Chapter 14
a/n
Thank you for reading! I can't say it enough and I will never tire of appreciating the time you give to reading this story.
As usual, I have to give thanks to my wonderful beta, EMILY93 who not only proof reads and edits my chapters but makes the best suggestions that make my story so much better. She's also my pimp. No lie.
All things Twilight belong to SM. I have a copy of each of the books, that's all the Twilight merchandise I own.
~IC~
BPOV
Our first day in Puerto Rico was proving to be one of the most amazing days I had ever experienced while on vacation. Everything about this trip was perfect to me. Our hotel was not ostentatious, it had old world charm and hints of luxury but it wasn't in the same league as the Ritz. The furniture was worn and resembled antiques. It was my kind of place, homey and cosy and, well, lived in... I was glad that Edward had chosen the Melia.
Aside from its overall appeal it was located right by the town square I had been so eager to see. After exploring the square, Edward and I had indulged in what had to be the most delicious ice cream I had ever eaten. The coconut flavor was just right, I could tell it had been made from scratch with all natural ingredients. Artificial flavors tended to taste disgusting but the ice cream, with its creamy and smooth texture was the perfect combination of sweetness and coconut.
Edward's passion fruit ice cream had a slightly tart and refreshing taste. Perhaps on our next visit to the shop I could order that instead.
As we approached our room I felt my phone vibrate in my bag, I decided to answer the call but not before telling Edward I'd meet him in our room in a few minutes.
I sat on one of the benches in the courtyard near our room.
"Jacob!"
"Hey Bella, how are you? How is the trip?" He sounded jovial but there was something else, something I couldn't place. It was almost as if he was nervous about something.
"I'm really good, Jake. The trip has been really great. How are you? And Nessie, how is she doing?"
"Me and my girl here are doing all sorts of awesome. Went running in the park earlier and now we're just lounging. I'd say she's fully recovered."
"That's great to hear. I'm so glad you're both doing well without me. I know how you must be missing me terribly." I teased.
"We do, I do. It's going to be a while before you come home and there is something I need to tell you." Now he really sounded nervous, almost hesitant, even?
"What is it Jake? You know you can tell me anything, right?"
"Bella, Paul and I, we're together. We're a couple." He paused for a moment before continuing, "I'm gay, Bella. I have been for a while, well I have probably been gay my whole life but I've come to realize it rather recently."
My mind was racing, I was so touched that he trusted me enough to come out to me and I wanted to be supportive. How was it that I had never gotten any 'gay vibes' from him? He is my best friend after all. Surely a best friend should be able to notice such things rather easily? Perhaps Jacob was just very clever at disguising his sexual orientation? Or perhaps I was horribly unobservant?
I didn't want my shock to register with him but before I could censor myself my mouth opened of its own volition.
"Wow. That was unexpected! You, gay? I never saw that one coming." I cleared my throat. "No, sorry Jake. Let me try that again. I'm really happy for you and Paul. I love you and I will support you no matter what." I nodded, regardless of the fact that Jacob would be unable to see my action.
"God, I'm so relieved Bella. It's been killing me to have kept this from you. You're my best friend and I wanted you to know but I wasn't ready to come out yet. I was afraid. If it wasn't for Edward walking in on us... I don't know that I would be telling you right now. I mean, I would have told you eventually but I didn't want Edward to bear this burden." He sounded as if a huge weight had been lifted off his shoulders. As I felt my heart swell with love for my friend who had just been very brave coming out to me, my mind realized something.
"Wait, Edward. Huh, so that's why he looked like the cat who ate the canary! That day, when we came home from the airport and Paul was there. That's what he saw." I couldn't help myself, the laughter poured out of me.
Jacob joined me. "Yes, Bella. Poor chap saw us kissing and didn't know what to do with himself."
We both giggled for a few moments before Jacob spoke again.
"I hope you're not upset with him over this. He's a good guy Bella, maybe too good and I hope to God he has some flaw, a small one but I digress."
"I'm not upset, how can I be? He protected my best friend, he put your needs before his own need to tell me everything. That came out wrong, what I mean is that his loyalty to me had to be put on hold in order for him to do the right thing. In this instance his silence was golden. I'm glad it gave you the chance to tell me yourself. I truly appreciate it, Jake." I smiled.
"You know Bella, if I weren't gay..." He trailed off as I started laughing once more.
"Oh, no! Don't even say it. Not even one word. It's so cliché!" I admonished.
He chuckled down the phone. "Okay, okay. I love you Bella. Thank you for being so understanding about this. I'll see you soon."
"Love you too Jakey. Give Nessie my love."
After I hung up I leaned back on the bench. I sat there motionless for a few minutes before getting up and walking to our room. When I got to the door I realized I didn't have my key. I groaned before knocking.
"May I help you?" Edward said in a snotty tone upon opening the door.
"You summoned me, Sir." I replied, deciding to have a little fun.
"I did?" He asked looking properly perplexed.
"Yes, now I charge by the hour and the clock's a'ticking. Are you going to let me in or not?"
"Well, I have to say for an escort you are quite rude."
At this point I lost it, I could not stay in character a moment longer. My laughter set Edward off and before I knew it I found myself in the middle of our room laughing hysterically while Edward looked at me like I had grown a second head. I guess my laughing fit had lasted considerably longer than his.
"I spoke to Jacob. He told me." I said, seriousness back in my voice.
"Did he tell you I saw them?" He asked carefully.
"Yes, he told me everything. Edward, it means so much to me that you didn't out him. I think it was very noble of you to wait for him to tell me himself. Thank you."
I threw myself into his arms and proceeded to behave like every good escort should.
~IC~
Later that afternoon Edward and I were looking out on one of the balconies of the Castillo Serralles. From this vantage point, located atop a hill just a short drive from our hotel, we could see the entire city as well as the coast. There was a strong breeze that forced me to tie back my hair which had been swatting Edward in the face as he stood next to me.
"This is some view huh? It's no wonder the Serralles family built this as a summer home." Edward mused.
"It's quite nice up here with this breeze, especially now in the summer. I can see why the family spent their time up here. The view doesn't hurt either." I replied, a little distracted but trying to mask that fact. My thoughts kept going back to Jacob and I couldn't help but wonder if his journey towards self discovery had been a lonely one. He didn't seem unhappy, he was always a cheerful and positive person. However, I realized, the more I thought about things, that he had always been very reserved about his love life. He had dated girls in the past, and even had one long term relationship that lasted two years but something never clicked between them. Now I knew why.
As my thoughts pulled me deeper into my own mind I remembered I was with Edward and that this was probably not the best time to analyze the situation nor was it especially polite of me to ignore him. I resigned myself to wait until I was back home to have a heart to heart with Jake and learn all about this most unexpected revelation.
"So, do you want to go to the distillery tomorrow?" Edward asked me just as I came to from my trip to space.
"Huh?" I wasn't being very eloquent. Edward looked me over for a moment before explaining himself.
"The Serralles family owned a sugar cane plantation and a distillery. They made rum, Don Q. Anyway the distillery is not far and I was wondering if you'd like to visit it since it ties in with this museum."
"Don Q, as in Don Quixote?"
"Yes, the rum was named after the legendary fictional character." Edward was smiling at me, perhaps impressed with the question his student had asked. I decided to be an over achiever and asked him a follow up question.
"What happened during prohibition? Puerto Rico was under American rule, so I assume production of alcohol was halted. What did the family do about their business?"
Edward wrapped an arm around my shoulder and began guiding me towards the exit before he spoke, "Well, they still had the sugar business, and the distillery was used to produce rubbing alcohol, for medical purposes."
When we reached the car I walked over to the driver's side with Edward and proceeded to open his door for him. Edward looked at me with a look of confusion but quickly thanked me and got inside. I closed his door before walking around to my side. I smiled at my deviousness.
"That was interesting, I have to say nobody has ever done that for me before." He said, a hint of amusement in his voice.
I shrugged, "I think it's silly to have double standards. I like nice gestures as much as the next person but I don't believe only women should be on the receiving end of them. Besides, I've never really cared for the whole chivalry thing, I mean, I don't expect it and I am perfectly capable of opening my own doors and all that. So, I guess what I am trying to say is that those things mean more to me when they aren't the norm, when they are not a robotic reaction rooted in societal expectation."
Edward nodded. "I don't know if I should be relieved or ashamed that I don't open more doors for you." He frowned at his recognition. "I hardly think about it and I mostly do it if I am able to do so but never go out of my way to run in ahead of you just so I can get the door."
"Oh Edward, you are a gentleman through and through. Your mother raised you right. Don't you worry in the slightest. I just wanted to show you, by opening your door, that I like doing small, silly things to show you that I care and that we're on equal footing." I leaned over, stretching my seat belt in the process to press a chaste kiss to Edward's lips, hopefully calming his nerves and settling his doubts.
I worried that he might not understand my convoluted reasoning and I hoped he didn't question me too much because I feared I might slip up and confess that my caring for him started with a big capital 'L'.
Fortunately, he let it go, seemingly unperturbed by my strange behavior.
"Bella Swan, you certainly keep things interesting. Have you made up your mind about the distillery? We can sample the rum, plus the drinking age here is 18 so you wouldn't be breaking any laws."
"I would never miss an opportunity to get shit faced with you my love." At this statement, we both burst out laughing.
~IC~
The next day we went on our tour of the distillery before taking a trip down to the local boardwalk called La Guancha. The boardwalk was lined with kiosks selling food and drinks. We sipped on Pina Coladas while we took a stroll.
"Mmm, this is really good, Edward. I could get used to this!" I confessed in between blissful sips.
"These really are good. We must have gone to a good kiosk. It's often hit and miss at these places."
"So, what's on the agenda for the rest of our stay?"
"We're here for another week and half. I was hoping to head back towards San Juan. I thought maybe we could visit Old San Juan, the forts, El Yungue rainforest and some other places? I have reservations at Hacienda Siesta Alegre and El Conquistador. I may have too much planned so we might need to cut back and have a few days of just lounging by the pool if you'd prefer, sweetheart? We can always come back another time and take in more of the sights."
"Anything is fine with me, Edward. I'm just along for the ride."
"Are you upset with me? I mean I planned this whole trip with zero input from you. You've been a good sport about it all and it's just dawned on me now that you've had no control over what we've been doing. It's all been my suggestions, God I'm such an idiot. Can you forgive me?" He sounded sad, like he actually thought I was upset. I couldn't believe it. He had been so impressively gentlemanly with finding things that would keep us entertained daily but was also, always, completely to my taste.
"What gave you the impression I'm upset? First of all, this entire trip is on your family's dime and I am not one to look a gift horse in the mouth. Secondly, I never give up control. It's been an issue of mine for as long as I can remember and I often thought I would always bear the burden of being in charge, of having to plan, to be the care taker. This has been very liberating to me, to trust you so completely and not take an interest in the logistics of this trip. I've appreciated the lack of responsibility more than you can imagine. What's more, you have made this vacation so enjoyable for me! Obviously you are quite capable of arranging things for the both us to do without my help, Edward. You know me exceptionally well and everything we have done in the past few days I have loved." I looked directly into his eyes, hoping the sincerity of my words would translate through my own eyes.
"I hope that if you are upset at any point you'll tell me. I have it on good authority that most women tend to conceal their true feelings." He eyed me.
"I'm not most women." I grinned, knowing Edward couldn't argue the truth of my statement.
"I'm beginning to realize that now." He said, his voice barely a whisper. I wondered if he meant for me to hear his recognition or if it was merely a case of him thinking out loud.
I took Edward's hand in mine as I spent a moment to stare at him. I studied the way the sunlight made his hair appear almost coppery and how the glare of the rays caused him to squint. His eyes two little slits of green on his face. I didn't often stop to admire how beautiful he was, he was a handsome man to be sure, but his external beauty had always been eclipsed by the show stealing inside that had enamoured me from the very beginning.
We didn't utter a word while we watched the sunset. Everything that needed said could wait. For now we admired the exquisite colouring of the pink and orange sky as the sun made it's descent for the evening. As the sun seemed to sink down into the ocean I sank deeper myself into what had to be my most ardent love for Edward Cullen. Would it be too soon to clue him in on this fact? As I snuggled into him, wrapping my arms around his torso, I decided I would not wear my heart on my sleeve. For now, I would love him quietly, silently. I would show him through my actions and at times, with my body, what I wasn't quite ready to put into words.
~IC~
EPOV
I sat up in bed while Bella slept beside me. Ever since our conversation on the boardwalk she had become a more fervent lover. She practically attacked me as soon as we got back to the hotel that evening and had proceeded to anticipate my needs in the days since then. Not that I minded one bit. It was almost as if we needed to be with each other physically in order to achieve a connection neither of us were able to put into words or even sate. An insatiable hunger, if you will.
I couldn't remember a time when I was so concerned about the emotional well being of another person. The timeline of our relationship was perhaps a little unconventional. We had known each other for just over two months and in that short amount of time we had shared many firsts. I had never been in a position to appreciate a woman's sexual journey. Knowing that each new experience, position and location was not just new to Bella in the sense that it was with a new lover but it was new to her in every sense made me uneasy. A sense of responsibility overcame me and I hoped to God I didn't fuck this up for her.
She slept on her stomach, her face turned away from me for now. Her hair was tied back but the elastic had slipped down and loosened so that thick strands of her hair had escaped its confines. She looked serene, a stark contrast to the perpetually worried or deep in thought look she tended to wear. It was particularly regular for Bella to stare off into space. During these instances she would always seem far away, so far removed from the present that it often took me several attempts to gain her attention.
I smiled to myself as I thought about our time together, which although brief, meant so much to me.
"Edward?" Her raspy voice startled me from my thoughts. "What time is it?"
"Uh, just after three in the morning. Why? Are you feeling all right?" I was instantly panicked.
"I'm perfectly fine. Why are you awake? Was it something I did in my sleep that disturbed you?" She asked worriedly.
"I couldn't sleep. You don't seem to have any bad habits in bed as far as I'm aware. No kicking or blanket hogging." I said teasingly."Although, I'm pretty certain I heard you snore last night." I joked, earning a severe scowl from Bella.
"You lie! I do not snore." She exclaimed, staring me down with a stern look as she pointed a finger at me.
"How could you ever know?" I inclined my head." You're asleep!" I playfully elbowed her in the ribs.
"I have had solid confirmation from past girlfriends at slumber parties that I did not, and do not snore." She folded her arms obstinately, eyeing me with a look that screamed 'I dare you to take this discussion any further.'
"Okay, okay!" I held my hands up in defeat. "I was merely teasing you anyway, and you know it. You don't snore, sweetheart. Am I forgiven?"
As I spoke I slowly slid down onto my back and pulled Bella closer to me.
"You're forgiven." She said as she grabbed one of my arms and proceeded to drape it around her waist.
I wasn't usually for sleeping wrapped around anybody, I didn't think I had ever managed it before but sleep claimed me before I consciously let go of her hand.
~IC~
The rest of our vacation went by painfully fast and before I knew it we were on our way to return our rental. We were both tired and appropriately tanned. I had really enjoyed seeing Bella in a bathing suit, being modest she refused to wear a bikini and opted instead for a tasteful one-piece. It was flattering on her curves but exposed enough bare skin to excite me and yet somehow still left plenty to the imagination. She looked sexy and I secretly rejoiced that no other men could ogle her gorgeous and shapely body, at least not in the state of undress that a bikini would afford.
While I completed the process of settling our bill with the rental company, Bella was chatting with Alice over the phone. We had both managed to keep in touch with our respective families through out the duration of our stay in Puerto Rico. Alice called daily, often suggesting places for us to visit after her extensive searches on the Internet.
"My word, Alice can be exhausting." Bella huffed as she walked towards me. I could only nod in response.
"You should have spoken with her. " She accused. "Seriously Edward, she asks too many questions. Questions I know she wouldn't ask you. Plus she is your sister after all!"
I gave her a knowing smile before making an attempt at calming her nerves. She had been a little moody and I didn't want to be on the wrong side of whatever it was that had caused the shift in her temperament.
"I'm sorry, love. It's just, this is the first time that I actually have a barrier between me and Alice. She is always up in my business and it's quite a relief to not always have to deal with her. Don't get me wrong, I love her and she means well but she drives me mad at times. I'm sorry to have pawned her off on you but I needed to take care of the car business." I hoped I had pleaded my case well enough.
"That's such a rubbish excuse! I could have just as easily returned the car, whatever though, I love Alice. But if she asks me about my sex life one more time, I may just have to tell her where she can shove it."
I winced at her outburst. Bella was really angry about something. Surely any sort of inquisition my sister brought forth wasn't enough to warrant such rage.
"Bella, is something wrong? You're not usually this animated, um... Or pissed off. Did I do something wrong?"
She gave me a cutting look which told me I'd do best to shut the hell up and abort any mission to discover the source of her temper.
"Let's catch the shuttle back to the terminal, shall we?"
She nodded and followed closely behind, each pulling our own luggage. It had been the first occasion throughout our entire trip that we hadn't held hands and I was painfully aware of this fact.
After checking in and going through security Bella and I sat side by side in decidedly unfriendly silence. It was very disconcerting.
"I'm sorry. I've been a complete bitch today." She finally blurted out. My only response was to look at her expectantly, my way of encouraging her to explain further. I wasn't about to agree with her. That would get me into all kinds of trouble no doubt. But she certainly hadn't been her usual self today, I gave her that for sure.
"I'm really ashamed of my behavior towards you. I promise it has nothing to do with you. I've had such a delightful time here with you. I'd hate to end it on a sour note on account of my..." There she was drifting off again. "Well it's nothing anyway. I've put it out of my mind." She gave me her biggest and brightest smile that I could easily distinguish was completely forced.
"Bella, I hope I'm not out of line here but anything that matters to you, matters to me. You hurt. I hurt. Simple as that. What's got you so upset, baby?" I enquired, placing my hand on her knee and rubbing gently.
"My landlord sent me an e-mail. He's putting my apartment up for sale. I'll have to move within thirty days. I've been such a good tenant and always payed my rent on time and yet he couldn't even bother paying me the courtesy of telling me he had put it up for sale. Instead he waits until he's practically closed the deal. I'm furious. I get why he did it. He probably figured that if he told me he was considering putting it up for sale I would up and move and then if he didn't find a buyer he would be without that supplemental income. Keeping me in the dark ensured that he had a tenant until the last possible second." She sighed, evidently mentally and emotionally exhausted.
It seemed Bella very rarely got anything less than a hard time with her life. First it was the loss of personal and very important possessions, then her flat being broken into and her dog being injured and finally to learn that the place she calls home is no longer hers anymore? I admired her constant strength.
I wrapped an arm around her and pulled her close to my side. My hand rubbing the length of her arm. I kissed her on the side of her head before speaking, "I'm sorry about your apartment. Together, we'll figure something out. I'll help you look for a place. And if you don't find one before time runs out, you can keep your things at my place until you do."
I felt her shoulders sag as she relaxed at my words and I was instantly relieved. I knew of course, that moving in together was out of the question. Even I felt I wasn't ready for that yet, not because I didn't want to, but because I felt that as we were rushing through everything else this was something grave. It was to be considered carefully and not a decision to be made on impulse. I also knew that Bella was independent and would most likely not appreciate an offer to do so.
"Thank you." She whispered, her head resting gently on my shoulder. In this moment, all she needed was for me to hold her.
When we arrived in New Orleans we were both quiet. Each occupied by our own introspection. Our bags were not the first to come through baggage claim but they weren't the last either.
"Your luck with bags has run out." Bella teased. I rolled my eyes at her.
"That's because your bad luck has rubbed off on me." I retorted.
She looked pensive for a moment. "Hmm, touché!" She conceded.
"I think I'm going to catch a cab to my apartment. I think you and Jacob have a lot to talk about and I don't want to intrude."
"Are you sure? Can't we at least give you a ride? Your apartment is probably a mess and needs to be cleaned. I can help with that. I've never seen your apartment, I'd like to go with you. Please?" She was pleading with me and was starting to get a little upset. I didn't understand why she was being so adamant about coming with me.
"Hey." I said as I tilted her chin up with my index finger. "Why are you so worked up? I'll be just a phone call away. You need time with your friend. He needs time with you, too."
"I'm being silly huh? I guess I'm not ready to say goodbye for any length of time. It's just, I've gotten used to your company since being in Puerto Rico together and barely leaving each other's side, so much so, it won't feel right being parted from you. You're right though, Jacob and I need time to chat. How about you come over for lunch tomorrow? I can start looking for apartments and your opinions would be much appreciated. Where is your apartment by the way?"
"Magazine Street. Why? Are you planning on moving closer to me?" I wagged my eyebrows at her, expressing my feelings about the idea. She rolled her eyes and gave me a kiss on the lips which I more than willingly accepted.
An hour later I stood in my living room. My apartment had never felt so empty.
~IC~
After insisting that Edward take the first available cab I stood curbside waiting for Jacob to arrive. I had to all but shove Edward into the taxi, he was dead set against leaving me to wait on my own. He meant well but he was tired and there was no sense in making him suffer with me. After a few well placed kisses and promises of more to come I convinced him to go.
"Bella! I've been trying to get your attention for a while now. You're zoned out." Jacob's arms were around me in an instant. I immediately felt a sense of being home. I hugged him back tightly.
"I wasn't expecting you to park. You usually just pick me up at the curb."
He shrugged. "I thought I'd give you a proper welcome."
"Take me home Jakey." I declared before offering up my bags to him.
On our way home we stopped to pick up some food at La Madeline. The quaint little French cafe was one of my favorite restaurants. I got the chicken breast with mushroom sauce with Rice Provençal and steamed broccoli. Jacob got the croque monsieur and a small salad. We were both starving and the delicious scent emanating from the food made us all but drool the whole journey home.
When we got home I told Jacob to forget about my bags, I was too hungry to lug that stuff inside when we had hot food ready to eat. He laughed at my ravenous state and I almost flipped him the bird. Almost.
Nessie greeted us at the door, her tail wagging and her eyes bright with the happiness that could only come from having me home. She loved Jacob and he was her favorite but I liked to delude myself into believing that she preferred me.
"Hi pretty girl!" I cooed to her as I got down on my knees and let her have her way with me.
"I missed you too sweet girl." I pet her head vigorously as she grunted her contentment. After a few minutes of greeting my long lost companion I picked myself up off the floor and went into the kitchen to wash my hands. I noticed that Jacob had pretty much inhaled half of his sandwich already.
"Thanks for waiting for me, jerk." I said to him as I unwrapped my utensils.
"Sorry." He said in between bites. "I was really hungry. Besides, this isn't a formal affair."
"It should be. I'm home after all. Speaking of which, my landlord sent me an e-mail letting me know he's putting the place up for sale, or rather that he did and somebody is buying it so I have to be out of here in thirty days." I walked over to the table and sat across from him. Nessie quickly took her place at our feet.
Jacob put down his fork, his salad quickly forgotten at this most distressing piece of information. "What a dirt bag. That's hardly enough time to find a place. After Katrina and all that mess it's hard to come by an apartment that's affordable." He shook his head as he considered my predicament. "If I had a bigger place I would ask you to move in with me in a heartbeat. You can stay with me for a while if you have to move before you're able to find another apartment?"
"Oh Jake, that is so sweet of you to offer but don't worry about me. I'll get by. I'm a big girl. I'll figure something out. Your little studio is great to visit but you'd have no privacy if I were to live there for any period of time." I bit my lower lip, considering whether or not I should tell him that Edward had beat him to the bullet and had offered to put me up if it came to that. I decided I should. Honesty being the best policy and all that...
"What? Edward already offered you a place to stay?" He asked, his tone indicated that he wanted to tease me.
"Maybe." I responded. "Mmm, this chicken is really good. Why don't we eat there more often?" It was a poor attempt to change the subject but with some luck I hoped it might work and distract Jake from playing twenty questions with me.
"Bella. Please, what's with all the secretiveness?"
"Well, well, well. Nice to meet you, pot kettle black. I could ask you the same thing." I cocked an eyebrow at him as I speared a piece of chicken with my fork. I knew I had him stumped.
He nodded slowly, sighing. "You got me there, Bells."
He remained silent and I continued to eat while I assumed he was getting his thoughts in order.
"I was just as surprised as you are... About being gay. Paul and I started hanging out a lot when he was still living here. One night we both had a little too much to drink and we kissed. I was so torn up and confused about it. At the same time I felt like everything finally made sense. I felt as if I had finally found my identity. It was very liberating."
I could tell he was still trying to wrap his mind around things. It was a huge change to make. A completely new lifestyle. I was sure he was learning a lot about it and still had plenty to discover. I decided not to press him for the dirty details just yet. I suspected that I was the first person he had come out to and I didn't want to make the process a jarring experience for him. I was sure that other people would ask more impertinent questions. I decided that I would be a refuge from that.
"I'm really happy for you Jake. I don't know how to explain it. It makes no difference to me, gay or straight, I love you for you. Always have and I always will. I only care about your happiness. When you're ready, I would love to hear the whole story."
He chuckled. "I was expecting you to give me a hard time, you know, payback and all. I deserve it."
"That you do, but this is different. You and I both know it. You aren't ready for me to give you any shit."
We stayed up late talking about lighter subjects. I showed him my pictures from my trip with Edward and told him about all the delicious food I'd eaten while away. At around three in the morning we both agreed it was time for bed. I had insisted Jacob stay the night. When he made a bee line for my bedroom I yanked him back and pointed to the couch.
"Stay, boy!" I joked, trying to lighten the mood and terribly awkward moment we were sharing.
"But I'm gay Bella! I think that entitles me to free cuddling and platonic boob gropes." He was pouting.
"Oh my God Jake. Cut that shit out right now. I am not going to be your hag." I tried to be serious but my laughter betrayed me.
I pulled some fresh linens and a pillow for him out of the closet.
"Here." I pushed the pile of bedding into his waiting arms. "All this talk of groping and cuddling has now definitely earned you a permanent spot on my sofa. Sleep well, Jakey. Good night."
I mightn't have wanted my male best friend sleeping with me in my bed but this didn't mean I wasn't comfortable with kissing his cheek good night. And so I did just that before making my way to my bedroom. Alone.
Once in my bed I had a hard time falling asleep. I missed Edward's warmth next to me. I tossed and turned restlessly until exhaustion won out.
~IC~
A few hours later I was awoken by the ringing of my cellphone. I stretched out my arm to retrieve my phone off of my bedside table, unwilling to exert anymore energy than necessary. I looked at the screen through squinted eyes. It was shortly after seven in the morning. I groaned, my dad's name flashed on the screen.
Again? Couldn't my dad learn to call at a reasonable time in the morning rather than waking me up ridiculously early?
I momentarily contemplated ignoring his call and calling him back once I wasn't so hungover from lack of sleep. I couldn't bring myself to ignore the call so I cleared my throat before answering.
"Hi dad." I croaked.
"Bella, how are you?"
"Tired, just got back yesterday and I was up late catching up with Jacob." I yawned at the mention of my very late night.
"I received an e-mail from your landlord." He stated calmly.
"I know! That insufferable jerk is putting me out on the street. I'm going to start the search today. It's going to be such a pain to have you cosign everything from over there." I whined into the phone.
"I already took care of everything sweetheart. You won't have to move." He said cryptically.
"What? I mean, how come? You convinced him not to sell?" I immediately sat up in bed. This phone call had taken a serious turn and my exhaustion and sleep deprivation was all but forgotten about.
"Nothing like that. I bought the apartment."
"You what?" I exclaimed louder than I intended. I instinctively covered my mouth with my hand, as if that somehow took away the fact that I had practically yelled into the phone. "You bought the apartment? Charlie, I can't believe you would do that! Thank you dad. I don't know how I will ever repay everything you've done for me."
"Now kiddo, it's my pleasure and my responsibility as your father to look out for you and take care of you. I was thinking, now that you won't be paying rent maybe you could clear out that second room and rent it out. You can keep that income, I know work study doesn't pay much and you're too proud to ask for a bigger allowance."
"I know just who to ask dad!"
After finishing up with my dad and thanking him for the millionth time, I ran downstairs to a still sleeping Jacob. I practically threw myself onto him. He grunted as I landed on top of him.
"You know, just because I am not attracted to women doesn't mean that I don't suffer from the regular male ailment that plagues us in the morning. So, if you don't want to feel something you aren't prepared for, I would suggest you remove yourself." Even half asleep Jacob managed to come up with a sick warning. He chortled loud as he observed my disgusted expression.
"Gross!" I complained and promptly lifted myself off him. "How much do you pay in rent?" I asked.
"Seven hundred and fifty a month. Why?"
"Because, I just spoke to my dad. He bought the apartment. I don't have to move!"
"What does that have to do with my rent?"
"I'll charge you half that to live here."
He sat up, his hair disheveled and his clothes rumpled. "Seriously? That would be perfect. I could use the extra money."
We made breakfast while discussing his impending move. We were both giddy with excitement. We feasted on scrambled eggs, bacon and pancakes. It was the perfect breakfast for a celebration. I couldn't wait to tell Edward.
~IC~
Anybody have any juicy roommate stories you'd like to share?
In college my roommate's boyfriend slept over in our dorm room often. It was a total violation of school policy (I went to a Jesuit school). Anyway one night I heard him trying to proposition her into getting busy under the sheets. I had to speak up and remind them I was in the room. It was awkward but I just couldn't sit by and pretend to sleep through THAT!
Until next time!
Abby