Disclaimer: I own nothing; Stephanie Meyer owns it all.
I rolled over seeing the bright sun shining through my eyelids. I groaned softly rolling back over allowing my eyes to slowly open in the shadows. The pounding started instantly. I sat up grabbing my head swinging my legs over the edge of the bed. A bottle caught my eye on my bedside table. I smirked seeing the aspirin and water sitting side by side. I took out a couple of the little red pills downing it with the water. As my mind and body readjusted to sitting I finally stood up feeling my stomach turn in an uncomfortable way. The scent of my own stale beer and liquor body mixed with the hangover was making my stomach uneasy. I walked into the bathroom quickly flicking on the shower leaving the light off.
I stripped off my dirty clothes and stepped into the relaxing warm water allowing it to run over my sticky body. I could feel all my muscles begin to relax making my headache feel better. I sat down in the tub curled up in a ball letting last night's memories flood my brain. I came so close to doing what I vowed never to do. No matter how Jake was treating me or how much I wanted to kiss Edward; that was inacceptable. I needed to remain faithful to one man. But Sarah; why was Jacob with Sarah? Was Angela right? Was Jacob cheating on me? I sighed rolling my head back and forth on my knees. What was I going to do? I could always break up with him but with what real reason. I was just inferring that they were cheating but they could've been just hanging out, they were friends after all. I was too confused. And Edward just made it that much harder, when he wasn't here I could think clearly, but in front of me I didn't know right from wrong anymore.
The water ran cold and I eventually flipped off the water drip drying for a few seconds before the cool air caused goose bumps on my skin. I stood up and dried off walking back into my room grabbing a pair of sweat pants and a baggy shirt. I grabbed my phone and a blanket walking downstairs avoiding putting my eyes into direct sunlight. Damn Edward, he was bad news. I'm done feeling lonely without him, I cannot keep doing this. I am a college bound girl with a boy who loves me and who I am going to spend the rest of my life with. I'm done with Edward, he's a bad mistake.
I turned on the TV and sighed flipping through the channels until the news caught my attention. I was never the cartoon kind of kid. I sighed snuggling down into the couch as I watched the headlines scroll across the television. My eye lids began to grow heavy again to which I was thankful, I could feel a second headache coming on. I rolled over placing my back to the TV as my mind blanked over.
A loud crash snapped my mind from blackness and I slowly opened my eyes turning over onto my back seeing the sunlight wasn't piercing through the room like it had been before I fell asleep. I sighed rubbing my eyes as my mother silently hushed my father.
"You're going to wake Bella; we need to make sure she's sleeping." I furrowed my eyebrows sitting up from the couch looking towards the kitchen.
"Why do I need to be sleeping?" I asked tiredly glancing at the clock. I had managed to sleep for another 8 hours. I know last night took it out of me but I guess my body needed some sleep. I hadn't been sleeping as well lately since we moved here; I guess my body finally relaxed.
"Shit," mom muttered softly. I stood from the couch slowly allowing the blood to flow to my brain slowly. All effects the booze would've had on my body were now long gone. I stood and walked towards the kitchen searching for my evasive parents. Mom and dad were both cooking side by side in the kitchen, something that smelled delicious. They both turned towards me and moms face was a bright red. Dad just continued to smile and shake his head.
"It's probably best that she woke up now, she'd be even madder if she couldn't have gotten ready first." I slit my eyes as mom adverted her eyes looking down at the ground. Dad chuckled and stepped forward. "Bella we're having some guests over for dinner." My eyes opened wide and I glanced at the table seeing two of the leafs were now placed into the table doubling its size. There was seating for 10 people. My jaw dropped as I snapped my glare back to my parents as I waited for the answer I knew they were hiding.
"It's Dr. Carlisle." I clenched my jaw shaking my head. Edward's father.
"Who else?" I seethed. They both sighed and looked away.
"His wife and kids." I groaned softly. No, no, no. This is not what I needed. I shook my head hearing a car pull up the road and park off in our gravel driveway. I clenched my eyes tightly. I wouldn't be able to escape. Mom and dad both gave me empathetic smiles as I turned on my heels and walked upstairs.
"You both owe me so hard." They both chuckled as I stormed up the stairs. It was a good thing I'd taken a shower this morning because last night stench would've been radiating off of me. I slipped into my room the moment that the door opened. The hairs stood on my back of my neck as that familiar booming laugh echoed through the house, the same laugh I burned into my brain the first night I met Edward, it was his brother. I clenched my jaw shuffling through my dresser trying to find a decent outfit. I wasn't going to be a bum. I grabbed a pair of jeans and a black shirt throwing my hair up into a bun on my head. I wasn't trying to look sexy. But the thought of sexy instantly shot my brain to Edward. Edward was downstairs with the rest of his family, waiting. How am I expected to get through this? I've had a rough couple of days dealing with this kid; and now his entire family just walked into my house.
"Bella come down dear." Mom shouted at me from downstairs. I sighed rolling my eyes stepping towards the door walking out into the hallway. I walked down the plush carpeted hallway and worked my way down the staircase.
"Renee, Charlie. I love your house. It's so cozy and homey." I smirked slightly. Whoever that was sounded nice, I could like her. And judging on the kind of person that Carlisle was, that was probably his wife. I sighed taking each step slowly wishing a hole would open up in the floor and swallow me whole. Sadly, that didn't happen. My foot hit the main floor and chills went up my spine with Edward's soothing chuckle rang through my house follow by my mother's girly giggle. I rolled my eyes. Many voices picked up into conversation causing me to pause momentarily, how many kid did this guy have?
"I'm excited to meet your daughter. I feel like we're going to be good friends." I furrowed my eyebrows to the unfamiliar voice. I took one more final breath and stepped around the corner into the living room and stopped the second I made eye contact with the big man from the party and his skinny apprentice by his side. Both their mouths dropped open. I suppose Edward's brothers were more than just a fraternity. My eyes instinctually began searching for Edward with his face clear in my mind. I scanned across two girls who stood beside Emmett and skinny. For a moment I thought they were strangers but another moment's glance made memories I had tried to lock away in my brain push back with a force. The two girls from the party. My eyes opened wide and the two girls began to look at me confused. The room was too quiet. Carlisle looked at us all confused and cleared his throat.
"Bella, this is my wife Esme." I snapped my eyes to the woman by his side and was instantly struck by her beauty; much like Edward had done to me. Edward. Where was Edward? I almost lost control and began searching for him, almost panicking that he really wasn't here, but I refrained. Edward wasn't mine and he wasn't going to be mine. I stepped forward and shook Esme's hand. She rolled her eyes pulling me in for a hug.
"It's great to finally meet you Bella; I've heard so many great things about you from your mother and father." I smiled kindly.
"It's a pleasure meeting you as well Esme. I love your name." She grinned ear to ear and nodded.
"And these are my children. Edward. Alice and Rosalie. Emmett and Jasper." I spun and sighed looking back at the still shocked faces which stood behind me. The two girls looked at the men confused as they just shook their heads.
"Yea, we've met." I said softly. Carlisle slit his eyes as Esme cocked her head off to the side.
"You, this is where he's been sneaking off to." I clenched my jaw shaking my head as I finally allowed myself to look for Edward and when I found him my heart stuttered in my chest. Edward's lopsided grin continued to look right at me, like he'd been staring at me this entire time. Edward just nodded once giving me a playful wink. I snapped back to reality and dropped my gaze looking down at my feet, feet were safe.
"I cannot believe this. I told you." Jasper said amused follow up with a hearty laugh. I looked back up and Edward continued to stare at me as his brothers just looked between us both shocked. Carlisle and Esme stared on in understanding taking everything in stride but my poor parents and his sisters just walked into a whole lot of mess.
"Sweetie, you know Dr. Carlisle's children; I thought you were just with Edward last night." Mom asked innocently. I groaned as Emmett and Jasper gasped covering their mouths. Edward began laughing as he took a decisive step towards me, effectively causing me to take a step back. I was learning.
"Alright, what's happening here?" The short black haired girl finally piped in. Thank god. Mom and dad looked around the room trying to figure out how much they had missed. Carlisle and Esme just smiled looking between Edward and me, like they knew. Mom and dad just listened on interested as we looked at one another, Edward still taking deft steps towards me.
"Remember that party about a month ago? That's where I first met Emmett and Jasper. I saw Alice and Rosalie dancing. And Edward was in there." I played it off as Edward slit his eyes shaking his head. I just shrugged my shoulders, I was sober again and not his best friend right now. None of them. Emmett and Jasper began laughing as they mocked Edward.
"You were there. That's it." I snapped my glare at Emmett as Edward continued to smile and seem too self-assured. He looked to my parents and instantly my stomach dropped. He's better not say something stupid.
"I met Bella and we bonded." My mother lifted an eyebrow as my father slit his eyes at the vague words. I sighed softly. My parents didn't need to know all my dirty little secrets.
"Bonded?" Rosalie asked. I just shook my head. We needed to drop it there. Alice bounced up to my side happily and hugged me quickly.
"I don't care if they didn't tell me about you; I still think we'll be great friends." I nodded confused. Well she was very forward.
"What do you mean by bonded?" Rosalie pushed. I grit my teeth as Edward just continued to look at me happily. He was blackmailing me. My parents waited patiently as Edward turned to look at my parents.
"Edward I need to give you money for the cab ride last night. My purse is in the kitchen, come with me." Edward nodded in understanding as his parents looked apprehensive.
"Son, don't," Carlisle started. Edward just laughed and shook his head.
"I won't take the money, don't worry." I just sighed and shook my head. Damn him. I turned and walked into the adjoining room. I could hear Edward's footsteps following after me.
"Well that was the strangest introduction I think I've ever seen." My father said breaking the awkward silence. I just shook my head walking directly to my purse pulling out my wallet. I did intend on paying him. When I turned back around Edward was standing a foot away looking at me intently.
"So I was just there huh? You don't remember me grabbing you like this," he reached forward latching tightly onto my waist and pulling me flush against his check causing the flames to erupt within my stomach. My wallet clattered to the floor at the sudden action. "or the feeling you're having right now?" I just clenched my jaw as Edward leaned in breaking my will with his eyes.
"Edward, I'm just trying to give you money." I said shakily.
"Everything okay in there?" Jasper shouted amused. I nodded.
"We're good." My voice broke giving Edward clear satisfaction. I pushed him away and grabbed my wallet from the floor quickly. I had no self-will around him. At a distance I would strong, he touched me and I unraveled. Edward smirked as I pulled out 40 dollars holding it out for him to take. He just rolled his eyes.
"I'm not taking that." I cocked my head back as he crossed his arms over his chest.
"I owe you. That was a long trip. At least let me give you some money for the trip." He laughed and shook his head.
"Really, that night was all on me. I was very happy how things went. Remember, no more running." I slit my eyes. Damn him. Why wasn't he drunker?
"Take it." I said firmly. I didn't exactly like the kid but I wasn't going to be in his debt either.
"Kiss me." I opened my eyes widely and held my breath. That was the first time he'd said that since I'd met him, but the butterflies in my stomach felt new. I leaned in slowly and he just cocked an eyebrow amused as I continued to lean in. He was a fool if he honestly thought I was going to give in like that. I had more self-respect than that. He waited patiently as I bit my lower lip sexily. His eyes glazed over with pure desire.
"Gotta work harder than that." I said softly as he continued to stare at me stunned. I reached forward slipping the money into his front pocket walking past him. I took a deep breath amazed with myself for being able to pull that off. I could hear Edward exhale sharply as he spun on his squeaky shoes and followed after me. Everyone looked at us wickedly as we walked in and stood in the entry way. Edward snuck an arm around my waist and hugged me tightly refusing to allow me to slip away. My mother beamed happily as I just continued to shoot daggers at her.
"Well the roast should be just about done. Why don't we all move into the kitchen?" Mom said slowly looking at Edward's arm around me. Dad just chuckled and ushered his wife out of the room. Carlisle and Esme followed close behind them. We kids were left alone in the room and I didn't hesitate to shove Edward aside. Emmett and Jasper laughed shaking their heads.
"Damn, you had us going good. We thought you really weren't interested in her. We said she was going to be perfect. We were right." Emmett boomed. I turned a bright red my face heating up as Edward glared at his brothers. Alice and Rosalie rolled their eyes standing beside me.
"It's about time Edward was shot down. I like this girl." Rosalie said happily dropping an arm over my shoulders. I just chuckled and nodded. Well at least his sisters I would be able to get along with.
"Kids. Dinner." Mom said happily. I sighed stepping forward keeping Alice and Rosalie between Edward and I. He just smiled and continued to stare at me. He was unshakeable. Why can't he just give up? My mind momentarily shifted to a world without Edward and pain shot through my heart but I quickly squashed the feeling. Jacob, I had Jacob and Jacob had me. I wasn't available. And Edward certainly wasn't the man for me.
As we filed into the room mom and dad were already sitting at the heads of the table. Carlisle and Esme on the far side of the table. Rosalie and Emmett were quick to take the seats besides then leaving only the 4 open seats nearest us, all side by side. I groaned softly. Emmett snickered softly. Edward chuckled ushering me towards one of the two middle seats taking the other open one on my left. Jasper and Alice easily shifted down into the other two seats, Alice on my right. My mother seemed satisfied grinning as she began to pass the food around. Everyone took some of everything. Edward wouldn't hesitate to brush his fingers with mine every time I handed him the food. Alice continued to smile widely as she stared at me happily slightly bouncing in her seat.
"So Bella, what have you and our little Edward been up to lately?" I choked on my food momentarily as Edward rubbed his leg up against mine. Esme didn't hesitate to reach over and smack Emmett on the back of his head. Everyone at the table tried to hide their smiles as Esme continued to place the fork full of food into her mouth without a word.
"What would you like to do in life Bella?" I just laughed as my mother and father nodded. It was like their own secret way of keeping from being embarrassed. Emmett just sadly ate his food, and silently I might add. I shrugged my shoulders turning my attention to Carlisle and Esme.
"I'm not quite sure. I haven't really gotten my calling yet I don't think. When did you know when you wanted to become a doctor?" I asked kindly. All the Cullen's laughed softly as they continued to eat. Esme looked at her husband lovingly as he just sighed.
"When I was a kid I was walking down the street and the annoying girl from the down the street had just gotten a new bike and learned how to ride it," Carlisle paused looking to Esme. So they were perfect for each other since the beginning. "She passed me on the street sticking out her tongue and wasn't looking forward in that split second. She hit a hole in the ground and fell tumbling over into a ditch. I ran to get help and she wasn't awake. I pulled her out and got her up onto the main street running back to my house calling for an ambulance. I ran back outside and sat with her until they got to me and I refused to let them leave me behind."
"All 10 years of him." Esme softly chimed in. Edward dropped a hand softly down onto my knee and I tried to subtly shake it off, but without success. Emmett hummed knowingly as my mother listened to the conversation in girly glee.
"I may have been young, but I was a man. I got to witness firsthand how a hospital worked and it amazed me that they were able to save her, just with their hands. And so I knew. I wanted to become a doctor." I just smiled like a fool and awed. That was the most adorable story that I have ever heard.
"How long ago was that?" Mom asked excitedly.
"Forever ago." They both said cheesily. My mother awed as my father nodded approvingly. Alice and Rosalie sighed with big smiles on their face. The boys snorted. Edward continued to massage his hand up my thigh. I shook slightly and my mom just glanced at me with a knowing smile. Damn her and her unconventional ways.
"So Alice, do you have a boyfriend?" Jasper choked on his water as Alice patted his back giggling.
"Yea I do Rene. It's actually Jasper." My mother stopped chewing and tried to hide her puzzling look at Alice. My father hummed judgingly and nodded continuing to eat. Esme rolled her eyes and shook her head as Carlisle sighed. Well this was awkward. Dating, I know they were adopted but still, that was a little strange. Mom recomposed herself as Esme frowned. I don't think she liked it when her children made other people feel uncomfortable. I looked at mom pointedly and she snapped out of her stupor.
"That's wonderful dear, really. It must be wonderful having him around all the time." Alice giggled and nodded. Carlisle sighed and shook his head.
"I'm sorry that might've come across as shocking Rene. It certainly did to us when they told us. And then these two were soon to follow." My mom's eyes snapped to Emmett and Rosalie as they both had big grins on their faces. Edward chuckled and takes a bite of his food looking at me with a wink. So they were all paired off, all but Edward. Wonderful. My father furrowed his eyebrows looking between the children landing on Edward last and glancing to me momentarily. He wouldn't say something.
"Rene now put your mouth back together. Alice, Jasper, Emmett, and Rosalie. I'm happy for you all. Forgive my bluntness, but it's a little shocking because I was under the impression that you all were more like brothers and sisters I stand corrected and I apologize. Edward seeing as you're the last single one it would stand to reason that you are an eligible bachelor." I closed my eyes as my father shifted my eyes to me. Emmett and Jasper began laughing as Esme covered her mouth trying to hide her smile. I just continued to eat. This was horrible.
"Dad, don't." I said softly. He just shrugged his shoulders turning his attention back to his food. Edward smirked looking at me.
"What Bella? What's wrong? He was just asking if I was single. And I am Charlie, for now." Emmett oohed shaking his head. I clenched my jaw annoyed. Damn him. Mom just giggled along with Esme. I frowned, I wasn't very hungry anymore.
"Bella you go on Spring Break next week correct?" Esme asked kindly. I nodded.
"Yes I do thank you for asking. I'm looking forward to a break." She smiled and nodded.
"Yea so do we, maybe we'll see each other Bella." Edward said softly casing me to get goose bumps. My stomach flipped as I tried to calm my heart. Why couldn't I push him away?
"Yea maybe we will." Emmett said evilly. I clenched my jaw as Esme frowned smacking the back of her son's head again. He huffed looking down as Rosalie snickered.
"Alright kids, I think it's about time we get heading home. Let these fine people get some sleep. Rene, Charlie thank you so much for your hospitality and the amazing food. We need to do it again sometime, maybe without our children." My parents laughed as we all glared. It's not my fault their children are horrible. Well, maybe just Edward. We all stood from the table and walked our way into the entry way. Emmett, Rosalie, Alice, Jasper and Carlisle all gave their hugs and handshakes before walking outside towards their hummer.
"Ooh I forgot my purse." Esme said frustrated. Edward chuckled putting a hand up walking back towards the house. He brushed his arm against mine causing me to shiver. Esme followed after the others towards the car.
"Bella, Dad has a convention to go to next Friday and Saturday. So you'll be home by yourself." I nodded and shrugged my shoulders as my mom looked at me nervously.
"Okay that's fine. I'll be alright." She shook her head slowly. Dad just chuckled.
"I can check on her." My eyes opened wide as I turned my head slowly seeing Edward standing in the entryway holding his mother's purse, the only man sexy enough to pull it off. My mom's eyes brightened up as my dad nodded satisfied.
"Oh Edward, that would be great if you could do that for us. It would make me feel better knowing a man would be around." I shook my head as Edward smiled.
"Oh Edward, no really you don't need to." He just smirked stepping forward winking sexily. I could feel my cheeks heat up.
"I want to. Really. I'll see you and check in on you and stay as long as I need to." I was found speechless. I couldn't say anything, what could I say. Did my libido want him here, of course. Did my brain, hell no.
"We're leaving Friday morning. We'll be gone Friday all day, Friday night, Saturday all day, Saturday night, and won't be back until 11; no earlier don't worry." My mouth fell open as Edward just smiled and nodded. Dad just shrugged his shoulder turning and walking back into the kitchen mom following closely behind him. I looked to Edward as he smirked and shook his head.
"Bella. Remember what you said, no more running." I rolled my eyes.
"I was drunk." I defended. He chuckled and nodded.
"I know but you promised. The harder you push back the harder I get." My mouth fell open as he turned walking outside jogging to the car. I stood letting his last words run through my head. He surly must've meant something else right. There's no way that he meant, I shivered.
"I'm going to bed." I said tiredly shutting the door before turning and walking upstairs. I slunk back into my room and face planted onto my bed frustrated. Ugh he was a pain in my ass. Why can't he just go away? What was his interest anyway, he was a college frat guy and I was a high school junior. Even if I wasn't with Jake interest could he possibly have with me? There's no way that it would've ever worked. It was the fact that I was taken which interested him, and once he broke me in then he would be just like every other man and leave. I picked up my phone and dialed Jake's number waiting patiently as it rang. I could hear it pick up but there was no response.
"Hello?" I asked confused. I could hear the phone being banged around; he must've answered it by accident, maybe in his back pocket.
"Ahh Jake stop," the hairs on the back of my neck stood on end. Oh no. I could feel that same familiar feeling make my stomach feel nauseous; but this time I didn't have Edward to hold my hand.
"Sarah be quiet. You're too loud." Jake shushed softly. I covered my mouth shaking my head trying to keep the tears springing to my eyes. It was 7 here which meant it was 11 there. What would Jake me doing with Sarah at 11 on a school night?
"Jakey do you really have to go?" I clenched my jaw shaking my head, then the anger set in. I was pissed. How dare he? I was fighting against temptation for him, and he was whoreing around with her.
"Oh shit." He said quickly and soon the banging around stopped. "Bella, baby? Are you there?" I kept quiet and stopped breathing as he now spoke right into the phone. I had nothing to say to him. He didn't deserve me to speak to him. He hummed and the connection was cut off. I set my phone on my desk and sat in my bed shaking from the anger. Damn him. I couldn't do anything. If I called him out on it over the phone that would make me an accusatory bitch. What do I do now? I grunted falling back onto my bed. Edward's making thinking impossible. I wish I never moved here. Edward was perfect and was going to go onto having a perfect wife and perfect children. I was forever destined to be with men like Jacob. Apparently I was never going to be worthy enough. A joke to both Jacob and Edward. Talk about a downer.