Sorry - I have been moving and been away studying. RL sucks ass at times. Hopefully next chappy will be quicker up!
The Diffirence Between Us
Chapter 14
BPOV
"I-I-I don't need to see this." Jasper yelped as he turned his back to us. Alice was left a little stunned and only took her gaze off us when Jasper pulled her away in the direction of the kitchen.
Edward turned round with a worried look on his face but all I could do was laugh and hide my face in his chest. I was mortified, but I really couldn't sulk about being caught half dressed. I guess I forgot all about them arriving today.
"Are you all right?" Edward asked and I nodded into his chest before pulling away and smiling up to him.
"Just a little embarrassed," I shrugged. "We should go and get changed." Why did they have to arrive? I had been having a great day with the exception of me and Edwards little fall out over a jacket.
He turned me around and smacked my ass, chasing me upstairs. All I could do was laugh and squeal all over again. Edward had been right behind me and grabbed at my waist, picked me up and threw me down on the mattress where he began kissing me again.
I didn't want to go back down stairs – ever.
Quickly things got heated and we broke away before we got too carried away. "We need to get dressed. They are waiting for us." Edward pecked my lips once more before standing up and reaching for his clothes.
He was dressed in no time and I still lay out on the bed just watching him. "Take your time. I'll go down and entertain them. Come down when you are ready." I nodded but still continued to lie out on the covers smiling at what had transpired earlier on today.
It felt so great. Edward had been questioning me all the time, but I was ready for him. It felt good to be with him.
I quickly got dressed and then headed down stairs. Walking up to the kitchen I could hear Jasper and Edward arguing.
I held back, waiting at the edge of the door.
"I don't care, Edward. You shouldn't be messing her around like that." Jasper snapped. "What are you thinking? She's the cop's daughter." He sighed. "You should be showing him and her a little more respect."
I was furious at Jasper. He wasn't here. He didn't know what had or was going on. And I already knew how bad Edward was feeling about this situation and my dad.
"Jasper, she's an adult. It's not your place." Alice chided him. I was a little surprised at that one. Alice was no great fan of Edward's but I think she knew I had a stable brain in my head.
"Thanks, Alice." Edward croaked out. His voice was weak and walking through to the kitchen I could see a look of shame washed across his face. Damn you Jasper.
"I don't think it's any concern of yours or my fathers, Jasper." I went straight to Edward and took hold of his arm, wrapping mine around his. Alice's eyes widened and a small smile played on her lips but I knew she was trying to hide it.
"Really Bella, you think your dad is going to be happy when he finds out what's going on?" Jasper snapped at me. "Your dad done a lot for Edward. And this is how he repays him?" He exclaimed waiving his hands at us. "This is really shit on Charlie. This isn't fair. He thinks he placed you with someone he could trust. He's your father. No father wants this going on."
Edward still wore the same look across his face, in fact, I think it got a little more grim. Jasper was right on some level and it was Edward's biggest fear and now his best friend was reprimanding him for it. The best friend he trusted with his life.
I gripped Edward arm tighter as I felt him receding down within himself.
Alice looked at me, rolling her lips together, dying to say something. You could see it written all over her face.
Jasper let out a groan and turned his back to us before turning to Edward once again. "You are un-fucking-believable, Edward." And with that he walked out of the kitchen leaving the three of us standing there.
"You're turn, Alice?" Edward asked as he pulled away and pulled out a stool at the island and sat down.
"I'm not saying its wrong. Just the pair of you be careful with what is happening. It's a bit of a weird situation. I can't judge on what's going on between the two of you." Edward's brow furrowed as he looked across at Alice. She sighed and took a few steps forward. "Jasper is right, this is going to upset you're father if he finds out – if he finds out. There is nothing wrong with this being what it is, you know." Implying it was a sex thing. "You're old enough to make your own mind up on this one. It has nothing to do with anybody else." Alice fidgeted a little and I was sure there was more she wanted to say, but she never did.
Nobody said anything else. Edward hid his face in his arms as they rested on the island and all I could do was rub his back to try to sooth him.
Alice turned around and began fussing at the cupboards and with the coffee pot, trying to give us a little privacy while sorting us drinks.
"Are you all right?" I whispered to Edward. He shrugged a little and I moved my hands from his back to his shoulders trying to dispenses his stress. "Don't let this affect us. Jasper doesn't know what he's talking about." I placed a small kiss on the back of his head, unable to see his face.
Fixing mugs and the water in the pot, Alice turned around to us once again. "Bella's right, Edward." She sighed a little. Edward looked up at her surprised. Why was Alice being so agreeing to this? Even I was wondering that, never mind Edward.
"Why are you on my side?" Edward asked Alice. She shook her head at him and leaned against the counter. "There is no side, Edward. You and Bella have some form of relationship going on and it's no concern to anybody other than yourselves." She crossed her arms. "Act like a prick towards her though, and then its a whole other ball game." She smirked.
Edward only shook his head again as he stood up. "I'm going to talk to Jasper." he informed us as he headed for the door.
Alice turned round once again and began to move the mugs around all over again. What was going on with her? Alice wasn't much for reason when it came to Edward. "Rosalie called me." She said as if she could read my thoughts. She turned around to face me once again. "She said the two of you were pretty sweet together, that he was taking good care of you. I didn't tell Jasper because we thought it was Edwards place to tell him – if it wasn't for the fact we walked in on the two of you. She was letting me know to shut my mouth for a change and just to back off and see what happens." She smiled a little as she reached around for the coffee pot and began to pour two cups. "Rosalie is too much of a romantic and I swear those baby hormones aren't doing much for her. But I'll do as she asks." She nodded as she handed me a coffee mug and motioned towards the seats at the island.
"You think Jasper will calm down? If you haven't already noticed Edward really values his opinion." Reaching for the seat I sat down and felt nerves grow in my stomach. What if Jasper talked Edward out of what was going on between us.
She shrugged. "Edward always did his own thing. He never paid much attention to Jasper when he was being an asshole. Why should that change?" She laughed a little.
"I realized I was being really hard on Edward. He could drive me insane and after Jasper spending so much time with him after the attack, I became jealous. That wasn't fair on Edward. I suppose I thought he deserved what he got and I was happy to have a go while he was down, but Rosalie said he had been pretty down but that you had seemed to make him happy." She sipped on her drink and let out a groan. "It's that father of his. He is such a prick. He made Edward this other thing. So serious, so straight laced, so emotionless. I have not saw Edward smile like how he was smiling in years. Years." She emphasised. "You're a sensible girl, Bella. You can work out if it's worth the risk for Edward."
I nodded, feeling that she was encouraging the relationship if it made the both Edward and me happy.
At that, Edward and Jasper walked back into the kitchen, Edward looking a little happier than when he had walked out.
"Bella, I don't care what Jasper thinks. All I have done is base my life around what people think I should be doing. He'll get over it. He pretty much already is." He told me as he pulled me into him, chest to chest. His arm secured tight around my waist with his hand on my back. "Anyway, never mind him. How are you?" He asked with serious eyes. "Are you all right? You know, after today?" Worry etched his face and I didn't know why.
"Today was perfect," I shrugged, pulling myself further into his chest. Unfortunately, he had his shirt back on. I hoped he would get over that soon. I had enjoyed having him topless earlier. His body was stunning to look at.
I pushed at his chest, shifting him on to his back so I could drape myself over him easily. I let my leg rest between his two, the warmth in between the cool covers. I let my head rest on his shoulder as I felt myself being lulled to sleep by his warm scent.
It was late and we had only made it to bed a short time ago. After being up relatively early today, I was worn out. I wanted to push for more though but I felt embarrassed that Jasper and Alice were only next door in Esme's room.
They didn't plan on staying long. Only tonight.
Edward had already spoke to Alice and asked her to take me shopping in Port Angeles come morning. He thought I needed to go shopping sooner rather than later, if only for a jacket to keep me warm. This time when he suggested it though, I swallowed it without an argument or complaint since all knew all he was trying to do to me was take care of me. I wasn't entirely comfortable with it, but I wasn't trying to seem ungrateful.
"It was pretty damn good," A coy smile playing on his lips. "If only we hadn't been interrupted." His smile grew bigger and before I knew it he, was rolling me onto my back. "I had been hopeful of round two before they they arrived." He reached down, letting his nose graze off of my jaw and feeling his warm breath down my neck. I laughed at the sensation as he teased me into oblivion. Though he wasn't game for round two with them next door.
Damn it.
"Edward, it will be fine. We don't need him." Alice sighed as she rested her purse onto her shoulder. She was talking about Riley. He wanted him to drive us and make sure we were escorted through the shops. Safety measures – apparently. "The poor guy can do without following us through town. We'll be back in no time." She assured him with a small smile as she tugged on my shoulder, trying to escape before Edward could argue anymore.
"Famous last words. Fine." Edward spat as he huffed away from us, but not before giving me a peck on the cheek.
Jasper stood there rolling his eyes. He had been a little more understanding between Edward and I as we carried on as normal. I think seeing that I could handle myself with Edward, it took away his doubt. "Call us if you need anything. Call us if you are worried about anything," Jasper nodded at Alice as if to tell her to take heed of his words. Oh, Jasper could be bossy? I always thought Alice wore the trousers, but looks like they shared.
Alice reached in for a quick kiss from Jasper before grabbing my hand and pulling me through the front door.
We raced there and chatted the entire time. Alice never ran out of things to say. She didn't mention Edward though, or our relationship. I wondered if that were to come when I was least expecting it?
"What bout this?" She held up some gorgeous trench coat that was honestly not going to keep me warm. But it was nice. "Nice." I commented. "Perhaps a little too light though. I need something a little warmer." I pointed in to the direction of the ski jackets, hopeful to get her to change direction.
"Bella, those are great if you are on the side of a mountain," She let out a groan. "You can get warmth and style, you know." She smirked at me before shuddering at the jackets.
"This," She called from beyond another rack. I shook my head. I was never going to find anything practical that Alice approved off.
"Lets try another store," She motioned for the door and I followed her out.
In the distance I saw a book store and was tempted to ask to head into it. I knew I was looking for a jacket, but it couldn't hurt, right? The books, new titles. Old titles. I missed my books. I had most of the material needed for my study but I did wish that I could read something with a little more escapism.
"Here?" Alice motioned to another store. I nodded, not saying much. This was beginning to feel like a drilling exercise. I couldn't take it.
We browsed the store and there was actually a selection of jackets that I liked, and that passed Alice's standards.
Placing one on, I zipped it up feeling the snug faux fur lining with its durable outer layer. It was so cosy. The black material sat perfectly on me and I felt myself practically moan from warm that I knew was bound to stay. It belted across the waist which made it seem a little more dressy, but it still went well with my converse.
"Do you like that one, Bella?" Alice smiled as she took me in from all angles, nodding in approval.
"I love it," I purred as I began to look for the tag. This had to be expensive.
Finding the label, I almost died. "Eight hundred dollars," I practically screamed. "I can't afford this." Oh god, get it off.
"Relax, Bella. Edward is picking up the bill. He won't be happy if he find you spent the money on something that was cheaper, but not as good quality." She laughed a little "Haven't you came across his issues on that one yet?" She smiled. "This is a great jacket and it will last and keep you warm. Let Edward give you this. He wants to make sure you have everything you need." Pulling away, she waved over one of the sales assistants.
"I know he does, but I'm not his responsibility." I moaned. God wasn't it only yesterday I had this conversation with Edward? Talk about repeating yourself.
"Bella, Edward doesn't have much to give. He's trying to better himself – and I have to agree that there is a change in him. But he struggles. He's showing you he cares with the only way he knows how to. Making sure you want for nothing." Alice's lips pursed a little and she looked a little sad at her statement.
"Edward gives me plenty already. He doesn't need to spend his money on me." I sighed as I pulled the jacket off, thanking the sales women as she took it to the cash desk.
"So this is serious? You and Edward, I mean?" She glanced at me as she pulled out Edwards amex and I felt myself die a little at being bought.
"I don't know. It feels like it is, but we know it all ends once I go back home." I shrugged. "It's just the way it is."
"It doesn't have to be like that, though," She sighed while shaking her head. "If you're going to end up hurt, why bother? And if you're willing to suffer, why isn't good enough to keep the relationship running once you go back home?" I didn't know. All I knew was that it wasn't fair, but that it was more than I deserved to be spending my time in the way we were.
"Because... because real life is out on the outside of the house and when I leave, I go back to that life. The way things were. The way they should be."
The woman served us as we spoke and before I knew it we were at the front door of the store and heading out onto the street. "I don't get it, Bella. You both like each other enough to risk it, why is it such a risk back in the outside world? And don't give me an excuse that you don't deserve him. He doesn't deserve you." She pointed at me with her manicured nails.
"You saw Jaspers reaction last night, Alice. Why are you acting as if this is fine? It's not. It's wrong." What was I saying? I was only saying what other people were thinking.
"So now its wrong? When Edward spent most of last night convincing Jasper it was right. What is it to be? You can't change your views on it to suit yourselves. It's either right or wrong. Now I took Edwards side on this one because Rosalie was sure that there was something there. She called me up – I haven't spoke to Rosalie in over three years. She calls me up, telling me to give Edward the benefit of the doubt and keep my mouth closed and to encourage this because she thought it was doing both of you some good. Are you telling me that this isn't the case? That this is just some messed up, friend with benefits thing." Her voice grew louder and I could see she was becoming annoyed at what I was saying. She couldn't understand.
"No. It's not. It is what it is. I care for Edward, a lot. But I'm not going to kid myself on and pretend that this will last out in the real world. Look at me." I was barely twenty two, a college student and living at home with her dad. No experience in relationships or sex, with the exception of Edward.
"What am I looking at Bella?" She asked with a dry laugh. "Tell me? I don't get it. All you and Edward are going to do is end up hurt. Do you want to hurt, Edward?" I had never thought about it like that. But Edward was tough, strong and could get through anything. He didn't need me when others would be back in his life soon enough. If he let them.
"No. Of course not. I like what we have but it just isn't going to transpire out into the real world. It just wont."
She let out an annoyed deep sigh. "Fine. Do what you want. Stab yourself in the heart if that's what you prefer." She looked away from me, further up the street. "What else do you need?" She asked changing the subject.
I shrugged. "Nothing. I have enough. I'll be home soon."
"Come on. Edward gave us use of his Amex. Use it. He'll be happy that you did." I didn't want to spend his money. I had already spent more than enough on the jacket.
"Alice, I really don't want anything else. Can't we go home now?" I asked feeling a little annoyed. Alice was only going by what Edward had said, and to be fair, I knew she was only trying to get me to see sense with what was going on between Edward and I.
"Nothing. Are you sure there isn't any little things that will make staying locked up with Edward a little more pleasurable?" She winked before looking up at some lingerie boutique. She must have been kidding? Right? "I know what you and Edward have been up to. If you want to kid yourself on, why don't you do it with some style." She laughed as she pulled me into the store with her.
There was an abundance of lace and silk. It was all I could see. To be fair, the underwear was beautiful, but I don't think I could ever have the courage to wear something like that.
Alice continued on through the store, picking up sets and asking me if I liked some pieces. Te her credit, the things she picked out was a little more subtle to the second pile she has started in her other hand. I think she knew what I liked. But I'd still never have the courage to wear it.
"You're right. There is something that will make my stay a little more pleasurable. I saw an old book store at the other end of the street. I'll leave you here and I'll see if there is anything I want from there." She looked at me but nodded with a smile, clearly happy that I was giving in.
"Give me ten minutes and we'll go." She beamed.
"Why don't you stay here and I'll go over. I'll be quick." I promised.
"Edward won't like that. I'm under strict instructions to keep you with me. You should be thankful I managed to get rid of Riley. Could you imagine him in here?" She glanced around the store before letting her eyes land on me once again, trying not to laugh.
"I'll be fine, Alice. It's only along the street. No one knows I'm here." I tried to put at here ease in the hope of getting my get out of jail, free, card.
She hummed but finally agreed and with that I left her with the lingerie and headed to the book store with Alice forcing Edwards credit card in my hand.
It was a cold day yet again and with my jacket still folded up in the shopping back, I stopped and pulled it out, yanking the tags off and relishing the warmth instantly. I kept hold of the receipt whilst I binned the bag. It was bought to keep me warm after all.
Walking along the street, I paused. I had this distinct feeling that someone was watching me. Glancing around I could see nothing. People walked along the side walks, crossed the roads. But no one was paying attention to me. I picked up my pace knowing I was only letting Edwards worry get to me, and continued on to the store.
I felt so warm. With my hands deep in the pockets I stopped once again before one final look down the street from the stores door. I really was going insane. No one knew I was here. No one knew who I even was. I blended into the background as just another girl. I ignored my doubt and pushed through door of the book store.
"Afternoon," The male cashier smiled at me as I entered. He was built a little like Jacob. Tall, Strong. Same dark skin and long dark hair too. I smiled and nodded in response as I made my way over to the fiction section.
I fingered the spines as I read along the shelf's looking for something to pop out at me. There were a few titles that intrigued me but I settled on only the one book and took it to the cash register.
After I paid, I made my way back to Alice, where I had left her, in the lingerie store. She was on her way out with not one, but two bags in hand. "That was fast," She quipped, pulling her jacket closed. "And you have on you're jacket. Edward will be happy." The smirk on her face was small with the knowing look on her face. It made me a little nervous to her thoughts.
"Do you want to find somewhere for Lunch? I'm getting a little hungry." Her eyes danced along the street looking for places to eat, but all I wanted was to go back home. Edward would only worry if we stayed away too long.
"Can we go back home?" I asked a little worriedly. I'm sure Alice could handle a night in. It wasn't as if it was her who had been locked up in a house for days on end. She still had her life. "I can cook something and it will save Edward from worrying. He'll be calling us soon. We left hours ago." God, it really had been hours. I had Alice drag me around the shops for the last two hours.
Alice was happy to oblige and I think she knew it was the sensible option. I was safe here, but it was better to be safe than sorry.
We reached Forks an hour later and as I pushed through the front door, I could see Edward relax at my arrival. I made lunch with help form Edward and the four of us sat down enjoying our meal before Alice and Jasper left. They had work the next day and it was a long drive back to Seattle.
The rest of the day was spent lounging around the house.
Laying in the deep couch in the den, I let my head rest on Edwards knee as he tore through the television channels as I read my book. His hands absent-mindedly played with my hair and it was too much of a distraction. I loved his hands on me. Having him play with my hair seemed to relax him and it only made our contact seem more intimate.
It was too much. His hands in my hair. I threw my book to the side knowing that I really didn't want to try to attempt to read the page for the fourth time. He was just too much of a damn distraction. This was why, when I studied, I hid in the study with the door closed.
"You giving up on the book?" He asked as he switched off the television and throwing the remote control to the side.
I nodded and let my head lull further back into his lap, feeling him stroke my jaw. I was in trouble. After Alice calling me out on the specifics of our relationship today, I knew she was right. I was going to stab myself in the heart. When I had to leave here, it was going to put a hole right through me.
"Are you bored?" Edward asked this question one to many times. Yes it was slow and sometimes a little monotonous being in the house all of the time, but I had Edward. And I couldn't be bored when his hands touched me like they did.
"No," I whispered out, my eyes closing with his fingertips still caressing my skin.
"Want to do something? See something?" He pulled away slightly and I opened my eyes to look up at him.
"What? A game? Go out?"
Shaking his head, he smirked and pulled on my hand dragging me with him from the couch. He ran up the first flight of stairs and continued along the hallway to the second set of stairs. To the top floor. I hadn't been beyond the first floor before.
With excitement on his face he burst through a door leading to a huge room. The back wall was heavily shelved with old books filling it up completely. The windows were long and narrow, with four of them along the external wall. Inside the room though, it was packed full. Boxes and large squared dust covers wrapped around what appeared to be clothing racks.
"I don't know if you're even interested in all of this. I thought it would be fun to have a look through though." He pulled me further into the room with his hand still wrapped around mine and stopped at one of the covers and releasing my hand before zipping it open. "It's clothes. My great grandmother loved to shop. Everything she, my grandmother and mom have bought is here. Well, most of it." He shrugged. "I know you're not a dress kinda girl, but I thought you would like a look." He seemed nervous as he flicked through the clothes. I couldn't see much because of the cover that was used to protect them.
"No," I said. "This... this is really cool. Can I have a look?" I asked before he moved out the way, letting me in for a better angle.
Silk, lace, satin, softest of cotton. My fingers trailed through the material and I pulled out a dress, far more excited than I had ever been before when looking at clothes.
These were antiques. They we're classy pieces of art. Not some mini skirt to show off as much flesh as possible.
"Edward, these are amazing," I gasped, feeling like a true girl for once in my life. I held up a long cream dress. It was loose on top with a drop waist that would flow down to the ground. Edward nodded and pulled out another dress. This one was a black flappers dress that was black with beaded derailing. I laughed a little. Okay, that was a little on that short side, but still not half as short as some of the dresses today.
He rested the dress across the cover before backing away and messing around with boxes. "Shoes," He called over. He pulled pair after pair out of plastic sealed boxes, laying them on the floor to look at. With a dress in my hand and crouched down onto the floor to look at them.
"I can't believe you have all these and they are still in great condition." Packing all these clothes up so well must have taken ages.
"My mom did it all. She started packing up her old clothes one day and then what she found in boxes." Boxes – someone had put these in boxes? Esme had saved them. "Keep digging and you'll find her platforms from the seventies." He laughed a little as he looked up at me.
Looking back down I pulled out a pair of white satin peep-toes. They had little ankle straps and a heel that even I should have managed to walk in.
"Oh my god, these are my size. Can I try them on?" I didn't even own a pair of heels but these were too great not to try on. I looked up at Edward, worried that I had asked too much.
He only laughed. "Try it all on, Bella. Try the clothes on too." He nodded at the dress in my hand.
"The dress will never fit, Edward. It's tiny" I blushed at the thought of twirling around in it with the shoes. God I had spent way to much time with Alice today.
He smiled at me, shaking me off. "Of course it will. You're tiny too. Try it on. There is a mirror across there on the wall and I promise I wont watch you change." He smirked as he motioned to the far end of the room.
I hoped he would watch me change.
I didn't argue. Before I knew it I was rushing to the mirror and peeling my clothes off. I heard music being turned on in the background. Old classical music. My head began to sway to the sound as I looked in the mirror and looked at the clothes.
Quickly dressing, I put the shoes on and turned around to be met with Edward wearing a Fedora hat and heavy black jacket.
I bent, laughing. "Can any one say gangster?" He looked gorgeous but it still made me laugh. He looked like something out of Public Enemies. Jonny Depp had nothing on him.
"Do you like it?" He asked as he eyed up his sleeve length. It was a little small on him and I doubted it would fasten, but he could still carry it off.
"I love it. You look fantastic." I said while reaching up to the brim of the hat. "You can carry off anything." I smiled up at him before he reached for my hand grabbing me forward into his arms. "Wait, you need to fasten me up." my words mumbled into his chest before turning myself around in his arms and felling his hands on my back. His finger trailed down my spine and I felt myself grow with want. Slowly, he buttoned me up.
Taking my hand, he twirled me under his arm, bringing my front to his once again. He pulled me in further and began to sway to the music. His hands rested on my waist and I could feel his grip on me tighten somewhat. Waves of his breath fluttered across the skin of my forehead before he reached down, kissing me there and resting his lips on me.
My grip grew tighter and before I knew it it was pushing forward and pulling at his neck to bring his mouth into contact with mine. His mouth opened for me and pushed my tongue to his and we deepened the kiss. My hands brushed to his hair, feeling the soft strands pass through my fingers as I felt his fingers reach for my waist and dig in deep to my skin from through the dress.
Pulling me away from his lips, suddenly, I was left gasping and my eyes opening wide. He had that smirk on his face again so I knew he wasn't mad with me. But why would he have been mad? But why did he stop kissing me also?
"You're going to have me dragging you though to our bedroom if you you try that again?" I laughed at his words and his half serious, half joking face.
"What if I wanted you to drag me though to our room?" I teased. He closed his eyes and took a deep breath.
Opening his eyes once again he smiled at me. "You're going to be the death of me, Isabella Swan. Now try and behave for at least a little longer... and if you do, I might just drag you though after all." His eyes darkened and there was a serious tone to the air. I think he had plans for us tonight.
I shrugged, "I'll behave... for a little while at least." With that I turned around and began to look though another rack. Edward began raking thought boxes off to the side of me.
We played about in relative silence with the music playing on in the background, Edward changing records when they stopped. I was in awe of all the clothes, except perhaps Esme's platforms. Edward wasn't joking. They were bad ass but I was sure that I would kill myself in them. Some of them were almost a foot high. How the hell had she manage to walk in them?
Zipping down another cover, I gasped instantly at the sight of a white, silk and lace wedding dress. It was breathtaking. I had never though about weddings, or even the though of getting married, but I could still appreciate this.
"What is it?" Edward asked, worry etched in his voice.
"This. It's a wedding dress. It's so beautiful. I gushed, carefully picking it up and holding it up against me." I twirled round to Edward with it held flush against me.
"You keep on surprising me here, Bella. I never though I would have heard those sounds and words come from your mouth over a wedding dress." He quirked a brow at me, clearly amused at my inner girl coming vomiting out of me.
"Me either," I laughed. "But this is just so beautiful. And it's so great that someone in your family wore it. It's just so special," I gushed some more. Okay, so I'm a big fat girlie girl. Sue me.
"Try it on." God I wanted to, I so so wanted to.
"No I can't. It's a wedding dress... and I'm not getting married. It's bad luck." I told him a little too seriously.
"I think you've had enough bad luck to last you the rest of your days." I may have pouted a little to myself at his words. Was I really that badly off? Being here with Edward didn't seem such a bad thing to me after all, despite my initial thoughts. I had been in shock.
"No. I still don't think I should," I said a little mournfully, and a little gutted at the though of not getting to try on something so miraculous. And I didn't want the embarrassment of not being able to fit into it in front of Edward. Carefully, I placed it back on the rack and closed the sheets over before zipping it away.
"What about this?" Edward asked with a laugh in his voice. Turning to meet him, he held a fur coat in his arms, holding it out for me.
"Is... Is that real?" I asked a little surprised. I wasn't a lover of the idea of fur but I understood its practicalities to some cultures. Also that back in the nineteen twenties, it was a fashion statement and something that they used to keep warm. There was no Tinsulate back in those days.
"Yes. I don't know how you feel about it. Sorry, should I put this away?" His face turned concerned and I think he was worried about my own personal thoughts on dead animals.
It was dead. Wait, it was more than dead. It was killed in a time before PETA and all the other organisation were founded to save the poor little creatures. But it was still dead. I could try it on.
I shook my head. "No, let me try it on." I could try this on and leave the wedding dress alone. That was fair.
Edward helped me with in on and I pulled it closed feeling myself warm instantly. It reminded me a little of my new jacket. The faux fur interior was almost as soft as the real fur on this ones exterior. Edward brushed my arms several times, hypnotised by the gentle softness.
Facing the mirror I looked at myself dressed in heels, fur-coat and the little flappers dress. I felt like I was a completely different person. Not in a bad way, and not something I was searching for... just someone else.
"What about this?" Edward called once again. What did he have for me to dress up in this time?
My head turned a little as I saw him come up to me with a completely unfathomable look on his face. He looked concerned. His face was etched with trepidation and his eyes looked soulfully into mine before he reached from my wrist. He brought it up between us before kissing the back of my hand oh so sweetly. I felt a lump form in the back of my throat it the intensity that surrounded him in this moment. Was he all right?
Taking my wrist, he let go if it and I held it in the air where he placed it. His long fingers came into view first then the sparkle of something blue and white. Cuffing a bracelet around my wrist I looked at him astonished.
This must have been worth an absolute fortune. Little square-rectangles joined together in a pale silver metal with each piece holding a big blue stone in the middle with what looked like diamonds resting in the remaining space. It was an array of diamonds and what appeared to be sapphires. It was stunning.
Why did he put it on me? It was one thing to dress up in the clothes but something like this should have remained in the box. It was far to old and delicate to be played around with.
"Edward, that's too expensive. Put it past." I chided him. I'm sure Esme would have had things to say about her son playing around with such priceless things.
He shook his head a little. "It's only costume jewellery. It's old, but it's still just some costume jewellery." Holding out my hand he looked down onto the bracelet, smiling at its presence on my wrist.
Well... if it were costume jewellery, maybe I could wear it. And just be very careful with it – because it is still old.
I looked down between us, admiring it myself. I wonder how much it would have been worth it it was real?
We dug deep raking though to see what other treasures we could find but eventually time passed on and it grew late.
Pulling the shoes off gently, I placed them back in their box and asked Edward to unbutton me. He did. With slow and gentle fingers, caressing my back the entire time. Once he was finished with the buttons he swept my hair to the side and began with sweet hot kisses down my neck and down my exposed back.
I turned to face him once more and his dark eyes we back once again. Desire and lust poured out and I blushed knowing that he had that look because of me. "Will you come to bed with me, Bella?" he asked, his voice low and gravelly.
That alone was enough to do things to me. I nodded. "Can you take off the bracelet and I'll hang the dress away," I asked, nerves deciding to show their face. Of course they had too.
He smiled at me as his hand reached for my face, cradling my cheek. He kissed me once. A sweet chaste kiss before speaking again. "The bracelet can stay on," Tugging at the dress pulled it up over my head leaving me exposed in my bra and underwear. "And the dress can lay here till tomorrow." Throwing it over one of the covered rails.
He reached forward once again, kissing me and this time reaching for me. He bent down grabbing at my thighs and pulling me up, into him and allowing me to wrap my legs around his waist and my arms around his neck. His hands were secure on my ass, holding me into him while his legs carried us to his room and, impressively, down the flight of stars to it.
I broke away from his mouth and stared deep into his eyes and it's now that I know I'm in trouble. Like... big deep shit, trouble. My heart races and I try to rein my laugh by biting onto my bottom lip. Edward only looks further into my soul. I swear I can feel him in my heart. Like he is part of me now. And that perhaps somewhere, if only a tiny spot, I am a part of him too. The idea is too romantic, too out of my league.
The moment is all we have, and if we're lucky, perhaps a few moments in the coming days. Maybe even weeks. If I'm that lucky, and I get to stay with Edward.
I know I want to stay here forever with him. That is a scary thought, but one that doesn't actually scare me.
His smile is soft and as he lays me onto the bed with the most gentle landing, he hovers above me. Never moving away from the few inches that is between us. His stare is on me and it never leaves. Unyielding. My heart stutters a beat and he must notice. Perhaps hear it? Because in that moment he looks down to my chest and looks directly back up to my eyes.
He pulls away and his face turns ashen as he nods to himself, looking away from me. I thought he was going to talk himself out of this but he pulls at his t-shirt from the neck, and pulls up, revealing himself to me. It's tossed to the side and the swiftly moves on to the dark denim jeans and lets them slide and kicks them away also. We're both in our underwear, in the dim light. Both struggling for breath. Both looking far to nervous for laughing and smiling only moments ago.
Something turned serious, but not too serious that it has me worried. Not too serous that either one of us is pulling away. No too serious that it keep the laughter and smiles away.
Edward cracks first. I swear it looked like he was blushing. A small smile playing his lips caused one to stir on mine. He moves down to me, to my underwear and strips me of them, me only lifting my bottom up to help with the process. He loses his boxers. Then he takes my bra off.
All I have on is the bracelet. He pulls at my hand and smiles at it. Another knowing, secret smile. It piques my interest but right now I don't care. All I want is Edward and this silent charade is doing my head in.
"Edward, I need you." I gasp and blush all in one go. I feel almost ashamed for the tone of my words and the true feeling behind them. I need him. I need him with me, in me and in my soul. I need him.
I feel like I've given him my heart. I've cut myself open for him and my blood is flowing out of me, my heart ready for the taking.
I think I love you.
Think?
Is that even possible?
You either do or you don't.
Do I love him or not?
Do I love him?
My stomach tightens, my breathing stops and I feel my hands, arms and legs stiffen, frozen still at my words.
What did I say?
What did I mean?
I'm thinking way to much. I need to stop. I'm terrorizing myself with my own thoughts and the possible thoughts of Edward.
What does it even matter? Nothing is going to be the same on the outside of this unreality we have created. Nothing.
And that pains me.
And I know. I love him. I love Edward.
But I can't say it out lout. He would never understand. He would never get it.
"I need you too, Bella." he gasps as the worlds fall into my mouth and the meaning into my heart with a kiss. He deepens the kiss and I feel his hand in my hair and its fall to my waist, pulling my centre closer to his.
Does he need me the way I need him? I doubt it, but I still hope it.
I let my hands grasp onto him and hold him close, beg him to enter me quickly because I need to feel him right now. I need to have it right in this moment.
Our kisses are feverish, and passionate. We hold on tight to one another and with the union we created, we fall into a state of bliss. Holding onto the other for dear life as we run, jump and head to the waters below us, emerging from the waves entwined.
His head rests on my shoulder. Our legs wrapper around each others and our arms wrapped tight, with our fingers gripping on the the others flesh, even tighter.
He sighs and lets out a small laugh. Looking at him he seems so completely carefree and relaxed. He has became a whole new person since the day I met him, back in Seattle.
I love this person. I utterly adore him.
I'm in big trouble. But still, I have to run with my heart. I have to have him, keep him close as possible and relish every moment I have left with him.
Rolling onto his back, he takes me with him. My cheek rests on his heart. On his scar and I know he doesn't care anymore. Not really. Some odd moment of self-consciousness may have him rushing for a t-shirt, but really, with me, he doesn't care. He lets me close. Letting my fingers trail the end of it, centimetres from my eyes. He doesn't flinch. He only braces his arm across his body to my shoulder, gripping me tight into him. We seem to merge as one again.
"We should sleep," a gruff voice speaks and I can hear the tiredness in him. He has been up early. We both have. I nod a yes into his chest. "I have to be at the hospital for ten." I nod again, knowing this already. He has an appointment with the cardiologist to see about his infection in his heart. He seems better though. Healed.
I lift my head up to face him "I'll come with you." I smile and I already know he will shake his head, no.
He does. "No. You need to study and it could take a couple of hours. Besides, I'd much prefer you safe here." I nod a yes and rest my head back down on his chest. It was worth a shot.
Quickly, we fall asleep, still wrapped up in each others arms.
I'm woken up with a kiss on my cheek. "Bella, I'm off now," He whispers into my ear. I'll be back as soon as I can." I nod and try to open my eyes. Glancing at Edward he is dresses casually but still looks impeccable. He stands proud with a smile and his face completely void of any stubble. His pink scars almost glitter in the light. A faint silver illuminating the skin. He looks beautiful. So much more handsome when he stands proud with his scars. I honestly never thought I would see him look so confidant. My smile spreads and so does his. He knows why I'm smiling and I can see he is proud of himself.
"I didn't want to wake you, but I didn't want to go without letting you know I had left either." His face looked a little confused.
"I'm glad you woke me. You look beautiful today." I say honestly. He looks away and rubs at the back of his neck, a nervous twitch that he seems to do.
"I-I thought I should try." He shrugs a little. "But I better be going, or I'll be late. I'll see you in a couple of hours." With his words, he leans in and kisses me sweetly and rushes out the bedroom door to Riley, who will be no doubt waiting for him at the front door.
Okay, so I couldn't resist. I'm standing in the wedding dress, somewhat fastened up, to the best of my ability. It fits. It fits perfectly. Much like the other dress had last night.
Standing in front of the mirror, I twirl round and I blush at myself and my stupidity. God I became such a girl. How did this happen? I need Edward to take me out the back with his gun again or I may turn into Alice.
Straightening my arms out, the bracelet that Edward gave to me slips out from the long sleeve
Something Blue.
I blush at my own thought and the simple stupidity of the swarm of butterflies I got at that thought and the thought of Edward. I bite my lip and hold in a laugh at myself.
Edward is special. And I don't want to have to leave here. Ever. I don't want to ever have to leave him. I love him.
And that thought scares me a little, like it should, but it doesn't stop my body becoming a trembling mass at the thought. And then it doesn't scare me. Not even a little. Not even at all.
I'm such a loser.
I can practically see my reflection nod at me, telling me I'm right. I'm a loser. But I don't care. I smile anyway.
Playing with my hair as I sort it to look nice with the dress, I hear the door knock. The front door.
I'm alone in the house and as I quickly panic and strip from the dress, afraid of being caught in it, I rush to the bedroom simultaneously.
Reaching Edwards bedroom I throw the dress onto the bed and reach for my bath robe, covering only my panties and the rest of my naked body.
I flush in panic at the thought of Esme arriving and catching me in the dress. Could you imagine what she would have said?
Actually, she probably would have laughed – which would possible be even more humiliating.
But what if it isn't Esme who is at the door? Or Even Emmett?
It's to late now as I've called to them, letting them know I'm coming, running down the stairs, almost slamming into the door face first.
I catch myself and catch my breath. Drawing in a breath of air, I pull myself together and answer the door in only a bath robe to possibly someone I don't even know – without Edward even being here.
Opening the door I meet a man. He's almost as tall as Edward. Striking blonde hair for someone who looks around forty – a young forty at that.
"Hello?" I try. Perhaps he is only looking for an address – directions? The nearest house is a few miles out and town is about seven or eight miles away.
Instantly he pushes past me and he is standing in the foyer before I know it. "I'm looking for Edward," He tells me as he looks around the vast space. "I'm guessing that you are keeping him entertained these days." He turns to me with a tired expression on his face.
I only nod, feeling a little intimidated by him and his brazen actions of pushing past me to gain entrance to the house. "Can I ask who is calling?" I ask as nicely as possible trying not to draw attention to myself, my situation or even Edwards.
"Carlisle Cullen. His father," His lips draw into a tight thin line and I can tell it got to him I didn't know who he was. Honestly, he doesn't look old enough to be his father. He doesn't even look like the sort to have kids. Kids. Well I suppose he doesn't. He abandoned Emmett and worked Edward like a puppet since day one. He's not a father. A father wouldn't leave a son like he did.
And then I'm angry. All the pain and hate Edward feels is because of this man. The inability of being able to let go and enjoy an experience has been ruined because of this man.
I cross my arms, lick my lips in anticipation of an argument as draw my eyes away from this man. I want him gone. "Well as you can see, he isn't here. You might as well leave." My voice in more cutting that I expected and his eyes narrow down on me.
I ignore him and walk past him, holding him off from going any further into the house and stand all of a couple of feet away from him. This is Esme's home and he as no right to be here.
"You can tell him I'll be back." The glare in his eyes and the tone of his voice sends a shiver through me but I stand strong.
"No. No I won't be doing that and I'm telling you not to come back here again." What does this man have to offer Edward?
He laughs at me and tilts his gaze off to the side as if to inspect me. Or like a predator watching its prey. "I said let him know I called. His girlfriend has been trying to reach him." His voice climbed and I could see the infuriation in his eyes.
I don't let his words deter me. I know he is not with Tanya. I know everything. There is no secret of his past relationship.
"I said I won't be telling him and I am telling you not to come back here again." This time my word were a shout. I didn't know where the boldness came from, only that I would do everything I could to shield Edward from his father. He did not need him. Carlisle's words only showed me I was right in doing so. "In fact. I don't want you to get in touch with Edward ever again. Or Esme and Emmett for that matter. They do not need someone like you in their lives. You are an absolute bastard for what you did to Edward." My word fired out, louder and louder and on my silence, he came at me.
His hand struck the side of my face connecting with my cheek bone and eye. My feet lifted up off the carpet below me and my body sailed through the air before I landed with a heavy bang on one of the bottom steps. My head battering off the edge of one of them.
I lay there stunned. He had hit me.
I could feel the pain flush though my head and my back. My eye felt like it was going to pop out it's socket. My vision blurred and I was momentarily stunned.
He had hit me.
Before I knew it he was above me and pulling at the neck of my bath robe, his fist below my chin making me look up at him. His eyes were black with rage. My hand reached for his, trying desperately for him to move his hand. In my movement, my bracelet slipped out once again and his eyes landed on it instantly.
He let go of me and grabbed at my wrist. I thought he was going to break it. He fought with the clasp and took the bracelet from me. "You dirty slut. Don't you know not to take what doesn't belong to you. My son brings a street walker here with him and you steal. Do you have any idea how much that is worth?" He pocket's the bracelet before pulling on my robes cord, exposing me to him. "You aren't much to look at. Must be going cheap." His hands are back on my jaw and I can't even try to begin to speak with the pressure I feel on my jaw.
I look up to him and let the fear flood me. His hand comes down and strikes me on the face once again. And again. My vision is blurred again, but only in one eye this time. He pulls my hair and I go with him instantly. He holds me in his arms quickly before he lets me drop to the floor and then a kick to the back. My lungs are winded and I can't for the life of me catch my breath. I'm kicked again but this time by my ribs.
He freezes and breathes deeply as he looks down at me. I don't know what he will do next and I fear for my life and pray for the arrival of Edward to save me, like he saved me last time.
This time he will be to late though.
Carlisle's face is close to mine once again and he grabs for my jaw forcing me to look at him. "Pack your shit up and get out of here. I want you gone before Edward arrives back here."
With that he is gone, slamming the door behind him in the process.
I lay there at the bottom of the stairs unable to move for a few moments until the urge to vomit becomes to much and I rush and reach for the toilet bowl in time to empty my stomach of what little contents it has. Sitting next to the toilet it sinks in. What happened, what I must look like. All I can do is cry.
Gulp! what do you think will happen next? Let me know what you think guys! Love xx