Disclaimer: Not mine…
A/N: Apologies if you're getting an update email twice. I was proof reading and realized (after I posted) that I screwed up something big. Won't say what, but it is now fixed. Thank you all for reading & reviewing! There's a lot in this chapter, though it's short, the hints are important. It may require review of previous chapters…
I hope you all had a Happy Easter (if you celebrate it) and WOOHOO!! It's officially baseball season! Opening day was A-MA-ZING!! And the Mariners won. :-D I almost got to witness Ichiro throw someone out at home plate from right field but the pitcher cut the ball off. I swear he would've gotten the guy…eternally_addicted, I saw that your Cards won their opening day. Hope4more, I was totally rooting for the Twins (the Angels are the thorn in my Mariners' AL West side). teamswitzerlandmom, well...I am also a Giants fan and Lincecum pitched the opener so...~*shrug*~
I finally got my hands on the "Twilight" graphic novel. I quite enjoyed it. Who else has seen/read it? The sketches were awesome. I can't wait for Volume 2 to come out!
Songs for this chapter: I couldn't really think of any good ones…
Chapter 28
BPOV
June 24th
"Wh…what?"
I couldn't believe what I was hearing. In fact, I wasn't even sure I had heard correctly. When I looked up at Edward he was grinning back at his parents.
"Really?" Edward asked, his excitement matching that of the little boys who asked for his autograph.
He was excited about this? Was he in on this? Did he ask his parents to buy the property? Did he know I was building the house for them? Was it really for him? I couldn't help but stutter…my mind racing and unable to form a coherent sentence.
"Baby?" Edward whispered, pulling me closer, "Are you okay?"
My thoughts finally seemed to snap together. Edward saying he loved this house, him "mentioning" that he wanted me to design "our" dream home someday…I pushed away from him.
"Did you know about this?"
Edward looked completely surprised, "What? No! This is completely a surprise."
"Bella," Esme reached across the table, "Edward's not lying. We wanted to surprise the both of you."
Though my thoughts snapped together, I still couldn't quite believe what I was hearing. They wanted to surprise us? OH MY GOD!
"You didn't…you didn't buy this…for us?"
My heart was racing and I was finding it hard to breath like I was going to have a panic attack. His parents were buying us a house? There was no denying that yes, someday I wanted to live with Edward…hell, I wanted everything with Edward! But it was too soon wasn't it? We hadn't even talked about actually living together and they were buying us a house?
Carlisle was kneeling in front of me suddenly, holding my hands and telling me to breathe. When I glanced at Edward, his eyes were completely filled with worry, and he was rubbing my back softly. I knew I was scaring him and tried desperately to get my breathing under control. Esme was standing behind Carlisle also looking incredibly concerned. I started sucking in deep breaths trying to get myself under control.
Esme shook her head, "I'm sorry Bella, Edward…I should have gone about this a different way."
"Bella, how are you feeling?" Carlisle asked, still kneeling in front of me in doctor mode.
"I'm…I'm okay…" I panted out, sitting up straight again.
Edward pressed a kiss into my temple, "I promise I didn't know."
When I turned my head to face Edward, I was shocked to see that he didn't move back and kept his face practically pressed against mine.
"You believe me right?" He asked, his eyes searching mine. He voice was nervous, thinking I didn't believe him. When I looked into his eyes though, I knew he was telling the truth. I leaned forward and kissed his lips softly before nodding. Edward wrapped his arms around me as we turned to face his parents once more.
"Please let me start over," Esme smiled apologetically.
"Please do," Edward said. I could tell he was trying not to get angry. I placed my hand on his thigh and rubbed gently to calm him down. I knew he wasn't pleased with this news now simply because it made me have a panic attack.
Esme sighed, "Edward, your father and I moved to Forks when we were young, both wanting to live in a small town. Your father did his residency in Seattle, and Forks was looking for doctors to work in their hospital. Edward you know that I fixed up our house, completely remodeling it."
I saw Edward nod from beside me.
"Your father and I bought the land our house is on in addition to the 10 miles of land around it. We thought that one day, if we had a child they would want to enjoy a place of their own in Forks. We kept the land in hopes that Edward would want to raise a family of his own here. We didn't do anything with the land when he left. We debated for a long time what to do…and then he met you Bella."
They were building this house for Edward…for Edward to raise a family someday…and they had me design it? I didn't know what to think. Esme smiled warmly at me, as did Carlisle. Edward leaned in a pressed a kiss to my temple. It was then that I realized that Esme meant a lot more when she mentioned that I had met Edward. They had often said that I had saved Edward, that I had brought him back to life. Esme reached across the table again and grasped my hand.
"Bella…at the time, I wasn't sure that my son would ever come back to me. When he called me that day after he met you in the dog park, I knew something was different. The way he spoke about you...I just knew this was something. After I looked at your work, I knew you would be perfect to work here. Then when he came home for Christmas with you at his side and I saw how he acted when we were at church and during that week…I knew Edward was changing."
I sniffled softly, and Edward pulled me to him, squeezing me tightly against his side.
"It was when Edward and I were cooking one night, that he mentioned the sketch you did of your dream home. He told me how he loved the design but how you were sad because you didn't think you'd ever get to bring it to life. I knew it was an opportunity to benefit the both of you."
Carlisle smiled at his wife before he spoke, "Now we don't want to put any pressure on you as a couple, and Edward, we don't want you to feel like you have to live in it someday, but your mother and I want to finally give you this land. It was what we always intended, and we know that you love the design Bella did. And Bella, we wanted you to have to opportunity to see your dream house come to life. Esme and I have no doubt that once other clients see your work that you will be in high demand at the company."
"You're building us a house?" Edward asked softly.
"Well…yes," Esme smiled, "The land is yours Edward, and Bella, as Carlisle said, we wanted to see your dream come true. It will be a great show piece for clients to see when it is finished."
"I…I…I don't know what to say…" I stuttered out, completely shocked they would do this.
"This is…this is a lot Mom," Edward said, seemingly in disbelief himself.
"It was always our intention to give the land to you Edward," Carlisle said, "And this way benefits both of you. Like your mother said, this doesn't mean you have to move in when the house is finished or give up what you have in Seattle. We wanted to do this for you."
"I don't know what to say…" Edward whispered, shaking his head back and forth, "this is amazing really."
I nodded, "this really is."
"We hoped the two of you would be pleased," Esme smiled.
I bit my lip, not really certain if I should state my question, but I let my insecurity get the better of me.
"Are you all sure this is what you really want? I mean…to have a house that I designed built?"
"Of course Bella!" Esme cried, "I would never have asked if Carlisle and I didn't."
I turned and looked at Edward nervously, "Is…is this really what you want too? This design?"
He pulled me forward and kissed my forehead, "I'm sure Bella."
I turned back to look at the good doctor and his wife and smiled, though I still felt a little…weird about all of this.
"I'm honored that you want to build the house I designed. I can't wait to get started."
Esme clapped her hands and smiled, "Let me go get the copies you sent me. There are a few things I want to go over with you Bella. If everything goes well, we want to break ground on the 28th."
"So soon?" Edward asked, somewhat surprised.
"Summer is our best bet for drier weather," Esme explained, "We want to get the foundation down before it becomes too rainy."
I nodded, still in shock that this was really happening. Esme excused herself to grab the designs and left Edward and I with Carlisle.
"How's Charlie doing Bella?" Carlisle asked, breaking the silence in the room.
"Oh…um…" I bit my lip, trying to remember the last time I talked to him, "He's doing good I think."
"Esme said she ran into him at the market."
"He was shopping?" I shouted, completely surprised.
Carlisle chuckled, "Apparently he was with Sue Clearwater as well."
"Oh good…" I sighed. I couldn't trust my dad with grocery shopping. Whenever I stayed with him, I ended up stocking the entire house with food so he wouldn't run out when I was gone. I was thankful that Sue was around to help care for him.
"Bella," Edward said softly, his fingers absentmindedly stroking my shoulder, "Isn't your dad and Sue coming for the Yankees series in two weeks?"
"Oh!" I cried, "I completely forgot about that!"
"I think they're driving down on the eighth," Edward smiled, no doubt amused by my forgetfulness.
I scowled playfully at him before he leaned forward and pressed his lips to mine. Carlisle chuckled at our playful display, causing me to blush and bury my face against Edward's neck as Esme came back into the room. She laughed, taking notice of my blush and Carlisle's own laughter.
"Did I miss something good?" Esme asked, laying out the designs on the table.
Carlisle shook his head, his laughter dying down. Edward pressed his lips to my forehead as Esme began to discuss the changes to my design. Overall she thought it was perfect, but she wanted to add bathrooms so the total was 4 bathrooms in the house. A full bathroom on each floor, plus the en suite bathroom in the master bedroom. Edward was always touching a part of me as I was looking over the sketches and the changes with Esme. Edward didn't say much even though the house was his, letting me have free reign. I didn't want to think about the possibility that we might not be together in the future, but it lingered in the back of my mind.
After our meeting Edward had to head back to the apartment to get his bags for his away games. Esme and Carlisle were heading back to Forks tomorrow, but I was going to meet them for brunch before they left. They agreed to come for the Yankees series as well, wanting a chance to eat dinner with Charlie, Sue, Edward, and myself. Edward held my hand tightly as he drove us back to his place.
"Edward…" I asked nervously, sitting on his bed as he packed the last of his toiletries, "Can I ask you something?"
"Sure baby," Edward said, throwing the last of his things into the open suitcase next to me.
"What…" I paused, "Are you really okay with your parents doing this? Building you a house that I designed?"
I saw Edward freeze with his back to me as he picked up his carry on bag. The panic began building in me. His shoulders heaved as he sighed heavily and he turned to look at me, his hand running through his hair. He was worried about something. Oh God…oh no…
"Bella? Can I ask you something?" Edward said softly. I was only able to nod.
"When I come back from this road trip, will you…" He paused and rubbed his neck nervously, "I…I've just gotten so used to you being here. You're always here to take care of Nessie and Jake, you cook in the kitchen, you have stuff here…"
Edward was stumbling over his words and his hand was going back and forth between rubbing the back of his neck and tugging at his hair. Wait a minute…was he…
"Willyoumoveinwithme?" Edward blurted out.
"What?"
Edward took a deep breath and came to sit next to me on the bed, taking my hands in his.
"Will you move in with me?" He said slowly.
It felt like all the air left my lungs and I couldn't believe what I was hearing. He wanted me to move in with him? Before I had time to even question him, Edward started to ramble again.
"I've been thinking about this for a long time, and please don't think this is only because of the house. I've wanted to ask you for a long time, but I just never knew if it was the right time or too early, but I can't be without you. Like I said, my home is wherever you are, and I want you here with me. I-"
I cut him off with my lips before he could utter another word. I knew this was a big step, but I didn't want to be without him any more than I had to either. Edward cupped my cheeks and pulled back slowly to look at me.
"It doesn't have to be tomorrow. We can even wait until the season is over if you want," He whispered, "But I want you here, living with me."
"I know," I whispered back, "I want to be here too."
"So is that a yes?"
"That's definitely a yes."
June 28th
"Hey baby…where are you?"
I couldn't help but smile as I answered my phone.
"Well Edward, I am standing in what will more than likely be the kitchen. It has a view of the forest."
"You're in Forks?" Edward asked, his voice clearly surprised.
"Yeah…I drove out this morning. Got here right after lunch. They've already done so much and they just started today!"
"You sound excited."
I couldn't help but blush, "I am."
"So the kitchen is going to have a nice view?"
"Yeah…" I nodded as I walked around the property, avoiding getting in anyone's way. I saw Esme talking to the head of the construction company and there were various men walking around and doing things. I couldn't help but imagine what the house was going to look like when it was done. We added on an extensive back patio that also looked out onto the forest and could be a place for a grill and also lounge chairs and such.
"I'm glad you'll have something nice to look at when you cook."
Edward's comment brought me back to our conversation.
"You should really see it Edward…the land is beautiful."
The space that had been leveled down for the house was wide and open, the forest surrounded the property, and the drive up to the house would be long and hidden just like the drive to the Cullens' home. There was also a walking path that had been cleared out and leveled through the woods that led between the two houses since they were on opposite sides of the 10 miles of land that the Cullens owned.
"Will you take pictures for me?" Edward asked softly.
"Hey…" I smiled, "Speaking of pictures, when is your big photo shoot my sexy man?"
I heard Edward cough and I could imagine him rolling his eyes.
"Wednesday morning. They're just doing some quick shots of me in my uniform. I didn't want to have to fuss with clothes and whatever. The fact that I have to wear make-up is bad enough in my mind."
I couldn't help but laugh as I pictured his pouting face. Edward was still not amused by the fact that he was going to be in People magazine. Every time it was brought up, he pouted about it, stating that he was going to make sure it was damn clear that he was off the market and not in the least bit single.
"Edward, I'm sure it won't be that bad. Just cooperate and it'll be over quickly. Alec and Jane are in New York with you right?"
"Yeah," Edward sighed, "I wish you were here instead though."
"I know…" I sighed in return, "I wish you were here to see this."
I really did wish he were here. This was his house after all.
"Baby, you're the one who knows all about the house. I'd rather you be there to make sure the house lives up to everything you dreamed it would be. This is your dream Bella."
"It's your house Edward."
"Well, I hope someday it'll be ours."
I swallowed deeply and whispered, "Me too Edward."
"Bella love, I have to get going to a meeting. I'll call you tonight?"
"I might be on the road Edward. I'm driving back tonight."
"What time?" Edward asked, his voice getting serious.
"Probably after dinner. I was going to have dinner with Charlie at the diner before I headed back."
"Don't drive back tonight."
"What?" I asked, surprised and nearly tripping over some pipes that were on the ground.
"Please…" Edward's voice grew soft and pleading, "Bella baby, I don't want you to drive back by yourself tonight. Wait until tomorrow…please."
"Edward…"
"Bella please…I don't like you driving around by yourself as it is."
I refrained from rolling my eyes. Edward made sure that I promised to drive the Volvo while he was gone. He even made Alice take away my truck keys.
"All right Edward. I'll sleep at Charlie's house tonight okay?"
"Thank you love," Edward sighed.
"Sure," I nodded. I knew he just wanted me to be safe and he didn't want anything to happen to me. I tried not to get upset that he was so over-protective. If I could think of a way to keep him safe every time he took the field, I would. I would make sure that there would be nothing that was able to hurt him.
"Okay love, I'll call you tonight."
"Okay. Good luck out there."
"I love you Bella…" I heard Edward whisper, and it was promptly followed by loud whistles and cat calls, obviously from Emmett.
"I love you too Edward," I chuckled, "Tell Emmett to behave!"
I hung up and slipped the phone back into my pocket. It was slightly easier dealing with Edward being away as I walked around supervising and talking with the construction workers. The ache in my heart never lessened though.
EPOV
June 29th
"Hey man, I'm going to head down to the lobby and call Rosie. You want anything while I'm down there?"
"No, I'm good," I called from the bathroom, "I'm going to call Bella in a little bit."
I heard Emmett disappear out the door as I finished up with my night time rituals. We had played like a flawless machine tonight, making the Yankees with their team of the supposed "best" that money can buy look like little leaguers out there. Every single member of our team was on fire tonight, and I added yet another home run to my total for the season. The All-Star break was coming up, and we'd find out on July 1st who was going to the game in Anaheim. According to Emmett, I was firmly in the lead to be the starting shortstop for the American League.
As I walked across the room, I decided to walk over the armchairs near the window and call Bella from there. Our room was facing west, and I liked knowing that I was facing towards Seattle, even if I couldn't see her. Just as I settled in, my phone started ringing and a number I didn't recognize flashed across the screen. It was a New York number so I figured it has something to do with the photo shoot.
"Hello?"
"Edward…"
I bolted upright in my chair. The voice that attempted to purr my name on the other end in a sexy way did nothing but make me sick.
"Ri…"
"Quite the game you played tonight Eddie boy."
"Ri…what are you doing?"
"I didn't get to tell you last time we talked Edward…I live in New York now. Daddy is running the new hotel in Manhattan now."
"Why are you calling me?" I nearly growled, having a difficult time keeping my temper in check.
"A friend can't call a friend to get together?" She said, her voice doing a terrible job at coming across innocent.
"I told you…we're done. I have a girlfriend that I love."
"Oh yes…that Bella Swan…"
My temper was at its boiling point with the way she said Bella's name.
"Ri, things between us are OVER!" I shouted. I paused and sighed exasperatedly, running my hands through my hair in an attempt to calm down. She didn't say anything on the other end.
"Look…" I sighed, "Bella…she's what I want, she's my future. She's helped me deal with what happened in the past."
"I didn't help you with any of that?" She shouted, "You forget, I went through almost the same thing as you!"
"Ri, I'm sorry okay! At the time, yes, you helped me…but it wasn't healthy. I didn't really deal with my problems, I only tried to run from them. I…I think you haven't dealt with yours either. We were both just using each other to run. Look, I'm sorry for the way I ended things, but can you understand what I'm saying? I love Bella and I've faced my past. I'm sorry but I can't see you anymore!"
My temper was flaring and I was shouting. I hoped Emmett didn't come back any time soon. I sighed heavily, tugging at my hair sharply.
"Ri, didn't I always treat you right when I was in Chicago? We were both adamantly clear that there was nothing serious between us. You remember that don't you?"
"Yes…" she replied softly, "But Edward I just wanted to see you one more time. The last time I saw you was almost a year ago…"
"Ri, I'm sorry, but that's just not possible. I don't feel right about it."
"Edward, please-"
"I'm sorry Ri, don't call anymore. I wish you the best but we're done. Don't call again, I'm changing my phone number."
I hung up and silenced my phone, not wanting to know if she called back. I sighed in frustration as I leaned my elbows on my knees and tugged at my hair. Why couldn't she just leave me alone? There wasn't supposed to be anything serious between us…there weren't supposed to be feelings. She had agreed to that when we started this agreement. Shit, I even backed off when she had a boyfriend at one point and respected her wishes! Why couldn't see do the same for me now? I stood and leaned my forehead against the cool glass window. I sighed when I heard Emmett come in the door.
"Hey man," Emmett called, dropping his phone and key on the side table, "Rosie said she's going to be watching the game tomorrow night with Bella, Alice, and Jasper."
"Yeah…" I nodded, my mind still thinking about other things.
"You ready to turn in Ed? I'm completely beat."
I turned and sighed, "Yeah…"
I walked over to the bed, my conversation with Ri leaving me completely frazzled and not in the mood to talk to Bella. When I looked at my phone I saw that Ri had called 3 more times since I hung up on her. I sighed and decided to send Bella a quick text instead telling her that I was wiped out from the game and that I'd call her tomorrow before the game. I just needed to get my head clear. Her response was instant and it had me feeling even guiltier about the evening.
U were wonderful 2nite! I love U! :-D
I lay in bed for hours after that, unable to get my thoughts in order. I was reeling from talking to Ri, and now I felt guilty for avoiding talking to Bella. Sleep did not find me until 2 hours before the sun was to make its reappearance, and the ache in my heart at being away from Bella was rapidly becoming like a chasm without her beside me.
July 1st
"Man, what the hell crawled up your ass?"
I scowled at Emmett as he plopped into the chair next to me. We were on our way to Detroit, the final leg of our road trip. I had been in a foul mood ever since Tuesday night. Not only was I still stewing about Ri calling me, but yesterday I had to do the stupid photo shoot, and to top it all off, Bella could tell that there was something bothering me. Plus I went 0 for 4 today and struck out twice, and we lost to the Yankees. I didn't know why I was so scared to tell her that Ri called me. It wasn't like I sought her out or anything.
"Nothing…" I muttered, turning to look out the window.
"Bull shit!" Emmett shouted.
"Shut up!" I hissed.
"Then stop lying to me! What's up?" Emmett hissed back, his brows raised and daring me to lie to him again. When I didn't say anything he continued.
"Man…Edward, you didn't even give a shit when Coach told you that you got voted to the All-Star team for the eighth year in a row! What gives?"
"I just want to go home…" I said quietly.
"What? Dude, come on, we'll be back in Seattle in three days."
"I just…I need to see Bella. The phone calls and the lap tops are not enough anymore."
I sighed heavily. Hopefully Emmett wouldn't punch me in the face when I told him the next part of what else was bothering me.
"Ri called me on Tuesday night Em."
"Come again, what?"
"Ri…" I sighed, "She called me. Apparently Daddy relocated the family to New York. She wanted to get together one more time."
"Dude…" Emmett said in a warning tone.
"Do you think I'm an idiot?" I hissed, "I told her again that she and I were done. That we couldn't see each other ever again! I would never do that to Bella!"
"Good," Emmett nearly growled, "You better change your phone number or something man."
"I plan on it as soon as I get back to Seattle and tell Bella what happened."
"You didn't tell her yet?" Emmett once again shouted. Geez, it's like there isn't a quiet option when it comes to talking to him.
"No, and keep your voice down damn it!"
"Why haven't you told her yet?"
"Do you want me to tell you I'm just a fucking pussy? That I'm scared to tell her because of how mad she's going to be?"
"Dude! Why would Bella be mad? Ri called you! Not the other way around."
Emmett sighed heavily.
"You know Edward, Bella loves you and she is such a caring and forgiving person…but you keep doing stuff like this because you're 'scared' or whatever, and the girl will only be able to take that as an excuse so many times."
I nodded and sighed because as usual, the answer was so simple, yet I couldn't just be a fucking man about things and tell Bella the truth, after we promised each other that we wouldn't keep things from each other anymore.
"Call her when we get to Detroit and tell her with the web cams…that way she can see you when you tell her. She'll have an easier time forgiving you I think."
I sighed again, "Yeah…I'll talk to her."
Leaning me forehead against the window, I sighed and looked out into the endless white and blue. Right now, all I wanted was to be home in Seattle with Bella.
"Dude…is there something else bothering you?"
"I just miss Bella."
"You…uh, you wanna talk about that?"
"No."
"Okay…" Emmett drew out awkwardly.
There was silence between us for a few minutes and I relished in it. Not that I didn't enjoy talking to Emmett, but right now I just wanted to wallow in my misery alone until I could be with Bella again. She made everything better. She made my life better just by breathing…she was everything that I needed. She was my friend, my cheerleader, my confidant, my love…she was my life now. And I was tired of missing out on it.
I may have declined the in flight meal a bit rudely, but it was only because someone was disrupting my wallowing. Even Emmett had moved back to his own seat and most of the other players were napping or entertaining themselves doing…whatever. It amazed me how rapidly my life had changed in less than a year. A year ago I would've done anything to be away from Seattle and as far away from Forks as I could get. Now, I would do anything to stay there in Bella's arms forever.
If I thought the ache in my heart was bad before when we first parted in April, it was nothing compared to what I felt now. I thought that maybe it would get better, that maybe we would get used to being apart…but that didn't happen. She made me a better person in every sense. With her, I was just Edward Cullen. It didn't matter if I was an All-Star Seattle Mariner or that I had millions of dollars. It didn't matter if I was on some magazine's stupid sexy man list. All that mattered when I was with Bella, was that I was Edward and that she and I loved each other.
So many things were changing, and I was missing out on them. I know I told her that we didn't have to move in together right away, but I felt like that was something I was likely going to miss out on because even when I was home, I didn't always have a lot of free time. She would most like start moving stuff in when I was on the road with the help of Alice and Jasper. And the house? I love that my parents were giving this gift to the both of us…but I am missing out on seeing it happen. One of the biggest moments in Bella's life…and I'm not there to be a part of it. I'm not there to see one of her dreams come true.
If I honestly had my way, the world would forget about Edward Cullen and let him live a quiet life. I wouldn't have to worry about paparazzi invading my girlfriend's home or following us around as we try to do something so mundane and normal as go grocery shopping or walk the dogs. Moving on to the major leagues had once been the adolescent dream of mine…to go on and try and make a living with the girl I thought I was meant to be with. Fate had other plans and turned baseball solely into my way to escape from the world that I left behind.
I sighed. I wasn't even sure that Elizabeth could tell me what to do here. There wasn't anyone who could help me figure out what to do. Elizabeth would tell me to do what I thought was best for myself, that she couldn't make the decision for me. My mother and father would tell me the same thing. Bella would tell me that she just wanted me to be happy and do what makes me happy. The thing was, the only thing I was certain of anymore, was that Bella was the one thing that made me happy no matter what.
"Hey man," Emmett said, surprising me.
"What's up?" I sighed, stretching my back and turning to look at him.
Emmett settled down into the free chair next to me and slapped two open magazines down in front of me. The first one made me want to rip it to shreds…except for the fact that Bella looked so beautiful. Apparently there had been a photographer lurking somewhere when Bella and I were on our date at the Experience Music Project. They snapped pictures of us when we were leaving and we were hugging and I was playfully kissing her as we stood on the sidewalk near the car. It took everything in my body to not slam my fist into the chair in front of me. While it was a great picture, Bella laughing and smiling as I kissed her face (and looking absolutely beautiful), it was taken without our knowledge and our private moment was now exploited to the world.
"I think it's a great picture," Emmett said, "I mean…it's a paparazzi picture, but you guys look really happy."
"Yeah…" I sighed and nodded. It was a great picture…I just wish I knew it was being taken.
"Okay…and then there's this."
Emmett switched out the magazines and placed what I could only assume was an issue of Sports Illustrated in front of me. I frowned when I read the article's title.
"Man…you've been spacing out so much lately. Did you even know that this was going on? That you're being pursued so heavily."
"No…" I shook me head, "I let Alec and Jane deal with it."
"Edward, you only have until November to make a decision."
"Yeah well, I need to wait for offers too."
"Dude, but you can't tell me you haven't at least thought about it though right?"
I sighed, "It crossed my mind when the season started. I haven't really thought about it since then."
"Well…you better start thinking about it man…and you better get talking to Alec and Jane about this."
I ran my hands through my hair and tugged, "I just want to get through this season first and then think about things."
"Contract's up in November Edward. You gonna sign on and stay in the big leagues…or is Edward Cullen retiring early?"
I stared down at the article again. A picture of me in the dug out sitting next to Griffey and Kotchman. One of me swinging at home plate. One of me throwing someone out at first. It was a rather flattering looking article and a fine display of my playing abilities. I didn't need to read it to know what it was about. They were speculating about what I was going to do at the end of the season when my contract was up. I knew I was being pursued by at least four other teams besides the Mariners, and this article seemed to decide the two I was deciding between. However, it was the article title that had me rubbing my temples and wanting to hide away from the world even more. I just prayed Bella wouldn't see it.
"I don't know Em…I don't know anymore…" I sighed, pushing the magazine away from me. It was still there, staring back at me and blinking like the Vegas strip's lights when I closed my eyes.
Edward Cullen's Big Move: New York or San Francisco
Well? Yes? No? I promise there is still happy times coming…but I never said the drama was going away.
#1. Don't worry…I know the whole "moving in" thing seems quick, but like Edward said, it's not happening tomorrow. Especially since Edward's got a whole bunch of things to discuss with Bella...
#2. Honestly, did we all think the infamous "R" was just going to go away?
#3. I said a lot that's going to pertain to the future in this chapter. Feel free to leave me your theories and thoughts. LOL…I wish I could organize my theories for how "LOST" is going to end!
#4. Let me know what you guys thought, good or bad, pretty please? I'm thinking the next chapter will be halve-sies again, and I think we're going to start out with Bella. You'll find out how things go when she hears about "R" calling Edward…
