Disclaimer: Not mine…
A/N: Thank you for reading and reviewing. I appreciate it more than I can say. :-D I'm just getting over being ill and sounding like a man. It was unhappy times. To clarify, "Nessie" is already in the story as Edward's beloved pooch. "R" does not stand for Renesmee.
To Humble4: I have no idea when you're going to get to this chapter, but thank you for all of your reviews. I'm glad you're enjoying the story.
To jansails: You've given me a lot to consider. Thank you for your reviews. Hopefully you won't be disappointed.
This is why Rob has me looking at "Finding Nemo" in a whole different way. From Details Magazine:
"We come up with a blockbuster hit movie, entitled Candiru Infestation, about a tiny fish that swims up your urethra and into your urinary tract and lodges in your cock with backward-facing umbrella spikes it shoots from its spine.
'Fucking brilliant! It could be like Finding Nemo!' says Rob. 'And the little candiru is lost in the balls! Think of the soundtrack!'"
That is why I love Rob Pattinson. He says the best things.
Chapter 24
BPOV
June 6th
I sighed as I plopped down on the couch. Nessie and Jake both came and sat by my feet, resting their heads on my lap. When I looked down at them, I was met with faces that reflected back to me what I was feeling. Complete sadness.
"Do you guys miss Edward too?" I asked, one hand scratching each one of the dogs behind the ears. Nessie let out a small whine and Jake seemed to snort. Which in response, Nessie barked at him. I couldn't help but laugh. It was like they were having a conversation. I sighed and took a deep inhale of the sweater I was wearing.
The black hoodie I was wearing was one I swiped from Edward. It smelled like him, all minty but spicy and all man like Edward. I also swiped two shirts from him, one t-shirt and one button up. 10 days apart…it was depressing to know that this wasn't even the longest that we would have to be apart this season. I didn't even bother to go home yet. After the briefest of goodbyes at the stadium, Edward was whisked off on the bus to the airport. I think he was going to Texas, San Diego, and St. Louis this time.
Last night had been amazing. Edward cooked this incredible meal that, if I hadn't seen him do it with my own eyes, I wouldn't have believed it. Lobster potpies and chocolate covered strawberries…it was all so amazing. And he agreed to watch one of my most favorite movies ever with me. "Finding Nemo" was the only movie that Alice and I used to watch when we needed cheering up, whether it be because of school or work or Jasper, it always made us smile. That was why I picked it last night. I needed the pick me up, and I needed the reminder of "just keep swimming", until I saw Edward again.
He seemed a little distant since we did our joint session with Elizabeth. Something seemed to be weighing heavily on his mind, but I knew he came down hard after sessions and it took him a while to process things sometimes. It didn't stop him from being attentive and loving though. I needed that from him too. Lying in his arms every night had been reassuring and just comforting.
I sighed and lay down on my side on the couch. Nessie let out a soft whimper and licked my face quickly before she and Jake lay down on the floor by the couch. I didn't even bother turning on the TV. I lifted the neck of Edward's hoodie up to my nose and breathed in deeply again, letting his scent wrap around me. I knew I should get up and eat something, but I couldn't move. Thankfully I had already fed the dogs.
There was something different about the road trip this time. It seemed that the longer Edward and I were together, the more I missed him when he was away. I didn't want to get ahead of ourselves, but I didn't know if I could handle all of Edward's traveling in the future. Yeah, I understand it's his job and all, but I couldn't help but wonder about the future a bit. What if we had children? How would we handle that? Taking care of the dogs was work enough for me right now. I sighed and curled up into the fetal position and pulled the blanket that Edward kept on the couch over me. We had cuddled up into it last night during the movie, so it too now smelled like Edward. My eyes drooped and I drifted off, dreaming of green eyes and bronze hair.
I woke to my cell phone ringing and saw that I had been asleep for almost four hours, the clock on the DVD player telling me it was almost 10 at night. I automatically smiled when I read the name on my phone.
"Hey you," I said softly.
"Hi love."
"Did you just get in?"
"Yeah, Emmett and I went to hunt down some quality food."
"I hope you found something good," I giggled.
"I did," Edward said, and I could tell he was smiling, "And I found some certain fish friends that tagged along in my laptop bag."
Even though he couldn't see me, my cheeks still heated up. I found the card this morning after Edward left for the stadium. I just wanted to do something nice for Edward.
"You found the card?" I whispered.
"Thank you baby…I love it."
"Just keep swimming," I smiled, "And I guess swinging in your case."
Edward chuckled and it warmed my heart, "I'll hit a home run for you tomorrow baby."
"Okay," I giggled.
Edward sighed heavily, "I miss you Bella."
"I miss you too Edward. Good luck tomorrow. Call me, maybe we can chat on the web cams."
"Okay love. I'll talk to you tomorrow."
"I love you," I whispered.
"I love you too Bella. So much," Edward said softly, a sound of longing in his voice.
"Good night."
"Good night. Sleep well love."
The longing in his voice as we hung up matched my own, but I couldn't help but sense that there was a twinge of sadness to it.
June 8th
"Isabell-bell! I'm home!"
Alice's voice rang out as she came waltzing into the house.
"I'm in my room!" I shouted, as I heard Jake and Nessie go scampering by my door to greet Alice.
I was putting the finishing touches on the third floor of the house design I was doing for Esme. She wanted it this week Friday. It was going to be a glorious house. Three floors, 6 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, and a 3 car garage. I had added a wrap around porch and the back porch was big enough for lounging and also a grilling area. The first floor had a large kitchen, dining room, living room, bathroom, laundry room, and what could be an office or den, maybe even an entertainment room of sorts. The second floor had 1 bathroom and 4 bedrooms, plus a storage closet. The third floor had an additional bedroom, a room that could be a den/office/library, and the master bedroom with an en suite bathroom. It was my dream house…I just hoped I'd get to see it when it was finished.
"Whatcha doing?" Alice asked as she plopped down on my bed on her stomach.
"Just finishing up the design for Esme. I'm turning it in to her on Friday. She's going to unveil it to the owner of the property in a week or so."
"Are you nervous?"
I bit my lip as I thought about it. I sighed, "No…I just, I'm sort of sad that I designed my dream house for someone else you know? I just hope I get to see it when it's finished."
"You will Bella. And the designs look amazing. The owner of the property would be crazy not to love it."
"Thanks Ali…I hope so."
"I know so," Alice smiled.
I put my pens down, finishing that last part of the design with my signature.
"What are you doing home so early Ali? It's barely after lunch time."
"Oh…I have no other clients to meet with today. I thought I'd come home and spend some time with my BFF."
"Oh…okay. Did you eat already?"
"No."
"Should I cook us something?"
"I was hoping you'd say that!" Alice squealed, "Do we have the materials for chicken enchiladas? I've been craving some good Mexican."
"We should," I said, standing and stretching, "You know I always keep those materials on hand for you."
"Excellent!" Alice clapped, bouncing up from the bed.
I laughed as I put my designs away in their folder and followed Alice out into the living room. Jake and Nessie were lying on the floor near the couch and Jake barked happily when he saw Alice and I approaching the kitchen. He had a bad habit, even with Nessie around, of jumping up and placing his front paws on the table, begging for food. When I looked at Nessie though, she looked at me with the saddest eyes. I knew it was because she was missing Edward. Her eyes reflected how I was feeling on the inside. I smiled faintly at her as I went into the kitchen. I made a mental note to throw her a piece of chicken later.
"Okay Bella…what's eating at you? You seem even more depressed than usual about Edward being on the road."
"What?" I asked, placing the enchiladas into the oven.
"Isabella Marie Swan, I have been your best friend for 5 years. Don't even try to tell me that there ISN'T something bothering you!"
When I turned to look at her, Alice was standing there with her hands on her hips and her eyebrows raised…the classic "try me" Alice pose. She had given me that look numerous times, and Jasper did everything he could to avoid getting that look.
"Can we sit down in the living room and talk about it?"
"Uh oh…do we need to watch 'Finding Nemo' later?"
"No…I…I think this is different."
"Okay," Alice said, giving me a reassuring smile.
We had both changed into our comfy clothes, well she did anyway, I could wear whatever I wanted when I worked from home. Alice plopped down on the couch and curled her legs under her, turning to face me.
"Okay," Alice said, "Spill."
"It's…it's nothing really…I mean, I'm not sure…" I started, biting down on my lip.
"Bella, it's bothering you…it has to be something."
I sighed, "I…I just don't know if I'm being paranoid or it is something. I think Edward is hiding something. He seems distant. I thought it was because he was just coming down from our session with Elizabeth, but he was still that way when I talked to him last night."
"What do you think it is?" Alice asked.
"I don't know…I think I'm just being paranoid."
"Bella, you should just ask him. You two agreed to be honest with each other and communicate. Talk to him."
I nodded and we sat in silence for a little while longer. It felt good to at least tell someone about my hunch, and I felt a little better telling Alice. I knew I should just ask him. He would tell me.
"I got it!" Alice shouted, "We're not going to watch 'Finding Nemo'! We need reassurance that happily ever afters exist…even after secrets are kept! We're watching 'Aladdin'!"
I couldn't help but giggle. Alice got so excited and Disney movies were her absolute favorites. We plopped back down on the couch with our enchiladas and watched "Aladdin", singing at the top of our lungs with all of the songs, and pretty much quoting all of the lines.
Though I felt better watching the movie, I still couldn't help but miss Edward. As Alice and I cleaned up and got ready to watch Edward's game against Texas, I could only hope that I was just being paranoid. We had already made it through so much together and had only been dating for 3 months or so. I loved him for who he was. His past didn't matter to me, and whatever this secret was, our love would be enough to get past it. If there was a secret. However, I couldn't fight off the feeling that there was something he was keeping from me.
June 11th
"So I…uh, I turned in the final design of that house I was working on to your mom," I said, somewhat uncomfortably.
"Oh…that's great."
Edward's voice was completely off and he seemed unfocused. When I watched his game tonight in San Diego, it looked like he hadn't shaved since he left and he had dark circles under his eyes like he wasn't sleeping. I sighed, something was wrong.
"Edward, are you okay? You don't look like you've been sleeping."
I heard Edward sigh heavily on the other line. We hadn't chatted on the computers since he'd been gone. He said he had been too tired after games, and right now I wasn't sure what was going on with him.
"Yeah…I…I just miss you Bella, and I got sick in Texas. I'm still trying to fight it off."
"They're making you play even when you're sick?" I asked, shocked.
"Well, it's not the flu or anything. My sinuses are blocked up and I was coughing up until this morning."
"You're feeling a little better now though?"
"Yeah…just tired."
"Oh…I should let you go to sleep then."
"Okay…Love you baby."
"I love you Edward."
I frowned as he hung up without saying another word. I definitely knew that he was hiding something from me now. He was hiding and running away again. Something that Elizabeth had said last week must've set him off, because he hasn't been the same since our joint session with her. I tried to think back on what we had said. Did he not believe me that I forgave him? Did he still think everything was his fault? Was he trying to back out of our relationship? I shook my head and stood up, walking quickly out of my room, leaving my cell phone behind.
My throat felt dry as I headed into the kitchen. I stifled a scream when I saw that Jasper was in there, leaning over the counter and the red velvet cake I made this morning out of boredom. Jasper had jumped when I walked into the kitchen, and now he was smiling sheepishly at me, fork in hand and frosting on his lips. I put my hands on my hip and raised my eyebrows at him.
"Want some?" Jasper asked.
"Of course," I grinned, fishing a fork out of the drawer.
My eyes widened when I looked at the cake.
"Jasper! How long have you been in here?"
Almost a quarter of the cake was gone.
"Umm…like, 20 minutes?"
I just stared up at him.
"Oh don't look at me like that Bells! You know I love your red velvet cake even more than my momma's, and you haven't made it in months, since before Thanksgiving."
I started laughing, Jasper's pouting face too much for me to handle. I dug my fork in and took a big bite. Jasper soon grinned and took another bite.
"Where's Alice?" I asked
Jasper swallowed his bite, "She's at a party tonight, a big gallery opening."
"What time is she coming home?"
"Hm…I don't know. She texted me before I headed in here. Said the party was starting to wind down but she needed to help with clean up."
"Oh…" I said softly. I wanted to talk to her about Edward.
"Is there something I can help you with Bella?"
This was one of the good things about living with Jasper. He always seemed to have an uncanny ability to know what people were feeling…I think that's how he kept out of so many fights with Alice. I sighed and ate another bite of the cake before speaking.
"I am positive that Edward is keeping something from me. He's so distant and he looks terrible. And then tonight I realized that it might not even be that he's keeping a secret from me, it might be that he's trying to distance himself from me and he wants to break up!"
By the time I finished my mini-rant, my voice was bordering on hysteric and shouting.
"Whoa darlin'! Calm down! Did you call him on all of this?"
"I asked him if something was wrong and he told me he was sick, but Jasper he's been like this before! And both times were before he disappeared on me."
"And you think that's what's happening now?" Jasper asked, setting his fork down, "You think Edward is backing out of the relationship?"
"I don't know," I said as I rubbed my forehead with my hand.
Jasper wrapped an arm around my shoulders, "Bella, Edward loves you. Anyone can see that. You two have been through more than any other couple I know, save for Emmett and Rosalie. I think maybe you should talk to Rose. She knows what you're going through with Emmett being gone and all. It'll work out Bella."
I sighed and wrapped my arms around Jasper's waist, giving him a hug.
"Jazz, how do you always know what to say to calm me down?"
"Bella darlin', if I can calm Alice down, I can calm anyone down."
I couldn't help but giggle and Jasper placed a kiss on my forehead.
"Talk to Rosalie. I'll talk to Alice too…maybe the three of you can do a girls day or something tomorrow? Go to lunch, shop…whatever it is you women do."
"What are you going to do?"
Jasper shrugged, "Grade papers, take the dogs to the park, question why I decided to become a college professor…"
I laughed, "Okay, thank you Jazz. And um…enjoy the cake. It's all yours."
"You're an angel Bella darlin'."
June 12th
"Time to wake up!"
"Ugh…" I groaned, "Alice, go away…it's too early."
"Bella, it's ten in the morning! Daylight's a wasting!"
"Alice, we have two hours before we have to go to meet Rosalie at Sam's."
"Well…I thought you might want to wake up and see the big ass flower arrangement that arrived just now."
"WHAT?!" I shouted, sitting up.
Alice was giggling and swinging her legs as she sat on top of my desk.
"Yup…it's in the kitchen. Jasper had to carry it in from the door. Someone definitely misses you…or he's sucking up big time."
I frowned at that.
"Bella…did you talk to him?"
"Yeah…" I sighed, "But it was…it was weird. I can tell he's holding back like he did before."
"These must be sucking up flowers then. He probably realized what he's doing and feels bad about it. Bella he loves you. He'd be an idiot to run away again."
"I hope you're right," I sighed.
"Well, let's just get out there and see what his card says and you can see the ridiculous flowers for yourself."
I rolled out of bed and pulled some sleep shorts on. Last night I had just slept in Edward's t-shirt. His smell was fading and soon I would have no pieces of clothing left that smelled of him. I rubbed my eyes as I stumbled my way out into the kitchen. Jake collided with my shins and I stumbled over.
"OW! Damn it Jake!" I shouted, falling onto my hands. He came up and licked my face, knocking me over onto my side.
"JAKE! DOWN!" Alice shouted. Jake whimpered and immediately backed away. Nessie barked from the spare room and Jake went running back there with his tail between his legs.
"Bella are you okay?" Alice asked, pulling me off the ground.
"Yeah," I grumbled, "Jake just decided to show me his love."
Alice laughed as she pulled me into the kitchen. When I saw the counter I froze. There in a large glass vase was so many red roses and white orchids that I couldn't even begin to guess how many dozens there were, and I didn't even want to venture a guess at how much this probably cost Edward.
"Here's the card," Alice said, bouncing back to my side with the small white envelope.
I took it from her gently and opened it, sort of scared of what it might say. When I pulled it out, I couldn't help but smile at the tiny card with Nemo on it.
My Bella,
I'm sorry for how I've been acting. I'm still swimming. I love you so much. Always remember that. 5 days and counting.
I love you,
Edward
I couldn't stop the tears from coming to my eyes. Alice was right…he realized how he was acting. I ran back to my room, with Alice shouting my name, as I whipped out my cell phone. Edward was in San Diego so there was no time difference between us. Hopefully he'd be awake. It rang once before he answered.
"Bella."
"Thank you Edward," I whispered.
I heard him sigh heavily on the other line, "You got the flowers?"
"Yes, thank you…I love them."
"I'm sorry baby…so, so sorry."
"Edward…"
"Bella…I…I don't mean to be distant. I just…there's a lot on my mind and trying to deal with the games and being away from you and all…"
"Edward, it's okay. Just talk to me."
"Bella, I-"
"EDWARD! Let's go man!"
I chuckled as I heard Emmett yelling in the background.
"I'm coming Em!" Edward shouted.
"Bella, baby, I'm sorry, but I have to get going."
"All right," I sighed, "Thank you again Edward."
"You're welcome love. I can't wait until I see you again."
"I love you Edward."
"I love you too Bella."
"Bye," I whispered.
"Bye."
I sighed and put my phone down on the bed next to me. I felt a little better, but I was irritated with Emmett. I was positive Edward was going to tell me something important just then. A knock on my door made me jump.
"You want to get ready? We have to meet Rosalie in an hour. Still have to drive over to Sam's."
"Oh right…" I said, standing up.
"Is everything all right Bella? Did you talk to Edward?"
"Yeah…he had to go though."
Alice smiled sympathetically at me, "Don't worry Bella. He'll be home soon right?"
"Five days."
"They'll pass before you know it Bells. Wear your skinny jeans and that vintage Beatles shirt I got you."
I chuckled as Alice walked out the door. Leave it to her to pick out my wardrobe for the day. Even if we were just doing something as simple as eating lunch at Sam's.
Alice had to drive of course, and when we got there, Rosalie was already waiting. I was surprised to see that Sam and Seth were at the diner today, helping out Emily. She smiled when she saw us all walk in.
"Ladies! Welcome!"
"Hi Emily!" I smiled. Rosalie went over to talk to Sam and Seth as Alice and I chatted with Emily. It was good to see all of them and I felt like it had been ages since I had seen Seth. Emily sat us all in a corner booth so no one would bother us. It was pretty crowded since it was a Saturday, and I hoped that meant the diner was doing well. After ordering, Rosalie broke the silence.
"So…Jasper said you wanted to talk Bella."
Rosalie and Alice listened intently as I shared my fears about Edward drifting away from me and also about what happened in Vancouver. Alice had already heard all of this, but Rosalie seemed to become more and more uncomfortable as the story went on. By the time I was done, she was a fidgeting mess.
"Did Jasper ever tell you about…me and Emmett?" Rosalie asked softly.
Alice shook her head.
"Um…" I bit my lip, "He just said that I should talk to you. That you would understand what I was going through."
Rosalie snorted, "Geezus…I think that might be an understatement."
Alice and I both looked at her, completely confused.
"Okay," Rosalie took a deep breath, "If we just say that MAYBE Edward is keeping a secret, then yeah…I would definitely understand. Except…I was the one that kept something from Emmett."
As Alice and I listened to Rosalie share her past, my stomach churned. She had been through so much…she and Emmett had been through so much.
"As you can imagine, Emmett didn't take this story too well," Rosalie said softly, "And it's not something I'm proud of."
"Oh Rose," Alice said, gripping her hand.
Rosalie sniffled softly, swiping away quickly at her eyes, "I thought for sure Emmett was going to dump me. He was so angry…he just stormed out of my apartment. I didn't hear from him for over two weeks."
"But you guys didn't break up," I said, feeling hope for Edward and myself.
"No, we didn't," Rosalie chuckled, "Em showed up at my door after those two weeks. Said he wanted some answers before we continued on."
"And you two obviously worked everything out," Alice chimed in.
"Yeah…Em said he needed time to wrap his brain around everything and then he wanted answers from me, hear more of my side of the story. More specifically why I did what I did."
As I looked at Rosalie, I had a whole new found respect for her. She had been through a lot, and like Edward, she survived it. I almost wished Emmett was here so I could talk to him about how he handled it all. Rosalie sighed heavily and took a sip of her water.
"I really miss Em."
"I don't know how you two are getting through it," Alice said, giving Rosalie and I sympathetic looks, "I don't think I could handle being away from Jasper like that."
"It's not without its troubles, that's for sure. Usually, I just work a lot, but this time it's different," Rosalie answered.
"Are you all right Rosalie?" I asked softly, taking in her sad face.
"I just…I wish Emmett was here. I have something I need to tell him…again. Only this time, it's good news…and he's not here for me to tell him."
Alice gasped, "Rosalie! Are you…"
Rosalie's eyes went wide, "NO! Oh heavens no! Em and I are so not ready for children yet."
"Oh…" Alice chuckled, "Sorry…I just thought, you know, something good you'd want to share with him in person and all."
Rosalie laughed, "Now I'm scared to tell you guys because it sounds kind of lame!"
"Oh tell us, Rosalie," Alice pleaded, giving her the Alice Brandon puppy dog face.
I laughed, "Yeah Rosalie, tell us. You can't keep us in suspense like this!"
Rosalie took a deep breath, "Well…Car & Driver magazine heard about my garage and business. They want to interview me and put me on the cover for the September issue."
Alice squealed, which caused several people to look over in our direction.
"Rose! That's so great! Congratulations!"
"Thank you," Rosalie chuckled.
"That's really great Rosalie," I smiled.
"Yeah, and they want Sam and all the boys in on the photo shoot too. Since apparently I work with a bunch of hunky men."
"That's so great!" I said again, smiling as I looked at Sam and Seth helping Emily behind the counter. All three grinned and waved.
"Yeah…so I really want to tell Em in person. This is going to be huge for the business and for us…and I just wish he was here to celebrate with me. I found out yesterday."
We sat for a few more minutes, talking about Rosalie's upcoming interview and photo shoot and our men. Alice told us about the party that she had to plan and help out at last night. Everything went according to plan, as it always did with Alice, and she had gotten a free bottle of champagne out of it. I sighed as Sam turned the TVs in the diner to the pre-game for the Mariners vs. the Padres.
"I'm a genius!" Alice said suddenly.
I looked at her, confused, and I chuckled. "Okay…this we knew Ali. What has you declaring that right now?"
She smiled at both Rosalie and I. "You two saps here both miss your men desperately right? Both want to see them and talk to them? Have them hold you and all that stuff right?"
Rosalie and I both nodded.
"You two should go surprise them! Meet them in St. Louis! Isn't there a movie called that or something? Go surprise them!"
Rosalie's smile widened, "I have been promising Em's cousin Frankie that I would visit soon."
She glanced over at me, wide grin in place. Both she and Alice were smiling like fools.
"Guys…I don't know…the money and all…" I stammered, my brain trying to come up with a reason why I couldn't afford to do this while my heart screamed at me all the reasons why I should.
"Oh come on Bella. Frankie's got connections at the Ritz where the team is staying, so hotel wouldn't be a problem. And once we're there, it's not like Edward is going to let you pay for anything anyway."
"What? I…." I stuttered, not sure how Rosalie knew about Edward's refusal to let me pay for anything.
"Emmett told me, and come on Bella, think of how happy Edward would be to see you? He looks like shit lately. It'll make his day."
I bit my lip as I looked at Rosalie and Alice and then to the TVs. They were showing Edward warming up. He still hadn't shaved and had quite the beard going, and even though things seemed better…he still had dark circles under his eyes. He looked like how I felt, missing sleeping in his arms, and missing his kisses. I sighed.
"Okay…when are we leaving?"
June 13th
"So tell me Bella," Rosalie said, as we sat in first class, "how good is the sex?"
If I had been drinking anything I was positive I would have spit it out all over Rosalie just now. As it was, I practically choked on my own spit.
"Um…I…I don't know."
"What?" Rosalie said, turning so she could face me completely, "You guys haven't had sex yet?"
"No…not yet," I said softly.
"Have you touched his junk? Seen him? Let him touch your boobs?"
"We're working on it," I mumbled.
"Honey, is everything from Vancouver getting in the way?"
"No…I…I just think it's whatever it is he's hiding. I don't know…"
"You should just jump him. It's obvious he wants you."
"Um…"
"Please Bella, he always stops you when HE thinks it's time to stop. What about you?"
"I don't want to push him…" I said, though my voice wasn't all too convincing.
Since our session with Elizabeth, Edward and I had shared a bed every night, but we didn't do more than some chaste kissing. I thought he was just trying to process things, but now I know it was because of something else.
"Bella, are YOU ready to move on?"
I nodded.
"Then I swear to God girl, you better jump his bones when we get there. He'd be an idiot if he makes a repeat of what happened in Vancouver."
I just nodded absently as the plane began its decent into St. Louis. I couldn't believe that Rosalie and I were going to surprise the boys. I cringed when I thought of what this was going to do to my bank account…but Edward looked almost worse than I had ever seen him. He looked horrible during the game this afternoon and he didn't play very well either. After we pulled up to the gate Rosalie called Emmett's cousin Frankie.
"Okay," Rosalie said, as we started walking towards baggage claim, "Frankie is waiting for us. She said the team got here about forty minutes before we did."
My nerves began to get the better of me as we waited for our bags. Emmett's cousin Frankie was wonderful. They didn't look too much a like, but their fun and loud personalities were the same. As she talked and drove us to the Ritz, my nerves increased. I couldn't help but wonder if Edward would be happy to see me or not. I shook my head…of course he's going to be happy. He said he missed me.
"Okay girls, Emmett said he'll meet us in the lobby. Well…me anyways," Frankie chuckled, "Em will probably pee his pants when he sees you Rosie. That big lug misses you like crazy when he's on the road."
"The feeling is mutual," Rosalie laughed as we pulled up to the Ritz.
As Rosalie and I checked in Frankie went to park the car.
"Are we waiting for Frankie to come back?" I asked, hoisting my bag up higher on my shoulder.
"Yeah, she's going to call Emmett to let him know she's here and so we can surprise them."
"Are you sure Edward is going to come with him?" I asked nervously.
"If not, then you can go up and surprise Edward in their room," Rosalie smirked, wiggling her eyebrows like Emmett does. Geez, those two were perfect for each other.
"Ladies, I just talked to Emmett. It should be only a minute of two before they come down," Frankie said, joining us on some chairs in the lobby.
Just then my phone started ringing. When I looked at it I saw that it was Edward.
"It's Edward," I said softly.
"Answer it!" Rosalie said eagerly.
"Hello?"
"Hi love," Edward sighed, his voice soft.
"Hi baby. Where are you?"
"Just got to the hotel in St. Louis. Emmett is going to meet his cousin to get something to eat."
"You're not going with them?"
"Nah…I think I'm just going to order some room service. What about you?"
"Um…" I trailed off, seeing Emmett coming out of the elevator, "Baby, I just got back to your apartment. I'm getting in the elevator. Call you back in a bit?"
"Okay love."
"Call you back."
I hung up quickly as Emmett started walking closer. Rosalie, Frankie, and I stood up as Emmett walked towards the front desk.
"Baby, where are you going?" Rosalie called, a huge smile on her face.
Emmett whipped around and almost fell over he turned so fast. His eyes were wide and his mouth was hanging open, but that was short lived and soon that boyish grin spread across his face and he was running towards us.
"Rosie baby!" Emmett boomed before he scooped her up and swung her around in a circle, "What are you doing here?"
"Put me down you big oaf and I'll tell you!" Rosalie laughed.
Emmett chuckled and put Rosalie down, laying a big, wet kiss on her lips. What I quickly learned about the two of them, was that they were NOT ashamed of public displays of affection. When they finally parted Emmett wrapped his arm around Rosalie's waist.
"What? Not excited to see?" Frankie quipped.
Emmett grinned and it was then that he spotted me.
"Bella!" He said, completely shocked, "You're here too huh?"
"Surprise?" I shrugged.
"Uh…yeah…" Emmett said, rubbing the back of his neck.
"Baby, what's your room number? Bella's going to go surprise Edward," Rosalie grinned.
"Um…I don't know if…"
"If what?" Rosalie said, suddenly stern and ferocious looking as she stared Emmett down.
"Nothing," He said quickly, "Um…we're in room 612."
"Well, Bella, you enjoy your night with Edward," Rosalie smiled, "Emmett and I can stay in our room. We'll see you tomorrow?"
"Yeah," I said, smiling slightly, wondering what Emmett was going to say earlier.
"Hey Bella."
I turned around to look at Emmett.
"Go easy on him okay?" Emmett said with a small smile, "He's been having a rough road trip."
"I will," I said softly, "See you guys tomorrow."
I continued to ponder Emmett's weird behavior upon seeing me as I went up to the sixth floor. Did Emmett know about Edward's secret? Was it something really bad? My nerves began to grow with every step I took towards their room. I knocked softly, remembering that Edward thought I was going to his apartment in Seattle. Well, he was about to get surprised. When the door opened my breath was stolen away from me.
"Bella…" Edward gasped.
I couldn't form a coherent sentence. Edward was standing there in his black dress pants and a white collared shirt. The buttons on his shirt were undone and I could see the hard defined planes of his chest and abdomen. His face was covered in a week's worth of beard and his hair was completely chaotic.
"Edward…"
I didn't say another word as I rushed forward and threw myself into his arms, Emmett and Edward's weird behavior completely forgotten. Edward caught me easily and I was soon wrapped around him, holding him to me tightly as my lips found his. Edward moaned against my lips and I felt his hands tangled themselves into my hair.
"Bella…" Edward mumbled, his grip tightening around me as he pressed my back against the wall, "Bella…I've missed you…"
I let my hands run up and down Edward's back and hair as he pressed kisses into my jaw and neck.
"You're here," Edward said softly, placing a kiss against my neck and nuzzling his face against me.
"I am," I giggled, "And you're tickling me."
Edward pulled back and I let my hands cup his cheeks. His week old beard was already thick and rough against my skin. His eyes fluttered closed as my fingers traced along his beard and the dark circles under his eyes. I leaned forward a placed a soft kiss on his lips.
"Put me down," I whispered.
Edward put me down, but still held me tightly to his body. I rested my head against his bare chest and felt his chin resting atop mine.
"I can't believe you're here Bella…"
"Surprise," I whispered.
Edward's hands were roaming slowly up and down my sides as I breathed in his scent. Everything was forgotten when I was in Edward's presence. I leaned back to look up and him and when I did, I was met with thick beard scraping down my nose. I shook my head and wrinkled my nose, pulling further back to look up at Edward. He frowned when he took in my expression.
"What?"
"Can we shave your beard off please?"
Somewhere under all that fuzz, I could tell that Edward was blushing.
"Oh…yeah…I, uh, I thought I would have time to shave before I saw you again."
Before I had a chance to speak again, there was a knock on the door. Edward opened it to reveal room service.
"Are you hungry baby?" Edward asked, making the young man who delivered the food wait.
"I'm okay. I ate on the plane."
Edward wrinkled his nose in disgust but sent the hotel worker on his way, giving him a generous tip. I cuddled up next to Edward on his bed as he ate his mini burgers and fries. We didn't speak and just basked in the feeling of being with each other again. It was getting late when the feeling of nervousness returned. Edward was in the bathroom getting ready for bed. Sighing, I stood up and walked into the bathroom, already wearing my pajamas, which consisted of Edward's t-shirt and boxers.
I leaned against the doorway, taking in the sight before me. Edward was standing at the sink, lathering up his face. He was only in his black basketball shorts. I watched the muscles in his back move as he slathered on the shaving cream. It was quite possibly one of the sexiest things I had ever seen. I stepped in and Edward smiled at me in the mirror as I hoisted myself up onto the counter next to him.
"Last chance…you sure you want the beard gone?"
I smiled, "I'm sure. I think I have scratches on my neck from you!"
"All right," Edward chuckled, picking up his razor.
"Can I do it?" I blurted out suddenly.
"What?" Edward said, looking at me.
"Can I…uh…shave you?"
Edward quirked an eyebrow at me, "You want to shave my face for me?"
My smile grew, knowing my question wasn't unfounded, "I want to take care of you. I've missed you baby. Plus don't try to tell me you've been doing fine this road trip. You've been sick…let me pamper you."
"Okay," Edward said softly, passing me the razor.
I took my time, using slow and steady strokes as I went. Edward had moved to stand between my legs and was resting his hands lightly on top of my thighs. His eyes were closed and he hummed softly, but I couldn't quite make out the tune. With each pass of the razor I took away a piece of our time apart and brought us together. I wiped the remaining shaving cream off of Edward's neck and face when I finished, his skin nice and smooth again. I lean forward and kissed his cheek softly.
"Now my baby's not hurting anymore," I whispered.
Edward chuckled, "You stole my line."
Edward placed a kiss on my forehead before giving my thighs a squeeze and helping me off the counter. He finished up with some of his aftershave and soon we found ourselves cuddled together in bed, the clock telling us it was almost 1:30 in the morning. Edward lay on his back as I lay snuggled into my spot at his side. Per my request, Edward left his shirt off and my hands were exploring the cuts and defined lines of his muscles as Edward's hand combed through my hair, moaning softly once in a while.
My fingers ran through the soft line of hair that led into his basketball pants and Edward moaned loudly, his hips shifting. I traced the V shaped lines of his abdomen and traced each brick as my hands ran up to his chest, resting over his heart that was hammering away under my hand.
"Bella," Edward whispered, his voice raspy.
I shifted to look up at him and saw that his eyes were hooded and so dark they were almost black. His hand came up and stroked my cheek softly.
"Will you have breakfast with me tomorrow? There's something I'd like to…to talk to you about."
Edward swallowed heavily and my nerves returned. His words made me swallow heavily in response.
"Is…is it something…bad?"
"No!" Edward cried, jolting our bodies slightly. He gave me a soft, sheepish smile before readjusting back to our previous position, "I…I just have something to tell you. Something I should have told you a long time ago. Don't worry about it tonight okay? I'll tell you everything in the morning?"
"Okay…" I said slowly.
Edward cupped my cheek, "I love you Bella…so, so much. Never forget that."
I smiled, but it felt weak on my cheeks, "I love you too Edward."
He leaned forward and placed a kiss on my forehead. "Go to sleep love."
I sighed and snuggled into Edward's side, resting my head on his bare chest.
"Goodnight Edward," I whispered.
"Sleep well love."
The motions of Edward's chest rising and falling plus his comforting smell had me falling asleep in no time. As I drifted off, I felt myself clinging to him tightly, afraid of what tomorrow might bring. He denied our talk being something "bad" way too quickly for my liking.
June 14th
Breakfast consisted of Edward ordering a bunch of dishes from the room service menu. There were croissants, pancakes, bacon, eggs, toast, fresh fruit, orange juice, coffee…pretty much everything that he and I loved to eat. I couldn't help but smile to myself as we ate. Breakfast always seemed to be our meal of choice. Edward didn't have to get ready to report to the stadium for another four hours or so. I waited for him on the bed as he got ready in the bathroom. I couldn't help but smile as he walked back out, his face clean and free of his beard and the circles under his eyes looking somewhat better.
Edward sat down across from me on the bed, at least two feet between us, and that had my heart hammering in my chest. I still couldn't shake off the feeling that this was something bad. I didn't think we were breaking up…but whatever it was, it was something I wasn't going to like. Edward was running his hands through his hair and tugging on the ends periodically, his gaze focused on the bedspread beneath us. We sat for a few minutes in silence. Edward still hadn't said anything. I shifted nervously in my spot.
"Edward?" I whispered.
When he looked up at me, my throat suddenly felt dry and my ears were ringing with the pounding of my heart. Edward's eyes were red and glassy, and his hair was a chaotic mess. The pain in his eyes stabbed my heart and I could feel myself starting to breath faster.
"Edward…" I rasped out, feeling my own eyes prickle. He wasn't…he couldn't…not here, not now…
"Bella," He said softly, "Baby…just…just please remember that I love you…I love you so much. You're the most important person in my life…"
He reached for one of my hands and picked it up, holding it tightly. I didn't try to pull it away or fight him on it. I was too frozen with fear, wondering what it was he had to tell me. Edward squeezed my hand.
"Bella, I have to tell you about something from my past…" He paused and swallowed heavily, "Actually, I have to tell you about someone from my past…"
Well? Yes? No? How do you think Bella is going to take the news? And who's curious about Rosalie's backstory? And OM Jesus, before ANYONE goes there, Rosalie is definitely NOT "R", and oh lord neither is Renee.
#1. Hope you guys enjoyed Alice, Rosalie, and Jasper. It might have been a bit of filler, but I've missed them. Especially Jasper. :- )
#2. Holy "Eclipse" trailer and behind the scenes stuff!!! I am so excited for this movie! Jasper's hair FINALLY looks okay and oh Seth! I'm excited. Not too stoked about the new Victoria though… :- (
#3. Who saw "Remember Me"? ~raises hand~ Who cried their eyeballs out? ~raises hand again~ If you've seen it, PM me or something. I currently have no one else to talk to about it other than my BFF that watched it with me.
#4. Let me know what you guys think, good or bad, pretty please? Any predictions for the next chapter? Let me know…I'm all ears. :-D