Sunset Chapter 11: Communication (Interrogations)
The next morning, I felt like I was moving in slow motion. My brain felt like syrup as I ran through the events of yesterday. From attempting to drag my sister into the bookstore to the drive back home with Jasper and Alice.
I got home only a few minutes before Bella, sparing me from having to explain to Dad about why and how I got home before my sister. I didn't show off my new purchases to Dad, not wanting to force him into sitting through all that but I did tell him that I had a nice time with the girls. I also hinted that I had seen some other friends while I was out and wanted to try to hang out with them more, not wanting to blindside him too much with the Cullens later down the line.
"I'm glad you're making so many friends," Dad told me when I said that. Sitting next to him on the couch, he had pulled me into a side hug. His face had turned soft and while he seemed slightly uncomfortable, he continued. "I was worried when you both moved to Forks that you would have trouble finding a place here. I know you would not have had it too bad, but Bella isn't as outgoing as you are. I was so afraid that you two would cling to each other and not branch out. It makes me happy that you're both doing well and not closing up like I feared."
"I love you too, Dad. Everyone has been so nice, save for the odd few people, it's been easy to let everything just fall into place."
I smiled to myself as I remembered how Dad and I sat in comfortable silence until I went to bed, broken only by a random game announcer on the television and bits of random conversation.
Looking out the window, and at the weather report, I decided to layer up today. Black skinny jeans and a big brown sweater with sleeves that covered half my hands. Tan Ugg Boots, thick grey socks, black gloves, and a large yellow-orange scarf. I left my hair down to keep my face and ears covered but decided not to add a hat. I was very comfortable and warm, not really taking away from the snail-like feeling the morning gave me.
When I got downstairs, Dad was already gone but Bella had not yet left her room as I could still hear her moving around upstairs. I wasn't too hungry, so I just ate a banana and some water before a knock at the door startled me. Opening the door, I was surprised when Edward was on the other side.
"Hi?" I questioned, my brain working to catch up. "What are you doing here?"
Edward didn't seem too upset by my slowness, instead giving me a smirk of amusement.
"I am here to pick up Bella, if she does not mind. I was hoping to drive her to school today. Of course, you are welcome to come too, if she agrees, since I know I will be taking away your ride," Edward stated smoothly.
I blinked a bit, trying to push my mind past his "dazzlingness" and focus on his words.
"Well, come in, I guess. Bella should be down in a bit and then you can ask her."
Edward politely thanked me as we moved into the kitchen, both sitting at the table.
"Well, I don't mind you stealing my sister for a bit, but it's not up to me. I don't think she will say no, if it's any help. She kind of has a crush on you – If you don't already know," I fake-whisper the last sentence, winking at him with a smile.
Edward gave me an unexpected laugh, his voice dropping to match mine.
"I know," he replied, "I feel the same. That does not bother you, I hope? I know you like my siblings, so in any case, we seem to be in the same boat."
I could feel my face heat up and moved my scarf to cover it. I did nod in agreement with his statement, bringing my voice back to a normal level.
"Yeah, I guess we are. And it's not me you have to be worried about, though I like that I make you worry. Dad is still an issue if you want to date Bella publicly."
I debated on if I should bring up the Cullen's secret or not before realizing that Edward would know I was thinking about it anyways. His hand moved to cover his smirk, but I could still make out his low laughter. I thought about kicking him, not doing it in real life since I would rather not break my toe. This caused him to laugh louder.
"Shut up," I laughed back, fake swatting at him. "So, I guess we are good?"
Edward turned serious, nodding.
"I told Bella, so it was only fair for Jasper and Alice to tell you. Though it seems like they did not need to explain as much as I did. Even so, if I had kept Bella out of the loop, I still would not have the authority to override their decision when it comes to you."
I frowned and turned my head in confusion.
"Why not? I was under the impression that you had more, I guess you would say, authority than anyone else excerpt Carlisle when it comes to decisions like these."
Edward's golden eyes seemed to narrow as he searched my face, his eyes flickering with realization before going back to a neutral expression as he looked away.
"Nothing you need to worry about right now," He dismissed, "Alice did say they did not want to tell you last night, but I had thought she would have changed her mind."
My mind went back to last night and the information that Jasper had said was for another day. I guess I could wait a bit more for everything to make sense. It had only been one night after all.
At that moment, Bella rushed down the stairs, her hair flying behind her as she shouted out an apology to me. Making her way towards the fridge, she attempted to get some sort of breakfast in her. Guess she still hadn't noticed Edward yet.
"Bella," I sang, stretching out her name, "We have company."
Bella turned around and nearly choked on her granola bar as she spotted Edward.
"I'll be in the living room while you two figure out this morning's arrangements," I said, leaving them both to figure something out. I assumed that Bella would say yes and I could just drive the truck to school myself to give them some alone time.
It seemed like my assumption was correct and before long I was making my way to school by myself. When I got there Edward and Bella had pulled up alongside Rosalie's ride and made their way towards the main building.
Walking that direction myself, I wondered if Alice or Jasper would walk me to and from class like Edward will do for Bella. It could become complicated to date publicly, especially in a small town like this where anyone could tell Dad before I got the chance. Of course, I would rather tell my Dad before anyone else, except maybe Bella.
I could deal with the controversy and the judgement (sure my close friends would stand by me if they truly cared) as long as I could be the one to choose that path for myself. And, of course, if the Cullens allowed it since there might be too much attention on them if we did.
In front of the cafeteria was Jessica, looking as though she was about to have a stroke. The minute she saw me, she ran over and looped her arm through mine.
"Why didn't you say anything about Bella and Edward," She questioned me. Her eyes were wide and full of curiosity. "I know she said earlier that they were working on a project but the way that they were walking together! And he drove her to school, can you imagine? What happened, did he pick her up this morning? How long have they been dating? Is he taking her to the dance?"
Jessica continued to shoot out questions faster than I could answer. I didn't want to get too involved, so I kept it short.
"Edward showed up this morning to drive her to school, but if they are dating it has to be a new thing," I told her. "Since she hasn't said too much to me about it. You just need to ask her yourself, I guess."
Jessica nodded, before adding, "Do you like him Emma? Because I know it might be hard to have someone you like date your sister, of course I'm an only child so I couldn't imagine, but almost everyone has had a crush on Edward at some point."
I spluttered a bit. "No, Jess, I don't like Edward like that. He seems like a cool dude, maybe a little old fashioned, but I think he'd be more like an annoying brother that I never had than anything. I'm happy for Bella – really," I added when she gave me a disbelieving look. "I just want her to be happy and if Edward does that, more power to them."
"Well, if not Edward then who do you like?" She asked, looking a little too interested. Thankfully, the school bell went off before I had to answer. I gave Jessica a quick goodbye and wrestling my arm from hers before running off, praying that she wouldn't continue to question me at lunch.
/…/
It was even worse than I thought. I had completely forgotten that Bella would be with Edward all of lunch, leaving me to the mercy of Jessica. Angela was a godsent, a true angel to me. She managed to distract Jessica well enough that I could hide behind Samantha until it was time to leave.
Bless that wonderful girl, I owed her big time.
Alice and Jasper had, sadly, not asked me to sit with them or go out of their way to be seen with me outside of classes, but I understood that this was a small town and they were trying (keyword, and not being too great at it) to go under the radar. Bella and Edward were already rocking the boat enough as it was. I was a little thankful that I wasn't the one getting looks of jealousy or awe.
Besides, I've seen how infatuated Bella and Edward get with each other. Slowly building a relationship is valid and more my style. I like keeping more than three brain cells at a time, thank you.
It surprised me then when I saw Alice sitting on the side of the bed of the truck.
"Well, hello there, fair maiden. What brings you 'round these parts? And without your cowboy?" I asked, pretending to tip a hat.
Alice's laughter sounded out like a bell as she slid off the truck to the ground.
"What's with the accent? And Jasper was heading home with Rose and Emmett. Today wasn't too bad but he wasn't feeling the best, so he decided to go home and… rest up." I nod to show her I understood. "I was wondering if you wanted to go do something. We could go get you some food, go to a park, or do something else. Whatever you like."
"Sure, I don't know what we can do but I'd love to hang out." I nodded my head towards the car and we both got in as I stared it up.
"So, is this more of a hangout or a date? Also, I would like to say that I'm not sure if last night was a date or not? I mean, you asked me out, but I've never really dated, though I have gone on dates," I rambled as I attempted to make my way out of the parking lot.
"It can be a date if you want. Or we could just have a chill time. Whatever you feel more comfortable with. And I don't think last night counts since it was sort of an out of nowhere meeting. Well, not entirely – you know what I mean." She smacked me softly, knowing that I was going to make a joke about her future sight.
"Wow, I can't even make the joke before I get punished for it."
"If it's a bad one, yes."
"But the bad ones are the good ones," I argued. "Hey, I have snacks at home. Why don't we go there and just watch a movie?"
"Alright, that sounds fine with me as long as you are okay with it."
"You're allowed to make demands or ask for stuff, you know," I told her, sensing a theme. "I might be human, but you don't have to do what I want all the time. If I'm uncomfortable I'll tell you. I like you Alice, not what you can do for me. Jasper, too. Let him know that he can do the same."
"I know, I was just seeing where you were. I know we have some… interesting power dynamics and I don't want you to feel strong-armed into doing what we want. You are important to us Emma and we don't want you feeling like you can't have a say because you're human."
"Thanks for looking out for me, its sweet and I appreciate it, but I also don't want you two to have to lower yourselves for me. We are partners and that makes us equals even, well, we aren't."
Alice nodded and I was glad we were getting this out now though I did wish Jasper was here to be a part of this too. It wouldn't be the end of this type of discussion, I was sure, but I know we could all work it out as long as we kept talking and communicating
I had no clue what I wanted to do this chapter and had nothing planned. I really did not want to write this but I didn't want to skip this either? It ended up being a nice discussion between Emma and Edward and then a talk about power dynamics. Not what I expected but it is also something that is not really talked about in the books but needed to be.
I want to thank you patient souls for waiting for updates because I am A) Busy with real world life (ugh) and B) A major procrastinator. As such, while I am not abandoning this fic and it will be finished (no clue how long it will take though) it is not my top priority. Even so, a big thanks for those who like and read my work.