Author's Note: I really enjoy writing Rose haha! I feel like Rose and Eddie have a lot in common which is why they butt heads so much. (plus they were the first siblings, lots of time to have a healthy rivalry) I imagine they had a love-hate relationship pre-Bella and I want to bring them back to that eventually. They both have a lot of learning to do first though!
Chapter 21 – Stupid, Selfish, Idiot and Complications
Friday was finally a cloudy day, allowing my siblings and I to return to school. I drove Bella, as was our new tradition, though I caught her eyes glance longingly at her truck. What made her love the behemoth was beyond my understanding.
My bloodlust was always there, burning my throat with every breath, when around Bella. Especially now, trapped in the confines of my car with the heat up. The monster within practically bathing in the sudden assault of the agonizingly glorious scent after so long away. It's intensity was nearly pleasurable for me now.
Bella had finally introduced me to her father, for which I was grateful. This small favor allowing me some solace for my own conscious; knowing someone was there looking out for her should anything go awry.
Alice had appeared in my doorway after I received Bella's text. Producing an outfit she wished me to wear. I grumbled, but did as she asked. The outfit was not the issue, but the fact that I suspected Charlie Swan didn't quite care what I wore. When I told Alice this, she insisted that the more I did to get in Charlie's good graces was worth the effort.
I couldn't disagree with that.
The day had gone just as most did. Bella and I had become nearly glued at the hip, taking any moment we could to be in each others company. The stares and thoughts were less surprised now – more envious. I had to work very hard to block out the lustful daydreams. Gritting my teeth when they featured my Bella, wrapped in the arms of the unimpressive human who was imagining it. The other monster within would rage, wanting to stake his claim in the most dramatic way; but I always stopped myself from displaying too much possessiveness. I couldn't disrespect Bella in that way, I didn't own her, didn't even deserve her affection – but I allowed myself to enjoy the moments when she showed her ownership, grasping my hand or planting a kiss within sight of the humans who envied her. She could stake her claim forever, if she wanted – however long that may be, I would savor it.
In the lunch room, food tray in hand, I snagged Bella's hand; enjoying the spark our conjoined hands made and tugged her towards her friends table. She looked at me quizzically, one eyebrow arched and followed eagerly.
I smirked at the groups reaction to our sudden appearance. Mike was fuming, still feeling I'd some how stolen Bella form him, even when Bella had made her feelings fairly obvious. Mike wasn't exactly the type to give up easily.
What is he doing here? He thought, scowling towards us.
Jessica and Angela were welcoming. Excited by the turn in events, scooting over on their bench to make room for us. Even Lauren, who usually thought bitterly of Bella, seemed much more curious than irritated.
How did she manage that? She thought, He's so fit. Of all the girls...
I tried to not roll my eyes.
Still, her thoughts were much less vicious than they had been in the past. Since that horrible night in Port Angeles she had been kinder and more open with Bella. I had to give her credit for trying to be friendlier, despite her ill thoughts towards Bella's victory at winning my affection.
Of course, she didn't understand that it was Bella's affection for me that should bring shock throughout the school. I still couldn't believe my luck, the wonderful gift I'd be given. How long would I be granted to bathe in her warm, pure brilliance?
"Hello," I said politely, smiling around at the shocked faces. They all dazed a bit after I spoke. Even the boys in the group, save Mike, his annoyance and anger was too strong to fall for my charm.
Angela shook herself from the shock sooner than the rest, "Hey, Bella, Edward. – Have a good camping trip?" She asked politely, her thoughts revolved around wanting to make me feel welcomed and included.
Ah, Angela. Truly the epitome of her name, I loved that Bella had her as a friend.
"Yes, we had a great time." I smiled, glad the town still fell for our little excuse on sunny days. None of the minds at the table seemed to suspect; only a few were envious that we could unreservedly enjoy the sparse lapse in the usual weather.
"You guys are so lucky," Tyler said, leaning forward further down the table to see us. "I can barely get a day off, even when I'm sick!"
"Yes, I suppose we are." I glanced his way, swirling the drink in front of me and faking a swig.
I heard Mike grumble, too low for the humans to hear, "I guess that's what happens when you're rich, you get whatever you want." He shot a longing look towards Bella. I had to stop myself from growling, Bella glanced my way in question, she always noticed the slight changes in mood.
"So are you guys excited for the dance?" Bella chimed in, steer the staring and conversation away from me. I suspected she thought I was uncomfortable with the conversation topic, either way, I was grateful for her interruption.
"Oh my God, yes!" Jessica chirped, taking the bait willingly.
I smiled softly, peeking at Bella and she did the same, a blush rising to her cheeks. The rest of lunch went well, conversation flowed and her friends seemed to be pleased to have her back; some even excited to have a new member to their ranks, I felt touched by their silent unrestricted acceptance of me. Bella seemed to have that effect on everyone, if only one person in particular would give her the chance she deserved.
By the end of the day I was waiting outside the gym building, leaning against the wall waiting for Bella. I saw through Mike, Bella speed off from the court the moment Coach Clapp released them, heading into the changing rooms. He grumbled at her eagerness before turning and mopping off to his own room.
Is Bella still going to Seattle? Alice thought, heading towards Rose's car, floating effortlessly past me with Jasper walking much more stiffly beside her. He had a soft smile on his face and his eye were following her as she went. His thoughts and attention never strayed too far from my elfin sister.
I'd nearly forgotten about that, I needed to make sure she still didn't plan to make the trip or at least, she'd allow me to accompany her.
"Don't you already know the answer to that?" I asked, knowing she could hear me still.
Nope. No decision yet, it seems.
Huh, Bella hadn't decided yet? What was holding her back? "I'll ask her." I replied, watching as some students began exiting the gym, their eyes snapping to me as they noticed my willowy figure along the shaded concrete wall. Humans always had that immediate reaction to us, a spike of fear, then surprise at their outlandish reaction. They always made excuses, nearly never trusting their gut reaction; how right their instincts actually were.
Well, maybe she could come to our house Saturday too? Alice mused hopefully.
"Maybe." I barely moved my lips as I spoke. Too many people around to possibly hear or see me, seemingly, talking to myself. "You'll know the answer soon, I'm sure."
I didn't particularly want to share Bella tomorrow, and I suspected Rose would not appreciate being forced to play her part twice in the same week. Bella didn't deserve the wrath she would surly bring down on us all at Bella's sudden appearance.
Just then Bella appeared, her face broke into a smile when she saw me; always the opposite reaction of her human counterparts. Though, I couldn't stop the smile that spread on my face in return. My worries about Rose and the measly humans around us retreating from my mind instantly. She marched up and to my surprise, stood up on her toes, weaving her arms around my neck and pulled my head down to meet hers in a kiss.
I enjoyed the moment, wrapping my arms around her waist, pulling her close. Her soft, warm body relieving the tension that had built up since our last encounter; she melted against me in response.
Stupid. Selfish. Idiot. Lecherous. Exhibitionist! Rose's ire thoughts flew at me as her and Emmett approached her car. Emmett wrapped his arm around her shoulder, trying to distract her from her sudden fiery shift in mood he could surely feel.
I rolled my eyes, Rose of all people had no right to call me an lecherous exhibitionist. How many times had the town of Forks alone been forced to witness her and Em's excessive lusting for each other?
Damn, Rosie is gonna have to get over this – look how happy Eddie boy is! How can she not see how good the girl is for him? Emmett's brazen acceptance always counteracted Rose's stubbornness, he was my favorite brother for a reason.
"Can it, Rose." I hissed and shot her a glare as Bella sunk back onto her heels.
"Hm?" Bella asked, her eyes clouded and a small smile on her lips. I'd spoken quickly, far too quick for her ears to pick up.
"Nothing, Love." I grumbled, but smirked at her blissful face and racing heart. Wrapping my arm around her shoulders, steering her towards my car. "Just my hypocrite sister speaking when no one wants to hear what she has to say."
Rose pealed out of the parking lot, flipping me off as she went, I shook my head at her theatrics.
"Who?" Bella asked, watching as Rose's BMW sped out of sight. "Rosalie?"
I still needed to prepare her for my families dynamics. I knew she was pretty ignorant on their feelings towards our relationship. They all were accepting now, Esme in the beginning, worried about how I was fairing and if I was suffering. Jasper, worried that the exposure would put us, but mostly Alice, in harms way. Of course, Alice, Emmett and Carlisle were accepting nearly instantly. And then there was Rose, who still thought I was playing a dangerous game. Which, I was – really, but I couldn't stop myself now that I'd opened the floodgates. I'd enjoy this as long as I could, as long as Bella would let me; until she grew out of me, which would inevitably happen. How long did I have? One, Two, five – ten years, maybe? Rose would have to deal with her feelings on her own, I didn't have time to worry about her; she had eternity to get over my small blip in paradise.
Although, I was still frustrated. Rose despised Bella without even knowing her, not even allowing her the chance. I had hoped that maybe, Sunday would open her heart. Unfortunately, when I'd informed them of her acceptance of our invitation, Rose had insisted she was not going to make an appearance – claiming she had work to do in the garage.
No one bothered to object, even Carlisle, who often tried to douse the flames that frequently roared between Rose and I, allowed her this grievance.
Emmett was ecstatic that he could still be present. His excitement at meeting Bella both surprised and warmed me. I knew he accepted my decision to enter her life but the overwhelming brotherly affection he already held for her was shocking. I was still hopeful that maybe Emmett's kind and open acceptance could help mend some of my sister's rage, he was always her soft spot.
I could hope, as impossible as it seemed.
I sighed as I climbed into the drivers seat, glancing at Bella. I didn't have the heart to tell her the details – but since she was coming Sunday, I supposed I should clue her in – for her own sake. "Yes, Rose." I paused, thinking how to explain her feelings effectively without hurting Bella, "Rose doesn't think I should have started a relationship with you. She feels that it is a threat to our family." I wasn't sure what else to add, I didn't dare mention the future Alice saw for Bella. That was something Rose and I agreed on and I vowed to myself long ago I would stop that from happening at any cost.
Bella seemed confused, "How is that a threat?" She asked.
Right, I'd never explained the Volturi or how our unofficial-official laws worked. "Well, we have something of a government, a royal family, of sorts – the Volturi, who keep our secret safe. Their rule is iron and the punishment is typically death, often entire covens will be destroyed –"
"Are the Volturi the vampires out of Italy?" She interrupted surprised, looking at me with curiosity.
She knew of the Volturi? I thought, surprised.
"Yes." I said, tilting my head, "You know who the Volturi are?"
"I know of them – my DADA professor told me about them, but I don't know much." She said slowly, seeming to be lost in thought. "So... relationships with humans are not allowed?" She asked finally, a pained look clouding her face.
"No, not really." I thought, there weren't many vampires who lived like us, they couldn't understand how or why we lived the way we did. "Not many of our kind can even be near humans in that way."
Plus, the laws were simple: No one can know about our kind. The Denali Clan got away with much more than most, remote as they were. They could easily have relationships with humans and no one would notice. But my family, we thrived on integrating ourselves into the human populace. Anytime we've had to isolate ourselves has been extremely difficult.
Bella seemed lost in thought, we'd already arrived at her house, parked along the road. I thought too, thinking of the things the Volturi would do to us if they found out. I flinched at them finding out about Bella, they would not risk leaving her alive. My thoughts slipped to Rose, maybe she had a point; besides her obvious resentment, would my presence in Bella's life be dangerous in more ways than the obvious? Had I damned Bella to death no matter what? I was such a selfish creature, so greedy, self serving –
"But wouldn't it be fine because I'm a witch?" Bella asked, breaking forcefully into my thoughts, "I mean, we already know about vampires."
I pulled myself back to the present, ending my self-berating with difficultly – Would that change our chances? I'd never considered that. I didn't dare let my hopes rise, I'd have to talk to Carlisle. Did the Volturi even know about magic? I would never ask – fearing they would find out about Bella.
"I don't know, honestly." I replied, still stuck in my own thoughts.
I didn't particularly like the Volturi and their ways of ruling but who was I to judge? They have ensured our safety for millennia and in turn, the humans. I didn't want to think about the bloodbaths that would happen if vampires had free reign throughout the world. The time before was gruesome and dark. The resulting effect was the humans catching wind of some truth in the myths and taking action. Many innocent people were killed as a result and many more humans were killed in retaliation. Many vampires enjoyed the torture and pain they could cause in their preys final moments.
I forced myself back to the present again, I had things I needed to discuss with Bella before I had to give her back for another long evening. "But that's not something we need to worry about right now," I sighed, "I've been meaning to ask you, are you still planning on going to Seattle?"
"I... wasn't sure," She stared out the windshield, "did you have something better in mind?" She asked, tilting her head towards me with a small smile on her lips.
I did, but I wasn't sure if she wanted to. "Well, the weather in town is supposed to be quite terrible this weekend but," I glanced at her and she sat patiently, curious. "there is this place I go when the weather is nice and it's supposed to be dry and sunny there tomorrow."
She smiled, "Okay, where is this place?" It always surprised me how quickly she agreed to things I'd ask of her, but then again, I did the same for her. I'd do nearly anything, if she asked me.
"That – is a surprise, if you'll allow me that. Just dress for hiking and be ready by mid morning?"
"Hiking?" She fretted, "Have you forgotten who you're talking to?"
"I wont let you fall," I smirked, her faith in me stung just a bit.
"Hm," She seemed unconvinced, even though I'd not allowed her to fall in my presence yet – and I never would. Her health and safety was everything to me, it took all my will power not to trail her everywhere she went. The grisly situations I constantly imagined her falling into – were not as wild as they seemed when it came to Bella Swan.
Suddenly, my rumination was brought to a halt as a set of thoughts came to the forefront of my mind. I'd heard the car and the thoughts for a few minutes now but didn't pay them much mind, but one word caught my attention: Vampire.
I stilled, looking towards the direction of the vehicles approach. Bella glanced at me, always aware of me as she was. "What is it?" She asked confused just as the old black truck appeared over the bend of the road.
Ought to be safe enough for the boy, I hope. The thoughts worried, they felt vaguely familiar but I couldn't place them.
As the headlights lightened up my cab I saw the figures of Charlie's friend Billy and his son Jacob; The older mans eyes bore into mine with pure shock. I'd not considered the other evening how they may react to me, ignorantly I hoped they were not aware of the specifics of the legends of their tribe. But the look on his face now told me he knew everything – and he was terrified.
"Not good," I sighed, glancing at Bella, her eyes grew anxious as they swiveled from me to the occupants of the car now parked in from of us. She seemed to struggle to make out their identities, the lights were blinding her.
The boy was admiring my car, unaware of his father's panic, noting my custom fixtures and paint-job; if I wasn't so worried about his father, I would have enjoyed listening to his appreciation. But his fathers frantic thoughts banged into my head with painful clarity as he recovered from his shock.
Cold one! Vampire! Cullen!
I could hear another car approaching, still a few blocks away and I guessed it was Charlie in his cruiser – his thoughts were always easy to pick out with how fuzzy and muddle they were. "You're father will be here soon," I looked to Bella as she seemed to register who was in from of us.
"Oh, it's Billy and Jacob – Oh!" Her voice climbing at the end, looking at me in panic, "Shit!"
Yes, shit indeed. I thought. Will he tell her father? Surly not. I guessed Bella did not tell her father, as he seemed receptive of me and my family. What kind of father would approve of a vampire boyfriend? Not a sane one, for sure. I grimaced, my guilt tried to pull me under once again.
"They're here for dinner." She whispered, "Oh Merlin, I hope he doesn't say anything to Charlie."
Yes, she hadn't told him.
"He can't," I soothed her – and myself, really. "We have a treaty with the Quileute, they can't speak our secret."
"Treaty?" She asked in a whisper, I struggled to pay attention with Billy's thoughts jamming to the forefront of my mind.
What is it doing here? Why is it with Bella – Oh god! I have to talk to Charlie... but the treaty – What do I do?
I cringed and Bella stared at me, "What?" She whispered more urgently.
"He's trying to decide what to do, talk to your dad or keep silent."
"Oh God." She groaned.
Her father's cruiser came into view and he pulled into the driveway and parked. Bella moaned as he approached the two cars sat along the road. He waved to Billy, calling out a greeting but approached my car. I rolled my window down for him. "Good evening, Chief Swan." I said politely, straightening my face into a polite mask.
"Edward," He nodded, leaning onto the roof of my car and looked in at Bella, "Bells, you coming in?"
His suddenly worried thoughts swirled around with wisps of a memory, a date? The faint image of a women next to a younger Charlie, I guess, in a car, Bella's mother – possibly? I tried to follow where his mind was going, he worried about the things that happened in cars, I guessed.
"Yes, Dad... we were just talking." She answered with a slight hint of irritation, also seeming to grasp where Charlie's mind was going. Sometimes I wondered who the actual mind reader was.
"Alright, don't be long." He gave me a pointed look, ignoring Bella's annoyed look and I nodded in understanding. It was time for me to go home.
"Go on," I encouraged her, as her father met Jacob and Billy, who'd been helped into his chair by now and made his way to the Swan house. Billy glared darkly towards me, I tried to ignore him. "I don't think you're father would appreciate me stealing you away from your dinner plans."
"Oh, I wish you would." She groaned, "What am I going to do?"
"Just... stay calm, he can't say anything." I hoped he kept to the treaty but maybe Charlie finding out about me was the thing I needed to push myself away from her? Was that the safer route? Even if I didn't want it and unfortunately, she clearly did not either. Was I weak to not do the right thing? – Yes, of course I was.
"Goodnight, Bella." I murmured, trying to keep myself present. I just needed to get her to go in, then I could go stew all night. She tried to lean over and kiss me but I stopped her lightly, opting to rub her cheek softly instead. Charlie and his guests were still on the porch, glancing at us periodically. "I'll see you tomorrow." I smiled, hoping it would ease her anxiety.
"Okay." She whispered, finally unbuckling her seat belt and stepping out, "I'll call you when we're done?"
I nodded, tilting my head towards her house. Our onlookers finally entered the house once they saw Bella out of my car. She sighed heavily and finally made her way to the front door. She turned as I started my car and pulled out, watching as I headed in the direction of my home. I watched her in turn, the anxiety in her eyes doubling as my car retreated from her line of sight.