Chapter 11
After I hang up the phone, I return to my room and find Bella in the same position I left her in. I carefully make my way to her side and crouch down in front of her, taking her hands in mine. "Bella love, Alice is on her way over to help you get ready. Did you still want to go to today?" I ask gently.
Raising her head slowly she responds, "No, but today is more for my parents than it is for me. And besides, everyone will be coming here afterwards anyway, so it's not like I'd be able to get out of seeing anyone."
"I could make a couple phones and make everything go away if that's what you want. Don't worry about anyone else, think about yourself for once. Just say the word and I'll make the call," I offer.
"Don't tempt me. It will be good to see my parents again. Besides, I just have to make it through today and then tomorrow I can feel sorry for myself," she says giving me a weak smile. "Just promise you'll stay close today in case it get's to be to much?" she pleads looking at me with big watery eyes.
Releasing one of her hands, I gently wipe a fallen tear from her check. "Of course, I'll never be out of earshot."
"Thank you," she replies, looking somewhat relieved.
"Anything for you love," I say quietly. "Did you need anything before Alice arrives? I know she usually keeps you hostage for a while."
I'm rewarded with a small chuckle, "I don't think so. Just don't let her get too carried away, okay? I don't have the energy to put up a fight today."
"Duly noted," I smile, and kiss the back of her hand. I stand up and head over to the dresser to get some dry clothes. "Be right back," I say and head into the bathroom, leaving the door slightly ajar. I strip off my shirt and pants, drying the rest of the bathroom before hurricane Alice takes over.
"Edward," Bella calls, pushing the door open.
I turn to her clad, only in my black boxer briefs. "Is everything alright?" I ask frantically, wondering what could have possibly happened in the last five minutes since I came in to change.
"Um…" she mumbles looking at me with wide eyes. "I… uh… what?"
I walk over to her, holding one of her arms and caressing her cheek with my other, "What happened? Are you okay?"
"Yeah, I'm fine. Nothing happened. I was just wondering what was taking you so long."
"I was just cleaning up the bathroom from earlier. I didn't want Alice snooping around for details. I'm just about done though, and I'll be right out. Okay?" I say kissing her forehead.
Her arms wrap around my waist as she snuggles into my chest. "Thank you for everything you've done for me Edward. I don't know how I'll ever repay you."
"There's nothing to repay; trust me. I just want you safe and happy. That's all I want."
She places a soft kiss on my chest, looking up at me through her eyelashes, causing my breath to catch. "Bella," I murmur, looking in her eyes for some kind of answer to a question I haven't allowed myself to think. I slowly bring my head closer to her, when the doorbell rings, causing us to jump apart, like we've been caught with our hand in the cookie jar. "That's probably Alice," I say looking in her eyes.
"Yeah," she replies, making no move to leave.
I turn from her and quickly dress, gathering my wet clothes in the process. As I pass her, I place a chaste kiss on her cheek, "I'll see you soon, love."
I throw my clothes in the dirty clothes bin and hastily make my way downstairs. I open the door to an impatiently waiting Alice, "It's about time. And you wonder why I never use that thing. I only did it because I didn't want to scare Bella by just walking in the house," she says tapping her toe. Calming down some she asks gently, "How is she?"
"She's doing better. She's up in my bathroom waiting for you. I'll be down here if you need anything. And please don't get carried away Alice, she has no fight in her right now. Just keep everything simple; and whatever you do, don't take her into her room. We tried that this morning… and well now you're here. So please-" I start to say when she cuts me off by raising her hand.
"I know Edward. I promise to be good. Now shoo, and leave me to what I do best," she says, as she shoots up the stairs.
The next hour goes by quickly. I manage to clean up the kitchen and start some of the recipes that Bella and I prepared last night. Just as I'm putting a bowl in the fridge, someone clears their throat behind me. I finish my task and turn around, causing my mouth to drop open in response. Standing before me is Bella in a green summer dress and flats with her hair flowing in curls around her shoulders.
"You look beautiful," I finally manage to say, walking over towards her. Her makeup is very simple, accenting her natural beauty.
"Thanks," she blushes. "It's all Alice though."
"I doubt that. She was working with a perfect canvas to begin with. Speaking of, where is Alice?"
"Oh, she left already. She wanted to get back so she could go with Jasper and your parents. Now go get ready Mister and I'll finish up in here."
"Yes, ma'am," I salute, earning a laugh. I make my way upstairs and quickly throw on a pair of black slacks, a white button up, skinny black tie, and my dress shoes. I come downstairs twenty minutes later to a clean kitchen and a fidgeting Bella.
I smile as I approach her, "Ready, love?" I ask taking her hand in mine.
"As long as you're by my side, I'll be ready for anything," she smiles back.
I kiss her hand and lead her to the Volvo. The drive to the ceremony is silent except for the soft sounds of David Gray playing in the background. Bella's hand is firmly in my own, slowly increasing in pressure as we enter the parking lot. "I can turn around if you want me to," I say gently.
"No," she smiles sadly at me, "I'll be fine."
"Okay," I agree, squeezing her hand in support. "Let's get this over with so we can go home."
We exit the vehicle, make our way inside the building, and find our friends. Soon enough, we're lining up and walking across the stage as friends and family cheer on from the audience. Throughout the ceremony, I did my best to find Bella behind me and make sure that she was all right. She was hard to find with our names being so far apart in the alphabet, but luckily I had a clear view of her over my right shoulder. Whenever I turned to look, I always found her looking at me causing a small smile to light up her uneasy features.
A grueling two hours later, the ceremony came to close. "Finally," I mutter to myself, earning a chuckle from Alice. "It wasn't even that long Edward. Remember Emmett's graduation? That was almost three and a half hours."
"Well it was two hours too long for me. I'm going to find Bella. If I don't see you, I'll meet you and mom and dad at my place," I say distractedly, already making my way to the last place I saw Bella.
I spot Bella a couple rows ahead of me, and see her talking with a middle-aged couple. "Bella," I call out, causing her to turn and smile.
"Edward," she greets. "These are my parents, Charlie and Renee. Mom, Dad, this is my friend Edward."
"It's a pleasure to meet you Chief Swan, Mrs. Swan," I say shaking their hands.
Charlie squeezes my hand a little more than necessary, causing his mustache to twitch in what looks like disapproval. Renee however, a spitting image of Bella, pulls me into a bone-crushing hug.
"Bella," she exclaims, "why have you never mentioned this gorgeous man to us before?"
"Um," Bella stutters looking at me nervously. "I uh, thought I would just wait for graduation for you to meet him," she shrugs questioningly.
"Humph," Charlie grumbles to himself, earning a slap from Renee.
"Should we get going," I ask to break the tension.
"And where do you think you're going? I believe we have plans with our daughter that do not involve you," Charlie states, looking at me in displeasure.
"Dad," Bella admonishes. "The party is at Edward's house." Before he can protest anymore, she quickly gives him directions to our place, with orders to call if he gets confused so he can follow behind us.
Once we're out of her parent's sights I quickly grab Bella's hand and pull her into a hug. "How are you holding up, love?" I ask placing a strand of hair behind her ear.
Bella lets out a breath and snuggles into my chest, squeezing me to her. "Can we skip the party," she mumbles.
I quietly chuckle, kissing the top of her head, "Anything you want, love."
Reluctantly she pulls away, "We should probably get going or my parents will beat us there." I nod in agreement, walking hand in hand with her back to the car.
After we pull into the garage, Bella releases my hand and quickly makes her way inside to get the rest of the food ready. I follow behind after grabbing a couple cases of beer for the party. I turn some music on and Bella and I work quietly together. Fifteen minutes later the doorbell rings followed by Alice popping in, "We're here! And Emmett and the parental unit just pulled into the driveway."
"We're in the kitchen," I call out, as I finish putting some plates and napkins near some of the food.
Alice enters and gasps, "You did all of this Bella? Did you get any sleep last night?"
"Of course I didn't do it all Alice. Actually Edward did most of it this morning while I was getting ready and we had prepped a lot of the stuff last night. We just have a couple of things that need to go in the oven and then everything will be done."
Alice looks over to me incredulously, "I'm impressed Edward. I'd never thought I'd see the day where you could actually cook."
I shrug, "You know I have an amazing teacher Ali; you've have her fettuccini."
"Who has amazing fettuccini?"
"Mom," I smile, walking over to her, pulling her into a hug, and kissing her cheek.
"Edward, I'm sorry we missed you at the ceremony. Congratulations. My two babies are growing up so quickly. Soon Alice will be married and then it will just be my boys left."
"Mom," I groan.
A masculine laugh to my left draws my attention to my father. "Hey dad," I greet giving him a quick hug.
"Congratulations son. I'm very proud of you."
"Thanks," I blush. Earning my father's praise has always been something I've strived for. I'm just sad that I haven't found the woman that both my parents long for me have.
"Now who is this person that makes this amazing fettuccini you were raving to your sister about?" my mother asks once again.
"Oh, I'm sorry. Let me introduce you to my Bella," I say walking over to her. I hear my mother gasp, I frown at her wondering what's wrong with her. "Mom, Dad this is Bella. Bella these are my parents Carlisle and Esme Cullen."
"It's so good to meet you Mr. and Mrs. Cullen. Edward has told me so much about you too; it's good to finally meet you. I'm sorry, I'd offer you my hand but I'm afraid I'm covered in flour amongst other things," Bella says bashfully.
"Please call me Esme. Do you need any help dear, it looks like you have your hands full," my mother asks.
"No, that's not necessary. I think Edward can help me with the last couple of items, but that thank you so much for the offer."
My parents both laugh. "I don't know how much help my son will be in the kitchen, he has a housekeeper that usually keeps him well fed. Where is Maria by the way," my father asks.
I tense at the mention of my old housekeeper, "Actually Maria quit a couple months ago. Her son got sick so she moved to be near him. And Bella has taught me a lot in the kitchen, I am no longer an invalid when it comes to cooking."
My mothers eyes grow large at my statement before a big smile spreads over her face, "That's wonderful dear."
The doorbell interrupts us once again. "I'll get it. It might be my parents," Bella says, disappearing to answer the door.
"So how long have you two been together," Mom gushes as soon as Bella is out of earshot.
I look at her quizzically while picking up where Bella left off with the food, "We're not together mom. She needed a place to stay after her and her boyfriend broke up, so here she is," I shrug, hoping she'll drop it.
"I just thought with the way you talk about her and the way you look at her," she trails off.
"This isn't the time or the place to be discussing this mom. Please just enjoy the afternoon," I plead with her.
A group of voices filters to the kitchen, as Bella leads the way followed by her parents and friends. Introductions are quickly made and Bella returns to my side to finish with the food preparations. I give Emmett instructions to make sure everyone has a drink and for Jasper to find some game for the men to watch in the living room. The group filters out of the kitchen, leaving Bella and I to finish up the food.
When I'm close to Bella I lean in and whisper, "How's it going love? Would you like a drink?"
"Yes, please," she breathes out heavily. "I'll take a glass of wine."
"Coming right up," I reply. I pour two glasses of red wine for us and hand her one.
"Thank you," she says taking a large drink.
I chuckle, "Perhaps we should get some food in you first, we don't want you to get too drunk now would we," I smile wrapping my arm across her back. "Do you have anything else that needs to be done, love," I ask.
"No, the last is in the oven," she says turning around to face me, and sighing. "How much longer before everyone leaves?"
"A few hours I would guess. If gets to be too much we can either kick everyone out or you can always escape to our bedroom with nap as an excuse," I suggest.
"Mm, that sounds nice. But I don't know if I'd be able to sleep without you by my side," she murmurs.
"Edward, you're parents are amazing," Rosalie chimes walking into the room, causing Bella to tense and walk away from me. I frown looking after her as she walks out of the room with her glass in hand.
"I like to think so," I say bringing my attention to Rose. "They are the perfect image of where I hope to be someday," I say politely.
"It's hard to imagine that Emmett turned out the way he did with parents like that," she muses.
I laugh, "Yes, I used to wonder the same thing; then again I can't really talk because look at how I turned out."
"What are you talking about Edward? Any woman would be lucky to have you. You obviously don't see yourself very clearly."
I shrug, once again looking at where Bella exited moments ago. Rosalie sighs, "Just go after her Edward. It's obvious you're in love her. I'm sure she's missing you too."
"I'm not in love with her Rose," I say longingly. "Besides, that's the last thing she needs right now. I couldn't possibly put her in that situation after the attack. Besides she's my employee, that's highly unethical."
"How can you sit there and say shit like that about her just being your employee after all the shit she's been through this weekend," she spits at me, clearly pissed off. "On top of that, all the time you spent together the past few weeks. You guys are clearly close friends; either that or it's the best working relationship I've ever seen. Not only that, but you're sharing a bed together. You two are obviously more than boss—employee. Now pull your head out of your ass and go to her."
"She doesn't like me like that Rose. I'm just here to provide comfort for her."
"Bullshit."
"Besides, she's under this weird impression that you like me. She's brought it up a couple of times, so she's obviously not into me like that."
"Shit," she groans, putting her head in her hands. "It makes so much more sense now. No wonder she left in a flash when I walked in here. I'll admit, I was after you for a while, but after the party I saw how good you two were together. And your brother and I are kind of together now, so… yeah," she trails off. "Shit!"
"You and Emmett," I ask perplexed, "I thought you hated him."
She blushes, "Well after you told him to go find me, he was so relieved when he saw me. He was so worried about me even though I never once gave him any indication that there was a chance between us. It was really sweet, and he was there for me when I was worried about Bella. So I decided to give him a chance," she shrugs.
I smile at her, "It's about time. He couldn't stop talking about you when he first met you. I'd never seen him so speechless before."
"Enough about me go find Bella. I'm sure she's dying somewhere without you right now," she says leaving the room.
I take a swig of my wine, enjoying the slight burn on the way down. I can't believe Bella was right; Rosalie was going after me. I shudder thinking about all the times I thought she was just being friendly, when really she was after something else. The alarm on the oven breaks me from my thoughts. I set my wine down and grab a potholder to remove the baked pasta from the oven, silencing the alarm.
"I can get that," Bella calls, walking into the kitchen.
"I got it. Could you grab some more potholders so I can set it on the counter?"
"Sure," she replies, brushing against me to do as I ask.
"There," I say placing the pasta on the counter, "everything is ready. You did an amazing job with the menu, love. Everything looks delicious."
"I couldn't have done it without you Edward. I shouldn't get all the credit."
"Should we call everyone to come eat?"
"Sure. You can do that and I'll top off our glasses," she says taking her empty glass and my half empty one. I nod my head and follow her instructions.
As everyone begins to trickle in, I notice that our parents seem to be getting along rather nicely. Jacob and Rosalie's parents are talking amongst themselves along with Jasper's parents. I must have been too busy to notice when they arrived; of course they would come for their son's fiancée's graduation. I smile when I see Rose and Em helping each other fill their plates.
I make my way over to Bella's side, "Look Bella, Rose has moved on to Emmett. Now there should be no more confusion on whether we're together or not. Not only that, but apparently they have been together since the night of the party," I whisper in her ear.
"Sorry, everything just always appeared like you two were into each other."
"She did admit to me earlier that she did like me, but after Emmett went looking for her at the party she saw how much he actually cared for her and decided to give him a chance. So you were right about that, but I've never had those feelings for her," I explain.
"Good to know," she whispers back, looking into my eyes.
"Now let's get some food," I say grabbing her hand, "you're already almost a glass ahead of me in the wine department; that's unacceptable."
She chuckles and lets me lead her to the counter, where we fill each other's plates, just like Emmett and Rose. We take our plates and wine glasses into the dining room where Alice, Jasper, and my parents are eating; assuming everyone else is eating in the living room.
"Bella this food is amazing," my mother gushes. "I'll have to get the recipe from you, perhaps it will make Edward come home more often."
"Mom," I groan. "You know I've been busy this semester with graduation. Plus I'll be volunteering at the hospital now that school is out. I'll try to make it out there when I can."
"I know dear, I was just giving you a hard time."
We make small talk with my parents, my mother asking Bella twenty questions. She surprised me by being very confident, when this morning she was in pieces in my arms. Eventually my mother gives us a break and turns to Alice, "So Alice, how is your friend doing that you were helping yesterday?"
I see Bella tense beside me and immediately grab her hand under the table for support. "She's doing well mom, thanks for asking," Alice replies, looking over at us cautiously.
"What did you say happened again?"
"I didn't say. It's not my place to spread the details of someone else's life mother, you should know me better than that," Alice says, taking her plate to the kitchen.
My mother looks around at everyone questioningly, "I'm sorry, I didn't think I said anything wrong. I was just worried because she seemed so upset when I spoke to her yesterday. I just wanted make sure that everything was okay with her friend. Can you please apologize to her for me Jasper," my mother asks worriedly.
"Of course Esme. I'm sure Alice knows you meant no harm. It's just been a long weekend for everyone, that's all," he responds, following Alice into the kitchen.
Throughout the conversation, Bella slowly increased the pressure on my hand. I trace slow circles with my thumb on her hand, causing her to relax her grip little by little. Eventually my parents retreat to the kitchen with their plates, leaving Bella and I alone at the table.
"Are you okay, love?" I ask anxiously, turning her to face me. She doesn't respond and I notice the far away look is back in her eyes. "I'm going to take care of our plates and then I'll be right back and we'll lay down for a nap, okay?" Again, no response. I quickly clean up dishes and return to her side, grabbing her hand to lead her upstairs.
Once we reach my bedroom I pull her to the bed and lay down beside her. She immediately nestles into my chest and starts crying. "Sh," I try soothing. "Everything is going to be okay. You're safe. I've got you."
"I ruined everyone's weekend," she mumbles.
"No you didn't. Don't say things like that. We all love you and support you Bella."
"I'm sorry," she says wiping some of the tears from her face. "You should go back downstairs and I'll be down when I calm down a little bit more."
"Don't be ridiculous. I'm staying right here with you. Now close your eyes and sleep for a little bit. I won't let you sleep for more than an hour, how does that sound?"
"My parents will be wondering where I am," she says sleepily.
I smile and kiss her head, "I'll tell them where you're at love. Now sleep."
She falls asleep not even five minutes later. I gently extract myself from her grasp, giving her one last kiss, before putting a throw blanket on her, and heading back to the party downstairs.
When I reach the living room, Alice instantly accosts me. "Where's Bella? Is she okay?"
"Calm down Alice. She's laying down upstairs. If anyone asks just tell them that she's not feeling very well."
Alice returns to Jasper and his parents, when Charlie approaches me. "Have you seen Bella around Edward," he asks gruffly.
"Actually she wasn't feeling very well so I made her go lay down for a little bit."
"Oh. She never mentioned that wasn't feeling well."
"Well you know Bella, Chief Swan, she doesn't like to be an inconvenience to anyone. She thought she'd just slip away for an hour before anyone could notice that she's missing."
"I see. So what exactly are you intentions with my daughter, Edward?"
At the abrupt change in conversation, I cough uncomfortably, causing Charlie to slap me on the back. "Easy there son, it's a simple question."
"Um," I stammer blushing uncontrollably, "I have nothing but Bella's best interests at heart. She deserves to be safe and happy, and I'll do my best to provide that for her for as long as she'll let me. She's an amazing person and she deserves the best. I can't stand to see her hurt, and I'll do everything within my power to make her happy." I don't know exactly what the Chief had in mind by asking me what my intentions were, but I hope that my response is good enough for him.
"Humph," he grumbles and wanders off.
I watch him walk away highly confused, when an ear splitting scream from upstairs causes me to momentarily freeze. Seconds later, I'm dashing up the stairs into my bedroom to find Bella huddled up against the headboard, speaking incoherently to herself.
I slowly approach the bed, not wanting to frighten her more. "Bella, love," I say softly. She whimpers in reply to my voice. "Bella, it's me, Edward."
"Edward, help me," she cries.
I make it to the bed and sit down, reaching for Bella. When I touch her arm she flinches and cries out in protest, pushing against me. I wrap my arms around her upper arms, constricting her movement. I quietly murmur reassurances into her ear; eventually she relaxes into me and falls back asleep. Whispering near the door leads me to shift my focus to our audience. Were they there the entire time?
"Is she okay, Edward," Renee asks quietly, crying into Charlie's shoulder.
"For now. She fell back asleep," I say quietly.
"What happened to my daughter Edward," Charlie asks hoarsely.
I break eye contact and look back at the fragile woman in my arms, clutching her closer to me. "It's not my place to say Charlie. You'll have to speak to Bella about that." After several minutes of silence I ask the group to return downstairs, reassuring them that I have everything under control.
Twenty minutes later Bella stirs in my arms, snuggling into chest. "Mm, Edward," she murmurs.
I chuckle, "Yes, love?"
I feel Bella tense and pull back to look at me, a beautiful blush covering her cheeks. "I thought you went back to the party."
"I did, but then you started screaming so I came back."
"Oh god," she moans into my neck, "did anyone else hear me?"
"Yes, I'm sorry love. A few people followed me when I ran up here. Your parents are really worried about you. I didn't tell them what happened, but I think that you should if your friends haven't already. They deserve to know."
"I know, I just don't want to upset them. My mother will be beside herself with worry."
"I think we're past that now love. It will only make matters worse if you don't tell them."
"You're right. Do you think you could go get them for me?"
"Of course. I'll be downstairs if you need me," I say placing a chaste kiss on her temple and removing myself from her.
When I reach the living room, silence ensues, "Charlie and Renee, Bella is asking for you upstairs." They nod their heads and as Renee passes me she squeezes my hand, "Thank you for looking after my baby."
"I would do anything for her Mrs. Swan," I answer truthfully.
A/N: Sorry, Sorry, Sorry… I feel horrible that it's taken me so long to update. Life has been pretty crazy the last half year or so. Boot camp was… well boot camp. It sucked and I've never been more tired in my life. Who knew you could sleep while marching? Anyway… Now days I'm in Texas training as a surgery technologist… fun stuff. That being said, it is very hard for me to find time to sit down and update, but I'll do my best in the future. I hope I at least gave you a little more to look forward to. Please review… those are always what keep me writing.
Thanks for reading!