So sorry it's bee so long! Anytime i've sat down to write, the words just wouldn't come out the way i wanted them to. I know where i want this story to go, but when I write, the characters have other things to say. Honestly, mostly Edward, and it's mostly to Bella's vagina. He's a total horn dog *shrugs*. Anyways, hope you enjoy! We're getting closer and closer!
Winter in Forks is so freaking long. Cold, grey days turn into colder, black nights. December passes slowly, painfully. If it's not raining, it's sleeting. If it's not sleeting, it's snowing.
On the day before Christmas break, I slip going out to meet Edward at his car. Dad pulls me up by the elbow and looks behind him at Edward's car.
"That kid got winter tires?" he asks.
"Uhm, I don't know…" I trail off staring at Jasper and Alice grazing lips and Edward's light as snow smile.
"Hm," dad mumbles, holding my backpack, walking me over to my friends. "Winter tires, Edward?"
"Yes, sir. My dad just had them put on last week."
As if he didn't believe Edward, my dad bends and inspects.
"How's she do in the snow?"
"As good as she can," Edward says with a semi-nervous laugh. He's smile makes me want to kiss him.
"Well, alright," dad announces. "Drive safely."
I open the door to settle in the backseat as dad walks away, but then Alice says something to catch our attention.
"Hey Chief Swan?" Alice calls sweetly.
My dad turns around, waiting expectantly.
Alice smiles shyly as if second guessing herself. "I like your mustache." And then she promptly gets in the car.
Heat radiates from her and I thought maybe she was doing it to be a smartass, but I'm not so sure.
Dad turns slowly and walks to his cruiser as I saddle in next to my best girl.
Everyone is quiet, wondering, thinking, astonished.
"Alice, did you just hit on my dad?"
Everyone laughs abruptly, especially Alice, who's full of little-girl giggles and embarrassment.
~!~
At lunch, Alice and Rose talk about going to see some scary movie over the weekend before Christmas and Emmett shoots paper at the back of Jake's head. Edward's in the gym working out, so I'm keeping Jasper company across the table.
He's silent as a feather, stoic, still. Occasionally, his eyebrows will twitch and he'll look to Alice who's busy talking to Rose about New Year's Eve.
I toss a fry at Jasper to catch his attention and my eyes ask what's up? but he never responds. Jas shakes his head and gives me him best fake smile.
I don't buy it for a moment, and he knows it.
I'm not just Alice's friend.
I'm not just Edward's girl.
I'm yours, too I smile back evenly.
He looks away, unable to take the compassion.
~!~
After school, mom heads to the grocery store, so I walk quickly to Edward's.
I'm upstairs and in his bedroom before Mrs. Cullen can see me.
"Hey, Pretty B. What's up?"
My knees walk slowly up to where he's leaned against the bedframe, pen on his lips, Trig book in his palm.
"We need to do something about Jasper."
Edward puts a finger to his lips and motions to the wall that connects his and Alice's room. I strain my hearing and notice the deep voice soaking through the walls.
Jasper's over there.
"He's just so depressed, Edward," I whisper.
"His mom just died, B."
"I know that, but, like, I want him to be…happier."
"It'll take some time," he says quietly, resigned.
I huff and cross my arms, unhappy with Edward's response.
"What do you want to do?" he asks, closing his book, sitting straighter, doing anything in his power to make me happy.
"I'm not even sure, Edward. He just needs to get out of here for a few days. Do your parents know anyone who has a lake house or a cabin or something? A few days away from this town might do him some good."
Edward grabs my hand and touches my fingers, my palm, my wrist. Silky fingers glide up and down my forearm. My head swims.
"I'll look into it," he whispers, pulling me to him. "Dad asked him to start therapy."
"That's probably a good idea."
Edward smiles slyly and licks his lips.
"I'm hungry, Bella."
"I can make you a peanut butter and jelly sandwich if you want, I guess." To be honest, I'm a little confused. I didn't come over to be his personal chef, but if he asks me to make him a seven course dinner I totally would. "What do you want to eat?"
His smile deepens, the whites of his teeth peek out through starburst-red lips.
"You."
~!~
Christmas break flies.
We go see that scary movie with Rose and Em. Edward tosses popcorn at my face during the scary parts. Emmett buries his head in Rose's shoulder. Jasper sighs in boredom.
Later that night, when the boys go out to smoke, and Rose, Al, and I curl up together on the couch, we talk about what teenaged girls talk about: boys.
"You ever miss getting with Jake?" Rose asks.
"He's nice and all, but no. I love Jasper." Alice is rarely sweet about Jasper in front of people, so this melts my heart.
"Jasper's a good guy," I agree with gentleness.
"You ever wish you were with anyone but Edward?" Alice asks me curiously.
"Honestly, Alice, I couldn't imagine myself with anyone but him."
Alice nods softly. "Edward's a good guy," she says with the same gentleness I offered.
Patience. Love. Acceptance.
I've waited what feels like years for her acceptance, and on this simple, snowy night, she gives it.
I find her hand under the blankets and squeeze. She squeezes back, and my eyes fill with emotion.
And then, suddenly, something grabs my shoulder and screams behind us.
I turn so fast I spill the cookies on my lap and the tears that fill my eyes from Alice's kindness spill down my cheeks as I watch Jasper howl and grab at his stomach, catching his breath, laughing harder than I've seen in months.
"Jasper, I swear to god!" I yell. "I almost peed my freaking pants!"
Emmett's on the ground roaring with laugher as Rose climbs on his back and play beats him up.
Behind them stands Edward, hands in his pockets, smile on those rose-red, mischievous lips.
I smile back and mouth thank you. Edward nods and walks over to me, lips at my neck and then my ear.
"Did he frighten you, Bella?"
"Oh, only a little," I say, smacking his shoulder playfully.
He helps me over to the couch and we fall together into the oversized cushions.
"Thanks for doing that," I whisper when no one's listening.
Edward grins, takes a bite of my cookie, and winks.
~!~
Christmas comes and goes. Edward gets me a jersey with his name and number on it.
"Where it to school so all those fuckers know you're mine, B," he explains.
I roll my eyes dramatically.
Edward also gets me my favorite makeup products from Sephora: lip gloss galore and makeup palettes aplenty.
"How did you even know?" I ask, confused.
He shrugs. "I listened all those times you were talking to Rosalie about it."
His simple act of kindness speaks volumes about him as person, as a boyfriend.
"I love you so much, Edward."
"Same, Pretty."
Edward opens my gifts next. A picture of us, a new fuzzy blanket for his bedroom, two tickets to see the Washington Wizards next month.
"I know they're not, like, the best team, but…" I say after a moment of awkward silence.
"This is so fucking cool, Bella."
And then my heart stutters when he looks at me through his lashes and grins. I feel whole and happy and warm in this spot, on the floor of his bedroom, the day after Christmas.
A knock on the door interrupts us.
"Come in," Edward announces.
Mr. Cullen glances at us knowingly. "Can you come downstairs? Your mom and I have something for you."
Downstairs, I sit off to the side and let Alice, Jasper, and Edward open their last gift from their parents.
"C'mere, B," Edward motions, patting the seat next to him.
"This one's yours, Bella," Mrs. Cullen smiles.
I grab the box and sit next to Edward who smiles knowingly.
Edward watches as I open the box, disregarding his own.
Inside are a handful of swimsuits. Baby pink with white polka dots. Royal blue with a tie between the breasts. White with a low cut back. And a soft, sunflower-yellow two piece.
"These are beautiful, Mrs. Cullen! I guess I have an excuse to pretty much live at La Push this summer," I say with a laugh, looking to Alice who's wrist deep in her own box of neon colored swimsuits.
Edward smiles.
Alice holds up a tiny black two piece. Lime green tankini. The same white one piece as me.
"What is all this?" Alice asks in confusion.
"Your father and I have decided it's time for us all to take a much needed vacation this summer!"
"No fucking way!" Al yells in excitement.
"Wait, even me?" I ask incredulously.
Mr. Cullen nods.
"But my parents—"
"Have already agreed, honey," Mr. Cullen adds. "It's been in the works for… many months." Mr. Cullen glances to Edward and smirks.
"When?" Jasper asks, his voice soft.
"We're going to the beech for two weeks at the beginning of July."
"Two weeks?" Alice yells.
"My dad's letting me go for two whole weeks?" I venture.
"That's a long time," Jasper laughs.
Mr. Cullen looks to his wife and winks.
Tears well in my eyes for so many reasons and I can't help but explode with emotion.
Edward did it. He talked to his parents. He's getting Jasper out of here… in seven months, but still! And I get to go! For two weeks!
"Thank you so much," I cry, hugging Mrs. Cullen, then her husband, then Al, then Edward, then Jasper who wraps an arm around me and squeezes tightly.
"You better bring your little floaties, baby B. I know how accident prone you are," Jasper jokes lightly.
Later that night, when Alice and Jasper have gone to bed, Edward takes me upstairs to his bedroom and quietly shuts the door. He strips me of my pants and underwear, pulling my top and bra off next. It's loving and quiet, and honest. He kisses my neck and ghosts his fingernails across my back.
"I love you, Bella."
I can only nod back.
He lays me down and covers my belly, my tummy, my knees with wet kisses.
Fingerprints burn into my skin. Heat rushes to my center. Breath blows across my mound.
Edward tastes me and consumes me slowly, sensually, sincerely.
When I come, my fingers are in his hair, my mouth opens wide, his name fills the room in whispered breaths.
He pushes me back and enters me softly. His movements are loving and gentle and when tears dot my lashes for the second time today, Edward's lips dry them.
He holds me against his chest, his mouth connects to my neck entirely, and I've never felt as consumed by him as I do in this moment. Usually, when we have sex, it's hot and rough and delicious. This time, though, it's soft and caring and loving.
Loving.
Edward's making love to me.
The thought makes my center pulse and my belly tingle and his tongue on my neck flicks against my heartbeat.
His cock fills me to the brim and as he stays there, his breath in my ear tickles.
"You are my sun, Bella. You are my warmth. You are my soul."
He moves in and out slowly, precisely.
I come again, wrapped around him physically and emotionally. He whispers sweetly in my ear and tells me how perfect I am. "Your arms, your belly, the softness of your thighs. I love every goosebump, hair, and freckle on your skin, Bella. You're so fucking pretty it makes my teeth tingle."
His breath and words cover me like a blanket.
"I'm yours," I tell him after I float back down to my body.
His thighs press against my bottom as he angles differently.
"Tell me again," he asks.
"I'm yours, Edward. Always. Forever yours."
He spills inside me, his forehead against my shoulder, his breaths warm my breast.
He falls to my side, pulls me close, and glues his lips to my skin as we drift off.
~!~
New Year's Eve is quiet this year. Edward, Jasper, Emmett, Jake, and Eric sit around the basement while Alice, Rose, Angela, and I do each other's hair in Mrs. Cullen's bathroom.
There's more counter space for curling wands and crimpers. I'm applying her darkest shade of a red lipstain as Rose curls my hair.
Angela crimps Alice's hair and Rose straightens hers.
Downstairs, I snack on cookies and rolls and literally anything I can get my hands on.
"I made you guys a plate and put it downstairs, Bella," Mrs. Cullen smiles.
My eyes light up and I follow the girls down in the basement.
"Oh shit, lookin' fly, ladies," Jake jokes.
Emmett agrees and pulls Rose down by her belt loops. She plops in his lap with a giggle.
Alice sites next to Jasper on the floor.
I smile at Edward, making myself a plate of cookies.
"Save some for us, Bella. Damn," Al jokes, smacking my butt.
"These are my favorite," I defend, sinking into the couch next to Edward.
We joke and play cards and eat way too much food.
At midnight, Edward kisses me urgently, whispering love and promise for the year to come.
Alice pulls him off and kiss me square on the lips.
"Happy New Year, bitches!" she yells.
I stand and throw my arms around Jasper's shoulders. He towers over me, nearly as tall as Edward, and spins me. I kiss him quickly on his cheek and he blushes.
"Happy New Year, Bella," he tells me, setting me down on the floor.
I pick up my soda and hand him his water bottle.
"To a new year full of possibilities and goodness," I promise, raising my can to his plastic bottle, cheersing him and anyone willing and ready to accept my words.
~!~
January passes quickly.
Edward takes me to the Washington Wizard's game with him.
We spend the day in Seattle, walking around downtown, eating different foods.
They lose, but it doesn't matter. Edward's smile never leaves his face.
He holds my hand the entire three-and-a-half-hour ride back from Seattle.
~!~
February and March come and go.
For Valentine's day, he decorates my locker at school and sneaks up to my bedroom at night.
He lays out a huge box of candy and feeds me the caramels.
I tell him I'm going to get fat.
He bends down and bites the small rolls spilling out from my sleep shirt.
I squeal softly, falling back against the bed, kicking my legs.
"You've never been more beautiful," he tells me seriously, climbing on top of me, pinning my arms down.
"I'm always radiant near chocolate," I giggle.
~!~
It's the end of the school year now.
Summer.
Jasper's smile grows higher and higher every day.
Some nights, when he's smoked a lot, he talks about his mom.
We never press or pry. Alice runs her fingers through his way too long hair now.
"You're going to have to cut this before the beach you know," she teases him.
"No way."
"I kind of like it," I tell him. "Very surfer-dude."
"Did you tell your dad yet?" Alice asks, cutting Jasper off from responding.
"Tell him what?" I know she means about me and Edward.
"About you and dumbass over there."
I sigh heavily but Edward answers before I do.
"We're waiting until after her birthday."
Just after Alice's birthday, when I bring up telling my dad about us, Edward says, "maybe we should wait."
I'm so relieved.
"What if he won't let you come to the beach with us?" he reasons.
"Good point," I agree.
So, here we are, nearing summer and my dad is still none the wiser.
"But he's going to know this year," Edward says, "because I'm taking you to the fucking prom."
My eyes light up and I can't help but smile.
Alice gags.
"You are?"
"Hell yeah, baby."
I kiss him hard and fast and sloppy.
Jasper's smile can't be erased either.
"God, you two are so disgusting," he jokes.
"You're one to talk. You had to move Alice's bed away from the fucking wall," Edward shoots back.
"Oh my god, I knew it!" I say, smacking Al in the arm. "You little slut."
"What can I say, Jasper likes to go hard."
I turn to gag, and I think Edward actually throws up a little.
"Let's go, Pretty," Edward says, pulling me from the couch.
"Where?"
"Anywhere but here."
I slip into my sandals, and we disappear out the backdoor. We walk quietly to our very old, very special log in the woods. It's been some time since we've visited.
The log has decayed, crumbling into soft, wet wood-ash on the forest floor.
"Guess we'll need a new place," he tells me with a shrug, pulling me deeper into the forest.
"Where are we going?" I ask. The sun has set yet, but it will soon, and my arms chill from lack of heat.
"Just a little further," he explains.
Edward's in front of me, hand gripping mine, leading the way.
Dense brush and forest give way to an open, less dense garden of purple and yellow and white flowers. It's almost like the sun whispers secrets into this garden. Gold glows against dark bark.
"Come on," he says, pulling me from my revelry.
Deeper into the meadow is a large, flat rock. It's smooth and warm and dry.
We climb up and sit, kicking our legs against the flowers that tickle our ankles.
"Why have we never found this place before?" I ask in awe.
"Guess we never really looked."
Edward and I stay and wait. We watch the sun set. Bees buzz about the flowers. Squirrels play freely, hopping from branch to branch.
"Jas and I found this place a few days ago. I couldn't wait to take you."
I look back to him and his nose touches my cheek. Soft fingertips tickle my jaw, and I let him kiss me wholly, openly, peacefully in the most beautiful, secret place we've ever been.
~!~
"You can't spend every day at La Push," Mr. Cullen calls after Alice who runs upstairs to grab another swimsuit cover up.
"Why not?" she asks, coming back downstairs with two mismatched flipflops.
Her lavender ends are pulled into a super tight pony, and she's got lime green shades on.
"It's not good for your skin," he says.
"Dad, I have to get a base tan."
That's been Alice's excuse every day since the last day of school. Her base tan is now a nice light roast coffee, and I'm still the milk she pours in.
"I have SPF 70, Mr. Cullen. Don't worry," I joke.
"I'm so glad one of my kids has a head on their shoulders," he says before walking off.
When he says things like that, things that include me as part of the family, my spirits shine brighter than my white legs.
On the way to La Push, in Alice's new old Toyota Camry, we turn the volume up and wave our hands through the pressure of the wind outside.
The beach is crowded. It's the hottest day of summer so far. Angela and Rose find us an hour later, and we all eat popsicles and French fries.
The boys show up later, when the sun is highest in the sky.
Edward dunks me under the water and I'm so glad we don't have to hide anymore.
He wraps his arms around me and pushes me down again.
This time I pop back up and splash him.
He pulls me in and we're so close our noses almost touch.
"Yo, Bella. Your pops is here," Jake calls from a few feet away, picking up Leah and tossing her behind him.
Her scream is abruptly cut off as she bounces into the water and when I turn around, there's my dad, Chief of police, looking out into the water.
"Did he see anything?" I ask frantically.
"There was nothing to see, Bella. We were just horsing around," Edward assures.
He's cool, calm, collected. I'm scattered pennies at the bottom of a purse.
I'm panicked and anxious as I walk out on the pebbled beach. I grab my towel and walk over with a forced smile.
By the time I arrive, Alice has my dad wrapped around her finger.
"We're going to suntan and play volleyball and drink root beer floats like every day!" she says excitedly.
"Hey, dad." My voice shakes. "What are you doing here?"
He looks from me back to the water where Edward, Emmett, and Rose are wrestling. Edward dunks Rose and I know he's doing this or my benefit. He's doing to her what he was just doing to me.
All in good fun.
Nothing special going on here.
Except there is because Edward's my secret-to-my-dad boyfriend.
"Just patrolling. You'd be surprised how many kiddos like to get high behind the bathrooms over there."
"What?" I ask incredulously. "Here? Behind those bathrooms?"
"Yep," dad responds, buying my act.
"I was just telling Chief Swan about our plans for the beach and how excited we are that he's letting you come!" Alice bounces. "You're so lucky to have cool parents, B." Her act could win her an Oscar.
"I know. I have the best parents in the world."
Dad eats this up like candy.
"Well, I'm going to get going," dad finally says, looking between me and Alice.
"Bye, Chief," Alice sing-songs.
We're arm in arm walking back to the water after we watch the cruiser exit.
"Man, he's so easy to fool," Alice says with a shake of her head. "I almost feel bad."
Jasper sneaks up behind her and tosses her over his shoulder, running full force into a wave.
Her excited scream washes ashore with the water.
I sit my bottom down and let the water tickle my toes and backs of my legs.
Edward parks himself next to me, bumping my shoulder with his.
"I love the smell of Summer on you, Pretty."
~!~
"All packed up?" dad asks from the doorframe of my room.
"I think so," I tell him, sitting on my bed next to two suitcases of stuff.
"Your mom and I just wanted to say we're going to miss you and we hope you have fun."
I wait it for. "…but?"
He looks confused. "But what?"
"There's always a but, dad."
He laughs softly, walking in to sit next to me.
"Not this time. Just, have fun. You're growing older. You're not my little girl anymore. Your mom made me aware of that. It's time you make some memories."
"Thanks dad," I whisper, glancing up at him.
"No problem, kiddo."
In this moment, I think briefly how he'd react if I mention I'm with Edward.
Would he yell and scream and be irate?
Would he cry and ask why?
Would he turn quiet and stoic and then forbid me from seeing him?
When dad stands up to exit, I call out for him.
"Mom's been wanting to go to this art museum in Seattle. There's a cute bed and breakfast just down the road from it. You should take mom there while I'm gone. Have fun. Be young again."
Dad smiles and nods before leaving for work.
~!~
Mom walks me over and helps load my suitcases into the Cullen's SUV.
"I'm going to miss you so much," she says, tears stinging her eyes.
"I'll call you and facetime you every day, mom," I promise.
In the car, in the way back with Alice, I rest my head against the pillow on the window and find her hand.
We fall asleep quickly.
~!~
The beach house is unreal.
It's situated on the corner of the road and the beach so that when you walk out the front door and down the steps, your toes hit the sand.
Inside, the views from the floor to ceiling windows are all beach on two of the four walls of the house. The kitchen is huge with a wide island and stools for entertaining.
We scatter about the house, looking for bedrooms to call our own.
"Master's on the third floor. Don't even think about it," Mr. Cullen laughs.
Alice picks the smallest room saying, "I'm going to be sleeping with Jasper anyways, so whatever."
I'm not so sure I'll get so lucky to sleep with Edward since his dad explained the rules on the way up.
"There will be no monkey business in the house, kids. There's plenty of bedrooms for each person to have their own, and that's where you're intended to sleep. Understood?"
"Roger," Jasper nods.
"Fine," Alice huffs.
"Yes, sir," I squeak.
"Sure thing," Edward says.
I open the door to the last room on the left and nothing but windows greet me.
"Woah," I whisper.
"Cool, huh?" Edward says quietly, arms crossed, leaning against the door frame.
"Amazing."
There's a large bed on the right side and a chaise lounge positioned on the left.
"I bet this'll be so pretty at night."
Edward comes up behind me and wraps his arms around my waist.
"Watch this," he whispers, kissing my cheek before walking to the large glass panes and folding them open like an accordion.
The glass opens to a small private deck overlooking the private beach.
I'm speechless and dripping with appreciation for this family who excepts me and loves me and treats me as their own.
~!~
"How are you going to get tan if you constantly have that shit on your skin, B?" Al asks, coating herself with tanning oil while I lather up with SPF.
"Ask me that in twenty years, Al. We'll see who's laughing then," I quip.
We jump onto the rafts in the pool and float around for hours.
The boys go for a run and just as I'm somewhere between awake and twilight, Edward cannonballs into the pool, splashing us with water.
"Damn, you're beautiful," Edward says.
Chlorine water sticks to his lashes, and his eyes are bluer than the ocean right now. Freckles dot his nose and his cheeks are tinged with exertion and summer-sun.
"Hi, handsome."
Edward kisses me sweetly before tipping over my raft.
I start to scream his name, but it's drowned out as I slip under water.
~!~
On the third day, Mr. and Mrs. Cullen walk down the boardwalk, hand in hand, while their kids traipse along behind, hand in hand with their own kind of lover.
Edward pulls me into a t-shirt shop that specializes in spray paint t-shirts. He laughs as he picks mine out. He picks out a white tank and asks for a hot pink background and a simple, blue letter B.
I wear it the rest of the night.
We've lost the group and that's okay with me.
I'd be okay being lost forever with this boy by my side.
He picks out jewelry and sunglasses and even a baseball shirt for my dad.
"Slow down, Edward," I giggle as he places all the merchandise on the counter. "We've got, like, ten more days here. You're going to spend all your money in one night."
Edward laughs and shakes his head like I'm the crazy one.
There's a henna tattoo kiosk down farther, and as I'm picking what I want, Edward sits down with the guy at one of the chairs. I watch as he lifts his shirt, but then the lady at the desk grabs my attention, showing me some dainty pieces she's freehanded.
I settle on intricate, feminine looking flowers on my forearm and position myself on the chair as she preps.
Halfway through, Edward kneels next to me.
"What'd you get?" I ask.
Edward lifts the sleeve of his arm and shows me his bicep. It's an intricate crest with his last name in the middle.
"That's incredible," I tell him.
"He said he would free hand it on paper if I wanted to actually get inked."
"Are you going to?"
"Maybe."
Afterward, Edward pays as I examine the work.
"My dad's going to kill me," I laugh, placing my hand in Edward's.
He grabs it easily. "It isn't real," he reasons with a laugh.
Edward's thinking about an actual tattoo and I'm worried my parents will yell at me for henna.
We buy two hotdogs and share a coke, making our way onto the beach, settling into a rocky section for privacy.
I'm between his legs, sucking down the drink, as he eats his hot dog in two and a half bites.
We talk about the time his dad caught Alice snooping through Jasper's room years ago before they were a thing. We talk about where we eventually want to retire. We talk about what life would've been like if he never slipper something dirty into my locker or showed me his number 17.
"You would've eventually seen it, baby," he tells me, pulling my chest to his back tightly.
"You're so sure of yourself," I joke, slapping his arm.
"Oh please," he rolls his eyes in amusement. "I could smell you the very first time I made you wet."
"Liar."
"I had to stand and run out of the room to go jerk off, B. You're very… distinct."
"Stop."
"My mouth is watering right now."
"Edward."
I hear the cackle of families just behind the rocks. They are so close I can smell the corn dogs and popcorn their kids are fighting over.
"I know you're wet right now," he whispers.
His hand traces my bare thigh at the hem of my cotton dress.
Fingers glide up my smooth skin to rest just outside of soft pink cotton.
"Why don't you see for yourself?"
His chuckle vibrates my back and his finger glide up my undies and into the waistband.
His fingers play with my very slick center, slipping between my lips, and making me come silently, feet away from family vacationers.
~!~
We walk quietly back to the beach house. Edward carries my bags and I carry our shoes.
"I love you, Pretty," he tells me just as we reach the steps.
"I know," I tell him, shining down at him.
"No, Bella. Like, I really love you. Sometimes I don't even want to say it because it's not enough. Do you know what I mean?"
I nod because I definitely do.
He throws an arm around me, kisses my temple, and walks me into the house.
"Where were you love birds?" Jasper asks, stretched out on a round daybed near the pool. He's got a joint between his lips and a beer in his hand.
"Double dippin'?" Edward asks with a raise brow.
"Nah, this piss is for your sister. But this shit," he says, inhaling deeply, "is for us."
"Parents?" Edward asks.
"They went to some fancy schmancy restaurant. They'll be gone for hours."
Edward nods and excuses himself to put our bags in the house.
"Where's Al?" I ask, crawling up to lay with Jasper.
He puts his arm around my neck and pulls me in.
"Doing something inside."
"You smell like her," I say, inhaling his scent.
"Lavender soap," he smiles. "She always has this lavender fucking soap."
"It's the girliest thing about her. How do you know what her soap smells like?"
"She likes it from behind in the shower," he explains without missing a beat. "Shit's strong, B. Take small hits."
Jasper passes me the joint and I do as he says. Once then twice and I give it back. It's been a very long time since I got high with the boys, and I don't want to overdo it.
"You smell like sex on the beach, B," Jasper laughs.
"Well, there was no actual sex…"
I giggle high as the sky and let easy-breezy Jasper wash me away.
I take two more hits before Edward comes out, white tee shirt and gym shorts, and lights up another joint Jasper pulls from his pocket.
"How do you fuck on the beach and not get sand in your…" Jasper trails off.
"We didn't—"
"Slide the panties to the side," Edward explains with a wink. "Stops the sand from sticking… mostly."
"Or just bring a fucking blanket," Al says, finally appearing for the night.
We spend the night dazed and drunk and giggling. Okay, well, that's mostly me, but everyone else laughs at me so that counts to some degree.
It's just after ten when the first explosion hits the sky.
Fireworks pop all around us.
Greens and blues and reds color the inside of Edward's eyes, and it's magical.
His smile lifts higher when fireworks in the shape of hearts explode into the sky.
I lay with him in the daybed next to Alice and Jasper who have been still since the show started.
The daybeds have a top umbrella that folds to protect from the sun, and theirs is up, so I can only really see their toes.
When I lay back down, Edward's lips are on mine and he's pushing a lungful of smoke into my throat.
"I don't know what it is, but watching you exhale the smoke I put in your mouth makes my dick so hard."
I look down and he's sporting a tent in nylon shorts.
Edward lays back, watching the explosions light up the sky.
I lean up and kiss his neck, his ears, his chin, snaking my hand into his shorts. He does nothing to stop me.
I free him and place my mouth over his cock, letting my tongue massage his length, feeling the skin heat my tongue.
My other hand finds his balls, cupping and rolling them gently. He grunts and thrusts and I accept every inch he offers.
I lay my head in his lap and listen to every breath, every moan, every curse he whispers.
By the time I use my right hand, his shaft is coated in my saliva. I grip him and work him fast and hard like I know he likes. I settle into the spot between his legs, on my belly, and glance at him.
He's higher than he's been in so long, but his eyes are light and shine for me.
One hand grips my hair, the other brings the roach to his lips. He's smoked it all. He holds the smoke in his lungs before exhaling and stubbing out the end of the joint.
"Fuck yes," he whispers. "Suck my cock," he whispers so low. His eyes lock onto mine.
Fireworks still pop in the sky, I wonder how much of noises are being masked in the explosions overhead.
I take my time with him, exploring his shaft, his balls, the bead of come that oozes out the tip. I look at him and show him this is love, this is life, this is everything he does for me.
He deserves to feel this good forever.
"Fuck I'm gonna bust, Bella."
He swells in my mouth and I pull back, using one hand to wrap and circle around his length, the other to massage and gently tug on his balls.
The muscles in his legs tighten, the fist in my hair pulls erotically painful at my scalp, and his come shoots down my throat.
"Holy fuck," he pants, pulling his cock out my throat. It lands with a slap onto his belly.
He watches as I clean up the mess from his shaft, his balls, his head.
"You're going to start another round here soon, baby, if you don't quit that."
He tucks himself away and pulls me up to rest on his chest.
"You think they heard?" I ask quietly.
"Probably."
~!~
"Happy Fourth of Fucking July!" Alice bellows, tucking her knees to her chest and cannonballing into the pool.
Her body cuts through the water, sending ripples of waves my way. The boys are out with Mr. Cullen finding last minute fireworks and decorations for today's festivities.
"Mom's letting us have actual beer tonight, B. Like, without even sneaking it!" Alice says excitedly, swimming up to climb on my raft.
We lay arm to arm, sunning ourselves. It's late in the afternoon, and we just got back from the beach. To be honest, I like the pool so much better. No weird fish, no potential jellyfish stings or crabs walking around.
The pool is safe.
The pool is for me.
I look down to my gently tanned legs and feel the sticky heat and redness on my chest.
"I wonder why she's letting us have beer."
"She probably got laid last night."
"Alice!" I whisper-hiss, nodding my head to her mom who lays a few feet away, still as death, backside exposed to the sun.
"I'm not deaf, Alice Cullen," her mom says.
Alice giggles and paddles us over to the jacuzzi attached to the pool, and we sit and chat about the world, Jasper, and Jessica Stanley.
"Jake said she let him fuck her in the ass. Can you even imagine?" Alice says in disgust.
"Rose said she and Emmett did that."
"Yeah, but Rose is a certified freak. Jessica is a grade A whore."
I roll my eyes. "If Jasper wanted to do that, you'd say no?"
"That's a one way road, Bella," she says. I'm glad her mom decided to go start dinner a few minutes ago. "Why, have you done that?"
"No," I answer honestly. "Not yet."
Alice's eye bug out and she splashes me. "You dirty little slut."
I giggle and splash her back.
"I wish you weren't fucking my brother. I want to know so many nasty details. We're besties. We should be comparing notes!"
"What if I call him something different?"
"How about Gus?"
"Gus is a great kisser," I swoon.
But this isn't enough for her. My girl is as dirty as her brother. "How many orgasms do you have when you and Gus are fucking?"
My blush heats my skin hotter than the jacuzzi.
"I never really kept count. Sometimes two, sometimes more. But Gus almost always gets me off before… you know."
"Yeah, I know. So you're gonna let Gus put it in your backdoor?"
"Maybe one day."
"Where's the craziest place you guys have had sex?"
"Uhm… maybe school?"
"Everyone fucks at school, Bella."
"Okay… uhm… My bedroom, the basement, in the woods, his backseat—"
"The backseat? Nasty. Was there room?"
"I was on top. It was… fun."
Alice hangs on every word as I describe when and where and how it occurred until I ask her the same question.
"Once, Jas fingered me at lunch."
"Like at the table? Ew Alice! But tell me everything!" I giggle and lean into her.
"It was one time you were eating lunch outside. I wore that stupid dress you made me wear on Jasper's birthday. Anyways, I was talking to Rose and Jake, and then Jasper just started rubbing my thigh, then my underwear, then he just started finger fucking me. It was nuts."
"Yeah Ed— Gus has magical fingers too. They should be illegal."
"You're going to marry him, aren't you?"
"I'm not even seventeen yet, Al."
"You are, I know it."
"Are you going to marry Jasper?"
"I think so, but he's going to relapse first."
I balk at her candor. "What, why?"
"I just… I don't know, Bella. I feel it. Not now, not soon, but later on, after high school, like when Edward goes to college."
"You think it'll be hard for him without Edward?"
"Yeah, and there's only so much I can do, so much I can offer. I'm not Edward. I'm not you."
"Yeah, you're right. You're Alice, his favorite girl, his best thing, his everything."
"He and Edward have this unspoken bond. He always says you're his sister—" she pauses with sadness. "I'm just his girlfriend."
Alice looks scared. I grip her fingers in mine.
"We'll be there for him, Alice. All of us."
"What about when you and I go off to college?" Her eyes are deep and distraught and I wonder how often light, easy Alice thinks so deeply about the future of our group. "What will happen to him then? What will happen to us?"
I lie through my teeth. "Jasper will come with us." She doesn't buy it. "Besides, we're family. The only thing that can separate us is distance."
She accepts my words and my love.
My best girl wars with herself inwardly, and as it eventually spills out, I have no idea how to make it better.
"Let's get fucked up," she says, standing and walking to the outdoor bar, popping the tops of two beers, and handing me one.
She's on her second before I drink four sips of mine.
~!~
"What happens if Jasper relapses?" I ask Edward, our toes in the sand.
He looks down at his beer bottle in the sand between his knees. It's just the two of us here right now. Alice and Jasper are cleaning up dinner with Mr. and Mrs. Cullen.
"We get him to detox, enroll him in a program, switch up his therapy."
"So, there's a plan?"
"If there needs to be one, then yes. My dad has a plan. Why are you asking me this?" Edward says, looking down through tight brows.
"Alice mentioned earlier she's afraid he might feel left behind when you and his friends go off to college."
"He has just as much opportunity as I do, Bella. You and I both know that. He's not tied down to his mom anymore. In fact, if he's tied to anything, it's his own doing." Edward glances out to the Pacific and grabs the long neck of the bottle, downing some of the amber liquid.
"You think he doesn't want to leave Alice?"
"I know he doesn't."
"What did you say?"
He shrugs. "Same shit different day. If the love is real, it'll last despite the distance, despite the time, despite any obstacle."
I bite back the smile on my lips and nod.
"I tell him all the time I don't want to fucking leave you and go to college four fucking hours away, but I have to because that's the next step in life. I tell him all the time we have to grind now to be set up for our future. I told him he needs to make sure he gives my sister a good fucking life financially, emotionally. All the bullshit."
For the second time today, a Cullen shares a fraction of the weight of their anxieties with me and my shoulders hurt from helping them carry the load of it.
We sit in silence and listen to the waves lap the sand as the sky turns from blue to orange-yellow and finally pink-purple-dark.
"But he'll be alright," Edward says finally as I finish the last of my sun-warmed beer.
I don't ask if he knows this or hopes this.
Edward offers to help me stand and when my hand fits into his palm, he pulls me up and into his embrace.
"I'll make sure of it," Edward finally says, wrapping his arm around my shoulder and walking be up the steps to the house.
~!~
Jasper and Alice are arm wrestling on the bar as Mrs. Cullen hands me a sparkler.
"Happy Fourth of July, my little firecracker," Edward whispers, lighting the sparkler. The weight from earlier disappears. He's lighter than ever.
Yellow-gold embers light up the ink-dark sky as I hold it over head and spin-twirl around. I write my name. I write his name. I draw a heart around him. I kiss him heavy on the lips and tell him I want it to be the fourth of July forever.
"It will be," he tells me, parting my lips with his bottom and kissing me deeply in front of his family.
Someone takes a picture with a bright flash and then we break apart.
The sparkler dies off and Alice lights up another one.
For the first time ever, I almost want to be high. I wish we had smoked before lighting these so the colors could lazily bleed into each other.
Later, we walk down onto the beach and find a spot for the six of us. It's packed, filled with families and couples, and individuals who want to enjoy another night of fireworks.
Edward pulls me down into his lap and settles me between his legs.
I sigh, resting my head against his chest. He kisses the top of my hair and whispers delicate love so low I hope no one else hears.
"I love the way your ankle fits on my foot," he says.
"Your neck has the perfect spot for my nose," he murmurs.
"Your eye lashes are so fucking soft," he tells.
"Remember last night when…" he kisses.
Green fans into purple and purple into pink as the first firework explodes into the sky.
"You smell like summertime and girly-girl things," he whispers.
"Like what?"
"Like pink nail polish and soft panties and fruity lip gloss and giggles."
He continues telling me gentleness between fireworks and holds my arms close to him, keeping me warm and comfortable. He smells like cologne and humidity. His scent lays like fog around us. He envelopes me in every way imaginable.
When the show is over, and families make their way homes, the four of us linger around the water a little longer. Alice and I sit in the sand as the boys dip their toes in the water.
Mr. and Mrs. Cullen walk hand in hand back to the porch and wait for us there. He has his arm around her waist, kissing her neck, and I turn before I encroach anymore on their private intimacy.
Alice's eyes stay on her man who talks animatedly with Edward about something I can't quite make out.
"Nerds," Alice says with a content sigh.
"Cute nerds."
~!~
It's nearly midnight when Edward sneaks into my room. He locks the door and crosses the room, opening the glass panes. It's breezy tonight, and the wind smells like rain and electricity.
He whispers tenderness across my neck. His hair is wet from the shower. His skin smooth but warm.
"I want to show you something," he says as a crack of thunder hits above.
Out into the ocean, lightening strikes relentlessly.
"Okay."
"I got this when we got our henna tattoos."
Edward walks to me, removes his shirt, and drops it to the floor.
It takes a minute before I find what he's talking about.
There, on Edward's chest, right where his heart beats, is one simple word, six little letters.
Pretty.
I know it's just henna. I know it won't last forever, but we will.
I'm stunned still and silent.
I lift my fingers to trace his favorite name for me. The name he says more than Bella, more than B, more than baby anything.
Pretty.
"Say something." His voice trembles in panic.
It's dark in this room, the only light coming from the lightening in the sky, but I snap my eyes to his.
I want to tell him I love it. It's beautiful. I want him to get it forever, but instead I smother him with my lips and love and appreciation.
The back of his knees hit the mattress and I'm climbing on top.
I sit up, tear the tank off my chest, and smash my naked breasts to his bare chest. My hips search for something, anything, and when I find it, I snake my hand inside his pants and pull it out. I'm standing, sliding out of sleep shorts, and impaled on him faster than I have ever been before.
My fingers splay just below Pretty and my clit grinds against his pubic hair. Edward fists my breast in his right palm and my hip in his left, and he helps me grind my hips against him.
I'm emboldened tonight.
He gives me belief.
He is mine.
I ride him with long strides back and forth. I brace one hand behind me on his thigh, elongating my torso. His fingertips tug and tease at my nipples. He helps give me the strength to rise and fall on his cock. My grunts and moans of pleasure are masked in the thunderstorm blowing in.
He says nothing as I take him over and over, opening myself and my center and allowing him to claim me like never before.
My thighs shake from exertion, but I want to make him come like this, so I squeeze my walls and reach below to play with my clit. He watches the descension of my fingers as they slowly make their way to the gentle ball of nerves between puffy pink lips.
I'm soaked.
The second my fingers make contact with my clit, Edward thrusts so deep into me that he traps my fingers between my clit and his pubic bone.
He's deeper than my cervix has ever allowed before and my hips start grinding back and forth in quick succession.
I don't need to tell him I'm coming. He already knows.
My mouth falls open in bliss. His teeth sink onto my nipple, his lips suckle gently.
His cock thrusts in and out shallowly, drawing out my orgasm.
My fingers never leave Pretty.
Edward, as far into my pussy as he's ever been, explodes with deep grunts and heavy breaths.
He coats my insides before rolling us so he's on top.
Edward pulls out slowly and thrusts into me. His eyes cement to my own and we never break apart. I meet him thrust for thrust as we roll into round two.
Wind whips against our bodies, lightening illuminates the room, Pretty catches my attention again.
~!~
Round four starts somewhere around four in the morning.
The only thing lighting up the room is the light from the moon.
"I never want to stop," he whispers.
"I know, baby," I tell him, cupping his cheek with my palm. "But I'm so sore."
Edward pulls out of me, still hard, and covers us with a blanket. He's exhausted, but his left hand grips his shaft, and his right hand finds my sore, swollen lips.
He makes us both come one final time.
~!~
I wake the next morning, sunrise fills the room, and a sleeping Edward holds me tightly.
Footsteps fall softly in the hallway.
"Edward," I whisper.
He groans and snuggles closer.
"Edward, someone's awake. They'll see you."
"It's fine," he mumbles.
I check the time. It's after eleven.
"Shit," I whisper, throwing back the covers, grabbing a towel, and hitting the shower.
I smell like ocean spray, humidity, and orgasms.
In the shower, I let warm water pelt my sensitive skin. I feel his fingernails and teeth marks and lips everywhere.
My smile is automatic.
I dry off and wipe the mirror so I can see.
Bruises decorate my skin and arms and neck. I turn to see scratches down my back.
Hickeys cover my breasts and neck and legs.
A sudden bolt of thunder causes me to jump before immediate rains pounds against the windows.
I'm suddenly so glad it's raining.
The hickeys I could hide strategically, but I'll need a day or two before the scratches disappear.
Back in my room, Edward's still asleep. I dress in leggings and a t-shirt, praying no one asks why I'm so covered.
Another crack of thunder and the lights flicker.
"Huge rain," Jasper says over orange juice and toast.
"Feels kind of good," I say honestly. "Too much heat makes me sick."
He nods with me, passing me the OJ and a mug.
"Where's Al?"
"Passed out. Edward?"
"Same."
He looks at me and quirks a brow. "Long night?"
I giggle. "You could say that."
He offers a chuckle. "Same."
We sit in comfortable silence for a few more minutes. The clouds eventually break and the sun peaks out.
"I think I might walk to the boardwalk and find Edward a birthday gift. Wanna come with?" I ask.
He agrees, and we leave a note, setting it on the island.
~!~
"How about this?" he asks, holding up a conch necklace.
"Ew."
"I don't know if you'll find anything at a place called Bob's Cool Things," Jasper jokes.
I agree eventually and move on to the next shop, then the next, then the next.
"I can't find anything," I groan as my fingers dance over t-shirts and sunglasses and hats. "None of these scream Edward."
And then I find it.
Simple, unique, masculine.
Small black beads make up a bracelet and lead to four small gold balls in the center.
"It's made up of volcano ash and sand from the beach here," the shop lady says.
I smile and nod. It's him.
"It comes in a pair," she explains. "Like a friendship bracelet only more intense."
I let her explain to me the benefits of the beads and what they do. I don't believe in that crap, but I fall for it anyways.
"No matter the distance, you'll always be connected by these beads," the lady explains.
Jasper has long since walked away, so I ask the lady, "do you have two more?"
She smiles and nods.
It's nearly two by the time we're back, and I'm able to stash the gift in my luggage in my room before I see Edward.
"Why didn't you wake me?" he asks, coming up behind me in the living room.
His sister and Jasper are curled up watching reruns of The Office on another couch.
"I did," I giggle, pulling him into me on the couch. "You were out!"
"I was tired."
"I wonder why," I joke with a knowing smile.
"Last night was… incredible," he whispers into my ear. "I've never experienced anything like it. I've never gone that many times and wanted to keep going."
His words make me blush on my cheeks and my chest and my belly.
"You should see what you did to my back and arms, Baby."
"Same," I retort. "Thank god it's rainy today, or I'd have to make up the most elaborate story as to why I'm in jeans at the beach."
"Are you sore, Bella?"
"Nah, the scratches don't hurt—"
"I mean down there," he says quietly. "We went for hours last night. I hope I didn't hurt you."
"It is a little, but nothing I can't handle."
He nods. "There's a jet tub in the spare room. You should soak in that later."
I nuzzle into him, thankful he's so caring. I nod and reach my lips to peck his.
~!~
I help Mrs. Cullen shuck corn and set the dinner table inside since it's still raining.
The boys are outside grilling under the pergola.
"Did you get anything for Edward for his birthday?" I ask Alice.
"Not yet. He's got, like, everything."
"I went with Jas today to pick something out. You're right. He does have everything."
Alice and I make more small talk before the boys come inside.
It's humid and hot and their skin glistens with sweat and rain.
We eat in comfortable conversation about Edward growing up, turning eighteen, being responsible. They open up about what a long way he's come since thirteen. Since selling drugs. Since partying and sleeping around. Since he met me.
"No," I tell them adamantly. "This is just who he is. Edward's kind and gentle. He's stubborn in the best way. He's determined."
Mr. and Mrs. Cullen smile. Jasper nods. Alice listens.
"Edward isn't that stuff your said, and I didn't change anything. He always had too much potential to be anything other than who he is now. Edward has so much future. He's going to be huge no matter what he does. That's just him. He's got a determination unmatched by anyone else. His light shine's brighter than any beacon or any lighthouse. He glows with promise."
Mrs. Cullen's smile winds up and brightens the room.
Mr. Cullen sets his fork and knife down, clears his throat, and covers my hand with his.
"Bella, when you decide to tell your father about you and my son, please make sure to let me know. If things don't go as… well as you two plan, I would love the opportunity to sit down with Chief Swan and tell him what a fine, lovely, intelligent, kind, and brave young woman he has raised, and all the things you have done for my family. I'd be honored to tell him that you and Edward bring out the best in one another."
Mr. Cullen's words strike me in such a way that I'm frozen with emotion.
Edward grabs my other hand with his and smiles. His eyes shine with sentiment.
"Thank you," he tells me.
~!~
Later that night, after everyone's gone to bed, Edward and I sneak out to the jacuzzi tub when the rain ends.
We sit in darkness, comfortably quiet, and touch our fingers together.
"I'm going to spend forever with you," he says calmly.
"Forever is a long time," I joke.
He moves softly across the water, pulling me to his bare chest.
"Forever isn't long enough."
Please review and let me know what you think! How's Charlie going to react? Will they need Mr. Cullen to sit down with Charlie and talk to him? Will Charlie forbid it?