Think about the photo before and after, never during. The secret is to take your time. You mustn't go too fast. The subject must forget about you. Then, however, you must be very quick. ~Henri Cartier-Bresson

Chapter 11

After stopping for bottled water, which Edward insisted he had to have, the remaining drive to Bella's apartment went by in a flash. Neither Bella nor Edward could contain their excitement. Their passion was so great that Edward couldn't keep himself from a physical reprisal of Bella's salacious words at dinner. His hand was restless in Bella's lap the entire drive home. It itched to touch secret places. Edward was careful though, because he only had one hand on the wheel; it was not his finest or safest hour.

So, this is it, Edward thought as they exited his car, safe and sound, in front of Bella's building. His palms were sweaty and his mouth was dry. He had no idea how he was going to move to the next step with his lovely dove. He knew she was just as, if not more, inexperienced than he was in the department of intimate affairs. He hoped Bella would be patient and understanding as he didn't expect there to be an orgasmic explosion like he'd seen on the few porno's he had been forced into watching in his younger days.

"Edward? Are you feeling alright?" Bella asked as they crossed the threshold into her domicile unit. She mentally noted that he was looking peaked.

"Oh, uh…yes. Yes…I'm just…can I use your bathroom?"

Edward quickly scurried to the bathroom where he systematically checked his pockets for the loot he'd purchased at the convenience store. He insisted to Bella that he had to stop for bottled water. But his true intention was buying prophylactics. It wasn't something he stocked on a regular basis and he was a bit confused by the different brands, sizes and colors available. There were even some with… accessories…

As Edward stood looking at the selection, he thought back to a time once before when he'd had a quandary similar to this. He was purchasing a new cell phone. He looked over the choices before him, and wondered why there were so many choices. He just needed a cell phone for one sole purpose: to make phone calls. His condom buying experience didn't feel much different. As he studied the selections he thought to himself, I just need it to do one thing: catch my ejaculate!

Edward thought about buying a box of condoms, but wasn't sure how to sneak the package past Bella. His trousers didn't afford him enough room to camouflage a box that size. So, he settled for the vending option accessible in the gas station restroom. He only hoped he'd gotten the right ones.

O_o

Now, standing in front of the bathroom vanity looking at the small purple foil packets in his hand, anxiety set in once again.

"You can do this, Edward. You love Bella and she loves you." As he whispered the words to himself in the mirror, an aching feeling grabbed his heart. He suddenly remembered Bella proclaiming her love for him. And he had said…nothing. He was so nervous about their date, and so focused on telling her about his new car that he'd let the phrase slip by without taking notice.

"Bella loves me. ME!" Edward said disbelievingly to his reflection.

He wasted no further time and burst out of the bathroom. He turned left and raced back to the living room, intent on voicing his mutual feelings of love to his dove, but found the room dark and empty.

"Bella?"

"Back here…" rang a sultry tone. Edward raced toward Bella's bedroom in hopes of correcting his oversight in proclaiming his sentiments of adulation. But as he neared the doorway, he could see the room was bathed in a diffused glow.

The flicker from the small candles bounced off the wall, illuminating Bella's skin. And there was a lot of skin to be seen, too. Edward unconsciously licked his lips as he drank in the virago in front of him. She was dressed only in a see through lace bra and tiny panties that barely covered her most treasured triangle.

Edward couldn't help the reaction from his own treasure. He promptly placed his hands over his growing trouser trombone, in hopes of keeping a small part of his dignity intact. Then, Edward remembered the reason for his haste.

"I love you," he rushed out.

Bella stood blinking for a moment, then rushed at Edward and assaulted him. Her arms flew around his neck and her legs locked around his waist. Bella began raining kisses on Edward's face and neck.

"Oh, Edward, I'm so happy! I love you, and you love me and now we can make love."

Edward had never heard truer words spoken.

O_o

Edward was relieved Bella was already in a state of undress. He didn't have to worry about the awkwardness of disrobing her. But, he was still fully clothed and wasn't entirely sure how to breach his own state of dress.

Thankfully, Bella was ahead of the game. She seductively slithered down Edward's torso and began unbuttoning his shirt. Her hands were so small and perfect. Edward reached down, taking each one in his own hands and kissing her finger tips. The gesture seemed natural and loving. As his lips grazed Bella's freshly painted nails, Edward couldn't help but let his eyes linger on the cleavage that was presented so pleasingly before him.

As he took in Bella's pale flesh, he pictured his dove in a myriad of outfits he'd previously only seen fashioned and modeled in a department store window. One outfit in particular, he'd seen on page four of the Christmas Dreams and Fantasies catalog, sent him into a tailspin of eroticism.

"Edward?" Bella's words pulled him from his fantasy. He couldn't wait any longer to show the woman in front of him how much he wanted her.

"Take me, Bella!"

O_o

The transition from standing bedside, to lying between the sheets was awkward at best for Bella and Edward. Bella had furtively removed her under things once she'd slid under the covers while Edward tried to covertly remove his boxers and retrieving protection from his pants, which were now discarded on the floor. He hadn't really considered the process of placing the condom on, and was suddenly struck dumb with the prospect.

Edward's second intimate encounter was unprotected, but the young woman had been a virgin and was on the pill. Neither party had considered the use of protection, but Edward was checked out later none the less.

In his other sexual encounter with the lovely young professional, who called herself Miss Tammy, had placed the condom on Edward. At the time, he supposed it was typical for a professional such as herself to administer the application to insure accuracy. He hadn't paid much attention to the process due to his inordinate concentration on not ending the encounter before it had even begun.

He had also failed to notice that Miss Tammy also used a special condom, which she called a Magnum. Due to his limited sexual interactions and education, Edward wouldn't have known the difference anyway.

After attempting to tear the packaging with his fingers to no avail, Edward decided to use his teeth. He was becoming extraordinarily impatient, as was Bella which was evident by her watchful eye and fidgeting fingers. He ripped the foil packaging open and removed the lubricated contraceptive.

As Edward fumbled with the sheets, trying to survey the task at hand, Bella curiously leaned in to observe Edward's actions.

Once the condom was out of the wrapper, Edward placed it to the tip of his penis. He understood the general mechanics of application, but the apparatus was slick and difficult to hold on to.

"Edward? Is everything okay?" Bella asked. She could tell he was having a bit of difficulty.

"It doesn't seem to want to roll on…" Edward began.

"Maybe if you unroll it first?" Bella suggested. Edward began to pull the condom from its coiled state. As it unraveled, he realized that perhaps it was much like putting a pillow in a pillowcase. As he tried to slide the condom on, he noticed that it was notably tight. It didn't seem like it should cut off his circulation!

He tugged and pushed…he pulled and stretched, but nothing was working. It just wouldn't go on! It was evident that Edward was rather frustrated as he was turning red and his breathing had become gruff. Then, his nail caught in the upper ring, and the condom tore open.

"Fu- dge…" Edward muttered.

"What's wrong?" Bella asked, wanting to be supportive.

"I think I tore the condom," Edward said, his voice laced with irritation.

"Oh," was Bella's response, disappointment evident in her tone.

"I have another one, though."

Edward tried to slyly exit from the bed and grab the remaining condom from his pants pocket. He made a mental note to have them out and ready on the nightstand for next time…if there was a next time. This had not been his crowning moment so far and he worried Bella would decide he was too inexperienced and too much work.

Realizing he only had one condom left made Edward a bit nervous. He was feeling flustered knowing Bella was witnessing his ineptitude. This time he was careful as he removed the contents of the purple foil. As he placed the rolled condom on his tip, he wondered how much elasticity the rubber had. It didn't seem altogether possible for the product in his hand to stretch over his…equipment.

"Edward? Is everything all right? We don't have to-" Bella asked, concerned by Edward's vacillation between puzzlement and mortification. Of course, this only served to humiliate him further and cause Edward to become slightly flaccid.

Edward shook his head, before blurting out, "No! I want this…with you, Bella." He smiled his biggest smile. Bella understood and wanted to offer whatever assistance she could to get them through the experience.

"Maybe if we add more lubricant…" Bella wondered aloud. "Do you suppose olive oil will work, Edward?"

He was astonished and proud all in the same moment. Not only was Bella clever enough to think of using olive oil, but she was thinking heart smart as well. She was careful with her health and using a low fat alternative, while also getting a healthy dose of omega-3 fatty acids and monounsaturated fats. Edward made a note to compliment her on her food life- style choices at a later time.

Moments later, Bella returned with a bottle in hand. "Okay, maybe just rub it on like lotion?" she said as she poured a small amount of the green oil in the palm of her hand.

Is she going to do it for me? Edward thought to himself.

Bella slowly walked toward Edward on the bed, careful not to spook him. He was reminiscent of a wild animal, sure to bolt at any moment. "Do you want me to…?" Bella questioned, holding her hands out.

Edward slowly peeled back the sheet that had been covering his lap. Bella wasted no time in moving to his side and gathering his appendage in her hands. Her touch was light, but effective. Edward was returning to his rock hard state immediately as well as being covered in slick oil.

"Let's try this again," Edward said as he pulled the second and last condom from its purple Durex wrapper. This time, he was met with a little more success than with his previous attempt. It seemed that using four hands, as opposed to two, was the magic number. While Bella held the tip, Edward used both hands to roll the condom down.

"Edward, pardon me for speaking so frank, but it seems that maybe you have it inside out. It seems to me that it should roll away from itself rather than out of itself.

As Edward glanced down, he knew Bella was right. He wondered momentarily if it was acceptable to use the same condom. Because of Bella's helpful hands, he'd already leaked into the tip. He quickly decided though, that his pre- ejaculate couldn't have any sperm in it and pulled the sheath from him. He was quick to turn it inside out and begin the final process of condom application. The fit was rather snug, and if it had to remain on long, the ill-fitting condom would surely begin to constrict blood flow and feeling.

O_o

After much fumbling and patience, Edward was finally seated fully inside Bella. Her scrunched eyes and tight lips alerted Edward to her discomfort.

"Are you alright, my dove," Edward worried, brushing Bella's hair from her forehead.

"Yes…it's just…well, it's been a while and you are quite…well- you know." Edward did know. He was concerned as well. It was just another notch on his proverbial belt as to why- he wished daily- that he was average.

It had been extraordinarily difficult for him to go slow and ease into Bella gently, when truly; he'd wanted to slam into her unrestrained. "Just go slow," Bella whispered. Edward was happy to oblige, but her request was certainly easier beseeched than completed.

The pair moved in disharmony, trying desperately to make one another feel good. As Bella grew more comfortable, Edward quickened his pace. He was thankful for the extra lubrication the olive oil provided. The condom moved with him providing extra stimulation. Edward had heard many a man in the locker-room grumble about the feel of condoms and how they desensitized the experience. He wasn't inclined to agree. He knew he could feel Bella's warmth each time he pushed forward. He could feel her moisture as it clung to him. Yes, Edward was perfectly happy with condoms. Just thinking about how he felt inside Bella spurred him on further, bringing his climax closer.

At the height of his excitement, Edward thrust forward. His spasm was strong and came with a grunt, then a whimper. He could feel his release, accompanied with the image of his semen decorating the walls deep inside Bella. While the thought may have been disturbing to some, Edward thought of it as a way to claim his mate. He only hoped Bella felt the same.

After a few moments, Edward gathered his wits and turned his attention to his dove. His hands moved swiftly to her most sensitive spot and he began to rub and tickle while he remained semi-erect and still inside her.

"Keep…oh…yes, Edward. Right…ahhh…there…I'm gonna…oh my….."

Bella gave a throaty moan and squeezed her eyes and legs shut. She felt embarrassed as she panted, sounding like a dog in heat. She gave a nervous giggle, and then relaxed her legs and eyelids.

"Thank you, Edward. That was wonderful."

But Edward knew it was a lie. It was terrible. The first thing he planned on doing when he was alone once again was to sharpen his skills via the internet.

He'd yet to discard the condom, and just didn't know of a romantic way to excuse himself to the bathroom. "I have to um…" Edward started, motioning toward the bathroom door.

"Oh! Of course," Bella said, a bit relieved, as she was feeling a bit sticky and knew it would be easier to excuse herself. As soon as Edward disappeared behind the bathroom door, she dashed to the kitchen and retrieved a paper towel. As she cleaned herself, she took note of how messy the sex had been. There was oil, and what she'd assumed to be her copious amounts of arousal, dripping down her inner thigh.

Meanwhile, Edward was tending to his own mess. As he removed the condom, an oddity caught his eye. At first, he thought perhaps there was a wrinkle in the condom as he attempted to remove it without spilling the contents, but that was when he noticed there were no contents…and the oddity in the condom? It wasn't a wrinkle. Edward stared down in disbelief as his stomach plummeted to the floor.

The condom had ripped open…