Saturday turned out to be a bright sunny day. From the moment I opened my eyes and saw the sun, my spirits were lifted up. I quickly got ready and headed downstairs. Charlie was already downstairs, wearing his uniform. He told me he had to go to Port Angeles for the day. He dropped me off near Black's house.
When I made it to Jake's house, I was greeted by an extremely giddy Leah. She ran up to me and hugged me with so much force that I instantly thought of Emmett.
"Well, hello to you too. I see you're in a great mood today."
"The sun is shining and the birds are singing. How can you be in a bad mood?" She asked with a big smile.
"Uumm, I'm sorry to break it to you, Leah, but I'm not hearing any birds. Maybe you should get your hearing checked out. Where are the boys?"
"Jake and Seth are grilling. We're having some people over. You've met Sam at the bonfire. He's bringing his girlfriend with him."
"Oh, cool. Do I know her?"
"Yea, my cousin Emily."
"Really? Is that why Sam ran off after meeting me?"
"Yes. Those two are inseparable." Leah chuckled.
"Aha, reminds me of another couple." I nudged her. I saw something reflect off of her left hand. I looked down for a closer inspection and saw an engagement ring.
"Leah!" I screamed. "Why didn't you say anything earlier?" I enveloped her in a hug.
"I was going to but then we changed subject." She was beaming.
"Congratulations! Oh my goodness, I can't believe you're getting married. Where's that big lug? I need to congratulate him too."
"Follow me." And she skipped to where Jake and Seth were at.
Before Jake could say anything, I gave him a bone crushing hug.
"I take it Leah told you." He laughed.
"Not really but either way, congratulations."
"Okay, you can let me go now. I need to keep an eye on the meat."
"Sorry, I didn't realize you were a world renowned chef." I joked and stepped away from Jake.
"And what am I, rotten tomatoes?" Seth whined. I laughed and gave him a hug. All was well with the world.
"So, Bella and I will go down to the beach. We need to have a girl talk. Let us know when the food is ready." Leah said, dragging me away. It took us a couple of minutes to get down to the beach. The moment we were out of the hearing distance, she turned me so I would be facing her.
"Alright, spill." Leah said, surprising me.
"What?" I was confused. I thought we were going to talk about the wedding.
"Don't play with me Swan. You got this glow about you that only a girl in love has. Trust me, I know. So who is it?"
Dang it, she was good.
"It's someone from school." I said, not giving too much away.
"Really, Bella? How dumb do you think I am? Of course it's someone from school. Do I know him?"
"I'm not sure. Do you know the Cullens?"
"Yes! Which one is he? I mean, it doesn't matter. All of them are gorgeous."
"Edward?" Maybe she would leave me alone after this.
"Well, I don't know them by name, I just saw them. Give me a description."
I groaned.
"Don't make me use force, Bella." I gave her a skeptical look. "Just ask Seth."
"Fine! He's the one with red hair. Only it's not really red, more like copper. And he's ridiculously good looking and so sweet." I gushed.
"Honey, you have it bad. But good choice though." She hugged me yet again.
"I wouldn't say it was a choice. I don't know what's going to happen though. I mean, we're just friends."
"Oh, so you're not together?"
"No. I mean, you saw him. And look at me! I'm as plain as it gets. I'm pale, got brown hair and brown eyes. I'm just an average girl." I said bitterly.
"Bella, how can you say that? Any guy would be lucky to have you. And if this Edward is smart, he will hold on to you. Trust me."
"Thanks, Leah. It's so good to talk to someone other than Charlie." I smiled.
"Hey, that's what friends are for right? Oh, before I forget. I would love for you to be my bridesmaid. Would you, please?" She was giving me puppy dog eyes.
"Of course! I would love to. When is the wedding?"
"Not any time soon. We're thinking next year." She was about to say something else but was caught off my Seth telling us to come back.
When we got back to the house, I noticed Sam and Emily. We greeted each other and girls went into the house to set everything up. The rest of the night was spent laughing and reminiscing about the good old days.
My truck magically reappeared in my driveway on Monday morning. Oh, they were good.
Today was my big day. I needed to talk to Edward about the cafeteria incident. Of course, since I had something important to do, the first half of the day was dragging by. Finally lunch came around and I headed towards my table only to find him missing.
"He's avoiding me again." It wasn't a question. "Where is he hiding this time?" I looked over to Alice. If anyone would tell me it would be her. I can always threaten her with no makeovers and shopping for Bella. Ah, it's good to have a secret weapon against someone.
"You wouldn't dare, Bella." Alice hissed.
"Try me!" I challenged.
"Fine!" She huffed. "If you must know, he's in the library. Happy?"
"You have no idea." I started walking away but remembered something else. "Thanks for fixing my truck, Rose. It runs like a dream now." I threw her a quick smile and headed towards the library.
I found him quickly enough. After all, there's only one spot where a vampire can find some peace and quiet. He was listening to music but I knew he heard me. My heart always betrayed me.
"So you want to tell me what's going on?" I asked.
"Why would you think something was going on?" He wasn't making this easy.
"Oh, I don't know. You're avoiding me again." I leaned down to be on the same eye level with him. "You know you're wrong."
"About what exactly?"
"Friday. Cafeteria. Me, freaking out. You, blaming yourself. Ring any bells?"
"Who said it wasn't my fault." He leaned in closer.
"I did. Because if I had a problem with you, I would let you know. Give me some credit, Edward."
He kept staring at me, searching my face for something. He must have found what he was looking for because he smiled at me. I smiled back. I reached out and grabbed his hand. The jolt of electricity ran up my arm. He looked down at our hands. I was never the first one to initiate physical contact. Not when I was fully awake anyway.
"What are you doing?" He asked.
"I'm trying to get you up from the chair." I huffed, tugging his arm.
"You do realize you won't be able to do it."
"Yes, Edward, I know that. Maybe if you would cooperate, this would go a lot faster."
"Ask nicely." He taunted me.
"Edward, can you be a sweetheart and please get up?" I asked in a mockingly sweet voice
"As you wish." He said, getting up from his seat and grabbing his things.
We headed towards cafeteria together. Neither one of us let go of our hands. I liked it more than I should have. I figured I would take whatever I could get at this point.
When we made it to the table, Edward pulled out my chair. I thanked him and took my seat. We were still holding hands. None of his siblings said anything about it and so we went about our usual conversation. I was hyperaware of Edward's presence. No matter who I was talking to, my body was always angled towards him. When he turned his head to talk to someone else at the table, I stole a quick glance. He seemed to be in the same position. Suddenly, he lifted our hands and placed in on his knee. His thumb started rubbing soothing circles on my hand. I smiled and saw him smile also. Mondays were definitely my favorite!
After lunch, we headed to Biology together. Just as I sat down, I heard someone clear their throat. I looked up to see Mike Newton standing extremely close to me.
"Hey Mike. Did you need something?" I asked in a polite voice.
"Hey! Yea, there's something I wanted to ask you. You know, prom is two weeks away and I know no one asked you to go yet. So I was wondering if you wanted to go with me."
I was looking at him with a shocked expression. First of all, how did he know no one asked me? Second of all, how in the world did he decide that I would like to go with him? And thirdly, did he not see me and Edward holding hands at lunch? Granted it didn't mean anything but he didn't know that. I was still gaping at him when I felt a cold hand cover mine. The now familiar shock went through my body.
"I'm sorry Mike but Bella won't be able to go with you. She's going with me." He looked over to me and smiled. The only thing I could do was smile back.
I heard Mike mumble something under his breath but I didn't even bother acknowledging it. I thanked Edward for saving me and was disappointed when he removed his hand from mine. I think my Mondays were not as good as I thought they were.
On Friday, Alice informed me of another sleepover. I tried to fight her about it, saying it was on such short notice. Apparently, she went behind my back and talked to Charlie. She was lucky my dad liked her so much. I was told to go home and grab the necessities and meet her at the house. She was a bossy little pixie.
When I arrived at Cullens, I saw Rose's car missing. I was greeted by Esme at the door. Not a moment later, Edward came down the stairs.
"Alice and Rose went to get supplies, as she told me." He said, taking my bag from me.
"What about Emmett and Jasper?"
"They didn't have a choice."
"What did she mean by supplies?" I was very suspicious. I knew today would be a makeover night but she had so much stuff already.
"You don't want to know."
I gulped. He laughed.
"Laugh it up, Edward. I still blame you."
"Hey, I was not the one to make a deal with Alice. You should've known better." He defended himself.
We were now standing in the middle of the guestroom. Edward put down my bag by the bed and headed towards the door.
"Hey," I called out. "Would you mind keeping me company until Alice comes back?"
"Of course." He stepped back to me. "I've never shown you my room. Would you like to see it?"
I nodded. I was all giddy on the inside. He was going to show me his room!
He opened the door for me and I stepped in, letting out a gasp. His room was beautiful. The left wall was covered in ceiling to floor windows, revealing a breathtaking view of nature. On the opposite side, shelf after shelf of CDs covered the wall. He had some expensive looking entertainment center. A black leather couch was situated in the middle of the room.
"So this is it." He broke the silence.
"You room is amazing, Edward. I bet the view is breathtaking in the morning." I turned around to look at him.
"I believe it's more breathtaking right now."
My breath hitched and I blushed. It felt like he was looking straight into my soul. I quickly looked away and made my way over to the player.
"What are you listening to?" I asked and pushed play. The familiar sound of Claire De Lune filled the room. I looked back him and raised my eyebrow in silent question.
"I told you it was my favorite."
"Mmm. Do you listen to it often?" I asked.
"I've begun to, recently." He moved closer to me, taking both of my hands in his. "It reminds me of you." He confessed.
"Me too." I whispered.
"Dance with me?" He asked, moving my hands in the right position. We started to slowly sway from side to side. Edward then spun me around and brought me back in. My cheek was situated against his chest and I breathed in his scent. It was honey and lilac. Beautiful. Just like him.
The song kept playing and we kept swaying together. I was now wondering why I couldn't tell him how I felt about him. Why was it so difficult to say those words out loud? Just three little words. I love you.
I heard his breath stop and he stopped dead in his tracks. I pushed myself away a bit so I could look at his face. He was looking at me with a look of surprise on his face. Did I do something? I know I didn't say anything. Unless…No! I said it out loud.
I quickly stepped away, putting more distance between us. He kept staring at me.
"Edward, I'm sorry. I didn't mean to…I'm sorry. I'm gonna go…downstairs." I kept mumbling, trying to open the door.
"You're sorry you love me?" He asked, hurt evident in his voice.
"No. No!" I almost screamed, making my way back to him. "I'm not sorry for that. Never." I reached up to touch his face. "You're the best thing that happened in my life. I know you just want be friends and if that's all we can be, I'll be more than happy with that. I don't have any expect…" He put his finger on my mouth to silence me.
"So you're not sorry?" He repeated his question.
I shook my head "No".
"Good." He smiled and removed his finger. "Because I don't want to be sorry either."
It took me a moment to process what he was saying. I looked at him in disbelief. Did he just say he loved me?
He chuckled at my expression. "I love you, Isabella Swan."
I jumped up and wrapped my arms around his neck. He quickly wrapped his hands around my waist to hold me in place.
"I love you. I love you. I love you." I kept whispering into his shoulder. Edward just laughed and spun me around. He then put me down on the floor but kept his hands on my waist.
"You have no idea how good it feels to finally say it out loud." I beamed at him.
"And you have no idea how good it feels to finally hear you say it. When you're awake anyways."
"Wait, what?" I was confused. "You heard me say it in my sleep? When?" I kept asking.
"Sunday night." He looked ashamed.
"You were in my room?" I squeaked.
"There's no good way of saying this so I will just say it." He looked away. "I've been watching over you, making sure you were safe."
"You were watching me sleep?" I clarified.
He nodded. I reached for his face, making me face him.
"For how long?" I needed to know.
"Right after the incident at Port Angeles." He was waiting for my reaction.
I had to think about it for a minute. That's when I first dreamt of him. And that's when my nightmares began to fade away. I voiced my last thought. No need to tell him I've dreamt of him.
"My presence helped?" He was surprised by this information.
"Yes." I smiled, knowing he was the reason behind my peace. I leaned into him, resting my cheek against his chest again. In turn, Edward leaned down and rested his cheek on top of my head. I sighed in contempt. This was surreal. It's like I've been waiting for him my whole life and he was finally here.
"You have no idea how long I've waited for you." I heard him whisper. I tightened my arms around him. He broke our embrace first and took a step back to look at him.
"There's something I've been waiting to try for some time now." He brought his face closer to mine. "I need you to stay still, okay?"
I nodded because I lost my voice. I knew what he was going to do. He was going to kiss me. So I stayed still and watched his face get closer and closer. I closed my eyes and waited. I didn't have to wait long. His cold lips touched mine and the familiar spark of electricity ran down my whole body. That's when I lost control. I sharply inhaled and raised myself to get closer to him. My hands moved on their own accord, reaching the back of his neck and latching on to his hair. Our lips were moving in synchronization. I let out a small sigh against his lips. I felt his hands tighten on me and felt a growl vibrate through his body and mine.
Edward walked me backwards and my legs hit the couch. I fell back, dragging him down with me. We never broke apart. He was now on top of me, supporting his weight with his hands. Our lips kept moving more and more frantically. I arched my back to get closer to him. And that's when I felt him jump away. I quickly sat up and steadied myself. Apparently I forgot about the importance of air during our kiss and was now feeling dizzy.
I looked up to find Edward in the very back of his room. What was wrong?
"I'm sorry. I got carried away." He said guilt laced in his words.
"It's alright. You weren't the only one." I smiled encouragingly.
"I can never lose control with you, Bella. I could never live with myself if I hurt you." He cast down his eyes.
I quickly jumped off the couch and went over to him.
"You won't hurt me, I know that. So don't even think that way." I took his hand in mine. He gave me a small smile.
"Alice is home." I groaned and Edward laughed at my reaction.
"I guess I have to go take my punishment." I said grimly.
We made our way downstairs to find the four of them sitting in the living room. We ended up standing next to each other. I wasn't sure if he wanted to tell his family about us yet.
"Hello, Bella. Edward. Did you guys have a good time?" Alice winked at me. Rose gave me an all knowing look. I poked my tongue out at them. Their musical laugh filled the room.
"Am I missing something?" Emmett asked.
"So what did you buy?" I asked Alice before anyone could say anything.
"Well, let's see. I got couple of masks, some creams and finishing sprays. Oooh, also hair products. We're going to make you beautiful, Bella." She finished and I flinched.
"More like you're going to torture me."
"You know, Alice," Edward spoke up, hugging me from behind and placing his chin on my shoulder. "I think Bella is already beautiful and I love her just the way she is."
I felt shivers run down my spine from his words. I knew he felt it and turned to give him a smile. I leaned back into Edward, put my hand on top of his, and waited for everyone's reaction. Alice was first, squealing at the top of her lungs, followed by Rose. Edward hushed them. Jasper was wearing an all knowing smile. I guess he could feel this one coming. I heard Esme rush out of the kitchen. Emmett was the last one.
All of the sudden, both Edward and I were in the middle of a group hug. I kept hearing "Congratulation" and "It's about time" from all of the sides.
"Okay, human here. Need some breathing room."
"Oh, sorry, Bella. You have no idea how good it's finally to see you two together. And you took your time, too." Alice spoke up.
"Wait, what? You mean you've known all along?" I asked, surprised by her revelation.
"Well, of course. Psychic, remember?" She said, tapping her forehead.
"A little warning would've been nice." I grumbled.
"Ah, but where's the fun in that? It was so adorable to watch you two be in denial." She walked over and dragged me away. "You've had your time with her, now she's mine." And with that, she started pulling me upstairs. "And don't even think about running away. I've seen this. You're getting a makeover."
I groaned in response. This was going to be a long night.