Chapter Twenty
If I thought Edward was spectacular on ice, the Cullen women were not to be outdone. They were amazing. Gracefulness, beauty, and athleticism, all could be used to describe their magnificent show. Alice was like a miniature ballerina, swirling and sashaying around the ice. Esme's style could be described as nothing better than an intricate dance, every loop and twirl weaving into a wondrous display. And then there was Rosalie. As with any situation, she looked well beyond beautiful. Her moves were light and playful, but yet they were calculated and strong. Her actions were more athletic than the other two.
I found a sort of rhythm on the ice and managed to not fall. I was too unsure to try any real stunts. I didn't want to push my luck. But it was invigorating to just skate around the pond at inhuman speeds. Something I could not have done at any speed beforehand. I was far from being as graceful as Alice, Rose, or Esme, but being in command of my own two feet was quite a nice change.
Coming to a stop, I turned to look at the other three. They all appeared to be heading towards the bank.
"Are we leaving already?" I asked, as I followed suit.
"Yes, we thought it would be nice to go back home and spend some time in doors," Esme answered.
"Alright," I replied as I walked up on the bank and sat on the log Edward and I had previously shared. I took off my skates and pulled on my snow boots. The others did the same and we quickly headed back home.
I was pondering what they might have planned when we finally reached the house. Alice practically danced through the door with the rest of us following.
"MOVIES!" she exclaimed as she raced up the stairs, us standing wide-eyed in shock.
"What?" I asked looking over at Esme. She cracked a smile and then we all burst out in laughter.
"It seems we are watching movies," Esme laughed as we walked to the living room. Alice returned with an arm load of various DVDs. It had been quite a long time since we had a girl movie night.
EPOV
The scenery was quickly flying past us as we raced along the highway. I couldn't wait to get back to Bella. Jacob sat casually in the backseat, watching out the window. It was odd how we had come full circle. We had hated one another, tolerated one another, hated one another once again, and now, what were we? Friends, perhaps? He had risked his life thinking that he was saving us. He had tipped us off to the Volturri. But he was my mortal enemy, chosen so by our very makeup.
I chanced a glance back at him. His thoughts remained on one thing, and one thing only, Heather. He hadn't stopped thinking of her the entire time he was with us, even when he was in excruciating pain. It was amazing how his thoughts were centered around her, as if nothing else existed. I could relate however, Bella was the one thing that was prominently on my mind.
Even at our exceeding speeds, it would be an all day trip. I hoped Bella was ok. Alice was supposed to keep her entertained while I was away. I glanced over at Emmett. He was obviously not enjoying the trip. He hated to be away from Rose, just as much as I hated to be away from Bella.
Taking out my cell phone, I decided to check up on Bella. I hated that I had to leave her behind. Quickly dialing the house number, I waited for someone to pick up. Impatiently, I counted the rings, one, two, three…ten! Where was she? Just as I was about to give up hope, the phone picked up.
"Hello," Alice laughed.
"Alice, what's going on?" I asked a bit irritated.
"Sorry Eddie, we were just into this movie," she giggled as I heard Tom Cruise's voice in the background.
"Where's Bella?" I asked, ignoring her use of my unwanted nickname.
"Beside me,"
"Could I speak to her?"
"Sure," she giggled as she handed over the phone.
"Hello,"
"Bella," I replied, relieved to hear her voice.
"Oh Edward, is everything alright?" she asked, concern present in her voice.
"Everything is fine, are you ok?"
"I'm fine too. We're just watching movies," she giggled.
"Is that 'Top Gun' I hear in the background?" I asked.
"Yes,"
I looked over at Emmett. His gaze met mine and we both rolled our eyes. Anytime we went away, Rosalie, Esme, and Alice would watch 'Top Gun', along with a multitude of other action movies. They didn't actually like action movies, not really. They just enjoyed the sight of the men all hot, sweaty, and dirty. It was pathetic.
"Look at those eyes," I heard Alice giggle.
"Well, I'll let you get back to the movie. I love you,"
"Love you too," she replied.
"Bye," I said before closing the phone.
"I can't believe they're watching those movies again," Emmett said angrily. Jacob chuckled in amusement from the backseat but kept his thoughts non-verbal. However, his mind was screaming different remarks concerning the situation. Looking back at him coldly, he caught my gaze and turned his thoughts else where. What I wouldn't pay at times to silence the constant blaring of other's minds.
BPOV
Our action movie marathon was going quite well. We had finished 'Top Gun', 'Spiderman', and some other movie that stared Vin Diesel. Alice and Rosalie where fervently debating on who was the hottest star out of the three, while Esme and I exchanged amused glances. While the guys playing on the screen were definitely good looking, they simply could not compare to Edward. In my eyes, no one or no thing was more beautiful than him.
"I told you Tom Cruise is five thousand times hotter than Vin Diesel!" Alice shot back after Rose's last remark.
"Yeah right. Maybe in the eighties before he joined the crazy train, but I'm talking here and now. Vin Diesel is hotter,"
"But eighties Tom trumps Vin Diesel!" Alice said while simultaneously sticking out her tongue.
"Whatever," Rosalie responded while rolling her eyes.
I burst out laughing. I could only imagine Emmett's input in this situation. He could make any moment more comical. Esme soon joined me, as did Alice and eventually Rose.
After a heated debate about the next movie to follow, it was finally concluded that we would watch 'Die Hard'. I was not a big fan of action movies so I just decided with the majority, not caring what was played. I was enjoying the company more than the actual films.
We settled into a silence that was occasionally broken by a few giggles from Rosalie and Alice. I tried to keep interest in the movie, but my mind quickly directed it's self to Edward. I worried if he was alright and if he and Jake were still getting along. I had a feeling that things were different between them and always would be. Something had changed between them.
I was completely immersed in my thoughts when Alice hurled herself on top of me. I was about to protest when the thick rich scent found my nose. The demon thirst snarled and begged to be quenched. My throat was instantly dry and my mouth was pooling with venom. Every sense was more acute as I fought against the beast with my better judgment.
Jasper quickly appeared. He instantly started bombarding me with feelings of calm and disgust. I honed in on what he was sending me and stopped breathing. Closing my eyes, I retreated to the inter sanctum of my mind. I thought of Edward and how far we had come. I couldn't mess up now.
"Carry her up stairs Jasper, everything's going to be ok," Alice directed. I felt myself being lifted, but I kept myself closed off. I couldn't give in, I couldn't.
A moment later, I was being placed down on what I thought was my bed. Jasper remained near, sending me wave after wave of calm. I would have to thank him later. There was a knock at the front door and I heard someone approach it.
"Hello, I'm sorry to bother you, I was trying to find the Davis residence and I've gotten terribly lost, could you help me?" a female voice asked.
"No, I'm sorry. We're new to the area and are unfamiliar with our neighbors," Esme's sweet voice replied.
"Oh, well ok. Sorry to intrude," the lady responded.
"It's alright," Esme spoke again. I heard quick footsteps and the door close.
"It's ok now Bella," Jasper spoke. I waited a few more minutes and then pried my eyes open. I took a cautious breath, and while the scent was still remained, I was able to control myself.
Alice and the others had made their way to my bedroom. I looked at them all, I was ashamed of myself. I had almost lost control.
"Bella, you don't have to be ashamed. We have all been where you are now," Jasper said, sending me a reassuring wave of comfort.
"Really Bella, you have done an amazing job. Not many of us could close ourselves off like that," Esme added.
"I could see you weren't going to do anything Bella. You decided that rather quickly," Alice spoke enthusiastically. I smiled weekly and sat up on the bed.
"I think I could go for a hunt," I spoke, my voice scratchy.
"Me too," Alice replied.
It was quickly decided that Jasper, Alice, and I would go for a quick hunt. Going out into the surrounding forest, we quickly bagged a few deer. The fire in my throat finally extinguished, we returned to the house. It was getting late. The sun was starting to set, it was Twilight.
"Edward will be home soon," Alice said as we walked into the house.
"Does he know?" I asked her.
"Not yet," she replied. I nodded and headed up the stairs. I had an assignment that needed finished and thought the tedious work of trying to figure out the math problems would get my mind off of things.
An hour later, and little progress made on the quadratic equations, I gave up. I put my computer away and nestled in the bed waiting for Edward. The sharp pain in my chest that rose every time he was away was becoming unbearable. I just could not stand to be apart from him for any length of time, and this was really pushing my boundaries.
I was on the verge of calling him just to hear his voice when I heard the Volvo pull up. Before I could really calculate what I was doing, I was flying down the stairs to meet him. As the door opened, he opened his arms and I jumped into them. I was never happier to see him.
"I missed you too," he chuckled, hugging me tightly against him.
"A human has been here," Emmett remarked as he walked in behind Edward. Edward looked down at me and then at Alice. His grip on me tightened as his face flashed from shock to anger, and then finally worry.
"Did you...I mean is everything ok?" he asked as he searched my eyes.
"Everything's ok Edward. She handled herself well," Alice voiced. He glanced over at her and they had one of those silent conversations that only they understood. He nodded slightly and then looked down at me.
"Let's go upstairs," he said. He un-wrapped his arms from me and took my hand. We left the rest of them standing at the door as we rushed up the steps. I knew he wanted to talk.
In our bedroom, we took a seat on the edge of our bed. He carefully rubbed circles on my hand as he mentally rearranged what he wanted to say.
"Just say it Edward," I burst out impatiently.
"You did a good job," he replied.
"What do you mean?"
"You did a good job controlling yourself. That was a big step,"
"I almost lost control though,"
"But Bella, you don't realize it, but you rationalized in seconds after you smelled the human that you weren't going to kill her. That's not an easy accomplishment for a newborn," he voiced. I could detect a sense of pride in his voice. I looked up to meet his eyes; they held a sparkle of happiness.
"I was so scared Edward," I spoke, my voice sounding weak.
"Yes, but you did alright Bella,"
"Do you ever think I'll be able to be around humans?" I sighed.
"Of course. You've made great progress already. And we'll pick up on your training again as well,"
"Renee's three month's along so that gives me six months," I told him.
"You can wait a few months after the baby is born," he pointed out.
"But it will hurt her feelings if I'm not there," I voiced
"We'll just take this one day at a time," he reasoned, "And if you're ready in six months, we'll go. If not, we'll wait a few more," he rationalized. I nodded my head in understanding, but I was determined to be ready in six months.
"How did your trip go?" I asked, wanting a change of subject.
"Good,"
"No problems?" I asked.
"None. Jake and I have an understanding,"
"Understanding?"
"Yes. We're about as close to being friends as we'll ever get," he answered. I smiled brightly, happy that he and Jake were getting along.
"Good,"
"I met Heather,"
"Was she nice?" I asked.
"Very, she's good for him,"
"How so?" I asked.
"She has a good head on her shoulders. She knows how to handle situations and how to calm him down, " he replied.
"I'm glad he found someone,"
"Me too," Edward agreed.
"Do you think they'll marry?" I asked.
"Well, I don't think Jacob's really said anything to anyone. But he has a ring already,"
"What! Really?" I asked, excited for my friend.
"Yes, he's afraid to ask though,"
"Wait 'till I talk to him," I laughed.
"She told me to thank you, by the way,"
"I can't wait to meet her," I sighed, wondering what she would be like in person.
"She's excited about finally meeting you as well," he chuckled.
"What is it?"
"She's actually a lot like you in ways,"
"What do you mean?" I asked.
"She's very clumsy for one," he laughed.
"Haha, very funny. In case you forgot, I'm not so clumsy anymore," I replied as I pretended to pout.
"What? I liked it when you were clumsy!" he said, pulling me into his lap.
"Yeah, yeah," I dismissed him as I settled my head against his chest, relieved to be near him. He encircled me with his arms and we sat in silence for a long while, both content in being together once again. Being apart was just too hard for us.
(A/N: First and foremost, I owe all of my readers a huge apology, SORRY. I know it is very frustrating to be left hanging in the middle of a story, and for that I am truly story. In short, my work schedule became very hectic and updating just wasn't something I could get around to doing. I really wanted to finish this before Breaking Dawn, but I hope you all will still find this enjoyable. Thanks to everyone that has read and reviewed and those that continue to do so. Also, a huge thanks to my super beta Shanbug07, for not only editing this story, but my others as well.)