Hi, sorry for the wait! I want to thank those of you who review, it's always really nice and encouraging to hear what you think so keep it up! If you read and don't normally review... give me a shout so I can see who you are!
Also, Some of you may have noticed that I like my characters to drive nice cars and if you haven't already, check out the links on my profile so you can see what they look like.
I'm really grateful for the support and I hope you guys enjoy this!
Disclaimer: Twilight is not mine... although I wish it was so I could be super rich like Stephenie.
I was woken up early on Friday morning by the shrill sound of my mother squealing in my ear. I tried to ignore her as best as I could and pulled my pillow over my head. But there was no escape.
"Get up, Bella! Oh, I can't believe my baby girl is 18!" She beamed, jumping up and down and clapping her hands like a toddler.
"Jesus! How old are you woman?!" I snapped blindly in her direction, pulling my pillow tighter over my face. Of course, being the most annoying mother on the planet, she snatched it away and yanked my covers off my body. I shuddered and groaned loudly as the cold air hit my exposed skin.
"Isabella Marie Swan! If you you don't get up right now and start enjoying your birthday, I will ground your miserable backside for a month!" She yelled unnecessarily as I opened one eye to squint at her.
"You can't ground me, I'm a legal adult now." I smirked. Touché.
I rolled out of bed and attempted to get ready for my day, dodging my mum who was fussing around me. I eventually made it to school and was pleasantly surprised to find that Angela and Ben weren't making the stupid amount of hoopla as they normally did. Although I was happy about it, it made me feel a little uneasy. They were planning something, I could tell. There was no way Angela would let my eighteenth birthday go by unnoticed.
At lunchtime I was sitting with Ben at our usual table by the window while Angela was talking on the phone outside. I studied Ben properly for the first time in a few days, I'd been too wrapped up in my thoughts about Edward to realise that he looked really glum.
"What's the matter?" I asked softly. He looked up at me and seemed slightly startled that I'd noticed.
"Nothing, Bella. I'm alright." He lied blatantly to my face, giving me a weak smile. I wasn't buying any of that bullshit.
"Ben. How long have I known you?"
"Uh..." He looked at the ceiling, trying to count.
"Six years. I think I know you well enough to realise when something is bothering you." I said bluntly. He stared at me long and hard with his deep blue eyes before sighing and acknowledging defeat. There was no way on earth he'd get away with not telling me, he was like my brother and we always shared our problems.
"I went out with Angela the other night and I met Rosalie... and Emmett." I couldn't really see where this was going so I nodded my head in encouragement. "And..." He seemed to be struggling with his choice of words as he stared down at the grey plastic table top. "It's not that I'm not thrilled for Angela, because I really am. It's just... God, I love her so much... but I'm waiting for the day she realises she can have any guy she wants. She'll want to be with some big muscled guy like Emmett... She won't want to be with a loser like me anymore." He mumbled that last part and shyly peeked up at me. I stared at him, completely incredulous. I wasn't sure whether to laugh at the ridiculousness of his words or to be offended on behalf of my cousin. I settled for a half laugh, half glare. I must have looked insane. Good.
"What the hell do you take her for?" I snapped but then taking in his hurt expression, opted for a softer approach. "Gosh Ben, how could you even think that? She would never, ever think that. Don't you have any idea how much she loves you? So much that I think it's unhealthy to be so in love at our age... Ben she's probably planned out your wedding for fucks sake." I laughed lightly at the last part. I remember last year when I asked her if she could see them getting married in the future she'd just smiled shyly and ran out the room. There was no way she'd ever give up on him and I knew for a fact that he'd never leave her, it was obvious how head over heels he was.
Ben's eyes seemed to shine as he considered everything I'd said and then looked out the window at Angela who was walking back towards the building. He flashed me the biggest smile ever before jumping up and kissing me on the cheek.
"Thank you Bella!" He breathed excitedly before running outside to swoop a surprised Angela into his arms and plant kisses all over her face. I chuckled and looked away from the window, I didn't want to intrude on their intimate moment. When I glanced back a moment later, they'd disappeared.
They had been gone for a while and lunch was almost over but I didn't mind so much. I was chewing on my sandwich and staring into space when I heard my phone ringing. I fished it out of my pocket and got flustered when I saw the name on screen. Edward.
I hesitated before answering it, I was careful not to let slip anything that would suggest that today was my birthday so I hoped I wouldn't hear a happy birthday! from the other end.
"Hello?"
"Hey Bella, you okay?" I breathed out a sigh of relief, he seemed oblivious.
"Yeah, although Angela and Ben left me all by myself." I filled my voice with mock sadness.
"Aww I don't think I could ever leave you alone like that," He said in a husky voice and my breathing hitched. "I was wondering if you wanted to come over today, er, to my house." I took two seconds to contemplate his invitation in my head, it didn't seem suspicious. He had no idea it was my birthday and I was fine with that, he didn't have to know.
"Sure, what time shall I come over?" I wasn't sure where he lived but I could always find a map.
Edward chuckled quietly down the phone. "Bella, you don't know where I live. I'm coming to get you."
"I can find it!" I said, on the defensive.
"No no, I'm coming to get you and that's final. Will you be ready at half four?" The authority in his voice turned me on.
"Yeah, I'll be ready."
"Swan! Take it outside!" I heard Mr Gregg shout from the other side of the cafeteria, I looked up and smiled at him. He was one of those young, good-looking PE teachers that you can't help but flirt with a little bit.
"One sec Ed," I said, holding the phone against my shoulder before yelling, "I'm done!" He mock frowned and then wagged his finger at me, I put the phone back to my ear as I watched him walk out. "Sorry about that, I have to go but I'll see you later." I grinned.
"Yeah, I can't wait. Bye Bella." As I put my phone back in my pocket and headed for class, I suddenly became plagued with anxiety as the reality of what I was about to do sunk in.
I was going to Edward's house. Edward Cullen's house. It probably wouldn't even class as a house, I'm guessing it was a mansion. I'd probably meet his parents. Oh God...I walked into class and fought off every terrifying thought that tried to invade my mind. It took all my power to concentrate on my lesson.
At the end of the day I couldn't find Angela or Ben anywhere so when I text to ask where she was, I was surprised when she text back saying they'd bunked last lesson. I sighed and tried not to feel rejected as I drove home. I may have requested no fuss but that didn't mean avoid me.
I sulked in the car while I waited in traffic, peering up at the sky. The sun was breaking out and it looked like the remainder of the afternoon was going to be graced with pleasant weather. At least that's something.
By the time I got home it was already four and I literally agonised over what to wear. I wanted to look presentable to his parents but at the same time, I wanted to be comfortable. I hated dressing up to go to someone's house, I'd just wear sweatpants if I could. I managed to settle on a decent pair of jeans and a white v-neck t-shirt. It was simple enough.
When I was all set to go, I lay on my bed and attempted to calm myself down again. I knew I was being stupid, this was no way as big a deal as I was making it out to be. Edward rang me a few minutes later.
"Hey, I'm like two seconds away." One second later I heard loud revving coming from outside. I ran to the window and gasped when I saw a red Audi R8 parked up right outside my house. No fucking way... I wasn't great with cars but I definitely knew this car, it was my dream car.
"Is that yours?" I choked out, pressing my face against the window.
"No, it's Emmett's car. His greatest love, after Rose of course." I laughed when I heard Emmett yell, "damn straight!" in the background. "Anyway, hurry up." he said excitedly before hanging up.
I grabbed my bag and checked myself in the mirror one last time before sprinting down the stairs and flying out the front door. Emmett was hanging out the window and I wondered how he actually fit in there – it was pretty small in comparison to his beefy body. Big Pimpin' was blaring out and I couldn't help but laugh... also, I secretly hoped my neighbours were witnessing this.
I walked round to the passenger side, playfully squatting Emmett in the head as I passed and then trailed my fingers lightly across the smooth red hood. Edward opened the door and gave me the fucking sexiest smile ever. I bent down and kissed him on the cheek, quickly glancing round to take in the interior of the car. It was just as beautiful as the outside, the seats were red leather and everything else was black and chrome.
As I went to climb in the back, something suddenly clicked in my head. I raised my eyebrow at them. "There's only two seats."
"Yes Bella, there are only two seats. Problem?" Emmett grinned, raising his eyebrow too to challenge me.
"Where am I suppose to sit?"
Emmett's grin grew wider as he patted Edwards knee and I felt my face turn crimson. I focused my gaze on Edward and he was smiling up at me
"Isn't that highly illegal? I could follow you guys in my car..." It wasn't that I didn't like the idea of sitting on Edward's lap in an R8... because that thought alone was enough to give me an orgasm. I just didn't really fancy getting pulled over and then having to explain myself to my dad later on.
"HA! As if your car would be able to keep up with this. Just get in the damn car, Bella!" Emmett said through gritted teeth whilst revving the engine.
I sighed and climbed in. You only live once... I settled down on Edward as he snaked his arms around my waist and I put one of mine around his shoulders. As soon as the door was closed, we were miraculously at the end of my road. Damn this car is fast.
The song changed to Lovestonedwhich was cool, I had no beef with JT. Emmett turned the music down a little so me and Edward could talk, suggestively winking at us every now and again.
"Sorry about this," Edward said sheepishly. Our faces were so close I could hardly concentrate on what he was saying to me, "I would've driven in my car but... I kinda crashed it the other day."
"Serves you right for speeding," I said matter-of-factly, fully aware that we were currently going 100mph down a 40mph street and completely crapping myself.
"Pah! It was a piece of shit anyway!" Emmett scoffed.
"It was not!" Edward argued, his face growing red.
"What? It was a Volvo for fucks sake! What kind of 17 year old drives a Volvo?!"
Edward huffed and buried his face in my shoulder, I giggled and brushed my fingers through his messy hair.
"Aww, you just ignore him Eddie bear." He looked up and smiled at me as I kissed his forehead.
He gazed at me as the song went into the interlude at the end and I noticed the whole atmosphere change. Edward pulled me closer to him, put his lips to my ear and sung quietly in time to the song, "I think I'm love stoned... You've got me love stoned... I hope that you know..." He trailed off to kiss my neck and nuzzle my ear.
"You like Justin Timberlake?" I asked in a weak voice, it was hard to think straight when he was doing that. He chuckled lightly but didn't reply so I closed my eyes and nuzzled him back.
Emmett cleared his throat loudly and completely interrupted our little moment. I opened my eyes to see him smirking and shaking his head at us. "So Bella, how does it feel to be-" Edward smacked him in the arm before he could finish his question. They communicated silently for a moment and I watched as Emmett suddenly looked like he'd just shit himself.
"To be what?" I asked, eyeing them suspiciously.
"Uh, to er... to be with Edward?" he winced and Edward groaned. Something was definitely going on.
"Don't answer, Bella"
"Whatever." I mumbled, leaning my head against the window and staring out at the passing cars. I smiled to myself as I noted that none of them were as amazing as the car I was sitting in right now.
Emmett started fiddling around with the stereo which made me highly uncomfortable... I'd rather he focused on driving the car instead. Edward sensed me tensing up and laughed.
"Scared of living fast?" He questioned with a smirk on his face.
"Nope, just of dying young," I countered. Emmett was eventually satisfied with the station and it took me a while to realised it was a Seventies nostalgia station. Me and Edward were in hysterics when Bohemian Rhapsody came on and we watched Emmett belting out the whole song, normally I'd be singing the loudest but I couldn't compete with him... especially when it got to the high notes.
Through the giggles, I noticed we'd turned onto a long road full of huge houses with extravagant gates and massive driveways.
"We're here." Edward sighed as the car turned into a long driveway with swirly iron gates. I gasped when I saw the house, it was three stories tall and the bricks were the colour of white sand. It was gigantic and if the outside was this beautiful, I couldn't wait to see the inside. I opened and closed my mouth a few times, not being able to find the right words.
Emmett parked up outside the front and I guessed the other cars were in the giant garage attached to the side of the house. We got out and stretched our stiff muscles, the journey had been a little cramped but it was so worth it.
"Ed, I think you should take Bella insideto meet mum and dad." Emmett smiled mischievously before skipping round the side of the house. I could've killed him. I felt Edward shaking was laughter next to me so I punched him in the arm and made my way to the front door. It seemed to be made of oak or something and was covered in gorgeous etchings. I ran my finger inside a large curve and realised it was a 'C'. Taking a step back I noticed the word 'Cullen' was carved into the door.
"I know, it's pretentious isn't it?" Edward chuckled from behind, grabbing my waist and walking me through the door. "They're not scary I promise." He whispered in my ear. His words did nothing to soothe me though, my heart rate was through the roof.
The hallway had wooden floors and panelled walls but it was surprisingly warm and inviting. "Mum?!" Edward called out as I gaped at the huge staircase which seemed to go on forever. When I brought my focus back down I saw an elegant figure walking into the hall. She had flowing caramel hair which came down past her shoulders and kind hazel eyes, the same eyes that Alice and Emmett had.
She had her arms outstretched and a huge smile on her face. "Welcome to our home Bella," She beamed proudly.
"Thank you missus Cullen." I replied shyly, suddenly aware of how common I sounded in comparison to her perfect pronunciation.
"Please, call me Esme!" she exclaimed as she took me into her arms and kissed both my cheeks. I blushed because I was fully aware Edward was still clinging onto my waist from behind.
She included Edward in our embrace and much to my embarrassment, stage whispered, "She's beautiful, Edward!" in his ear. I knew for sure that my face had turned the colour of beetroot as she took a step back to study us.
"I know she is," Edward smiled, kissing me softly on my cheek. Esme's grin spanned from ear to ear as she looked back and forth between me and Edward. She looked like she was about to burst.
"I'm going to get your dad!" She blurted, spinning round and rushing up the stairs yelling, "Carlisle!"
Edward sighed heavily and let out a low throaty laugh. "My dad is no way near as embarrassing, the worst is over." He led me in the direction of the living room but was still holding on to me so we were penguin walking. I giggled when he rested his chin on my shoulder and his warm breath tickled my neck.
The living room took my breath away. The carpet was an off-white colour and the walls were covered in a light wallpaper with branches of gold filigree fanning across it. It was so sophisticated and everything in the room looked too expensive to touch. The sofas were cream leather and even they seemed too expensive to actually sit on.
Edward manoeuvred us over to one of the sofas and sat me down on his lap. I looked up at him and couldn't help but marvel at how the brightness of the room made his eyes glow jade in colour. He never failed to dazzle me.
A small smile tugged at his lips as he gently brushed strands of hair away from my face. "I meant what I said before you know, you are beautiful." he said quietly and my heart danced inside my chest. I think I was starting to understand the way Angela felt when she was with Ben, she tried to describe the feeling to me once.
When she was with Ben, Angela felt like see had everything she would ever need right there with her. She could lose everything else or be in intense pain but it wouldn't matter because she had her soul mate to soothe and comfort her. The world was right when they were together, everything made sense, everything was balanced and everything was perfect. Apparently that wasn't even the half of it, the other feelings she felt were so immense that they were indescribable.
I couldn't be sure what I felt exactly just yet, but I did know that when I was with Edward, I felt invincible.
"What?" He questioned softly and I realised I'd been staring at him shamelessly for a long time, I just shook my head and smiled. He cocked his head to the side and hummed, bringing his thumb up to brush my bottom lip. He slowly leant in and kissed the corners of my mouth before moving to take my bottom lip firmly between his.
We moved together so smoothly, like our lips were having their own sweet conversation. I reached up to tenderly place my palm against his perfectly sculpted cheek while he thread his hands through my hair. I sighed quietly in contentment and was slowly moving my other hand towards his thigh when somebody cleared their throat.
I pulled away from Edward with my eyes still shut and moved off his lap to sit next to him. I slowly opened my eyes and winced in embarrassment when I saw a gorgeous blonde man standing at the doorway. Esme popped out from behind him and looked highly amused. I stood up and awkwardly walked over to introduce myself.
"Hello mister Cullen, I'm Bella." I said extending my hand with as much dignity as I could muster. He took my hand gently in his and shook it firmly, I could tell he was stifling his laughter because his face was slightly red and his mouth was twisting slightly.
"It's a pleasure to meet you Bella," He grinned, looking behind me and winking suggestively at Edward. "And call me Carlisle." I dropped his hand and took a step back, wishing Edward would get the hell up and save me. I wondered if it was possible to actually die from embarrassment.
I silently thanked the heavens when Edward eventually came up and scooped up my hand. He started talking to his parents about one of the neighbours and I took the opportunity to study Carlisle who had his arms wrapped around his wife. He was tall and slightly muscular and I could see Emmett there in that sense. The rest of Emmett was pure Esme. I could see a lot of Alice in Carlisle's features but I wondered where his blonde hair went to. His eyebrows were quite dark and I grew suspicious.
"Anyway, I'm going to take Bella into the garden now," Edward said whilst tugging me out of the room.
"Have fun!" Esme called behind us suggestively and I cringed.
When we were walking through the kitchen – which was spotless with stainless steel appliances, black granite counters and frosted glass cupboards – I turned to Edward and stated bluntly, "Carlisle's not a natural blonde is he?"
"Nope, where do you think Alice gets her black hair from?" He confirmed with a smirk. "You can't tell anyone though... otherwise the FBI will come and take you away."
I giggled as I pretended to zip my lips together and throw away the key. Edward kissed my forehead and then wrapped an arm around me so my face was buried in his chest. I heard him open the back door open and step us outside. When he released me from his hold, I turned around and yelped at what I saw.
A/N: So what did she see? You've probably already guessed lol
Anyway, review and make me a happy girl :)