TWILIGHT & ALL IT'S CHARACTERS BELONG TO MS. MEYERS
BELLA
"You're in a good mood today Bells." Charlie said in between mouthfuls of grilled cheese and tomato soup.
"I guess I'm just excited to get out of the house. Not away from you…just out…of the house." I shrugged. I was trying to play it cool, obviously it wasn't working.
"That's what I've been waiting to hear." He reached into his gym bag and pulled out a small box in purple wrapping paper. A present. I felt my heart clench. No, I told myself, you can't lose it now, think about Edward. Think about seeing Edward in just a few hours. Keep it together.
"What's this for dad?" My voice was a little shaky.
"I know that your birthday isn't a….happy time for you, but I felt that I should still get you something."
"My birthday isn't until Friday." Please stop talking about my birthday. Today was supposed to be a good day.
"I know, but please Bells, just open it." I unenthusiastically opened the small box. It was a cell phone. "I figured it would come in handy. Especially with you being friends with Alice and all." I stared at the small phone, trying to push back tears. I knew Charlie was just trying to be a good dad, and a cell phone was practical, my recent experience proved my truck was unpredictable at times. It wasn't like he got me some extravagant gift. But the sudden reminder of my approaching birthday made some buried emotions bubble to the surface. Happy thoughts Bella: Edward…his arms around me..the way he looks in my eyes…his eyes. That was just the trick to push it all back down.
"Thank you dad. I love it." I did love it, it was very thoughtful. He really was a good dad. I leaned across the table and gave him a peck on the cheek. Under normal circumstances it wouldn't have been nearly enough thanks but for me and Charlie it was. He understood all the words I couldn't say that were wrapped up in that one little peck. For that I was so very thankful.
"Good. I should have gotten you one when you first got here. That truck doesn't always do what it's supposed too. I'm just glad you haven't gotten stuck anywhere yet." Oh Dad, if you only freakin' knew. My thoughts returned to that night, like they had so many times since then, and I was lost in the smells and warm embrace that was Edward. Before I started drooling at the kitchen table, I remembered what Emmett had asked.
"Oh, dad, by the way, Emmett Cullen wants to know if you'd let him work on the truck. I guess he's a car nut, and he loves the Chevy. He said we wouldn't have to pay him anything, just buy the parts."
"You're friends with Emmett Cullen?" Was that really so unbelievable? Oh well, I guess given my history….
"Yes, well you know, he's Alice's cousin and Rose's boyfriend. He said he'd do the work here…." I trailed off.
"You're becoming very friendly with the Cullen family." He was frowning. I didn't say anything, for the fear I might reveal too much about my closeness with them, and my eagerness to be closer to one of them in particular. He finally sighed. "I guess it would be alright, but only when I'm here, ok?" Strange request, but ok. Emmett was going to be thrilled. I couldn't wait to tell him the news. There was something completely infectious about an excited and happy Emmett. You couldn't help but feel like you were on the top of the world with him when he was like that.
"It's a deal." I hate being sneaky. I wish I could just tell him everything. I wish he would be ok with it.
"Well, I'm going to head out. Tell the girls I said hello." with that Charlie was out the door. I was left to wait for Alice and Rose alone. I still had four hours to burn. I cleaned the kitchen, did the dishes, and vacuumed the living room. I looked at the clock and only an hour had passed. Damnit. I was nervous and excited. I was going to be with Edward today. Outside of school and not in a truck.
Barely anytime passed, so I cleaned the tiny bathroom Charlie and I shared. The whole time thinking about being with Edward.
No tears, no guilt. No tears, no guilt. It was like my mantra while I continued cleaning the whole house. The waiting was killing me. By the time I heard the familiar sound of Alice's car, my house was freaking spotless. You could have white-gloved any inch of our not-so-large house and it would have passed with flying colors.
I grabbed my bag, checking my hair in the mirror by the door, and almost made it out the door when two pairs of hands reached out and grabbed me.
"What the hell?" I looked up and saw Rosalie and Alice holding me. "What are you guys doing?"
"You are not going on a date with Edward, dressed like that." Rosalie said pinching my shirt between her fingers like you would a smelly sock. I looked down at my outfit. Black long sleeve shirt and jeans, pair of Vans. Same thing I wore everyday.
"What's wrong with my clothes?" wait…did she say... "Date? Who said this was a date? I thought it was just going to be all of us, hanging out at your house." Date…that word made it too official. I was getting butterflies. "How can we be on a date if he doesn't even know that I'm coming?"
"Well, it is technically going to be a date, once he sees you at our house. He is SO gonna drool….once WE get done with you. But think of it more as a triple date. Uncle Carlisle and Aunt Esme are in Seattle for the weekend, so the house is all ours. Maybe you and Edward can have some 'alone time'…and not in the front seat of a truck." Alice did the dirty Emmett eyebrow wiggle again. I felt a familiar sensation in the pit of my stomach. No tears, no guilt I reminded myself.
Alice and Rose pushed their way in, and I noticed Alice was holding dry cleaning bags, and Rose was carrying a box that looked like Emmett's toolbox.
"Um…what is that?" I asked, pointing to the box.
"My makeup kit." She said it matter-of-factly as if every girl lugs around a ten pound makeup box. She let her gaze wander from my clothing to my face. "We have some work to do. Get upstairs." She sounded like a drill instructor. I had no urge to disobey her. I slowly marched upstairs and the girls followed. Alice quickly went to work laying out twenty different outfits on my bed, Rose set up station on my dresser.
For the next hour and a half I felt like an abused Barbie Doll.
…No, I like the purple one…
…Stop fidgeting, I can't get this curl to take…
…Try the black pencil skirt again…
…Don't blink; I'm not going to poke your eye out…
…Bella, you can wear heels right...
…No, the green top with the black pants…
…How can you not own one single pushup bra…
Finally they were done with me. Rose and Alice both wore a look of pride; I turned and looked in the mirror.
My hair was done up in a messy ponytail with lazy curls cascading down my back. My eyes were lined in black, with a subtle grey eye shadow. My lips were a deep plum color. Courtesy of Alice I was wearing a black long sleeve sweater dress that showed off curves even I didn't know I had, black leggings and maryjane wedges that matched my lipstick. I was stunned; I had never looked so…girly before. I turned in the mirror, like a little girl in a princess dress.
"I…wow…thank you."
"You're welcome. Don't let Edward ruin that dress. It's Juicy Couture." Rose said with an evil grin.
"Umm...I don't think the afternoon is going to go quite where you think it is."
"With you looking like that, there is no telling what Edward might do." I started blushing, if they only knew what he did in my dreams, they'd be blushing. "Now, if we could just get you to dress like that every day."
"Baby steps Rose, baby steps. Maybe when she sees my brother oogling her goodies, she'll let you dress her more often." Alice made me excited to see Edward's reaction. I wonder if he will expect me to dress like this more often. Charlie'd have to take out a second mortgage on the house to fill my closet with clothes like this. I hope Edward isn't disappointed if my runway career is short.
"I'm not sure about the shoes though, I can see myself falling flat on my face." I really could, any shoe that wasn't flat was an accident waiting happen.
"Well, we'll just have to make sure someone is next to you at all times." They both started giggling. I had missed this so much. Over the past year I had shut out the few friends I had in Phoenix. It felt good to be normal. I guess Renee was right; I could morph into a happy teenage girl, at least temporarily, when the Cullens were around.
The girls packed up their stuff and we headed out. During the drive I was silent, content to listen to Alice and Rose share funny stories about the past few days they had with their boys. I had nothing to add. As we got closer to the Cullen house, I started getting fidgety. When we passed the spot where the truck had died, I broke into a wide grin. I tried to hide it, but they caught it. They shared a look via the rearview mirror.
We pulled up in front of the house and I was once again struck by the size and the beauty of it. I seriously would never leave the house if I lived here. I half-wondered if I moved into one of the spare rooms if they'd even notice. Naw, Charlie'd notice.
We pulled up and I thought my heart was going to explode as Alice turned the car off and then turned to me. "You ready Bells?" I nodded. I was so nervous I was shaking. "Don't worry; it's going to be fine." Alice gave my shoulder a gentle squeeze. We walked into the house, and even though Esme wasn't here, it still smelled like fresh baked cookies and clean linen. There was loud punk music playing, and I could hear Jasper and Emmett yelling at each other.
"Ha, I got a strike. I'm kicking your ass at this game! Pansy with a 2 lb ball and ugly shoes, my ass. Eat that you gutter-guzzling biotch!!" I think Emmett's greatest joy in life, after romping with Rosalie, was beating someone in a competition, any competition. You could probably make him do just about anything as long as you made it a contest. I locked that thought away for future use.
"Whatever, douche bag. I still have another turn." Jasper obviously wasn't the roll over and die kinda guy. He was going to fight till the bitter end. I followed Alice into the family room where the boys were playing Wii Bowling on a big 42' inch flat screen TV. They were really getting into it, not even aware we had entered the room. I didn't see Edward anywhere, but after a few minutes I heard his voice behind me.
"I'm playing winner, you fuckers." I turned around, and there he was, carrying a huge bowl of cereal. Naked… except for a pair of blue plaid boxers. I could feel myself getting moist in places that had previously been dry. He looked like he stepped right off the page of an underwear ad. His bulging pecs leading my eyes down to his sculptured abs cascading into the rim of his…Oh, Good Lord. Look away Bella, look away.
He didn't recognize me at first, just nodded his head hello at his sister and Rose. Then he did a double take and dropped his spoon.
"Bella?" He froze in place. When Jasper and Emmett heard my name, they turned and stared with wide eyes.
"Damn, Jelly Belly, you look….hot!" I started blushing, and looked over at Edward.
"Hi Edward." I said quietly. He continued to stare at me.
"Um…I was doing laundry." no need to have an excuse. You can walk around like that anytime.
"Ok." intelligent, Bella….redirect the blood flow to your brain instead of your nether regions.
"Uh, I didn't know you were coming over today." I guess the surprise worked. I was trying to read the tone of his voice. Was it a good thing or a bad thing that I'd shown up when he wasn't expecting me. I couldn't tell. He just sounded….surprised.
"Oh yeah, that's my fault Edward. I didn't tell you. I wanted to surprise you." He shot his sister a looked like Gee Thanks.
"So, um…I'm going to go put some clothes on." Damn. "I'll be right back though, ok. I'll just….I'll be right back" still can't read him. Is that excitement that I'm here or embarrassment that I caught him in his skivvies?
"Ok." It really was the only word I could muster. I had imagined Edward nearly naked, ok…several times, but to see him in real life looking so…so….perfect, was nearly unbearable. No wonder all the girls pined over him in secret. I had heard several of these secret thoughts being confessed between best friends in the girls' bathroom at various times. It used to make me upset that they were treating him like a piece of meat, and a little jealous that they had seen him in a way I had not but now I just sympathized with them. Edward's body was definitely enough to make a girl go a little ga-ga.
After Edward left the boys went back to playing their game. Rose went to sit on the couch behind the boys, and Alice sat next to Jasper on the floor. I just stayed where I was, awestruck, but after a few seconds Alice reached up and pulled me over to join her. I sat on the couch behind them and she leaned up against my legs. Jasper motioned to Alice with his controller and her face lit up like a lightning bug. Emmett spent the next few minutes bitching and moaning about Jasper letting Alice take his turn, Jasper snapped back that he was only pissed off because she was beating him.
Edward came down just as Emmett was getting ready to throw his controller. He was wearing a black thermal shirt that fit him just right, showing off all of his muscular curves, and jeans that hung low on his hips. My insides did a little flip when I saw him enter the room. He was so good looking. I could feel my cheeks heat up again.
"Edward, get over here and kick this fools ass." Emmett was trying to hand him the controller, but Edward declined, and smiled at me.
"Em, I think I'm going to sit this one out. You play this game and then I've got winner." Emmett mumbled something, probably a series of swear words, and then went back to the game. Edward came over and sat next to me on the couch. He kept the crooked grin on his face as his eyes swept over me. I could feel the warming sensation of a blush coming over me again.
"You look very pretty." He whispered low and close to my ear making my breath catch in my chest.
"Thank you." I whispered back.
"This is part of Alice's plan isn't it?" yeah, I hope you aren't disappointed when Barbie Bella turns back into just plain Bella.
"Yes."
"She's a smart one, that girl. Where does Charlie think you are?" Oh, he meant me sneaking over here.
"Shopping in Port Angeles."
"Oh. So, I guess you're going to be here for awhile?"
"Yes, if that's ok." I really hope it's ok because there is no other place I'd rather be right now.
"No..no, that's great." We both leaned back on the couch to watch Jasper continue to beat Emmett and Emmett continue to get more pissed about it. The backs of our hands were touching, and Edward hooked his index finger around mine. I felt a painful tug in my heart, but quickly pushed it away. No Tears, no guilt.
The combined efforts of Alice and Jasper beat Emmett again, so Edward had to play Jasper. As Edward got up, he rubbed his thumb against my finger.
"I'll be right back, this won't take long." Edward said loudly enough for Jasper to hear.
"Bring it on, bitch!" Jasper invited with a big "fuck you" grin.
They played best two out of three. By the third game it was getting pretty heated, and they were tied. Emmett was sitting with Rose on his lap, yelling insults at Jasper, trying to throw him off. It was so easy to actually become Happy Bella here. They treated me like family. I was everyone's little sister. Except Edward of course, who kept throwing back crooked grins every time he got a strike. He beat Jasper, by one lonely point. The game ended with Edward giving a loud cheer, as Jasper gave a defeated "Ah,fuck".
"See what happens when you don't have your little girlfriend helping you?" Emmett rebutted to Jasper. He sat satisfied for a minute then lifted Rosalie off his lap and set her on the couch. "Alright Jelly Belly, it's time for the rest of your initiation." He grabbed my hands and pulled me to my feet.
"Initiation?" Everyone smiled.
"Yeah, you've been dressed up like a doll by the fashion Nazis, now it's time to play me on the Wii." He was joking…right?
"Emmett, you want me to play a video game that requires coordination, with a controller that's not attached to anything?" I could see the accident in my head, me tripping over my own feet, letting go of the controller and it flying right into the center of their flat screen.
"Hmm…good point. Edward will just have to hold on to you." He turned to Edward, "You mind holding on to my Jelly Belly for me?"
"Sure, but first, I gotta ask, why the fuck do you keep calling her your Jelly Belly?"
"Oh, cuz she's sweet like a Jelly Bean, and her name is Bella, duh." Oh of course, that made perfect sense. Even Rose looked lost on that one. "Now shut the fuck up. I gotta game to win. Let's play!" I walked up next to Edward and Emmett. Edward handed me the controller. Emmett took on a pose like he was playing in the world championship but paused to inform Rosalie, "Baby get ready, Your man is gonna knock this fucker for a loop…then I'll knock you around…including your boots" Rose looked at Emmett like he'd lost his damn mind but then it sunk in and she grinned and adjusted herself and the couch so she could pay more attention. "Me and my boots are waiting to be knocked, monkey man."
"Are you ok with me helping you?" Edward was standing behind me whispering in my ear. It was really very sweet of him to ask instead of just grabbing me up and fondling me…not that I would have minded.
"Yes."
"Ok. Don't worry, Emmett sucks at this game." somehow I don't think that comment was aimed at me.
"I heard that Assward!" Edward laughed as he put his hands on my shoulders and turned me towards the TV. My breath caught as he slowly ran his hands down my arms and covered my hands with his. He took a small step forward so his chest was against my back.
"You swing your arm like this." He said as he guided my arm back. His other hand released my hand and moved to my hip. It was only a small movement, but it felt intimate, like the rest of the people in the room were gone. They were there though, and noticing every move we made. Out of the corner of my eye I saw Rose and Alice give each other a low five.
We stared the game and I actually did halfway decent. Of course Edward was guiding me, making sure I didn't hurt myself or anyone else. Emmett beat me but only by a few points. I guess I passed my test, because I was released back to the couch with an enthusiastic high-five from Emmett just before he scooped Rose up and dragged her off somewhere. I could faintly hear her giggling as Emmett took the stairs two at a time. Alice and Jasper played a round of baseball as Edward and I watched from the couch. Edward reached over to me, once again locking our fingers together but not actually holding hands. He seemed to sense that I needed to be eased into this.
"Having fun?" He turned his body slightly so he was facing me a bit more and looked directly into my eyes.
"Yes." Damnit Bella, can you think of something else to say? "Alice says this is a date." Huh, good one. You're just wowing him with your conversational skills.
"Yeah, I guess it kind of is. Though….It would have been a lot better than this if I'd know about it ahead of time. Maybe I can make it up to you soon." He bit his lip, and raised his eyebrows, waiting for my response. A real date. My first instinct was to say no, and come up with a million excuses why I couldn't. Too fast, I thought. The tension in my chest was building, the beginnings of an all too familiar war that's been raging off and on since I met Edward. His face fell slightly, "If you're not ready, I can wait." The look on his face when he said that reminded me of what Alice said…he's been hurt before. The thought of hurting him quelled the guilt-beast inside. I took a deep breath to regroup and smiled.
"I'd like that. I'll see what Alice can pull for me."
"She's got Charlie wrapped around her finger, doesn't she?" did he really question it, I think not.
"Yeah, pretty much. Between her and Rose, he's been dazzled." He laughed and we went back to watching the others.
After Alice and Jasper had a few rounds of baseball, Jasper winning of course, and a few rounds of Dance Revolution, Alice winning of course; Jasper mentioned he was itching to get his hands on his bass and play some real music. Not that dance-club bullshit coming out of the Wii. Maybe that was his excuse for why Alice spanked his ass so completely on that game, the music. Alice just laughed and brushed it off.
"Would you like to join us Bella?" like I could say no to Edward.
"Sure, I'd love to hear you guys play." I got up with Edward, but Alice grabbed my arm.
"You boys go ahead; we'll be down in a second." The boys left the room. "Well, how's it going?"
"Fine."
"Just fine? That's all? What I saw what not just 'fine'."
"Ok…it's going good? He asked me out on a real date."
"Eeee! " Alice squealed.
"Alice, you almost sounded like Jessica. Don't do that again." Rose warned as she made her way down the stairs, a little more ruffled than she had been when she went up them. Emmett trailing behind her like a devoted puppy dog. I guess the girl did have skills.
"Ew, I did, didn't I? Won't happen again. I'm just so excited! Alrighty, let's join the boys." I followed as the girls made their way to the music room behind Emmett. I was near giddy. I was actually going to hear Edward make the music he loves so much. The guys were all set up, Jasper and Edward sitting on stools, and Emmett took his spot behind the drums. We made ourselves comfortable on the couch in the corner. Edward looked up from tuning and gave me a little wave and the crooked grin that I love.
The boys started and soon an hour had passed. They played all covers, mostly from bands Jasper and I had talked about during our discussions at lunch. They sounded awesome, even Emmett who said he didn't practice as often as Edward and Jasper. Jasper did all the singing. He sounded like a mix of Dave Grohl and Aaron Lewis from Staind. I could see why Alice loved to hear him sing. I thought of him as a brother, but I had to admit, his voice was hot.
When they stopped to take a break, I saw Alice and Rose share a conspirator look. Before I had the chance to stop them, they grabbed their other halves and made excuses about how they suddenly had things to do. Edward motioned for me to have a seat on the stool Jasper had just vacated.
"I had a feeling they would do that. Is this ok, though? Us being alone?" again with the sweetness.
"Yeah, it's fine." Completely nerve wracking, but fine. "You guys sounded great."
"Oh, thanks."
"Do you ever sing?"
"Umm..sometimes. Jazz is better."
"Oh." Think, think think. Keep the conversation going. "How about Emmett?"
"No, we don't let Em sing too often. Be glad you didn't have to be witness to that. He pretty much just screams. He thinks he sounds like Chris Martin, but sadly no. It's painful." We both laughed then sat in an awkward silence for a few minutes. He reached out and touched my knee. It felt like a jolt of electricity. "I'm glad you came today Bella." He looked into my eyes and I felt like I might melt into a puddle right there on the spot.
"I'm glad I came too." It was the truth. I wasn't quite sure where to go from here. So I asked the first thing that popped in my head. "Will you sing for me?"
"Really? Oh…well…I guess. Is there anything in particular you would like to hear?"
"No. Whatever you choose is fine."
"Well…hmmm…... Ok, I know what to play." He started strumming softly. It was a slow song, and it sounded vaguely familiar.
I heard there was a secret chord
that David played and it pleased the lord
but you don't really care for music, do you
well it goes like this the fourth, the fifth
the minor fall and the major lift
the baffled king composing hallelujah
hallelujah...
His voice was amazing. It was rich and full, with a soft edge. He was no less talented than Jasper at singing. Different, but no less captivating.
Well there was a time when you let me know
what's really going on below
but now you never show that to me do you
but remember when I moved in you
and the holy dove was moving too
and every breath we drew was hallelujah
He finished the song and set his guitar at his feet.
"Wow, that was…wow. You should sing more often." to me especially.
"I'm glad you liked it. I've had that song stuck in my head for days. It feels good to get it out." He chuckled to himself. He put his hand back on my knee, and it was just a powerful shock as before. Maybe more. Our eyes met and it was just like before. The world melted away. He reached up and tucked a stray hair behind my ear. He trailed his fingers along my jaw and his thumb brushed over my bottom lip.
"Bella." He said softly. I tilted my head up and his hand moved to the back of my neck. I was barely breathing, my heart pounding in my chest. My body felt like it had an electrical current racing through it. This was it. I parted my lips slightly as he leaned forward. I could feel his breath on me, the heat of his body so close to me, I closed my eyes; I anticipated the feel of his lips against mine. It was a perfect moment…
A/N: CAN YOU SAY....CLIFFY? LOL DON'T WORRY THOUGH, VAMP_SESSED AND I AREN'T INTO TORTURE...WELL...NOT MAJOR TORTURE. WE WILL BE POSTING CHAPTER 12 IN THE NEXT DAY OR TWO.
OK THE SONG IS "HALLELUJAH" BY JEFF BUCKLEY. THERE ARE 50 MILLION DIFFERENT COVERS OF THIS SONG, BUT THE BUCKLEY ONE IS MY FAV. I POSTED A LINK FOR THE SONG ON MY PROFILE, AND WELL AS LINKS FOR BELLA'S DRESS, SHOES AND EDWARD'S SHIRT. SORRY...NO LINKS OF EDDIE IN HIS BOXERS. *SIGHS*
I HAVE TO SAY, OUR READERS ARE THE BEST! YOU GUYS MAKE US BLUSH LIKE BELLA.
REVIEWS MAKE.....EDWARD SING MORE. o_O
OH..WAIT..REVIEWS MAKE US POST CHAPTER 12 FASTER. MMMAAAAHAHAHAHA