Chapter 18

When I wake in the morning Edward is gone and my window is wide open. Of course he had to leave, I tell myself, but It still bugs me a little. As i dress I decide today is a day to curl this black hair into ringlets. Bella walks in halfway into my hair and I frown. "There is this thing called knocking. You should try it sometime. I see in my mirror as she flings herself onto my bed and sighs, "Where's the fun in that?"

Rolling my eyes I go back to curling my hair. "So what do you have planned today Tessa? Cause Jacob actually was hoping you would go with me to La Push today." I smile at her halfheartedly, "I'm sorry Bella. I actually have plans with Edward today. It's our first date."

She smiles at me and shakes her head, "Don't worry about it I'll tell him. You go have fun and tell me everything when you get home." I nod and as I do the last curl I smirk. "Sit down Bella. I got enough time to do your hair too." Bella quickly stands but looks undecided. "Why should I curl my hair if I'm going to be at the beach?" I roll my eyes amused, "Bella you and I both know you aren't going in the water so dont make excuses, now sit."

An hour later her hair is curled to my definition of perfect and we both head down stairs for breakfast. "Do you think Jacob will like it? What if he thinks it's to much?" I sigh, "Bella, shut up. Stop worrying already. You look great. He's going to love it. I know you two arent official yet, but if you were he wouldnt be able to keep his hands off you." She blushes and goes to the fridge bringing out bacon and eggs. "So as payment you are required to make me breakfast as well. I like my eggs scrambled thank you, and the bacon extra crispy."

Bella rolls her eyes but does as I ask. That's right slave. "So what did Mom want to talk to you about last night?" The egg she was about to crack into the pan drops from her hand and she mumbles under her breath as she grabs a napkin and wipes it from the ground. Finally she turns to me and sighs, "She doesn't think Edward is good for you. Asked me to talk you out of seeing him anymore." I frown, "What? But she hasnt even met him yet. Edward's a great guy." Bella nods and breaks another egg into the pan. "I know that, and you know that but what we think doesnt matter. To Mom and Dad we're still kids who need help in the dating department apparently. I mean before Jacob, Dad was trying to set me up with Mike. No thank you."

Glaring at her I grab a banana from the bowl on the table and fling it at her, "Is that why you threw me at him as bait when I first got here?" She laughs as she nods blocking the banana with her hand. "Well duh. I didn't want him following me around anymore." I flick her off and shake my head, "I'm telling Dad."

She shrugs at this, "Tell him. I bet he'll approve. Especially since he doesn't know about Edward yet. Mom has told him too to keep Edward away from you. She thinks he's bad news." I roll my eyes at this, "Just great." Once Bella finished the food she serves us both. As I eat I'm trying to figure out why Mom is so against Edward. I know she's against me getting married young but I havent even thought about getting married. I mean we've barely known each other. I mean sure to Edward we've been engaged before, but to me...I have never been engaged and Mom has scared me from wanting to get married till I'm at least fifty.

I mean Dad is awesome, when he is actually home. Sure he's shy, but I know Dad still loves Mom. So there had to have been a reason to send Mom running to the hills with me only. I know she always talks about how this place is a death trap, makes you miss living but Forks seems so calming and peaceful to me. I mean nothing bad ever seems to happen here. Well except for that murder Dad told us about, but everyone in town seemed so shocked by it. I'm so lost in thought I don't hear the doorbell ringing till Bella kicks my chair under the table. "Hey, what the hell?" She sighs, "The door. I'm pretty sure it's lover boy." I feel the heat rising to my cheeks.

Flicking her off I stand and dust off my jean's to be sure theres no bacon crumbs on me. Bella smiles, "You look great. Now go." I nod and with a deep breath in then out and I head to the door. When I open it I can't help the smile that comes upon my face. He smiles at me and gently tugs on a curl, "They suit you. Theresa had curly hair like this." And just like that my smile is gone. "Oh, so is that why you stared at me so much my first day? Because of the curls?" He stays silent for a moment before I feel his fingers gently tug my chin up. I look up at him and he rest his forehead on mine.

"I'm sorry. I should not of said anything. You always look beautiful Tessa. Especially with your natural waves." He places a kiss on my cheek and releases my chin. "Will you still accompany me to my favorite place? I would really like to show you." I nod, and taking my hand, he leads me to his Volvo. As i see the trees going past us I grin, "Thought you said I wasn't to go in the woods?" He nods, "Alone. There are nomads in our area right now. I don't want them to catch you alone. I can't lose you Tessa."

I smile at this, even though I know partially it's because of her, Theresa. But the smile is quickly replaced by horror, "Wait. These nomads killed that guy didn't they?" Edward nods looking gravely, "Yes. Tessa, you should know not all vampires are like my family. Most hunt humans only. If you ever see a vampire with red eyes you need to run. Run as hard and as fast as you can." I frown at this, "Edward, I'd never be able to outrun a vampire."

He parks the car and nods, "I know. I'd rather you still try instead of just giving in though Tessa. Can you promise me if that ever happens you'll run?" I nod, "Of course Edward." I'd do anything for you. He gets out of the car and speeds to my side and opens the door. As I get out I frown looking at the woods, "If I had known we were going hiking I would of bought hiking boots."

He smiles sheepishly, "Sorry. I should have told you. I just wanted it to be a surprise." I tiptoe and place a kiss on his cheek, "Lead the way then." He chuckles, "I was planning on just carrying you on my back. It'll take less time." I nod in acceptance to this and once were in the forest Edward swings me onto his back and I grab tightly to his neck. I dont want to fall today.

Once he takes off the forest becomes a blur to me. This is amazing, it's as if we're gliding. I turn my head into his neck to shield from the wind slapping me. My curls are so messed up now, I already know. When Edward finally stops I look up and gasp. "This place is beautiful. Do you come here often?" Nice Tessa, I don't think you need to be picking him up with cheesy pickup lines. I resist the urge to smack myself as I slide down from his back.

The sunlight seems to be hitting this meadow so perfectly. The few flowers here and there are so vibrant and full of life. As I step into it I sigh as the sun hits me warming me up. I hadn't realized I had been cold till now. I raise my face to the sky and shit my eyes, just soaking it up. After a moment I turn to see that Edward is still in the shadows. "Aren't you coming?" He smiles half heartedly, "You won't be afraid?" I shake my head, "Edward I know you sparkle….tinkerbell."

He rolls his eyes as he steps into the sun. Light splatters off him as if he were a diamond. Beautiful. Okay so maybe not tinkerbell after all. He stands in front of me and frowns, "You really aren't afraid of me?" Shaking my head I smile at him, "No Edward. I trust you." I sit down and beckon Edward to follow suit. He does and we sit facing each other. "What's your favorite color?"

I look at him curiously. What a random question to ask. "It's blue actually. And yours?"

He smiles, "blue." I want to point out that my eyes are blue, and I wonder if he chose the color because of me. "Did you ever have a pet Tessa?" I nod and look at the trees for a moment. "I did actually. It was a hedgehog, his name was Jason. He was the best friend I ever had when I was little. He'd always keep his prickles down just for me. He'd even sleep curled up by my neck sometimes. My Mom hated him, he was always hissing at her and prickling up, but never with me."

When I look back at Edward he's smiling fondly, "Perhaps you're hard not to love. Even for a hedgehog."

Blushing I look down between us and tug at a strand of grass. "Tessa can I touch you?" I look up at him curiously, "Touch?" He nods in answer and his hand gently touches the side of my neck. Electricity courses through me at that small touch and my eyes close on their own accord. Why does his touch have to feel so familiar all the time? I hear him come closer but I keep my eyes shut. If I open them I just might jump his bones. And his shirt would be the first thing to go. I want to touch his chest. I feel his nose skim my neck and I shiver. Why does he have to be so tempting? His fingers gently graze my lips and they part on their own.

I open my eyes and I can see the hunger in his now black eyes. "Are you hungry? Should I move back?" He shakes his head in answer. I lean toward him slowly, giving him a chance to pull away. "Is it my turn?" He chuckles slightly and drops his hands. Reaching out I run my fingers through his hair first. Been wanting to do that simce I first met him. It feels so familiar, so soft and silkie. I gently slide my hand against his jaw. Would he think it weird if I licked it? I hadn't realized how close i was to him till he opened his eyes. "It's hard to resist temptation with you so close." Before i can ask what he means his lips swoop down and capture mine.

Why can I not get enough of him? I moan into the kiss and he pulls away. Blushing i look down at my hands in my lap. "You're beautiful Tessa. Don't be shy." I look up at him and hesitantly smile. "Sorry, didn't mean to make that sound." I can feel my cheeks burning and he chuckles. His cool hand caresses my cheek. "It just suprised me. No need to be embarresed."

"What's you're favorite book?" I blurt suprising us both. He smiles and scoots back. No come back. We sit there talking about nothing and everything. He had so many questions about me. No guy I ever dated cared enough to ask them. "What was your longest relationship?" Shrugging I turn away from him. "It was a year and a half. His name was Owen. We broke up though cause he wanted more and I wasn't ready." Edward frowns at this, "More of what?" Blushing I start pulling at strands of grass. "He wanted sex and I didn't. I wanted to wait till marriage. But now I see it was just an excuse. I just didnt want to have sex with him." Looking up I meet Edwards eyes and smile shyly. Does he know how badly I want to rip his clothes off. "Can you read my mind?" He shakes his head no, You're the person I have ever met that I can't hear. It's a relief actually. I get tired of all the loudness. But it's funny. The one mind I want to hear and I can't." I laugh, "You don't want to hear my thoughts trust me. You'd think I was weird."

He opens his mouth, probably to ask another question when my stomach begins to grown. Blushing I grab a hold of it. "Didnt even realize what time it it." Edward frowns, "I'm sorfy. I forget you're human and need to eat." I shrug it off. "Dont sweat it Edward. I forgot to. I like being alone with you." Swinging me on his shoulder i laugh at the fact that he caught me off guard. Everything is a blur as we run back to his Volvo. Once there I gently slide from his back. He turns and gently touches my cheek. "I love spending time with you too Tessa." He leans down and just as I close my eyes my stomach growls again. He chuckles and shrugs, Lets get you home."

We drive back in comfortable silence while he holds my hand in one of his. That familiar feeling of knowing him still nags at me in the back of my head. I wonder if he feels the sparks I feel everytime our hands touch. Once we're outside the house I smile at him. "Thank you for a great day. It was fun. I love your meadow. We should go again soon. I'll see you inside in a little while." He smiles crookedly sending my heart into a frenzy. The things you do to me Edward Cullen. He gently touches my cheek and leans forward. "Is it okay if I kiss you?" Instead of answering I grab the front of his shirt and tug him to me. Our lips touch and I sigh. He's like a drug. Just the taste of him on my tongue drives me crazy. When he pulls away i pout. Chuckling he taps my nose. "Your Dad is watching from the window." Blushing I pull away and exit the car. I can feel Edward's eyes on me as I walk to the house door. When my hand is on the nob I finally allow myself to look back. He smiles at me before I open the door and shut it between us.

Sighing I shake my head and head into the kitchen. "What's for dinner? Im starving." As I walk into the kitchen I see Bella sturring something on the stove and Dad sitting at the table. "Was that Edward?" Blushing I nod and grab a water from the fridge. Dad gruffly replies, "Your Mom doesn't you seeing him. Thinks he's trouble." Rolling my eyes I turn to him, "She thinks every guy in Forks is trouble Dad. Edward isn't. He's….sweet." He's my soulmate I want to say but refrain. Anything I say will probably go back to mom. He frowns scratching his head once, "Look just don't fall to fast sweetie. Take your time. And everytime you go out with him you tell me. Got it?" I nod my understanding and sit across from him. "Good. You seeing him tomorrow?" I'm seeing him tonight in my room actually. Before I can answer Bella finally speaks, "No, she's going to La Push with me. Jake and Billy have been asking for her. So if she has plans she better cancel them." Laughing i raise my hands in defeat. "Okay okay, I'll go." She grins and jumps up once, "Thank you. You won't regret it.