Chapter 11
Edwards POV
It was painful, to watch my sweet Bella struggle with her new found thirst. I knew exactly how hard it was for her. I remembered when I was changed and how hard it was for me to keep myself from attacking every human I saw.
I could tell the car ride home was excruciatingly hard for her. Every now and then I noticed her grabbing the handle of the car. I could tell she had no intention of getting out though so I let her do it. I would let her do anything to make herself more comfortable.
Now we were heading down the winding road back into Forks. I could see the buildings and houses in the distance. I was so relieved to be almost there. I was hoping that no one would see us and it seemed that my hopes were coming true, being a small town, there weren't many cars on the road so we got through town with no one seeing us. Pulling into the long driveway of my family's house I felt a wave of joy and calm wash over me. The calm was no doubt coming from my brother, Jasper and not directed towards me but towards Bella. Jasper knew just as well if not better, being not too used to our lifestyle, how hard it was for a newborn to be exposed to humans.
I looked over and the grin playing across Bella's face told me she knew the same thing. Arriving at the house, I couldn't help but feel excited and completely at home.
Before we even made it to the garage my whole family was already outside the house excited to greet us. Alice was jumping up and down with joy, even though Rosalie didn't like Bella too much, even she looked happy to see us. Not two seconds after the car had stopped Bella was out of the car and in an embrace with Alice, telling her how much she'd missed her.
I walked up and said hello to my parents.
"Edward, Its so nice to see you both safe." Esme said pulling me into her arms.
"Its nice to see you too Esme." I said hugging her tightly.
I looked over at Bella and saw that Emmett had pulled her into his tight bear hugs. The look on her face told me she was happy that she didn't have to breathe anymore. Even Rose hugged Bella which made me feel good. It was nice to know that my whole family was there to support us.
"So, Bella, When do we get to take you hunting? I wanna see what you can do." I heard my oldest brother say.
"Emmett she hasn't hunted yet, I think its best that Bella and I go alone for her first time." I said.
He just shrugged and made his way into the house behind Rosalie.
Bella's POV
I couldn't believe how good it felt to be home. I never in my whole life thought I would love Forks as much as I did. The best part about it though, was seeing the Cullens again. I loved them so much. It was nice to have Alice back. She was my best friend and it might sound so human but I needed her right now. Even Rose seemed genuinely happy to see us when we arrived.
Sitting in the living room with them, all I could do was look around at all of their faces. I loved them so much. I couldn't picture life without them. Jasper had let his guard down now that he didn't have to worry about me falling and bleeding and then tearing me apart. I felt like I was just meeting him for the first time. He was so funny and sweet. A completely different person and I felt special being able to see this side of him. I understood now why Alice had fallen in love with him.
I looked beside me at Edward who hadn't left my side except to have a short wrestling session with Emmett and he looked so peaceful and happy. All I could do was smile. I leaned over and kissed him gently on the lips.
I loved being with the family and spending time but I was feeling thirsty again. The burning in my throat was starting to get overwhelming.
I looked at Edward and it was like he knew what I was thinking. He nodded and took my hand and led me out of the house and into the woods.
"Edward, I'm nervous, what if I can't hunt?" I said.
He smiled and took my face in his hands.
"Darling, its just like riding a bike. Its basic instinct."
That didn't ease my nerves very much seeing as how I was so uncoordinated that I didn't learn to ride a bike till I was twelve years old. I decided to keep that fact to myself though.
We made our way into the forest and Edward looked at me and grinned. He let go of my hand and took off running so fast I could barely see him moving. Laughing I took off too. Catching up to him.
Just then something caught my attention. It was the most overwhelming scent I'd smelled since I'd been around the humans. I quickly changed course without saying anything to Edward and I followed the scent until I came across a deer that had gotten separated from its herd.
Before I knew it I had the animal pinned down with my teeth sunk into its veins. The warm liquid going down my throat made me feel so strong so liberated. It almost made me feel high in a way. I kept sucking until there was nothing left flowing into my mouth and finally pulled away. Feeling satisfied with myself. I straightened myself out and turned around to see Edward staring at me, a smile playing across his face.
"I told you, just like riding a bike." he said.
If he only knew how much easier hunting was for me then riding a bike. I just giggled a little bit.
Edward's POV
I knew she'd do fine. She was adjusting to her new lifestyle very well. I stood there watching her as she drank from a deer and I couldn't help but feel proud. She was my Bella, my strong Bella. I loved her so much.
It made me feel so special to be able to share this experience with her. She turned around and looked at me. I could tell she was embarrassed but I didn't care.
"I told you, just like riding a bike.", I said.
She giggled and I swear if my heart was still beating it would have melted. She was so beautiful and adorable. I opened my arms and motioned her to me. I pressed myself up against her and leaned down and kissed her still soft lips.
"You didn't even make a mess." I said with a laugh.
She just looked up at me and smiled playfully.
"I bet you can't catch me." she said.
And she took off running further into the woods. I knew exactly where she was going. We hadn't been there in what seemed like ages and I'm glad she was going there.
She was headed for our meadow.
I gave her a bit of a head start and then went after her. She really was fast for a newborn just learning her strengths. It was hard for me to catch up but I did eventually. It was right before the mouth of the meadow, and as soon as I caught her I smacked into her back and it sounded out through the air like thunder. We fell laughing to the ground, me on top of her.
"I guess you caught me." she said, staring into my eyes.
"I guess I did." I said with a smile.
She leaned up and kissed me softly.
"Edward, I was wondering." she looked up at me curiously.
"What is it, love?" I asked.
"Umm, Do I still, you know, smell good to you?" she asked.
All I could do was smile.
"Lets see, shall we?"
I leaned down and put my lips to her jaw line, kissing softly, taking in her neck. I moved down to her neck. Kissing ever inch of it. Every now and then she would take in a deep breath and I knew I was driving her crazy. I moved down her neck further almost to her shoulder and then back up to her mouth, kissing her passionately.
"Yes my love, you still fantastic to me." I said.
She leaned up and pulled me down for another kiss. We must've been there for at least 10 minutes when I heard it. Someone else's thoughts. I had to listen for a minute to realize who it was and when I did, I almost growled with anger.
It was the dog.
God, I miss her so much. I never thought I would feel for someone as much as I do for Bella. I wonder if she'll ever come back. If she does, I wonder if she'll be... one of them. I already talked to Sam and because of the circumstances, the Cullen's wouldn't have broken the treaty. It was for Bella's safety and even if she is one of them, it won't change how I feel about her.
I pulled away from Bella's kiss and she could see the anger in my expression.
"Edward, honey, what's wrong?" she asked, concern in her voice.
"Its nothing, we just need to go home." I said.
I wanted to get her home before he picked up our scent and came out here. I got up off of her and took her hand, leading her towards the edge of the meadow but it was too late. He was closer than I thought. He was walking by and caught our scent and looked in our direction. He started walking towards us and I thought my nerves were going to explode.
"Bella?" he said.
Bella looked up and saw him for the first time since we'd left.
Bella's POV
"Bella?"
My no longer beating heart jumped straight out of my chest. I looked up and saw him. Jacob.
"Jake? Is that really you?" Duh, you idiot! Of course its him. I thought.
"Bella, Oh my god, I'm so glad to see you! I'm so glad you're okay! But," he looked at my face and body. "Oh, I see, You've been changed."
A mix of emotions played across his face. He looked happy and sad all the time. It was breaking my heart to see the sadness.
"How have you been, Jacob?" I asked. Staring at his face. His big brown eyes, his long messed up hair, he was still my Jacob.
How have I been? Hmm, lets see, I've been thinking about you ever since you left. The pack hates me for it. And the girl, you, who I imprinted on is in love with my worst enemy!
I stared at his face. His mouth never moved. I just read his mind. But that didn't even matter to me. What mattered was what I heard.
A/N: Hey guys, I'm so sorry its been so long between chapters. I've just been really busy lately. I promise, there is alot more to come with Bella, Edward, and Jacob.
