****Please be warned this chapter contains violence, so little eyes be warned.****
Chapter Eleven: The Air That I Breathe
The week went by quickly, and as our trip to Port Angeles drew nearer Edward became more protective than ever. He had begun walking with me to each of my classes and asking each time if I had changed my mind about going yet. Once he finally understood that I was not backing out on Angela and Jessica, he dropped the subject completely. When Friday morning came, I was sure to grab my wallet and some extra cash before I headed downstairs for breakfast. Charlie was seated at his spot at the table with the newspaper up covering his face.
"Morning," I said cheerfully while grabbing a bowl for my cereal. "So I was going to go to Port Angeles with Jessica and Angela after school. I have my phone all charged if you need to reach me. Is that ok?" Just as I had uncapped the milk and began pouring it, he spoke.
"Absolutely not." His voice took me by surprise. It was not Charlie's voice. "Why doesn't a beautiful thing like you spend time with your slightly overprotective, yet charming boyfriend instead?" He laid the paper against the table, and Edward's grin resembled that of the Cheshire cat. I took the opportunity to whip the top of the milk at him. His hand expertly caught it before it even grazed his skin.
"You're rotten, you know that? We agreed if I looked at…prom dresses that I could go spend time with the girls and get my book." I could not believe I was bargaining with a vampire, a smooth one at that. He sighed smile still intact.
"I suppose you're right. I thought it might be easier if I drove you to school though. That way Jessica doesn't need to drop you off at your truck, you can come straight home that way." I knew that every methodical thing that he did was well thought out and only because he cared so much. "Is that alright? Too much?" His face creased with worry.
"That's perfectly fine. Thank you." I sat and quickly ate my cereal as he pretended to read. "I'll be gone for most of the day." As silly as it was, my heart sank slightly at the thought of not having him in Biology with me. "Emmett wants to hunt further north from here," He explained. I had noticed his eyes had become rather dark this past week.
"What exactly are you hunting?" I questioned, as I was finishing up my breakfast.
"Emmett is rather fond of grizzlies." He didn't even look up when he spoke as if it was a natural occurrence.
"Bears?" My eyes bulged. In my mind I could deal with him hunting deer, it was when the things being hunted became two times Edward's size I started to get terrified.
"Your worry is too delightful. Although I know it won't be much comfort to you, but we've hunted much larger and faster things. What those are I cannot say. And you say I'm the overprotective one."
"Just be careful," I managed to say as I washed out my dishes.
"We should probably get to school if you're ready," He reminded as he stood from the table. He was dressed in a simple black v-neck tee shirt and jeans. Every time I looked at him I couldn't help but loose my breath. I ran upstairs to quickly brush my teeth. When I returned Edward had already taken the liberty of grabbing my coat and helped me into it. Just as I was about to slide out the door his hand wrapped around my wrist stopping me. "Hold on for a second." I turned slowly my eyes meeting his walnut colored eyes. "Do you trust me?" His voice had slipped into a whisper. I nodded speechless and his words. "I need you to be very still, alright?" Before I could comprehend what was happening, his head slowly bowed as he inched toward me painstakingly slow. My heartbeat pounded against my chest as his hand reached around to rest against the small of my back coaxing me closer to him at his pace. When his lips were inches from mine, I couldn't keep my eyes open any longer. It seemed like hours had passed instead of mere seconds. His lips gently pressed against mine sending a shot of electricity through my entire body. I fought so hard not to press closer to him or to brush my hands against his chiseled face. It ended too soon, and before I could protest his touch was gone. The only trace of his kiss left on my lips was the familiar tingling sensation I was growing so fond of. I finally opened my eyes my vision hazy. He carefully pulled me into his arms smoothing his hand over my hair. "Would you believe me if I said I've been waiting one hundred years to do that?" As he asked his lips turned up into the biggest smile I had ever seen on his face.
The ride to school was quiet as we sped passed the rows of tall green trees. My mind was still processing what had happened at my house just moments ago. It was no surprise that I had never kissed anyone before, but it seemed almost unfair for Edward to have lived for the greater part of this century and never have found someone. While I was happy that we had found each other, I couldn't imagine how lonesome it must have been. It now made more sense to me how he could feel so strongly that we weren't moving too fast. Part of me believed that he also thought something or someone was working in our favor. I was just glad he was no longer mourning on the past events that began our relationship. It seemed it was becoming much easier for him to be closer to me judging by his most recent display of affection. Once his car was parked in his usual spot, he made no attempt to get out so soon.
"I know that this is going to sound very worrisome of me, but please just humor me. If you're going to go to Port Angeles while I'm away could you at least keep me updated on how and where you are? It would put my mind at ease." His hands clutched the steering wheel fiercely.
"So you want me to text you at fifteen minute intervals when I'm in a city with thousands of people while you're going to fight some irate bears? Do I have this correct?" I couldn't help but laugh at his priorities.
"Yes. And ten minutes please. I don't even want to know what kind of trouble you can cause in fifteen minutes, the suspense would put me in the grave." He took my phone and quickly entered his number in, dialed to his phone to have it on his call history no doubt.
"Don't you think you're being just a tiny bit overdramatic?" My voice was small as I observed his current actions.
"It took me this long to find you. I'm not going to loose you on one Friday night excursion. Just please be careful, for my sake. I put my number under your speed dial. If you need me, just push number three. And I'm sure you haven't forgotten our deal? You're going prom dress shopping, and then you pick up your book. I'll know if you're lying." His index finger tapped his temple twice reminding me of his built in radar. His mood finally seemed to be uplifted. Unexpectedly, his lips pressed against mine once more lingering longer this time. My heart surged into my throat before dropping to my knees. Before I could even react, he was already on the other side of the car opening my door. "Something wrong?" He smirked.
"You move so fast it's giving me whiplash," I mumbled rising from the car on shaky legs. His hand snaked around my shoulders trying to steady me discretely. I was beginning to care less about the glances we received on school grounds. Everyone else's opinion was becoming increasing insignificant in the scheme of things. All I knew was for the first time since my ability surfaced, I truly felt happy and like a normal teenage girl.
Edward left shortly after second period allowing me to eat lunch with Jessica and Angela who were eagerly discussing their agenda once we got to Port Angeles. The one thought that got me through the rest of the day was finding the book, 'Activating Evolution'. It was the next step in understanding the limitations of my abilities. Now I just had to get through shopping for a prom dress in order to get it.
When we finally made it to the boutique my fear sunk in. Edward was being completely serious about going to prom with me. Dancing at prom, with me. I knew that he would undoubtedly be sneaking peaks at the events through Jessica's mind to make sure I was upholding my end of the deal. While fanning through the endless selection, my phone buzzed from my pocket. I had two missed messages from him.
5:00pm- Are you all right?
5:10pm- I'm coming to get you.
My heart raced to send a message to him before he changed his plans.
Please relax, I'm doing fine. Just looking at PROM dresses under your orders. Don't you have a bear to pick a fight with? =)
I hit send quickly and resumed my search with a smile itched on my face. Jessica and Angela seemed to grab more dresses than they could hold and began to try them on immediately unable to hide their excitement. I managed to only find a few that didn't cut to low along the neckline. The last thing Edward and I needed was a repent offense of what happened in the woods in front of the junior and senior classes. I tried all of them on rather unsuccessfully. I never liked the way I looked in dresses. Jeans and a tee shirt seemed like a much more logical choice for me. My other greatest worry was managing not to "break" my ankle in a pair of heels. Trying to push my worries aside, I tried on the last dress and went to show the girls without even looking at it myself.
"Oh my god, Bella," Angela remarked in awe.
"Maybe I'm just not cut out for all of this. Edward will understand if we-" Before I could retreat back into the reassuring walls of the fitting room, Jessica turned me to face the three-way mirror.
"You look so hot!" She giggled incessantly. "I mean, who knew that's what's been going on underneath all those hoodies." My eyes bulged as a saw the red material clad tight against my body as my hands rested on my hips. I had grabbed this one by mistake. It was unlike anything I would ever wear. The tool and silk seamlessly brushed up over one of my shoulders leaving the other completely bare. The skirt portion was cut above the knee and was shorter than anything I'd ever worn. I could feel my cheeks begin to burn red enough to match the dress. Angela couldn't resist the urge to snap a picture on her camera.
"No way. This is insane. I would never wear this in public." My arms instinctively flew to cover as much of my body as they could. "Let alone a school function."
"Bella its prom. You should wear whatever you want. I'm sure Edward would like it." Jessica reminded her eyes glaring at the material. Her tone didn't seem to match her words as she spoke. As my eyes darted to her dressing room, I noticed the exact same dress hanging among the others.
"And it is so you. This is like, the only store that ever carries short dresses and they always go the fastest. You can always return it if you change your mind." Angela added cheerfully.
"Unless you want to go with something a little more modest." Jessica added snidely. I couldn't believe I was letting Angela talk me into something this outrageous. Three months ago I wouldn't have even considered going to prom with Edward Cullen. I felt around for the price tag and peered at how much it would cost. My heart sank as I noticed a few too many zeros.
"That settles it. There is no way I'm buying this dress. Three hundred dollars for something I wear once? No. Not happening." I was done trying on dresses for the day. Jessica tried unsuccessfully to hide her excitement and tried on the same dress next. I quickly changed back into my clothes and glanced at my phone for Edward's next message.
5:45 Jessica is practically green.
I then had no idea why I had made such a big deal about spending time with the girls. I had never seemed to get along with any girl for longer than a few months. Girls were just much too petty. I had no intention of sticking around if Jessica was going to continue acting this way.
I didn't need a mind reader to know that. Looks like we're going to keep looking.
I hit send before slipping my phone back into my bag.
"I think I'm going to go check out that bookstore if you guys don't mind. I'll meet up with you at the next store ok?" Before they could argue, I had ducked out of the store and headed down the main road. I figured if I were swift, Edward wouldn't even have to know I was alone.
It wasn't until an hour and a half later I realized my plan was flawed. The bookstore was much further than I had anticipated. Once I finally purchased the book, the sun had already begun its descent. I decided to go ahead and just wait for Angela and Jess at the restaurant they had mentioned they wanted to go to. I was too scared to check my phone to see if Edward had figured out I wasn't with them anymore. I walked along the sidewalk quickly finding a short cut back towards the strip of shops. Immediately I regretted my decision when there were no streetlights to light my path. Towards the end of the alleyway, I noticed the outlines of three men waiting side by side. I halted my speed and glanced back where I had entered the pathway to see someone was following me. There was no way to escape, and I knew my only chance was to run for it and pray that I could maneuver my way through them.
"Where are you headed sweetheart?" The guy cooed from behind me making my skin crawl. I suddenly did not mind Edward's incessant worry so much. He had been right all along. I kept my head low and waited for the three men in front of me to step forward out of the alleyway. If I could get back onto the main street, there would be witnesses. I counted slowly trying to keep my breathing normal. One. I'd have to drop my bag so they wouldn't be able to grab me back towards them. "What's the matter? Are you shy?" He spoke again. Two. The cement was free from any debris or moisture. It hadn't rained today so I would be able to run faster. Three. I dropped my bag and surged my body forward. I picked the largest gap and quickly tried to slide my body through them. Almost home free. I felt hands grab me around my waist and the air from my lungs was suddenly gone.
"That wasn't very smart, now was it?" Another voice spoke as he pushed me against the brick wall, slamming the back of my head against it. Pain coursed through my head causing my temples to throb. My feet were dangling off the ground. Two of the men were going through my bag and taking any cash they could find. I struggled hopelessly trying to rid myself of his intense grip. I screamed as loud as I could before someone's palm stifled me. "I wouldn't do that if I were you." He flicked open a switchblade pressing it along my throat instantly silencing any attempt.
"Just take the money. I don't care." I panicked my entire body taken over by trembling.
"Oh I don't think there's enough there for all of us. Maybe we should make other arrangements?" Tears streamed endlessly down my pale face. I felt hands fumbling with my shirt and I could no longer keep my eyes open. The blade pressed dangerously close to my skin. With one turn of my neck, it would slice my flesh with ease. His hands then descended towards my jeans.
"DON'T!" I screamed feeling my neck sting extraordinarily. Blood streamed down staining my shirt. As I floated in and out of consciousness, I heard the familiar squealing of tires and a cloudy vision of a silver car came into view. The smell of burnt rubber floated through the tense air. As soon as Edward had gotten out of the car, he had jumped one of the attackers breaking his arm holding it behind his back causing him to wail in pain.
"Let. Her. Go." His voice was lined with rage, his eyes like I'd never seen them before.
"I wasn't quite finished-" Edward snapped the guy's clavicle with ease dropping him to the ground. The two others backed away not daring pick a fight with this wild-eyed boy. They ran out of the alleyway leaving their accomplice behind. The blade was still digging into my flesh preventing my body from properly healing.
"I warned you." His arms pulled the offender back launching him against the complete other side of the alley before his body dropped to the ground lifelessly. I fell clutching my neck. Finally the shooting pain began to dissolve leaving my hand coated in blood. He did not speak as he lifted me into the front seat of his car. Or when he pealed out back onto the road weaving in and out of cars. His body was rigid as he drove. When we were finally a safe distance away, he spoke. "Are you alright?" I nodded soundlessly in reply. His hand reached into my bag and dug out my phone without glancing away from the road. He set it on the dashboard in front of me. I took it wordlessly. I had missed over 20 text messages and 5 phone calls. He must have been going out of his mind with worry because of my stupid decision. "You lied to me." His monotone voice made no attempt to form a question. He had known the truth.
"I'm sorry. I didn't think anything would happen. I should have listened to you." My eyes could find no more tears to cry. I had just escaped the most dangerous situation in my life thanks to Edward. "Say something to me." My voice begged.
"Call Jessica and Angela. Tell them I'm taking you home." I did as he said this time hoping that he would calm down during the process. His body had not relaxed since the moment we had gotten in the car. I did my best to sound calm on the phone with Angela and explain that I'd met up with Edward when leaving the bookstore. While it wasn't technically a lie, I left out the major details of the event afraid to relive them in my mind. It wasn't until I had hung up the phone I realized I was shivering uncontrollably. Edward had the air conditioning on full blast.
"Why do you-"
"You're covered in blood. Unless you want me to loose it more than I already have, I suggest we keep the air on. There's a blanket in the back." His face was in agony because of me. My actions tonight had made this one of the hardest situations he had been in. He had learned to control his urge for the most part, but even the strongest of vampires wouldn't have thought this an easy task at the amount of blood that covered my body. I covered my body from the stinging air leaning against the window.
"I can't go home like this. Charlie will freak out." He nodded knowingly. I knew at his speed, we'd reach Forks in about half the time it took Jessica. It wasn't until ten minutes later reality began to set in. If he wouldn't have been so overprotective and shown up at the exact time he did, the damage would have been far worse than it actually was. Sobs then began to rack my whole being, and I could do nothing to hold them back. My lungs continued to suck in air unevenly. Within minutes we were in his garage and he was pulling me into his arms cradling me on the floor against the shop cabinets. "Edward, no. The blood-" I stuttered hopelessly.
"Hush. My girlfriend needs me." He continued to rock me softly in his arms. My hands clung white knuckled to his shirt not daring to let him go. I did not know how he possessed such solid will power. We stayed that way until I could find no more tears to cry. "Lets get you something to eat. Your body needs some sugar to metabolize." I moved to go inside and he gently held me back. "Keep in mind I do live with other vampires who do not have the same understanding of my unremarkable love for you. There's a bathroom out here you can use. I don't want to put you through anymore tonight." That's when my mind did a somersault. Before I could address his words, he had given me one of his tee shirts to change into while he found something to eat. In the bathroom I carefully unbuttoned the sticky shirt I was wearing careful not to look at the amount of red fluid that coated it. There was no doubt in my mind it was enough to have killed any other person. Once I was able to rid myself of every trace of blood, I slid the shirt over my head. The thin material was so soft and the words on the front were barely recognizable. Upon closer examination I noticed it was a vintage tee shirt of the band 'The Hollies'. I couldn't help but smile at the irony. They were one of the bands my mother played on her old record player. I had made sure to dispose of my now ruined shirt as Edward had instructed me. Once I made my way into the house, I noticed him sitting on the couch waiting patiently.
"Where'd you get this shirt?" I giggled glancing down at it again before taking my seat next to him. On the coffee table in front of us was a wide assortment of every snack ever created by man. It was lined with candy bars, Twinkies, potato chips, cans of pop, and an entire bag of Oreos with milk.
"It's vintage. Take your pick. I figured out of all of this you must like something." He motioned towards his buffet of junk food. I grabbed the glass of milk and a few Oreos.
"Vintage?" I raised an eyebrow biting into a cookie. I then realized how famished this whole ordeal had made me.
"All right, I might have followed them around Europe in the sixties." He finally admitted sheepishly.
"You're kidding me." I laughed loudly. It seemed so out of character for Edward to have done. I pulled my legs up crossing them underneath me.
"Carlisle knew I was bored faking school so he let me be by myself for a while. It was my own little way of rebelling. I had the money I needed. I mostly went just for this one song…" I was instantly was back at my house in Phoenix sitting on the floor listening to my mother's vinyl.
"The Air That I Breathe." I knew instinctively that was the song. My grin was uncontrollable as he looked at me stunned. "I love that song." Before I knew what he was doing, he had set the rooms multiple speakers playing the song.
"I can't believe you know this song." He rose silently taking my glass from my hand and set it on the table. He wrapped my arm around his neck holding my other hand in his. His hand guided me gently with his hand against my waist. When I opened my mouth to object, I was silenced by the look of sheer and utter affection on his face. I suppose after all the strife I had put him through today one dance couldn't hurt. "This isn't so bad is it?" He smiled crookedly.
"Not with you, no." I blushed. "Edward, I'm sorry for what happened-" His lips silenced my apology instantly. His fingertips danced over my cheekbone into my hair. We finally broke apart, leaving me gasping for air. It was times like this I wish I didn't need oxygen. I rested my head against his firm chest while he leaned down his chin nuzzling perfectly against me like a puzzle piece.
"I've never been so terrified in my whole entire existence. Not knowing where you were or if you were all right, could have easily killed me. I meant what I said earlier. I'll never stop loving you, Isabella." His voice was so unlike what it had been just hours ago. He spoke so softly. I couldn't begin to describe what thudding heart was doing. My arms wrapped around his neck clinging tightly to his form.
"I love you too, Edward. Always." I whispered against his shirt, tears forming for the third and final time of that night. The only difference was, this time they were welcomed.
**Did you like it? Reviews are always welcome! I just wanted to thank everyone for reading and inspiring this! I took a few more liberties with this chapter to add to my personal tastes. I hope you enjoyed it! More to come!**
