Chapter Song: Heroby Nickelback
Bella listened to Alice and Rose talk as they drove to Alice's house.
Alice lived in one of the nicer suburbs. Her parents were both well known reports for the local news. Charlotte dealing with breaking daily news while Peter filmed in the action. Their jobs obviously paid well if their house was any indication.
When they pulled in, Bella stayed in the back seat for a moment. Rose just looked at her like she didn't know how to handle Bella, while Alice opened the door and stuck her head in with a big, Edwardish smile. "I'm glad you came! Come on, we're going to give each other facials."
Bella slid out and Alice gave her pat on the back before hooking their arms together to walk inside.
Bella had green, gooey stuff on her face in less than twenty minutes. Alice and Rose sat in nothing but their underwear so they wouldn't get their clothes dirty. Bella simply wrapped a towel, from Alice's private bathroom, around herself. She felt prudish but also inferior to their amazing bodies and self confidence.
After turning on a John Mayer song, Rose turned to Bella. "So, how long have you and Edward been together?"
Bella instantly stuck out four fingers.
Alice smiled. "And I've never seen Edward happier."
This information and the well-being Alice projected at her had Bella feeling floaty for a moment.
"Me and Emmett have been together since we were in middle school. Sometimes I wonder what it would be like to be with some else."
"Me too!" Alice exclaimed bouncing around a little. She stopped moving with a dreamy look. "But me and Jasper haven't even taken that step yet."
"Seriously?" Rose asked with such disbelief. "With the way you two act, I thought you've done the deed ages ago."
Alice shook her head. "Nope. We're thinking maybe after prom."
"How cliche of you." Rose teased.
Alice stuck her tongue at her.
Bella's head went back and forth like a tennis spectator.
"Me and Em's first time was—"
"LA LA LA, I can't hear you!" Alice sang as she covered her ears.
Rose shook her head with a slight frown. "You're so childish."
"Sure am." Alice said, letting her hands fall when she thought she was safe.
"Wasmindblowing." Rose rushed out to say before Alice could protect her ears.
"Ugh, Rosalie! You're such a bitch." She whined, laughing as she chunked a pillow in Rose's face.
Rosalie rolled over laughing as she held her stomach.
Bella smiled, enjoying watching their antics and easy company.
Suddenly becoming serious, Alice looked to Bella. "Is Jess still giving you problems?"
Bella made a so-so motion before looking around for her bag to get a pen and paper. Edward had trouble with Mike a couple of days ago.
"What kind of trouble?" Alice asked, becoming increasingly concerned. Bella wished they would've stayed lighthearted.
Resisting the urge to scratch her face, Bella wrote, Mike told Edward to choose between them and me.
Alice's face showed both anger and happiness, it was an absurd combination. "I'm glad to see he made the right choice."
Bella smiled at her. Thanks.
"Yea, it's about time Edward dropped those losers." Rose said with feeling.
Bella looked at her curiously before writing, I thought they were popular.
Rose scuffed. "They wish."
This floored Bella. Did she spend her whole sophomore year and half of her junior year believing something that wasn't true?
Alice saw her bafflement and touched her knee in a soothing way. "They're only tolerated because everyone likes Edward."
Oh, she mouthed, still in shock.
It wasn't surprising to know Edward was admired. Not in the slightest. His friends were just so good at convincing her that they were top dogs. But now that she thought about it, they were always in the outskirts of the big crowds of cheerleaders and football players until Edward entered into the picture. Then they'd be welcomed in with open arms. Most of the hands always touched Edward though. Finally the puzzle pieces were fitting together.
She wondered if Edward knew.
"He doesn't have the foggiest of ideas." Alice answered her silent question.
Bella blinked at her.
"Yea." Rose said. "Edward's sweet but is stupid oblivious sometimes."
Alice nodded.
Bella frowned, not liking Edward being talked about like that.
Alice squeezed her shoulder. "Easy. We love Edward like a brother, but that's just how he is. We're not trying to insult him."
Bella forced herself to relax, not wanting to look like a crazy person.
Alice was yet again smiling at her.
What? Bella mouthed.
"I think you're going to be really good for him."
When they got to the game, Alice and Rose led her straight to the group of adults.
It would've been easy enough to find them, since Mrs. Cullens was cheering with all her lung power, wearing a huge button of Edward's picture in his jersey holding a football with his helmet next to his knee on the field turf.
Bella just stared at her, unable to care if she seemed rude.
His mom was a mega fan. Bella found herself warming considerably to Esme.
Esme hugged her tighter than Bella thought she could with he small physic but the woman obviously worked out. Probably CrossFit, Bella thought with the strength she felt locked around her.
When Esme pulled away she smiled, showing the most lovely, white teeth Bella ever saw. Bella smiled back timidly, feeling so out of her element and nervous as hell.
Esme squeezed her shoulders. "Don't be nervous. We're family here."
If Bella could've spoke, Esme saying that would've had her speechless. She nodded instead.
"Here. Sit by me." She said, bumping Dr. Cullen's hip to move over.
He smiled at his wife and stuck a hand out for Bella to take. His shake was firm but not rough. A doctor's shake. "Hello, Bella."
She smiled at him as they let go.
Esme introduced Bella to her sister then brother-in-law. They were a beautiful couple, just like Esme and Carlisle. Bella knew they were gorgeous from seeing them on the television but to see them together was like watching the northern lights.
Edward being such a treasure to earth wasn't a big mystery to her now, seeing Esme and Carlisle together. It wasn't just their looks either. It was the good-nature that seemed to emanate from all of them. Even Rose, Jasper, Emmett and Peter, though they weren't blood related.
The game was exciting and fun to watch. Esme and Peter where the most entertaining part. They'd stand and holler whenever the refs upset them and would clap each others hands whenever they'd throw a good insult.
Esme had the worse mouth, surprisingly.
Bella wondered if she'd get kicked out, it was that bad.
It was strange and hilarious to see this woman, who sold cook books wearing sixty house wives clothes, acting like a sailor.
The game was almost over, their team a touchdown away from winning a close to tied game.
Edward had the ball and was dodging tackles left and right, when Mike rushed in and ruined everything.
They all thought Mike was going to help, but were they so seriously wrong.
One of the bigger opposing player was barreling straight for Edward when Mike "accidentally" pushed Edward, head first into nothing but a wall of power.
Bella gasped as everyone stood.
She stared at Edward, laying on the ground, not moving a inch.
Carlisle was running down the stairs and onto the field, ignoring the people that tried to get him back on the bleachers. Couch saying something got them to leave Carlisle alone as he bent by his son, gently touching him. All the players got on their knees. Except Mike who seemed too stunned to do something. Bella could see the blatant guilt on his face. The want to claw his eyes out was too powerful, she shook with it.
Alice and Esme grabbing her hands snapped her back to reality. They watched Edward in slow motion time. Be okay. Please, be okay. Bella begged inwardly to anyone who would listen.
Carlisle flipped Edward over on his back slowly with the help of Couch and the physical trainer, Mr. Greene. Couch gently pulled Edward's helmet off as Mr. Greene waved a small white thing under Edward's nose.
The seconds ticked by as nothing happened. Bella felt despair that was almost too similar to what she felt seven years ago.
Then Edward's eyes popped open as he gasped for breath.
She wanted to rush to him, but she made herself stay; knowing she'd get in the way.
She saw Carlisle talking to him and Edward talk back while Mr. Greene checked his eyes by shinning a small flashlight in them.
Can he walk? She wondered anxiously. Apparently Esme was worried about the same thing since her hand tightened.
All three men helped him up, supporting him as he stepped carefully.
Everyone started cheering as he wobbled his way to the bench. Relief overwhelmed her system, she almost cried but didn't want to upset Esme more.
Edward looked up right before he sat down, finding her eyes instantly.
She blew him a kiss without thinking. He smirked like nothing had just happened, making her feel like they were the only two in the place. How did he have the talent to do that after nearly having his neck broken?
The tackler bent next to him, she read, I'm sorry off his lips.
Edward grabbed his shoulder with a slight shake of his head, grabbing his skull when that small motion was too much.
Carlisle looked to Esme with concern, then started typing on his phone.
Esme got a text alert soon after. "He's taking him to the hospital for an MRI."
Carlisle most of told Edward this, because Bella could hear him protesting as the crowd settled down. Pulling her hands away from Alice and Esme she asked for Esme's phone with an open palm.
Esme looked at her curiously but handing the phone to her.
Bella typed furiously. Tell him to go or I'll make him. This is Bella.
Carlisle's eyes widened before he showed Edward the message. She could see his shoulder quake before he looked at her. He turned back to his father, who typed what he was told to.
The message was, If you come.
Done. she sent back.
Carlisle looked up with a grateful nod. Bella nodded back as she gave Esme her phone back. "You can ride with me. Carlisle will no doubt ride in the ambulance with Edward."
Bella nodded, ready to go ten minutes ago.
Edward had a concussion but there was no serious damage.
Emmett, Jasper, Rose, Alice, Peter and Charlotte were all in the waiting room with Bella and Esme while Carlisle was with Edward.
The news was delivered by Carlisle about an hour later. "He can come home, we just have to monitor him."
They all nodded to this as other students started walking into the waiting room.
Mike and Edward's other "friends" didn't show. It wasn't all that surprising. It also lowered them in Bella's esteem even more. Edward was right, they weren't worth it.
"He's getting dressed." Carlisle informed everyone, electing a few sounds of pleasure from girls Bella didn't know. "They should wheel him out any minute."
Edward came out with hair more mused up than usual and a big goofy smile on his face as a nurse wheeled him to them.
"He also received medicine for the pain." Carlisle said.
Emmett laughed. "This is going to be great."
Bella frowned but couldn't move her eyes as they took in Edward's state. He seemed intact, besides the away look in his eyes. Esme went to him, taking his hand as he was wheeled closer. Bella couldn't seem to move as she watched him.
His first words were, "Did we win?"
Everyone laughed, except Bella, though she smiled.
Emmett slapped his shoulder, making Edward sway forward. Emmett had to catch him so he wouldn't hit the floor. "Nah, bro, you're head was too busy making nice with a freight train."
Bella didn't find that funny, but Edward did. He slapped Emmett's arm as he laughed uncontrollably. "Good one." Edward slurred a little before finding Bella.
He opened his arms to her. She walked forward and was pulled onto his lap. She looked a nervous question at Carlisle, not sure if this was okay. The doctor looked at his son rubbing his cheek against her hair and shrugged an okay. Everyone parted as Edward and her were wheeled outside. She was gifted many jealous stares on the way but couldn't make herself care when all she could think was, Thank God he's okay.
Some of the football players invited him to a party but Esme declined it before Edward could. "He's staying home tonight, maybe next week."
The team respectfully backed off as they said goodbye to Edward and Bella. She was surprised they knew her name at all, but didn't hold on to it. Edward placing his hands on her belly had her jumping. He'd never touched her there and in front of his mother was too embarrassing. She took his hands and gently pulled them away to lay on her knees. Leaning back, she looked into his and still saw him under the haze of drugs.
He kissed her fully on the lips with a smile to her shocked expression. "I wanted to do that for hours." He whispered to her as they stopped by Esme's Lexus.
Bella stood, moving out of the way so Emmett and Jasper could help Edward in. She slid in the back next to him as Esme and Carlisle sat in the front, Carlisle driving this time.
Edward snaked his hand under hers to entwine them with a wink. She smiled with a small shake of her head. Esme turned then, looking from Edward to her. "We're playing games at the house. You're more than welcome to join, Bella."
Bella nodded, typing on her phone to send Charlie, Edward's okay. His parents invited me to play games at their house. Can I? She'd kept him informed on what was going on, he'd been concerned and had constantly asked for news.
Yeah, that's fine. Be home at a reasonable time. Give Edward my best. was his reply.
Bella showed Edward the message and he smiled. Yes, sir. Thank you.
Welcome. Love ya.
You too.
Something had Edward instantly worried. "My car."
"Rose is driving it to our house."
This didn't relax Edward one iota. "Fare the well, precious car."
Esme rolled her eyes. "Don't be so dramatic, honey."
Edward snickered, looking like a twelve year old in that moment. Bella could get use to this Edward. He was very comical. But she wanted her Edward more. Her elation of having him next to her again overshadowed everything though.
Esme brought out Pictionary while Emmett carried in a large drawing pad on an easel and setting in the middle of the family room. It was strange for Bella to see no television in the room.
After setting up the game, they decided on teams. Edward, Bella, Alice and Jasper in one while Carlisle, Esme, Rose and Emmett were in the other. Esme left for a moment, bringing back chips, dip and sodas with a dry erase board and handing the board to Bella before sitting the snacks down.
Bella wrote Thank you on the white boardand Esme smiled with a nod.
Rose went first, taking the marker from the box and walking to the pad. She examined the card before nodding for the timer to be set. She started by connecting lines that didn't seem to mean anything.
Emmett called out answers, "It's a bird, it's a plane, it's absolutely nothing!"
Rose shot him angry eyes that promised punishment if he didn't shut up. He closed his mouth with an angelic expression. Rose made a few adjustment's that didn't help, pointing at it furiously when no one could guess right.
"Is it a chair?" Esme asked.
"A building?" Carlisle guessed.
"Ooh, ooh, a grandma!" Emmett said in full animation.
Edward laughed while Jasper chuckled and Alice and Bella shook their heads with tiny smiles.
Rose was beyond angry at this point, sitting down with a huff when the timer went off. "It was a cat."
Everyone titled their heads to examine the drawing. Bella still couldn't see it.
"Good try, baby." Emmett cooed as he pulled her closer to him.
"I hate this game." She muttered, crossing her arms.
Emmett rubbed her arms as he turned his face away to press his lips together to stop himself from laughing.
Alice was next and did a much better job since she had artistic talent. Jasper guessed, "Ghost Busters." On his second try which moved their pawn up the board.
"Go team Ferris Bueller!" Edward exclaimed with a fist thrusted in the air.
Bella had no clue what he was talking about as Rose rolled her eyes. "You and you're dumb ideal."
Edward smiled at her. "He's the damn man. Don't hate."
Esme laughed. "What's our team name?"
He looked to Rose. "The Sore Lose—"
"Edward." Esme warned.
He groaned. "Fine...The Jolly Rogers."
Rose still wasn't happy with the ironic name change, but let it go as the game continued.
The Farris Buellers won and Edward found it fit to rub it in Rose's face. She huffed away to the kitchen with Emmett trailing behind.
Esme frowned at him. "That' wasn't nice, Edward."
He had the grace to look contrite. "I was just playing around."
"Go apologize." Esme ordered as her and Carlisle picked up the game.
Edward looked to everyone, they all nodded their assent.
He made his way slowly to the kitchen.
Bella sat on the couch as she listened.
"Rosie?" Came Edward's voice.
"What?" Rose.
"I'm sorry."
"For what?"
Long pause. "For being a jackass."
More silence. "It's not like it's a new development." came Rose's sarcastic voice.
"Rose." Emmett's disapproving voice.
"Fine. Whatever. You're forgiven...Next time I'll gut you though."
Edward laughed. "That's our Rose, such a bad bitc—hard ass."
After everyone left, Esme and Bella walked with Edward upstairs to his bedroom.
It was pretty plain, but seemed well loved. Everything was treated with care. It was more tidy than she'd thought it would've been.
Edward plopped into bed, looking at Bella. "Do you want to watch a movie?"
She looked to Esme, feeling embarrassed while rocking on her heels. She looked an apology to Edward with a shake of her head.
"Oh, my mom won't mind."
Esme smiled at Bella's wide eyes. "I won't."
Bella took out her phone and typed, I can't. I have to get home and you need to rest. to show him.
Edward looked disappointed but said, "Okay. Will I see you tomorrow?" Bella smiled with a nod.
Edward stretched his hand out to her. She glanced at Esme before taking it and letting him pull her onto the bed. Esme left the room with the door still open.
Bella lowered her head down on his arm as they laid facing each other.
The drugs had worn off a little and his eyes were his own again.
She looked into them and only then let the tears come down.
He kissed her eyelids as he murmured, "Everything's fine. I'm okay."
Her lips found his and she sighed when all the fear and pain fell away. Rolling her on her back, Edward hovered half over her as he deepened the kiss. With shaky fingers, she combed them through his hair until they met at the back of his head. Her chest didn't work all the way right as the kiss grew more and more passionate. He could literally kiss her senseless. Conscious thought was overrated to Bella at the moment though.
A knock on the door with a clearing of a male throat had them tearing away from each other.
Carlisle looked both uncomfortable and amused as he took them in. "Are you ready, Bella?"
She looked at Edward then back to Carlisle before nodding.
"I'll miss you." Edward whispered.
Bella smiled, kissing him before pulling away from his arms.
She walked to his father then turned and stared at Edward for a moment before waving goodbye.
He smiled with a wave then passed out.
She smiled, amazed that he could fall asleep so fast.
"He's always been able to do that." Carlisle said, watching his son in a proud way.
Bella smiled at him. He motioned for her to take the lead and followed by her side as they made their way to the car.
He waited to say, "I'm glad you've come into his life." until they were halfway to her house.
She typed, I'm the lucky one. for him to see.
Carlisle smiled. "You both are."