Penname: lmbrtvll
Story Title: Purple Summer
Chapter: 11
Rating: PG-13
Summary: Belittled and verbally abused by Renee, Bella thinks poorly of herself. Heading back to Forks to live with her brother Emmett, will her friendship with Edward blossom into romance? Can he make Bella see that she's worth so much more than she thinks? AU, AH
S.M. owns Twilight
AN: Thanks to Lisa and Blake for being amazing betas and fighting the never ending comma war. And thank you to those who have not only read but left me a review. Reading them are exactly the motivation I need to keep going and make me want to be a better writer. So, thanks!!
Don't forget to check out my newest story, Essence. It's a little...different.
~ a song to hard to follow, that no one else can sing
The world came crashing down upon Bella that night. Her happy demeanor quickly faded as she identified the sender; the name practically jumped off the screen at her. Not like she really needed a name to tell her who had sent her the email – she had immediately recognized the criticizing, biting tone.
With a shaky hand, she quickly shut the window and closed her laptop. She would tell no one about this. No one else needed to be exposed to Renee's harsh criticism of Bella. God, if anyone besides Emmett ever found out, she would never be able to face them again.
Silent tears ran down her cheeks as she crawled into bed, fearing her brief period of happiness was coming to an end. Clutching her pillow, her thoughts spun wildly for a few brief minutes before exhaustion overtook her.
**********
Bella awoke the next morning to bright sunlight abusing her closed eyes. The memories from last night flooded back into her consciousness, and for a moment, she allowed herself to feel every bit the carefree girl she was when she thought of Edward. At least until Renee reader her ugly head in Bella's mind.
A pit of anxiety welled up in her stomach as she recalled the vicious email from last night. Her mother hadn't held back, and Bella had no doubt she would be true to her word and come find her.
Now was most definitely not the time to be worrying about her past coming back to haunt her. Today was the Fourth of July, and the Cullens were planning a holiday barbeque. Bella shivered in disgust as she recalled the last barbeque she had attended. Thankfully, she was pretty sure there wouldn't be cake tonight, and she resolved not to let anything affect her.
She slid off her bed and trotted into the bathroom, making sure to lock the door behind her. In just one short hour, she and Emmett would be leaving to spend the day at the Cullens', and Bella needed to make herself presentable, even if it was more for Edward than herself.
She turned towards the mirror and sighed, unhappy with the girl staring back at her. While her chocolate eyes were large and sweet, they harshly contrasted with the paleness of her skin. She had managed to put on a little bit of needed weight since living here, filling out her cheeks and concave chest but failing to bring a permanent, healthy glow to her face.
With a sigh of exasperation, Bella quickly showered and threw on a pair of dark jeans and a blue and white top Alice had managed to sneak into her closet.
Bella checked her appearance again and, to her surprise, wished Rosalie or Alice was around to help her with her makeup. Bella didn't have any nor did she know how to apply it.
Not like it would do you any good. You can't help a lost cause. Renee's voice was back with a vengeance.
Emmett and Bella pulled up to the beautiful Cullen mansion later that morning and were welcomed with hugs and cheerful greetings. Esme, always put together, was wearing a red, white and blue summer dress, which coordinated with Carlisle's blue polo and white slacks.
While Carlisle was by any standard looking every part the Ralph Lauren model he couldn't hold a candle to Edward. He greeted Bella with a smooth hello, and wrapped his arm around her waist before kissing her on the cheek. Too bad Emmett was still watching; she might have gotten a kiss on the lips, had he not been there.
There was always later.
"What has you grinning, love?" Edward's green eyes looked mischievous, as though he knew what she had been thinking.
"Nothing. I'm just really happy to see you."
Really, really happy to see you, she thought blissfully.
She tightened her arms around Edward and rested her head against his chest. The soothing rhythm of his heartbeat pulsed in her ear, and the heat from his chest warmed her face. She could let Edward hold her like this forever. She felt safe and protected and the little girl that Renee had called weak and ugly was hidden away.
Bella had always felt safe with Edward. When was was younger, she's spent most of her time with Alice, following Emmett and Edward around; the boys had always made sure their younger sisters were looked out one skin her knee, a band-aid would appear out of thin air and be tenderly placed on the afflicted skin. Should a boy hurt their feelings, Edward and Emmett would have a talk with him, and said boy wouldn't be able to look at either girl for at least a week.
As much as Emmett and Edward had claimed annoyance at Alice and Bella tagging along, it was clear that neither boy really meant it.
The four of them were at the Cullens' house and were taking advantage of the rare sunshine by entertaining themselves in the spacious backyard. Bella and Alice were sitting on the low wall of the patio while Edward and Emmett ran around in the grass with a football. They had been yelling at the girls for the past twenty minutes, trying to goad them into playing a game of two-on-two.
"Bellaaa! Come play! I promise to go easy on you." Emmett's whiny voice was becoming quite irritating to the two girls on the wall. Bella rolled her eyes and gave Alice a look of resignation. She knew this wouldn't end until they gave in and joined the boys.
She stood up and brushed off her pants, making sure to scowl at her brother and Edward. Alice followed suit with quite a bit more bounce in her step. Maybe it was a good idea to let Alice burn off some of her energy.
"One game, that's it. And if either of you hurt Alice or me, I'm telling Dad and Carlisle."
"Deal. How about we make it a little easier? You and Edward against Alice and me?"
Bella remained silent for a moment in an attempt to not seem overly eager. If Edward ever find out she had a crush on him, she would die. Besides, he was way too old for her. She was just thirteen to his seventeen, and Bella doubted that any romantic feelings for her had ever even crossed his mind.
"Yeah, I guess that's okay. I mean, Alice is the smallest; it makes sense she should play with you." Bella turned towards Edward and nearly melted when he pulled her into a two-person huddle. She could feel his warm breath tickling her neck, and her brain immediately turned to mush.
Her heart lurched as she realized that this could be the last time Edward Cullen ever touched her. She would be leaving to move in with her mother in Arizona in just a few days, and she had yet to tell Edward. Only Alice and Emmett knew, and she had to admit that she was a little anxious to tell him. She didn't want to because it would not only verify the realness of the situation, but it would also break her heart.
"Okay. Your goal is to keep the ball away from Emmett if you get it and to block Alice from getting it. If you get the ball to me, I can make a touchdown."
Bella nodded mutely and went to take her position on the field. They began the game, which, for Bella, consisted mainly of running around like an idiot. That was, until the ball somehow landed in her arms. She looked down at her arms, an expression of amazement gracing her face, and stared stupidly until Edward called out to her.
"Bella! Run!"
She moved faster than she'd ever thought she could, and before she knew it, she was flying across the designated goal line. Strong arms pulled her off the ground and swung her around, causing her to squeal.
"You did it! We beat Emmett and Alice! I'll make sure he doesn't forget about this for a while." Edward was breathing hard with excitement and his face was flushed. Even sweaty, he was still gorgeous.
Bella looked up at him, still wrapped in his arms, and their eyes locked. Brown met green and for a second, the world around them stopped. Currents shot through her body and she inhaled sharply at the sensation before regaining her composure. She played what had just happened off as nothing for the sake of everyone else.
Both Bella and Edward were giggling in excitement, and glancing at Alice's and Emmett's faces was enough to send them into another round of laughter. If anything, this was a great way to spend one of her last days in Forks, no matter how sad she was to be leaving.
"Kids, the cookies are ready." Esme was always baking something and always made sure she had something prepared for when Bella and Emmett were around. Bella knew it was partly due to the fact that Emmett was constantly eating and partly due to the face that Esme loved her and Emmett as she did her own children. She watched with a pang of sadness as Esme placed a large plate of what looked to be chocolate chip cookies on the patio table.
"Edward, Emmett, make sure you boys share with Alice and Bella." Esme's warning was anything but harsh and she left with a sweet smile.
Naturally, Edward and Emmett were the first to reach the cookies, and each had grasped a handful before Alice and Bella could grab one.
"You think you would know the meaning of sharing by know, Hogward. I guess that's why Mom and Dad call you're their special little boy; you haven't yet mastered the basic etiquette of a five-year-old."
Bella nearly choked on her cookie at Alice's jest. She was half expecting Edward to retort with something equally as mean back, especially since Emmett was laughing hysterically next to him, cookie crumbs spraying from his mouth.
Instead, Edward turned to Bella with the plate of cookies in his hand. "Would you care for a cookie, Bella?" he asked with an unusually polite air, just like a proper gentleman.
Bella took a second cookie, drinking in the attention she was getting from her crush. Edward placed the plate back on the table, turned to Alice and stuck out his tongue.
Alice just shook her head. "Like I said, a five-year-old."
The entire group joined in on the laughter, and pretty soon, thanks to Edward and Emmett, the cookies were gone. Emmett returned to the backyard to toss around the football, and Alice needed a bathroom break. Bella stood, grabbed the empty plate and walked toward the house to return the plate to Esme. With her luck and lack of grace, her Converse encased foot caught one of the bricks and she felt herself careening downward.
Bella squeezed her eyes shut and braced her body for inevitable impact. She was already running through the millions of ways she could apologize to Esme for shattering her plate. What a great way to say goodbye to the Cullens.
But Bella never came into contact with the hard, unforgiving brick patio. Instead, she found herself suspended in the air for a moment before she was placed upright onto her own to feet. She cracked open one eye to make sure she wasn't imagining things and bit back a gasp when she saw it was Edward who had saved her – and the plate – from meeting an untimely demise.
"Thanks, Edward," she whispered.
"I'll always be there to catch you, Bella. I promise. Someone needs to make sure you don't hurt yourself." Edward gave her a warm smile and picked a blade of grass off her shoulder.
Bella's heart felt like it was splintering. That was the sweetest thing a boy had ever said to her, and she was leaving in two days. Now she had to deal with the consequences and finally tell Edward.
"Can we talk?"
"Sure." Edward grabbed her hand and led her over to the patio wall. He took the plate and put it back on the table before joining her up on the wall, both sitting so they looked out over Esme's magnificent garden. "What's up?"
"Edward, I'm moving." Once again, Bella's mouth had run away with her words, and she found herself angry and frustrated. That was not how she had wanted to tell Edward; being blunt was not her style.
Edward continued to stare out into the garden, the hot sun creating highlights of warm red in his perpetually messy hair. His mouth turned downward into a frown, and his brow creased.
Edward had yet to say anything, so she continued. "Renee is forcing me to move to Arizona and live with her; there's nothing I can do to stop it. I don't want to go."
Bella whispered the last part, her throat suddenly dry with emotion.
"Why did you wait so long to tell me?" The hurt in Edward's voice was evident, and Bella like she was suffocating from the guilt weighing upon her chest.
"I'm sorry, I was scared. I didn't know how to tell you. I'm going to miss…Forks." Bella flushed at her near slip-up.
"I promised I would always be there to catch you. Who's going to make sure you don't fall?" Edward's voice quivered, and he positioned his head away from Bella.
"I'm sorry." Bella jumped down from the ledge and walked quickly toward the front of the house, intent on walking home. She hadn't meant to upset Edward, and she felt terrible.
"Bella, wait!" Edward was chasing after her, his floppy copper hair bouncing as he ran. He reached her and pulled her into a tight embrace.
"I'll miss you, too."
A kiss pressed down on the top of her head pulled Bella back from her memories. "Shall we go join the others out back, love?"
She was still wrapped snugly in Edward's arms and had no desire to move. "Edward, do you still play the piano?"
He hummed his affirmation. "Why do you ask?"
"Well, I was wondering if you would play for me," she asked sweetly.
"Of course, anything for you. Come with me." Edward took Bella's handed and guided her through the familiar and welcoming house. They reached the room that housed the piano, and Edward sat Bella down in one of the white, modern looking armchairs while he moved to the piano bench.
Instinctually, Bella curled her legs underneath her and rested her elbows on the soft arm of the chair. Edward began to warm up at the keys with a few scales before turning to Bella.
"Any requests?" He grinned at her, and she nearly melted. He looked so handsome in his green t-shirt and jeans, and his smile brightened his already breathtaking face.
"Surprise me," she giggled.
Edward placed his pianist's hands on the ivory keys and breathed deeply before beginning. Bella admired the way his large hands stretched and glided from key to key, the way his foot caressed the pedal and sustained the ringing music.
The first few notes were tentative, slow and sweet. It was almost as though Edward were playing each phrase how he might speak it. The ritardandos and accelerandos made the music sweep in waves and the crescendos and decrescendos made Bella feel like the notes were dancing in the air in front of her. The melody was soothing yet playful. There were more somber moments, and during these, Edward would almost stop playing as he leaned in closer, his hands skimming over the keys.
It was art. It was beautiful, and Bella almost felt like she was getting a peek into Edward's soul. She could forget herself here in this in-between world of music and Edward. Renee couldn't touch her; she was safe and loved and completely at ease.
Slowly, the music came to an end. The strong major chords thinned out and diminished into a soft triad of resolution, his fingers not yet leaving the keys. They sat still for a few minutes as the last few notes lingered in the air.
Bella didn't even realize Edward was kneeling in front of her until she felt his thumb gently brush her cheek. She looked down to see that his finger was wet, and his face was marked with a look of concern and self-hatred. "I'm sorry, I've made you cry."
Bella hadn't even realized she had been crying until Edward had wiped her face. "No! Don't apologize." She sniffed and continued to wipe her face. "That was absolutely beautiful. I've never experienced anything like it. Thank you."
"Why are you thanking me? I made you cry." Edward's brow creased in confusion.
Bella reached out, softly smoothed away his furrows, and caressed his cheek. She was being bold, and it scared her, but he had just shared a hidden part of himself with her. She could venture out of her comfort zone and comfort him, make him see that she was fine. Better than fine, really.
"I'm glad you made me cry. It lets me know I'm still me," she assured him. "Edward, what you just did was pure magic. You shared a part of yourself that was absolutely breathtaking, inside and out. That's why I'm thanking you. Promise me you'll play for me again?"
"I promise." Edward rested his lips on hers, the perfect ending for Bella.
"Come on. I'm sure everyone is looking for us." Bella followed Edward's lead after making sure she wasn't puffy-eyed and red-faced from crying, and they joined the rest of the family on the patio.
"Where were you two love birds?" Alice kept an interrogating eye on Bella and Edward as they found two empty chairs. As expected, Bella blushed bright red at being called out, and she buried her face in Edward's shoulder before taking a seat next to Emmett.
"Hey, Bella. How are you?" Rosalie was seated on Emmett's other side and gave Bella a little wave as she greeted her.
"I'm good. I have a favor to ask of you, though. Can we talk later?"
The blonde nodded with enthusiasm, and then turned her attention back to Emmett who sat patiently and watched with adoration as his girlfriend and sister conversed.
"So, Bella. How have you adjusted to living back in Forks?" Alice was stroking Jasper's unruly blonde hair as he spoke. Bella didn't know what it was about him, but for some reason she trusted him. He projected an air of calmness around him, and she couldn't help but be influenced by him when she was in his presence.
Bella ran her hand through her hair nervously and thought a moment before answering. "It's been great. I've missed Emmett. And believe it or not, I've missed the weather. Especially after seeing the Cullens, I feel like I'm home again."
"You are home, Bella," Alice chirped.
She was home. She just hoped she could stay.
"What I really can't wait for is our shopping trip together!" Alice squealed. She could barely contain her excitement, and Jasper could barely contain her.
"Um, what?" Bella didn't remember planning any shopping trip with Alice, though she'd come to realize after a few weeks of living here that most of her clothing left her way underdressed for Washington weather.
"I need to take you shopping. I know it's not your thing, but give me a few hours and free reign, and I'll work wonders on your wardrobe." Alice's eyes were gleaming as she envisioned their shopping excursion.
Bella could feel the heat creep up her neck and face, and she looked down. Was it really that obvious? She didn't think she looked that bad. But a trip with Alice couldn't hurt; she did need clothing. And some makeup tips. She would definitely invite Rosalie as well. She had promised herself that would make an effort to get to know Rosalie better, and this seemed like the perfect opportunity.
"I guess it couldn't hurt-"
"Oh my God! I can't believe you actually agreed! And without a fight! This is great!" Alice was wide-eyed and flushed, nearly shaking with anticipation.
"Could Rosalie come too?" Bella looked from the tiny, raven-haired girl to the statuesque blonde, looking for an answer.
"Of course! This is going to be so much fun. Rose is probably one of the most fun people to shop with. She has a great eye. She-" Jasper clapped a hand around Alice's mouth, effectively silencing her and earning a mocking round of applause from the table.
"Oh, Bella, dear. Could you come help me with the salad?" Esme stood from the table and motioned for Bella to follow her. Esme was like Bella's mother when she had been younger; she couldn't help but comply.
They entered the empty kitchen, and Esme pulled vegetables from the fridge. Aware of Bella's clumsiness, she took the job of slicing the tomatoes and cucumbers, and instructed Bella to rip the lettuce.
"I haven't yet had a chance to really talk to you since you've moved back. How are you, dear?"
Bella was surprised by the question. She knew Esme took her role of being a mother very seriously, but she didn't really consider herself to be under Mother Esme's wing, at least, not anymore.
"I'm – uh…I've been doing fine, I guess."
"I just can't help but to notice, sweetheart. You've changed, and I worry about you. You're so quiet now. It's just…" Esme never finished her sentence and instead turned back to the vegetables and resumed chopping in silence.
It was clear to Bella that she was upsetting Esme to an extent, and that bothered her. But she couldn't divulge the information she wished to keep secret from everyone but Emmett.
Telling Esme would virtually be telling everyone else. Maybe eventually she would let the Cullens in on her secret, but now was definitely not the time – not when she had Renee's email to worry about, not when she was just getting her life to a better place.
"I'm – I'm doing okay. Really. Emmett's been great, and so has Edward." Bella left it at that. She feared that if she continued, she would end up saying too much.
"You're like a daughter to Carlisle and me, and should you need us, we're here for you. Anything you need at all." She stopped and took a moment to stroke Bella's hair with a look of longing in her eyes. "Come on, dear. Let's get this outside. I'm sure everyone's starving."
Bella breathed a sigh of relief, thankful that Esme knew when not to push. She was grateful for the show of support. It was nice knowing she had a mother figure to turn to here, that her childhood mother still saw her as a daughter.
She squinted as the bright sun struck her eyes and blinded her to those around her. She stumbled a bit, unsure of her footing and was certain she would fall until she felt familiar arms steady her – Edward.
"You alright there, love? I'm sorry about my mother, by the way. She can be a bit overwhelming. That's where Alice gets it from, annoying pixie. I'm sorry about that, too. I didn't know she was intent on having you as her shopping hostage, though I should have figured."
"No apologies necessary, Edward. Your mom was really nice; I missed her. And believe it or not, I was kind of thinking of asking Alice for some help with my clothing, anyway." Bella laughed when Edward's jaw dropped in mock astonishment.
"I know, I know. Who would've thought?"
Edward chuckled, wrapped an arm around Bella, and pressed his lips to hers, earning a round of cheers from Alice and Rosalie. Embarrassment caught up with Bella, and she fumbled with the bowl. Luckily, Edward was quick and managed to save the salad, the only casualties being a few leaves and a slice of cucumber.
"Maybe I should take this from you." Edward placed the bowl in the middle of the table and pulled Bella onto his lap as he sat down.
"Edward! You can't eat with me here!" She tried to get up, but Edward immediately pulled her back down onto his lap and shifted her so she was sitting sideways.
"Don't be silly, Bella, of course I can. I just need you to make us both a plate."
Bella giggled at the silliness of the situation and at Edward's stubbornness, but eagerly topped both of their hot dogs with mustard and ketchup. Of course, Edward had to be different, and disgusting in her opinion, and asked her to slather on a thick layer of relish as well.
"You'd better not drip that disgusting green stuff on me, Edward. I was nice enough to touch it to put it on your hot dog, but that's as close as I ever want to come to it again."
Edward took the hot dog from Bella and gave her a quick peck on the cheek. "Thanks, Love." He took a big bite, his eyes rolling backwards in enjoyment. "Sooo good," he moaned, his mouth full.
Love. Bella's heart fluttered. She had never thought such a simple, unadorned term of endearment would cause her to swoon like a fool in love. She couldn't deny that there was something there, in her heart, for Edward. Was it love? She wasn't sure; she'd never experienced anything outside of familial love before. Though every time she looked into his emerald eyes, every time he pulled her close, her heart beat a little faster, just for him. It terrified her to no end, to be so out of control with her feelings, but the safety she felt around Edward compelled her to not pull away.
He was worth it.
So...what are you guys thinking? Reviews would be incredible!
-lmbrtvll