You Found Me Chapter 21: Chapter: Our Countdown, a twilight fanfic

Chapter 21 is up

Special thanks always to my awesome beta lellabeth

Hope you guys like this chapter.

Also I apologize for not updating this sooner, I had a lot of things to celebrate these past few days that have kept me busy.

A/N I don't own twilight, AT ALL

Previously on 'You Found Me'

I need to get a hold of myself. I can't keep sinking into this state. Bella needs me now, and I need to step up. I need to protect her. It's my job to. I can't let her down.

An hour ago I was happy and clueless, now I'm feel down and aware.

I think to myself, which is better?

Chapter 21: Our Countdown

BPOV

"Honey, what time did you say he was going to stop by at?" My mother asks for what seems like the millionth time this hour.

Yes, I realize he's not here yet.

I realize he said he would be here an hour ago.

I realize these things.

I don't need her constantly reminding me that he's not here yet.

I trust him. If he's not here yet, it may be because of traffic. Or maybe he's just being held up a little longer with the paperwork. It is New Year's after all.

"Honey!"

My head snaps up in my mother's direction. "Yes," I answer back, trying to hide the surprise in my voice. I can see I'm failing terribly.

"Your dinner is getting cold." She says, looking at me worriedly.

I look down and sure enough, there's a plate full of chicken, salad, rice and mashed potatoes.

"Oh," I utter. I didn't even notice the plate until now.

"You're really out of it, Bells," my father says, making himself known.

"Yeah, it's nothing really. Just a headache," I tell him, waving it off. I'm not really lying - it feels like my brain is pounding against my skull. Not a lovely feeling.

"I'll just get an aspirin." I add, hurrying towards the kitchen.

This night is just too awkward.

Edward, where are you?

CHPOV

I wait until my daughter is out of the room before I turn back to my wife.

"Do you find it strange, Edward's behavior?" I ask her.

"Charlie, please..." She says, picking up Bella's plate and placing it in the sink before turning back to me. "I think you're putting too much thought into this. The boy owns a restaurant. It's not uncommon for him to have to step in on holidays such as today to fill out paperwork. I'm sure it's just a little more than he originally thought. He will get here when he can."

I sigh, "Yes but what about his behavior when he dropped her off? He was antsy, hurrying to get away."

Sensing my suspicion and being the wonderful wife that she is, she walks towards me and wraps her arms around my waist. "Darling, I'm sure he was just in a hurry to finish up. The quicker he's done there, the quicker he can come here. Don't worry yourself too much. He's a lovely man - Bella seems think so. That must count for something, right?" She asks, looking up at me.

I look up at the ceiling, pulling her closer to me. "I guess," I lie.

Maybe I'm overreacting, but something seems off.

I know Edward. Not personally, but I know what kind of man he has grown up to be. I've seen him grow throughout the years.

Close enough to know that he is definitely hiding something.

Now I just need to find out what it is he's hiding.

Ding! Dong!

"That must be him!," My wife smiles.

EPOV

I raise my hand to knock, only to stop short in my actions.

I can't help but look around at my surroundings, wondering if there's someone out there right now watching me. I even took the long route here to make sure I wasn't being followed. I try shaking off the feeling as I move my fist up to knock on the door.

Not two seconds pass by after I knock before the door swings open and Bella flings herself into my arms.

For a moment I'm worried she knows, worried that she found out. But quickly those feelings and worries are swept away when she tells me she can't believe the restaurant would keep me so long.

On one hand I'm glad she didn't find out but on the other, I wish she did. I won't feel so guilty about keeping this from her. Should I tell her? Can I?

After one more tight squeeze she pulls away from me. Feeling empty from the loss of her touch, I quickly grab hold of her hand, holding it tightly in mine. I can tell by her smile she's just as happy as I am to have even the smallest touch between us.

"Edward, it's so nice to see you again, dear."

Remembering our audience, I quickly straighten up before turning back to them.

"Likewise Mrs. Swan," I smile. "Thank you for having me. I'm sorry I was so late. There's just so much paperwork I had to get filled out."

Holding my breath, I wait until Renee responds.

"Oh, it's alright dear," she tells me, pulling me down for a small hug and shocking me that she believes me so easily. "We understand, don't we Charlie?... Charlie?" She ask, turning her attention toward him.

Just by the look on Charlie's face, I know he's already suspicious. He stares at me blankly as though trying to find an answer but coming up with nothing. I shoot him a pleading look hoping he will let me explain everything later. After a few seconds, he nods.

"Sure," he replies to his wife, still staring at me with a pointed look.

"Well," Bella claps, pulling on my hand, "You must be hungry." She says, gently pulling me towards the dining room. The whole time, Charlie still stares at me.

-xXx-

After dinner (if you can even call it that, since I was the only one that ate) Charlie passes me a beer and we turn on the Ryan Seacrest New Years in NYC. I have to say I like watching it on TV a lot better than actually going into Times Square. It's so crowded there. Besides, you can barely see anything there with everyone pushing and shoving - then its too loud to even talk to the person next to you. You can honestly lose an eardrum or two down there. Here, I can sit on a couch with Bella wrapped under my arm in peace.

I laugh as Bella gets all excited to see Justin Bieber sing.

"I never knew you were a fan," I whisper, running my nose against her cheek.

"Shut up," she laughs, rolling her eyes.

I take a chug of my beer, smiling at my surroundings. It amazes me how fast these people have become my family, how I feel more at home than I have in a while.

I lean over to place a kiss on Bella's cheek, letting myself doze off.

...

"Edward..." I feel someone shake me lightly.

"Edward... wake up, sleepy head..."

I smile, trying to hold onto my laughter that continues to build.

"I know you're awake." I hear Bella say, shaking me harder. "Come on, get up! It's almost time for the count down!"

I open one eye, looking at the TV. Yup, it was.

"Alright, alright I'm up," I yawn, sitting up. "Your Sleepy Head is up."

She giggles, slipping her hand in mine, staring at them lovingly.

"Well, since you woke me up..."

"What's your New Year's Resolution?" I ask her, giving her hand a small squeeze.

"I don't know," she whispers, rubbing circles on the top of my hand.

"Maybe becoming a better person."

She looks up at me. "Making goals for myself."

"And not living in the past."

"Those are good," I say, smiling.

"What about you?" she asks.

"I haven't thought of one yet," I lie.

"There must be something, Edward." Bella pushes.

I look at her, smiling, pulling her closer. "To be able to protect you, no matter what."

She stares at me strangely. "You do protect me, always."

"From myself." She finishes, placing her hands on my face.

"I'm lucky to have you," she whispers, leaning her forehead on mine.

"I love you."

"Happy New Years 2014!"

I crash my lips down onto hers.

'I love you too,' I think to myself.

See you next week!

Don't forget to check my profile for any updates on the story (when updates are, delays, etc.)

Happy Summer!

REVIEW!

- B