Ok, Its 5:27 am here and I'm exausted but I finally got this chapter done. You'll just have to forgive to obvious spelling errors, It's too late for spell check. I tried to make this Chap longer but dont think it worked, I hope that the content makes up for the low word count.
Thanks sooooo much to Midnight Seductress for being such a great fan and letting me bounce ideas off her. Also for letting me black mail her into posting her next chapter before I did. (-:
In the face of her rejection I wanted to run and never come back. Bella clearly decided that she didn't want to see me and I couldn't blame her. I'm a vampire who just recently got out of a sixty year marriage and could kill her without a thought. Realistically I know I have to face her. I was expected to go to school and Esme would be heartbroken if I suddenly vanished. I would just have to make sure that I gave Bella all the distance that I could, she didn't need me following her around like a kicked puppy.
I turned my bike onto the highway and quickly reached speeds a human would have lost control at. I revelled in the wind rushing by me imagining that it could sweep away the rejection and the ach in my chest. Too soon I reached the school and had to slow down. As I entered the parking lot I made sure to park far from Bella's truck and kept my head down as I hurried towards class at a ridiculously slow human pace.
Morning classes passed in a blur of anonymity and it rained hard making me thankful my bike was under a tree. By the time lunch came Emmett had stopped trying to get my attention and had written his assigned work backwards. I think he handed it in that way but I wasn't paying enough attention to notice. As we headed towards the caff I saw Edward walking beside Bella who was steadily getting angrier at him as he tried to talk to her. I looked back in front of me as we joined the food line and grabbed the first thing that I saw without caring what it was. Once we were settled at our normal table I was doing my best not to look in Bella's direction. I could hear Edward talking to her though and Bella finally snapping.
Bella hissed quietly to try to avoid extra attention. 'What do you want Edward!'
Edward had the gall to look surprised by her reaction. 'I just want to get to know you better. I know that I was a jerk before but I want to make it up to you.'
Bella frowned and nodded but I could feel her frustration and anger. Edward led her to an empty table and sat opposite her. I looked away again but couldn't help listening as Edward tried to peace keep again. 'I know that you have every right to be angry that I was a jerk but I want to tell you everything. I'll explain what ever you want.'
I could just see them out of my peripheral vision and Bella was only half listening too him. She was looking at my table. Edward noticed where she was looking. 'I'll explain my whole family too.'
Bella turned her attention back to Edward as Rose muttered to quietly for Edward to hear. 'Doesn't she already know?' I nodded and glanced at my brother and sister, they were listening just as much as I was even though we were all looking in different directions.
Bella was staring at Edward barely interested. 'Go for it then.'
Edward was silent for a second and I could feel frustration as he couldn't read her mind and happiness that she wasn't being so hostile to him. Proberly that she wasn't beeping too. I couldn't help a small smirk at how gullible and stupid he could be. 'This isn't really the place for a conversation like that. That's why I wanted to do something tomorrow together. We could talk in private.'
Bella sighed and picked at her food. She didn't say anything and I felt Edwards frustration growing. Suddenly Bella let off a spike of humour and smirked. 'So are you gong to eat your lunch Edward?'
I heard Emmett snort quietly to smother a laugh and Edward looked down at the greasy food on his plate. I could feel the disgust coming from him and waves of joy and humour from Rose and Emmett. I looked up unable to stop myself. Edward picked up the food and braced himself, he took one bit and resolutely chewed it and swallowed. Emmett and Rose were openly laughing now and I smirked too. Bella raised her eyebrow and hid her smirk behind her hand. I wanted to stop her, she had the most beautiful smile and it should never be hidden.
Edward was clueless about Bella's sudden amusement at him eating and he got even more frustrated. 'What are you thinking?'
Bella looked at him blushing I smiled but Edward stiffened and a moment later my thirst got stronger. I just wanted to hit him over the head, he was making being at school so much harder. Bella drank from her bottle and assessed the food in front of Edward. 'You must feel like a scavenger.'
Edward was completely confused by that and it frustrated him even more to be confused by her comment instead of making things clearer. It seemed that the idea that Bella already knew exactly what he was -a predator- wouldn't occur to him. I was thankful that Rose and Emmett were keeping it from Edward, I don't think Edward trying to rip my head off in school was a good idea. Bella looked up at my table again and I ducked my head. She wouldn't want me watching her, she didn't want anything to do with me.
Bella organised her tray and stood up. 'I've got some things to do before class. See you later.' Before Edward could respond she walked away dumping her rubbish and heading to the door. I saw her look back at my table again as she reached the door but kept my head down and only watched in my peripheral vision. The bell rang two minuets later and everyone got ready for classes.
I followed the other students out the main door and saw Bella standing a few feet from the other side waiting and looking around. Edward smiled and walked up to her. I guess she had meant later to be soon. I slipped through some smaller students and made my way to class without looking back. I wanted Bella to be waiting for me, but it was obvious that she wanted to give Edward a chance to make up to her for being an ass. Maybe she wanted to be with him because he didn't have all the baggage I did, maybe she just didn't like me that much. My thought process followed the same pattern for the whole class and when I swapped to my last class I barely noticed when I stood up to do my report at the front of the class. It didn't matter, as long as I smiled Ms. Berlock would give me an A.
It had been a long day so when it finally ended I couldn't get to my bike quick enough. I dumped my books in my locker and followed the other students towards the car park. I saw Edward standing next to Bella on the grass in front of the parking lot and couldn't help but listen in to what he was saying. 'So can I take you somewhere tomorrow?'
Bella frowned and looked around again at the students. She looked uncomfortable. 'Where?'
Edward beamed making Bella's eyes glaze over slightly. He was dazzling her! 'There's a place I found a while ago. I know that you'll love it.'
Bella blushed and I knew that words were beyond her at that moment with Edward dazzling her. I walked around them towards my bike. As I grabbed the prop helmet I saw Rose walk up behind Edward and push shove him playfully. He turned to look at her and Rose smiled understandingly at Bella as she blinked trying to focus. If anyone knew about dazzling humans it was Rose. I was very grateful that she had stepped in to help Bella, she shouldn't be tricked into anything. I couldn't stand to stay and watch Bella set up a date with Edward so I pulled on the helmet and started the bike.
I felt a few people turn to look at the noise but most students were gone already. I felt a wave of surprise and heard Bella call out my name. I looked up to see her running towards me and set both my feet on the ground to wait for her. Bella's cheeks were crimson as people watched her and she stumbled a few times. Just as she reached me she tripped and I leant over to catch her being careful to balance the bike at the same time. A fresh wave of blood rushed to Bella's cheeks and I pulled off my helmet. I had thought that she would be grateful that I was keeping my distance but I guess that she wanted to officially tell me that she wasn't interested.
As Bella regained her balance she shifted her bag and stared at the ground embarrassed. I waited for her to say something but she was just standing there. I gave her a minuet to compose herself then she was speaking so quickly a human couldn't have understood her. 'CharliewashomesoIhadtogotoschoolbecausehehatesbikesandidontwanthimtoshootyou.'
(Charlie was home so I had to go to school because he hates bikes and I don't want him to shoot you.)
I watched Bella for a second confused and going over what she had said. She was looking up at me and I could feel her worry. She didn't want Charlie to shoot me? I realised what she was saying and immediately the ach in my chest disappeared and I knew I was grinning like an idiot. I reached out and pulled Bella to me hugging her tightly and she gasped at the sudden movement. After a second I realised that she was proberly uncomfortable and let her go. 'Sorry. Are you ok?'
Bella nodded and her blush got even darker. I heard Emmett telling Edward to hurry up and they all got in the car. I could sense Edwards anger that Bella had come running to me and that I had just hugged her but he had to drive the others home. I saw them pull out and leave and my thirst became more manageable my the second. Bella smiled a little. 'I was trying to tell you all day but you were avoiding me.'
I turned off the bike frowning. 'I thought you didn't want to see me.'
Bella ducked her head letting her hair fall over her face. I could feel her embarrassment and regret. 'I'm sorry. I didn't want Charlie trying to shoot you because you let me on your bike.'
Bella was so caring, trying to protect me even knowing what I am. I reached out slowly brushing her hair back from her face and tucking it behind her ear so I could see her properly. 'You know, I can protect myself darlin. And next time I'll bring my car.'
Bella's cheeks turned crimson all over again and I couldn't help but grin. Bella was certainly the word to describe her. I felt happiness bubble inside Bella at my words and her eyes met mine for the first time. I could see her acceptance shining through them. I wanted to touch her again but I couldn't find an excuse and I wasn't sure how she would react to it if I just reached out and touched her. I looked up at the sky feeling the pressure change signalling rain and then back at Bella shivering slightly in the cold. 'It's about to rain we should get you in your truck.'
Bella dropped her head back and looked up at the sky glaring at it darkly. I laughed and slid off the bike. I gently took her hand leading her across the parking lot. Bella blushed again and I wondered how her cheeks ever stopped being so red. Her hand in mine was colder than normal so when we got to her truck I had to let it go so I wouldn't make her even colder. When Bella got the door unlocked she hesitated before she opened it.'Charlie's going to see Billy tonight, so if you wanted to come over to hang out…'
I couldn't help but smile, Bella was so nervous. 'I would love to come to your house Bella.' Bella blushed and I was so tempted to reach out and touch her cheek, I could feel the heat radiating off her. A rain drop fell on her cheek and I was surprised that it didn't hiss and disappear. Bella smiled and climbed into her truck. 'I'll see you at my house then?' I nodded still smiling and watched her pull out of the deserted parking lot as I walked back to my bike. I was certainly much happier now than I had been this morning. Bella still wanted me and we were going to spend time alone together again.
I started my bike and revved the engine just to feel it purring under me and smirked knowing that I could easily beat Bella to her house. I took the long way there wanting to give Bella some time to get there and calm her nerves before I arrived. I parked the bike around the corner from Bella's house just encase Charlie came home. If it came to it a gun may not hurt me but explaining that was a much more difficult task. I walked at human pace to Bella's house and her truck was in the drive. I walked to her door and knocked. I could hear Bella inside moving around and I was sure she fell at least once getting to the door.
When she managed to get the door open I smiled at her and she bushed instantly as her eyes widened taking me in. I knew I was wet but I didn't know what Bella was staring at. She held the door open wider inviting me in and as I walked past her I felt a wave of attraction and desire coming from her. I glanced down at myself and smirked, the wet clothes were clinging to me and Bella liked what she saw. I followed Bella through to the kitchen again where she started moving things around in the fridge. I sat at the table and watched her knowing that she would talk when she was ready. After a moment Bella pulled out a plate and put whatever was on it in the microwave.
Bella's nervousness was still strong and I wanted to help her feel better but I didn't know how. I should have proberly not started with what I did. 'So your going out with Edward tomorrow?'
Bella stared at me surprised. 'Why would I do that!?'
I raised my eyebrow in question. She must have been very out of it if she didn't even know what they were talking about. 'Edward invited you somewhere and you gave the impression that you would like to go.' Now she looked even more surprised and confused.
I could tell that she was trying to think. 'When did that happen?'
I smirked. 'After he drew you in with promises of revealing his secret to you. Don't you remember?' Bella was trying hard to remember but in the end just shook her head. I laughed, Edward thought he'd gotten her to accept his apology for being an ass but Bella had no idea.
Bella frowned. 'You have to be there if I do. Please don't leave me alone with him.'
I smiled and moved over to her leaning on the counter. 'If you want me there, I'll be there. But you know I would never let him hurt you right?'
Bella smiled but I could feel her worry. 'Hey.' I reached out using a finger to lift her chin so she was looking into my eyes. 'You don't have to do anything you don't want to OK?'
This time when she smiled it was more convincing and I could feel her trust in me. The microwave beeped and we moved to the table so Bella could eat. The food smelt disgusting to me but Bella seemed to really enjoy it. I could feel her self consciousness as I watched her eating so I tried to distract her. I told her about Edward coming home last night complaining about the box and the story Carlisle made up to tell him. It made her laugh when I told her how convincing Carlisle was and how he secretly enjoyed messing with Edward.
When Bella finished eating she rinsed her dishes and we moved into the living room and sat on the couch. She put on a movie but I was too busy watching Bella to notice what it was. About half way through she realised that I wasn't watching and she started watching me too. It became a game of trying to watch each other without getting caught watching. It wasn't long until Bella dissolved into giggles and I laughed along at the ridiculousness of the game. We ended up just staring at each other openly completely forgetting the movie. Bella blushed after a minuet of just watching each other and I wondered what she was thinking about. We were facing each other so closely on the couch that when she blushed I couldn't resist reaching out to touch her cheek lightly. It was so soft and warm. I ran my thumb over her cheek slowly and then gently traced the outline of her lips.
I wanted to kiss those lips so badly that I stopped breathing. I dragged my eyes away from them to see that Bella was staring at my lips too. I smiled softly and Bella's tongue darted out across her bottom lip.
It was my undoing and I lent in closing the gap between us and pressed my lips against hers softly. For the longest half second nothing happened and then Bella responded and her lips were pressing against mine. It was the most amazing feeling in the world. Her lips were so soft and hot fitting perfectly against mine; she tasted like the strawberries my mother grew had when I was little. I pressed a little harder against Bella's lips and she responded twining her fingers into my hair and pulling me closer to her. I leant forward letting Bella pull me against her until she was completely in my arms pressed against my chest.
Bella moaned quietly into my mouth and I couldn't help moaning back as I fought to keep my powers in check. I pulled back quickly breaking the kiss and Bella gasped taking in as much air as she could. I smiled resting my forehead against hers not willing to let Bella out of my arms yet. I realised that my breathing was matching Bella's and knew that if my heart was beating it would be in overdrive. I could feel Bella's desire and knew she had enjoyed the kiss as much as I had. She was smiling at me and staring at my lips a little dazzled.
As Bella pulled herself together I watched her taking in every movement wanting it to be remembered perfectly even tough I knew I had perfect recall. Bella blushed furiously and let her hands untangle from my hair bringing them to her lap as I let her draw away from me so that we were sitting facing each other again. A little wow slipped past her lips and I grinned. 'Wow doesn't even begin to cover it.'
Bella smiled up at me so I reached out taking one of her hands and linking our fingers together and shifting to sit beside her facing the TV again. Bella mimicked me smiling and I draped my other arm not so subtly over the back of the couch and she leaned into me so that our sides were touching.
Ten minuets later the movie was finished and it was time for me to go before Charlie got home. Bella walked me to the door and I knew she didn't want me to go yet. 'I had a great time tonight darlin. Thank you.'
Bella blushed and I was sorely tempted to kiss her senseless again. After a second she became serious again. 'What about tomorrow?'
I linked our fingers again and smiled as Bella looked up at me. 'I'll be here at ten in the morning and we can wait for Edward or we can get out of here before he arrives. How does that sound?'
Bella smiled up at me and I could feel her confidence, wether in me or the plan I couldn't tell. 'Ok, Charlie has to work so he'll be gone by then and he thinks I'm going to Seattle. That means we'll have to take my truck, we cant leave your car or bike here either though.'
I grinned. It was easy enough for me to just run here in the morning. 'That's not a problem. I'll be here at ten then, no car. And don't forget to turn on the box, just give me a minuet to get out of range.'
Bella nodded. 'I'll see you tomorrow then.'
I smiled and leant down to kiss her lips softly before stepping back grinning. 'Tomorrow then.' I stepped out into the rain leaving Bella blushing happily in the doorway. As soon as she closed the door I looked around making sure I was alone and flitted down the street to my bike.
I know your going to be annoyed but I'm working heaps next week so the next chapter will be delayed a few days but hopefully longer. (-:
Reviewing is good for your Karma!
