*Ducking* and *Covering* ok so I know the last chapter was a little brutal and this ones not much better. Please stick with me through this and the next chapter and I promise things will start to look up. This chapter was quick because I already had most of it done. I haven't started the next one yet but I am hoping to have it to you by no later than Sunday!
I wanted to send out a huge thank you to: SaraCGeorgeBob, Sadie1787, cmoody74 and Ghedea! I love your words and am thankful to be entertaining someone out there!
As usual I do not own Twilight or its Characters; I just live vicariously through them!
Enjoy!
Twelve more days until Edward was leaving.
Waking up the next morning was tough. I hadn't set my alarm clock knowing school was going to be canceled but looking to the window made me panic a little. It was so bright outside. If I hadn't seen the clouds I would've thought it was a sunny day. I stayed wrapped in my blanket as Charlie knocked on my door.
"I'm gonna head out Bells; did you want me to take you over to the Cullen's?"
I wasn't sure how to answer that. I wanted to go over there since I knew time was of the essence but at the same time I didn't know if I should. Charlie saw me hesitate and walked over to bed before sitting down by my feet. He reached his hand out and placed it on my leg.
"You know Bells I know I wasn't supportive of you dating Edward cause I thought and still think you are too young but he's your best friend. I know you know better than anyone how hard it is to go through a family crisis and Edward's gonna need your support."
"I'm just not sure they want me there Dad. For all I know they need family time," I looked away knowing a part of me was just scared to not know what to say and for being in the way.
"Bells you are a part of that family, you have been for years."
I looked over at Charlie to see a look on his face I hadn't seen before. I didn't know what it was but it made my chest hurt. I reached over to place my hand on his.
"You know Dad you are a part of their family too. I think the Cullen's enjoy adopting people."
"Well I sure hope so since I'm driving Carlisle to the airport," Charlie smiled as he stood up.
"What? Since when?"
"Since the snow hit and I offered to get him to SeaTac safe. Its just one way I could think of to say thank you for everything they have done for the both of us. So get dressed, I'm leaving in ten minutes," Charlie left the room as I jumped out of bed. I ran around getting plenty of warm clothes as a plan formed in my head for what to do today.
I was in the bathroom washing my face and brushing my teeth before I pulled my hair into a messy ponytail. I ran down the stairs past Charlie out the backdoor. Of course going down the stairs I had to slip on my butt. A great start to the day. I stood up and dusted my butt off before I ran out to the shed. Opening the door I found the old sleds that Charlie bought for us when I was little. I pulled all three of them out and met Charlie at the cruiser.
The snowplows were almost done with all the roads. Heading to the Cullen's had been much easier then leaving last night.
"Are the roads plowed all the way to the airport?"
"No but that's why I'm taking the jeep with all wheel drive. It's as safe as it's gonna get and there isn't suppose to be anymore snow until later tonight."
We pulled up to the Cullen's. Charlie got out and removed the sleds for me as I walked up to the front door. Charlie set the sleds next to the stairs as he joined me in front of the door. I had already knocked and there was no answer. I knocked again as Charlie and I waited for what seemed like forever. There was still no answer.
"Did you talk to them about taking Carlisle to the airport? Are they expecting you?"
"Of course I did Bells; Esme called about the weather and road report; I offered then."
I knocked on the door getting antsy for someone, anyone to answer the door.
"Don't you just normally walk in Bells?"
"Well yeah but I didn't think," Charlie looked at me like I was acting like an alien as I finally opened the door and walked in. Charlie followed behind us as I heard raised voices coming from upstairs. Charlie and I froze as Emmett came running downstairs.
"Hey Bells, Chief," Emmett continued walking as the yelling got louder.
"Emmett what's going on?" I followed Emmett as Charlie stayed next to the door.
"Bella maybe you shouldn't be here right now," Emmett kept moving away from me as I stood silent. Emmett passed back by me heading towards the stairs again. I walked back over to Charlie who looked at me confused.
"Emmett? Tell Carlisle his ride to the airport is here," Charlie placed his hand on my shoulder as Emmett nodded and continued up the stairs.
Awkward minutes passed as Charlie and I stood by the front door waiting for any of the Cullen's to come downstairs. Charlie kept his hand on my shoulder as I was trying not to freak out. I turned around and to Charlie to bury my face in his chest. Charlie's arms wrap around my shoulders as I stood wanting to do nothing but go home. I knew I should've stayed in bed.
Carlisle finally appeared after several minutes followed by Esme, Alice and Emmett. I turned as I heard the movement surprised not to see Edward. I gave Alice a questioning look as Carlisle and Esme greeted Charlie. Carlisle was flustered and Esme had been crying. I kept waiting for Edward to come downstairs but he never did. Carlisle hugged Esme, Alice and Emmett before he was standing in front of me.
"Bella, I know how difficult this situation is for you but I need my family with me. I can't imagine how hard this is going to be and I'm sorry, I'm sorry for leaving you like this. But know that I love you Bella and that I'm going to miss you around my house. I look forward to seeing you soon Bella, take care of your dad he's a great man," Carlisle finished as he pulled me into a hug that caused the tears to come.
The first of the goodbyes and this one nearly ripped my heart out. I had no idea how I was going to get through these next eleven days. I hugged Carlisle with all that I had trying to fight the tears that now were pouring out of my tear ducts. Esme came behind Carlisle as he pulled away from me. I hugged Charlie as the three of them walked out to the car.
I looked to the stairs knowing that Edward was in his room. I left Emmett and Alice as I ran to the stairs. I knew that Edward would regret not saying goodbye to his dad. I burst into Edward's room finding him on his bed with hiss head buried in his pillow.
"Edward, Carlisle's leaving you have to say goodbye," I walked over to his bed expecting him to turn and look at me.
"Go away Bella, I'm not talking about this right now."
"Edward, he's leaving,"
"Thanks Bella for stating the obvious, you can go now," Edward spat at me.
I stood silent unable to move as Edward continued not to move. I couldn't believe the way he was acting and the anger that was now boiling inside of me was threatening to overflow. I turned around and left his room still shocked at this new side of Edward. I walked slowly down the stairs completely silent as Alice and Emmett walked over to meet me at the bottom.
"Edward and Carlisle have been fighting since you left last night," Emmett said as he put his arm around my shoulder.
"Why?"
"Well gee let's think about that shall we, we basically learned yesterday that all three of us have to move away till god knows when because Carlisle and Esme say so. Plus he's pissed because he doesn't want to leave you," Alice was almost foaming at the mouth she was so pissed off.
I stepped away from the two of them as my head was spinning with my anger and irritation. I couldn't understand why I wasn't falling apart last night until I discovered it was because these three were being awful. I knew immediately that the three of them had no desire to go but to act like this, to treat Carlisle and Esme like this was too much to handle. I had finally reached my limit.
"What the hell is wrong with you guys?" Emmett and Alice snapped up to look me.
"You two should be ashamed of yourselves. Maybe Esme should've turned her back on you guys too while she was at it. I thought I was gonna freak out when you guys left me here by myself but to be honest I'm so disgusted with the three of you right now. Eleazar is fighting for his life and so is his wife and their three kids have no one and you guys are pissing and moaning about a short vacation and the differences in your lives, these girls could loose their parents. So keep making this all about you guys," I turned to see Esme standing by the front door looking at the three of us.
I was so upset that I walked past Emmett and Alice as I walked to the kitchen shaking from my confrontation. I had never been mad at these people before. I had never fought with them. But now I was regretting being here. I didn't want to see the people that I loved like this. It's just not who the Cullen's are.
Esme walked in as I started to cry. I didn't want to do this in front of her. She had so much to deal with that I didn't want her to feel like she had something else to burden her. I turned away from her trying to make the tears stop. I could feel her hand on my back making soothing circles. It wasn't helping the tears; in fact it made them worse.
After a few minutes I was able to get myself under control. I turned to face her to see that she had tears in her eyes as well.
"I'm so sorry for snapping at them, I was just so mad. I don't want any of you to go but I understand why you have to," tears fell from my face as Esme smiled at me.
"Thank you Bella. Carlisle and I were so worried about leaving you behind but sadly you understand better than anyone else has."
"Well I would wouldn't I; if it hadn't been for you guys I don't know what I would've done. I love Charlie but I was so lonely until you invited me into your home. And after everything that you've done for me; I hate to see them act like this and I'm sorry," Esme pulled me into her arms as we both silently shed tears.
*~*
I helped Esme make lunch before I headed outside. I was alone since Emmett, Alice and Edward weren't speaking to me. I grabbed my sled as I headed to the hill. Jasper lived about ten minutes away. Thankfully I had already called him and told him to meet me. I wanted to do something special for the triple twits even though right now they didn't deserve it. But I did know that once the shock wore off that they would feel bad and then they would be deserving.
Jasper was already sledding on the hill when I made my way over to him. I took my sled and ran for the hill. The speed as I flew down the hill with the cold wind cutting at my cheeks was exciting. I felt my heart race as I hit the embankment of snow at the bottom of the hill. Jasper was laughing at me as I knocked the snow on my head. I was covered in snow as Jasper helped me stand up.
"You truly are a walking hazard zone," his drawl was charming as he mocked me. "So tell me about this plan of yours."
We walked up the hill discussing what we were going to do for our friends as they left us to go the windy city. Jasper was upset that Alice was leaving but like me he understood. His grandfather had passed away and they had to go to Texas to care for him. That's how he had gotten his accent. He also understood why the triple twits were acting out the way they were. It was hard to have your life changed without any say so in the matter. Especially for Emmett who was in the middle of his junior year with all of his friends.
Jasper and I talked the whole way back as the temperature seemed to warm a little. We talked about what we could do for Emmett and Rosalie. It seemed cruel to work towards a relationship that he would just be leaving in eleven days. Apparently Emmett was finally warming the heart of the Ice Queen that she was actually going to give the poor guy a break and go out with him. And now he was leaving.
Jasper said that if Emmett didn't stoke the fire while he was gone Rosalie would give up on him completely. Rosalie had little tolerance for bullshit which means once you crossed her she wrote you off for dead. I knew Emmett wouldn't want to lose her especially when he found out she liked him. Rosalie as it turns out was quite the romantic. That was how Emmett was going to keep her interested.
Our plans were shaping up nicely. I actually was excited to start executing our plan but we had one more loose end. We needed Esme. There were things that Jasper and I needed to buy. Jasper and I rejoiced that we had something to keep us occupied over the next eleven days so we didn't become complete emotional basket cases. We had a plan.
Jasper and I walked into the house laughing as Alice, Emmett and Edward looked up at us in shock. Jasper and I smiled at them as we walked into the kitchen where we were greeted by Esme with hot chocolate to warm our frozen cores. Jasper and Esme were animated as the triple twits were falling off the couch to get into the kitchen to see what was going on.
"Where were you guys?" Alice tried to keep the jealously out of her voice.
"Oh Bella and I were sledding on the hill. It was the most fun," Jasper took another drink of his hot chocolate as Edward gave me a death glare.
"Bella and Jasper, you wanted to talk to me?" Esme smiled at both of us.
"Yes, in private if that's ok," I bit my lip as I looked at Jasper trying to avoid the laser beams that were shooting out Edward's eyes. I knew he was going to yell at me later, that was a guarantee and Alice would most likely give me a Joker makeover that would scar my appearance for the rest of the year. But if we could pull this off, they wouldn't be able to forget us, even in a big city full of other people.
Esme motioned for Jasper and I to follow her up to Carlisle's study. My heart was racing in my chest. I knew at any moment Edward was going to start yelling at me to tell him what was going on. The emotions in the room were palpable and I thought Jasper and I were going to be lynched.
Once inside Carlisle's study I was able to finally breathe. Jasper and Esme were both laughing at me and the situation.
"Well this should be good," Esme said sitting in Carlisle's chair waiting for Jasper and I to tell her what was going on.
Over the next twenty minutes Jasper and I laid out our plan for her. Esme was excited and even animated herself getting more involved in the plan. I knew it would be an easy distraction to the packing and planning she had to do in regards to moving her family half way across the United States. The three of us worked out a schedule to do the necessary running around we had to do; although the three of us knew now it was going to be a bigger challenge then we thought.
Leaving the study we were met with two sets of angry eyes. The pixie immediately dragged Jasper off down the stairs and outside. I couldn't imagine what she would do to poor Jasper and I told myself to remember to call him later tonight to find out. Esme walked out of the room behind me giving me a sympathetic smile as she made her way downstairs.
I looked at the ground unable to meet Edward's eyes afraid I would give myself away. The tension was too much and I walked away from Edward and into my room. I thought I would get lucky and he would go to his room to stew but my luck had run out. I stood in front of the window looking out at the snow covered trees. I could see Edward in the reflection of the glass and he looked like he was going to kill me.
"So you are replacing me before I even leave?" the venom was dripping with every word that came out of his mouth.
"What did you say to me?" I turned looking at him like I didn't recognize who was standing in front of me.
"What's with you and Jasper?"
"Jasper's my friend and we are working on a project together and we needed some adult help."
"What project?"
"Just something…something that we are working on; nothing really to tell," I crossed my arms trying to focus on anything other than the intense stare coming from Edward who seemed to move closer to me.
"Since when do you not talk to me?"
The anger in me was starting to make an appearance. I knew that if the roles were reversed I would be just as upset. I tried to remind myself to stay calm and that I was doing something very special for Edward and Alice and even Emmett.
"I know that this whole situation is awful for you and your siblings but I have been waiting for you, waiting for you to talk to me, to tell me what's going on inside of you. But instead I get silence and I get yelled at. You wanna talk, feel free," I kept my voice as calm as I could not wanting to make him defensive.
"What's going on inside of me?" Edward was becoming more agitated. "I don't want to leave here Bella, I don't want to go to Chicago, I don't want to watch my family take on the responsibility of another family," he broke off as he walked up in front of me placing one hand on my arm while the other went to cup my jaw.
"And I don't want to leave you," his voice was a broken whisper as the anger was replaced with all the emotions he was having over the last two days. I couldn't breathe as I closed the distance between us and wrapped my arms around his waist. I couldn't stop the tears as the reality finally hit me like a ton of bricks. My neck was wet from the tears that Edward was now shedding.
Minutes passed before Edward pulled away from me. I looked up at Edward as he wiped his eyes. I smiled at him trying to make him at ease. He was still carrying around too much tension and I knew that it was going to be difficult getting him to just let it go.
"So how was sledding?" his tone was more relaxed but there was an edge to it.
"It was good. I had brought over extras but no one was interested," I smiled playing off the morning as Edward's face grew tighter.
"Did you ask? I don't remember you asking any of us to go sledding. I know Emmett would never have turned that down."
"Emmett and Alice were just as unhappy with me as you were. I didn't need to ask," I tried to take some of the bite out of my voice but was failing miserably.
"Well I guess that's what happens when you yell at people," Edward sneered at me as he dropped his arms to his side.
I walked away from him as I returned to standing in front of the window. I wasn't going to fight with him. I didn't come over today to fight, in fact I couldn't remember exactly why I did come over. I looked out the window and saw that Jasper was fairing better than I was as he and Alice went walking in the woods. I wanted to resolve whatever was going on but my heart wasn't in it.
I turned around to leave the room as Edward grabbed my arm.
"You just want to be angry at everyone but it's not going to change the fact that you're leaving soon. So keep it up and see where it gets you," I removed my arm from his hand and left the room. This time Edward didn't follow me. I was stuck waiting for Charlie to come and get me and I knew it was going to be awhile. I ran into Carlisle's study to hide from everyone.
*~*
Carlisle's study had the most comfortable couch. I had grabbed my book and curled up on it waiting for Charlie to get back. I hadn't expected to fall asleep. I felt a slight jarring as I woke up. It was still light outside as Edward was kneeling by the couch.
"We were looking for ya," Edward's voice was calm.
"Well you found me," I rubbed my eyes trying to find a clock.
I sat up slowly looking around the room. I had been asleep for a little under two hours according to the clock by the desk. I felt out of it and groggy. Edward sat on the couch next to me and picked up my book.
"Romeo and Juliet, getting a jump start on freshman reading?"
"No, I happen to like Shakespeare," I released my hair from the loose ponytail on my head. My hair fell around my head as Edward looked over at me. I could feel his eyes on me as I ran my fingers through my hair.
"I'm sorry Bella. I'm sorry for all of it. I was so wrong to have treated everyone the way that I did."
"Why were you yelling at Carlisle?"
"I asked if I could stay here. I didn't want to go to Chicago and Carlisle said that wasn't an option that the family needed to stay together. I'm afraid to leave Bella."
"Afraid you're going to see a better world out there and not want to come back," I smiled trying to joke about my worst fear.
"No afraid to leave you, that everything is going to change. That's when Carlisle told me I was too young to have these feelings for someone but I told him you weren't someone."
The tears were falling before I even knew they were there. I understood everything he was saying and feeling. I thought he would go to Chicago and never want to come back to this small no nothing town. That he would find someone that was so much more than me. Apparently I wasn't the only one thinking this.
"Edward, where am I gonna go? I'm here and I will be here when you come back," I reached for his hand. He was looking at me now and he looked like he had released the weight of the world off of his shoulders. "You'll be back before you know it."
I wrapped my arms around his neck and held him trying to convince him as well as myself. Everything was going to be ok and this trip would be over in no time. There was a knock at the door as Esme stepped in.
"Sorry to interrupt but Bella Charlie's here."
She left the room as quietly as she came. I looked at Edward suddenly not wanting to go home but I stood and grabbed my book. Edward leaned into me and kissed me, the first one in what felt like forever.
"It's going to be ok Edward," I kissed him again before taking his hand and heading downstairs where Charlie was waiting for me. I hugged Esme before leaving. The snow had started to fall again as Charlie and I both got into the police jeep.
*~*
The next week passed quickly. The snow continued to fall but it was business as usual. School seemed like nothing more than an opportunity to see Edward and Alice. Jasper and I worked in math to finish our surprises as Esme drove us to the few stores we needed to purchase our goods.
I spent all my free time with Edward. Everyday he held my hand a little tighter, hugged a little longer and snuck in a few more kisses. Esme decided to give Jasper and I a few extra days before they left. It didn't matter how much extra time we were given the result was still the same.
Edward returned to his normal self having apologized to both Esme and Carlisle. Esme had thanked me later for helping Edward be ok but I knew he did it on his own. Edward couldn't be angry at his parents. He loved and respected them too much and once he finally thought about the situation he was proud that his parents were better people then most. Even Alice and Emmett were starting to change their tune.
Jasper and I started working on Rosalie for Emmett. I had Emmett write notes and poems and letters talking about Rosalie. Then Jasper would get them to Rosalie with something she liked, roses and car parts. I wouldn't have taken Rosalie for a car fan but the fact that she fixed and maintained her own cars somehow made her cooler. Rosalie started to respond to Emmett which brightened and soured his mood.
Emmett broke the news to Rosalie about leaving and she wasn't very happy. In fact she threw a hub cap at his head. It was quite the scene that required Esme to bring me over to the Hale-Whitlock house to explain what was going on. Jasper and I explained to both Rosalie and Emmett our cupid scheme. When we were finished Rosalie apologized to Emmett while offering to clean the gash in his forehead. When the three of us left, Jasper said Rosalie was upset that Emmett was leaving while Emmett's arms threatened to crush my ribcage as he hugged his appreciation once we got home.
Time was moving too quickly.
Friday, the last day of class before the break had arrived. As usual the day started with my greeting from Edward which has become more intense since we decided that tongues are a good thing. Followed by hand holding and notes all day long. As the final bell of the day rang I walked to my locker to get rid of all my books. I couldn't fight the tears as I realized I had only fours day left before the Cullen's left.
I was spending the weekend at the Cullen's since Charlie and Harry Clearwater were going on a hunting/camping trip. I wiped my eyes knowing Edward would be here at any moment and I promised myself no tears. I felt his arms wrap around my waist as his face nuzzled my neck. I stood saving this moment since I knew it would be a while before Edward and I would be like this again. Another tear escaped as I tried to keep everything in check.
"We'll never make it home if you keep starring at your locker," he whispered as I wiped my eyes for the last time. I closed my locker and turned in his arms facing him. He rested his forehead on mine as he continued to look in my eyes.
"I didn't know you were so upset to leave school," Edward smiled at me as I lightly hit his arm. I rolled my eyes as I tried to take a step away from him but he held me in place.
"We're going to have so much fun this weekend but it can't start without a smile, please for me," he lightly shook me as I smiled at him. I couldn't deny him anything.
I kissed him while his hands pulled me closer into his body. We normally wouldn't be like this at school but we were the only two in the hallway. He took a step forward as my back was now pressed up against my locker. My hands went immediately into his hair as I parted my lips to welcome him into me.
We lost all track of time until a throat being cleared caught our attention.
"Yeah so I know tonsillectomies are invasive and all but we were kinda hoping to get home some time this century," Alice giggled before pulling Jasper with her down the hall. Edward and I laughed before running off after them.
*~*
Sunday morning rolled around and I found myself up way too early. I crept into the bathroom to wash my face and brush my teeth before deciding to crawl back in bed. I wanted to make breakfast but the clock revealed it was way too early for that. I stood outside of Edward's door wanting to go in but I couldn't make myself turn the handle. I laughed at how ridiculous I was as I turned to go back to my room. The door opened and I turned surprised that he was up so early.
"What are you doing up?" I couldn't hide my embarrassment as my face blushed. He smiled at me as he walked over to take my hand.
"Waiting for you," before I could protest he pulled me into his room. I gasped. I had never been in Edward's room like this. In fact I was pretty sure this was breaking a rule, if not one's of the Cullen's definitely one of Charlie's.
"Why were you standing outside my door just now?" my heart began slamming into my chest as Edward pulled me closer to his body. I couldn't fight the blush that was now scorching my face.
"Just seeing if anyone else was awake," I smiled trying to calm myself down. "Edward,"
"Will you lay down with me," his voice was a whisper as the smile and confidence left his face. I couldn't speak so I nodded my head as we walked over to his bed. I had been on Edward's bed before as friends but not like this. Edward crawled back in his bed as he held the covers open for me. I crawled in and laid on my side with Edward lying behind me. It was the same as the day I found out the Cullen's were leaving.
We were quiet as his hands wrapped around me. I felt his breath on my neck.
"Tell me I can stay on your couch so I don't have to go," Edward whispered. I moved his hands enough to turn and face him. He had tears in his eyes as I placed my hand on the side of his face using my thumb to wipe away his tears.
"No one but us would go for that. Besides Esme got you into that music school that you wanted to check out. I'm going to get a phone call from you telling me how great it is there and then you'll be thanking me for not letting you sleep on my couch," I looked down not able to meet his eyes.
"I'm not going to find anything better than you Bella, different but not better," he said while lifting my face to look at him.
"Give this a try Edward. It's where Carlisle grew up and I'm sure he has all sorts of family stories. I mean it's where you were born, how bad can it be?"
"Yeah, yeah I will. It'll be a blast," he sounded so defeated. I leaned my head in and kissed him. I knew he would have a great time once he got there and let himself enjoy it.
The kiss deepened as my hand left his face and went straight for his hair. I parted my lips as Edward rolled me on my back so he was partially lying on me. My free hand joined the other in Edward's hair as he leaned on his elbows with his hands on my sides. Oxygen was becoming scarce as a moaned escaped my lips. Edward pulled away.
"Did I hurt you?" I smiled at his concern as I shook my head breathing heavily. I pulled his smiling lips back to mine as we continued kissing. In this moment everything seemed perfect.
A knock at the door startled both of us as we looked to the door. Yeah we were so breaking a rule and now we were going to spend the rest of our time in trouble. Edward was breathing too heavy to answer without giving away that something was going on in here. The door didn't open but a voice ghosted through the door.
"Edward? I'm heading downstairs to make breakfast and thought you would want to help me. I'll see you downstairs in a couple minutes."
We listened as she walked down the stairs. I closed my eyes laughing as Edward rested his forehead on mine mirroring my relief. I couldn't believe how close that was. Edward kissed me again as I reluctantly pulled away from him.
"That was our one get out of jail free card. Get up before she comes back."
"She wouldn't mind; really," he tried to kiss me again but I dodged him.
"Trust me, I wish she hadn't caught us but she did. Now get up and go make me some breakfast," I couldn't stop the laugh as I bossed him out of his room. Edward kissed me as he got up saluting me.
"Yes ma'am."
Edward left his room as I curled up in his blankets. I knew I was going to pay for this.
Breakfast was sure going to be interesting.
Busted! I had to leave this chapter on something of a good note.
Ok so I will tell you that next chapter has the Cullen's leaving Forks. I wanted to prepare you and that's the only hint you get.
As usual I love your words so please tell me what you thought of this slow torture of our love birds!