A/N: Hi everyone! I'm sorry for keeping you waiting but the month of May was crazy! I had so much stuff to do in school that I didn't have time to write more than five sentences. But now I'm done with chapter 19 and I have summer vacation until the 23thof August so I will have time to write and hopefully finish The Games We Play. Enjoy reading chapter 19! Love, A.
Disclaimer: I don't own Twilight, but parts of the plot are mine.
Chapter 19:
After practice I went back with Adam to his place. I wanted to check on Chris, and make sure that he got home okay. In the car on the way there I told Adam about what Eddie and I had talked about. He thought I did the right thing with telling him what I felt, which got him a kiss on the cheek. We walked into his house and I didn't hear Chris, so I walked up the stairs to Adam's room, and I found Chris still fast asleep. I smiled as I got an idea and ran downstairs to get my bag and Adam.
Ten minutes later I was studying my work with a proud smile. Adam pulled out his phone and took some pictures before nodding to me.
"Chrissy, wake up. It's past noon and Adam needs you to get out of his bed so he can get Kate in it." I said in a soft voice.
"Hey!" Adam exclaimed and I winked at him.
Chris started moving and as he sat up I gave him a wide smile.
"Good morning sleepy head." Adam chuckled and Chris looked up at him.
First he just looked confused when he saw that Adam was filming him and then I saw when the light bulb lit in his head. I handed him a mirror and started giggling even before he could see himself. He studied himself for a little while, he was now covered in make-up. I hade used foundation, mascara, eyeliner, eye-shadow, rouge and lipstick. I was very proud of my work. Chris put the mirror down and turned to glare at us.
"I hate you guys." Chris stated as he got out of the bed and walked straight to the bathroom.
I gave Adam a high-five and posed as he took a photo of me.
"My little devil." Adam said proudly. "I trained you well."
"Yes you did." I answered and took his phone to send the video to myself. "Now, lets make some coffee for the poor guy."
We walked downstairs and Adam started the coffee as I took out the muffin we had bought on our way back. When Chris walked into the kitchen, sans make-up, I gave him my best puppy-dog eyes and handed him the muffin.
"You know I can't be mad at you when you do that!" Chris complained and I just continued. "I should know better than to let my guard down around you guys. Waking up with a hang-over isn't enough or what?"
"At least we got you out of practice." Adam said with a smirk and Chris just glared at him.
"Am I forgiven?" I asked with my softest tone and Chris melted.
"Of course." Chris said with a sigh and Adam pumped his fist. "I didn't say you were Adam."
I laughed as Adam tried to use my pout and handed Chris the coffee. Chris just smacked his head and took the coffee.
"Don't ever pout again bro, not pretty. And I know what is pretty and not." Chris stated and took a sip.
Both Adam and I started laughing and Chris joined in after some more coffee. We packed up Chris things and helped Adam clean up a bit before Chris drove me home.
When I got home the house was quiet and I sighed, I was both sad and relived that Alice and Jasper wasn't home. As I walked up the stairs I heard a voice I knew everywhere singing and I rushed into Cynthia's room. I found her lying on her stomach on the floor, coloring in her book and singing Disney songs.
"Cynthia, why are you here all alone?" I asked as I hurried over to her and picked her up in a big hug.
"Alice wanted to go to the market in Port Angeles, so she and Jazzy went." Cynthia said calmly as she patted my cheek. "Why are you making an angry-face Bella?"
"I'm angry at Jasper and Alice. They left you here alone, you're not old enough to be left alone." I said and hugged her closer. "Something could have happened to you."
"Jazzy said the same thing, but Ali wanted to go and she said you would be home soon anyway."
"When did they leave?"
"Jazzy got home, hugged me, drank water and they left." Cynthia said and climbed down from my lap and over to her coloring book.
I was furious with Alice and Jasper, you don't leave a young girl alone. I got up and started pacing back and forth in her room as I tried to calm down.
"Don't be angry Bella, I'm fine." Cynthia whispered with soft eyes. "I don't like when you are mad."
"Honey, I just love you so much." I answered and hurried to sit down next to her, I needed to be close to her. "You where alone at home for an hour and a half, Cynth'. When Alice and Jasper get home, I'm gonna let them know what I think about this."
Cynthia patted my cheek again and went back to her picture.
"You want to help me color?" Cynthia asked with her cute pout and I picked up a pen.
When it was time for me to leave for the Cullen's Jasper and Alice still hadn't gotten home, so I decided to call Dad.
"This is Chief Swan speaking." Dad answered. "How can I help you?"
"Hi Dad, it's me." I said as I packed the things I needed to bring. "When do you get off your sift today?"
"At 10 Bells, didn't Jasper tell you that?"
"Jasper wasn't home when I got here." I said with an icy tone. "Just Cynthia was."
"WHAT? They left her alone!" Dad screamed into the phone, he was very protective over Cynthia.
"Yes, she was alone for an hour and a half before I got home, they didn't bother texting me." I answered.
"I'm going to…" Dad muttered and I was glad I didn't hear his threats. "Oh, you're going to go see the Cullen family, aren't you?"
"Yes, I'm planning on bringing Cynthia. I'm sure Esme won't mind and I don't want her to have to spend a minute more alone."
"Are you sure, you could drop her off here at the station."
"Dad, I'm not leaving her with you at the station. You never know what will happen." I stated with a frown. "I'll bring her and be back before it's too late."
"You do that and don't worry about Alice and Jasper, I'll take care of that." Dad said with a deep sigh. "Have fun Bells, and give Cynthia a big kiss from me."
"I will, see you later."
I hung up and gave Cynthia a huge kiss on her forehead.
"That was from Charlie, now get packing we're going to eat at Eddie's tonight." I said and handed Cynthia her bag.
"We are eating with your boyfriend?" Cynthia asked with a huge smile.
"Yes honey, we are."
"Cool, I have to change."
Cynthia ran up the stairs and I laughed at her antics. I straightened out my navy blue skirt and made sure that my white tank-top was looking good as I stood up and check the rest of my appearance in the hallway mirror. I had a high-waist, navy blue skirt, a white tank-top and a blue scarf. I had a light make-up on and wore blue ballet-flats plus Eddie's watch with my outfit. Cynthia came running back downstairs after 5 minutes, wearing a pink dress with white polka dots and her cute white shoes. I helped braid her hair before making sure that she had her crayons and her coloring book before heading for the car. Thankfully, Cynthia was in charge of our keys for the moment, so we had the truck. I helped her in and glanced at my arm, we were going to be late.
As I pulled up outside the Cullen's house Cynthia was jumping up and down in her seat.
"Do you think he will like me? I have my favorite dress on." Cynthia asked as I helped her out and looked at me with big eyes.
"I don't think anyone can do anything other than love you Cynth', especially not in that dress." I told her and she beamed at me.
I grabbed her hand and we walked up to the door. I had barely time to ring the doorbell before the door flew open and Emmett pulled me into a hug.
"Bella! You're here, Eddie was driving me insane!" He boomed as he let me go.
I laughed at him and Cynthia tugged my skirt, making Emmett's attention shift.
"Bella, is he your boyfriend?" Cynthia asked with huge eyes.
"No Cynth', this is Eddie's brother Emmett." I said with a smile before I turned to Emmett. "This is Alice's sister Cynthia."
"Hello Cynthia, I'm Emmett but you can call me Em." Emmett said as he crotched down to her level, holding his hand out.
"Hello Em, I'm Cynthia but you can call me Cynth'." Cynthia said as she shook his hand.
Emmett smiled widely and stood up.
"Emmett! Why is Bella still standing in the door?" Esme shouted from inside the house and Emmett swallowed.
"Sorry Mom, I got a bit caught off guard!" Emmett shouted back as he stepped aside to let us in. "Where is Eddie hiding? Is he fixing his make-up?"
We walked inside and I helped Cynthia out of her jacket and hug it up next to mine before taking her hand.
"I'm right here man, no need to shout." Eddie said as me walked around a corner and stopped, staring at Cynthia.
Cynthia tugged my skirt again and I looked down.
"Is he your boyfriend?" She asked with awe in her voice.
"Yes Cynth'."
"He's pretty!" Cynthia stated and danced up to him. "Hi Eddie, I'm Cynthia."
Eddie stared at Cynthia as if she was an alien and I bit my lip to stop the giggling from escaping.
"Bella, I think he is broken." Cynthia told me when Eddie didn't answer her.
Emmett burst out laughing and I could no longer hold my laughter back. Just then Esme walked in to see what was happening and she smiled as she saw the sight.
"Hello dear, I'm Esme. Who are you?" Esme asked and sat down so she was face to face with Cynthia.
"I'm Cynthia Brandon Swan Whitlock." Cynthia stated with a huge smile on her face. "Bella is my almost sister, and Eddie is her boyfriend. I think Eddie is broken."
Esme started laughing and gave Cynthia a small hug.
"Hello Cynthia. I think you are right, Eddie is broken." Esme told her and smacked the back of Eddie's head. "That's not how you greet a guest."
Emmett chuckled as I settled on smiling, widely that is. Cynthia started giggling and tugged my skirt, again.
"Bella, I like her." Cynthia said with a smile.
"Cynthia, I do too." I answered.
"Hello Cynthia, I'm Edward Cullen." Eddie said as he got back the ability to speak.
"Hi Eddie!" Cynthia replied with a huge smile and she waved.
Eddie looked irritated but didn't say anything.
"Cynthia, why don't you come help me in the kitchen?" Esme asked and gave me a knowing glance.
I winked at her as Cynthia walked away with her, chatting happily.
"Hi Eddie." I said and walked closer to him. "Did you have a good day?"
"It just got better." Eddie said with a smirk as he caught my wrist and pulled me next to him.
He leaned down and gave me a fast but deep kiss, leaving me breathless and wanting more. I placed my arms around Eddie's neck and stood up on my toes to reach his mouth. I had control over the second kiss, so it started out slower but it got more heated as the time past. Eddie's hands wandered down my back and came to rest on my hips when the door opened and we both flew apart. Carlisle came in with a smirk on his lips and I blushed.
"Hello Bella, it's good to see you." Carlisle said and gave me a quick hug.
"Nice to see you too, how's the hospital?" I replied as we walked into the dining-room together, Eddie's arm securely around my waist.
"It's good, not too much to do." Carlisle answered and kissed his wife's cheek as she brought out some plates. "How was practice, kids?"
"Good, we were in the gym, making muscles." Emmett said and showed off his arms.
I laughed and hit his shoulder lightly. Cynthia came in as Emmett was about to return the punch.
"Em, you can't hit someone that is smaller than you." Cynthia said with a cute frown on her face.
Emmett laughed and picked her up.
"You're sitting next to me, Cynth'." He declared and we all sat down around the table.
The conversation was smooth, mostly we talked about school or basketball. Cynthia told us all about her kindergarten and her favorite TV-series, which were Pokémon and Sailor Moon. That started a heated argument about which one was the best. We had a lot of fun. Afterwards Esme shooed Eddie and me out of the kitchen, and we ended up in his music room.
"What do you think about Cynthia?" I asked as I played the melody that I had in my head for the last week.
"She's cute, I guess." Eddie said with a shrug as he played with my hair. "What do you think about my family?"
"I love your family. You just got to meet the most important part of mine." I told him with a frown as the music morphed into a more forceful tone.
"Baby Girl, don't get all work up about it. Alice and Jasper means no harm." Eddie said, trying to relax me.
"The left her alone at home, you know. They left a five year old girl alone for an hour and a half. Who does that?" I asked as I spun around to face him.
"I can think of many, I probably would." Eddie said with a small grin.
"This isn't funny!" I stated and punched his shoulder.
Eddie just pulled me closer and placed a kiss under my ear. He spread more kisses over my skin and by the time he reached my mouth I was about to jump on him. He gently slipped his tongue into my mouth and I couldn't hold back a small moan from escaping at the combined feeling of his soft kiss and his long fingers that were lightly tracing invisible patterns over my back. As he pulled back I rested my head on his chest and his arms slipped around me.
"I'm here Bella. You can always talk to me." Eddie said in a soft voice, the real him peaking out from under his restrains.
"Thank you Edward." I sighed. "This is just what I need right now."
Eddie didn't answer, just hugged me closer.
"Bella, I wanna go home and sleep!" Cynthia shouted from downstairs and I pulled back.
"I need to go." I said and was met by Eddie's sad eyes.
He gave me a deep kiss before releasing me and we walked down to the hallway. Cynthia was already wearing her jacket and she had all her stuff packed together. Esme and Carlisle was standing in the doorway to the living room and Emmett was sitting next to her on the floor.
"I'll miss you, Tiny. Come back soon again." Emmett said with the kindest voice I had ever heard him use.
"I will. You can come visit me too." Cynthia replied and patted his head. "Bye Em."
She danced over to us and as Eddie bent down to say goodbye she kissed his cheek.
"I like you, take care of Bella." Cynthia said with a smile and waved to Carlisle and Esme.
I laughed as I said goodbye to everyone and gave Eddie a light kiss before grabbing Cynthia's hand and we walked out to the car. As we drove away Cynthia was waving like a maniac and the Cullen family was waving back.
"Emmett really likes you." I said with a grin as I turned on to the big road.
"Yes, and I like him too. He is funny and kind and cute and smart and funny and big and…"
"Woah, someone likes him." I teased as Cynthia glared at me.
"He has a girlfriend." Cynthia pouted and I squeezed her shoulder before turning my attention to the road.
It was only nine o'clock when we got home, but it was past Cynthia's normal bedtime. She had almost fallen asleep during the short drive and I carried her inside so she wouldn't have to wake up too much. I helped her into her pajamas and to brush her teeth before putting her to bed.
"Good night, Cynth'." I whispered and kissed her forehead. "I love you."
"I wove yoouu twoo." Cynthia said in her coma state and I smiled as I closed the door.
I walked into my room, I was ready for the day to end since I hadn't really slept too much the night before and I could feel some effects of the alcohol still hanging over me. My plan flew put of the window when I found Jasper and Alice making out on my bed and I sighed, loudly.
"You guys just broke most of my rules." I stated as I walked to my closet to get my pj's.
Jasper flew out of the bed with a speed that surprised me and he was blushing. Alice didn't react quite the same way, she just sat up and watched me.
"We're sorry, Bella." Jasper said in a sad voice. "I have no other excuse than that we got caught up in the moment."
"Sorry, B." Alice said with a small smile.
"If it had been just this, it would have been okay but it's not. It's like I don't exist to you guys any more." I told them. "You never have time for me and we haven't even talked for more than ten minutes for a whole week."
"Well, it's not just our fault." Alice said with a frown. "I'm not the only one who hasn't been home."
"Alice, I have been home every night. I have waited for you in my room but you don't come in before Dad sends you to bed. And then you can't talk." I said as I ran my hands through my hair.
"You are with Eddie all day, and you haven't been home this weekend." Alice replied as she stood up. "It doesn't feel like you're here."
"Alice, you wouldn't know if I was in the same room, you don't see me. Do you even know what I did this week?"
"No, you haven't told me."
"I have been dealing with your idea, with BED, a thing I'm doing for you!" I stated with a strong voice. "I didn't ask to be the most hated girl in school, but I'm not complaining. I'm doing this for you!"
"Oh, don't pretend that you don't like it. I know you do, I have seen how you act when you're with him and how you're talking about him. It's more than just a game to you."
"Yes, I'm starting to get to know the real Eddie. But that doesn't mean I like him, or that I'm not going to go through with it."
"Oh please. You like wearing that watch." Alice said with a hard glare.
"No, I don't. I'm doing this for you and all the other girls out there who have been played."
Alice sucked in a deep breath and Jasper placed his arm around her, sending me an angry glance.
"You are the one having fun. You are the one who don't have time for me or your sister. You are the one who is blind to the world." I threw at her. "You are the one who left your five year old sister alone at home today."
Jasper had been quiet when we screamed at each other, but then he decided that he wanted to say something.
"We knew that you where on your way home. She was okay with being alone for a few minutes." Jasper defended himself.
"I didn't go directly home, I went to check on Chris who was to hung over to get up this morning. You would have known if you had paid any attention to the world around you, Jasper. You didn't bother to ask if I was going home. You just assumed that I don't have a life and was going home to spend the rest of the day alone. All this while your girlfriend just accused me of not being home at all. Is that really fair to me? Or to Cynthia? She was alone for an hour and a half, she's five for crying out loud. She can't be at home alone for even two minutes. She can't take care of herself."
"It goes both ways you know, you could have told Jasper that you weren't going home." Alice stated with venom in her voice.
"He didn't see me, he didn't see that I felt like sh*t and had to leave the gym for half an hour. The first thing Adam did when I came back inside was to check how I was, you didn't see me Jasper." I sighed.
"It just feels like I have lost my best friends." I whispered when neither of them answered, I didn't have it in me to be angry anymore.
I looked at them both one last time before opening my door and I made a gesture with my hand.
"Could you leave? I need to be alone." I asked, but I didn't really give them a choice.
Alice walked straight out without looking at me. Jasper on the other hand studied me with his clear eyes before following her. I fell down on my chair and ran a hand though my hair, I was exhausted. I placed my iPod in the dock on my night stand and found the song that I needed. I pressed play and my ears were filled with the soft notes from Monsters.
Don't want to turn of the lights,
hope someone hears me tonight.
I know there's a snake in my bed,
eating it's way through my head.
I wanna be normal,
I wanna feel safe.
I'm waking up screaming,
it's always the same.
I don't want to turn of the light,
I hope someone hears me tonight.
When he sung "Hold me make, tell me everything's okay." I grabbed my bag and took out my phone. I weighed it in my hand, looking at it before I opened contacts and pressed "call". It rung twice before he picked up.
"You miss me already Isabella?" Eddie's cocky voice asked and I couldn't help but smile.
"Not really, I just need someone to talk to." I said in a small voice and the background the music was playing loud enough for him to hear.
I don't know if it was the sound of my voice or the song but Eddie picked up my mood and he changed.
"What happened? Do you want me to come and get you?" His voice was kind and I smiled wider.
"You don't need to, I just need you to tell me everything is okay."
"Baby Girl, what happened?" Eddie asked again and I took a deep breath.
"I had a fight with Jasper and Alice. I found them making out on my bed, breaking one of the few rules I have. Then when I try to talk to the about how they have been acting, Alice blames me. Then I bring up the fact that they left Cynthia alone, they both blame me. I just can't handle it." I told him, and the tears started running down my cheeks.
"Sush, Baby Girl." Eddie said in a soft voice that made the tears flow easier. "I'm coming to get you."
I heard the sound of a door opening and closing.
"Eddie, where are you going?" I heard Emmett's voice muffled by Eddie's hand, and the rest of the conversation was lost.
"I'll be there very soon, I just have to hang up the phone so I don't get pulled over by your Dad." Eddie said when he came back to the phone.
I let out a soft giggle.
"Okay, I'll see you soon." I answered and hung up.
I looked down to see what I was wearing, Alice clothes. She had picked them out in the store and she had decided that they where a part of the BED-wardrobe. I didn't want to wear them any longer so I pulled of the skirt and the top along with all my jewelries, the only thing I kept on was Eddie's watch. I put on my favorite jeans, a pair that I had picked out by myself and a black singlet. I also grabbed the small heart necklace that Adam had gotten me for my last birthday and the hoodie Eddie had lend me, which I had yet to return. As I picked up my phone, keys and iPod I heard a knock on the door. As I hurried out of my room and saw Alice open the door and her death glare that Eddie received.
"What are you doing here?" Alice asked in a hard voice.
"I came to pick Bella up." Eddie answered with definition in his voice.
I smiled a little and started walking down the stairs.
"No you're not." Alice stated and I saw her place her hand on her hip and glare at him.
"Yes I am. She called me." Eddie told her.
I heard her gasp and I walked down the last steps and into the hallway. Eddie's eyes went straight to my face and then back at Alice who stood in front of him.
"You don't need to hurt her more than you already have, let her go." He said and stepped closer to her.
"Let him in." Jasper said from the hallway just as Alice was about to say something.
Alice scowled at him but moved so Eddie could come in. He went right up to me and pulled me into a large hug. I placed my arms around his waist and put my head on his chest. His hug was tight and just what I needed. As he pulled back he took my hand and walked me towards the door.
"You're not leaving the house wearing that." Alice stated with a horrified look.
"Bite me." Was all I said and closed the door in her face.
Eddie gave me an amused look as he opened the door to his car. I gave him a weak smile, and slid in. Eddie hurried around and started the car, driving away to somewhere. I didn't know, and frankly I didn't care. I was just glad to get out of the house. Eddie fiddled a little with his iPod before pressing play and Monsters filled the car. I gave him a nod as I leaned back and rested my head against the seat. We drove on for a while before Eddie turned onto a small road that lead straight into the woods. I snickered and turned to Eddie.
"Are you taking me out in the forest so you can kill me and hide the body?" I asked in a teasing tone. Eddie glanced at me and he smiled.
"Not this time." He answered and turned of the car. "I'm taking you to a place where I like to go and think when I'm upset."
He walked around the car and opened my door. He took my hand in the process and we started walking into the forest. Eddie ignored the trail and I clutched his hand tighter in mine.
"Relax Isabella, I won't get lost." Eddie said and caressed the back of my hand.
"I'm not worried about that. I'm more worried of falling and breaking something." I told him as he steered me through the trees.
"Don't worry so much, it'll be fine."
I decided to be quiet and let him lead us wherever he wanted us to go. It turned out to be the right decision. It didn't take long before we reached a small meadow. It was almost round and surrounded by high trees, sealing it from most people. I saw the small buds that were waiting for warmer weather and I smiled, it was beautiful.
"Eddie, this is amazing! Just being here calms me down." I stated as I lied down on my back.
"That's why I go here to think when I need some time for myself." Eddie answered with a small shrug. "I figured you needed it."
I understood that he had brought me to a very personal place and I patted the grass beside me.
"Thank you for sharing this with me, Edward." I said and relaxed while I let the tranquility surround me.
We just lay there for a while, listening to the birds and the sounds of nature around us.
"Alice and I were fighting, and we normally never fights." I told Eddie again.
"What were you fighting about?"
"How she doesn't seem to care about me, just Jasper. She tried to blame it on me. Then the argument turned to you."
"I'm sorry." Eddie said in a soft tone.
"Why?" I asked surprised.
"Well, I must have done something to upset her enough to take it out on you." Eddie answered and grabbed my hand.
I moved around so I placed my head on Eddie's stomach, that way I could see him.
"It's not your fault. All this is between Alice and me, it has been building up for a while."
Eddie ran a hand through my hair and started playing with it before he started speaking again.
"I don't want you to be sad." He told me and his eyes were kind. "I don't like it. I want make you happy and make you laugh. I don't want you to hurt."
I smiled softly and closed my eyes.
"Right now, you're making me happy. You're helping me relax."
"That's good."
I ran my hand up and down Eddie's arm, making him shudder and it made me feel better. Just being with him was relaxing me and I rearranged myself again so I was laying next to him, my head in the crock of his neck and our whole bodies touching. Eddie placed an arm around my shoulders and held me closer to him.
"You want to tell me more about it?" He asked carefully.
"Why not?" I replied and started telling him about the fight in detail.
I edited away the parts about BED and I couldn't really tell him that I was doing what I was doing for Alice. So instead I went with "Why can't she be happy that I'm happy instead?" but it worked as well. Eddie was looking a little guilty as I had finished my story but I pretended not to notice. He asked me some questions and when I had to think about how to answer them the argument became clearer. I realized that we all were to blame, but it didn't make me less mad at Alice's behavior.
When it started becoming a bit too dark to stay out, and when we started to freeze, Eddie helped me up and we walked back to his car hand in hand. We listened to soft music on the way home. As Eddie stopped outside my house I saw that my Dad still wasn't home. I turned to Eddie and gave him a smile.
"Thank you so much. You have no idea what it meant to me." I told him and kissed his cheek.
"I'm here for you, whenever you need me." Eddie said and kissed the top of my head before I got out.
He waited until he saw that I was inside before he left and I felt a small smile play on my lips as I walked up the stairs. I stopped outside my door and stood there for a short while before deciding to sleep in Cynthia's bed instead. I brushed my teeth and sneaked into her room. I pulled off my jeans and the hoodie before lying down in her twin bed. I had almost fallen asleep when I heard a quiet whisper.
"I luw yoou Belwa."
Cynthia's voice was filled with sleep and those few words made my heart fill with love.
"I love you too, Cynthia." I whispered back to her as she snuggled into my arms.
A/N: I hope you liked chapter 19, I for one liked how it turned out. There's trouble in paradise… The song in this chapter is Monsters by Itchy Daze, a very soft and quite sad song. I thought that it fit in well. I have finished writing chapter 20 and are currently going though it since my Beta haven't had time to get back to me. So, if you have some spare time now during the summer and want to beta some of my chapters please pm me. I don't think I have that much more to say other than have a great summer and I'll post soon again. Love, A.