Chapter 24: October - December 2012
A/N: I'm excited to post this chapter. Hope you all enjoy it :)
I sigh as I stare down at the phone I'm clutching in my sweaty palms. The number is keyed in; all I need to do is press "call." Taking a deep breath, I steel myself and press the appropriate button.
The phone rings a few times before a familiar voice rings down the line.
"Hello?"
"Uh, hi, Alice. It's Bella."
"Uh – Oh, Izzy! Hi, sweetie, how are you?"
"I'm great, Allie. Listen, I'm so sorry it's taken me so long to get my head out of my butt and call you."
"I'm not going to lie, Izzy. It kinda sucks. I've been leaving messages for weeks now."
"I know, I'm sorry. We were overseas for a bit, and then uni started back, and Edward and Em have just started their own label … But really, I have no excuse. I'm sorry, I was scared."
"Scared?" Alice sounds puzzled, and I sigh heavily.
"Yeah. I mean, it's dumb, we've been friends forever, and I don't know … You were there for me through all the rubbish with Jake, and then I just skipped town and made no effort to stay in touch, and when we did catch up it was never just the two of us … I'm so sorry, Alice."
"I get it, Izzy. I understand why it's hard to come back to Forks."
"It's not just that, Alice. The last two times I've seen you, Tanya's made things pretty unbearable for me, and I don't know, I suppose I sort of blamed you for bringing her. I'm sorry, I know it's not your fault she's got some bizarre grudge against me, as well as a thing for Edward."
"I'm sorry - what? What the hell are you talking about, Iz? I know she said some pretty awful things to you when we came to visit last year, and believe me, Ange and I gave a really hard time about it on the way home. But, Izzy, despite what she said in your Dad's kitchen that day, I doubt she was serious about chasing Edward."
"Alice, she's been pretty persistent in propositioning him."
"You're joking?" Alice sounds shocked, and angry. Whether that anger is directed at Tanya or myself, I'm not sure.
"No, I'm not joking. I mean, I could almost understand it the first time, he's pretty bloody sexy, and it's not like Edward and I were together then. But her timing was just despicable. Coming over whilst she thought I was still at the funeral? I was so mad, Ali."
"The first time?" Alice's voice sounds faint, weary.
"Uh, yeah, the second time was at your place," I mumble. "When Edward and I were dating. Uh, he wasn't impressed."
"Well, shit. She's a stupid little bitch," she sighs. "Anyone with one functioning eye can see that that boy is head over heels for you. I'm guessing he told her to fuck off."
"Ah, yeah, pretty much in those words, too."
"I'm so fucking sorry, Iz," Alice sighs. "I know coming back here must have been hard enough, without that. The whole reason I invited everyone over was that I wanted everyone to see the changes in you; how happy you were with Edward. Billy fucking Black has been pretty persistent in trying to paint you in a pretty bad light, and Jacob as a victim. You know, every time there's a tabloid picture of you guys out and about with Emmett McCarty or his wife, he makes sure everyone hears about how you left Jacob and ran off with Edward. And, well, I just knew if people saw how much Edward had drawn you out of your shell, and how different you were now that you're in a loving, happy relationship; then they'd surely see that you didn't have that with Jacob. I just wanted everyone to know the truth, Izzy."
I sigh at the news Billy is still trying to tarnish my name. I'm not really surprised, but part of me hoped he'd be able to let things go with time. I guess that's me just being optimistic to the point of foolishness.
"Oh, Allie. Hun, I had no idea. I couldn't understand why you invited all those people over. I just wanted to see you and Jasper, I didn't realize you were trying to defend me like that." A few tears slide down my cheek as I contemplate all the distance I've put between us, when really, Alice was just trying to be a good friend.
"I understand, Iz. I was hurt, but I can understand why, now. I just wish you'd told me sooner." Alice sighs, "I really miss you, Isabella."
"I miss you too, Alice. I'm so sorry."
"I'm sorry, too. Now, don't think I didn't hear you say that you've been overseas? Where did you go?"
I smile at Alice's quick forgiveness; we've been friends for a long time now, and I know that when she's over something, it's dealt with. She's not the type to continually bring up past conflicts and dredge up old grudges.
"We went to London for four weeks. And then we spent another four weeks in Australia."
"WHAT?" Alice squeals down the phone as I cringe away from the noise. "Okay, girlie, you need to give me more details than that."
"Well," I chuckle. "The whole thing was a surprise. Edward took me to the airport to put his parents on their flight home, and then told me we were going too. So we went to England, to see where he grew up, which is this tiny little town down in the South, and we spent a lot of time in London, which is where he moved as soon as he finished school. It was pretty amazing, you know, almost, seeing his history. And then, as an early birthday present, he took me to Australia to see Mom. I hadn't seen her since Jake and I got married, yeah? And I missed her so much. Edward organized it all with her, without telling me; he packed all our gear, and organized everything. So, we spent two weeks with Mom in this crazy, beautiful hippy town that she and Phil live in, and then we spent a week in Sydney, and a week in Melbourne, just exploring. It was amazing." I can't help but smile as I'm bombarded by the memories of our two months travelling together.
"Oh my goodness, Izzy!" Alice squeals. She begins shooting rapid-fire questions at me about all the different places we visited, and I'm still filling her in when Edward comes home, almost two hours later.
He kisses me on the top of the head, smiling softly when he sees me laughing and chatting. I grin up at him, and he shoots me a cheeky wink.
"Hey, listen, Allie, I've got to go, alright? But I'll talk to you soon. We'll have coffee or something soon, okay?"
"Youbetchya. Jazz and I will come out to Seattle soon, okay? And Izzy, thanks for calling, sweetie. I'm so glad we could sort everything out."
"Me too, Al. I love you."
"Love you too, Izzy."
Heaving a sigh, I throw my phone down on to the couch, before I stand up, stretching out my back. I can hear Edward tuning his guitar, and I wander into my bedroom to see what he's up to. I find him sitting in the chair I use for sewing, his guitar in his lap. His eyes are closed as his fingers move gently over the strings, a small smile playing at the corners of his mouth.
Recognizing that he's in song-writing mode, I leave him to it, wandering back into the kitchen to start preparing dinner. I huff a bit as I contemplate the slightly wilted vegetables in the crisper: I miss having a vegetable patch. I miss having more space. Though Edward is still leasing his own flat, it's not unusual for him to sleep here several nights a week, and between his guitars and the associated paraphernalia that seems to have migrated up to my apartment, as well as my ever increasing stash of fabrics and sewing gear, this place is starting to feel far too cramped.
I begin to wonder if it's too soon for us to contemplate moving in together, officially. We could find somewhere with more space; a house with sufficient space for a music room for Edward, as well as a study and sewing space for me. Somewhere we can make our home; start afresh, together. Somewhere we can raise a family, when we get to that stage.
As I ponder this, I set a pot of master stock to boil, quickly bring together some green tea dough, and throw some pork, snow peas and carrots in the food processor with a bunch of spices. I'm spooning the meat mixture into the little circles of dough and quickly shaping them into dumplings when I hear Edward's footsteps approaching.
I continue to fold the dumplings as his arms snake their way around my waist. Edward rests his chin on top of my head, and I can't help but smile at the way we fit together so perfectly.
"What are you making, love?"
"Green tea dumplings."
"Mmm, do you need a hand, sweetheart?"
"Nope, they're nearly all done. I just need to steam them when we're ready to eat."
"Sorry, I didn't help, love. I just had to get that song out whilst the lyrics were in my head."
"It's fine, hun. Did you finish it?"
"Yeah," Edward sighs. "It's probably rubbish, but it's done."
Wiping my hands on a wet cloth, I turn to face him, still encircled by his arms.
"I'm sure it's not rubbish, Edward. What's it about?"
"Family. I, uh, I was watching these kids play down at the park earlier, yeah? They were twins, I think, maybe about three? I dunno actually, but they were about this big," Edward indicates with his hand how tall the children were and I can't help but smile. "And they were running around crazy, yeah? As little kids do. Their mum was chasing after them, and she was, I dunno, like ready-to-pop pregnant. Huge. And she looked bloody well exhausted, but she had this huge smile on her face. And I wondered what that was like, why she looked so happy when she clearly needed a good lie down. So, I got thinking, and I dunno, the words came, then the melody just started flowing, and I wrote a song."
I smile up at my sweet musician, once again awed by his talent. Without even hearing the song, I know it will be moving, simply from what he has told me of its inspiration. Edward's most beautiful songs are those that come from the place of his deepest emotions.
"Bella –"
"Edward –"
Grinning up at Edward, I motion for him to speak first.
"I want that, so bad, yeah?" he whispers, "With you. I want to see your belly get all huge with our baby inside. I mean, not straight away, but I want it, one day."
Edward looks at me nervously, as though fearful of my reaction. I can see the moment he processes the smile stretching my lips, because he puffs out a deep breath and places a kiss on my nose.
"I want that too, Edward," I smile, reaching up to cup his cheek. "You know, I was just thinking … " I pause, biting my lip. "Well, along the same lines, I guess. But I was thinking this place is too small for two people."
Edward's eyes are soft as he looks down at me.
"Yeah? You want to move in together, like, for real?"
"Yes, Edward. I mean, I know we haven't been dating for that long in the scheme of things, but so what? I look at you, and I see the rest of my life. I see marriage, and a family, and getting old and wrinkly together. The details will come in time, but I'm ready to put the past to bed, and start our life together. I don't want to ever have to say goodbye to you again, even if it is just for the night."
Edward's smile takes my breath away; the joy and adoration that shine in his green eyes causes my heart to skip a beat.
"Yeah? You're not terrified of the idea of marrying again? I, uh," Edward's hand finds the back of his neck, nervously rubbing at his hair, "I wondered if you'd have sworn off the idea altogether? And I wouldn't have minded, love. Not in the slightest. It wouldn't change my commitment to love you every single day of my life."
"It took me a while to admit to myself that I wanted it," I acknowledge, smiling slightly. "But I'm not scared, Edward. In time, yes, I want to marry you, to tie myself to you in that way. I have no fear that marriage will turn you in to Jacob, Edward. You need to know that. That fear has never once crossed my mind. You have never shown me anything but love, compassion, gentleness and kindness. I've already given you my heart, my body, my hopes and dreams; making that a legal declaration doesn't scare me at all."
Edward smiles softly at me, before his lips touch my forehead gently.
"I love you, Bella. So much."
"I love you too, Edward. Forever."
In November, Edward heads back into the studio to record a new album. This time, though, he's recording in Portland, and it's his own studio; he'll be the first artist to record under his and Emmett's new label, Volturi Records. They've already signed a number of artists, and though Em and Edward keep their fingers on the pulse, they have hired Leah to manage a lot of the business. Though Edward would normally want to head out on tour with a freshly minted album, he decides to put it off until June, when I will have finished up my MFA and can go with him. I'm excited to have the opportunity to travel the country with him, even if it is two years later than we originally planned.
Whilst juggling all the writing I'm doing for my course; I've also made a start on a novel. A few threads of ideas that have been floating around in my head for a while have began to weave a story that I feel almost compelled to untangle, to have it knit together on the page. Though Edward hints he'd like to read it, I've been delaying him, wanting to have the first few chapters polished before I show it to him.
It's for this reason that I'm pecking away at the keyboard on my laptop on an unseasonably cold morning in the middle of November. The words are flowing freely this morning, despite my absurdly slow command of the QWERTY keyboard.
As I type, I sway gently to the music floating through the house. I've set it to my "boys with sexy voices" playlist, which contains Edward's albums, obviously, some Jeff Buckley, City and Colour, Bobby Long, James Vincent McMorrow, Glen Hansard, Matt Corby, Joshua James and a few others. I'm humming along as I work; the music inspiring me and fuelling the furious torrent of words flowing from my fingertips.
As I save my current chapter, I close my laptop, but remain seated at the kitchen table, my hands wrapped around what must be my seventh cup of tea this morning. One of Edward's older EPs begins to play, and I smile as I sing along with his beautiful voice. For all the time we've spent together, the many times Edward has sung and played just for me, and the dozens of times I've seen him on stage; I've never become desensitized to the timbre of Edward's voice. I am still able to marvel at the depth of emotion he can convey, his voice almost velvety in its rawness. Just as his callused fingers are also capable of the most tender of touches, so his rasping, rough-hewn voice caresses his lyrics with an almost silk-like sensuality.
Losing myself in his finely woven melodies, my voice wandering around his deeper one, I don't hear Edward come in until a heaving sob echoes through the room. Startled, I am out of my chair in a flash, just in time to see Edward fall to his knees, tears streaking down his face.
"Edward? What's wrong? Are you okay?" Moving quickly to kneel in front of him, I clasp his face in my hands, frantically trying to wipe the tears from his cheeks. "Are you hurt, love?"
"No," he chokes out, a watery smile playing on his lips. "Happy tears."
"Edward? Hun, really? Are you sure you're okay?"
Edward nods his head quickly, brushing away the tears as they continue fall. His arms reach for me, pleading, and I pull him close, tucking his head against my neck. I feel his chest shake as silent sobs continue to wrack him. When they ease, I pull back to study his face. His green eyes are rimmed with red, and yet they sparkle with a joy so pure it robs me of breath.
"Edward? What happened, my love?"
"I'm sorry to scare you, dearest," he rasps, his voice still thick with tears. "I was just a little overwhelmed, sweetheart."
I frown, puzzled; clearly there is something that I'm not understanding.
"I just came back, love, and you were singing. Sweet girl, do you know I've never heard you sing? Ever? And you were sitting there, so happy and joyful, your pretty little voice dancing with mine, and it just overwhelmed me, yeah? To see you so whole, so content, so perfect; it was breathtaking." Edward breaks off, taking my hands in his own, his eyes studying me seriously. "There was a time I despaired of that, Bella. I remember, so vividly, how broken you sounded the night you finally confessed the extent of your depression. I don't know if I ever told you, but I had a dream about you that night. You begged me to call you, and I woke up and dialed your number without even stopping to question it. The desperation in your voice, Bella, it broke my heart. It's haunted me for a long time."
I'm surprised to hear this, Edward has never mentioned his dream before, but I distinctly remember the conversation, sobbing as I confessed to him that all the beauty had been stripped from my life. I squeeze his hands in my own, encouraging him to continue.
"It's just, utterly amazing to me, sweet girl, the joy that radiates from you. Not only have you grown and healed and found happiness again; now you travel through this life, brightening everyone else's lives. It's enchanting, love. And I suppose, seeing you singing, losing yourself in my music; it just hit it all home to me."
Overwhelmed by the depth of Edward's love for me, I am lost for words. I settle for the three that matter more than any others.
"I love you."
"I love you, Bella. Really, I'm sorry to have frightened you."
"It's okay, my sweet, silly boy. Obviously my singing must be pretty bad if it brought you to tears." Edward rolls his eyes at my self-deprecation, pulling himself up off the floor before offering me his hand.
"You're sure you're okay, Edward? I know you've been doing well on the reduced dose, but –"
"Love, I'm fine. This is not my illness talking, yeah? I'm happy; overwhelmingly so."
I nod, accepting that Edward would not lie to me about this, and reach up to grasp his hand. He pulls me carefully to my feet, kissing me softly, before he pulls away, his hand still gripping mine. Instead of guiding me to the couch, as I expect, he leads me towards the bedroom, where gently, he begins to slide my thick woolen cardigan off my shoulders.
We make love gently, joyfully, giving and taking pleasure from each other until we fall into bliss as one.
At Christmas time, Edward and I head to Forks to celebrate with Dad. My earlier suspicions are confirmed when Dad, moustache aquiver, introduces us to his girlfriend, Sue. Sue is a social worker whom Dad met several times in his official police capacity, and he finally summoned the courage to ask her for coffee a few months ago. They've been seeing each other since. She's lovely; warm, and friendly, chatty and confident, and she seems to balance out Dad's more reserved nature really well. It warms my heart to see Dad taking the risk of putting his heart on the line. After Mom left, Dad had pretty much resigned himself to being alone for the rest of his life, and it's such a joy to see him opening his heart again.
Of course, being back in Forks comes with its share of annoyances. When Dad, Sue, Edward and I head to the local diner for a meal a few days before Christmas, the first person we run into is one of the last we want to see. Only a few minutes after we take a seat, a familiar mass of strawberry curls suddenly appears above Edward's shoulder.
"Hello there, Edward," purrs a sickly sweet voice. I have to come to the conclusion that Tanya is either completely delusional, or thicker than a concrete slab, given the fact she seems totally unaware of the sparks of fury that flash in Dad and Sue's eyes as she leans on Edward's shoulder.
Edward doesn't even spare her a glance, instead, turning his head to face me, he winks cheekily, a wicked gleam in his eye, and I cock my head at him in question.
"Charlie, I'm really sorry about this," he grins, shooting a brief glance in Dad's direction.
Dad raises an eyebrow, before motioning for Edward to continue in whatever crazy scheme he's concocted. Smirking, Edward turns his full attention back to me, his hand caressing my cheek. I catch one glimpse of Tanya's face as her expression flits from smug self-satisfaction to pure jealousy before Edward's lips are on mine and I am lost, aware of nothing but the gentle sweetness of his kisses. The moan that escapes from Edward's throat is totally inappropriate given our rather public location, but I honestly can't find it in me to care.
I'm vaguely aware of the sounds of Tanya's frustrated voice trying to gain Edward's attention, Dad's gruff response, and a surprisingly vicious sounding interjection from Sue, but the bulk of my attention is on the sweet boy kissing me. Unthinkingly, my hands move to his hair, tugging gently. Edward's lips curve against my own, before his tongue slides into my mouth, and I can't help the whimper that escapes me as his playful kiss quickly becomes sensuous and passionate.
"Edward! Bella! Enough already!" Dad's voice permeates my consciousness and I pull back from Edward abruptly, blushing fiercely. Edward chuckles lowly, a slight pink colouring his cheeks also.
"I think you made your point kids, she left about five minutes ago."
I look at Dad in shock and embarrassment, but immediately relax when Sue elbows him in the side and I notice his moustache twitch in amusement.
"What on earth is that girl's deal?" asks Sue, whose protective concern touches me. She hardly knows me, but clearly, as I matter to Charlie, I now matter to Sue.
"She's slightly obsessed with Edward," I shrug. "I can't blame her, but she really needs to learn to back off."
Edward shakes his head at me in amusement.
"What? You're incredible. You're sweet and sexy, handsome, talented, and the most tender-hearted person I know!"
"Thank you, love. But she's not actually interested in me, sweet girl."
"Well, she's certainly fooled me."
"Bella, I meet girls like her every time I perform. She's interested in my connections, not me. She's got absolutely no interest in me as anything other than a stepping stone."
I frown at Edward's matter-of-fact tone.
"It's true, love, as unfathomable as it is to you. I get propositioned frequently by women who just want to have their picture splashed across a tabloid magazine."
Charlie sighs, drawing my attention away from Edward.
"He's probably right, Bells. You guys are photographed almost weekly –"
"Wait, what?"
"Bella, love, you know that – you've seen the photographers when we're out with Em and Rose."
"I know that, Edward. What I want to know is, since when does my Dad read tabloid magazines and look at celebrity gossip!" I can't help but giggle at the very thought.
Dad's eyebrows rise as Sue starts giggling, winking at him.
"Ladies, I'm Police Chief in a tiny town where not a lot happens; what else is there to do? Whatever. I'd say that woman will probably leave you both alone now, anyway."
"Why, what on earth did you say?"
"Nothing untrue," Dad shrugs, winking at me as I frown at him.
"Hey there, Isabella," interjects a new voice, and I barely manage to restrain myself from rolling my eyes as I see Jared standing where Tanya was only a few minutes prior.
"Bloody hell," mutters Edward, "is there a queue outside or something?"
"Hi, uh, Jared, right?"
"Yeah, listen, I was wondering if I could have a word?" he asks, shooting me a wink that I assume he intends to be sexy.
"You can say whatever you need to right here, Jared," I sigh, my patience wearing thin.
"Uh, right," he mutters. "Look, I was just wondering if you wanted to catch up for a coffee whilst you're in town?"
"No, not really," I state, flatly. Jared looks momentarily stumped at my answer. "Jared, have you met Edward? Edward, Jared used to work with Jacob. Jared, this is Edward, my boyfriend."
Jared grins easily as he shakes Edward's hand.
"Yeah we met a few Christmases ago, right? So, boyfriend, huh? You work fast, man."
Edward raises an eyebrow at him, a slight smirk playing at his lips, but remains silent.
"I mean, it's not even been, what eighteen months and you guys are nearly fucking in public? I'm kinda surprised you're cool with that, Charlie. I mean, Jake was like a son to you."
Dad studies Jared for a moment as the younger man smirks at me.
"I don't know about that, Jared. No son of mine would ever abuse a woman."
Jared's head snaps towards Charlie, as do both Edward's and mine. I'm slightly shocked at Dad's words, and I lean in to Edward's side for support.
"Billy said –"
"I don't give a fuck what Billy Black said, Jared." Dad's voice is low and dangerous, a tone I've rarely heard him use. "Let me clear this up right now, and you can pass this on to all your buddies as well. I am sick and tired of hearing the lot of you make Jacob the victim in this situation. Yes, his death was tragic. Yes, Isabella left him just before he passed. You know, why Jared? You don't need to know the details, but the fucker was abusing her; emotionally and physically. So, pal, you can tell that to your friends the next time they start bad-mouthing my daughter for moving on, for finding a man who treats her with kindness, respect and love."
"Shit, Charlie, we didn't know –"
"It was public knowledge that Jake had been charged, Jared, so don't give me that shit. You all just chose to ignore it and paint my daughter as a lying whore. Now piss off. Go on, get out of here."
Jared takes a few steps away before he pauses and comes back to our table, eyeing Dad warily. He turns his gaze on me, shame and embarrassment evident in his dark eyes.
"Uh, Isabella, I, uh, it probably doesn't mean shit to you now, but I'm really sorry. I know we can be stupid immature jerks, but we had no idea about what you'd been through. Jake and Billy kinda made it seem like you were just having a girly hissy fit when you left, and then pictures of you and him came out," he mumbles, gesturing at Edward, "and we all just accepted what Billy told us. I, uh, I'm really sorry. I'm really ashamed of myself, knowing the disgusting things we said about you, having no idea what actually happened." He sighs, shaking his head and looking at his feet. "Look, I know it's years too late, but I'm going to have a word to the boys, if that's okay? They need to know the truth. Billy's had too much power over the lot of us for too long, and I'm starting to wonder if that's why none of us can keep a girlfriend. Embry's been calling us 'misogynistic assholes' for years now. And yeah, maybe that's what we've all become."
"You're right, Jared, it is years too late, but nonetheless, I forgive you. Honestly, it's never really mattered to me what you guys thought. It hurt like crazy that the man I considered a second father was so quick to write me off as a whore, but –"
"But it's not surprising, given that Sarah left him." Jared finishes.
I roll my eyes, shaking my head.
"Seriously? For fuck's sake Jared, Sarah Black left because Billy used to beat her, and her brother all but dragged her away when he figured out what was going on. Billy's been manipulating the lot of you since you were teenagers. You all have these fucking stupid expectations where you think women ought spread their legs at your whim, cook your dinner, clean your houses, and act as your personal maids. So yeah, I'd reckon misogynistic assholes is pretty fucking accurate."
Jared blinks in surprise, whether at the foul language I'm spewing at him or the facts I've just revealed to him, I'm not sure. I feel slightly guilty for revealing Sarah's trauma in this way, but these morons have been hero-worshipping Billy Black for far too long.
Edward's arm squeezes me in gentle support, and I lean into his warmth, gratefully. I know it's taking him a lot of restraint not to give Jared a piece of his own mind, but I'm quite pleased that he's letting me fight this battle on my own. It's been a long fucking time coming.
"I, uh, holy shit … I had no fucking idea." Jared shakes his head, his eyes on the ground. "Again, Isabella, I'm so fucking sorry." Not waiting for a response, he turns on his heel and leaves the diner, his head bowed, hands stuffed in his pockets.
As soon as Jared is out of earshot, Dad huffs out a breath, looking across the table at me, chagrin clouding his face.
"Bells, I'm sorry –"
"It's fine, Dad," I whisper. "Really, it's okay. Thank you for defending me like that."
"No, I'm sorry for dragging that out, honey. I shouldn't have."
"Dad, really, it's alright." I reach across the table and grab his hand, squeezing it gently. "I'm not ashamed of my past. My only fault in it was not walking away sooner. I've come to terms with it, I've moved on. So, please, don't worry."
"You're very strong, Bella," Sue interjects softly. "I've had a lot to do with women in similar situations, and sadly, many of them never reach the point you have, where you're able to look forward and move on in your life.
At her words, Edward presses a kiss to my cheek, whispering so only I can hear.
"I'm so proud of you, love."
I turn my head to face him, seeing the sincerity of his words in his clear green eyes. I press a gentle kiss to his lips, before turning my attention back to Dad and Sue.
"It'll never change things with Billy, though."
"No," Dad sighs, "it most likely won't. He's too bitter by now. He's lost his son, his wife, his best friend, one of his daughters, and he'll probably never get to see his granddaughter. And now, he's lost the respect of that group of young men. And probably his other daughter, also, as Rachel's dating Paul."
"And he'll blame that all on me," I sigh.
"Possibly," Dad shrugs. "He'd be foolish to though. It won't make him feel any better."
Sue nods sagely, "Yes. Until he can accept it's all on his own head, all he has left is bitterness. If he's man enough to admit his wrongs, he might have a chance at salvaging some of those relationships, but if he can't, he'll end up dying a bitter, lonely old man."
"Uh," Edward shifts in his seat uneasily, and my head snaps towards him in concern. "You, ugh, shit … Charlie, you don't think he'd make any attempt to hurt Bella, do you?"
I'm shaking my head as Charlie considers his answer.
"What could he do, Edward? He's a frail old man, these days. And Bells just stripped him of any power he had left, by making sure those jackasses know the truth. He's got no power to hurt her. Even if he were to call up those ridiculous tabloids, it'd be easy enough to refute any of his nonsense."
Edward doesn't look convinced, so I gently squeeze his hand, trying to let him know that I'm not worried. He looks down at me with pride in his eyes, and I give him a cheeky wink before turning my attention back to the menu in front of me.
"Alright, then. Enough with the drama. I'm starving."
On Christmas morning, I awaken cradled in Edward's arms, a gentle smile as on my lips as I watch the snowflakes fluttering past the window. It's one of those magical moments that I almost wish would never end; the serenity seems to permeate it's way into the very marrow of my bones. I know when Edward wakes, because I feel his callused fingertips tracing down my arm, as soft as the fall of snowflakes beyond the glass. Rolling carefully to face him, I smile sleepily as he brushes my tousled hair out of my eyes.
"Merry Christmas, love."
"Merry Christmas, Edward."
I can feel the vibrations of Edward's speech rolling through his chest, but I cannot tell what he is saying. Rather, my gaze is drawn to his full lips; hypnotized by the way they form the words he is speaking. Captivated, I squirm until my face is level with his, before I gently capture his bottom lip between my own. Static seems to crackle around us, charging the air, and the intensity and passion in my kiss escalates rapidly. Edward's deep groan fans the sparks into wildfire, and I can't get close enough to him.
Somehow, I end up on my back, the feeling of Edward's weight pressing me into the mattress causing me to whimper with need. I writhe and thrash as his lips begin their exploration of my naked body. Neck, breasts, stomach, thighs; his mouth is everywhere at once, and yet not where I so desperately need it. Grasping his hair wildly, I push him down my body forcefully, begging him to soothe the scorching flames that burn from within.
His bronze hair gently tickles my belly, as the scruff of his chin rasps against my thighs, and instead of soothing, his torturous mouth only stokes the fires as it caresses and probes and nibbles and sucks and licks until I feel as though I will surely combust from this painful pleasure. Gasping and whimpering, my limbs flailing wildly, I beg Edward to end this delicious torture.
"Please, please," I sob quietly, unsure of what I am asking.
"Shh, love, surrender. Let go."
"Can't. Can't. Please."
Wound as tight as I am, as soon as Edward's clever fingers join with his mouth I am lost, as wave after wave of sensation and heat and bliss pound over me.
Exhausted, I am wholly unprepared when Edward flips me back over on to my front and pulls my hips up to meet his. My arms flail as I try to plant them on the mattress to support myself. Abruptly, Edward fills me, his body more deeply united with mine than it has ever been before. Moans of pleasure escape from two mouths as the sound of skin slamming against skin fills the room, a violent contrast to the quietude of the winter morning breaking beyond the glass.
"Oh fuck," the low oath escapes Edward's lips from where they are pressed to my shoulder blade, and then we are both falling, plummeting through the depths of ecstasy until we meet an unexpectedly soft landing, as we slump, sated and breathless, Edward cradling my trembling body against his, holding me fast in his strong arms.
His hard body fitted behind my soft curves, Edward's hands resume their gentle caressing of my tangled hair as I watch the snowflakes outside, still fluttering and whirling in the chilly winter wind.
"I love you," I whisper, my voice barely louder than the falling snowflakes.
"And I, you" is the response, exhaled in a damp breath against my neck.
Apparently, I've been living under a rock, because I only JUST read Derdriu oFaolain's And With Thee Fade Away. I have no words. Go. Read.
You also MUST read stella luna sky's Bare and Grand Jeté. You will weep, but your heart will rejoice.
