*sigh* Serenading Edward... how perfect.
Seriously, if a guy sang OneRepublic to me, I'd swoon all over the place. On that note, all of the songs and outfits used in the story are on my profile page. Check them out!
Disclaimer: Stephenie Meyer owns everything Twilight related. I am not Stephenie Meyer.
EPOV
After I hung up my phone, I made my way to the washroom for my morning routine. It was 2 pm now, and I was working tonight. Friday nights were one of the busiest nights at Midnight Sun. Then again, recently every night has been a full house. I just had a feeling that this one would drag longer than usual, considering the level that mine and Bella's relationship was at now.
I was glad that she had let me in, even slightly. The fact was, I just wanted more from her even though she wasn't ready. Even though I knew it wasn't right to think like this, a part of me wanted to know everything now. To find out for myself. I mean, I'd wait forever for her. I've just never been the one that's had to wait, you know? It'd take some adjusting, but I knew that Bella was worth it.
As I was showering, I went back to small things that we had talked about this morning.
Her passion for playing guitar. She said that she hadn't played in years, but she plays now. She never really gave me a reason for stopping…
She didn't bring up Alec, and I was kind of glad about it. Then again, I really wanted to know more about their relationship. Were they friends? Were they together? I shook my head against that thought. I'd let her explain it to me when she felt like it.
But then was the part of our conversation that got to me the most.
There's no one for me in Forks.
I finished out of the shower and made my way to my bedroom. I wasn't sure what she exactly meant by there not being anyone. I mean, did she have a family but didn't associate herself with them? Or did she really have no one? Bella said she hadn't been back since she started school, so it was just over four years ago. I assumed that something must've happened just before she came down to New York. I didn't want to meddle, but I did want to figure things out. Of course, if I did find anything out, I wouldn't do anything or judge anyone until Bella explained it all to me herself.
As I made my way to my bedroom, I heard my brothers playing video games in the lounge. I needed some advice about what exactly to do in this situation, and I knew I could depend on my brothers.
But wait. There was someone else that I could talk to first.
Esme was an amazing mother, and she was also a very intelligent woman. I mean, if anyone could help me out with my problems, it was her. I knew I could always turn to her if I needed absolutely anything. I decided that I'd give her a call first, and then talk to my brothers later.
I picked up my phone and selected Home. It was my home, of course. We didn't have a house phone here in New York, so I didn't need to have two home numbers.
After two rings, I heard a voice.
"Hello Edward," my mother greeted me sweetly, and I smiled. "You know, I'm not very happy with how long it's been since you've called last."
"Mom, I called you two days ago." I laughed at my mother's worrying. We were grown men, yet she still considered us her babies. I didn't mind too much.
"Yes, and two days too long!" Mom exclaimed. "Your father thinks I'm going insane over here, worrying about you boys so much."
"Mom, you're great. But you really don't have to worry about us so much. We're doing fine here." I explained to her, hopefully relieving some of her concern.
"I know you are," She sighed. "But it's not home."
I exhaled and hummed. Mom was right. We could be anywhere in the world, but it would be nothing like home in Seattle. I suddenly felt extremely homesick. Leave it to Esme Cullen.
"I'm sorry baby," my mother apologized, immediately realizing my change in attitude. "I didn't mean it like that."
"Don't apologize Mom," I said to her. "You're right, New York is nothing like home. But we're slowly adjusting. You and Dad should come down soon though."
"We'd love to," She answered, and I could hear the excitement in her voice. "Soon baby, we will. So, tell me what's going on."
I squinted at my mother's intuitiveness. It was weird how she could do that, even being miles away.
I sighed loudly. "Mom, there's so much going on. I don't even know how to handle it."
"Just start from the beginning, Edward. Take your time." She replied.
I began to tell her about the first night we all had met. About the first time I laid my eyes on Bella. And about how infatuated her sons were over Rosalie and Alice. My mom laughed at that, and was already excited to meet the girls.
I then explained to her more about Bella. Her breakdown that first night. Seeing a change in her when I saw her at the music store, and at dinner. Up to Alec's entrance, of course. I told her about what I told her before I left her house and saw her crying. Lastly, I told her about our phone call in the morning. And the fact that she hasn't been home since she started school.
Once I was finished, I waited on my mother to hopefully give me some words of wisdom.
"Okay Edward," Mom sighed. "Clearly there is a lot going on with Bella, and she's suffered a terrible loss. It's done a lot to her, and from what I understand, she hasn't gotten help for it. Her having a breakdown means that whatever she went through needed some sort of psychological counseling, which she has yet to do. That's why she's been breaking down.
Now, this Alec must've told her something that set something off again. I don't think she could really look at you because she was worried about what you would think about her. Yes, you two have known each other for a short period of time, but you have this connection. It reminds me of how your father and I were when we were younger.
But baby, you need to know this. I can tell that you are very taken with this young girl, and I am nothing more than happy for you. The thing is, if you are going to commit yourself to her, you need to take steps on making her feel better. On her getting over whatever had happened in the past. Bella sounds like a very beautiful soul. She's just lost."
My eyes widened as my mother gave me her explanation. It made so much sense now, and I was glad that I made the choice to call her first.
"That all sounds right, Mom." I said to her as she finished. "So, what do you think? I mean, I thought about doing some researching of my own –"
"Edward Anthony Cullen, you are not to interfere and get into this young girl's business." My mother said to me firmly.
"But Mom –" I began.
"No Edward," she interrupted me, and began to raise her voice slightly. "Bella is in pain, and you will not do anything to speed up her healing. It'll only harm her in the end. You will wait until she tells you what she wants to. And you will not pry until she does. Have I made myself clear?"
Damn. Even miles away, the woman can put me in my place.
"Yes." I said softly, clearly beaten.
"I understand that you are trying to help, Edward." My mother sighed and explained to me back in her normal tone. "And I know that you are very curious, as I am. But from what you've told me, it's clear that something very, very horrible has happened to her. She may not appreciate the fact that you went and tried to figure things out on your own, before waiting on her."
I ran my free hand through my hair, trying to ease some of my frustration. My mother was right. It was wrong for me to want to go behind Bella's back and find out everything on my own. It wouldn't be fair to her, and I wouldn't be helping her at all.
"You're right, Mom." I said. "I just can't help it. I've never felt this way about anyone like I have with Bella."
"Yes baby, I can tell." My mother agreed. "Just take things slow. Bella will come to you when she feels comfortable to. And if she's worth it, you can wait."
"Oh, Mom. She is so worth it." I admitted to my mother and chuckled. "Thanks Mom. I really don't know what I'd do without you."
"Well the Cullen boys would be nothing without Esme Cullen," Mom laughed. "Enjoy your day dear. Love you."
"Love you too, Mom. Say hi to Dad for me."
I hung up my phone and made my way to the lounge.
I was planning on relaxing until we got ready for work, but fate had other plans for me.
BPOV
"Bella? Bella, wake up." I heard someone whisper in my ear.
"Hmm?" I hummed. I was enjoying my sleep way too much to wake up now. I just had a dream. I couldn't remember what it was about, but I didn't care. I dreamt a real dream, and not a nightmare.
"Bells, it's 5 o'clock." The voice came back, and I felt pressure running up and down my back. It was soothing. "Don't you at least want to eat a bit?"
Before I could deny and go back to my dream, my stomach betrayed me. I heard a soft laughter erupt.
"I'll take that as a yes. Come on, let's get you washed up."
I took in a deep breath and rolled over. Alice was sitting on the edge of my bed, smiling at me. I rubbed my eyes and managed to smile back at her before I got up to go to the bathroom.
I showered and brushed quickly before I went back to my bedroom and changed into clean pajamas. I didn't have plans for tonight, so I just wanted to be comfortable. I turned around to make my way downstairs and was startled when Rosalie was right behind me.
"God, Rose. Could you at least make any noise before you sneak up on me like that? If I didn't know any better, I'd think you were immortal or something." I half-smiled and cocked my eyebrow at her.
"Uh, excuse me?" Rosalie huffed and crossed her arms. "I may not be immortal, but I sure look like one. Have you not seen this exterior?"
I laughed and nodded my head. I grabbed her hand and led her to the kitchen where Alice was. My morning phone call with Edward had to be shared with them. We sat down in our chairs before I began.
"Edward called me this morning," I blurted out, and received squeals and awes in return. I could tell they wouldn't stop anytime soon, so I took it as my cue to continue.
"I hadn't slept all night. Nightmares again. Anyways, we talked about everything for a few hours. And then he sang me to sleep." Again, squeals and awes. Except this time, they were louder. Alice was even standing on her chair and jumping up and down. Thank God the girl was so small, or else she would've broken it to pieces.
I laughed and began to bite down on some toast. I figured we might've had some leftovers from last night, but apparently you don't when you invite Emmett Cullen over for dinner. We started to talk about dinner last night when I heard my ringer from the lounge.
"Oh. Bells, you've been getting calls all morning." Rosalie said to me. "I came in to check on you before, and saw your phone under your ear. I guess you had just fallen asleep after you were talking to Edward. Anyways, I was going to move it to your dresser and it rang. I just took it out of your room, so it wouldn't wake you. But it's been ringing non-stop since."
My heart dropped, and I knew exactly who it was. I walked over to the lounge and checked the ID, not surprised that I was right.
Alec.
I sighed, and answered my phone.
"Hey Alec."
"Bella!" Alec said breathlessly. "I've been calling you all morning. Can you really just keep your phone on you please?"
"Sorry. I had a late night, you know." I snapped back at him. I didn't mean to be rude, but he should know that.
"Yes, I know. I apologize." Alec replied. "I just wanted to let you know that Jacob Black was let out at 10 this morning. And to reassure you that he doesn't know where you are. No one in Forks has any details about your whereabouts other than me and some of the officers your father worked with. And they won't say a word. Same goes for me."
"Thank you Alec," I said softly. I was furious that Jacob was given parole, but satisfied knowing that he wouldn't be able to contact me whatsoever. "I appreciate the call."
"Anytime Bella. Again, call me if you need anything."
"I will Alec." I told him. "Thanks again."
I hung up my phone and went back into the kitchen to the girls.
What a buzz kill.
I sighed, propping my elbow on the table and leaning my head into my hand. Knowing that Jacob Black was walking around the streets of Forks a free man was not helping me right now.
"Bella?" Alice said to me softly, and I looked up to see that she was back sitting in her seat. By the look on her face, I could tell she was curious about what Alec had called about now.
"Alec was just calling me to let me know that Jacob's out now." I explained to her and Rosalie. "But he has no idea where I am, and will never know either. That's pretty much it."
"The asshole's lucky he's not here," Rosalie snarled, wringing her hands together. "The things I would do to him. He'd want death before I'd even be done with him."
Rosalie was definitely on my level, but it wasn't healthy to be thinking like that now. I gave her a small smile and shook my head.
"I know, but let's not think about that Rose." I began to tell her, but was interrupted by a ringer go off. It was Rosalie's phone. She looked at her caller ID and gasped.
"Who in the hell gave Emmett my phone number?" She exclaimed, and I saw a hint of a smile before she hid it away quickly.
"Oh, Rosalie." Alice chimed. "No one did. When you were making your drinks, he took it as an opportunity to go through your phone. Not only did he find out your number, but he also programmed his into it too."
That lightened my mood, and I began to laugh. Emmett was definitely becoming one of my favourite people. That also reminded me of another one of my favourites.
"Oh, I should probably call Edward. Thank him for this morning, you know?" I said to them before I got up from my chair. I grabbed my last piece of toast and ate it on the way to my bedroom. I sat on my bed, but not before I took my guitar first. I began to strum lightly, and it eased some of my tension. After a few moments, I found Edwards number in my recently received list and dialed it. Still needing my guitar, I just set it between my ear and shoulder. It was a little awkward, but it had to do.
"Good morning, beautiful." Edward's soothing voice answered, and I began to smile.
"Hey there." I smiled. "Just wanted to call and say thanks for this morning."
"Anytime. Did it help?" He asked me, and I could tell he was being serious now. I didn't like getting him worried like that.
"Actually, it did. I had a real dream for the first time in God knows how long." I admitted to him. I normally wasn't so open with anyone, but I felt like I could trust Edward. I hadn't felt this way about anyone before.
"So, if it did, why does it not sound like it?" Edward asked me softly, and I stopped strumming. I wasn't exactly sure how to answer him. He could tell that I still had something on my mind, of course. I continued to strum through the short silence.
"Are you playing your guitar?" He asked me, breaking the silence first.
"Yeah, it's helping me right now." I said quietly in hopes that my voice wouldn't crack. Just as last night, I felt the tears well up in my eyes. I didn't know why this happened to me. Just being reminded of anything of my past around Edward made me break down. Being around him affected me like this. I couldn't hold anything from him.
"Bella." He whispered, and my tears began to slowly fall. I tried to compose myself enough to talk to him without sobbing.
"Edward, it's just so hard to explain." I admitted honestly. I didn't even know where to start. And if I were to tell him anything, I couldn't do it on the phone. It wasn't right.
"Bella, just tell me what you can. You can tell me anything." He said to me gently, and I settled myself enough to strum single strings.
"I was told some pretty bad news last night." I sighed and began to explain.
"Alec?" He asked.
"Yes, Alec. He's um, a family friend." I continued, and immediately regretted it. I would slowly open myself to Edward, but I wouldn't half-ass it. He deserved the truth. "Well, more like my family lawyer."
"Oh." Edward replied. "And he came down last night to talk to you?"
"Yeah," I answered him. "There's some stuff going on, and it's pretty serious. He couldn't get a hold of me, so he flew down from Seattle."
"Ah, I see." Edward breathed, and I was glad that he was letting me tell him what I could without pushing to know any more. He was so considerate of how I felt. If only I could tell him exactly how I felt. But I couldn't. Not yet, anyways. "And how are you feeling now?"
"I don't really know." I told him softly, and wiped my tears away. "I'm kind of in denial, but I'm trying to deal with it, you know?"
"Yeah, I know. Luckily you have Rosalie and Alice to help you out."
"I do." I agreed softly, and then blushed. "But I have you too."
"You'll always have me Bella." Edward answered me delicately, and I smiled. "Always."
I was so glad that I had Edward in my life. He was doing something to me that no one else could. The way he could make me feel was unexplainable. And the things he would do for me were what no one else ever would. He stayed on the phone with me for hours. He sang me to sleep. He'd listen to me when I was in pain, and assure me he'd always be there for me.
Edward was beginning to remind me of my parents, and the tears began to fall again.
"Bella, why are you crying?" Edward asked me as I tried to stifle my sobs.
"Edward," I began, though my sobs were muffling my response. "The way you are. The way you talk to me. You just, remind me of my parents so much."
"Bella, it's okay. Shh, don't cry." Edward said, trying to comfort me. "I'm really honoured that you would compare me with your parents, but I don't understand why you're crying. Do you miss them?"
My sobs became louder, and I heard heels clicking up the stairs. Rosalie and Alice must've heard me.
"So, so much Edward. I miss them so much. When I wake up, I miss them. Every breath I take, I miss them. Before I go to sleep, I think of them. I love them and miss them so much, and it's killing me. " I bawled, not holding back.
"Bella, it's okay. Please, stop crying." Edward begged, and I felt bad for putting him in that sort of situation. "Would you like me to come over?"
I thought about his offer. If I denied, we would go back to the same way we were before. I would slowly let him in on everything, and then deal with it.
If he came over, I would no doubt tell him everything. It took me much longer to tell the girls, but this was different. The way I felt about Edward was unreal. My feelings for him were so strong, and I knew he felt the same way. But if I told him everything now, I would risk losing him. I mean, how could anyone love someone like me? I hated going back and thinking like this, but it was true.
But what if it wasn't true. What if Edward did want to be with me? To help me find my soul again? From where everything stood now, it only seemed as though Edward Cullen could be the one to make me whole again. To give me life again.
I thought about it again, and decided.
I knew what I would do.
"Edward." I sighed.
Shit... another cliffie, right? AHHH I'M SO TERRIBLE!
On a side note.... what do you think she said?
