Author's Note: I own NONE of this. No copyright infringement is intended. I just wanted to borrow the characters and play with them.
Thank you to all of the people who have faved and/or commented on my story! It means more to me than you can imagine! Nearly 200 reviews. Thank you so much!
Chapter Fifty: Back to School
EPOV
The rest of our winter break went by quickly. It's amazing that during the school year, the days we're actually in school go by so slowly. The breaks go by incredibly fast. I wanted to spend more time with my fiancée.
My fiancée.
So happy.
However, if you want to be a teacher, you have to go to college. As much as I wanted to spend the next eight months with Bella in our bed, happily ensconced in each other's arms, it wasn't a possibility. At least, we were living together and things could not be going any better in that realm. Bella was afraid of us getting sick of each other if we lived together, but that was never the case. We each did our own things when we wanted to. We were together when we wanted to be. The best part of living together, aside from Bella's cooking, was being able to sleep in each other's arms every night. I loved that. I slept so poorly while Bella was in Seattle. I was so used to feeling her against my chest as she slept. I resorted in putting one of her t-shirts onto a pillow and sleeping on that to try and trick my body that Bella was with me.
It didn't work. It lacked her warmth and snuggly nature.
On Saturday evening before school started, almost everyone, with the exception of Jasper, was back on campus. Bella told everyone to come to our apartment for some dinner and relaxation before the new semester began. Rosalie and Alice came over first, carrying a cake. Rose told us that Emmett was getting some provisions in the form of beer and would be at our apartment shortly. Bella made some chicken parmesan and pasta for dinner. She set out the food and told everyone to dig in, buffet style. Emmett buzzed the apartment a few minutes later. I let him in and gave him a plate. He handed me two cases of beer for us and handed me some foofy drinks for the girls. I tossed the beer and the drinks into the fridge. I made myself a plate and sat down in the living room, on the floor near Bella's feet. We all ate in comfortable silence, enjoying Bella's delicious meal.
"Bella, we may have to make this a weekly tradition," Emmett said with a mouthful of pasta.
"What?" she asked as she took a sip of some water.
"Having dinner at the mini-Cullen Castle," he replied.
"Oh, that's cool. I like cooking. You okay with that, Edward?" she asked as she scratched my head. I swallowed my bite of chicken and nodded, giving her a lopsided smirk.
"We'll even pitch in some money for the groceries for our dinner," Rosalie said with a smile.
"Rose, that's not necessary," I said.
"If we're mooching off you, the least we can do is pay you for the groceries," Rose replied. Alice and Emmett nodded.
"How about you just provide the alcohol and we're good," I suggested. "I have a few months before I can legally purchase it."
"Done, Cullen," Emmett said, holding out a fist. I bumped it with my own and went back to my dinner.
"We're still going to pay you for the groceries. While you might like the beer, Bella might not," Alice chided.
I turned and looked at my fiancée and she gave me the bitch brow. "Sorry, baby."
"It's no big deal, Edward. Emmett, you can buy me some wine when you bring Edward his beer," Bella responded. "Nothing expensive. I use it to cook."
"You got it, Isabelly."
Bella got up and began clearing plates that were done and placed them in the kitchen. Alice and Rose did the same. Rose quirked a brow at Emmett and he gave her a sweet smile. She rolled her eyes and smacked him upside the head. After the plates were cleared and put into the dishwasher, the girls settled back onto the couch. I leaned against Bella's legs and she idly played with my hair. I almost felt like purring, it felt so good. I probably had a shit-eating grin on my face.
"Rose? Alice?" Bella asked.
"What's up?" Alice asked.
"I have a question to ask both of you. I was wondering if you both would stand up for the wedding?" Bella asked.
They both squealed and said that they would. Emmett held his hands up to his ears, scrunching his face.
"There's more," Bella said.
"What, Bella?" Rosalie asked.
"Would both of you be my maids of honor? I feel close to both you like sisters and I can't choose between the two of you," Bella replied sheepishly.
"Of course, Bella," they responded in unison. Rose and Alice shared a look and then broke into giggles.
"Hey, Em?" I asked.
"I'd be honored, Cullen," Emmett said with a grin.
"You don't even know what I'm going to ask," I laughed.
"Oh. Yes, Edward?"
"Can you grab me a beer?" I snorted.
"You suck, Edward," Emmett said as he threw a pillow at my head.
"Seriously. Get me a beer? I'm comfortable," I said, putting the pillow behind my head against Bella's legs. I could feel her giggling behind me.
Emmett grumbled and got up. He stomped to the kitchen and grabbed two beers. He slammed my beer on the table in front of me and then huffed onto the couch and opened his.
"Hey, Em?" I asked.
"If you want something else, get it yourself," he barked.
"Would you be my best man?" I said, a grin spreading over my face.
He spit out his beer across the room, covering Rosalie. She screeched and slapped him. "Emmett McCarty Swan! You are a pig!" Rose stomped into the bathroom and we could hear her try to clean off the beer from her clothes and face.
Bella fell over in a hysterical fit of giggles. "Oh, this hurts but it's so funny!"
Alice let out her tinkling laugh and she leaned against Bella. Things began to die down until Alice snorted, then the laughter returned full force. Rose returned and sat next to Bella, giving Emmett the stink eye. We quickly sobered up and looked at Emmett expectantly.
"Well?" I pressed.
"Just because you were a douche, I should say no. However, I won't. I'd be happy to be your best man. Trust me when I say that you'll get payback when your bachelor party comes around," Emmett warned.
"Understood, Emmett," I replied.
"So, what classes is everyone taking?" Alice asked, abruptly changing the subject.
"Edward and I in almost all of the same classes," Bella explained. "There's only one class that we're not in together. Edward is taking introduction to education and I'm taking a science course. Biology, I think. I was signed up for it in the fall, but I dropped before the beginning of the semester because I had an overload."
"What classes are you taking, specifically," Rose pressed.
"Music Theory II and Aural Harmony II, Music Literature, Educational Psychology, University Singers, Emerson Express and Sociology," I answered. "It's going to be a busy semester. How about everyone else?"
"I'm taking a Fashion Design class, Business Law, Biology, Accounting and an Excel class in addition to University Singers," Alice replied.
"Who's your biology professor?" Bella asked.
"Timmerman?"
"Yay! We're in biology together," Bella smiled. "At least I'll have a lab partner."
"I'm taking a Human Anatomy class, Eastern Religion class, Anthropology, Advanced Athletic Training, Computer Graphic Design and photography," Emmett said.
"That's an interesting mix of classes, Em," Bella said with a quirked brow.
"I hit most of my major classes last year and I can only take them when they're offered. I have to take a few over the summer in order to graduate on time. However, in order to keep my scholarship, I have to maintain a full course load. By the time I graduate, I'll have a double major in Athletic Training and Computer Graphic Design."
"Interesting," Bella replied. "How about you, Rose?"
"I'm taking the same Computer Graphic Design class as Emmett. I'm also in Advanced Accounting, American Literature, Advanced Motors and Science, Chemistry, and Music Literature. I think I'm in the same class as you and Edward," Rose told Bella. "I also signed up for a self defense seminar. I took the liberty of signing both of you up with me."
"When is the seminar?" asked Alice.
"It's on Tuesdays from 7-9 for four weeks starting on January 11th," Rose explained. "Are you guys cool with that?"
"That's awesome, Rose. I was actually going to sign up for self defense classes through the police station. Especially since what happened over the break," Bella replied with a sad smile. "You saved me a phone call."
"Why can't we go?" Emmett whined.
"It's self defense for women," Rose giggled. "The last time I checked, you are a guy. You have a penis."
"I can wear a wig and speak like a girl," Emmett said as he squeaked his voice.
"Emmett, you'd make an ugly woman," I laughed.
"Well, Edward, you'd make a great woman. You're so pretty," Emmett said as he fluttered his eyelashes.
"You're full of shit, Emmaline," I teased.
"Whatever, Edwina," Emmett guffawed.
"Now, boys. Behave yourselves or we'll have to put you in time out," Rose giggled.
Emmett and I both pouted and I crossed my arms petulantly across my chest. Emmett stuck his tongue out at me and I flipped him off. Bella smacked my head and gave me the 'teacher' glare. "Edward Anthony."
"Isabella Marie," I countered. "Don't look at me in that tone of voice."
She rolled her eyes and hopped off the couch. "Movie, anyone?"
"Do you have Transformers?" Emmett asked. Bella turned and pulled it out. She set it up in the DVD player and went to the kitchen to get some refreshments. She grabbed two more beers for Emmett and I and some of the foofy drinks for Rose, Alice and herself. I put myself on the couch and Bella sat next to me, curled against my side. I pressed play and the movie began. A couple of hours later, the movie was over and our guests decided to head back to the dorms. Bella was paranoid that Emmett was too drunk to drive, but he insisted that he was fine. Bella busied herself with cleaning up until she received a phone call from both Emmett and Rose saying they got home safely.
After we got their phone calls, Bella and I settled into bed. She kissed me for a few moments before she cuddled against my chest. Her breathing evened out and she was asleep. I pressed a kiss to her forehead and I fell asleep soon after.
xx LC xx
Sunday was quiet. Bella and I were in denial that school was starting the next day. I know that I didn't want to go. However, we made a trip to campus and went to go pick up our books for our classes. Bella was grumbling about the cost of the books that we had to buy, in addition to a set of CDs for music literature. We decided to get one set of CDs and share between the two of us. We also got one music literature book. I paid for the CDs and the book, much to Bella's chagrin. She was still leery about the money I spent on her. If she only knew how much her engagement ring cost, she'd have a heart attack.
Bella and I went to bed early on Sunday evening, preparing for our early morning of Music Theory II. Larry was still teaching the class and I was honestly excited to see him. As much as I grumbled about going back to school, I was looking forward to my classes. I was happy to begin my new major of being a music education major and having a majority of my classes with my fiancée.
The alarm went off early and I slipped out of bed. I hopped into the shower and quickly hosed off my body and washed my hair. I exited the shower and quickly shaved my face. I was patting my face with some aftershave when Bella padded into the bathroom and put her arms around my waist. Her eyes were still half closed and she groaned against my back. "What's wrong, beautiful?"
"Too early. Why? Why do they make Music Theory at 7:30 in the fricking morning?" she grumbled.
"To weed out the faint of heart," I replied. "I'm done. Get ready, love."
She nodded and turned to the sink and washed her face. I walked out of the bathroom, shutting the door behind me. I walked to our closet and picked out the clothes that I wanted to wear. I took out a pair of dark, distressed jeans, a blue button-down shirt and a red and blue sweater that Alice got me for Christmas. I also grabbed my Doc Martens and walked to the bedroom. I tossed my clothes onto the chair near the bathroom and quickly made the bed. I got a pair of boxers from the dresser and slipped them on. I pulled on my jeans and slid on my shirt and sweater. I sprayed some cologne and ran some pomade through my hair.
I walked into the kitchen and poured both Bella and I some coffee into our travel mugs. I dug through the pantry and took out two packages of Pop Tarts and tossed them into the microwave. I carried the coffee and the Pop Tarts to the bedroom. Bella was in the closet, rifling through her clothes, choosing what she wanted to wear.
"Bella, I have breakfast for you on the dresser," I said.
She poked her head out and she looked a bit more awake. "Thanks, Edward. You're the best."
"I try, baby," I giggled. I scarfed down my own breakfast and I went into the office and grabbed my messenger bag and slipped my laptop into it. I also got my books for my classes today and put them in the bag as well. "Bella? Do you want me to get your books together for your classes today?"
"That would be awesome, Edward," she called from the bedroom. I took out her bag and tossed in her laptop and books. I picked up both bags and put them by the door. Bella walked out a few moments later, carrying the plate I had put her breakfast on. She ran it under some water and put it into the dishwasher. Bella was wearing a pair of dark, skinny jeans tucked into her black boots with a black sweater and a red camisole. Her hair was wavy and hung down over her shoulders. She wore her glasses and her Cullen Crest around her neck, along with her engagement ring on her finger. "You ready, handsome?"
"As I'll ever be," I replied as I gave her a lopsided smirk. Bella slipped on her black and white checked winter coat, red scarf, hat and gloves. I pulled on my black pea coat, blue scarf and leather gloves. I picked up my keys and slipped my wallet into my back pocket. We rode the elevator down to the car and I tossed the bags into the back seat and we headed to campus. I parked the car on the street near Brandon Hall, in one of the commuter spots. I carried our bags up to our music theory classroom and we settled into our usual seats in the back of the room. Bella took out her staff paper, notebook, textbook and pencil, as I did the same.
Our class was essentially the same as our first semester, in regards to attendance. There was a few students that were added who had didn't do well in the class the first time around. They were the 'jazzers' who spent more time toking it up than studying. Larry and a red-headed woman walked into the class and began distributing the class syllabus. Bella and I received ours and quickly flipped through it.
"Good morning, ladies and gentlemen. For those of you who don't know me, my name is Dr. Laurent Meyers. I prefer to be called Larry, especially at the crack of dawn. I want to introduce to you my new teaching assistant, Victoria St. Peters. She's a transfer student from NYU working on her thesis for her doctorate in music therapy. She'll be assisted in classroom instruction, grading papers and answering questions," Larry said with a tight smile.
Bella and I shared a wary look. We were both apprehensive of the teaching assistants since the incident with James. Larry broke us from our reverie and explained the syllabus, major projects and assignments. It looked like it was going to be fun class. We were dismissed a little early and we headed to our next class which was Educational Psychology. I had taken Introduction to Psychology as a freshman and I was able to get into Bella's section.
Like in Music Theory, we settled near the back of the classroom. A short pudgy man walked in with a beat up briefcase and a handful of papers. He put the briefcase and the papers on the desk in the front of the room, but they fell off, scattering all over the floor. He huffed and bent down to pick them up. He slammed them onto the desk and pinched the bridge of his nose. He looked like he was muttering something to himself as he turned to face us.
"Good morning everyone. My name is Dr. Julian Hafenrichter and I'm your Educational Psychology professor," he said quietly. He distributed the syllabus and explained his expectations and assignments. He then began reviewing the basics of psychology and we scribbled down the notes. I could barely read my own writing because he was talking so quickly. A few students asked him to slow down and he did, for a few moments, then returned to his breakneck speed. I decided that I would bring a voice recorder for the next class in case I miss anything.
After psychology, Bella and I went our separate ways. She went to biology and I went my Introduction to Education course. I ended up having the same professor that Bella had in the fall. She was really nice and she knew her stuff. At the end of class, she asked me to stay behind. Emerson was a smaller university and the professors talked. I'm assuming it had something to do with Bella.
"Mr. Cullen?" she asked.
"Yes, Dr. Seppela," I responded as I walked to her desk.
"I know that you and Bella Swan are together. She didn't pick up her final project and I was wondering if you could give it to her. There's a note for her in the assessment," Dr. Seppela stated.
I held my hand out and she handed me a large envelope that held a binder. "I'll give it to her when I see her next," I said with a smile. "Thank you."
"No, thank you, Mr. Cullen," she grinned. "I look forward to working with you. Dr. Santiago speaks very highly of you. He says you'll make a fine educator."
I blushed and chuckled nervously. "Thank you, Dr. Seppela. I'll see you next class."
"Have a good day, Mr. Cullen."
I picked up my bag and the envelope with Bella's project and walked to University Singers. I took my usual seat and waited for Bella and the rest of the gang. As I waited for the rest of the group to come in, I heard the most annoying sound.
"Hello, Edward."
Fuck. My. Life.
"Tanya," I seethed. "What are you doing here?"
"Eleazar offered me a spot in University Singers when Senna had to drop out of school because of a problem," Tanya said as she sidled up next to me. "I happily took it. I really enjoy Concert Choir, but to be a part of the prestigious University Singers is a dream come true. I get to spend my time with you," she flirted.
"Tanya, back off. I've told you once and I'll tell you again, I'm not interested. Actually, I'm off the market. Permanently."
"Why? Did you knock up your little mouse?" Tanya pouted.
"No. We got engaged," I said as I put my folder on my lap.
"No, you didn't. You're lying, Edward," she laughed.
"No, he isn't, bitch," Bella fumed. "See the bling? Get your fake, artificial acrylic nails out of my fiancée, or my boot will be attached to your ass."
"That's not real. It's totally fake," Tanya tittered.
"Tanya, it's not. It's a D-flawless diamond, two carats. Worth…"
"Edward, don't tell Tanya how much you spent on me. It'll make her jealous," Bella said as she sat on my lap.
"Good point, baby," I replied as I kissed her pouty lips. "However, I think she was just after me for my money."
"I was not, Edward," Tanya defended.
"Yes, you were. Whenever we went out, I always paid. You never once offered. You always asked to go to the most expensive restaurants and concerts," I grumbled.
"It's not like you're poor, Edward," she countered.
"That's not the point, Tanya. There's more to me than a pretty face and a hefty wallet," I said angrily. "You may want to take a seat. Class is almost ready to begin."
Tanya rolled her eyes and sauntered to the back of the choir room. I looked at my Bella and she was shooting daggers with her eyes at Tanya. I gently scratched her back and kissed her neck. She closed her eyes and took a few deep breaths before she got off my lap. She took a seat to my right, linking her fingers with mine. By the time Tanya had sat in her seat, Rosalie and Jasper had walked in sat down in front of Bella and I. Alice raced in a few minutes later, plopping down next to me.
"I'm sooooooo going to hate biology," Alice whined. Bella snickered next to me and shook her head.
"What's wrong, Pixie?" I asked, ruffling her hair.
"Stop that, Green-Eyed Freak," Alice admonished. "We have to dissect a cat. A CAT! I can't dissect a cat. They're so cute."
"Alice, I had to dissect a cat when I was in biology. It's not that bad. The fur is already gone," I explained.
"It's a CAT!"
"What's a cat, Miss Cullen?" Eleazar laughed.
"Nothing. Sorry, Eleazar. I'm just stressing about one of my classes," Alice said as she sat down.
"Biology?" Eleazar asked as he quirked a brow.
"Yes, sir. They're making us dissect a cat," she moaned.
"I'm certain you'll be fine, Miss Cullen," Eleazar snickered. He stood on the podium and began warm ups. After warm ups he gestured to his folder and we opened ours. Inside, we found the music for Mozart's Requiem, the piece we were singing in Italy with Eleazar's colleague, Caius D'Angelo. We spent the better part of rehearsal focusing on learning the opening movement. We also spent some time on another piece, "Prayer for the Children" which we started in the fall but didn't perform.
After rehearsal, we all headed to The Cage and ate lunch together. Jasper congratulated Bella and I on our engagement. I asked him to be 'co-best man' with Emmett. As we sat down to eat our lunch, Emmett came into The Cage and plopped down. He swiped a few fries from Rose's lunch and she swatted him away. Rose and Alice started talking about some drama in their new dorm as I spoke up about a rehearsal schedule for Breaking Midnight. We decided on having rehearsal on Wednesday as Bella and the girls had their self defense seminar on Tuesday and we had Express rehearsal on Thursday. Kellan had called and asked us to perform on Friday, so we needed to rehearse and choose music.
Bella had to make a quick stop at the bookstore before we left The Cage. The bookstore was located in the basement in the same building. She grabbed her wallet and darted off. She returned a few minutes later with a bag in her hands. "What did you get, baby?"
"I needed a notebook for biology," Bella answered. "I'm being lazy and not wanting to go to the grocery store. Though, we do need food."
I chuckled and nodded. "We can head to Super Target after dinner tonight, okay?"
"Sounds good to me. I need to take a nap," Bella yawned. She quirked a brow and gave me a secret smile.
"Yeah, me too. I'm feeling a bit under the weather. We'll see you guys tomorrow," I said as I got up out of my chair, picking up my bag. I dug around in my pockets and pulled out my keys. Bella and I laced fingers and we walked to the car and dashed home to take our 'nap.' What a nap it was, all over our apartment.
I'm engaged to a sex goddess.
A/N: Short, filler chapter. Up next, self defense seminar and another gig at Eclipse. I'm currently snowbound so I may update twice. Blizzard 2011 is at full force!
