We're the Cullens
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Disclaimer: Stephanie Meyer owns it all.
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"Believe me Edward, I would never make a mistake about that fucker." My hold on the phone tightened almost at the point of crushing it.
"I'll be there first thing in the morning, keep an eye on him."
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EDWARD
I stared at the 47-story building as I got out of my car. I breathed in the familiar air. The busy streets bustling around me. God, I missed New York. It's good to be back. The sun, oh it's good to see the sun scorching in the daylight. I removed my Ray-Bans, tucking them in the v of my shirt and looked at my watch.
I took a flight at six in the morning with Jake. We got here around nine according to Seattle's time, which is around twelve over here. So the sun was right on top, making me hot. I rolled the sleeves of my white shirt, up until my elbows and looked straight to see a woman staring at me.
Her blonde hair was neatly done and colored, her face was caked with make-up and she wore clothes that were not appropriate for the street she was standing at. An instant smile formed on my face as I thought of Bella, her hair open, the alluring blush that covers her cheeks, her full lips, her big brown eyes. I snapped out of it and realized I was staring at the woman making her think I was smiling at her. I rolled my eyes, and shot a glare at her just when the phone buzzed in my pocket. I answered it.
"Edward Cullen."
"Edward, where are you?" Bella asked in a panicked voice.
"I'm in New York, love."
"What?!" she shouted through the phone, making me flinch.
"Didn't you read the note I left on the nightstand?"
"I didn't see it. Were you in a flight when I called you before?"
"Yeah, that must be. Where's Eli?" I dusted my black pants.
"She's just waking up, she got in our bed around six." I chuckled.
"Eli always does that," I could hear her smile. "How are you?"
"I'm good, better than last night. Sorry about that—"
"Hey, it's okay. No worries. Forget about it."
"I am going to, completely skip it away. Why are you in New York anyway?"
"There is someone Jake and I had to meet."
"Leah?" I chuckled.
"No, baby."
"So who is it? Will you be okay? Is Jake fine? Is this person dangerous? Is it James?" she fired questions at me and I sighed.
"Bella, I'll be fine, Jake's fine too, the person is not dangerous, and it's not James."
"Are you sure you'll be fine?"
"I'll be fine baby, don't worry."
"Okay, I'll talk to you later, when will you be home?"
"Tomorrow, hopefully."
"Tomorrow?" she asked anxious.
"Why love, do you want me to get there today?" I was hoping for a good night's sleep. I haven't had that for two days straight. But I can get to Seattle if Bella needs me.
"No, it's okay. Eli and I will be fine. Right?" I could hear the uncertainty in her voice.
"I'm sure you'll be fine. Plus Alice and Jasper are right next door."
"Yeah okay. I'll talk to you later. I—" she paused and then sighed. "I will miss you." For some reason I thought she was going to say something else.
"I'll miss you too baby, bye."
"Bye Edward." I ended the call and looked up to see Jake walking towards me, with Leah by his side.
"Afternoon Leah." I smiled kissing her cheek.
"Why am I dragged away from enjoying my lunch break?" Leah asked and I chuckled.
"Come on." I wrapped an arm around her shoulder and we entered the CIA Headquarters. I waved at Helen, who sat at the reception. I was seeing her after a long time. We went straight for the elevators.
"God, I missed this place." Jake muttered and I frowned. I didn't. Why didn't I miss this place?
"Can you please tell me what's going on?" I smiled and shook my head making her huff. The doors opened we stepped out on the twenty second floor. All eyes turned to us and I grinned at them, like the happiest person on this planet. I was looking forward to today. I never thought this day would come.
We entered the monitoring room, where Fred and his team were continuing their research. I greeted them all and Fred walked over to us. I shook hands with him and he led me to the LED screen where they were searching for him. I saw the location and grinned. Fucking perfect. The red light shone brightly on the spot at the CIA HQ icon. I patted Fred's shoulder.
"Amazing job done, Fred." Jake grinned next to me, clenching and unclenching his fists.
"I never thought this day would come." He said what I had narrated in my mind twenty seconds ago.
"Block them all for his office. Even his phones and telephones, even of the reception desk." Fred nodded and turned to his desktop. I watched him block them all and give me a thumbs up.
"The file." Fred handed me a sky blue file and I chuckled, looking at Jacob.
"Come on."
Jacob and I walked to the cabin and knocked on the door. We waited for the voice to answer but didn't hear anything. I knocked again.
"Come in." Mark Banner barked and we opened the door to step in. I saw his frustrated face, as he tried to work on his laptop. He suddenly looked up and his blue eyes widened with shock.
"Oh Cullen, Black what are you doing here? Aren't you supposed to be in Seattle?" Jake and I shared a look.
"Yeah, but we are not able to find leads on Preston, we're going to need some more time." Jacob said giving him a hard stare and I smiled as I sat on the chair, adjacent to him. Banner stared at me and then at Jake as he did the same.
"I didn't ask you to sit." He barked again and I rolled my eyes.
"We are going to need some more time." Jake repeated and Banner glared at us.
"The case should be fucking over by now! What the hell are you two doing?"
"We just found one name Mark."
"What name?"
"James Smith." He tried to subtly hide the surprise on his face.
"James Smith?" he asked and I nodded.
"About two months ago."
"What did you find then?"
"Nothing much."
"Good," I frowned at him. "I mean keep looking." He pulled out his phone and dialed a number.
"I can't give you any more time." Mark said as he placed the phone near his ear. He sighed frustrated and I could see his hands were shaking, sweat was marring his forehead. Mark cancelled the call and grabbed his telephone, he dialed one for the reception but must've found the line dead as well. He looked at us angrily.
"What are you still doing here?"
"We did find something more, you know." he looked startled.
"W-What?" I opened the file.
"It was some research we did. For Federal Trafficking Penalties." I looked up at him to see his face turning pale. "It says for Marijuana 1,000 kilograms or more, the second offense is not less than 20 yrs. or more than life. If death or serious bodily injury, life imprisonment. Fine not more than $20 million if an individual, $75 million if other than an individual."
"Why are you telling me this shit?"
"I don't know, thought you could maybe know what happens." I grinned at him, my eyes piercing him with my stare. He looked away quickly.
"So boss, how are the kids?" Jake asked as he stood up and walked over to stand next to Mark.
"My kids? They're good."
"Where's your oldest again?"
"She's in college."
"Oh right, Karlie, isn't it?" I asked and Mark nodded. "Hmm and we thought you were going to be honest to us."
"What the fuck are you to talking about and get the hell out of my office! I'll call Louis right away."
"Try." He picked up his second phone but surely found it dead as well. "Not working? What a bummer, isn't it Jake?"
"I'm sure your son is waiting for your call."
"What son?"
"You don't know your own son Banner? James Smith? Oh I'm sorry, he's Ricky Carter's son, do you know who Ricky Carter is?"
"I don't know." he wiped his forehead with a napkin.
"You don't? That's probably because he died ten years ago."
"I don't know that either."
"Of course you don't." I smiled and stood up. "You won't even know about Victoria Preston now, would you?"
"I know a little."
"That's a great start."
"How about Malcolm Rogers?" his eyes widened but he shook his head and I leaned against his table, less than an inch away from him.
"Hmm, that has a nice ring to it too, probably because he runs a pick-pocket ring in Seattle."
"That's a bad joke Edward." Jake said and I laughed.
"But it got Mark all nervous, must be true, isn't it Mark?"
"I don't know."
"Is that going to be your answer to every fucking question Mark?" he didn't answer. "What are you doing tomorrow morning?"
"I'm not sure yet."
"Let's ask Leah, shall we?" I looked at Jake and he nodded, calling Leah. She walked in ten minutes later, a professional smile on her face.
"Yes Jake?"
"Honey, what's Mark doing tomorrow morning?"
"He has a meeting in New York, with someone special, I booked a VIP section at Daniel." Leah gave him a dirty look and he gulped, breathing heavily.
"Ah, Daniel, fancy. Thank you Leah, that'll be all." She smiled and walked out of the cabin, shutting the door tightly behind her.
"Meeting someone special Mark? Or should I say Ricky Martin?"
"Who is that?" Anger flared inside me and I threw the contents off his table. All of them, even his laptop making his eyes widen.
"Who is that? You are asking me who is that? It's you, you little piece of shit, you are the one who was the main person in the fucking drug trafficking in Seattle! Sitting here like a fucking board of director but running an illegal mission right under everyone's nose!" I yelled at him, and for the first time I felt like a more powerful person than him.
"We can call the DEA and make you disappear right now Mark, no one will ever even know where you went off to." Jacob said in a threatening voice.
"What do you want?" He asked, his voice defeated and regretful. I grinned at him, my stare still a cold one.
"That's the spirit. We want you to give us every fucking detail of the export you did eight years ago. Every detail." I walked over to sit across from him and Jake did the same.
"Start talking Banner." Jake muttered and Mark's left hand reached for the drawer. I stared at it fixatedly. His blue eyes bored into mine and they suddenly widened.
"Not so fast." He muttered and pulled out a handgun from the drawer, pointing it right in between us, clearly confused whom should he kill first? For a brief second I had my doubts but well I have never been scared of guns. The worse he could do is shoot me.
"Let me go and I won't shoot you." We both stared at him patiently and his eyes looked around the room for something, coming back to look at us. He raised an eyebrow at us but we didn't budge.
"You really think I won't shoot you?"
"You haven't used a gun in eight years." Jacob said and I couldn't help but chuckle.
"That doesn't mean I can't use it." he gritted his teeth and I sighed, staring at my hands. We are just wasting time.
"Cullen how about you first." He pointed the gun right on point-blank at me. I sat up straighter, my stance getting cautious. What if he does try? I tried to get rid of those thoughts from my brain. I stand up carefully, holding my hands at a cautious stance.
"Keep the gun away Mark."
"Then let me go!" he screeched at me and I sighed.
"I can't let you do that."
"Then I'll have to shoot you." I looked at Jacob who just sat there doing nothing. Banner looked into my eyes, his blue eyes wide with fear. He closed his eyes and I felt his hand press against the trigger. He pulled it, at an agonizingly slow pace trying to use it effectively. And then he pulled the trigger.
All that was heard was a 'click' sound.
His eyes opened, perplexed. He pulled the trigger again and the same sound reverberated. I chuckled and walked over to him, his gun following my movements.
"You need a mag to shoot Mark." I told him and he frowned.
"You really think we'll be that stupid?" Jake asked and pulled out a mag, the one from Mark's gun, out of his jacket. Mark gulped and the gun dropped from his hands as he looked at me. I caught the hold of the collar of his shirt just as he was about to turn away and made him sit on the chair. I propped on his glass-topped desk and he looked at me.
"So, whose in Naples?"
"Laurent Scott."
"Oh? And you told me in the beginning of the case to find him. Hmm, that's a risky but smart trick you played there."
"Not smart enough." He muttered. I glared at him.
"Why were you looking for him?"
"We had the drugs exported from Laos and Thailand to Naples and then from there to Seattle. We were to split the money we were going to receive, but well he didn't contact me after the deal, and he was going to send some men to Seattle to clear his share away to sell for which he had received the wad of cash."
"How much cash are we talking about here?"
"Eighteen million, eight years ago." I sighed and motioned him to continue.
"Then well, the bad bundle started to pile and the DEA were on a round in the city for the month, so we had no other option but to hide them. One of the boys mentioned Forks, a small town about a hundred and something miles from Seattle, so we had his part of the share there."
"What happened to yours?"
"I sold it for nine million dollars and did not receive a single fucking buck, because everything was transferred to that fucker's account." Wow, Mark really is stupid.
"So you went Forks later?"
"Yeah, got rid of all the shit except one." I looked up at him expectantly. "DMT." Jacob and I shared a look.
"You do know that's 6 years of prison and eleven thousand dollars of penalty just for DMT, right?"
"I do know that." he muttered under his breath. "We were almost successful with it until the police interrupted our dig." I frowned.
"How did they find it?"
"Well, if I remember correctly, there was someone Swan, who well, caught hold of the DMT, I don't know what he did about it but I'm sure as hell he didn't get it out in the open."
"Why wouldn't he do it?"
"If you should know, he would've faced charges too for not reporting about the drugs, because the town's a hole, it's pretty much just a street. I'm sure he didn't have enough money to pay the penalty he would've received. I did send my men down at the station, trying to put some sense into him but no one knows what he did with it."
"He died around April or May." Jake said through his gritted teeth.
"I know." Mark nodded his head. "I had one of my men fail the car breaks that send him crashing right into some other one." I kicked his chair so hard, he fell out of it, on the floor, clutching the side of his head tightly.
"What the fuck Cullen?" he groaned and shifted a little.
"Get back here." I spat angrily and he slowly stood up, setting his chair where it previously was. He sat on the chair, keeping it a little away from my distance. I ran a hand through my hair.
My mind was completely paralyzed just hearing what he was saying. The man, I have practically known for such a long time, would do something like this. Well no one really liked him but right now it's taking everything in me not to kill him right here.
"What about James?"
"That bastard."
"Yes he is, your bastard. Why are you suddenly talking to him, after cutting him off?"
"Boy, you have a thorough research don't you?"
"Well, we work for the CIA, that's our job."
"He said he can help me with finding Laurent Scott, but I'll have to give him a million out of it, plus he promised to find that last smidge of DMT and wash it off, that way it can finally be over."
"Around when did you talk about this?"
"A year ago." I know Bella started dating him after that, we can give it around eight to nine months. So this was all just planned shit. Poor baby.
"And how was he planning to do this?"
"Through that Swan's daughter." I internally stiffened hearing him say that.
"Why does she have anything to do with this?"
"Well, James heard she knows about this, and that her father told her where he kept it, so I don't know." I frowned. Bella knows? I would've never thought she would know about this. And why didn't she tell me? Or maybe James lied about this to Mark so that he would believe to give him money. God, this keeps getting shittier by the minute.
"And you believed him?"
"What am I gotta do? All I want is my money, I don't care where I get it from."
"I don't see you getting it." I muttered and sighed. "Why is James meeting you tonight?"
"He wanted to talk about, uh, something." I gave him a death glare.
"What something?" I snapped and he looked around everywhere but me.
"I don't know."
"What something?" I repeated making him sigh.
"He wanted some money and he went Italy to find Laurent so he gathered some information and will be here to tell me."
"He went alone?"
"Not that I remember." Peter and Minnie were going to Italy that night as well, with Eli.
"Some Peter Brennon, do you know him?" Recognition flooded in his eyes.
"Kind of, they were at the same foster home."
"Foster home?"
"Yeah, Ricky Carter didn't die ten years ago, he died after James was born. James's mother Mindy Smith died giving birth to him, so why the fuck should I be around, I gave him away in the foster care. He grew up and did find me so I started providing him financial support before he could order a DNA test in the court."
"Why did you change your name to Mark Banner?"
"For CIA. You have no idea what advantages you have of the CIA, Edward."
"You won't be with us for long Banner." Jake said and Mark chuckled bitterly.
"You think I don't know that?" He sighed. "Anyway, so Peter helped James for searching Laurent, but well James being the selfish bastard he is, decided to have the money to himself, when it was going to be divided between Peter and him, so he got him killed, just like I got Swan." I ran a hand through my hair. Jake shared a look with me and nodded his head, silently telling me to remain calm. I nodded and looked away.
Eli. What would've happened of that little girl if I hadn't taken a wrong turn. My little princess would be in some foster home and not where she is now. Well, at least I am thankful for getting her. She must be going out with Alice and Bella like they planned. No, no. It's not the time to think about that now. I looked back at Mark, his face clearly showing he had given up on everything. Maybe he had predicted this was going to happen.
"So tell me more about Victoria now…"
. . .
About two hours of interview with our highly intelligent boss, we sat across from him, dictating the penalties he was charged for. He silently heard them, his shoulders slumping forward. How can he give up so easily over something he's been planning on for more than six years? He must be confident enough that James will do the work.
"Do you know something about this cabin Mark?" I asked and walked over to the glass by the right wall. "It's a two way mirror."
"I have been in the same cabin for more than five years, you can give me a little credit." I chuckled.
"Well then you should know that we have Special Agent Charles Wood and Joseph Floyd on the other side who heard every word you uttered the whole time." Mark nodded and grimaced.
"You are taking me away immediately?"
"Time is precious Banner, but we don't want to leave your bastard hanging." I called Fred to let him allow access to Marks' phone.
"Call James and let him know you are going out of town."
"Whatever." He muttered and called James.
"Put it on speaker." Jacob said and he rolled his eyes but obliged.
"Hello?" James snapped from the other side.
"It's me." Mark grunted in a curt voice.
"We were just leaving for the airport, what the fuck do you want?"
"I'm just calling to inform that Edward—" his breathing quickened as Jake placed the muzzle of his gun against Mark's forehead.
"What about him?" James asked urgently and Mark's eyes widened.
"Nothing, I just had to give him a call."
"Why, where is he?"
"Chicago." Mark blurted and I sighed , running a hand through my hair. Why the fuck did he have to say Chicago?
"Oh." His voice betrayed the running frequency of his thoughts. He must be wondering why I am in Chicago.
"So listen I have to attend a conference in Houston, so I won't be available."
"Son of a bitch, why the fuck didn't you tell this before?"
"It must've slipped out of my mind."
"Yeah right, anyway, this information was crap but what about the cash?" Mark looked at me and I nodded. Will have to transfer money from an anonymous account.
"I'll send you. I have to leave for the airport bye." And James hung up before Mark did.
"You walk out of this cabin, go through the entrance, stand by the street, the DEA will take you where they are supposed to for investigation. We are not disclosing any information until the case closes. Do you hear me?" he nodded. "Good, now leave." He nodded again and l sighed as he exited the cabin, his posture, heavy and defeated. I called Fred to let him know to stay with Mark until he's seated in the car.
"He wasn't dramatic about it." Jacob muttered and I chuckled and kept the phone in my pocket.
"What could he have possibly conquered by being dramatic? I guess he knew it too. That's why he wasn't too concerned and he clearly dislikes James, who by the way is on his own now."
"Maybe the case will get over sooner than we predict."
"You can't be so sure about that Jake, you may never know what happens."
"True that." Jake sighed and looked at me. "So are you staying?"
"For the night, hopefully. Will go back to my apartment, and then back to Seattle tomorrow."
"I'll do the same, hopefully get Leah with me to Seattle, now that she doesn't have a boss anymore." I shook my head.
"Who would've thought?" I chuckled.
"I know, the guy who gave you the case." Jake said, mentioning the irony.
"Yeah, let's not talk about it now."
"Alright Ginger, don't get your panties in a bunch." I frowned at him confused as he walked out of the cabin.
"What the fuck? That doesn't even make any sense." I said trying to analyze his sanity.
"It doesn't have to." I rolled my eyes as we waited for the elevator to open.
...
"Edward, is that you honey?" I turned to Ms. Cope's familiar voice and shut the door of my Volvo. It's good to be back, to my beloved Volvo and apartment.
"Ms. Cope, it's been forever." I walked over and hugged her, kissing her cheek lightly.
"How is Seattle honey?"
"Oh it's alright, raining as usual, I have to leave tomorrow again." she smiled sadly.
"Oh I missed you kid, it feels so lonely with you gone and Bella too. The one whom Bella rented is alright, doesn't talk much." Ms. Cope made a face making me laugh.
"I'm sure you'll be fine." We spoke for another ten minutes until she had to leave to get groceries. I opened the trunk of my car to get my bag out when I heard a car pull up. My eyes widened as I saw who it was.
Angela.
Fuck, fuck, fuck. Gale is in the apartment. I called Gale immediately.
"Hey Edward, how was flight?"
"It was great, now listen, I want you to pack your stuff from Bella's apartment as soon as you can and stand outside. I'm in the parking, I'll be right there. Bella's friend has dropped by."
"Got it, I'll see you in few." I hung up and slipped my phone and wedding band, which I had no idea why I had still on, into my pocket. I turned to see her getting out of the car.
Angela was pretty. Her eyes were a lighter shade than Bella's brown ones. Her hair was tied up with a ribbon. She wore a brown summer dress and I could see a hint of small baby bump. I recalled Bella feeling guilty about not being able to help her during her pregnancy. She looked healthier. Must be the pregnancy. I slung my bag over my shoulder and offered her a smile when her eyes met mine.
Her eyes widened but she managed to give me a weak smile. She walked to the passenger side and pulled out what looked like a very heavy box from her expression. I walked over to her, making her face look anxious. Bella clearly never gave good reviews about me.
"Hello, I don't think we've met before, I'm Edward Cullen."
"Hi. My name's Angela, you live across from Bells right?" I smiled nodding my head.
"Yes and may I help you with the box if you don't mind?" I asked politely and she shook her head immediately.
"No that's okay, I'm fine." I rolled my eyes.
"You must be but it's not good for you to carry heavy items when you're pregnant." Her cheeks turned pink and she handed me the box.
"Thank you." she muttered and I held the box, which wasn't particularly heavy to me.
"I thought Bella was out of town." I mused as we walked towards the elevators.
"Yeah, I'm just here to grab some of my stuff, and keep hers." I nodded and pressed the button for the elevator to arrive.
"I have seen you a couple of times before."
"Yeah, I try to stop by more often. Bella lives alone and I need to assure myself that she is safe." She said pointedly and I smiled internally. I was right about Bella leaving a bad impression of me.
"You two seem to know each other for a long time then."
"We grew up together." The elevator doors opened and we stepped in quietly. I pressed five and the lift elevated. She looked over at me at small intervals like she couldn't believe it was me and we finally escaped the closed space when the elevator dinged open on the fifth floor. Gale was standing outside my apartment, her bag next to her as she leaned against the wall.
Gale was two years younger than me with platinum blonde hair and purple streaks in them, she had a very attractive face and she knew it. Also she likes women, which straightens everything out, ironically. Gale clearly didn't have enough time to change, she was standing wearing green shorts and a black t-shirt. She was about two inches taller than Bella and was looking frazzled. If only Angela didn't have to stop by.
"Edward!" Gale gave me a wide grin as we were at a hearing distance from her.
"Hey Gale, give me a minute, I'll just help Angela with this." I said and she nodded. Angela pulled out the apartment keys hastily, after giving Gale some really strange looks. I stepped in after her and realized I had entered Bella Swan's apartment for the first time.
It was similar to mine, of course but the décor was different, it was more of lighter color, like baby blue and lavender. There was an off-white colored leather couch in the living room and a television set. I couldn't see any more inside because Angela was blocking it from me.
"Thank you so much Edward." Angela said in a squeaky voice and I placed the box on the closest cupboard.
"No problem," I gave her a grin and she blinked twice before nodding. "Take care, I'll see you around." I walked outside and gave Gale a tight hug, lifting her off the ground. She laughed and smacked my shoulder lightly.
"Hi." I grinned and she pulled back kissing my cheek. I heard the door close behind me and turned partially to understand, Angela was staring at the exchange. I rolled my eyes internally.
"Come on, let's not keep you standing." I muttered and pulled out my apartment keys. I opened the door and grabbed her bag, taking it inside as she followed me in. I kept my bag on the couch and hers next to it. My place was spotless, I had a housekeeper come clean it every week and she hopefully did the work thoroughly.
"Hungry?" Gale asked as she rummaged through the fridge. I rolled my eyes.
"Gale what are you going to find in there when I haven't been around for two months?"
"This." She pulled out two bottles of Bud. "Oh wait, it's not too old, is it?"
"Well, beers have an expiration date from about 6 months to 2 years, I think we'll be fine." She chuckled and walked over to hand me one. I took a large swig and sighed tiredly.
"So, why are you in New York?" I laughed lightly. I can never get used to her New Yorker accent.
"That's a very good question."
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BELLA
"Eli, sweetie it's time for lunch." I said leaning against the doorway of her bedroom. Eli looked up from her dollhouse and nodded. She walked over to me and grabbed my hand in hers. As we reached the dinner table, I set her down on the highchair I got for her so that her height could reach the table and she smiled at me. She's so precious. I kissed her cheek and went to the kitchen to get her plate.
Eli looked at me confused as I kept the plate of Chicken Pasta with White Sauce in front of her. Her blue eyes questioned me and she had an adorable pout on her face.
"What is it honey?" I asked and she pointed at the plate. "Don't you like it?" she shrugged.
"How I eat it?" I chuckled and sat next to her chair, dragging the chair nearer to hers. I slid the plate towards me and held a morsel of food on a fork, placing it near her lips. Eli opened her mouth and quickly ate it. Eli grinned at me, clapping her hands happily.
"You like it honey?" Eli nodded her head clearly satisfied and opened her mouth for more. I sighed relaxed and fed her another mouthful.
"Bewa when Ehwad comes homes?" I stroked her hair softly.
"Edward will come home tomorrow sweetheart." Her blue eyes saddened and she nodded. Oh dear. "But maybe we can call him after having lunch." She perked up a little after hearing that.
"Otay!" I chuckled and fed her another bite but she shook her head.
"What happened? Is something wrong?" Eli grabbed my hand, the one holding a fork near her lips and turned it in my direction. My eyes softened and I kissed her hair. "It's okay baby, I'll have it after you." Eli frowned and shook her head. Stubborn.
"No Bewa, you hungwy." I sighed and took a bite of the pasta, which I admit was pretty damn good.
I couldn't help but let my mind wander back to Edward going to New York. I hope he's okay. I couldn't help the anxious jitters I was having, like something bad would happen. But Edward's strong and clever, he'll be fine, I'm sure. Even Jake is there, so I don't have to worry much. Edward is definitely stronger than Jacob, and also mature, but that doesn't have anything to do with this.
I never worried about him before. Then why now? If I just hear his voice, maybe I can assure myself. I woke up in the morning and was so panic-stricken when I saw him nowhere nor did he answer his phone. Instead of the call making me feel better, I had never been more anxious. I don't know what this man is doing to me.
Plus yesterday with everything that he told me, it was so much information and I had already cried myself to sleep, so I woke up in the morning determined that I'm not going to think about it. I was succeeding on some level. Anyway, back to Edward. Yeah, he distracts me just fine.
I mean I had a crush on him even though I hated him back then. He is a very handsome man. And all the women will agree with me but I have no idea when, from 'not bothering who flirted with him to becoming extremely jealous of someone who eyes him' thing happened. He isn't perfect, no, but he is quite close.
Even with his anger issues, or that sometimes he hides stuff or acts like he's PMS-ing, he's amazing. He's smart, caring, great with people and will never admit but sensitive to other people's feelings. He cares about people around him and would make sure to keep them safe.
There are many things I don't know about him. Like why is he not talking to his family or why won't he even meet them but I feel bad for him because I know it's not something he's done wrong. I can be sure of that. But I just want to know what is it.
If Edward was in the city, he wouldn't be home but with him gone out of Seattle I feel very uncomfortable, like I'm in some foreign place where I don't know anybody. He makes me feel safe for some reason. And I can be sure about Eli when he's around too.
I told him so many things about me without feeling obligated, it just poured out of me. It's not like he was holding me at gun point. Even though I told him I have shared many things with Angela, it's not entirely true.
There were so many things, possibly feelings that I only shared with him. I felt secured in his arms and that he would always be here to protect me. Is it wrong? No. The voice in my head answered.
What if he doesn't feel this way? What if he never feels the same way about me? How much I care for him or that want to be near him? Did my letter bother him? I know he read it, and I never felt more exposed to him, it was like he could see right through me after that.
What if he thinks all those things apply to him? About me being unreachable to anybody. And that I can't love anybody?
I gasped as I realized something. I could finally name the unfamiliar emotion in my heart. Love. I love Edward. Yes, I do. I love his eyes. I love his face. I love his smile. I love him even when he's angry. I love him when he is around Eli. I love how she feels safe with him too. I love that he cares about me. I love the way he kisses me. I love the fact that he is willing to be open about his feelings to me than anybody else. I love Edward.
"Bewa!" Eli called out my name and I snapped out of my reverie. She gazed at me questioningly and I blinked at her.
"I love Edward." I said it out loud for the first time which made it even more real. I couldn't help the grin on my face and Eli giggled my by side.
"I wov Ehwad too!" I laughed at her endearing enthusiasm. I kissed her hair and fed her another forkful of pasta. "Bewa, we talk Ehwad?"
"After lunch sweetie." She pouted at me and I sighed. "Eli, I promise after lunch. I'll get my phone and we'll call immediately after having lunch, alright?" she nodded and I went to the living room to grab my phone. I set it next to me on the dining table and saw a text sent from Angela twenty minutes ago.
Going to your place to keep some stuff. Call me when you get time. –A x
I don't know what Edward did to my apartment after we got to Seattle but he assured me the place was fine and no one would take it. At least that was a relief. Maybe he just made some rent prepayments for the future. I rotated the phone around on the table and decided to call Angela anyway. I dialed her number and she answered on the third ring.
"Hey Bells!" I smiled instantly listening to her voice as she sounded so much happy and carefree.
"Hey Ang, how are you?"
"Oh I'm amazing! And guess what?" I smiled.
"What?"
"There is a baby bump! Ben was over the moon!" I couldn't help the pang of guilt I felt for not being there. I should be there with her, helping her shop or just anything.
"I wish I was there." I whispered and Angela laughed on the other line.
"Don't worry Bells, I'm not setting up the baby's nursery without his aunt." I chuckled.
"So even you think it's a boy now?"
"Yeah well, if everybody is." She said grumpily but I know she is excited.
"Anyway, what are you doing in my apartment?"
"Well, I got a box of your stuff, some of it is mine but I don't need it anymore, so I thought I might as well deliver it to your place." I frowned. She is pregnant for Christ's sake!
"Angela why are you carrying a box? You are pregnant, you don't have to act all macho, you should've let Ben help."
"Oh well, he was busy so I thought I might as well keep it before I forget. I am just folding away some clothes you left at my place to keep in your closet."
"You still shouldn't have gotten it." I muttered and Eli looked at me. I motioned for her to continue eating and she nodded her head. Such a good girl.
"Well you'd be very happy to know, I got help from the parking lot. Someone you know really well." I could hear the teasing glint in her voice.
"Who?"
"Edward Cullen. Your handsome neighbor, god Bella he's even more gorgeous just inches from me." My heart skipped a beat when she said Edward. He went back to the apartment then. Why can't he just come back? But I knew the answer. He needs to a have a good night's sleep.
"Oh." I tried to sound indifferent.
"Just 'Oh'? I was waiting for some rage filled angry accusation."
"I don't even care." I mumbled, staring at my left hand, the wedding band glinting in the light. "He helped you?"
"Yeah and we spoke. His voice Bella, it's so sexy. I couldn't believe it was him." I smiled widely and chuckled a little.
"Okay, it must be but you are married, let me remind you again. To Ben. And you are going to have his baby." I said quietly to which she laughed.
"I love Ben, but it's not harmful to appreciate a fine model, I mean person."
"Hmm."
"I still can't believe you didn't go out with him, I bet he is a good kisser." I blushed but didn't say anything. If you just knew Angela. "But I guess you blew your chance." My blush died down and I frowned.
"What does that mean?"
"Well when we got to your floor, there was a very, very hot woman standing outside his door. He helped me before he went to her. Such a gentleman." I could hear Angela smile but my mind couldn't process any further than the fact that he was with a very, very hot woman.
"What was her name again?" Was it Heidi? It has got to be that slut.
"Are we getting a little jealous? Um, wait, it was hmm," she thought about it and I was right bouncing my knee anxiously. "Yeah! Gale! Yes, her name was Gale." I could feel myself shatter into a million pieces of glass. I have never heard that name.
"Oh." I mumbled again playing with a piece of my hair.
"I think he likes blondes or something, that just feels like his choice. We missed our chance." Angela said with mock hurt and then laughed a little. I couldn't even make myself smile let alone laugh.
"Uh-huh. Hey listen, I have to go have lunch, I'll talk to you later."
"Oh right, it must be twelve in Seattle. Alright, I'll call you later sometime. I love you."
"Love you too." I mumbled and ended the call as soon as I can.
Maybe she's just a friend. Edward wouldn't do that. I'm sure. I'm just panicking for no reason at all. But she was attractive and he definitely is. What if something happens between then? Why didn't Edward tell me about her? Am I being to needy and desperate? And possessive for that matter?
I watched Eli finish her lunch in the vain hopes of calling Edward later. She gave me a big grin and pointed at her plate.
"Wow sweetie," I cleared my throat a little. "I'm so proud of you." I grabbed a couple of napkins from the napkin holder and helped her clean her mouth and hands.
"Bewa! Ehwad call!" Eli smiled happily and I nodded, dreading it.
"Now honey, if Edward doesn't answer, we'll call him later okay?" Eli frowned at me.
"Ehwad no pick up?"
"We'll see okay?" I dialed his number and set it on speaker mode. On the second ring he answered which surprised me.
"Hey, baby." He said softly and I sighed just listening to his voice.
"Ehwad!" Eli screamed excited and I heard Edward laugh out. His laughter sounded so good to me.
"Hey, how are you princess?"
"Bewa say if I have full wunch, I call you."
"So did my princess have full lunch?"
"Uh-huh."
"That is so great baby."
"Ehwad when you comes home?"
"Soon baby, I'll be there when you'll be having lunch tomorrow." Eli looked at me with a sad pout and I kissed her hair.
"That's wong time."
"I know love, but I got something special for you." her eyes visibly lit up.
"Weally? What you gots?"
"Well, I'll tell you when I get home. But you'll have to wait for me."
"Otay." He chuckled.
"Good and where's Bella princess?"
"Bewa sit by me."
"Can you pass her the phone then?" I'm not in the mood to talk to him after my talk with Angela, knowing he is with some other woman. When did I become so insanely territorial?
"Then you no talk to me?"
"What do you want to talk about princess?" and then Eli started to talk about her day, not just today, no, even yesterday and the day before. I sighed, knowing I won't be able to talk to him very soon and picked up her plate, taking it to the kitchen sink.
I washed and rinsed the plate, setting it on the counter to dry. I cleared up the dining table, not really in the mood to eat. After putting the left overs in the fridge and scrubbing the cooking panel, clean until the marble shone, twenty minutes since I started cleaning, Eli called out my name.
I walked over to her, an amused smile on my face. I helped her drink a glass of water as her throat went dry from talking continuously.
"Bewa, phone." She handed me the phone and I helped her off the highchair.
"That's so generous of you darling. Now you can go play until I get you for naptime." She pouted and shook her head.
"Alright then, we won't call Edward before dinner." Eli huffed and nodded before running off to her room. I placed the phone next to my ear and my mood suddenly changed. I grew nervous and self-conscious.
"Bella? Are you there, love?" his voice turned a little apprehensive.
"Yeah, just a moment." I walked into the bedroom and sat on the bed. "Go on."
"What happened? You sound a little different." I sighed, he knows me too well in such a short time.
"Yeah, it's nothing. How are you? Did you meet the person you were going to?" I heard him sigh tiredly and some noise in the background. Must be the TV.
"Oh god, yes. It was so tiring Bella. I just wanted to get out of there. Just a minute love." I heard his voice get a little away from the phone. "Could you turn the volume down a little?" He must be talking to her. If he's talking to her when I'm on the line, that means it's not what I think it is.
"Fine." I heard a curt reply and then Edward chuckled.
"Who's that?" I asked, trying to sound nonchalant.
"Oh it's Gale, she is my friend. She was staying over at your apartment, to keep an eye on everything."
"But Angela is at my place!" I said, my voice full of trepidation and he just chuckled.
"I know that, that's why I told Gale to get in my apartment. Wait, how did you know?" I bit my tongue.
"Um, I called Angela about an hour ago."
"Oh alright. She didn't know a thing by the way, so you can calm down." I let my shoulders relax a little.
"Okay, so what time are you coming tomorrow?" I could feel the fear rise as I thought about Edward not being for the night.
"Around eleven in the morning or something." He murmured, his voice sounded thoughtful. "Did you have lunch?"
"I was going to, after I finish talking." I lied and heard him sigh.
"Bella, why didn't you have lunch before?"
"I wasn't hungry."
"Love, you have to eat."
"Okay dad." He chuckled.
"I'm definitely not your dad." I smiled at his words, wishing he was here.
"Hmm, that I know. My dad would definitely not kiss me like you do."
"Missing my kisses now are you Ms. Swan?" I blushed and couldn't help the shit-eating grin.
"Maybe."
"Yeah well, I miss you." he said softly and my heart melted at his words.
"I miss you too. Come back soon."
"I promise I will not let it exceed from tomorrow."
"Bella callin' Edward?" I heard a strong New York accented voice tease.
"Not now Gale." Edward's voice warned her and then I heard a lot of commotion.
"Yo! Bella I have hear so much about you." Gale's loud voice said from the other line.
"I wish I could say the same about you, although it's nice to talk to you." I could feel myself relaxing as I spoke to her knowing, Edward would never go for a girl like her. I heard her laugh on the other line.
"Yeah well, I'm a friend of his, we've been workin' together for a while now and I have never heard him talk about someone for as long as he did about you." I blushed furiously.
"Give me the damn phone." I heard Edward mutter angrily which made me laugh.
"Just a moment Edward, anyway Bella, I would love to meet you one day, I guess I'll drop by once you're in New York."
"Sure, it would be nice meeting you too." She seemed nice and joy was seeping out of me as I plopped on the bed happily.
"Yeah and I love the painting hung above your bed. You have to tell me where you got it from." I chuckled at her free-spirited nature.
"Definitely."
"Here Grumpus." I heard Edward mutter something before he was back on line.
"Hey, you okay?" I asked and he chuckled.
"Yeah, I'm fine."
"Good." I was smiling for no reason at all.
"You sound more relaxed."
"That's because I am."
"Hmm, and why might that be?" I could hear him smile.
"Because I am talking to you."
"That's a pretty good reason but you know I'm not convinced. I have some investigating skills myself."
"So, why don't you figure it out." I challenged him.
"Let's see, you were tensed when you spoke to me but you are completely fine when you spoke to Gale, and you spoke to Angela. Hmm, did Angela tell you about Gale?" I sighed knowing he had already figured it out.
"Maybe." He laughed on the other line.
"Ms. Swan were you suspicious about something happening here?"
"No!" I gasped in mock shock. "How can you even say that?" he laughed harder which made me smile.
"You thought didn't you?"
"A little bit, yeah." I admitted shyly, blush covering my cheeks.
"Well for Gale to make a move, you'll have to be here, not me." My eyes widened when he said that as I understood what he meant.
"Maybe I'll be there the next time then." I suggested and he chuckled.
"Sure, why not. And Bella?"
"Yeah?"
"I prefer brunettes." I had a permanent blush talking to him, this was the highlight of my day and it has not even finished halfway yet.
"Good to know." I mumbled.
"I hope it's going to be just you for a long time baby." He whispered to me.
"Me too Edward." I whispered back.
"I'll give you a call later, okay?"
"Okay. I," I love you. "I will see you tomorrow."
"Mm-hmm, bye baby."
"Bye Edward." I ended the call and closed my eyes, feeling content for some reason.
...
19:45 (SEATTLE)
"Dinner is almost ready Eli, don't try to sneak out any cookie from here." I said without turning back, where I'm sure I would catch Eli, getting a cookie from the jar. I had gotten a small stool for Eli in every room, so that she could stand tall, and see herself in the mirror without tiptoeing, or can get a cookie, after naptime and not before dinner.
I turned to see the same picture I had imagined in my mind to be unfolded in real-time. I raised an eyebrow and Eli gave me a sheepish smile.
"Baby, dinner's almost ready." Eli pouted at me bouncing on her toes impatiently.
"Pwease? One?" I sighed and nodded.
"Fine, just one." Eli squealed grabbing a cookie and came to hug my legs.
"I wov you Bewa!" I laughed and bent a little to kiss her hair.
"Yeah, yeah, go now." I shooed her away from the kitchen and she skipped to the living room to watch the cartoons she previously was. I carefully got the Dutch oven off the stove as it cooled enough and placed it on the kitchen island. The doorbell rang and I looked at the clock hung on the wall. 19:50. Huh. Who is coming this late? I took off my apron, placing it on one of the barstools and the doorbell rang again. This time with much urgency. My heart raced in my chest. Edward isn't home, who must be there?
I walked out of the kitchen, passing from the living room to see Eli jumping on the couch. I sighed. When is she going to stop doing that?
"Eli, honey we have talked about not jumping on the couch." I said and she sat down immediately. I made my way to the door, my heart was in my throat now. My hands were shaky and I rubbed them against my dress. The doorbell rang again and with an anxious soul I opened the door sighing loudly when I saw who it was.
"Alice, what's the matter?" I couldn't help sigh with relief. Alice gave me a grin, her blue eyes filled with joy. She was holding two boxes in her hands and she skipped inside when I told her to but she didn't go any further instead stayed at that passage of the doorway.
"What's in the boxes Alice?" Alice laughed her tinkling laughter and shook her head.
"You remember your date night, I got everything set up for you guys?" I blushed and nodded.
"Well, I told Edward to get me something which he did, through an early delivery I guess." She shrugged and handed me the other box. "It has your name on it. Maybe he got you something too." I frowned. That's weird. But maybe he did.
"Thanks." I murmured and gave her a smile.
"No problem, Jazz will be home from gym, I'll catch you later. Bye Bells." She kissed my cheek and was out of the door within seconds. I smiled looking down at the box. Edward got me something. I sighed happily and found Eli engrossed in the T.V.
"Eli, honey I'll get the dinner on the table in five minutes, okay?" Eli nodded, too lost in the rabbit chasing something. Was it a bird? I rolled my eyes and made my way to the bedroom. I saw my name on top, but Alice's apartment number as the delivery address. I chuckled. Must be his error. I unwrapped the well packaged box and grinned.
It was a dress. A multi-colored dress with a fitted waist, it had a zip in the back and it would probably fall until below my knees. It was straight cut, nothing frilly or flowing. Just perfect. The embroider design was so beautiful and intricate. It was perfect. Maybe I'll wear it tomorrow when Edward gets home.
I heard some rustling as I shifted the box over to my lap. I moved the dress a little and let out a blood-curling gasp, my heart stopped beating, tears blurred my vision, my mouth wide open in surprise. My body froze in shock, and I could visibly feel my face going pale. The dress slipped out of my hands and my skin tried to crawl into my body as I felt utterly disgusted by myself.
Edward, how can you love me back now?
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~WTC~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Am I a bad person? I think I just might be. But I like cliff hangers, don't you? Well, I do because I know what's going to happen and you don't. Okay, that sounded really rude. I'm sorry. But you'll get to know in the next chapter and possibly get to read something special as a penalty for this.
Did you anticipate anything about Mark Banner? I got reviews for Bella and Angela but well, Bella's a good person. Believe me. And Angela too.
So what do you think it is that made Bella go like that?
Edward, my dear Edward, where are you when Bella needs you? And loves you.
Bella loves Edward! Good thing she finally realized it, don't you think?
Please don't hate me for the cliff hanger but I assure you, it's for the best.
*IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT*
So please REVIEW and let me know, I might make a faster update because I won't be able to post after March 7 for almost a month. So let me know! I have my exams coming up and they are said to be pretty important. But I just finished typing the next two chapters and I swear to you, you DO NOT want to miss the next one. Believe me.
I'll be posting on March 19, 2016. Stay tuned!
So yeah. Cheers!
Love Always,
Paint the Walls.
P.S Just realized reached 200 reviews! Thank you so much, I love you all!