Chapter 10: He scooted closer to me, and gently kissed my forehead, then my nose, ending on my lips for a tender kiss. I rolled on the same side as him, my back against his chest. His arm wrapped over my side, comforting me.
"Sleep tight, beautiful."
"Good night, Edward."
…...
Last night I actually slept soundly. I couldn't believe how the warmth of a man wrapped around my body comforted me so much. Sleep came easily, peacefully, and I did not want to wake up. I wanted the moment with him in his bed to last much longer. But, we had things to do this morning, and a trip to start this afternoon.
Still in his arms, his fingers rubbed my navel area revealing he had awakened. He breathed in deeply, kissed the back of my head, then rolled out of bed.
As he stood, he glanced my way smiling as he stretched, "Good morning, beautiful! Do you want to shower first, or do you want me to?"
"You go ahead, I'll get one when you're done."
I heard the shower start. After a few minutes of listening to the running water, I finally convinced myself to get out of bed. The shower stopped. Sounds of Edward moving inside the bathroom preparing for the day comforted me as I gathered my belongings. A moment later, the door opened causing my heart to skip a beat. Edward stood in the doorway, wearing nothing but a towel wrapped around his waist. My eyes drifted down to his chiseled abs on their own accord.
"Sorry," he said as I stared at his bare chest. "I forgot to take my clothes in there with me."
"Edward, it's OK," I said with a sly smile. "Last night I lost my shirt, so it's only fair I get to see you without yours."
He returned the smile saying, "Come here, beautiful."
Edward gave me a hug, but because his skin wasn't completely dry, droplets of water transferred to my clothing. We embraced for a moment, but in doing so, I missed an opportunity to ogle the perfect body standing before me. With my thoughts quickly approaching inappropriate, I had to part from him. I wanted to kiss and lick the wetness from his body, which I knew would lead to other sexual moments. I could feel myself getting excited just thinking about it.
Feeling slightly flustered, I pulled away from him accidentally catching the part of the towel tucked in to hold it in place. It fell apart and Edward had to grab it quickly before exposing himself.
"Oh God, sorry about that." I walked towards the bathroom while grinning about the near miss. I heard Edward gasp behind me.
Once showered and dressed, I made my way to the kitchen where I heard the guys making breakfast - scrambled eggs cooked in the skillet and sausage sizzled in the frying pan. I found a loaf of wheat bread and helped by making toast. Alice joined us at the table a few minutes later.
We ate in silence due to all the emotions in the room. I knew Alice had to be upset because both her boyfriend and best friend were leaving her for an extended period of time. Edward and Jasper were returning to their hometown, but to get there, we were driving cross country. I couldn't believe how quickly and easily the Cullen family fit into my world or what the future would bring.
After breakfast, we cleaned up the dishes, then Alice followed Jasper into his room, shutting the door behind them. I walked back to Edwards room and packed up the remainder of my stuff, then sat on his bed watching him pack.
"Edward, since I will be staying at your parents house, is there anything I need to know to better pack?"
"Thanksgiving dinner tends to be more on the formal side - my mothers request. I always wear dress slacks and a button down shirt or sweater. I can't imagine us doing anything else that would require dressing up, so pack whatever makes you comfortable."
"Thanks, that helps." Crashing another families Thanksgiving, it became important to me to fit right in, so I began thinking of the right outfit to wear. I thought of a few options.
Once his suitcase was fully stuffed, he zipped it shut then rolled it to the front door. Jasper and Alice were still behind closed doors, so we left without saying goodbye knowing we would see them in a few short hours. I climbed into Edward's car while he loaded the trunk.
During the drive to my dorm, Edward said, "Jasper and I spoke earlier today. If you are OK with this, I am taking you back to your dorm. Then, around 12:30, I'll pick you up. Alice will pick up Jasper from our place and we will meet them at McDonalds for a quick lunch. From there, we will leave for Washington."
"Sounds like a great plan."
"I realize this leaves you... uhm, unattended for a few short hours. Gah, I sound so possessive. That's not what I mean, though."
I watched as Edward ran his fingers through his hair in an uncomfortable manner. He acted nervous. I understood what he tried to say, so I placed my hand on his thigh in a reassuring manner, while stating, "Edward, I know what you're trying to tell me. There is a guy on the loose and you're just worried about my well being while we're apart."
"You're right, I am worried. Aren't you? I mean, I don't necessarily need to run my errands. I can tag along with you if you prefer."
"I appreciate that. But, the way I look at it, my safety has been in question for two months, unbeknownst to me. I can't imagine something happening to me in these few short hours when the opportunity has been there all this time. I think I'll be fine. Besides, Rosalie doesn't have class this morning. I'm sure she can tag along with me."
"Well, in that case, my phone will be with me at all times. If you need me, I'm only a few minutes away."
"Thanks."
After driving into the parking lot, he pulled up to the nearest entrance of my dorm. As soon as the car stopped, he leaned over, giving me a long kiss. We said our goodbyes, but he wouldn't drive away until I walked into the safety of my dorm. The only way to get into the building was by using a special key, unless you knew the occupants and they let you in the building. I felt safe here. At least I hoped my thoughts were correct about me being safe.
The moment I stepped inside my building, and after hearing the loud click of the door closing behind me, I immediately felt empty inside. My stomach began turning in knots and I suddenly became weary of all the students I passed in the hallway.
Could he be the killer? Did she murder my parents?
I searched my purse for my phone and keys, while at the same time wishing Edward were with me. I felt safe with him.
I passed Rosalie's room first. Upon reaching her door, I knocked rather loudly. My thunderous knocking could have woken anyone sleeping. Since she didn't answer, I felt fear rush through my veins. I was alone.
What if he is here? What if a student unknowingly let him in?
I knew the likeliness was slim to none, but it didn't ease my mind in the least. I still questioned every single person I passed.
I resisted the urge to call Edward, knowing I had almost made it to my room. I still hesitated before sliding my key into the lock. Something didn't feel right. The door pushed open too easily. Paranoia paralyzed me. It didn't even appear to be closed completely, much less locked. Someone must be inside. The hairs on my neck stood up and I felt goose bumps on my arms.
Faced with a dilemma, I wondered if I should suck it up and walk in or break down and call Edward.
I paused, waiting, hoping to hear the slightest hint of noise. Hearing nothing, I decided it best to call Edward. If my instincts proved true, the predator could possibly be stealth-like and waiting for my arrival.
"Hey baby, are you OK?" he answered, a bit on the cautious side. I decided to walk away from my door in the event someone was inside.
"Yes, but, can you just stay on the phone with me for a moment?"
"Sure, what's going on?"
"I'm sure it's nothing, but when I unlocked my door, it just didn't seem right. It gave me the impression it was already opened."
"I'm turning around."
"No, don't do that. Like I said, it's probably nothing." I had no way of knowing if he listened to me because he didn't acknowledge my statement. "OK, I'm at my door and about to walk in," I whispered my every move.
I took a deep breath, trying to calm myself and my pounding heart. With my foot, I pushed the door open all the way. As soon as I could see inside, I jumped while letting out a scream.
"BELLA!" Edward yelled.
"Jesus, Alice," I managed to get out of my mouth.
"Bella?" Alice asked.
Once my heartbeat calmed, I spoke to Edward, "It's just Alice. I had no idea she was here. I'm fine, I think."
"OK, take a deep breath. Make sure either Alice or Rosalie will be with you. Let me know if they can't."
"Alright. I'll talk to you soon."
Edward and I ended the call. I looked at my cell phone pondering my next move. Do I scream at Alice for scaring me like that? This is her room, too, so that would not be fair to her. I just thought Edward and I arrived here first. I remember them being behind closed doors when we left their place. But I honestly could not remember them leaving when we did, nor did I see her arrive at the same time as us.
"Alice, what are you doing here?" I tried to ask calmly, but by the sound of my tone, and her reaction to my question, I could only imagine it came out more seething in nature.
"I'm so sorry I scared you. I thought you saw me. We left immediately after you, and with Jasper's erratic driving, we arrived at the same time as you. I saw the two of you in his car and I assumed you were having an important discussion, so I didn't wait. I just thought you may have seen me as I entered the building."
"Well, I didn't."
"I think that was made apparent by you screaming at me just a few short seconds ago."
Just then I heard someone enter our room.
"Is everything alright?" Rosalie asked.
"Girl, where have you been? I just knocked on your door."
"Uh, getting a shower," she said as she motioned her hands to look at her attire - a pink towel wrapped around her body and her hair spun in a white towel.
"I see that. Wow, I am really on edge right now." I walked to the bed and sat down. I really am jittery and really thought about how alone I felt, even though my friends were in the room. I needed to walk around campus, but I didn't feel comfortable asking them to be my bodyguard.
Both of my friends seemed very concerned for my present situation. Alice spoke first, "I'm skipping class this morning."
Then Rosalie stated, "Yeah, and you know I don't have class. Since Alice is right here, I'm gonna run and change real quick, then I will meet you both right here. Ten minutes, tops."
"Ten minutes? Now this I gotta see," Alice joked. We both knew it could take Rosalie thirty minutes to get ready for anything after getting her shower. So for her to say she only needed ten minutes seemed quite a stretch.
In the meantime, I proceeded to call a couple of my professors. Most seemed understanding of the situation, and the one I couldn't reach I decided to walk to his office to leave a note. I just assumed the extra step in attempting to personally leave him a note would go a long way.
"Alice, I'm going to run a few errands around campus."
"That's fine. Let me just use the restroom."
"Are you sure you don't mind coming?"
"Of course not, and by the way Rosalie was talking, I think she is expecting to tag along, as well."
"Alice, you really are amazing."
"I know," she said as Rosalie returned to the room. She pouted, then asked, "What about me?"
"Rosalie, you know I feel the same way about you, right?"
She acted hurt, but then smirked my way, "Of course I do. Now, what's the order of events?"
I explained my campus run I needed to make, then advised them of lunch plans. Rosalie wanted to attend as a sort of farewell for me. The mid-day send off became more like I would have wanted - my best friends would be there.
…...
As soon as we left our dorm, we stopped at the campus coffee shop. Rosalie ordered a Latte, Alice ordered a simple coffee, and I ordered a black and white Mocha.
"Mmmm, coffee," Rosalie hummed as she sipped her warm beverage.
"Just what I needed," Alice said.
We took our drinks and carried them with us to keep our hands warm on this cool fall morning.
After the uneventful campus run, we made our way back to the dorm. As I packed, Rosalie and Alice helped pass the time chatting about unimportant topics. The one causing the greatest argument between the two pertained to colors to paint toe nails. Alice felt the way to go was bright bold colors. Rosalie liked more unique colors. I was indifferent.
A little while later Alice left to pick up Jasper, leaving Rosalie to watch over me. With everyone watching my every move, it made me feel like a kid needing a babysitter. I didn't like it and hoped I could figure this all out soon. It had been two months since my parents death, and if the police didn't think it was a murder, I have no idea why I thought I could figure it out in just a few short days. I knew it wasn't likely, but I could only hope.
The time approached for me to expect Edward's call. I glanced down at my phone numerous times thinking I missed a call, his call. In actuality, only a span of about 5 minutes had passed and he wasn't due to call for another ten.
On time, he called as he pulled into the parking lot. We drove to Panera and chose a table away from other patrons. Sitting next to each other, we ordered Cokes as we waited for the others. I glanced up and noticed Rosalie walk in the door.
Alice and Jasper arrived a few minutes later. With all of us now here, we ordered, returning to our table to wait for our names to be called.
As we ate our meal, I noticed Jasper nudge Edward with his elbow. Edward looked up, beyond where I sat and smiled. He then immediately looked from me, to Rosalie, then back at me, again. Communicating through his eyes.
Jasper said, "Wow, I didn't expect you to show up!"
I turned around to see none other than Detective Emmett. I did a quick glance at Rosalie, hoping she understood what was about to happen.
"You do remember telling me that you're leaving for a cross country road trip and will be gone for quite some time. I thought I'd come see you off." He turned to me and said, "Actually, I came to ask Bella to make sure to take care of you big dopes."
"I'd be honored Emmett," I smiled.
Edward made introductions, "You remember Bella, and her friend Alice. But, I don't believe you've met Rosalie, their best friend."
I watched as the two locked eyes and smile at one another. He sat across from her and they immediately began chatting.
"Do you want to order some food?" Jasper asked.
"Nah man, already ate, just passing through."
"Are you sure? We can wait for you to finish."
Emmett declined. Our meal eaten, and having procrastinated long enough, the time came for us to start our trip.
Alice and Jasper stood on the passenger side, while Edward and I waited on the drivers side. At the rear of the car, Rose and Emmett were chatting up a storm.
"Hey, Bella! Be sure to take care of my boys."
"Hey, Emmett! You be sure to take care of my girls," I responded.
We said our goodbyes. As Edward drove away, I turned around to see Emmett still talking to Rosalie. They looked cute, except for the fact that Alice waited next to them.
With the 'excitement' of the trip, none of us wanted to nap. But, since we planned on taking turns driving, I chose to take the third leg of the trip which meant I needed to get some shut eye.
Sleeping so early in the afternoon proved difficult. I leaned back, closed my eyes and waited for sleep to overtake my body. It became quite the waiting game, but while I waited, I heard Edward and Jasper discuss all topics from Basketball, to school, their sister, to sports.
My boredom finally made me sleepy and as I drifted in an out I heard my name. I tried to become more awake to listen but did the one thing I probably shouldn't have done - I kept my eyes closed and listened to what they had to say.
"Edward, she seems like an incredible girl."
"Jasper, I told you, man. There's something about her that captivates me. Ever since we met, I haven't been able to get her out of my head."
"I can see that in your eyes, the way you look at her, and she reciprocates. They way you both act towards each other is nothing like the way you acted with Jessica. It's like they are on two opposite sides of the spectrum."
"I completely agree."
"You really like her, don't you?"
"Yes... I really do. Now if we could only get her through her present situation. It has me concerned, her parents' killer."
"So you believe they were murdered?"
"Wouldn't you?"
"Yeah, but it just seems so crazy. Think about it. A girl goes off to college. Her dad keeps his undercover cop profession a secret. A his car goes over a cliff. Then, his best friend is our father? But you met her through an escort company. I find it quite odd all the various connections the two of you share."
"I've thought about that too. If I hadn't met her through the escort company, I would have met her Friday night. If I had met her then, I probably would have been too devastated about my fiance leaving me to even notice an amazing girl. And even if we hadn't have met those two ways, I'm fairly certain dad would have us watch over her once he realized our close proximity. Jasper, the way I look at it, Bella and I were destined to meet. And we did so at the right time. I know I've known her for a short time, and you even less so, but Bella means the world to me."
"I really know what you mean. Her friend, Alice, is..."
Sleep overtook me.
As the car come to a stop, I opened my eyes and noticed the dark black night sky. I stretched my arms, yawned, then rubbed my eyes to aid in waking up.
"Sleep well?" Edward asked as we walked towards the convenience store as Jasper filled up the car.
As I exited the restroom, I passed Jasper who said, "Pick out any snacks you want."
Edward stood in front of the candy bars, so I joined him. He grabbed a variety, while I picked up a bag of chips. We brought our items and drinks to the checkout. Jasper paid for the gas and our goodies.
Walking out of the store, Edward asked, "Jasper, you're up. You OK to drive?"
"Sure am." Then he looked to me, "You ready co-pilot?"
"Yup."
With the night driving, I couldn't visually see the scenery very well. We passed small towns. Occasionally a large city could be scene off in the distance due to the way the sky lit up.
Having been on the rode for a while, I glanced back to check on Edward.
"He's asleep," Jasper said.
Edward's head rested on a pillow behind the driver's seat allowing me optimal view of the beautiful man.
"How did you know?"
He smirked as he said, "You forget I've been around him all my life. I can tell when he's sleeping."
We continued driving in silence for quite some time. I began to think about my job as the co-pilot and how I had not done a good job to this point. I should talk to him or looking at a map for him.
"You doing OK, Jasper?"
"Yeah."
He yawned, but tried to hide it from me.
"Why don't you roll down the window?"
"Uhm?"
"You were yawning. If you don't want to do that, turn on the air, get some cool air flowing in here. It will help you stay awake."
He glanced my way, and smiled. "You sure you don't mind?"
"Of course not. We brought blankets."
I reached behind me and pulled out my Duke University throw, draping it over my legs.
"So, Jasper, tell me about your childhood."
"What you really mean to ask is, 'tell me about Edward as a child,' right?" he laughed while trying to keep his voice down since Edward was sleeping.
"Ha-Ha. Seriously, tell me about a childhood memory."
"Alright. A childhood memory. So, we were little kids, I don't know, about 8 or 9. Edward and I always got along, but we also had our moments, too. There was an occasional fight. Sometimes Edward would do something and blame me or vice versa.
One of the moments we laugh about most often happened one summer when our dad was at work, and mom left Edward in charge. She was going to be gone for just a few minutes - long enough to take something down to the neighbors.
Edward was thirsty and decided to fix us something to drink. The juice happened to be sitting behind a new carton of eggs. To get to the goods, he had to take the eggs out and placed them on the counter. I knew enough about eggs to know they are delicate and when dropped, they create a gooey mess. It sparked an idea so I suggested to Edward that we play that game - you know, the one where you toss the egg to one another as you step further and further away from each other? Well anyway, we started that in the kitchen. At first we were arms length from each other. After stepping back a few feet, we decided the game was kind of boring since the egg wasn't breaking on either one of us.
So, I suggested to Edward another great idea. I wanted to know what would happen if we tossed the egg into the air and if I could catch it, would it break. But, being a kid, and not realizing the need for space, I didn't think about my location. At first I barely tossed it. Edward egged me on, pun intended, to throw it higher. We were laughing so hard by now because the egg just wouldn't break. Finally, with all my little kid power, I tossed it high in the air not realizing attached to the ceiling was the ceiling fan situated above my head. It was too late to take back the egg tossing because the ceiling fan in motion cracked it and sprayed it all around the kitchen. I glanced at Edward and saw egg pieces all over him, then bolted out of the room. As I made it out of the kitchen, I heard the side door opened and in walked Mom.
The funniest thing about it is Edward got blamed for it." Jasper laughed.
"What? Why did Edward get in trouble?"
"Because of my position directly under the fan, and the way the egg hit the fan, the egg parts sprayed outward and away from me and directly onto the walls, counters, cabinets, and all over Edward. Since he had the evidence on him, it only seemed obvious that he was the one that did it."
"Jasper, how could you?" I joined in the laughter.
"Because we were brothers, and as such, we blamed each other for various things."
"Please tell me you at least helped with the clean up."
"Yeah, I grabbed a couple of wash clothes and got them wet for Edward. Mom was so mad. He couldn't convince her I was the one who threw the egg."
"I was always the one getting blamed," Edward said.
"Oh Edward, I'm so sorry we woke you," I said.
"It's ok, it was my brother's loud laugh that woke me."
"Uh, sorry, dude."
"That's OK, but just so you know, I've got a lot of stories about you."
For the next hour, I heard about their childhood crazy boy stories. Each one funnier than the last. Afterwards, Edward continued to rest. I also dozed here and there, but because Jasper had no one awake with him, it was hard for me to nap. I knew I needed to be somewhat coherent.
"Bella, do you mind if I ask you a question? It might come across as inappropriate, but I feel the need to ask it."
"Sure, go ahead."
"Uhm, your job, being an escort..."
"Jasper, that's not my job, not anymore."
"Really, are you sure?"
"Yes, really. I didn't want it to begin with, but the way my life was at that moment, it seemed the best thing at the time. It's a decision I shouldn't have had to make, but I only have myself to blame for that. It's over and done with, now. What were you wanting to know?"
"Well, it's because of my brother. He doesn't need an escort in his life and if you were continuing with that career, I was going to become the overprotective brother. But, I'm glad you are no longer in the business. It takes great strength to make a decision like that for you. I'm proud of you for realizing it's not the job for you."
"Now it's my turn for the tough question. What do you mean Edward doesn't need an escort in his life."
"It's just that he is head over heals for you, more-so than I have ever seen him before. I've been around escorts before and have seen how they act - saying one thing, doing another, lying, having sex with multiple people..."
"I get it Jasper. You're concerned I am walking into his life, going to use and abuse him, lead him on, take his money, and who knows what else. Believe me when I say that's not me. My biggest regret about that career is not listening to my first date when he suggested I trust my friends, or him."
We sat in silence for a while. I knew he wanted the best for his brother. It made me happy to know the family looks out for one another. It also saddened me to know their sister was out there, somewhere, and didn't see the same thing I saw.
Jasper needed to know how I felt about Edward. I wanted him to hear it from me.
"Jasper."
"Bella, I am sorry for asking those rude questions, I hope you can see why I did."
"Of course I do. And I want you to hear it from me. Edward means a lot to me. I am so glad he is a part of my life and I look forward to our relationship growing. You are an amazing brother and I can see your family is a close knit one."
"Thanks."
"Alright, enough with the deep conversations, tell me another story... about Edward."
…...
A/N: Thanks for your continued support, and to brodeurgirl30 and Capitalab.
