Disclaimer: I do not own any of the characters from Twilight. They are property of Stephenie Meyer. I just like to have a little fun with them.
Chapter 14 – Sing When You're Winning
"Hmm," I sighed contently as the sun beamed through the window, dragging me from my peaceful slumber. It was still stupidly early, and remembering all that happened in the restaurant a few hours earlier I couldn't think of a better way to start my day; finishing what Edward had started last night. Hell, we had at least three hours before we'd be officially noted as missing. Also, with Edward's purchase yesterday there was really nothing stopping us this morning. I smiled to myself and rolled over to greet Edward in the best way I could, only to be confronted with a cold mattress instead of his warm, toned chest.
"Huh?" I mumbled, looking at the empty space in front of me. Casting my eyes around he wasn't anywhere to be seen, not even in the bathroom.
"Well there goes my chance at some good morning loving,'" I muttered to myself crawling out of bed and going to the bathroom. My bladder felt like a space hopper, unsurprising considering the amount of water I was forced to drink last night thanks to 'Mr McHorny'.
I stood in front of the mirror and inspected the image staring back at me. I really was a sight to behold in the morning. "Edward must really love me, hell, I'm losing my own erection looking at that..." I laughed, running my hands through my tangled hair before getting into the shower and making short work of washing. It was never quite as fun without Edward.
As I made my way downstairs I could hear Emmett cursing from the kitchen. "Godammit! Agh! Fuck!" There he stood in front of a waffle iron with band aids on three fingers on his left hand.
"Emmett, what the hell are you doing?" I asked perplexed and making my over to him slowly.
"I'm trying to make waffles. What does it look like? Shit!" he screamed sucking on yet another burnt finger. "Why are these things so damn hot?" he whined turning to look at me.
I shook my head and laughed, before moving him away from the lethal weapon. "Move. They're supposed to be hot. That's the whole point," I laughed, rescuing the mixture he'd poured on and carrying on with making breakfast. "Where's Edward?" I asked, looking over my shoulder to Emmett, busy picking at his burnt finger tips.
"No idea. He and Rose went out about an hour ago. Said they had an errand to run and that they'd be back later," he shrugged, not looking up from what he was doing.
"They didn't say what they were doing?" This was very unlike Edward. Even before we got together he would let me know where he was going. He was well aware of how I hate being out of the loop.
"All I know is that they've taken my Jeep and will be gone a few hours," he mumbled, sucking on his index finger and wincing.
"What about Alice and Jasper?"
"They've got out for the day also. Gone for a drive down the coast. Apparently they wanted some 'alone' time," he replied eyeing the plate of waffles in front of him greedily. "Looks like it's just us for the day," he winked, shoving a fork full in his mouth.
"Great," I mumbled under my breath. Sure, I loved Emmett but a whole day alone with him? The whole situation had potential for ending in a very bad way - namely him with concussion.
"Bella, I'm hurt," he mocked, pouting for all he was worth. "Is being around me such a bad thing?"
"No, I didn't mean that…" I sighed, sitting down next to him with my own food. "I was just kind of hoping to spend the last full day here with Edward and the rest of the gang. They didn't say anything about where they were going?"
"Nope, I tried to push Rose but she said that if I wanted the good loving tonight, no TV or anything, I wouldn't asked any more questions," he laughed through a mouthful of waffles "And there's no way I'm looking that gift-horse in the mouth!"
"Yeah," I muttered into my glass of juice. If there was one thing I hate most, it was secrets. They could only lead to bad things in my experience. If something has to be kept away from people it can't be good, right?
"Anyway Bells, we've got the party to look forward to tonight remember?" He nudged my side and got up to put his plate in the sink.
"Yeah but bitch tits will be here," I moaned.
"Hey that's no way to talk about Rose!" he laughed, putting his arms around me from behind and kissing the top of my head.
"I'll tell her you said that!" I scolded, smacking his chest lightly.
"No, God no! Please don't!" he laughed, walking into the lounge and turning on the TV. "That woman's got a mean left hook!" He chuckled before singing along to 'The Gummi Bears' theme tune.
"What is it with those Cullen boys and their 80's cartoons?" I thought to myself as I loaded the dishwasher and went back upstairs to grab my book and mp3 player.
"Gummi Bears! Bouncing here and there and everywhere. High adventure that's beyond compare. They are the Gummi Bears..."
It was going to be a long, long day.
The day seemed to drag on forever while I was alone. I'd always enjoyed my own company but it's not the same when you're away from home. Emmett had disappeared into his room hours ago and I had no interest in what he was doing right now. I'd pottered, tidied, had lunch, read, pottered some more and tried to nap. "Is it actually possible for time to go backwards?" I thought to myself as I settled on the decking and looked out over the ocean.
"Hey Bells," Emmett greeted, stretching in the doorway and obviously having just rolled out of bed.
"Hey you," I replied not looking away from the ocean. "Is it me or is this the longest day in recorded history?"
"Wanna do something fun?" he asked, plonking himself down next to me.
"Such as?" I asked, glancing over to him.
"I don't know, you decide." He smiled back.
"Erm," I mumbled, trying to think of something worthwhile. "How about a game of arm wrestling?"
"You want a game of arm wrestling with me?" he asked incredulously.
"Yeah, why not?" I asked innocently.
"Well, Bella, you see you're a feeble little woman and I'm all man!" he mocked, puffing out his chest and poking me in the ribs.
"Games on wart boy!" I scolded as I got up and made my way to the table.
"Oh this is war jizz face!" he boomed, following closely behind and rubbing his hands together in glee.
As we sat opposite each other, I tried to give him my best eyeball stare, failing miserable and only receiving a smug laugh from Emmett.
"You do realise you stand no chance against me right?" he laughed as we took the strain.
I'm not stupid, I knew there was no way he'd ever use his full strength against me. Hell, if he did my humerus would probably just turn to dust! He was grinning at me like the Easter Bunny on Prozac and I decided it was time to make my move. Leaning forward just enough to give Emmett an eyeful of my cleavage, his attention was immediately taken from the game at hand. that instant I grabbed with my other and forced his one arm down with both of mine.
"Victory!" I hollered, jumping up and doing my best touch down dance. "How does it feel to be beaten by a feeble little woman?" I mocked, fully enjoying it.
"No way! You cheated!" he huffed, standing up.
"Cheated at what?" came Edwards voice from the doorway, stopping me mid celebration.
"I beat him in an arm wrestle!" I sang, running over and launching myself into Edward's body and wrapping my arms around his neck.
"She cheated!" Emmett whined from behind me.
"Did she do the old 'tit trick' on you?" Edward laughed looking over my head. "Can't believe you fell for that one Em. That's exactly why I never play against her...or any other woman actually," he joked before kissing me gently on the lips. "I missed you today."
"I missed you too. Where the hell have you been? It's been hours," I moaned.
"We had errands to run and we got some alcohol for tonight," Rose announced behind Edward, holding up two heavy bags containing various spirits and beers.
"Don't ask anything else. You'll find out," he whispered in my ear sensing the round of twenty questions I was gearing up to play with them both.
"Fine," I huffed in defeat, untangling myself from his body and walking indoors to see what goodies they had bought. Not that I was drinking much tonight; I'd learnt my lesson the hard way last weekend. There was no way I wanted to endure that again for a long time.
As I was looking through the bags, my stomach churning at the sight of a bottle of tequila, the front door flew open and Alice skipped in looking her usual cheery self. The difference being that her clothes were dishevelled and there appeared to be sand in her hair. "Is the bitch here yet?"
"Have fun today?" I asked, ignoring her question and taking in her appearance. Alone time. Doesn't take a genius to know what those two have been up to today.
"Yeah it was great. I need a shower," she rushed, before running up the stairs.
"Hey Jas," I greeted as I saw him walked through the door adjusting himself through his shorts. "Sand chafes," I smirked as he avoided eye contact with me.
"Yeah, erm, um, I need a shower also," he mumbled before taking off up the stairs like a man possessed.
"Oh that was fun," I chuckled to myself. It made a change to be the one dishing it out rather than being on the receiving end.
Before being able to fully bask in my glory, I was interrupted by knocking at the door. That knocking could only mean one thing – she'd arrived.
"Guess who's back, back again. Bitch is back, warn your friends…" Emmett sang walking down the hallway towards me.
"Please tell me again why we have to put up with his insufferable whore?" I pleaded with Edward who had joined the greeting party at the door.
"Sweetheart, you know why. Now let's just get this over and done with and then she'll be out of our lives. I swear," he whispered, kissing me tenderly on the lips and leaning to swing the door open to expose the full horror that awaited us.
He was right. I did know why but it didn't mean I agreed with it. One of the things I had always loved most about Edward was his fierce sense of loyalty to friends, and most importantly family. He idolised his father and would never do anything to hurt him. This, unfortunately, extended to tolerating Tanya Denali. He would never put his father in the position where it would cause problems between his family and closest friend. As much as it pained me, I would keep up the charade as long as I had to, although, that didn't mean I couldn't make her life miserable and get in as many digs possible!
And so there she stood - frizzy ginger hair caked in crusty gel and curled within an inch of its life, the tiniest dress I have ever witnessed and the skankiest six inch heels in existence. How Eleazar ever spawned this piece of shit I'd never understand.
"This will require vodka," Rosalie retorted as she spotted the latest arrival, spinning on her heels and hiding back in the kitchen, closely followed by Emmett who was more than grateful for the excuse to high tail it out of there.
"Edward! Greet to see you again!" she shrieked with her arms open wide as an invitation for a hug. Instinctively, Edward stepped backwards and held onto my waist, slightly pushing me into the firing line. "Pussy," I thought to myself.
"Glad you could make it," I greeted, cocking my head to the side and giving the cheesiest, toothy grin I could muster.
"Bella," was her flat reply, looking me up and down like a praying mantis eyeing up her next meal, before brushing herself past Edward as she entered the house.
"Ugh, this is going to be a long night," I groaned, leaning against Edward's chest before pulling away and dragging him towards the kitchen with me. "I need a drink, it might take away some of the pain."
"I thought you'd sworn off alcohol since last weekend," he laughed, smacking my ass as we entered the room. "Yeah I'm going to need one as well," he groaned, spotting Tanya leaning against the counter staring at him and sipping a glass of wine. "What do you fancy?"
"I'll just have a beer," I replied, making my way towards the fridge, feeling the full force of her glare at my back.
"So who's up for some karaoke?" Emmett asked loudly, breaking the uncomfortable silence in the room.
"Sounds good to me," I enthused, grateful for any distraction available.
"Cool, I'll set it up in the den," he grinned, rushing from the room. "Alice, Jasper, get your butts down here. It's karaoke time!" he bellowed up the stairs on his way out.
We all gathered in the den where the machine was set up and the alcohol began to flow freely. I'd always considered drinking as the best way forward whenever singing is involved - even if it is only amongst a few people. Personally, I was perfectly happy with my first beer in my hand. I really didn't feel like losing inhibitions tonight with Tanya around. I needed to stay sharp. Edward on the other hand was getting merrily sloshed along with the others.
"Don't expect any sympathy from me in the morning," I whispered into his ear as I snuggled into his lap.
"Unlike some people Miss Swan, I can take my drink," he slurred as he burped and blew in my face.
"Ew that's gross!" I screeched, pushing away from him and smacking him across the head.
Rose had kicked things off with her usual Whitney Houston rendition, followed by Alice singing Skunk Anansie.
"I'm up next," Emmett announced, getting out of his seat.
"God, please not another Elvis number…" I prayed silently. Turned out God was on a break when I heard the intro and him clear his throat ready to belt it out for all he was worth.
Baby let me be,
Your lovin teddy bear
Put a chain around my neck,
And lead me anywhere
Oh let me be
Your teddy bear.
I dont wanna be a tiger
Cause tigers play too rough
I dont wanna be a lion
cause lions aint the kind
You love enough.
Just wanna be, your teddy bear
Put a chain around my neck
And lead me anywhere
Oh let me be
Your teddy bear.
"Emmett you soppy bastard!" Rose guffawed at his dedication to her during the song, lip curl included.
"Bella you're up next," Alice ordered, pointing to me and then over to the microphone. I knew exactly what to sing. "Oh this is going to be good," I thought smugly to myself as I scrolled through the lists of songs until I found the one I wanted.
"I'd like to dedicate this song to our very special guest for tonight. Tanya," I announced, taking the improvised stage and standing in the middle of the room. I didn't need to read the lyrics to this song. It was one of my father's favourites.
Ginger hair and ruby lips
sparks fly from her finger tips
Echoed voices in the night
she's a restless spirit on an endless flight
wooo hooo witchy woman, see how
high she flies
woo hoo witchy woman she got
the moon in her eye
She held me spellbound in the night
dancing shadows and firelight
crazy laughter in another
room and she drove herself to madness
with a silver spoon
Turning my head to look directly at Tanya, I decided to change the lyrics and get my point across good and hard.
woo hoo bitchy woman see how high she flies
woo hoo bitchy woman she got the moon in her eye
Well I know you want a lover,
let me tell your brother, she's been sleeping
in the Devil's bed.
"I need to powder my nose," Tanya blurted out, rushing from the room and not letting me finish my song.
"She's been powdering her nose a lot tonight," Alice commented as I sat down next to her.
"I'm going to check on her," Edward muttered, standing up and walking out the room with Rose hot on his heels. It wasn't unusual for him to 'check' on her when she threw one of her hissy fits, but Rose following him seemed a bit strange. She hated Tanya with every fiber of her being.
"Do you think I took it too far?" I asked Alice, worried that I had actually upset her this time.
"Nah, nothing more than she deserved," she dismissed, waving her hand and refilling her glass before settling back against Jasper.
"Well I'm going to use the bathroom," I excused myself, making my way up to our en-suite bathroom. I couldn't be bothered with bumping into her by using the downstairs one. At least I'd have some privacy using my own.
As I entered the room it looked amazing. The full moon was illuminating everything with a pale blue glow, and the only sound to be heard was the ocean lapping at the sand. "If only the view from my room at home was like this," I mused to myself as I made me way onto our balcony to enjoy the view and grab some fresh air. Staring out at the ocean, I felt completely at ease and content. Everything in my life seemed to be falling into place. I had the man of my dreams, who just happened to be my best friend also, and a fantastic group of friends who I knew would remain so for the rest of my life.
As I leaned on the railings something caught my eye. Edward walking along the beach following Tanya and grabbing her arm as he reached her. "Stupid fucking drama queen," I huffed watching the scene unfold in front of me.
"As if she thinks he'll fall for that one" I scoffed before being stopped in my tracks.
There he was, leaning in closer to her, their faces merely inches apart. My heart felt like it was about to tear in two. What the fuck was happening down there? I didn't need, no I couldn't see any more. Rushing out of my room, my mind racing and my heart pounding out of my chest, I just had to get away. As I reached the bottom of the stairs I caught sight of Alice's car keys, and without thinking, grabbed them and ran to the car, putting it in gear and speeding away before anyone, even myself had time to react. There was only one place I needed to be right now. Home.
The journey was a blur. I'd no idea how I got there or what speed I was doing before I saw the sign as I was entering Forks. "How could he do that to me? What about all the promises we made to each other? Everything I had hoped for trashed. All the plans we had made together built on a lie. Could I really have been so foolish as to believe that he felt the same way I did?"
Pulling up outside my house, I could see the TV still on in the livingroom which usually meant that Charlie had fallen asleep on the sofa. I climbed out of the car and leant against it trying to control my breathing. I was in no fit state to face my father right now. How could I explain to him that my so called soul mate had taken my heart, almost my virginity and tore them to shreds in front of my very eyes with someone who could only be described as nothing more than a cheap hooker? As I stood trying to compose myself and ignore the searing pain in my head and chest my phone buzzed in my pocket.
"Bella where the fuck are you and where the fuck is my car? - Alice"
I then noticed that I had sixteen missed calls from Edward and ten unread text messages. I hadn't even heard my phone until now. It must have taken at least two hours to get home, but I had little recollection of the majority of the journey. It was a miracle I was standing there alive and not wrapped around a tree somewhere. Shoving my phone back into my pocket, I made my way to the door and hurriedly opened it before running upstairs as quickly and quietly as possible.
"Bells? Is that you?" Charlie called, his voice full of sleep. "What's happened? It's nearly one am. What are you doing back? Did something happen with Edward?" he asked, following me upstairs and standing outside my door.
"Nothing's wrong Dad," I choked out between sobs. "We just had an argument and I decided to come home." My voice wavered trying to suppress my true feelings.
"Sweetheart, please let me in. I know you're not ok," he tried to comfort from outside.
"No Dad, please. Just leave me alone. I just want to sleep," I cried through my pillow, as I lay face down on my bed.
"Ok, if you need me you know where I am," he sighed, knocking a couple of times on the door. I could hear the floorboards creak as he made his way to his bedroom as my phone starting ringing again. Edward. I cut him off and put the phone back on my bedside table. I really couldn't listen to any of his excuses right now. He wouldn't take no for an answer though and the incessant ringing continued.
"Edward just leave me alone please," I sighed defeated, before cutting him off and turning the phone off. Yeah it would drive him mad but it was nothing more than he deserved after what he'd put me through.
I turned over and stared at the ceiling; the full realisation dawning on me. Everything I had believed in no longer meant anything. I knew that for tonight at least I would be left alone. Edward and the others had drunk far too much to drive back here. I closed my eyes, praying that slumber would take away my pain and take me to a happier place.
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