Chapter 29-
Presents
I gazed up at the sky, watching as the small dusting of clouds cleared, revealing the moon. I still couldn't get over how beautiful it was out here. Without all the town lights, you could actually see the stars as they sparkled brightly.
It was easy to forget everything that had transpired in my life in the last few weeks. From falling in love with a vampire to my best friends attempt on my life.
My thoughts were stopped completely by the most beautiful thing I'd seen in a while: a shooting star raced across the sky, its tail following in its wake. Really, it didn't look like a star. Just a ball of magnificent fire.
"Look," I said, pointing to the shooting star as it burned across the sky. I turned my head to look at the vampire lying next to me. "Make a wish."
"I don't need to," he said, taking my hand and squeezing it tightly. I snorted loudly before turning onto my side. Edward remained lying on his back but his body shifted even closer to mine.
"That was really cheesy," I said, brushing my fingers across his cheek.
"You know you love it," he smirked. He was kind of right. I chuckled before resting my head on his chest. His strong arms wrapped around my waist, pulling me close.
I smiled, snuggling into his chest. Something had shifted between us yesterday. We hadn't talked about what was going on. No words had been exchange about the state of our relationship. We didn't need to, we both just felt it. I was very grateful for not having to have that awkward conversation.
What hurt was that, only having got him, I was now going to have to leave him. Tomorrow I was leaving for school. I was going back to the UK while the love of my life remained in America. Both of us were very aware that we only had a few hours before we had to separated. We hadn't left each other's side.
Edward had stayed by my side all night at the dance. Twirling me around the room, holding me close, kissing me. I had never felt so cherished and loved. When I wasn't being doted on by Edward, I was being entertained by Jasper or Emmett. At one point I noticed Mike making his way across the hall toward where I was sitting with everyone. Thankfully, it didn't go unnoticed by the Cullen's, as Edward growled slightly, Emmett boomed with laughter before grabbing my hand and spinning me onto the dance floor. It turns out that Alice was right. Getting out of the house and just spending time around people was helping. Naturally my mind would think of Sam, but I wasn't dwelling on it. I suspected that as soon as I was alone again I would return to my depressed state. But I was grateful that they had kept me distracted.
He had stayed by my side all day as I packed and repacked everything I needed for school, pressed my uniforms and filed away all my homework. It had taken all day and yet Edward had stayed by my side, helping me iron and fold all my clothes. I had noticed that the touches had become a lot more frequent. Our fingers purposely brushed when he was handing me things, my hands rested on his toned back or shoulders whenever he was close. His hands wrapped around my waist while I was washing up, he even stole a few kisses without my parents seeing. I had suspicions that they knew anyway. Renee had donned this very smug look whenever she walked into the same room as us. Plus, Charlie hadn't stopped watching us. I could only imagine what he was saying in his head. After packing up everything, Edward had accompanied me to my leaving dinner with Angela, Jessica, Mike and Ben. He sat through our mindless chatter, engaging with everyone and even eating some of the food he'd ordered. After our dinner, he had brought me back to our meadow. We had lain here talking, touching and exchanging soft kisses, watching the sun set and feeling the temperature drop.
I shivered violently as the cold finally seeped into my bones.
"Let's get you back to the house before you freeze to death," Edward sat up, wrapping his jacket around me.
"Agreed." I placed a soft kiss on his lips, which quickly grew in passion. My feet were back on the floor, my arms around his neck, and his hands on my waist. We kissed and kissed until another shiver ran through my core.
"Let's go," he said firmly, pulling away from my grip, picking the basket and blanket.
"Okay," I breathed out. The effect this guy had on me was shocking.
Taking a firm grip on Edward's spare hand, I dissipated us to the Cullen's house. Once our feet hit the ground, Edward stumbled slightly, closing his eyes. I waited a few seconds, letting Edward shake off the dizzy spell left from the Dissipating. He'd get used to it eventually.
"You okay?" I said taking the basket from his hands.
"Yeah, I'm okay." He took an unnecessary breath. "I will never get used to that."
I laughed. "Well that's how I feel when you're running me all over the place."
"Noted," he chuckled, regaining himself.
We walked hand in hand into the large white mansion.
The family had taken up residency in the living room. Either this was something they did regularly or they knew that we were coming. My money was on the latter. Jasper and Emmett were watching a basketball game on the TV. What was more shocking was that Carlisle was watching it too, Esme's head rested on his lap as she read a book. Rosalie was flicking through a magazine, while Alice was sketching away, leaning on Jasper's leg. It all looked very normal and that was not something I had come to expect with this family.
When they became aware of my and Edward's presence, I was met with a series of greetings except from the boys, whose eyes remained fixed on the TV.
I rolled my eyes at them before falling on the sofa next to Rosalie.
"Hi," I said back.
"How are you doing sweetheart?" Esme asked as Edward sat in the seat next to me. His arm wrapped around my waist, pulling me into his side.
How was I doing? I wasn't really sure. My head and heart were swirling with a mix of positive and negative feelings. One minute I was depressed, wanting to cry and punch things and then the next minute I was content and blissful. I was a mess, and I wasn't sure about how to start fixing it all. For the first time in my life, I was actually excited about returning to therapy. It was the only healthy and secure way I could get my feelings out without feeling judged or turning into a psychotic lunatic. Of course, I couldn't say all that to Esme, so instead I stuck with the default.
"I'm doing well," my voice sounded so artificial that not even I believed I had said that.
Everyone in room had turned their attention towards me. There were a mix of raised eyebrows and looks of disbelief. I shrugged, blushing at all the attention suddenly on me. Thankfully nobody questioned me any further. However, they didn't return to their individual activities either.
"When do you go back to school?" Jasper asked after a few moments of silence.
"Tomorrow, I'm so excited. I love school." The exhilaration was very evident in my voice. After what had been one hell of summer, I was excited about the concept of normalcy. Even though I was dreading having to say goodbye.
"How you getting there? Are you disappearing or whatever it is you call it?" I sniggered at Emmett. He always knows how to lighten a conversation.
"I fly from Port Angeles to Seattle and then from Seattle to London. Then I'll dissipate to school from there."
"Why not just dissipate straight to school?"
"My mum has this thing about crossing borders." I rolled my eyes at my absent parents. "Plus, it's a safety and security measure that no one can dissipate in or out. I mean it is still a school."
"See, even witches and wizards have school rules they have to follow." Carlisle chuckled glancing at Emmett and Jasper.
"Yeah, but their school sounds more exciting." Emmett laughed, winking at me. I snorted in a very un-lady like manner. Emmett always made me laugh.
"I have a question. I don't mean to drag up painful memories, but Edward said he heard something in James's head when we got to the clearing." I flinched; preparing myself for the question that would drag up everything I was trying to keep suppressed. "What are the three Laws of Sorcery?"
I breathed a sigh of relief at that one. That was easy enough to answer. "We only have three limits when it comes to magic, and they are known as the three Laws of Sorcery. Those rules are that you are not allowed to time travel, you can't awaken those who have died, and you cannot make people fall in love."
"Care to elaborate?"
I smiled brightly at the Cullen's. They were always so thirsty for knowledge.
"I dread to think what people would do if they could time travel. Everything happens for a reason, people would interfere too much with fate." I explained the first law. I cuddled deeper into Edward's side before explaining the next one. "Some of the worst crimes committed are done in the name of love. Real love can cause enough pain and disorder as well as being the most euphoric thing that happens to people. Artificial love would cause more damage than good." My voice became sombre and shallow as I explained the last one. "Those who have died are dead."
There was a sombre atmosphere after my little explanation, thankfully Jasper sent out waves of calm and tranquillity to everyone, automatically lightening the room.
"When are you coming back?" Edward asked for the first time we had got here. He had been very quiet, probably wrapped up in his thoughts. However his arm had remained tightly around me. Holding me close to his side, like I would disappear if he let go.
Tomorrow was going to be a killer.
"I'll be back for the Christmas holidays." I spoke as soothingly as I could. Time wouldn't fly by for me but I hoped my words would at least help him.
"That's so far away." Emmett whined and by the look on Edward's face he agreed. However, he chose not to say anything, instead he rested his forehead on my head, closing his eyes.
"It will fly by. I'll be back before you know it."
I wanted to believe that so badly. I was going to explain to them how our school system worked. However, plans changed as I yawned widely. Suddenly feeling tired.
"Come on, I'll take you home." Edward said, letting go of my waist.
"Wait! Before you go we have a surprise for you." Alice sung, her bell like voice bouncing off the walls.
"I don't like where this is going." I moaned looking around the room at the group of vampires that looked too innocent.
"Well you'll be at school for your birthday so we figured we would give you your present now." Alice called as she ran out of the room at inhuman speed.
"No presents." I whined, I had already told them I do not like presents. "Wait how do you even know when my birthday is?"
You're parents told us." Jasper laughed, leaning back against the sofa.
"Of course they did." I moaned as Alice reappeared in the room carrying a black box with silver ribbon around it.
I didn't want to sound ungrateful but I really didn't want it. I had never been someone that enjoyed presents and surprises.
"Get over it," Edward chuckled in my ear.
"I have already seen you open it and you love it."
I couldn't keep the small smile from gracing my face as I took the box from Alice, balancing it on my lap.
I gently removed the top of the box and was actually shocked by its contents.
"Oooooh" I whimpered as I gently pulled my present from the box. It purred loudly before snuggling into my chest.
"You bought me a cat?" I asked in disbelief, looking into the bright green eyes of the cutest kitten I had ever seen.
"Do you like it?" the black lump of fur meowed and I was lost.
"I've always wanted a cat. How did you know?" I asked looking around the room in disbelief.
"You mentioned it the first time you stayed here."
"I did?" I asked unable to tear my eyes off my cat. I don't remember mention anything about cats.
"So you like it?" Rose asked, causing me to finally look up. It was still shocking that we could manage civilised conversation.
"She's gorgeous," I mumbled, stroking the soft fur of my cat.
Everyone was staring at me with the exception of Emmett, whose black eyes were fixed on my cat.
"Emmett? If you eat my cat, I will remove your face!" Where is the logic in that? I don't even know how I would get that to work. Whatever, he seemed to get the idea.
Emmett laughed nervously, as Rosalie smacked his head.
"Thank you," I said embarrassed by the fact that for someone who hated presents I was actually in love with this one.
"You're more than welcome."
"What are you going to name her?"
"What do you think I should name her?"
"Smudge!" Emmett shouted, making everyone groan and me to roll my eyes. What was even more unsettling was the cat in my arms purred loudly at the name.
I groaned at the generic name my cat had taken a shone to. "Smudge it is."
Before I had a chance to say anything else, I was once again yawning into my hand.
"Come on, time to go."
I stood from my seat, securing Smudge in my arms.
"You guys are still coming tomorrow?" I asked to the occupants of the room.
"Of course we are, Bella." Carlisle said.
"It's our last chance to say bye. We wouldn't miss it for the world." For once Alice didn't sound bubbly and happy, instead she sounded sad.
Satisfied with the answer, I bid them all good night, hugging them all in goodbye before Edward ushered me out of the house and into his car.
The drive was comfortable; the two of us talking about anything except my upcoming departure before we knew it we were parked in front of my house. It was very quiet and dark, the moon was very high in the sky.
"Sorry I kept you out so late. I'm still getting used to all your needs."
"It's more than fine." I mumbled shyly. "Thank you for today."
"You're more than welcome, love." There it was again, that word.
What does it mean? I really wanted to ask him if there was meaning behind that word or if it was just a sentiment. Of course I was way too embarrassed or scared to actually ask so I stayed silent.
I stayed silent but continued to stare at the amazing guy next to me. Unable to stop myself, I grabbed his shirt, pulling his face to mine until our lips connected. There was something different about this kiss. Normal our kisses were gently and delicate, but this one was hot, hungry and full of emotion. I pulled him closer and closer, not able to get enough of him. My hands running through his hair, while one of his hands was secure in my head holding my face to his. His other on my waist, pulling me closer. I literally forgot everything, except the guy I was clinging to.
When we pulled away we were both breathless, sucking in as much oxygen as possible. I don't know if it was the lack of oxygen to my brain or I had just grown some confidence but I said the first thing that came to my head.
"Stay with me," I pleaded my voice husky. I felt him literally freeze in my arms. His breathing stopped all together.
"Erm…Bella?" his voice was just as husky as mine but I could detect fear and uncertainty. Why was he so nervous all of a sudden? I replayed my words in my head trying to find out what was causing this behaviour.
I blushed the deepest red ever when I caught onto the double meaning of my words. Oh dear lord, I had never wished to vanish so much in all my life. For a few seconds I actually considered dissipating out of the car.
"Oh! Not like that!" I stuttered out mortified. I fidgeted, desperate to get out of this conversation as quickly as possible. Suddenly the trees outside my house were very fascinating. I seriously couldn't look at him right now. I heard his sigh of relief that I had no plans to sleep with him tonight. That stung a little, was I that bad?
After a few seconds of silence, Edward's hand slipped under my chin, turning my face to look at his.
"What did you mean?" His hypnotic eyes were locked on mine. Even though he looked serious and confident his voice betrayed him. He was nervous, I took strength from that.
"I just don't want you to go. I leave tomorrow and I just want to spend some time with you."
He watched me for a few minutes. His eyes searching for something. I don't know if it was the desperation in my eyes or the rose colour on my cheeks but something whatever it was caused him to smile softly.
"Okay, I'll stay." He said so softly I nearly melted. I heard the car door close and almost simultaneously he was outside my door, opening it for me.
He took hold of my hand, helping me out of the car and walking us towards my house.
Disclaimer: I do not own Twilight or any of the characters or locations from the series.
We are almost done. One more chapter, that I will hopefully post tomorrow depending on what time I get back from work.
I will save the soppy authors note until tomorrow.
Hope you enjoyed the chapter, please leave me a review.
Thank you for all the reviews and support for the last chapter.
See you soon.
xxx Red as a Rose xxx
