AN: Hey all, just wanted to touch base with you who are still reading or who are just now reading this for the first time. I've been re-reading and editing these stories I've written. Now that I've got time with the Corona virus slowing us all down, I'm finishing this story. There are only a few more chapters left and I want you all to have an actual ending. Also this chapter will be written in all knowing since there's a lot going on.
~**Chapter 23**~
The sound of a bird chirping loudly and the bright sun wakes Bella up the following day. She can tell Paul is still asleep so she carefully climbs out of bed, gets dressed, and ventures downstairs. As expected, the boys are all still asleep and the women are awake. Anne has already started a grocery list as there is nothing in the house since everyone wanted to play yesterday instead of being responsible. Luckily, Charlie and Renee came down a couple of weeks ago to get the basics in the house for the vacation but actual groceries are severely lacking. The ladies quickly plan out a few meals to make during their stay and add the needed ingredients to the list. Ren adds some snacks, Ang gets drinks covered, and Bella makes sure condiments are on the list.
"Which vehicle should we take?" Ang asks.
"The SUV for sure," Anne says with the keys in her hand already. "Here Bella, take these. You're the only one familiar with these parts."
Bella takes the keys from her and they all quietly exit the house. It is surprisingly warm for April in North Carolina or maybe it just feels that way coming from all the bad weather back home. The time difference definitely is taking some getting used to; it feels like 5 or 6 in the morning but it's really only about 9am. Bella takes the scenic route to show them the places she is familiar with or has been to. A lot has changed but so much has stayed the same. They arrive at the local supermarket and make quick work of our shopping list. Anne ventures off to see what this store has clothing wise for her date a little later. Bella tells her if she is unable to find anything she likes they can go to another store after dropping off the groceries. Anne does find something cute enough for lunch so they checkout and head back to the beach house.
Paul wakes up in bed alone, confused when he can't locate anyone and one of the rentals is gone. He runs back up to the room for his phone to call Bella. He hangs up when her phone rings from the stand where it's currently sitting. He knows she can't be far since she left her phone and he is right. The ladies are pulling back into the driveway by the time he gets back downstairs. Paul walks outside to help them grab the groceries.
"Thanks Pauly," Anne says with a smile.
"No problem Grams," Paul answers with two arms full of grocery bags. "I'm really not about that 'making multiple trips' life," he adds, rushing into the house.
The ladies laugh, gather what is left, and then follow Paul into the house. Anne sneaks away to get ready for her date leaving Bella, Ang, and Ren to put the groceries away, Jake and Embry finally make their way down to the kitchen. "Wow you ladies have been busy," Jake says.
"Yeah, we had to be sensible today since we weren't yesterday," Ang says to Jake pointedly.
Ang imagines he's thinking of their not so quick quickie yesterday. Now she is thinking about it and can't wait to get some alone time with him. Neither of them were virgins before they started dating but sex was too much of a factor for Ang's previous relationship. With Ben, he always wanted to have sex and it wasn't even good to her. Ang remembers the first time she and Jake had sex (and an orgasm from someone other than herself) with a soft smile.
Jake just stares back at her with a goofy smile. He tries to make sure he is doing everything right as he really cares for Ang. Until now, Jake hasn't had a serious relationship. He makes sure to listen to Ang and to not make sex a main part of their relationship. Jake's main concern is not holding her back. Ang got accepted to a few colleges and she has been trying to figure out where she wants to go. Jake changes the subject or distracts her whenever she tries to talk about it out of fear that she is going to choose to go far away. Ang already knows she is staying close to home for school. Since her dad died, it has just been her, her brothers, and her mom. She is not ready to leave them all behind.
"Would you two stop eye fucking each other," Ren jokes poking Ang.
"We could always just actually go fuck each other," Ang suggests.
"Uhm let's finish getting these groceries put away before anyone sneaks off to do the nasty," Bella laughs.
"I'll help if it means I get to do the nasty with you, babe," Paul adds standing up.
"Ah, ah, ah, back up. If you wanna do something, you can start making us some breakfast," Bella tells him, putting a hand on his chest.
"She told you!" Embry says speaking for the first time.
"Mind your business. You can help him cook too. I bet you'd look so hot flipping pancakes in the air and catching them," Ren says, trying to convince him.
"You're only saying that because you've already seen me do it," Embry rolls his eyes.
"Yes. And you're good at it. So chop chop, I don't see anyone moving," Ren looks around.
"Oh you were serious? I thought we were just kind of kidding around," Jake adds.
"So you want us to go to the store, pick out the food, put it away and cook it? Hell no. Nope," Bella responds.
"Well when you put it that way," Embry says standing up.
"You tell us where everything is and then get out of our way. We've got this," Paul commands.
The gang decides on what they would like and, after debate on what the guys are capable of cooking, then the ladies hit the back deck. As usually, girl talk begins. Ang vents quietly about trying to tell Jake that she is going to stay close to home for school. She explains how easily he changes the subject and asks for help brainstorming how to tell him she's staying. Bella and Ren agree that she'll have to tell him during sex or a sex act that she initiates. The gears in Ang's mind start turning as she tries to figure out the best way to tell him.
Bella looks out to the ocean and momentarily thinks of Edward. She said her goodbyes but one of her favorite memories of Edward is a phone call she had with him at the very spot she's currently sitting in. She smiles sadly and focuses her attention back on her friends. Ren tells them about her college plan. She is planning on attending a local community college next year since Embry (and Jake) graduate the following year. Even though her family is super rich, she still wants to have normal life experiences. Esme is always talking about her college friends and still talks to them regularly. Ren is sure those life long friends are currently here with her on vacation though.
Anne smiles in the room she chose as she listens to the boys in the kitchen. She is truly happy for her Pauly. After his parents passed away and that witch Emily broke his heart, she was genuinely worried for him. It's been great seeing him smile, really smile, with all of his friends and especially Bella. Anne knew from the moment she met Bella that she would be good for Paul. Her thoughts are interrupted by a phone call from Isaac.
"Hello?" she answers.
"Good morning beautiful. I was just calling to make sure we are still on for lunch?" he asks nervously.
"Of course. I'm almost finished getting ready so whenever you are we can go," Anne says.
"Can you meet me out front in 15 minutes?" Isaac asks hopefully.
"I can be outside in 3," Anne says with a laugh. Yes, 15 minutes definitely work."
"Alright, well I'll see you in 5 then," he finishes.
"I will see you in 5," Anne tells him before hanging up.
Anne gives herself a quick glance in the mirror as she passes on her way out of the room. She tries to sneak by the kitchen but Paul catches her.
"Grams, I can see you. Where are you sneaking off to?" he asks accusingly.
"If you must know I am going on my date," Anne answers, putting her hand on her hip.
"With the man you met yesterday?" Paul wonders dumbly.
"Yes of course and he is waiting for me outside. You guys have fun, be safe, and I'll see you a little later," she says as she walks out the door.
Isaac stands at the end of the sidewalk until Anne appears in the doorway. His breath catches at the site of her. She is wearing a cute multi-colored form fitting dress and her just below shoulder length hair is down in waves. He starts moving towards her just as her grandson opens the door.
"How long will you be gone, Grams?" he asks, looking Isaac up and down.
"However long I want to be. Don't wait up," Anne answers, looping one arm through Isaac's and throwing the other hand in the air to dismiss Paul.
Paul huffs and crosses his arms in the doorway. He is happy for his Grams but this is still new territory to him. He worries about Isaac as he is a complete stranger. Who knows what kind of man he is and if he hurts his Grams, well let's just say it wouldn't be good. Paul watches the two walk in the direction towards Isaac's house. What kind of date is at the man's house? Paul wonders to himself. A booty call?! In the daytime? Just as Paul starts to walk down the sidewalk, Bella comes inside to check on breakfast.
"Paul let your Grams be and finish making breakfast. You don't like me when I'm hangry and that is rapidly approaching," Bella jokes.
"We don't know this man Bella. I just want to make sure she is safe," Paul says as he walks up to her.
"Yeah I know and it is very sweet. You have to know your Grams is a very strong and very smart woman. She's been doing this on her own for a while now. Trust her," Bella tells him while rubbing his arms. "Now really, get the food before it burns," she reminds him with a pat on the ass.
Finally the food is ready so everyone eats and plans their first full day of vacation. They make plans to do some sightseeing as well as spend some time on the beach a little later in the day. Bella, Ang, and Ren clean up the kitchen, that the boys only partially destroyed, while the guys take turns showering. One by one, everyone takes their showers within the hour and then gets in the van to go explore. Bella takes the boys through the same areas she's familiar with that the girls have already seen first. Then they all venture to a new area no one is familiar with. During the drive they find that hardly anyone uses their turn signals and most of the walkways are made of sand. The gang does a little shopping, a little snacking, a lot of laughing and then head back to the house to relax. After Paul checks in with his Grams, who still wasn't back from her lunch date, they have an all inclusive bonfire/drink sesh.
About an hour or so after they get the fire lit, Anne and Isaac return and she is glowing. Bella and Ang climb on their mens' laps so Anne and Isaac have places to sit. There is no way Paul would allow his Grams to sit on "the stranger" as he likes to refer to Isaac as. During the bonfire, they all take turns telling funny stories. Anne and her boo tell stories of their childhoods when everything was different than it is now. Ang and Jake are the first couple to head inside with Ren and Embry not far behind. Noting that it is getting late, Bella starts to pick up the night's mess. Paul follows suit but keeps stealing glances at his Grams and Isaac, who is looking at her like she is an angel on earth. Well she is, Paul thinks to himself.
"If you hurry up, I'll let you fuck me in the shower," Bella whispers in Paul's ear, pulling him from his thoughts. Paul instantly puts a little pep in his step.
"Kids, leave any dishes. I will wash them to help out since I was gone all day," Anne says as Bella and Paul are taking stuff inside.
"I will help," Isaac offers.
"Thank you," Anne says just as Paul opens his mouth to object.
The rest of vacation passes in a similar fashion. The couples go off on their own adventures when they feel like it but for the most part, the gang sticks together going further each day. Their bonds in the relationship (and friends) are all strong by the end of the trip. Anne spends each day with Isaac and is ecstatic when Paul starts warming up to him. This makes Anne happy because she feels so good with Isaac and doesn't want Paul to feel replaced. She knows that Paul and Bella are planning on getting a place together soon and does not want to be completely alone. She and Isaac make a plan for him to come visit her in Washington the following month. Paul plans on being at Bella's as much as possible during Isaac's stay.
AN: Sorry there isn't much detail for the vacation I'm anxious to get the rest of the story out. Please leave a review if you want anything special. If I can run with it, I will make it one of the outtakes for this story and absolutely shout you out.