Chapter 11
"BELLA! What are you doing, this is what I get to come home to, again." I could see the anger rising in his face.
"Dad, I'm not doing anything. I hugged him, that's it. Don't worry, I learned my lesson, I wouldn't do anything more in this house again." I replied, climbing off of Edward's lap.
"You! What are you doing here? I thought we got rid of you." My dad said, looking at Edward.
"Sorry Chief Swan. We were just talking. I came over to help her clean up." Edward said with a hint of fear in his face.
"Well, it looks clean to me, you can go now." Charlie said to Edward. Edward stayed where he was and looked over at me. I nodded letting him know he could go, and said bye.
I walked over to my dad and gave him a hug and said hi. He just kind of grunted and walked back down stairs. I followed him down so we could figure out dinner.
Things with Charlie were a little rocky that night, not that they had ever been overly easy. He just kept giving me unsure glances and acting like he was going to say something, or ask a question, but nothing ever came out. I asked him a few questions, just trying to catch up and break the silence. It worked a little bit, but my father being a man of few words, didn't last long.
The next morning and from then on things went better. It was nice getting to spend some quality time with my father. I hadn't realized how much I had missed him until then. It was actually getting easy to be around him. He wasn't at all high maintenance like my mother. Yes, I did have to cook for us, and clean up a bit, but I never really minded doing those things anyways, so it's not like I was put out by it.
A couple days later my dad was working late again so I went to the Cullen home. I wasn't sure if much had changed since I was last here so I knocked and waited at the door. Esme answered and laughed a little at me. "Since when have you had to knock, you know you're always welcome in," she said as she let me in and took me into a hug. "Edward is in his room if you want to get him. Lunch will be done soon." I didn't know if she was just saying that out of habit of old times, or she didn't realize that Alice and I had actually become close enough that I may be here to see her, but all in all, it wasn't a big deal either way, and I did really just want to see Edward.
It seemed so normal now. I guess when I finally gave into my wants and decided to go all in and try things again with Edward, my old confidence came with it. I had noticed as time went by and we were getting closer, I started feeling more like my old self. The happy, confident Bella. Oh how I missed her.
I ran in and waved at Jasper as I headed up the stairs, feeling a bit of déjà-vu. This time I made it all the way up the stairs, without falling, major accomplishment for me. I knocked once on the door and opened it to go in. When I got passed the doorway I saw Heaven. I swear, the Heaven's opened up and Jesus touched me. I even think I heard a chorus of "Aaaaaahhhh's" coming from somewhere in the background. Close enough anyways. Edward was standing by the foot of his bed in just a pair of very low hanging jeans. He was drying his unruly locks with a towel while water droplets were finding their way down his very bare chest. It was beautifully defined. Just enough to see all the indents of his muscles, but still managed to look lean, it wasn't any bulk muscle like Emmett had. It also showed a very defined V shape heading down to under the waistband of his pants. Wow. My breath hitched, my heart stopped and I could feel the blush rise to my cheeks as I just stood there ogling this god in front of me.
I finally got coherent enough and turned to leave, but his hand wrapped around my wrist and pulled me back, catching me when I almost fell. "You don't have to leave, you've seen me in less," he said, giving me his crooked smile. I went over to his couch and sat down while he finished getting dressed.
"So, what do you want to do today?" I asked, trying to distract my thoughts from the path they were traveling down.
"Alice and Jasper are going to Port Angeles to shop, so we can either go with them, or I was thinking we could go to the meadow."
"Meadow!" I said excitedly, bouncing a little in my seat. I hadn't been there in forever. "Is it still there? Does it look the same?"
"It is still there, and it will look a little bit different since its winter. It should still be fine though."
We left after lunch and packed some snacks and blankets. We made our familiar drive listening to music. It was weird actually being able to drive ourselves to it. Granted we've both been able to drive for a number of years, but when we regularly visited the meadow someone always had to take us or we'd make the long trek on foot.
We hiked through the woods and finally found the clearing. The only thing missing was the flowers. Everything else was still beautiful. The canopies and the grass were covered in a small layer of snow that had fallen just the day before. It made the sunlight that was making a rare appearance reflect off of everything, illuminating the whole meadow. It made it look that much more magical. We put out the blankets and laid down next to each other and talked and watched the clouds go by. We mostly spent the time catching up on what we missed in each other's lives. I found out he hadn't really dated since me, it seemed like he was skirting around something on that topic, but I decided not to push it and let him bring it up when he was ready. He also said that he was studying medicine like his father. He was doing more of the lab and research part of it though. He said something about an aversion to any amount of blood.
We finally left a little before twilight. We wanted to make sure we were out of the woods by then. We drove back towards Forks, pulling off to the side of the road to watch the sun finish setting and the stars get brighter. It was an amazing time of night and made it seem like anything was possible. I looked over and Edward was staring out the window, watching the magic happen as it does every night, but seems that much better, here in Forks.
He glanced at me for a second, flashing me a smile. I put my hand on his, hoping he wouldn't mind, but it just felt right. We stayed like that till the last bit of light was gone. He finished the drive and before I knew it we were parked in front of my dad's house. He got out and opened my door for me and walked me up to the door. As he went to say bye, he looked like he was having some sort of internal debate. He finally seemed to have decided on what he was trying to figure out, then said bye to me, leaned in and gave me a hug, and after one more small hesitation, gave me a kiss on the cheek. I told him bye as well and he went back to his car. Before getting in he called out to me and wished me sweet dreams. He finally climbed into his car, and after I unlocked the front door to go in, he drove off.
*o0o0o0o0o0o*
I celebrated Christmas with Charlie. It was nice to spend some time with him. I cooked him a nice holiday dinner. The group and I decided to exchange presents when we all got back together for new years. I knew Charlie was never huge on holiday celebration, and at a loss of what to get me, so we kept everything to a minimum. We exchanged presents, he got me some sort of survival kit. It contained pepper spray, a tazer and some other odds and ends to keep me safe if ever attacked. When I opened it, all I could do was look up at him and let out a chuckle. I know not many girls would be grateful for this type of gift, but with the police chief being your father, and especially with how emotional, or lack there of, that my father was, this really was a nice gift. I knew he was worried about my safety at college, and around random people, add the danger magnet I am, and this really was a more perfect gift than I could ever expect.
"Don't be afraid to use that on that Edward either," he said after I opened it. I couldn't respond, all I could do was give a chuckle and say thanks.
I got him a new tackle box full of various lures and things needed in fishing. It was still my dads favorite pass time, so I thought he would appreciate it. That and I really didn't know what else I could possibly get him.
The rest of week passed quickly and finally it was time to hang out with Edward, Jasper and Alice. We had made plans earlier in the trip to hang out together the night before we left Forks. I was told to go over there early so I could shower and let Alice get me ready. I said bye to my dad and piled my stuff in the car. Our group was going out tonight and we left for the airport tomorrow, so I was just going to stay with the Cullens tonight. I got in Edward's car and off we went to his house.
Alice met me at the door and ushered me upstairs. She shoved me in a bathroom and told me to shower with what she put in there and then go to her and Jasper's room. I took my shower and wrapped in the towel and headed to the room. As soon as I turned out of the bathroom I ran into a soft wall. I brought my eyes up and was met by Edward standing right in front of me, staring right back down at me. I blushed a new shade of red and moved out of his grasp and ran to Alice's room as carefully as possible. I may just be paranoid, but I swear I could feel his eyes on me the whole way to their room.
I finally got in the room and put on the outfit that Alice set out for me and let her do my hair and makeup. In the end, I was rather impressed. She put me in a navy blue sweater dress, which I'm not usually a fan of, but it worked, along with some black leggings to help keep me warm. She did a pretty natural make-up, but accented my eyes a little darker. She let me keep my converse on, and she gave my hair some wild waves. We went down stairs to meet the boys. Edward, as usual looked phenomenal. He was wearing a black button down shirt with the sleeves rolled up to his elbows, and a pair of dark jeans.
Jasper took Alice's hand and they went out the door. Edward took my hand and wrapped it around his arm, pulling me closer to him. He moved his head down near my ear. "You look beautiful, Bella" he said in a husky voice that sent shivers down my spine.
We made it to the pub; they were having karaoke so we found some seats near the stage. We ate and watched a number of people perform, well perform was one way of looking at it, needlessly murdering songs was another. I leaned over toward Edward and got next to his ear. "I could probably do better than most of these people, this is sad." At that he smiled and I saw Alice start jumping up and down out of her seat.
"Bella, we're going to sing! Don't worry; I will pick your song. I know the perfect song!" Alice shrieked, and with that she was off. I looked over to Edward, who was showing his crooked grin in all it's glory, and gave him a what-did-I-just-get-myself-into look.
I had almost forgotten what I got myself into about twenty minutes later when I heard my name being called by the guy on stage. "Well, here goes nothing." I said as I got up hesitantly. Edward reached out and squeezed my hand in reassurance. Jasper just smirked and Alice just sat there bouncing in her seat and smiling like she just won a gold medal.
I walked up to the stage and stood in front of the mic. Then I saw the lyrics for 'Tell Her About It' by Billy Joel pop up. Now I know why she said it was perfect. I should have known this was all just a part of her plan. I heard the music start and couldn't help being filled with adrenaline. I hope I make Alice proud. I know I had decided to let things play out, and let Edward decide when and if he was going to make his move, but damnit, I was getting tired of waiting. He knew I forgave him, and I hadn't shied away from his touch at all, and even tried to lay a subtle hint here and there. None of that seemed to work though. Well, here goes one last push in the right direction, if he doesn't take this one, then there really is no hope for us.
I took my stance and started swaying a bit to the music, quickly finding Edward's face in the crowd. I gave Alice a knowing smile and started singing.
Listen boy, I don't want to see you
Let a good thing slip away
You know I don't like watching anybody
Make the same mistakes I made
She's a real nice girl and she's always there for you
But a nice girl won't tell you what you should do
Listen boy, I'm sure that you think
You got it all under control
You don't want somebody telling you
The way to stay in someone's soul
You're a big boy now and you'll never let her go
But that's just the kind of thing she ought to know
I danced around a bit, getting into the music, but at the last few lines I caught Edward's eyes and sang right to him. I kept that connection with him through the chorus, still swaying and moving with the music.
Tell her about it, tell her everything you feel
Give her every reason to except that you're for real
Tell her about it, tell her all your crazy dreams
Let her know you need her, let her know how much she means
Listen boy, it's not automatically a certain guarantee
To ensure yourself, you've got to provide
Communication constantly
When you love someone, you're always insecure
And there's only one good way to reassure
Tell her about it, let her know how much you care
When she can't be with you, tell her you wish you were there
Tell her about it, every day before you leave
Pay her some attention, give her something to believe
Cause now and then, she'll get to worrying
Just because you haven't spoken in so long
Though you may not have done anything
Will that be consolation when she's gone?
Listen boy, its good information
From a (girl) who's made mistakes
Just a word or two that she gets from you
Could be the difference that it makes
She's a trusting soul; she puts her trust in you
But a girl like that won't tell you what you should do
I finished out the song making sure to catch his eye when I had a point to convey, but still keep the audiences interest. From the look both Edward and Alice were giving me, I think I got my point across. Even Jasper was giving a grin and glancing between Edward and me. I bowed for my crowd and jumped off the stage (miraculously staying upright) and walked right toward my group, never taking my eyes off of Edward. He looked a little stunned after my performance, but I could see the understanding in his face. I could still feel the confidence and adrenaline running through me and figured I should make the best of it.
As I got up to him, he wrapped his arms around me, picking me up. I wrapped my legs around his waist and my arms around his neck and twisted them into his hair. He put his hands under my butt to hold me up and keep my dress in place. He rested his forehead against mine, and said "Thank you," then moved just enough to let his lips crash into mine. We stayed like that for a few minutes and I vaguely heard people cheering in the background. I felt pressure push his shoulder by my arm, then he sat us down on his chair, still keeping me in his lap.
The rest of the night was a blur as Edward and I stayed in pretty much the same position just focusing on each other. It felt good to be in his arms again and kissing him. The past five years have been Hell without having him with me. I will do whatever I can to keep him, hopefully he feels the same.
Sometime later, our friends had brought us back to the real world and told us it was time to leave. We walked out still with our arms around each other, afraid to let go, as if one of us might disappear if we lost contact. Edward opened the passenger side door for me, and a moment later he was sitting in the driver seat, with the other two in the back. As soon as he had the car started and into drive I grabbed his hand. I wanted to keep hold of him to make up for all of our time apart. He laced his fingers with mine and brought our hands up to his lips to kiss the back of mine. He traced small patterns on the back of my hand with his thumb. I brought my free hand up and ran my fingers up and down his forearm, and leaned over to give him a quick kiss at any red light we hit.
We finally made it back home, not relinquishing our hold on each other except to get out of the car. We walked in the house with his arms still around me and goofy grins plastered on our faces. Esme must have realized what was going on, since before we could get ten steps into the house she ran over to us, letting out an Alice worthy squeal, and wrapped us both in a hug. "I'm so happy for you two, it's about time" she said, kissing both of us on the cheek, then letting us go.
We hung out in the living room for a while, watching a movie with the others. I'm still not sure what we watched. I kept myself pretty busy watching Edward and stealing kisses from time to time. By time the movie had ended it appeared everyone else had already gone to bed, since we were the only ones left in the living room. We got up and made our way to our rooms.
"You want to just sleep in my room? I'm not quite ready to let you out of my reach yet," Edward asked with a serious look on his face, and a small pout. How could I really say no to that?
"Why Mr. Cullen, are you trying to seduce me?" I asked jokingly. He shook his head no but tightened his grip on me. "Sure that's fine, I never found out what room I was supposed to stay in anyway."
I followed him back up to his room. I let him take a shower first so I would have an escape when he got out. Not that I didn't love looking at him freshly showered, but I didn't want to be tempted. He got out of the shower and came out in a pair of pajama bottoms. I saw the shirt that was supposed to go with them and took it and a pair of his boxers into the bathroom with me. I wasn't sure where my bag with my clothes was, so I figured I could just steal his.
I got out of the shower and dried my hair a little bit and put the clothes I stole on. I walked over and found him lying in bed on his back, with his arms behind his head and his eyes shut. I walked around to the other side of the bed and crawled over to him. As I got near him he opened his eyes and looked over at me. I could see the lust fill his eyes as he looked me over. I have to be good, cannot give in. I curled up into his side, stretching my arm over his stomach and leaning in to give him a kiss. He pulled me closer to deepen the kiss. After a few minutes we paused to catch our breath.
"Edward," I started, not really sure how to continue.
"What's wrong love," he asked, seeing the conflict on my face.
"Nothing really, I was just wondering if we could maybe take it slow this time. I don't want to risk everything going bad again by doing something now. I would like to spend some time just taking it easy, to make sure this will work first." I said quietly, looking down at my hand that was resting on his chest.
He reached a finger under my chin and lifted my face up to meet his. "We can take all the time you want. I'm not going anywhere, so whatever you want to do either way is fine, love. I don't ever want you to feel rushed, or like you have to do anything. I'm fine just staying like this for a while." With that he bent down and gave me the sweetest most pure kiss we have ever shared. I sighed in contentment and laid my head down on his chest.
He bent down and kissed the top of my head, and left his head resting there. He pulled the covers up over our shoulders. "Goodnight Bella, I love you." He whispered, then started humming the increasingly familiar tune.
"Goodnight Edward, I love you too." I said as my eyes shut and sleep took me.
