Fran is the magical word fairy, and Judyblue, Gabby, Michele and 2browneyes read for me.
BPOV
The cocoon of Edward's warm embrace greets me as I open my eyes and peer around the room. The light from the suns is shining through the porthole and bathing the bed in a soft blue glow.
My perusing is interrupted as JAKE's form appears at the foot of the bed. "Good morning, Edward, Isabella," he says, rousing my mate from his sleep.
A loud groan erupts from Edward's lips as he rolls onto his back and throws his arm over his eyes. "Is there not some kind of warning system before you appear in our sleeping quarters?" he mumbles petulantly.
I roll my eyes and address my Twicharacter. "Good morning, JAKE." I lift a brow. "I am assuming you have an important reason for being here?"
"Of course," he responds.
Lifting to his elbows, Edward eyes JAKE expectantly. "Well?" he snaps.
"Edward!" I admonish, narrowing my eyes in his direction. "He would not be here if it were not important."
He purses his lips but remains silent as I turn back to JAKE. "Go ahead, please."
His electronic lip turns up at the corner in Edward's direction before he focuses on me. "Captain requests your presence for breakfast."
Edward sits up fully now, crossing his arms. "Does he now?"
JAKE nods. "Yes, he has also invited Isabella's family to dine with you."
Raking his hand through his hair, Edward nods. "It was not a request then."
"No, sir, it was not," JAKE responds. "Will that be all?"
Edward waves a dismissive hand at JAKE and turns his focus on me. "We are being summoned."
I peer at him questioningly for a moment before offering a small nod. "It was to be expected, was it not?"
It is common for a mated pair to have a family meal after the ceremony, but previously, those families were at least familiar with each other. With the new system, families from different pods, who may have never spoken before, will gather together for a repast. I am sure my parents never expected they would dine with Captain in their entire existence.
My mate sighs deeply and moves closer to me, his fingers pushing my hair behind my ear. "It is," he concedes. "Though I do not look forward to it after the way I acted with my father yesterday."
His words strike a chord within me, drawing the memory of Alice's revelation. "Edward," I start carefully, almost afraid to bring my thoughts forth. "Do you think it is possible that Captain deems women inferior in intelligence?"
He goes to speak, but I press my hand over his lips. "Hear me out." At his nod, I drop my hand and attempt to order my thoughts. "Maybe he was impressed with me, but not because I am overly impressive. Maybe it was simply because I am a woman, and he does not feel we can contribute valid ideas to society. Maybe he was simply shocked."
His brows furrow deeply. "I am going to ignore my automatic response and attempt to understand your point fairly. So I am asking, why would you think that?"
I sigh, picking at a silver string on the comforter. "What is Alice's position in the Commanding family?" Then I look up and meet his eyes. "What about your mother?"
His eyes narrow slightly as he ponders his answer. "My mother is Captain's mate. It is her duty to see that his affairs are in order at all times. And Alice is still a young girl."
I cross my arms over my chest. "Alice is but a few years younger than me. At that age, I was already working in the library sector, just as you were already leader-in-training." I lift a tense brow and dare him to refute my words. "Besides, you do not expect me to just tend to your affairs."
Instead of speaking, he studies me carefully, his head tilted. His face remains impassive, though I can see the turmoil behind his eyes. He is considering my assessment. This is one of Edward's most exemplary traits, his ability to listen before forming a judgment.
"I do not know what you expect me to say," he finally says, moving even closer and taking my hand between us. "I have never viewed it that way, but you make a valid point. Of course, I find fault with your assessment of yourself, but it is possible his views on women are less … " he trails off, not sure of the word he is seeking.
"I think less sums it up perfectly," I interject while trying to keep my tone light.
His eyes fall to our hands, his thumb brushing over my wrist. "I am sorry."
I tilt his chin up so he must see my face as I speak. "I do not need an apology, Edward. My mate and future leader treats me with every ounce of equality I deserve."
Even though his eyes are sad, his mouth still turns up slightly. "I am pleased to hear that. If he ever fails you, let me know."
He soothes my every concern simply by being him. In some ways, I think our people will be even luckier when Edward becomes Commander. Captain is a proficient leader who takes his position seriously, but he is not his son; a man who not only will fulfill his duty but also cares about the people themselves.
"I will be sure to," I say, rising to my knees and mashing my lips to his.
This kiss is not hurried or passionate. It is calm and soothing, with promises passing between us. Even as his tongue breaches my lips, it does so with complete reverence, solidifying my place as not only his mate, but as a woman of our people. He expresses words he did not even speak in his every touch and action.
By the time we make it to the private eating room designated for the Commanding family, everyone else has already arrived. My family is seated at the long table along with Captain, Alice and Edward's mother, who I know to be Esmerelda Cullen.
Captain stands immediately and greets us half way across the room. "Edward, Isabella, thank you for joining us on such short notice." He says it as if we had a choice in the matter.
"Father," Edward greets with a tilt of acknowledgment.
"Captain," I say hesitantly, my mind already scrutinizing his demeanor due to the new thoughts that plague me.
"It is Carlisle in this setting, Isabella." He smiles widely and motions us further into the room. "Have a seat so we may begin."
Edward leads us over to the table, but stops and looks it over, his jaw tightening. "Where would you have us sit?"
I move my eyes from him in an attempt to understand his demeanor. While Esmerelda and Carlisle occupy each end, my parents are seated on one side and Alice and Samuel are on the other. The empty chair on each side is at opposing ends.
It is Esmerelda who replies, motioning before her. "There are two, perfectly good seats. Now take them so we may get on with breakfast."
Shocked by the harshness of her tone, I try to remove my hand so that I may sit before she expresses more displeasure. My mate tightens his fingers on mine, refusing to relinquish his hold.
"Bella will sit at my side," Edward says sternly, his eyes intent upon his mother.
She sits up straighter at his tone, her eyes narrowing at him before focusing on me. "Isabella, take your seat. Do not allow my son to make a bad impression on your behalf."
Her words, and the condescending tone in which she delivers them, does nothing to earn her my favor. Edward is so tense beside me that I can hear his teeth grind together, his hand still gripped tightly to my own.
I square my shoulders and meet her eyes head on. "Esmerelda, I am sorry, but Edward is right. We are not children but a mated couple, and we have earned the right to sit together at the table."
Alice jumps up in an attempt to diffuse the situation. "You two can sit here, on this side. I will gladly move."
"Sit!" Esmerelda barks, her head snapping in Alice's direction. "You will remain in your spot."
Her head flicks back my way as soon as Alice has taken her seat. "Earned?" she spits, her voice harsh in the quiet room. "You have not earned anything. You may have persuaded my gullible son into this match, but I am not as easily impressed. As a matter of fact, you are already proving my point with your insolence to someone above you."
Every muscle in Edward's body tenses, but before he can respond, it is Carlisle who speaks. "Esme, it would be wise to remember that Isabella is a member of the Commanding family, as are you." He keeps his tone even, but it is clear he just elevated me to an equivalent position in one, carefully worded sentence.
It is at this moment, my mother clears her throat. "Samuel, sit by your father." She points to the empty chair. My brother is up from his seat and obeying almost instantly.
"Mother," Edward says, his voice deceptively calm. "You will apologize not only to my mate but to all of the Swans. Not only have you insulted their daughter, but you have insulted your future leader as well."
Esme's eyes widen at her son, silently fuming while they perform a stare down. In the end, it is she who relents. Her anger fades, or she hides it well, and she breaks eye contact.
She clears her throat and holds her shoulders high, looking at no one in particular. "I apologize if my words seemed harsh. Now, let us have breakfast." She says nothing more, and although it is not a true apology, I am ready to put this confrontation behind us.
Tugging Edward with me, I move around the table, and we take the empty side-by-side seats. No one else has spoken since we arrived, so in an attempt to break the tension, I look up and peer around the table in an effort to begin conversation.
"Good morning, Mother, Father. I am pleased to have this time with you." I smile openly in an attempt to lighten the mood.
My mother catches on, and with one more, side-eye to Esme, she too smiles. "We feel the same, Bella. We have hardly seen you since landing."
Just then, the door opens, and two Farming members enter, each carrying a tray. One is filled with an array of sliced fruits, while the other holds eight bowls of oatmeal. We stay silent as the food is placed before us, and once they have departed, I catch my mother's eyes.
"It has been a busy time for our people. There has been much to accomplish since landing," I say, keeping my tone light and open.
"A busy time kissing," Samuel remarks before shoving a bite of oatmeal into his mouth.
Edward sputters beside me and reaches for his glass of orange juice to calm his coughing fit. I narrow my eyes at my brother. "That is not appropriate conversation for the table, Samuel."
"It is not," Father agrees, eyeing Samuel in a manner which silences his snickers immediately before turning his attention to me, his eyes softening. "I, for one, am proud of you, Bella. You brought a horrible mistake to light and were appointed a respectable position among our people."
Stunned silent by his vehement confession, I just gape at him, but Edward does not. He smiles brightly for the first time since arriving. Holding up his glass, he says, "I could not agree more, Charlie, and could not be any prouder to call her my mate."
I sit shocked as almost everyone clinks their glasses together in my honor. The only two people who do not participate are Esme and myself. She sits stoically, refusing to look up.
Once they are done, Captain stands and clears his throat. "Charlie, Renee, you have done an exemplary job in rearing such an intelligent woman—" I do not hear anything more he says as those words echo through my mind.
Captain just confirmed my suspicions with one simple sentence. It is as if a brand new light has been shined upon me. I have never considered myself—my gender—to be repressed, but now, I am positive that we are. It is a sad moment of realization.
Scenarios from my life flick through my mind at a rapid pace. Although it has never been said, the position of women and my current findings muddle together to create one perfect image. This is the reason there are no women teachers in the Education Pod, no women manning Tesla prior to landing, or the fact that only women are in charge of food preparation. The stunning clarity of it all solidifies into sharp awareness.
I take a deep breath and push the revelation from my mind to ponder later. For now, I must get through this breakfast. I finish my food as light conversation goes on around me and almost jump when a firm hand lands on my thigh.
I meet my mate's eyes. He just gives me a firm squeeze and his lip quirks upward. My shoulders relax instantly, and just knowing he is by my side—on my side—is enough to cleanse my troubled mind. I offer a small smile in return.
Carlisle interrupts our moment, tossing his napkin upon the table. "It has been a pleasure, but Edward and I have matters to attend." He stands, already motioning for my mate to join him.
My parents rush to stand and say their goodbyes before leaving swiftly. I am just gaping at their empty chairs. My eyes scan to Edward's, and he simply shrugs sheepishly, leaning closer to whisper in my ear. "I am sorry, but when Captain speaks … "
He does not say more, but there is no need. When Captain speaks, his subjects listen.
"One moment, please, sir," Edward says, pulling me up beside him.
I watch as Alice vacates her spot, leaving the room as swiftly as my parents. Taking my hand, my mate leads me to a more private spot in the corner and turns to stand before me, blocking my view of Carlisle and Esme.
His hand cups my cheek. "I am sorry for my mother's harshness. It was uncalled for."
I shake my head, refuting his words. "It is not your place to apologize for how your mother acts. Besides, I think I pity her more than anything."
His brows furrow. "Pity?"
I sigh and place an easy peck upon his lips. "Edward, I am so thankful you are not your father."
He studies me, yet I do not think he quite understands my point. Instead of attempting to explain, I lean up and push my lips against his, this time, firmer, more demanding. I do not deepen it, but I pour some of my current frustrations into the mashing of skin on skin. He seems bewildered but takes everything I give.
When we separate, he pushes our foreheads together. "We will talk later."
I stare into his eyes and concede with a nod.
By the time we turn to walk back toward his parents, they are embroiled in a tense conversation. More like, Captain is delivering a harsh berating and Esme is staring at the floor, quietly nodding along.
"Thank you so much for arranging this family breakfast," I say, attempting to interrupt the scolding.
It works.
Captain puts on a smile and faces us. "Ah, you are quite welcome, Isabella. Esme and I could not be prouder of our son's choice in a mate. Your family is also wonderful, is that not right, dear?" he prods his mate to agree.
I glance to Esme and watch as she squares her shoulders and smiles in my direction. "I could not agree more."
"Thank you," I reply, although I know she has been coerced.
"Are you ready, son?" Captain addresses Edward.
"Yes, Captain," he agrees with a nod. The two of them leave the room, and I turn back to Esme.
"I am sorry," I say softly as it is the only thing I can think appropriate.
She snorts. "Do not waste your breath. Time will tell, but all I see as I look at you is a woman who has forgotten her place."
Not wasting another second on a lost cause, I turn and leave the room.
Once outside, my feet carry me directly toward the outer edges of our community, and then even further, toward the tree-like object in the distance. When I am almost halfway there, Blue joins by hopping alongside me. I smile to myself and continue on my journey.
This time, once I am seated against the majestic structure, I remember I forgot to inform Edward. Taking a chance, I call, "JAKE."
His form flickers before me, fading in and out. "Yes, Isabella."
Blue starts hopping and squeaking at his appearance, and I do my best to reassure him. "Shh, little one, he means me no harm," I say soothingly. It must work because he settles back into the edge of the brush.
"Could you inform Edward of my location?" I direct my attention back to JAKE's flickering form.
"Yes, Isabella. Will that be all?" he asks.
"Actually, is it possible that you could stream Amelia's journal for me?" I ask, unsure if it is even possible at this distance from Tesla.
JAKE is silent for a moment before filtering an image into the air before me. My eyes widen as I realize it is the very first page. "Just flick your fingers as if turning a page to move on. Will that be all?"
I blink a few times, stunned that my request was so easy and murmur, "Yes, thank you."
He disappears, and I delve into the musings before me, losing myself in her words. There are some which make me sad, as her turmoil over the evolution of our people is great. Yet, there are others I find to be so on point that they freeze me in my spot, provoking my heart to pound inside my chest.
After countless moments of reading, Blue's squealing breaks into my reverie. I stand immediately, already suspecting an intruder. Yet, as soon as I do, I notice Edward meandering along the pathway, heading in my direction.
He is striding toward me with a small grin curving his lips. As I take him in, with Amelia's words so fresh in my mind, everything falls into place. A stunning discovery settles inside, surging from my core and spreading throughout my limbs. It is a flood of emotion so powerful that it can only be one thing.
Love
By the time he reaches me and surrounds me with his strong arms, the emotion has settled deep inside and enclosed itself around my heart. The organ is thundering so powerfully, I fear it is attempting to leave my body and rest beside its counterpart.
His heart.
I must be standing frozen because he suddenly pulls back, his hands upon my shoulders. "Bella, are you all right?" His green eyes are worried as they peer at me, but there is no need. My world has just been irrevocably altered in the most inspirational way.
I smile as wide as my lips will allow and throw my arms around his neck, pulling him tight against me. "I am better than ever before." A trill of joyous laughter bubbles from my lips.
He chuckles and holds me close. When I finally pull back, there is an extra sparkle to his eyes, most likely due to the lightness of my mood. After such a tense beginning to the day, this eye-opening epiphany compels me to focus my attention on the most meaningful component in my existence.
Him.
I lead him back to my spot, and his brows rise as soon as he notices the images spread in the air before the tree-like object. "What is all this?" he asks, leaning closer to inspect it for himself.
My face heats automatically as my mind conjures the words I read and the emotion they brought to the forefront. I tug his hand. "Sit. We must talk."
He glances back, his expression slipping to concern at my tone. "Is something wrong?"
Wrong is the complete opposite of what I feel. I am floating on an emotional high so great that I fear I may burst if I do not share my findings with the person who evokes them within me. My skin tingles with the need to touch his, and my heart aches from the furious need to share my thoughts with him completely.
I smile serenely and give a slight shake of my head. "Everything is perfect."
He drops close to my side and grins. "Oh?" His thumb brushes my cheek, noticing the pink that has gathered there. "I do enjoy this color on you."
More heat gathers, and I clear my throat, attempting to quell it. "I enjoy your touch."
He watches me as he moves closer, his eyes darting to my lips. I lick them in anticipation of his touch. He does not disappoint. Two light brushes are followed by a firmer, more urgent push. The new emotion surges through me, and I cannot stop myself from deepening the kiss. A low moan escapes as soon as he opens, and I dive deeper, attempting to taste every inch of his mouth.
His hands fall to my hips, and his fingers grip me tightly, the delicious hum radiating from his touch. I wind my hands around his neck and angle my head, plunging frantically, wanting more of him, all of him.
I am almost ready to climb atop his lap when he pulls back abruptly, heavy breaths escaping between his lips. "What was that?"
It is on the tip of my tongue, needing to spill from my lips, so I slam them closed. I am unsure how to say it or what his reaction may be.
He notices my hesitance and presses his lips to my forehead before saying, "Bella, speak. Your words are important."
I close my eyes, absorbing him and open my mouth before I can think too deeply. "It was love," I say quietly, simply.
His eyes burn into me, confusion radiating from their depths. "Love?" he repeats, but it is a question, not an assurance.
I sigh and lean back, motioning to the journal. "I have been reading Amelia's words today. All of her thoughts and perceptions are not applicable to my life, but I learned there is one thing that is glaringly clear." I square my shoulders and take his cheeks between my palms. "I am in love with you, Edward Cullen."
He blinks several times while I just stare, waiting for a response. Motioning to the pages, he says, "Show me what you mean."
I flick through, searching for the most enlightening entry. When I am satisfied that I have found a compelling passage, I wave my hand to the image.
He leans forward, and with a low, thoughtful voice, he begins reading.
Dear Diary
The mated couples that surround me surprise me with their complacency. They seem accepting of their matches and have already moved onto their task of replenishing the race. Of course, I too, have taken the task to heart, but I have my Teddy, it was never a question for us. To know that he faces this new life with me is what allows me to survive.
His love is what keeps me breathing; for if I did not have it, surely I would cease to exist. Each day I yearn for him when he is away, and I celebrate when he is by my side.
My heart pitter-patters in my chest simply because he exists. When he touches me, a fire races across my skin. When he kisses me, my mind goes blank. When he speaks to me, my stomach flutters. Everything he does elicits a reaction.
Because he is him. He was made for me. He is the love of my life.
Love
An emotion that is fading daily from the people around me. So few have it for another these days, but I can't worry about them anymore. My concern only makes me sadder. I have to be happy for what I have, and that is my life with Teddy.
Since the ceremony, we have shared an even deeper connection than I ever imagined possible. I do not think we have ever had such an active sex life. Shivers race up my spine with the memory of our last love making session.
His melodious voice trails off, and his cheeks darken. "I, ah, think that is enough for now."
Moving closer to him, our sides pressing together, I grip his hand in mine. "Did those words resonate within you?"
He turns my hand over and runs his finger along my wrist, tracing my tattoo, his eyes intent on the movement. "They were inspiring," he remarks, his circuit making my pulse thrum. "They speak of things familiar to me, but"—his eyes meet mine, and they pierce me with their urgency—"how can you know, Bella? How can you be sure that love is what you feel?"
I press my free hand to my chest. "I feel it here with every breath that I take." I move my hand to my head. "And now, here knows it as well."
He drops his gaze back to my wrist. "I … I am not sure." He says it so dejectedly that my heart stutters at his insecurity.
I pull his chin up. "You do not need to be sure today … or ever. I just want you to know that I am sure."
He nods and licks his lips. "I want to be sure, too," he stresses, his eyes showing everything he is feeling, and I see it. It is there. He will just have to recognize it on his own.
"Perhaps you are hopelessly falling then?" I suggest, injecting a new idea for him to ponder.
He tilts his head, green eyes burning bright. "Falling?"
I nod slowly, licking my lips. "A term that describes the path to love."
He pushes closer, his eyes glancing between my eyes and lips. "Perhaps," he whispers before fusing us together.
Okay, a couple things: First, did you see the pic of Blue on FB page Fyregirl Fics? I post teasers and such if you're interested. Second, I finally signed up to write for The Fandom Against Domestic Violence. It is my intent to write an SLT outtake on the day Seth and Jake learn about the "Switch." I'll let you know if it changes. Please consider giving to this cause, and as a bonus, you'll get a great collection of oneshots. Finally, how about this chapter? I hope you experienced a range of emotions reading it!
See you next week :)