Hello everyone,
I have to apologize, I've updated longer than I thought I would. Between work, class, and life I haven't had time to edit the chapters I've already written. I have been working on the story, there will be 26 chapter (including an epilogue) and I have finished the thirteenth chapter. See I have been writing! It's my editing that sucks and I have no time for it.
Therefore, I was wondering if any of you would like to edit my work? The pay sucks (there isn't any) but you get to read the latest chapter before anyone else does. That's a bonus! I hope.
Anyway, if any of you are interested let me know. I'll wait until Monday.
Until then here's the latest chapter. It's a lot lighter than the previous chapter have been because the saddest part is coming up.
Thank you to all of ya'll for reading and reviewing. I appreciate it.
And I'll let you read now.
Disclaimer: I don't own Twilight. Stephenie Meyer's does.
Chapter 10
Cities and Firsts
The plane is relatively empty for a weekend trip from Seattle to New York, not that Bella would have noticed, Edward had bought first-class seats and with all the attention the attendants were showering them with Bella had barely noticed her surroundings.
Her thoughts were divided between the worry that was building over meeting Edward's family and how well the shelter was doing with Rosalie as the lead. The altitude and the fact that she had never visited a city as intimidating as New York didn't help any.
"What did that napkin do to you?"
"What?"
"The napkin that is now a thousand tiny pieces in your lap."
"Not a thousand," Bella mumbled.
"Fine, a hundred."
"Okay."
"There's no need to be nervous."
"So you keep saying."
"I mean it. Alice is already over the moon, my mother is worse, my father will love you, and Jasper is the picture of serenity. They're going to love you." He cleaned her lap of the paper remnants and threaded their hands together.
"What if they don't?"
"They will."
"But what if they don't?"
"They will. Trust me they're going to love you, I do."
And just like that, with a reminder of his love, her anxiety diminished, not completely, but enough to survive the flight without having to alarm an air force marshal.
The JFK airport was exactly as she imagined. Herds of people moving through the airport tense, stressed, frustrated, angry and on occasion bored. Everything she'd ever heard about New Yorker's seemed to be true. Maybe they were an angry bunch. It was then Edward grabbed their luggage, grabbed her hand and steered them towards the exit.
It was then Bella remembered that Edward had been born and raised in New York. He had always behaved like a gentleman, well not always, but she concluded that the city and it's inhabitants weren't as bad as she originally thought.
She noticed a small movement in her peripheral vision and swiveled to take a better look. A woman, appearing to be in her mid thirties, was openly staring at Edward. For his part, Edward seemed oblivious to the woman's attention. They kept walking and not two seconds later another woman stared, unabashedly, at him. The trend seemed to continue until they reached the curb.
Once inside she took the time to look over his profile, once, twice, thrice. It had not been his beauty that attracted her, but his heart. Now, having reaffirmed her love, she let herself be vain.
"You're very beautiful," Bella announced when they were inside a cab.
"Sweetie, we're already dating, you don't need to sweep me off my feet," Edward teased.
"I wasn't...I didn't..." she stuttered. Edward let out a hearty chuckle, happy that he could still rattle her.
"Don't fret, thank you for calling me beautiful. You're not so bad yourself."
"I don't get stared at by men like you do."
"Men stare at me?" He asked, a grin on his face.
"No, I mean, back there...the women. They stare at you...and then I did...you are very beautiful."
"Women were staring at me," the grin never leaving his face.
"Yes, a lot of them." Bella wan't jealous, she was worried. What if Edward found someone else? What would she do? They had passed some very pretty women, she wouldn't blame him.
"You want to know a secret?" He replied, thumbing her bottom lip, releasing it from her bite.
"What?"
"Men stare at you too." Her mouth popped open. He had to be lying, men never stared at her. She was too awkward, to shy, nothing about her screamed seductress.
"In the fish market, I was insanely jealous, men could do nothing but stare. I have to apologize, I wanted to mark you in some way, show those men you were with me-"
"Is that why you wouldn't remove your arm from my shoulder?"
"Yes, it didn't help. Men continued to stare."
"I didn't notice," she replied.
"Of course you didn't. It's the same reason why I didn't notice the women at the airport. I have you," he pecked her lightly on the cheek. A blush taking over where he had kissed, she glanced up at the cab driver, embarrassed to be having an intimate conversation in someone else's car.
"Are we close?" Edward looked out the window and staring at the traffic in front of them.
"Less than ten minutes," he answered.
"That soon,"
"I'm enjoying seeing you jittery, I don't think you've noticed, you draw nearer whenever you're anxious. I like it. I like having you pressed up against me," as soon as the words were out a blush spread on her cheeks. He ignored her response, pulling her flush against him, "it's going to be fine."
"I'm sorry. You've been reassuring me for days now."
"And I will continue to do it without complaint, know why?"
"Why?"
"I love you," he said simply, his eyes shining, an exuberance radiating off of him.
"I love you," came her breathless reply. Bella wondered if she would ever be able to tell him without sounding like a git.
He kissed her then, not caring if the taxi driver was watching. Their lips molding, soft, firm, demanding, and giving, all wrapped into one. His tongue seeking hers. She opened herself up, gave herself to him, demanding the same from him. He pulled her into his lap, his hands securing her hips. She brought her hands up to his hair, settling them at the nape of his neck, toying with the short hair there.
They were giving into their feeling freely, the fire beginning to consume them when they heard the cab driver clearing her throat.
"Here ya go," she said. Edward turned his head to the street and sure enough they were outside his parents home. The woman popped the trunk pulling out the luggage.
"Thank you," she offered after Edward handed her a couple of bills.
"Ready," he turned to Bella offering his arm.
"No," she answered honestly, he chuckled.
The doorbell rang once, it took a second for a woman, small in frame, with short hair, to open it widely.
"Finally!" the woman, whom Bella recognized as Alice, Edward's sister, exclaimed. Alice pulled her into a hug, her arms tightly wrapping around her, letting her go only to do the same to her brother.
"Where is everyone?"
"In the kitchen, moms getting dinner ready. I hope you like Mexican, she's made a buffet."
"Did you tell her-"
"Yes, and she didn't listen. They're going to be starving," she mimicked her mother. Well, Bella assumed she was mimicking her mother.
"Does she know-"
"Yeah, she's fine with it. Mom understands you need your own space."
"Are you-"
"Nope, you should know better."
"Not even-"
"I don't care. Bella should know you're the baby of the family."
"I'm older-"
"Age is only a number." Alice wore the same grin Edward did when he was teasing her. If Bella hadn't known they were family she would have figured it out because of that grin.
"Can we-"
"Yup, leave your luggage in the coat closet."
They did as Alice ordered. Following her into the dining room where several dishes were set up, there were: enchiladas, sopes, tamales, caldo, menudo, corn, rice, beans, three different types of salad, flan, churros, and a couple of other dishes Bella couldn't name.
"Wow, are there other guest coming?" Bella asked.
"No, it's only us."
"All this food-"
"For you. Don't feel obligated though, we can always dine out if you want."
"No, no this is more than enough. Thank you."
"Good. Mom, Dad there here!"
"Very ladylike like Alice." Edward stated.
"Bite me."
Neither sibling was able to continue the banter because an older couple entered the room, trailed by a young blond man that took up residence next to Alice.
"Oh thank goodness, I worried the food was going to get cold. Welcome! Welcome! You must be Bella. I'm Esme and this is my husband Carlisle." Esme pulled her into a bone crushing hug much like her daughter had.
"Nice to meet you, both." Carlisle bent down to kiss her cheek and hug her. She'd never met a more affectionate family.
"I'm Jasper, Alice's husband." He extended his hand, before he too embraced her, kissing her lightly on the cheek.
"Let's not overwhelm her," Edward wrapped an arm around her shoulder.
"She's very beautiful, good job son!"
"Carlisle!" Esme reprimanded.
"It's a compliment," Carlisle defended weakly.
"This isn't embarrassing at all," Edward whispered into Bella ears. She giggled relieved that the attention hadn't stayed on her. "We will leave whenever you're ready," he informed her.
"I'm fine, really."
"Whenever you're ready."
He ushered her towards the table, the rest of the Cullen's already seated, their plates heavy with food.
"Bella, have you brought anything to wear for tomorrow's gala, feel free to say no, even if you have."
"No, I was not sure what an appropriate outfit would be." Her voice small, insecure.
"Great! We'll go shopping tomorrow morning."
"Alice-" Edward began.
"Don't worry. Mom will come with us. It will be an hour, two tops."
"Bella?" Edward questioned.
"It sounds like fun." Her voice was shaking, negating her words.
"Bella, Edward tells us you run an amazing shelter," Jasper, ever the intuitive one, sensed how uncomfortable Bella had become steered the conversation to one that she was familiar with.
"Edward is very generous," she said. "I wouldn't classify the shelter as amazing."
"No need to be modest," Edward stretched an arm, tangling their hands together. "It really is amazing."
"Speaking of, Edward, you promised me a puppy," Bella had never before met a more tenacious woman than Alice Cullen. Like Edward, they exuded a confidence, a confidence learned from a young age. It was intimidating.
"They are still being trained," Bella said.
"You train them?" Esme asked, pleasantly surprised.
"Yes, well, not me personally, Jessica does...but...um... they are trained at the shelter."
"I'm going to have a trained puppy!" Alice exclaimed excitedly.
"Yes, if you wait a month, they should be ready," Bella's voice growing more animated, happy with the topic. "Emmett, our vet, should stop by sometime next month for the puppies final shots."
Bella lowered her head, focusing on the meal in front of her, never seeing Edward's proud smile. Her body language, fidgeting hands, and quiet voice all alluded to her discomfort but she worked passed it. She was trying and that is what counted.
"Beautiful, smart, and kind. Don't let this one go," Carlisle advised sagely, with a smile. Bella's blush returning.
"No worry there," Edward kissed Bella chastely on nose.
"How are you liking the food, dear? Edward mentioned your mother was an extraordinary cook." Esme asked Bella. If she noticed the young girls face pale, she made no mention of it.
"I like it very much. You're an excellent chef Mrs. Cullen," her voice sullen yet firm.
"Esme, dear. Call me Esme."
"Esme," Bella repeated.
The rest of the dinner was spent in the same manner. Simple conversations combined with delicious food. By the end of the night, Bella was enthralled by the Cullen's. She had never seen a more united family. The devotion, loyalty and love was evident. It made her miss Renee and Charlie.
Edward, who was so in tune with her moods as of recently, read the sadness on her face and promptly said his good-byes. He called for a cab, kissed his mother, and grabbed their luggage.
"You could stay here?" Esme almost begged.
"We'd feel more comfortable at my place."
"Well then," Esme kept her voice tight, in mock anger.
"Mem leave the boy alone," Carlisle smirked. Bella recognizing where Alice and Edward picked up the trait.
"Thanks dad."
Bella was glad to be in the confined space of a small vehicle again. She had done it. She had met his parents, been polite, and hopefully with any luck left them with a good impression.
They were nothing like she had expected. From everything she had read and pictures she had google'd they had seemed very posh. The type of family that ate with four different types of forks, basking in their grandeur.
She was relieved that wasn't the case.
As the car zoomed through the streets, Bella's eyes began to close, her head rested lightly on Edward's shoulders. He was in no better state. Eyes lulling to sleep, exhaustion settling in.
When the car drove up next to a skyscraper Edward gingerly woke up the girl in his arms. He ushered her sleeping form through the lobby, into the elevator and through the front door.
It was then Bella took in her surroundings. She never knew an apartment could be bigger than a home, but this one was certainly twice as big as her home, at least.
"Come, let's get ready for bed."
She followed, reaching her hand out to his.
Everything in Edward's bedroom was enormous, his bed, his closet, his shower, and his bathtub. She made quick use of his bathroom, rushing under the blankets. Edward chuckled but joined her moments later his arms enveloping her.
"I love you, have I told you today?" He asked.
"No," she whispered back.
"I love you." he reached for her face, placing a sound kiss on her lips.
"I love you," she returned, leaving no space between them.
His kissed her again, working his way down to her neck. Bella's whimpers and moans letting him know she didn't mind. Her hands found their way to the nape of his neck, pulling lightly on the short strands.
As reluctant as he was to end the kiss, Edward drew back, letting Bella settle in next to him.
"Thank you. For tonight. You don't know what it means to me that you came."
"Hopefully as much as it means to me that you asked," Bella replied.
"My parents love you by the way."
"Really!"
"Did you see my mother's face? She couldn't stop smiling. Except when my father flirted with you," he laughed.
"You're father is very handsome," she teased, laughing into his shoulder.
"Should I be worried? Do I need to alert my mother?" His voice light, laced with humor.
"Maybe, I'm not bored with you yet," she smiled.
"Oh really," his crooked smile on full blast.
"Well," she said. Moving to straddle him, bending down to kiss his lips softly. "Family dinners would be awkward if you and your mother made an appearance."
Edward laughed freely then, happy that she was comfortable enough to tease him and delighted that she was initiating any type of physical activity.
"Baby, if we're going to start with the sexy times could we please stop talking about my father?"
"Can I still think about him while being with you?" she joked.
Edward let out a f aux growl, flipping them over so that he was laying in between her legs. He kissed her, pouring all of his ardor into the kiss. Her back arching, her hips pushing up into his. Connecting, thrusting, moving as one.
"Bella," he whispered.
"Please." Bella whimpered.
He sped up his thrusts, his lips moving from her mouth to her neck, his hands roaming her body. Her face rested on his shoulders. Kissing down the column of his throat, running her hands up and down the length of his back.
Her hips connected with his until her body stilled then broke out into tiny shivers, coming undone, calling his name again and again.
Not far behind, Edward pushed up into her mercilessly, stilling moments later, his mouth open, eyes closed, his face displaying his full ecstasy.
Edward rested on top of her, his full weight on her, her hands running through his hair, gently scratching his head.
"Please tell me you weren't thinking of my father."
"You'll never know" she taunted, her eyes heavy with sleep.
As Bella drifted off to sleep, Edward left the bed, returning seconds later in a different set of pajamas. She gasped as he slid a cloth covered hand inside her shorts, surprised that he thought to clean her. When he returned for a second time, he settled once more between her legs, resting his head on her chest, wrapping his arms around her, letting her feel his whole weight. And she didn't mind. Not one bit.