Jeez, why did ye all think Renee would come to cause trouble? It's just a friendly visit to her daughter. She's basically the equivalent of throwing a bucked of cold water over them.
Bella POV
A sense of urgency still hung in the air. It was completely different, however, to the urgency that had existed between Edward and I only moments before. Then, we had been anxious to maintain as little distance between us as possible. Now, we were anxious to clean up the mess we had made and trying to somehow conceal this from my perceptive mother, who was apparently mere minutes away.
I tripped twice, while I ran up the stairs. I was afraid to look back to assess the damage in the kitchen. Hurriedly, I stripped off Edwards damp clothes and sprayed on deodorant. There was no time for a shower. I threw on the first pair of shorts and t-shirt I found and stuck my feet into my tennis shoes. I tried in vain to tame my messy hair. In the mirror, I noted my flushed complexion, mussed hair and swollen lips. Renee would know in a heartbeat that I had been up to no good.
Emerging from the bathroom, I ran smack into Edward. He was still shirtless but he looked slightly calmer. He pulled me into the bedroom and I immediately closed the blind. I could hear the rumble of a car engine outside. I stared at Edward, my eyes were wide as I waited for him to give me some kind of explanation or excuse.
"She's looking for her wallet to the pay the cab driver," he began. "She'll be at the door in a minute, act surprised,"
"Get dressed!" Panic was beginning to overcome me. "Or leave, hide! She can't find us like this,"
"Breathe, Bella. Calm down," I think his smile was meant to be comforting, but to me it felt patronising.
"Calm down," I spluttered, incredulous. "It's sunny. She'll see you-"
Edward placed his hands on my shoulders. His grip was firm and authoritative, nothing like the sensual way he had caressed me downstairs. "That was Alice calling. She tried to warn me. She knew Renee was coming but didn't want to spoil the surprise. She didn't see my decision to come in until it was too late. If I had know, I swear I never would have behaved like that,"
Outside a car door slammed. I was still none the wiser as to what to do.
"Alice says it'll be fine. I fixed the kitchen as best I could, I don't think she'll notice. I can't leave, though, it's too risky. Carlisle's car is outside but I don't think I'll make it without being spotted. So I've just come down with a severe migraine and you had to put me to bed,"
That was going to be our excuse? I supposed it could work. It would have to. The doorbell rang and Edward jumped into my unmade bed.
"Answer the door, Bella." he whispered. "Trust me, it'll be fine,"
I ran back down the stairs, holding on to the bannister to steady myself. Less than five minutes had passed since our tryst in the kitchen. I flung open the front door, and as Edward had predicted, there stood my mother. Really, I shouldn't have been surprised that she interrupted us. She always was unpredictable.
"Mom!" I exclaimed. My voice was still shrill from panic, I hoped it would pass for surprise. "What are you doing here?"
"Don't sound so happy to see me," she teased. "I wanted to surprise my only daughter. I know I'll be coming for the wedding but you'll be so busy I'll hardly see you. A cousin of Phil is getting married in Oregon and I couldn't be this close and not come visit you,"
"Wow…well that's great Mom. I'm so glad to see you. You could've called though. The house is a mess…"
"Is that why you won't invite me in?" she asked. I hadn't even realised I was keeping her on the porch. How rude.
"Sorry," I stepped back to let her in. Then I frowned. "Where's your luggage?"
"Oh, I'm only here for the day. I can't leave Phil too long. He's still recovering from his injury," she explained.
Part of me was relieved she would only be here so briefly. I led her into the living room, unsure of what state the kitchen would be in.
"Oh Bella," she suddenly gasped, pulling me in for a hug. "You look so grown-up. You're not the girl I knew in Phoenix,"
"I'm still the same," I protested, as her arm enveloped me. Wasn't she the one who said I was born middle aged? How did she suddenly think I looked grown up? Renee moved her face back to look at me, but kept her arms around me.
"Maybe grown up was the wrong choice of words?" she mused. "You are the same but you are changed. You seem softer, brighter, less introverted…"
"I guess Edward brings out the best in me," I muttered shyly.
"So show me your ring," she asked brightly.
Proudly, I held out my left hand for inspection. The diamonds sparkled in the sunlight.
"It's beautiful, sweetie. Better than you described. It's perfect for you," she told me, her voice cracking slightly.
"Thanks Mom," I felt teary too. She still brought out strong emotions in me, a throwback to all the years it was just the two of us.
"Is Edward here?" she asked. "I saw that fancy car outside and just assumed…." She trailed off, looking around expectantly.
"He's upstairs," I began. She only raised her eyebrows.
"In bed," I continued. Her eyebrows practically hit her hairline.
"He gets migraines. He came over this morning and one hit him. It must be from the sun. The only thing to do is lie down in a dark room," I guess Renee had forgotten what a terrible liar I was. Her smirk faded to concern, she obviously believed me.
"Should I see if he's alright?" she asked, her motherly instincts resurfacing.
"No!" I said, a tad too strongly. "He's sleeping. I don't want to disturb him," She looked startled but seemed to agree with me.
"Do you want to go out somewhere?" I asked. I felt like the walls of the little house were closing in around me.
"I'm fine here," she replied, though I doubted she was that comfortable in her old home. Her eyes lingered on where her and Charlie's wedding photo was still on display. "I just wanted to spend some time with you."
"Why don't we drive to Port Angeles," I suggested. "Go out for lunch, maybe do some shopping? A proper mother-daughter day out,"
I gathered that the idea appealed to her and tried to usher her towards the front door. She hesitated, looking over my shoulder towards the closed kitchen door.
"Can I just get a glass of water first?" she asked.
"Sure," I answered through gritted teeth. I was mentally cursing Edward. He was so lucky to be lying upstairs in bed, undoubtedly highly amused by the goings on down here. "Wait in the living room and I'll bring it in to you,"
"Bella," she chided. "I think I remember where the sink is, I can get it myself,"
I really had no choice but to stand back and let her into the kitchen. I opened the door, bracing myself for a scene of destruction. Then I breathed a sigh of relief upon seeing Edward had returned the room to a relatively normal state. Bless his vampire speed, he had even finished the washing up and the dishes and pots were now stacked on the draining board. As Renee got herself a glass of water, straight from the tap, I spied a stray button on the floor and kicked it under the stove.
"It looks just the same," Renee said, looking around the bright kitchen. Was that nostalgia I heard in her voice, or disdain? I couldn't be sure. Her eyes drifted downwards to the yellow cabinets under the sink, or more specifically, to a circular hole in the centre of the door with jagged cracks splintering out from it. She tutted in disapproval.
"Charlie was never one for DIY but really that's ridiculous," she muttered.
Surely my face must be puce by now.
"It just happened, Mom," I bluffed. "You know how clumsy I can be," She would have to believe that. "C'mon. We don't want to be cooped up in here on a day like this. I'll grab my purse, check on Edward and then we'll go,"
I wasn't giving her a choice. I ran back upstairs, into my room, where I found Edward sitting on my bed. Somehow, he managed to look concerned, amused and guilty all at once.
"Relax Bella," he whispered. "Renee believes you. But if you keep acting so jumpy she'll begin to suspect,"
I sank onto the bed beside him, only now realising just how tense I had been. He began to rub my shoulders, helping to calm my nerves.
"Go, have a fun day with your mother," he continued. "I promise everything will be fine. You'll enjoy yourself,"
His voice was always so soothing. He could calm me and make me believe anything he said. I turned my head to his, taking deep steadying breaths. Maybe we had time for one little kiss…
"Bella?" Renee's voice echoed up the stairs, dragging me back to reality. How easy it was to forget the world when I was with Edward. It was like we were in our own private bubble that no-one could penetrate.
In the blink of an eye, Edward was back under the covers, pulling them securely over his head. I leaped to my feet, hearing Renee's footsteps progress up the stairs. I grabbed my purse from the floor, not remembering leaving it there, and ran to the door. Renee was quicker, she met me in the doorway. I raised my fingers to my lips, indicating to Edward's 'sleeping ' form and she nodded.
"It's very stuffy in here," she whispered. "Perhaps you should open the blinds and windows, let in some fresh air-"
"No!"
Renee looked shocked. Edward, the wonderful actor, shifted in the bed in reaction. The covers slipped, revealing his peaceful angelic features in the dim light. His eyes were closed, his expression restful.
"Bright lights make migraines worse," I continued, thinking quickly.
"Did you call his father?" she pressed. "Check his temperature?"
I wondered if she had taken a first-aid course lately? It wasn't like her to be so considerate.
"Carlisle says the best thing to do is let him sleep," I said firmly, ushering her out the door and closing it behind me.
"He's so pale though," she pondered, sneaking a glance into Charlie's bedroom. "He must be badly affected by migraines. He looks like death warmed up,"
I fought the urge to push my mother down the stairs. Her perceptiveness was un-nerving. I couldn't be sure but I thought I heard a ghostly chuckle, echo from my bedroom and follow me down the stairs.
This was going to be a trying visit.
The drive to Port Angeles wasn't too bad. Renee mostly chattered about wedding plans and I just had to nod at appropriate intervals. She was actually better informed then I was, thanks to her regular daily phone calls to Esme and the fact that she was actually interested in the details. She was completely enthusiastic and unlike Charlie, she never doubted or questioned my decisions. Her acceptance was refreshing, a welcome relief from niggling insecurities that plagued me.
I found a handy parking space along the main street and carefully lurched my truck into it. The fine weather made this pretty tourist town seem even more picturesque. We strolled along the boardwalk, talking about inconsequential things--Phil, the kids Renee taught in Florida. She was completely touched when I told her about the little boy we had helped at the carnival. Edward went up in her estimation, but she did add in a harsh, and unnecessary, warning that we were too young to be thinking about children. I rolled my eyes and told her not to worry. There really was no need to.
Shopping with my mother was a totally different experience to the trips Alice dragged me on. It was more relaxed and definitely more unpredictable. She bought an impractical straw hat in a thrift store and an array of brightly coloured scarves on sale. I think the sales assistant thought my mother was moonlighting as a magician. I didn't buy anything, I already had everything I needed and helping my mother make decisions was time-consuming enough.
I was relieved when she suggested stopping for lunch. We got a nice window seat in a little diner where we could watch the world go by. After we'd placed our order, Renee stopped fiddling with the sugar packets and looked me in the eyes.
"Sweetie," she began. Immediately, I recognised her serious tone of voice, much different to the light-hearted one she used for shopping and wedding plans. "I'm sure you're wondering what brought on this visit. I'll be here soon enough for the wedding but I just wanted to see you one more time before….before you won't be mine anymore. To see if you were truly happy,"
"Mom," I interrupted. "I am happy. This is what I want-"
"Let me finish, please," she went on. "I see now that that was unnecessary. You were always so easy to read. Your skin is glowing, you're eyes are sparkling. Every time you mention Edward's name you can't help but smile. I don't know what the future will hold for you, Bella. But right now I know you are truly happy,"
I reached across the table and squeezed her hand. Fighting tears, I choked out, "I am happy, Mom. More than I could ever imagine,"
Through her own tears, Renee smiled at me. "I'm glad. That's all I ever wanted for you,"
Our dishes were placed in front of us then, interrupting the moment but not ruining it. It was too perfect to be ruined. Renee returned to normal conversation as we ate and I found it much easier to engage with her now. It was almost like a weight had been lifted from my shoulders, one less thing to worry about. My mother's approval meant the world to me.
After we'd finished, Renee went to the restroom and I fished in my bag looking for money to pay for lunch. I wanted to treat her. Opening my wallet, I found a ten dollar bill, some receipts, my school id card and….a shiny black credit card. That definitely wasn't there before. I took it out for closer inspection and saw my name, Isabella Swan, clearly printed in white raised letters. Was this the reason my bag was moved and Edward looked guilty when I returned to my room this morning?
Granted, we'd had made a compromise whereby getting married meant we shared everything. But we weren't married yet. I could turn a blind eye to the fifties that had appeared in my wallet, Edward must have only been testing the water with those, but this was a bit extreme. I had never even seen a black credit card before this. But I did want to do something nice for my mother after she'd come all this way to see me. The bill was less than thirty dollars, it hardly made me a gold-digger. I still felt like a criminal, handing the card to the waitress and sloppily signing my name. I half expected it to be declined.
When Renee returned, and chastised me for paying the bill much in the same fashion I gave out to Edward when he paid for everything, I suggested heading back to Forks. She looked at me as if I had grown an extra head.
"I know you dislike shopping, but this is the only chance I get to spend time with you and I'm not going to waste it," she declared, dragging me in the direction of the department store.
Renee wandered aimlessly, stroking hats, coats she would never need in sunny Florida. What was the point of looking at stuff you would never buy? She eventually found a dress she wanted to try on and disappeared into a dressing room.
With perfect timing, my rarely used cell-phone, another gift from Edward, began to ring in my bag. I fumbled for it, attracting stares when I couldn't find it, and eventually held it to my ear.
"Took you long enough to answer," Edward's unmistakeably sultry voice greeted me.
"I couldn't find my phone," I explained, unable to hide the glee in my voice. "Why are you calling? Oh God, did Charlie come home?"
"Relax, Bella," he chuckled. "I just missed you. Are you having a nice day?"
"I suppose," I answered. "It's great to spend time with my mother but I just wish we could have done something other than shopping,"
"Did you buy anything nice?" he enquired. His voice was too innocent.
"Not yet," I replied carefully. "But speaking of buying, were you ever going to explain the credit card that mysteriously appeared in my purse?"
"It's pretty self-explanatory. Much easier than carrying around cash-"
"That's not what I meant and you know it," I tried to be angry with him, and failed miserably.
I heard him sigh. "Please don't be insulted. I just wanted you to be able to buy things if you wanted. I just want to make you happy,"
"Edward, I don't need things or money to make me happy. But I appreciate what you are saying. I won't complain anymore, I haven't forgotten our agreement,"
"Good," he said. "So when do you think you'll be back?"
I was about to answer, but I was distracted by my mother calling me from across the store and waving something red and lacy over her head. Oh how I wished the ground would swallow me up.
"I'm not sure," I mumbled, grateful Edward couldn't see what was going on.
"Ok well, it sounds like you're needed there so I'll let you go."
"Ok," I gulped, still ignoring my mother.
"This bed smells wonderful, Bella, but is sure is lonely without you,"
With those words he hung up, leaving me altogether flustered. I was strongly considering pretending I didn't know Renee. But she called my name again and I figured I better go over to her before she made even more of a scene.
"What is that?" I questioned, pulling her arms down.
"Lingerie," she stated, as if she was talking about t-shirts or cotton socks.
"I can see that. What are you doing with it?" I whispered furiously.
"I picked it out for you," she tried to push me into a nearby changing room but I dug in my heels, refusing to be budged an inch.
"No way," I insisted.
Renee ignored me and turned to the saleslady, talking about me as if I wasn't there. "She's getting married soon," she explained. "I want to buy her something for her honeymoon but she's a little shy,"
This was worse than the time she brought me to get my first bra. The saleslady here had the exact same nod and smile, fake understanding that was really patronising.
"I'm not trying that on. It's tacky and I don't like it," I was standing my ground on this one.
Her face fell. "I have it in pink,"
That was more information than I ever needed to know. Time for a different tactic.
I took a calming breath. "Edward's old-fashioned. He wouldn't go for that kind of thing,"
Apparently he preferred to see me in dressed in his clothes, bent across the kitchen counter…I tingled at the memory.
"I know just the thing," The saleslady, a bottle blonde in her thirties whose nametag read Margo, piped up. "Go in there and strip off, I'll be right back,"
Between her and Renee, I was unceremoniously shoved into the changing room. I felt like a prisoner about to be searched. I peeled off my clammy shorts and shirt as several items of lingerie were sling over the door. I vetoed the first three hangers-a red corset, a blue lace number that looked scratchy and a floor length negligee meant for someone much taller than me.
The final item had the most potential; a slinky black satin nightgown, cut on the bias, that would fall to my knees. I took it off the hanger, feeling the softness of the material between my fingertips. I was about to put it on when I heard Renee call from outside, "Did you see anything you like?"
"Just a second!" I replied though clenched teeth.
I still didn't have the chance to get dressed when Margo's popped her head in the door. "Do you need help with the corset?" she asked, letting herself in without any invitation. Of course, she would have to be one of those types of assistants.
"No, thank you," I answered tersely. "I'm just going to try the black one,"
"Is everything ok?" Renee asked, slipping into the confined space. It seemed it was the more the merrier. I was surprised they didn't invite the custodian I saw buffing the floor tiles in the shoe section.
Then her face twisted in concern. "Oh, honey. Look at all those bruises. What happened?"
I glanced at my reflection in the full length mirror. I was only wearing my underwear and I could see that there was indeed multiple bruises on my body. Some faded ones on my legs from paintball, one on my back from the bar of the ride last night, the hickey on my hip that would hopefully pass for a bruise, and some other unexplained one, possibly from our encounter in the kitchen.
"You'll have to tell your fiancée to take it easy with you," Margo joked. I threw her my best dirty look, trying to channel the malevolent looks Edward shot his brothers sometimes.
"Mom, you know how clumsy I can be," I told her. In the mirror, I could see my scarlet blush creep down my neck and chest.
"You could be anaemic," Margo offered helpfully. I shook my head, I was pretty sure Edward would have been able to tell if there was something wrong with my blood.
"Honestly, I'm fine," I insisted. In order to avoid further embarrassment, I yanked the nightgown over my head, hoping to distract them. I fixed the straps, adjusted the slit which exposed way to much thigh for my liking and looked in the mirror. I was surprised at the reflection looking back at me.
My hair, still slightly messy, fell in waves around my shoulders and my blush had faded, so only my cheeks were pink. The nightgown fit well, highlighting my small curves without clinging to them. It showed just a hint of cleavage. With a black satin wrap, it mightn't be that bad. I still looked like me, just a slightly older, sexier version. Someone who wasn't confident, but could be brave, with the right person. With Edward.
"You like it," Renee confirmed, bringing me out of my reverie. I had forgotten there were two other people with me. The saleslady's head popped up over my shoulder and she tightened the straps. She paused and sniffed my neck.
"What perfume is that?" she asked. "It's lovely, so sweet. Did you try a sample here?"
I wasn't wearing perfume. I rarely did as Edward didn't like me to 'corrupt my natural scent'. I hadn't even showered today so she wasn't smelling my shampoo. Oh God, I realised with a shock. It was Edward. Could she get his scent from me?
"No," I mumbled. "It's just something I have at home. I think I'll take this," I gestured to the negligee, hoping to distract her.
"Great," Renee enthused. "There's more outside, with matching wraps. I'll go pay,"
"You don't have to," I argued.
"Nonsense, I want to add something to your trousseau. Esme and Alice have done so much already," She disappeared out of the cramped room and thankfully so did Margo.
I took my time getting dressed, trying to make sense of this farcical shopping trip. I wondered had Alice seen this. Some sister she was, not even having the decency to warn me. I felt calmer exiting the room. The day was drawing to a close and I would see Edward again soon. That thought was always comforting.
Thanking Margo, I handed back the clothes I had rejected. "How long until the wedding," she asked, conversationally.
"Just a couple of weeks," I replied, swallowing the lump that always rose in my throat at the mention of the wedding.
She smiled. "You're very lucky to have found someone you want to spend your life with. You're still so young," I noticed there was no ring on her finger and detected loneliness in her voice.
"I am lucky," I agreed. "I don't know what I'd do if I didn't have Edward. He was alone for a long time before we met," Maybe that would offer her some hope.
"Is he older than you?" she asked. Shoot, this was getting complicated. At least Renee was safely out of ear-shot.
"A bit," I replied. No need to tell her how much longer he'd been around for.
"Does it make things harder?" she asked.
I shook my head. "It doesn't matter in the slightest," Not to me anyway.
For some reason that sentence made her look relieved. "I met a really nice guy," she told me out of the blue. "A police officer, new to Port Angeles, but he's a few years younger than me. I bumped into him in McDonalds and he paid for my sundae. His name is Larry,"
I almost choked trying to hold in my laughter. Had she really been asked out by the cop who'd harassed Edward?
She looked dreamy as she continued. "He asked me out for a drink, gave me his number, but I haven't called him,"
"Go for it," I told her. Two people that irritating deserved each other. "Age doesn't matter, not when you care about someone,"
She looked at her watch. "It's time for my break, I think I'll call him now," Off she ran, completely ignoring another customer looking for assistance.
Renee returned from the till. Secretly I was glad she was paying, I didn't want my first purchase on the credit card to be lingerie. We browsed around a while longer and surprisingly I found a couple of things to buy. I say a hat I knew Emmett would get a kick out of, a binder for Alice's wedding arrangements and a pair of novelty gardening gloves for Esme.
After that, it was time for Renee and I to walk back to towards the car. We strolled along, arms linked, and I was reminded of simpler times. When we lived in Phoenix and there was no such thing as weddings or vampires to worry about. We paused outside an antique store. Renee lovingly stroked the window as she admired a beautiful silver bracelet.
"Let's go in and try it on," I suggested to her impulsively. She looked surprised. I sued to moan at her for trying on things she had no intention of buying. However, I had every intention of buying her this. All her life, Renee had struggled for money and could never afford anything nice for herself. She never complained, but I wanted to do one nice thing for her.
I pulled her inside and asked the elderly man behind the counter if we could see it. Renee slipped it on, holding it up to the light to admire the intricate detail. It was quite beautiful, though a little chunkier than I would prefer.
"I'll take it," I told the assistant.
"No, Bella. It's too much," Renee protested, instantly removing the bracelet.
I shook my head. "I was going to get you a gift for the wedding anyway. Please let me do this,"
Her gaze fell to the credit card in my hand. "Where did you get that?"
"Edward," Like there was any other explanation. I could see she was relenting and I handed the card to the cashier.
"You must know a lot about jewellery," he commented as he took it.
I was confused. "Not at all, why?"
"That beautiful ring," he grabbed my hand and began to admire the ring. Since I had gotten engaged, it was apparently acceptable for perfect strangers to hold my hand whenever they felt like it.
"It was a gift, an engagement ring," I replied. "A family heirloom,"
"Your fiancée has excellent taste. I'd guess the Edwardian period, turn of the last century, sold gold, high carat diamonds. I could do a valuation if you want-"
"No!" I snatched my hand back and shoved it in my pocket. I didn't want to know what it cost.
His face fell. "Can I help you with anything else?"
Something caught my eye in the glass cabinet. A gift for Edward. "I'll take that too, please" I told him. These must be the easiest sales he ever made. Renee was still admiring a cameo brooch and I was grateful. I didn't want her to see it and have her thoughts ruin Edward's surprise.
We finished the transaction and headed outside. I was happy to hand Renee her gift and she seemed pleased, if not a little embarrassed. By now it was late evening and time for my mother to leave. Her flight back to Oregon was leaving from the little airport in Port Angeles, so she wouldn't be coming back to Forks with me.
She hugged me tightly before she left, crushing me with love and emotion. I could draw comfort from the promise that I would see her again soon. I didn't dwell on the fact that after that I may not see her for a very long time.
I was glad we had the day together. It was ordinary, relaxed, unpredictable and slightly embarrassing. Just the kind of thing I'd come to expect from her. After a final hug, we parted and I began the long drive back to Forks, and more importantly to Edward. My purchases sat beside me on the front seat and the sun set behind me, casting a pink glow across the horizon. After all that had happened this week, I had absolutely no idea what the night would bring.
Thanks so much for reviews for the last chapter! Please share your thoughts on this one. As you can tell, I've been furiously trying to finish this before BD (not to mention trying to have the willpower to avoid spoilers) and I'm hoping I'll get the final 2 chapters up tomorrow! Sorry for any typos in this.