AN: Happy Thursday! I don't know how this chapter managed to get finished as I was repeatedly plagued by brain flatulence. It felt like it took forever, but alas, it's finished. I won't be doing this as a 2 part update in 2 different POVs. It's not a typical day where completely different things are happening to our two favorite characters. They're experiencing everything the same way today. I battled with the idea of whose POV it should be in..and ultimately went with Edward, simply because he had memories of his own that he wanted to tell. He wouldn't leave me alone about it so I finally gave in to his pestering. I only wish he would have helped a bit more when I sat there staring at the screen not knowing what to write for what felt like hours! Little handsome bugger! Okay enough of my nonsense. ENJOY!
Disclaimer: I own nothing related to Twilight...but I do own various memories in this chapter! YAY!!
Multiple Awakenings and Apple Orchards
EPOV
I was startled awake early this morning as the alarm on my cell phone shrilled through the air, and vibrated against my leg in the pocket where I hadn't even realized I had left it. I quickly reached into the pocket of my pajamas, thankful that it wasn't on the side that Bella was cuddled up against, and tried to silence it quickly so that it wouldn't disturb her. She shifted just a bit, but after I was finally able to shut it off, she seemed to not be affected by it at all.
I looked at the time on the phone, and realized that it was already 6am, and I hadn't yet told Jazz or Em that I wouldn't be picking them up this morning. I quickly sent them both a text, telling them that I wouldn't be in school today, and that I'd explain later, and then put the phone on silent so that it wouldn't be able to disturb Bella again. I relaxed once again, and drifted back to sleep.
It felt like only minutes later that I was being awoken by a little finger poking me in the forehead. I squeezed my eyes shut, trying to ignore the sensation, but it wouldn't stop. In fact, it just increased in speed and force. Irritated to the brink of insanity, I opened my eyes to see who the hell was poking me in the head.
I was greeted by the sight of a slightly confused and overly amused Alice. She smiled at me and quirked one of her perfectly arched little black eyebrows.
"Edward, what are you doing here with Bella in the living room?" she asked quietly as she looked between Bella and I.
"Alice, can I explain it later? I'm exhausted...it was an extremely long night," I said hoarsely, sleep still thick in my voice.
"Sure," she said with a dejected expression before it turned to worry. "Is she alright though?" she asked worriedly.
"Yes, Alice. She's fine. I'm sure she'll fill you in on everything after you get home from school," I said as I ran my fingers gently through her hair, and let my eyes drift close once more.
"Okay, I'll make sure to get both of your assignments before I leave. Thank you for taking care of her. Sleep well, Edward," she said quietly as she lifted herself up off of the floor.
"I'm happy I was able to, Alice. Thank you for getting our assignments for us," I said, not quite sure how well she understood my slurred speech.
"Anytime, Edward. See you both after school," she said as she headed towards the front door to leave, probably heading back home until it was time for her to go to school. I quickly drifted back into a pleasant sleep.
I woke a few hours later, feeling like something was missing. I wasn't quite as warm as I had been earlier in the morning. It only took me a few moments to realize that Bella was no longer cuddled up against my side.
I sat up straight on the mattress, and rubbed the sleep from my eyes. When I pulled my hands away, Bella was standing next to the mattresses, holding a plate of food and a glass of orange juice. Her smile was beautiful and brilliant, and I was overjoyed to see that there was no awkwardness or discomfort in her approach as she carefully walked atop the mattresses until she was at my side once again.
She lowered herself down to the mattress, and sat beside me, placing the plate of food in my lap, and handing me a fork to eat with. She offered me the glass of orange juice, and I took it, taking a deep pull of the cool liquid. I was going to hold the glass while I ate, but Bella took it back from me and held it for me. She sat next to me the entire time, with a gentle smile on her face, as I devoured the plate of eggs, bacon, home fries, and toast with strawberry jam. How she remembered that I only liked strawberry jam was beyond me.
I finished eating just a few minutes later, and Bella handed me the remainder of my juice as she took the plate from me and got up to place it on the coffee table a few feet behind me. She came and sat back down next to me. I smiled at her, and she blushed before taking my hand in her tiny ones. I looked at her with a smile tugging at the sides of my mouth, surprised by her comfort with the contact. She smiled back at me and started delicately tracing something on the inside of my palm with one of her fingers. I watched closely as she traced letters, one after another, until she finally formed the words 'thank you', and gently squeezed my hand.
I looked at her confused as to why she would be thanking me, when I had really thought that she would would have felt comfortable around me this morning, if you could still call it morning anyway.
"For what, Bella?" I asked confusedly.
She smiled slightly before mouthing 'For staying'.
I was in awe that she was happy that I had stayed with her. I could only hope that she wouldn't regret it later.
"It was Esme's idea. I felt uncomfortable with the idea of not being able to assure myself that you were okay, and she suggested the living room camp-out that you all have used in the past," I said sincerely, hoping that she would know that I wasn't trying to take advantage of the fact that she had come to me for comfort the night before.
Bella held up her hand, telling me to wait a minute, as she lifted herself off the mattress. She took my dirty dishes with her as she left the room, and came back just a few minutes later holding a dry erase board and marker. She sat down next to me quickly and began writing.
I don't care who's idea it was. Thank you for staying. Last night was the first night that I don't remember having a single nightmare, or even waking up for that matter. I actually slept peacefully. How did you sleep? I didn't kick you or anything did I?
I smiled as I read her note. I didn't want to bring up the fact that she had indeed had a nightmare. If she didn't remember it, I wasn't going to bring it up.
Speaking of other things she might not remember...I'm gonna have to talk to Carlisle and Esme at some point this morning about what happened last night...
You're quite welcome, it was my pleasure. I'm glad that it wasn't awkward for you this morning. I was truly worried about that. You did wake up just once, but only for a few seconds. It was after I had laid you down and moved over to give you some room. It seemed that you sensed something was different and your eyes opened. When you found me you scooted into my side and fell right back to sleep. And no, you didn't kick me or anything..but you did drool on my shirt a bit...
She read my note and blushed before she shook with silent laughter. I was ecstatic that she seemed in such high spirits this morning.
Sorry about that. I hope you weren't too uncomfortable. I actually don't remember that at all. The last thing I remember is being in your bed and listening to you hum your melody. And sorry about your shirt...if it grosses you out too badly I'll buy you a new one!
I laughed hysterically as I read the end of her note, and quickly wrote back.
Silly Bella. I wasn't uncomfortable at all. I was quite comfortable actually. I didn't think you would remember waking, it was incredibly brief. And I like my shirt just fine...drool and all Thank You!
She smiled and laughed as she read her way through my message to her, and once again erased the message and wrote a new one.
Very well then drool boy! I'm going to take a shower and get dressed and then help Esme clean up the living room. I'm sorry that you had to miss school today on account of me. I'll make it up to you by taking notes for you for once in Mr. Banner's class next week!
I laughed as I wrote a reply for her. It was nice to know that out of everything she had lost over the years, her sense of humor wasn't one of them. It was one of my favorite things about her. She could keep up with the best of them as long as she felt comfortable around them...and that realization made the hope in my chest from Esme's words the night before swell even greater.
Shouldn't I be the one calling you drool girl? After all...it was in fact YOU who drooled and not I. Don't worry about me missing school, I rarely ever miss a day and it's only the beginning of the year. Besides, it's not like I had a test today or anything. And don't worry about Mr. Banner's notes. I would much rather pass notes with you than have you ignore me to write his lecture. I am, however, curious as to how Emmett's fire-crotch is working out for him....
I gave her a smug smile as her smile disappeared and she looked at me with horror after she read my last line. I laughed and after a moment she joined in as well.
Sorry! It was Alice's idea! I swear! We were both a little miffed at what he did to her car...so I made the mistake of asking her if she wanted a little revenge and she went a bit overboard. What happened with that anyway?
I read her note, and my brow furrowed as I read the part about him doing something to Alice's car. When did he even have a chance to do something to it? I had been out there during last period and there was nothing wrong with it. I racked my brain for the answer as I wrote her back.
It was hilarious. He had to take 3 showers before he figured it out. He probably never would have figured it out if Jasper hadn't found the container with the sports cream in his locker. We really thought he was having an allergic reaction to his new soap. Jazz and I have now nicknamed him Fire Crotch...he just doesn't know about it yet. Bella...what did he do to Alice's car? I was out there last period and there was nothing wrong with it...
I passed her the board and she read it, erased it, and quickly started writing again as she laughed.
I warned Alice that he wasn't smart, and that it was a cruel prank. I'm glad he figured it out though...it would have been horrible to know that it had gone on longer than it actually did. I can only imagine how many times he would have used that soap if you hadn't suggested that he was allergic to it! He covered her car in balloons, streamers, confetti, and teddy bears. He even wrote Happy Birthday Bella all over the windows. It took us forever to clean it off! The damn teddy bears gave him away. Do you remember that dumb bear he had when we were kids that he wouldn't seperate from? It was a grizzly or something. Everyone made fun of him because he was 13 and still slept with it! What the heck was the name of that thing? I can't remember for the life of me!
I laughed boisterously as I read her note. I had completely forgotten about that bear of his. I was also pissed beyond belief that he would do something like that to both Bella and Alice. He knew she hated being the center of attention, and I can only imagine how much attention that sight caused. I was half way through writing my reply when the answer dawned on me.
That damn douche didn't have the shits! He used it as an excuse! He wasn't freaking running late yesterday morning either..he knew I would put a cease to his attempts when I saw the supplies for it! Oh he SO deserved to have his crotch on fire for that!
I'm sorry he did that to you. Alice's revenge was well deserved! I would have stopped him, but I had no idea about it. He had me completely fooled when he told me he ate something bad at lunch and ran out of class to supposedly head to the bathroom. I'm sorry I didn't catch him to stop him. You know I had completely forgotten about that damn bear he had! He STILL has it! Ugh..what is that thing's name?! This is going to drive me crazy until I remember it... BIG BAD BOOG!! That was it's name! I honestly don't know where the hell he got it from. I really thought he would have gone with something like Grizzly Adams or something...
She laughed in silent hysterics as she read the end of the note. She even toppled over sideways and clutched her sides. Once she composed herself she wrote once again.
Oh, man! I sooo forgot about that lame name! Didn't you and Jasper use to call it Booger? He used to get soo mad at you guys and then he'd talk to the stupid thing trying to comfort it for you guys hurting its feelings. I think we should have known there was something wrong with Emmett then...but no, we didn't. Okay..I really have to go take a shower. You're more than welcome to one as well, as I'm sure you'd like to wash my drool off of you. There's a guest bathroom upstairs, and there are towels and washcloths in the cabinet above the toilet. I'm pretty sure there's soap and such in there as well.
I read her note and laughed. She remembered so much of those years that had completely escaped me.
"Thanks, Bella. Go take your shower. I'm just going to get my stuff ready and then I'm going to take one as well...your drool really is quite uncomfortable," I joked. She laughed silently and lifted herself off the mattress and headed up the stairs. I waited for her to make it up the steps, and then I headed off to find Esme and Carlisle. I gave my mom a quick call to let her know that everything was alright as I searched through the downstairs for any sign of Esme or Carlisle. I found them in the dining room just after I ended my call.
"Good morning, Edward. Did you sleep well?" Carlisle asked with a smug expectant grin. I chuckled.
"Yes, Sir. Very well, thank you," I replied politely with a goofy grin.
"Carlisle, Esme, I was wondering if I could talk to you for a moment about what happened last night," I said with a respectful tone as I took a seat at the table across from Esme and next to Carlisle.
"Sure, son. What's on your mind?" Carlisle asked encouragingly as he set his paper down to give me his full attention. Esme sat across from me, smiling warmly, holding a cup of coffee in her hands as her elbows rested atop the table.
"Well, I was wondering how, if at all, you planned on breaking the news to Bella about what happened last night," I said hesitantly.
"I'm glad you brought that up, Edward. Esme and I had conversed about just that specific subject earlier, while you both were still sleeping," Carlisle started as he ran a hand through his hair as if he, too, was unsure of how to approach the situation.
"Dear, Carlisle and I came to the agreement that we weren't going to bring it up at all, well just yet anyhow. With everything that has been happening in her life recently, we thought it best that we don't add any additional distress to her already stressful situation. We firmly believe that Bella needs to decide when she's ready to take steps towards speaking again on her own. She has such little control over so many things in her life, and we don't wish to take away the one thing she has complete control over. We also feel that it would only be detrimental to her progress if we were to attempt to push her. I do hope you can understand our decision, dear. We pushed for so long, and it only seemed to cause her to hold back with even greater strength, and we'd much rather her take the necessary steps for her recovery when she feels she's ready," Esme spoke thoughtfully and sincerely. I completely understood their decision, and I was in no hurry to push her towards something that could cause her great amounts of distress.
"I understand completely, Esme. I was actually thinking the same thing. I just didn't know if you both had felt differently on the matter," I replied respectfully.
"I'm relieved to hear you feel the same. I was worried that you would feel quite differently. It's comforting to know that she has a friend aside from Alice that seems to understand her needs," Carlisle said, the relief clear in his tone.
"Were you ready to head home, dear?" Esme asked softly, her tone giving away her wish for me to not feel the need to rush off. I smiled warmly at her.
"Not at all. I'd like to stay a while longer if that would be alright with both of you," I replied sincerely.
"Of course, dear. We would like nothing more. You're more than welcome to stay as long as you'd like," she replied encouragingly with a smile. I chuckled as the thought of just how much I'd like to stay here forever breezed through my mind. I'm fairly sure her open invitation would be retracted should I have been unable to filter that thought as it crossed my mind.
"I'm going to head up to take a quick shower. Bella already told me where to find anything I would need," I said, excusing myself as I stood from the table. Esme and Carlisle both nodded in my direction before returning to their previous activities, Carlisle reading, and Esme working her way through the daily crossword puzzle.
I grabbed my bag from the couch and headed up the stairs. I smiled widely as I heard Jimmy Eat World's 'The Middle' blaring from what I could only assume was Bella's room. It made me wonder if she still applied songs to how she felt like she did when she was younger. If so, I hoped that she was playing it because she really felt that everything was going to be alright, just as the lyrics were chanting.
It took me a few tries, but I finally found the guest bathroom upstairs. I knew it wasn't the first bathroom that I had come across, since it was still slightly warm and smelled like Bella's strawberry shampoo from her shower. I didn't want to invade her privacy in there, so I closed the door and opened a few more doors before finding the one I was looking for.
I quickly showered, brushed my teeth, put on my deodorant, and dressed. I threw my sleep clothes in my bag and threw the towel and washrag in the hamper before exiting the bathroom. I walked back down the stairs and into the living room in an attempt to help them finish cleaning up the living room, but everything was picked up by the time I got there. Bella and Esme descended the staircase just as I was placing my bag on the seat of a reclining chair in the living room. Bella approached me, as Esme headed off towards the kitchen, holding her dry erase board and marker, passing it to me once she was within arm's reach.
Since we're playing hookie...what would you like to do today?
I laughed as I read the note and quickly wrote one back.
I'm not sure...I've never really played hookie from school before. Do you have any suggestions?
I passed her back the board and she looked deep in thought for a minute before a bright smile crossed her face. She waved to me to follow her, and I did. I followed Bella into the kitchen where she started signing with Esme. Esme smiled brightly and nodded to her, and Bella jumped up and down before putting the board down on the counter and writing something on it for me.
The Autumn Harvest Festival is this weekend at Salt Creek Farm. It's today through Sunday. We used to go apple and pumpkin picking there as kids. They didn't have the festival there then though. Wanna go? We can pick some apples and make a pie later!
I laughed as she bounced around while I read her note. Alice's energy has really been rubbing off on her. I remembered the farm fondly. We used to go there at least once a season. In the spring it was for strawberries and blackberries. In the summer it was peaches and occasionally pears. Fall was always apples and pumpkins. I swear our parents were driven insane during the fall when we'd beg every weekend to go back and get more apples and pumpkins. And then in winter all of our parents would make a group trip with us to pick out our trees. We always made it a competition to see who could find the best tree the fastest. Bella was a sneaky little thing then. She would sit on top of her father's shoulders and look out over all of them and then direct him to the best one. She won every damn year. I smiled at the memories and wrote back quickly.
I'd love to, Bella. That sounds great. I bet I can find the most perfect apple faster than you!
She laughed as she read the note and quickly wrote back.
You're just mad that I used my brains when it came to the trees and not my speed...well cause not only did I not have any speed, but I'd probably have impaled myself with a branch if I had tried to run through the trees like you all did!
I cracked up when I read her jab at her own clumsiness. She was probably right, and thinking of it that way, I'm glad she was clever enough to outsmart us every single time.
Esme departed the kitchen to get ready to leave, and Bella headed towards the front door. I had no idea what she was doing at first, but I figured it out when she opened the front door, stepped to the edge of the porch, and looked up towards the sky. The sunlight caught in her hair and made the red undertones in her hair shine beautifully. She looked like an angel at that moment, the sunlight almost casting a glowing halo around her head.
She turned and walked back inside a moment later and held up a hand to me, telling me to wait a minute, before she spun and headed for the stairs. She came back down only moments later, carrying a light zippered sweat jacket, and a light knit cap. The breeze that came in the door did seem quite chilly and I briefly wondered if I should ask Esme to stop by my house so I could grab a sweatshirt and hat before we headed to the festival.
I followed Bella into the kitchen, where she put her things down on the counter, and then continued through the kitchen and exited into the back hallway. She walked into the laundry room and pulled the door to the dryer open and pulled all of its contents out, placing them into a laundry basket. She rifled through it for a moment looking for something, and then pulled out a navy blue sweatshirt. I looked at her curiously for a moment as she turned it right side out. It was much too big for her, and I wondered what she was doing with it. My only guess was that she was getting it for Carlisle. That was until I saw the back of the sweatshirt. In big white letters it read 'FORKS P.D.' It was Charlie's sweatshirt, but that still didn't answer why she was digging it out now.
Bella looked at me and smiled as she passed me the sweatshirt. I took it from her with an awed expression. I couldn't believe she was giving me her father's sweatshirt to wear. I followed her back into the kitchen and she took a seat at the counter and started writing on the board again. After a minute she passed it to me.
Sorry. It's cold out, and that's the only sweatshirt I have that's big enough for you. I don't think Carlisle even owns a single sweatshirt as I've never seen him in one...well I've only ever seen him in one and it was his college sweatshirt, but it's old and gross and holey. He uses it when he shovels snow or does yard work in the fall. I wouldn't torture you by having you wear that thing out in public...
I smiled at her thoughtfulness, and quickly wrote back.
Bella, are you sure? It was your father's and I know how much it has to mean to you. I can just as easily grab something from home on the way there...
I passed it back to her and she wrote quickly as she silently chuckled.
Edward, it's fine. Just don't muss it up with your funky stench!
I laughed and made a joke of attempting to sniff myself before I wrote back.
I stink?! Thanks for telling me that now! How long have you known about this and not told me? For the love of all that's holy...you could have at least warned me that I'm rancid!
She took the board back from me and laughed before she wrote once more.
I'm just kidding, Edward. You don't stink...you actually smell quite good...like flowers. Is that rose or petunia that you bathe in?
I laughed heartily as I read her reply.
Thanks! Now I smell feminine? I don't know which is worse! Next thing you'll tell me that if you could you'd turn my scent into an air freshener called 'Spring Garden' or something...
She laughed as she wrote back. She paused a few times and looked to be concentrating really hard on something.
Actually, if I could, I would turn your scent into a cologne...but I'd never sell it. You do smell quite nice... it's kind of a soothing smell like... Hmm, you know, I can't associate it with anything that I can think of. It's very woodsy and nature like though, and sweet. If I had to name it, I'd probably call it 'Addiction'...cause...well...it's addicting.
She blushed brilliantly as she passed the board back in my direction, and I smiled widely as I read her note.
Bella, don't be embarrassed. I find the way you smell addicting as well. It's a mix of strawberries and freesia. Sweet and slightly fruity...just like you. Don't take that personally either...I love your quirks. They make you unique, they always have. I'm glad you wouldn't sell my scent...I'd hate to think of you sniffing random guys because they were wearing my scent!
I passed her back the board and she laughed as she wrote back.
As if people don't think I'm strange enough. Could you imagine the looks I would get if I just walked up to someone and sniffed them? God that would be so embarrassing!
I chuckled as I replied.
I guess it's a good thing you don't have to...you can sniff me all you want... I'll never look at you strangely for it.
She laughed and shot me an incredulous look. I laughed and stalked my way towards her as I came around the side of the counter pulling on the front of my shirt.
"Come on, Bella. Just one whiff. You know you want to. It's like heroine," I laughed as she hopped off her stool and started backing away from me with a brilliant smile as she laughed silently.
I started taking longer strides toward her, advancing quicker, and she spun and ran towards the living room. I gave chase to her and caught her just as she tried to dart in between the coffee table and the couch. I spun her around as she laughed in silent hysterics and laughed hysterically myself as I held her head to my chest with one hand, and steadied her with my other arm around her waist.
"Smell good, Bella? I just showered so it should be nice and fresh," I sputtered out through my laughter.
Bella laughed and grabbed a hold of my shirt, making a complete mockery of acting like she was sniffing it. She even went as far as to dramatically cross her eyes and roll them back as if she was experiencing euphoric pleasure. It was hilarious to me and I fell sideways onto the couch gripping my sides as I laughed so hard that tears were flowing from my eyes. She laughed silently and plopped down on the couch next to me. It took us a few minutes to let our laughter settle down, and Esme entered the room just as we sobered up.
"Are you both ready to go?" she asked warmly as she smiled at us. Bella and I nodded at the same time, and lifted ourselves off of the couch. Carlisle was waiting by the door, and Esme went to join him as Bella and I went into the kitchen to grab our sweatshirts, her hat, and the dry erase board and marker.
I slipped Charlie's sweatshirt on, and Bella smiled fondly at the sight of me in it. She slipped her sweat jacket and hat on, tucking her underneath it so it wouldn't fly into her face. As we entered the hallway, Esme handed us our jackets and then turned to look for something in the closet. A few moments later, she handed me a navy blue light knit cap. I guessed it was Carlisle's as he was wearing a similar one that was black with a thin gray stripe just above the lower edge of it. Esme decided to forgo the hat, and chose just a cream colored headband that covered her ears.
We filed out of the front door after we all put our jackets on, and headed towards Esme's SUV. We piled into the car, and just as Carlisle was about to start reversing out of the driveway, Esme gasped. Carlisle stopped and we all looked at her.
"Oh, dear. I almost forgot to get the blanket out of the garage for the back. I don't want the interior to get dirty," she said as she unfastened her seat belt. Carlisle put the gear back in park and waited as Esme darted into the garage, and re-emerged moments later carrying a plain dark blue quilt. She walked around the back of the truck and tossed it into the cargo space before sliding back into her seat.
"Are we forgetting anything else, dear?" Carlisle asked with a sarcastic grin.
"Carlisle, it will be a very long afternoon if you start patronizing me this early, dear husband of mine. I suggest if you don't wish to board with the pigs at the fair you keep your jokes to yourself," Esme chided, her tone mocking and any sternness attempted marred horribly by her wide grin.
"But sweetheart, if you force me in with the pigs how shall I ever get back in your precious vehicle to come home, if I'm covered in mud?" he replied sarcastically as he reversed down the driveway.
"You won't. We'll be forced to strap you to the roof," she chuckled.
"I do hope you will mind low lying branches along the way," he laughed.
"Absolutely not. Each one will teach you a valuable lesson, dear," she chortled in return.
"Do you two hear this back there? Bella, your mother wishes to strike me with tree branches!" Carlisle cried out through his laughter. I froze, my expression suddenly turned to panic as I turned to look at Bella. I was surprised to see her in silent hysterics next to me, rather than in shock at his referring to Esme as her mother. Bella caught sight of my expression and grabbed the board and marker.
It's okay, Edward. I call them Mom and Dad. They may not be my real parents, but they are my parents in every way possible. Speaking of which, I never got a chance to tell you, they adopted me for my birthday! That's why I was late to school yesterday. They officially really are my parents now. We're a real family now..isn't that great?!
I read her note and let out the breath I had been holding in. A wide grin spread across my face as I realized how happy she was about being adopted by them. I was happy for her that she had managed to be lucky enough to have come across a couple like Esme and Carlisle. They truly were amazing people, and I couldn't think of any two people better suited to be her parents than them in the absence of her own parents.
Bella that's incredible news! I'm so happy for you! I was worried that when Carlisle referred to Esme as your mother it would upset you. I'm glad it didn't. It thrills me to see you so happy with them.
I passed her back the board, and she smiled as she wrote a return note.
I love being with them. They're such warm and understanding people, and they never make me feel like I don't belong with them. They treat me as if I was their real daughter, and I couldn't ask for more from them. It was hard for a long time when we didn't have a means to communicate efficiently, but all that changed when Alice came, and our bond has grown incredibly strong since then. I never felt as though they loved me any less before or anything, it was just difficult for the three of us to really connect. I was ecstatic when they asked me for my permission for them to adopt me. I had wanted it for years, but I was so unsure of whether or not they wanted that responsibility. It turned out that they waited so long simply because they weren't sure if it was something that I would want, but they finally decided to take the chance and ask me after we had finally been able to connect and they could see how much I truly did care for them.
A pang shot through my heart as I read her words. Even with Esme and Carlisle, two of the most understanding and compassionate people ever created, she had had difficulties breaking through her shell to connect with them. It made the guilt within me swell as I acknowledged how hard they fought to stand by her for so many years whereas I gave up and stood in the background simply wiating for her to make a move that she never would have, simply because she thought the same as I had. That I didn't want to be her friend.
Bella took the board back from me before I could write a reply, and she erased her message and wrote a new one.
Edward, stop. It wasn't all your fault. It was mine too. We were young, and unaware of the mistakes we were making. Neither of us could have comprehended how hard we would have had to struggle to make it work. Esme and Carlisle were adults when they were presented with this situation. They knew the difficulties that faced them when they took me in. They knew it wouldn't be easy, but the point is that they knew. Neither of us did. Please stop berating yourself over the past. You asked me once to allow you the chance to make your mistake up. I won't. I will however allow US the chance to recover from the mistakes WE made, but we can't do that if we both constantly find fault within ourselves for what we did. We just have to promise ourselves to be more aware of what our actions are in the future. If we live in the history of the past, we are bound to repeat it. Please, let it go and give us the chance to heal. There's nothing to fix, there's nothing to mend. We both just need to heal and learn to trust in ourselves and each other.
She passed me back the board, and I read each word carefully. Everything she said was true. We were young and unaware, and it was up to us now to not make the same mistakes again. I looked over at her and she rested her hand palm up on the seat between us and smiled at me. I covered her had with my own and she gently squeezed as she laced her fingers through my own. I gave a gentle squeeze back as she released her grip, completing our silent pact to let the past go and concentrate on the present and future. We held hands the rest of the way, occasionally smiling goofily at each other and chuckling.
"Esme, dear. What in the world is thatthing?" Carlisle asked, as we drove across a grass field that had been roped off as a parking lot. I looked in the direction that he was pointing in and spotted a giant neon colored structure that looked somewhat like a canon.
"Oh, that's right. You weren't able to come with Bella and I last year. It's a Jack-O-Lobber, dear," Esme replied as she chuckled.
"A Jack-O-Whatta?" he asked in confusion. Bella laughed silently next to me as I chuckled, just as confused as Carlisle.
"A Jack-O-Lobber," she reiterated slowly,"It's a hydraulic pumpkin canon. It's really neat, it shoots small pumpkins across the field using water pressure."
"Uh huh...that's interesting. I've never seen anything like it before," he said with an awed tone, his face resembling that of a child in a giant toy store.
"Well, I think I know where you'll will be while we're in the orchards," Esme chuckled. Carlisle smiled at her and shook his head.
We all exited the truck and made our way toward the front gates. Carlisle paid our entrance fee, and immediately grabbed a hold of Esme's hand and darted off towards the giant pumkin canon. Bella laughed as she watched them jog off, Esme yelling at Carlisle to slow down as she tried to stop her scarf from flying away.
"Shall we join them?" I asked as I held out my arm to her. She hooked her arm through mine and together we strode off in the direction they had headed in. Bella's smile was beautiful, and I was thrilled to see her having such a good time.
We watched the farmhands launch pumpkins that their little volunteers chose out of a pile of small to medium sized pumpkins, for a half hour or so. Carlisle didn't seem to ever tire of watching it, but thankfully Esme managed to pry him off of the haystack he was sitting on, and led him away from the pumpkin canon. I had no doubt that he'd be stopping here once again before we left. As we exited the Jack-O-Lobber area, Esme spotted a giant pumpkin display and ushered us all towards it.
"Bella, Edward, climb up there in those pumpkins so I can take a picture of you two," Esme said with an excited voice as she pulled a camera out of her pocket. Bella smiled at me and then took off like a rocket towards the pumpkins. I followed closely behind, worried that she might trip or hurt herself climbing up onto the display. We took our seats on a hay bale set in between two straw stuffed scarecrow farmers in the middle of the display. I hugged Bella to me and she laughed as Esme started yelling out corny things like 'Say Cheese!' and 'Macaroni and...' and my ever favorite 'What do mice eat?!' It was hilarious, and I couldn't wait to see how the pictures came out.
Bella and I took a few pictures of Esme and Carlisle pretending to lift a giant pumpkin that was actually suspended in the air by way of giant posts that were hidden by bales of hay. They made the most ridiculous faces as they pretended to strain under the weight. Bella laughed so hard she had to keep re-shooting the picture because it kept coming out blurry with her shaking hands. I finally took the camera from her and got three good shots before Esme made Bella and I have our turn with the giant pumpkin. Bella cracked me up as she took a lone shot where she pretended to be holding it up with one finger as she sat on the bale of hay, looking at her nails as if it was no big deal. We had our share of ridiculous strained poses with it as well.
From there, Bella spotted the corn maze, and she grabbed my head and bolted us off in that direction. We laughed as Carlisle and Esme tried to keep up with us through the maze, Esme trying to shoot picture after picture as we ran. I couldn't imagine how many she actually managed to capture that weren't blurred. Bella and I got turned around in it at one point, and ended up hitting repeated dead ends. We had also lost Esme and Carlisle somewhere along the way as well. We laughed and started walking, trying to retrace our steps to find the way out. It took us a while, but we finally managed to find the exit only to find Esme and Carlisle laughing hysterically at us.
"We thought you might have been swallowed whole in there it took you so long to find the exit!" Esme cried out through her laughter. We laughed with her as we strode up to them. Bella started signing something to Esme, and Esme and Carlisle nodded at her.
"Edward, dear. Are you hungry at all? Bella wants to get something to eat and drink over at the Cornstalk Cafe," she said as she pointed over to the 'cafe' that was really just a counter decorated with corn stalks next to a picnic table area. I nodded and we headed over towards the counter. We all got an order of succotash and a bottle of water. Bella and Esme also got a cup of hot cocoa, and we headed over to a picnic table to eat.
"What would you like to do next, Bella?" I asked as we sat down. She looked around for a moment and then turned to Esme and signed something to her. I was really beginning to wish that I had made better progress with the whole signing thing as I was only able to catch a few of the gestures.
"She says she wants to go watch the hog races that are starting in 15 minutes," Esme translated for me. I looked around and spotted what she was talking about and laughed when I saw the miniature derby style racing pen.
"That looks like it should be entertaining," I said truthfully with amusement.
We ate quickly and headed over to the hog races, taking a seat on another bale of hay in the front center aisle. The place was flooded with parents and young children within minutes after we arrived. A few minutes later, a guy in denim overalls, a straw hat, and flannel shirt came out of the holding pen and introduced the first four baby hogs as 'Christina Hog-ulera', 'Brittany Spare-ribs', 'Enrique Pig-lesias', and 'Jon Bon Porky'. We all laughed so hard we almost fell off the hay bale. I never heard anything like it, it was priceless. As the announcer started the race, he had everyone yell the pig call 'SUEY' at top volume. I didn't yell it because I felt bad about Bella not being able to. She laughed and elbowed me making a stern face telling me I better yell it the next time. I laughed and put my hands up in surrender. At the end of the race, 'Jon Bon Porky' was declared the winner.
The announcer loaded up the starting pens again, introducing each baby hog as he put them into their pen. The names this time were 'Shaquille O'Squeal', 'Hog Hogan', 'The Great Hambino', and 'Peyton Hamming'. We laughed hysterically after each name was announced. I think hearing the names was more amusing than the actual race itself. This time I yelled the 'SUEY' with everyone else and Bella laughed as she fell into my side. I put my arm around her and laughed with her. 'Hog Hogan' won the second race.
My sides were hurting so badly by the time the announcer loaded the pens for the third race. The names just kept getting better. 'Kevin Bacon', 'Calista Hoghart', 'Drew Piggymore', and 'Jason Piggs', raced the third race, and 'Calista Hoghart' came out the winner. I once again yelled the 'SUEY' so that Bella wouldn't elbow me again, even though I felt retarded doing it. It made her happy and that was all that mattered to me.
The announcer declared the fourth race the final one for this showing, and once again called off the names of the hogs as he led them into their starting pens. I was laughing too hard after this last set of names to even have enough air to yell the 'SUEY'. This time, it was 'Suey Griffin', 'Spongebob Squealpants', 'Pork E. Pigg', and 'Yosemite Hamm'. 'Spongebob Squealpants' won the race and the announcer thanked everyone for joining them for the race after having everyone call out one last 'SUEY' as all the champions took a victory lap around the pen.
The four of us were wiping tears away from our eyes as we made our way out of the arena area. Once we got to the top of the hill, Esme asked Bella what she would like to do next, and Bella pointed excitedly in the direction of the Underground Mine Shaft Slide. We all took off in that direction and waited in line behind a bunch of 3-5 year olds with their parents. We must have looked like quite the site to them, two parents and two teenagers running around, enjoying the same activities as they were when we should have been in school.
When it was finally our turn, Esme and Carlisle decided they were going to head to the little shop next to the mine shaft slide and get some kettle corn and wait for us there. We nodded to them as we prepared to go down the 70ft slide together. Bella laughed and held onto my hands tightly as we slid quickly down the shaft. When we came out at the other end, we realized that we had to climb up a rope net and cross over a swinging bridge to get back out. Bella looked at me nervously after seeing the rope net.
"It's alright, Bella. I won't let you fall," I said to her encouragingly. She still looked nervous about it so I decided to ease her fears. I turned around so that my back was facing her, and knelt down to the ground on one knee.
"Hop on, I'll carry you up and across to the exit," I said softly, trying to ease her tension about the height of the net and bridge. She didn't make a move towards me as she appeared to be debating between climbing it or hitching a ride. I laughed and tried again.
"Just hold on tight, Bella. I promise you won't fall. I'd never let you get hurt," I smiled as I took her hand and gently pulled her closer to my back. She reluctantly wrapped her arms around my neck, careful not to choke me, and wrapped her legs around my waist tightly as I stood up. I bounced just once to raise her up just a little higher so that her legs wouldn't hinder my climbing ability, and turned my head towards hers as she hid her face between her arm and the back of my neck.
"Just keep your eyes closed, okay? We'll be out in a jiffy. Are you ready?" I asked softly. She reluctantly nodded and I started to lift us off the ground, climbing quickly and carefully up the net. Her grip on me tightened as we left the ground, it was tight, but thankfully not choking me. It didn't take long at all to reach the platform at the top, and I quickly moved away from the ledge and made my way towards the bridge. I crossed it, trying to create as little of a swaying motion as I could, and once we were across I rubbed her arms comfortingly. She pulled her head away from the back of my neck and looked around her. She smiled brilliantly at me as she realized that we were once again standing on solid ground just a few yards away from where we had originally gone down the slide.
"Would you like to get down, or would you rather stay up there?" I asked sincerely. She smiled at me once more and tightened her grip, telling me that she'd rather stay where she was. I laughed and strode off towards the store that Esme and Carlisle had gone into.
"Would either of you like some kettle corn?" Esme asked sweetly as we approached her and Carlisle.
"No thank you, Esme," I replied politely as I looked to see Bella nodding her head and holding her hand out towards Esme. I chuckled at the sight of her. She looked like an excited toddler about to get a handful of candy.
"Are we ready to head to the orchards yet? The last wagon heads out there in just under an hour," Esme said as she held the bag of kettle corn out towards Bella's outstretched hand. Bella and I both nodded towards her and she and Carlisle led the way to the wagon loading area. We stood in line with just a few other people, waiting for the wagon to return with its most recent haul of people returning from the orchards. The wait only lasted a few minutes and I spent the time twisting from side to side, with Bella still on my back, laughing away as she tucked her head in between my neck and shoulder. A lady standing in front of us smiled as she watched us together.
The wagon finally arrived, and after all of its previous passengers had been unloaded, it was our turn to climb up. I turned around and backed up to the wagon platform, and Bella released her grip with her legs, and proceeded to slide down my back, landing with a slightly audible thump on the floor of the wagon. I chuckled and climbed up onto the platform myself, taking the seat right next to her. Carlisle and Esme sat next to us, and the lady that was standing in line ahead of us earlier sat across from us with her adorable little daughter.
As I was making goofy faces at the little girl, who was giggling up a storm as she tried to hide in the side of her mother's jacket, I felt Bella press herself against my side. I turned to look at her just as her teeth began to chatter with her shivers. I smiled at her and wrapped my arm around her, pulling her closer to me, and hoping that I was at least giving off some degree of body heat for her.
"Any better?" I asked sincerely. Bella nodded and gave me a grateful smile, her chattering teeth slowing to just a cute quiver.
"You two make a lovely couple. It's rare to see so much tenderness between people as young as yourselves," a female voice said kindly. I looked up to the woman sitting across from us who was looking between Bella and I with admiration shining in her eyes.
"Thank you," I replied, not wanting to be rude and correct the woman. Bella looked up at me in astonishment, and I bent my head down to her ear.
"I didn't want to be rude and correct her on her assumption. I'm sorry if it upset you, that was not my intention," I whispered softly before pulling my head back to look at her face once more. Bella's eyes softened and a sweet smile played upon her lips as she shook her head at me.
I broke my gaze from hers and looked around wanting to see how far we were from the orchards still, and caught sight of Esme and Carlisle smiling fondly at us. I felt the heat creep slowly into my face as Esme winked at me with a smug smile. I had to chuckle as she turned forward and acted as if she hadn't done a thing. Bella elbowed me and I looked down at her confused face. She quirked an eyebrow at me, questioning what I was chuckling at.
"Just a silly memory. That's all," I said, hoping she wouldn't push and force me to fib about which memory specifically. I certainly wasn't going to spill the beans about Esme's words from the night before. She nodded and looked off into the distance with a smile playing softly upon her lips.
The wagon came to a stop, and the tractor driver came around to unlock the exit gate. I bent my head down to Bella and whispered to her once more.
"Are you ready to finally lose your reigning orchard master title, Bella? I bet I find that perfect apple before you, I'm feeling lucky today," I said challengingly. Bella smiled smugly and nodded her head stiffly, accepting the challenge.
"Welcome to Salt Water Creek Orchards. We invite you to taste any apple from any tree within this side of the orchard. We only ask that you do not eat the apples off of the ground, as we would not like for you to become ill, and please refrain from climbing the trees as it damages the branches. With that said, please enjoy yourselves. Rows 1-3 contain Honeycrisp apples, 4-6 Golden Delicious, 7-9 Braeburn, 10-12 Granny Smith, and 13-15 Gala. The other side of the orchard contains different types of apples that are not quite ready to be harvested. We invite you to return in just a few short weeks to sample those as well. There will be a return wagon at this very spot once every 15 minutes or so, until we are sure that we haven't left anyone behind. Enjoy your harvesting folks!" he said animatedly as he pointed in various directions. After his speech, he climbed back up onto his tractor and rode off once again. I quickly looked to Bella and smiled.
"Are you ready?" I asked as I chuckled and mock glared at her. She gave me a return mock glare from the side and nodded just once. She took off running and I quickly passed her, bound and determined to find a perfect apple. About ten minutes later, I swore I had the champion apple in hand as I made my way back through the orchard. My apple fell to the floor as I saw Bella perched on top of Carlisle's shoulders, holding the most perfectly shaped and perfectly red apple I've ever seen. My mouth dropped to the floor as I stared at her in disbelief. She quickly started signing something to Esme who in turn laughed as she interpreted it for me.
"They only said you couldn't climb the tree to get the apples, not that you couldn't use your father to reach higher," Esme chortled. I could't help it, I laughed thunderously, the sound of my laughter bouncing back off of the trees surrounding us.
"How long did it take you to devise your plan after you took off running?" I asked curiously. I had seen her run off, and I wondered at what point she turned around. She signed something quickly to Esme, and once again Esme chuckled as she translated for her.
"I only ran until you passed me, then doubled back. I'm not dumb enough to run through an orchard with a ground covered in perilous apples just waiting for the opportunity to cause me to break my neck. I just needed you to take off ahead of me so that you wouldn't see what I was really planning," Esme stammered as she fought to control her laughter while translating.
I looked at Bella incredulously. I couldn't freaking believe she pulled one over on me yet again...and in the same exact way!
"I can't believe you, Bella! I can't believe you'd cheat that way...even years later!" I said reprovingly, any hint of disapproval tainted by my amused tone ad chuckles. She just laughed as Carlisle lowered himself towards the ground to help Bella get down. Once she was on her own two feet, she tapped her temple and winked at me as she approached me to hug me. I know her gesture was only meant to be one of comfort for losing once again, but I relished in it.
We spent the next hour walking through the orchards, randomly picking apples. She was adorable when she'd try to jump to reach an apple that was just out of her reach. Instead of grabbing it myself, I'd walk up behind her and lift her higher up so she could pick it herself. I didn't want her getting irritated and calling me a 'show-off' like she used to when we were kids. This was her day, and I was happy to be able to do anything that helped her enjoy it thoroughly.
After about the fourth time of lifting her up, she caught on to what I was doing and spun around after I lowered her to the ground. She mock glared at me and mouthed 'show-off' at me and then laughed in silent hysterics. I laughed along with her.
"You got me...Nothing gets by your keen observation does it?" I said, holding my hands up in feigned surrender. She laughed once again and we continued on down the path.
We met up with Esme and Carlisle by the wagon loading zone, each toting a bag of apples with us. It was starting to get cooler as the sun sank lower in the sky, and Bella looked to be getting cold again. I stood behind her and wrapped my arms around her, trying to keep her warm as we waited. She smiled up at me and mouthed 'thank you', and I smiled at her. The tractor and wagon arrived just minutes later and we climbed on one at a time. I took my seat next to Bella again, and Carlisle and Esme took the seat across from us. We were the only four on this trip back towards the general store where we originally departed from.
"What do you two say to a round of Chicken Plop Bingo before we leave?" Esme asked with an excited smile. Carlisle laughed from his seat next to her.
"We don't actually have to play with chicken plop do we?" he asked her incredulously.
"Oh Lord no! They use corn kernels for markers and the bingo balls are shaped like eggs," Esme replied as she chuckled. I looked to Bella, and she was nodding vigorously. I smiled and replied.
"Sure, sounds like fun, Esme," I said with a smile.
The wagon pulled up to the general store, and Esme picked up a few jars of homemade caramel and apple butter before Carlisle paid for all of our apples. Once we made it out of the general store, we headed over towards the activity center for a round of Chicken Plop Bingo. Just the name of it made me chuckle.
Bella hit bingo once, and both Esme and I yelled out 'Chicken Plop!' for her. One of the activities personnel handed her a stuffed pig that was dressed like a farmer, complete with a straw hat and holding a bunch of Indian corn. It was really cute.
"What are you going to name him, Bella? I hope it's something better than Big Bad Boog!" I said as I chuckled. She laughed and looked deep in thought for a minute, and then signed each letter of the name. I laughed as I pieced it together, 'Boss Hogg'. It reminded me of how many times we watched 'The Dukes of Hazzard' as kids. I think she only watched it with me because I loved it.
"Bella, are you naming him that because of how many times I forced you to watch 'The Dukes of Hazzard' with me?" I asked jokingly as I smiled. We continued walking towards the exit, and of course Carlisle couldn't stop himself from watching the Jack-O-Lobber just once more. At least he didn't sit down this time, as it would have probably taken us until nightfall to get him away from it. I looked back at Bella, waiting for her to answer, and saw that she was blushing. She looked back up at me from under her eyelashes, and with a timid smile she nodded ever so slightly.
"Well, at least it's a lot better than Big Bad Boog!" I chortled, and she laughed as we made our way to Esme's SUV.
Esme spread out the quilt in the back and we set our bags of apples down on it, along with some bunches of Indian corn that Esme had picked up on the way out. We all climbed into the truck and buckled ourselves in. Bella took hold of her board and started writing right away. We were barely out of the parking area when she passed it back to me.
I named him Boss Hogg because I wanted to always remember sharing this day with you. I had a lot of fun, and parts of it reminded me of when we were kids. I wanted a happy memory to apply to today, and that dumb show popped in my head. It was probably from all the name play on the pig's names during the races that caused it to pop into my head...but I think it fits perfectly.
I smiled as I read her note and wrote one back.
I'm glad you had fun today. I had a lot of fun too. Who knew Carlisle and Esme were such big kids at heart? Those names were hilarious! And that show was FAR from dumb, Missy! I still have my model of the 'General Lee'.
She laughed as she read the note, and then put it down and rested her head back. She looked exhausted, and I felt very close to it.
"Edward, would you like to join us for dinner and a movie tonight?" Esme asked politely from the front seat.
"That sounds great, Esme. Would you mind dropping me off at home first though so I can get my car? I wouldn't want to have to burden either of you to drive me back home later, and we'll be passing it on the way," I responded courteously.
"That's a good idea, honey. I'm not sure either of us will be up for the drive later. We old folks tire easily," she replied through her chuckles.
"Esme, dear. We are far from old," Carlisle retorted.
"Let me hear you say that the next time you finish shoveling the driveway on your own, and not paying the neighborhood children to do it for you," she responded with a smug expression.
"One time, Esme. One time I paid them to shovel the damn thing, and I've never lived it down since," he choked out through his laughter. Bella and I laughed along with them.
"Like you don't hold anything over my head, dear husband. And please mind your mouth," she mock chided.
"Please enlighten me as to what I have ever held over your head, dear wife," he responded sarcastically.
"Oh, I don't know, how about that blasted turkey I burnt our first Thanksgiving?" she replied as she quirked an eyebrow at him and smiled smugly. By the looks of it, she knew she had him pinned. He laughed heartily and then shot her an apologetic smile.
"Sorry, dear. That was a very entertaining holiday though," he responded comfortingly. She chuckled at him and faced forward once more as we were pulling up my driveway. They pulled up to the front of the garage, and I unbuckled my seat belt and looked at Bella.
"I'll only be a few minutes behind you, okay?" I said as I pushed my door open. She nodded and smiled at me and I hopped out of the car after thanking both Esme and started to pull away just as I was walking in through the front door.
"Edward? Honey is that you?" my mother called from the kitchen.
"Yeah, Mom. I'm home, but I only came to get my car. Esme and Carlisle invited me over for dinner and a movie, is that alright with you?" I asked respectfully as she walked toward me.
"Of course, dear. Your father and I have to attend a dinner for his office tonight. We will be home quite late. I'm glad you have alternate plans, dear. How did everything go today?" she spoke encouragingly until her tone turned to worry as she asked about today.
"Everything went great, Mom. Bella was fine today, actually she was better than fine. We all went down to the Salt Creek Farm for the Autumn Harvest Festival. I never knew how young at heart they were until today," I chuckled. She smiled relievedly at me.
"I'm relieved to hear you all had such a great day. I was worried all night for all of you. I've never seen her in that shape before, and it scared the life out of me," she replied sadly. I hugged her to comfort her as I spoke to her.
"She'll be alright, Mom. She's just now starting to deal with everything that happened to her years ago. It's going to be a long and difficult road for her, but she'll make it. She's strong, Mom, you and I both know that," I said softly to her.
"I know, dear. It's just frightening to see her that way after not seeing her often for so long," she replied sincerely as she gently pulled out of my embrace.
"I understand that, Mom. I'm going to head back over there. Enjoy your night, love you," I said as I kissed her cheek.
"I love you too, dear. Have a good time, and tell Esme to call me sometime this weekend," she said as I grabbed my keys from the table by the door.
"Will do, Mom. I'll see you tomorrow," I said as I walked out of the front door. I made it quickly to my car and slid in the seat. I started it up and waited just a minute for it to warm up before heading off to Bella's.
I called Jasper as I drove, and told him what happened last night, and why I wasn't in school today. He seemed genuinely upset about what Bella had gone through, and said he was glad that she came to me when she needed someone. I asked him if Emmett had gone to Seattle after school, and when he told me that he had, I decided I would just wait to explain it to him on Monday when I picked him up for school. Jasper agreed with my decision, making a joke about what I could possibly be interrupting. Just the thought made me shudder. I hung up with Jazz just as I was approaching Bella's driveway. I pulled in, jumped out, and headed up to the door.
Bella answered the door just moments after I rang the bell, and ushered me in. Alice was in the living room when we walked in, and she looked genuinely happy. I figured Bella had already explained everything to her about last night when she winked at me. We all settled down on the couch and watched some t.v. while Esme and Carlisle made dinner. Alice and I helped Bella when Esme asked her to set the table, and we all sat down to eat shortly after.
Dinner conversation was humorous as we told Alice all the events of today. She laughed hysterically at the pig names and Chicken Plop Bingo. Bella showed her the stuffed pig she won, and told her his name. Alice thought it was priceless.
When dinner was finished, Alice and I helped Bella do the dishes and clean up the kitchen. We settled in the living room afterwards with Carlisle and Esme to watch 'Indian Summer'. Bella chose the movie, and I couldn't help thinking that she chose it for a reason. All the characters in the movie had been friends at one point, but had drifted apart over the years. Two of the characters at one point had had a fallout over the death of his best friend who was also her husband. The entire movie was about reconnecting with friends and loved ones.
Towards the end of the movie, I looked over at Bella who was snuggled up against my side, fast asleep. I smiled at her peaceful expression.
"I've never seen her face so peaceful when she sleeps," Alice said softly as she looked at Bella from her spot next to her on the couch we were all sitting on.
"Esme said the same thing last night," I responded quietly as I gazed at her serene features.
"It's because of you," she replied simply with a wistful smile.
"What?" I asked shocked as my eyes darted up to Alice's face.
"It's because of you that she's sleeping so peacefully. She's never like that. I've spent almost every night here since we became friends, and her face has never been that serene. There's always some sign of distress as she sleeps," she replied with a purely informative tone.
"How can it be because of me? That doesn't make sense," I replied incredulously.
"Because she's comfortable with you, and she loves you," she replied simply.
There it was again. Someone telling me that she loves me, and me desperately wishing it were true.
"Alice, how do you know that she loves me, if she even does in fact love me at all," I asked disbelievingly.
"It's in her eyes, Edward. It's in the look that she has when she looks at a group photo that she has of all of you from your last camping trip together. It's noticable because when she looks at the picture, she only looks at you. It's as if no one else is even in that picture but the two of you," she responded as her eyes burned into mine, willing me to believe her words.
"Alice, I want to believe you, I truly do, but I can't. Not after all the pain I've caused her," I said remorsefully.
"Give it time, Edward. When she's ready she'll tell you herself, and then you won't have to believe anything anyone else tells you, because you'll believe her," she replied softly as she turned to look back at the movie just as the credits were beginning to roll.
I sat there for a moment, thinking about her words. I knew that the only way I would ever believe that she loved me would be if she told me that herself, and I desperately hoped that one day she would. That one day I would be graced with those words that I longed to hear, read, or watch, come from her. I didn't care how she did it, as long as when she did, it was because of her feelings for me.
"Alice, are you staying here tonight?" I asked worriedly. I didn't want Bella to be alone tonight. I was terrified that her nightmares would return.
"No, I was actually just about to head home for the night, but I'll be back first thing in the morning," she said quietly as she rose from the couch and stretched her muscles. She looked to Carlisle and Esme and bid them goodnight before turning back to Bella and myself.
"Goodnight, Edward. Thank you for taking care of her last night," she said gratefully.
"I was happy to do so, Alice," I replied sincerely. She smiled once more in our direction before heading for the door. I turned toward Esme and Carlisle a few moments later. Carlisle's head was bobbing as he fought to stay awake, and Esme looked to be quickly approaching his level of exhaustion.
"Esme, I'm going to take Bella up to bed, and then I'm going to head home. Thank you so much for everything today," I said quietly. She nodded in my direction and wished me a goodnight.
I carefully stood up and pulled Bella into my arms. I cradled her against my chest as I departed from the living room and ascended the staircase. I remembered which door I had heard the music coming from this morning, and headed in that direction. Thankfully it wasn't shut all the way, and I was able to nudge it open gently with my foot. As I approached the bed, I shifted Bella in my arms so that I could pull the blankets down. I laid her down gently and pulled the covers up around her. She whimpered just once, but her features softened as I ran my fingers through her hair.
I was worried about leaving her here alone. I didn't want her to wake up from a nightmare and have no one around, regardless of how many times she had done so before. I wasn't comfortable with the thought of it. I looked around her room, looking for something to leave her a note with. I finally spotted a notebook on her desk and got up to retrieve it. I found a pen, and just as I was standing, I caught sight of the picture Alice had been talking about earlier. It made me smile when I saw it. It was such a fond memory of mine. I took a moment to look at all of the other photos in frames on the shelves above her desk. She had a multitude of them, mostly of her parents and family, and a few of her and Alice as well as her and Carlisle and Esme. There was only the one with the two of us, and it was a group photo. It saddened me to see that, and made me doubt Esme and Alice's words even more.
I opened the notebook and wrote a quick note to Bella. I had an idea come to mind to help her if she were to awake during the night, and I just hoped she would use it.
Bella,
Should you wake during the night, please call me. I don't like the idea of you being alone and frightened after having a nightmare. I programed my cell number into your phone for you. If I don't answer at first, please call again, I will answer, I promise. I left your laptop booted up next to you in bed, all you have to do is add my screen name to your messenger and we'll be able to talk on there. It's Maestro_E_Masen..it's lame I know. Emmett and Jasper deleted my old one and created this one as a joke...I still don't find it funny. Please don't worry about waking me. I'd much rather you not feel alone than sleep through your discomfort.
Wishing you a peaceful rest,
Edward
I left the note on her nightstand and placed the electric candle that I had found on her dresser on the top corner of it. I turned the candle on so that at least she wouldn't awake frightened to a pitch black room. I only hoped that it would comfort her somehow. I smoothed the hair away from her face, kissed her temple tenderly just once, and whispered to her before leaving her room and heading home for the night.
"Sleep well, my angel."
AN: I hope you all enjoyed this chapter. I had fun reliving some very fond memories while writing it. I confess..the 'DOH' fanatic was me..I really do still own a die-cast model of the 'General Lee'...I'm a nerd I can't help it. R&R PLS & TY!!