drum solo he performed the previous Wednesday at the bar.
I couldn't help but look upon my friends and admire all of their superior qualities. During my four years in New York I hadn't managed to become close with anyone really. Now I had been back home for such a short time and had these great friends that I couldn't live without. Edward's words replayed in my head. 'He is slowly taking your friends away so he can have you all to himself.'
What would I do without my friends?
A/N: There you have it! So the contest begins! Well it's not really a contest because WHO could EVER beat Edward, but it's my fic and...it's....well it's a contest ! Let me know what you think! Hit that review button! ;)