New and Improved

Chapter 36 – Let's get Serious

BPOV

As soon as Edward left, I called Alice. She didn't answer. Then I called Rosie, she was probably still with Emmett. In fact, I am guessing that is where Ali is she probably saw Edward and me and then had to find Jasper.

You know thinking about them being together doesn't make me want him so much. I think they are perfect for each other. Besides, I have Edward.

I threw on some clothes and headed out the door. It started to rain so I opted for the truck. Pulling into the diner, I honked at Mike and Jessica. They were with Angela and Ben.

Suddenly a strong arm is yanking on me and I'm flying across the hood of dad's truck.

"What the Fu … ck!" pausing I could see I should have eaten at home. "Leah."

"First you come back with out even so much as a word. Your dad didn't even tell my dad you were here. Then you go all skank and fuck Edward Cullen. Bells! ..,"

I cut her off, "Don't, Shhh, It's Marie. I. am. Not. Bella Swan. Not here, and I wasn't ignoring you. I just wanted to keep up the image. I didn't want Cullen to know it was me."

When the huge grin broke my face, she fisted my hood and stormed off. I followed her into the diner and proceeded to explain everything, mostly. I left out the "dirty" parts.

"So are you and Cullen like together?" she shivered after asking.

"I don't know, I guess. He said he loved … er,um … loves me."

"You do remember all the crap he put you through, I mean God Bella he's the reason you left in the first place."

"I know, Leah, but I feel so drawn to him. I can't explain it, and it's not just about sex."

She raised an eyebrow to me. "Well I've gotta go, homework. I know your dad is out of town you want to stay at my house, like old times?"

I felt bad to turn her down, but the feeling that Leah and I had out grown each other and our friendship was a fast approaching bus, and she was getting on.

"Thanks, but … I told Charlie I was staying with Alice Bandon. You can come hang out with us though …"

"Thanks Bells, but I think we have a, very, different opinion of who our friends are. Alice and I don't really 'hang'.

Leah, and I waved as we pulled out of the diner parking lot and headed to our houses. It was already almost 6 o'clock. Leah and I spent a long time eating dinner.

To pass the time I cleaned the living room, did the dishes, swept the floor put in some laundry, cleaned my room, and decided to take another shower. I didn't really want to wash off my Edward smell but that was just it, I smelled.

After opting to soak in a hot bubble bath, I put on my silky PJ's, grabbed my electric blanket, and headed down stairs. Sitting down on the couch, I turned on the boob tube to watch a movie. I was flipp'n channels when Princess Bride came on, and I had to watch it. It was just starting. Wesley was handing Buttercup a jug.

"Wesley!", I called out in time with Princess Buttercup, laughing to myself. Who names their kid Buttercup.

A while later, I was crying and ready to turn off the TV when a soft knock came from the front door. Looking at the clock it was almost 11:00. Where had my night gone? Where was my Edward?

I walked to the door, blanket in hand. Unlocking the dead bolt, I pulled the door back a little to see who it was.

My face dropped, anger and fear took over. "What the hell are you doing here?"

He pushed his way in the door knocking me back against the wall. "I need to talk to you, and if you wont see me by will, I'll force you too."

"Get out!" I righted myself pushing him back towards the door. However, he was stronger than I was, and shoved my whole body back against the wall.

"Listen you little bitch!" He said pinning me to the wall.

With one foot between my legs and one hand holding my two in front of me, his other arm was pressing against my chest almost choking me.

I wiggled and squirmed to get free, but it was useless, so I spit in his face. He stepped back whipping his face and laughing. My eyes found the open door, and I started to move in that direction, when his hand abruptly connected with my face. He backhanded me into the wall knocking me to the ground and kicking me in the stomach. All the while ranting about how much trouble, I caused him. Unexpectedly he grabbed me by my hair and started banging my head against the wall.

Bang, Bang, Bang, Bang!

I squeezed my eyes closed screaming out in pain, "Stop, Stop! Please stop!"

I clawed, and scratch and tried to fight back.

Suddenly, I was being shaken, and another familiar voice was calling out to me.

"Bella, baby … Bella wake up!"

I grabbed a hold of him as tight as I could, soaking his shirt with my tears. Wrapping my arms around Edward's neck, he lifted me into his arms and carried me up the stairs. I felt him place me on the bed, still unable to open my eyes for fear I would see James' face. I held tight to Edward, inhaling him. Telling my senses it was ok, Edward was here, not James. Edward would keep me safe and warm.

Somehow, Edward pulled my arm free from him and my sobs got louder. I heard him clunking down the stairs. That's when I opened my eyes.

I called out for him, "Edward … where are you?"

At first, I thought I was still dreaming.

Then he floated to the top of the stairs. He was the ultimate dream. I beckoned him to come to me, patting the bed next to me. He raised an eyebrow in question to my request. I'm sure checking to make sure it was ok.

"Are you ok?" he timidly asked. "When I came to the door I heard crying, then you started to scream and I … I didn't know what to do. You had left the door unlocked, my mind went crazy with worry."

I had never seen this side of Edward, all caring and lovable. I pinched myself thinking I was still dreaming.

"I'm sorry I scared you, I was having a terrible nightmare, but it's over now. You rescued me."

"What was it about?" he asked while lowering himself onto the bed and pulling me into him.

"Oh, nothing … I really can't remember it, to be honest." I wanted to tell Edward all about it, but come on what new boyfriend wants to hear about an old stalker.

Did I just say boyfriend?

Yes, you did girlfriend. See I told you people can change!

Shut up!

Edward started talking again pulling me from my inter monologue.

"Ok, so do you wanna go to sleep?"

Pushing up from his chest, "What? You mean to tell me you came all the way over her, rescued me from … myself and all you want to do is sleep!"

He gawked for a second …

"That shit was hot, the way you played the knight in shinning armor and came to my rescue …" I could speak after that, his lips were blocking my speech.

Of course, who cares with his cold hands starting to roam my hot flesh. I could feel his heart beating right into my chest.

His fingertips skimmed the top of my shorts. Edward pulled back his glassy eyes looked straight into mine. Then he said,

"Don't move. Sit perfectly still, there's something I wanna try.""