CHAPTER 28 - The argument.

BPOV

Previously...

"Bella?! What the hell are you doing here!"

When I turned to look properly at their son's face... I knew I was fucked!

This chapter...

"Edward!!! Please watch your tone and mind your language... the poor girl is scared!" Esme spoke up. I love this lady already...

"Sorry ma... Hi Bella." It sounded like it was a little forced. He was either pissed, not trying to make a scene or scared. Maybe even all three...

"Hi... Edward..." My voice was a bit shaky. Partly because I was ashamed, and partly because I realized that I met his parents, and have now lost all ability to act like a normal person.

"So I take it you both know each other?" Carlisle finally broke the extremely awkward silence.

"Yes dad..." he didn't elaborate. But he was looking at me intently and not in a way that made both us lost... no this was anger. Both of his parents were looking between us, the friction was probably palpable.

I was on the brink of tears, and this was not the way I imagined meeting Edward's parents would go.

"I should get going... thank you so much Esme and Carlisle for this -"

"No honey, please sit... Edward you better apologize to this young lady. That is no way to treat anyone. Either you behave nicely or leave." Esme was scary when she put on her "mom" voice. Her tone left no room for any argument.

Edward didn't back down though -

"I'm sorry mom and dad... but I'm not sorry Bella. You honestly think you can leave the house and not inform anyone. What the hell were you thinking?!" He was what I can only define as "whisper shouting", so as to not draw attention in the café.. but he sounded... scared??

"Edward she is a grown up-" Esme was interrupted by Edward.

"I know that mother... but she was supposed to be at home. For. Her. Safety." He iterated.

"I'm sorry ok!!!! I was done being at home. Unable to do anything. I know how cheesy this sounds but I wasn't allowed to do anything which made me feel like I was being imprisoned." At this point I didn't care about Edward's parents being there and continued my rant. I also managed to whisper shout right back -

"You know the worst part - you think that you, Rose, Em are doing this for my safety, but the fact is you all are treating me just like him. Especially after I promised myself that I would never allow anyone to control my life".

That was a low blow. I knew it, they were trying to protect me. But I was so angry and annoyed, that my pent up frustration all came tumbling out. I was not sorry for calling them out on what they were doing, I was just sorry for comparing all of them to Riley.

It was better to leave.

"I'm sorry Esme and Carlisle... Goodbye... Edward." I was turning to leave when, he grabbed my arm and hugged me. I knew it was him, because every time we touched, there is this weird feeling, almost like electricity.

After a second, I finally broke down crying. I heard him whisper "I'm so sorry Bella. I behaved like an asshole..."

Esme took me in her arms, away from Edward, while glaring at her son.

"Come on home with us dear. I'll make you some nice tea. I'm not asking." She ushered me towards their car.

It was a long drive back to their place. The silence in the car was a mix between awkward and uncomfortable.

Edward and I were sitting in the backseat, we were holding hands, but sitting separately in two different corners, probably to give me space. I guess the only reason he was holding my hand was to assure me.

I don't know what to think at this point.

The Cullens had a nice place. Beautiful in fact, a modern house overlooking a forest. It was stunning. I was ushered in, and almost immediately poured some green tea by Esme.

I was sitting in their dining room, looking at the trees. If I'm being honest, in that moment absolutely nothing was going on in my mind. It was just... blank. That was a welcome change for me...

I had however noticed that neither Edward nor his parents were here.

I could hear the end of a faint conversation - "I'll make it right. I promise mom... dad."

"Bella... would you please join me upstairs, to talk..." I was about to protest -

"Please give me... give us a chance." I simply nodded.

There was some sort of look that passed between Edward and his dad, when we passed by him.

We stopped in front of a door -

"Would you like to talk here or in my room."

"... the room please"

I considered staying out in the corridor, but realized that his parents would be able to hear everything... so I opted for the room.

It was a massive room. It had a collection of books, records, CD's and a TV. The room also had an amazing view of the trees, and apart from the bed also had a couch. If I had a dream room, it would probably be like this. Cozy yet also spacious and modern.

Edward gestured for me to go in first. I went for the couch, clutching my cop of tea close to my chest. Edward followed suit.

There was a long silence before I finally spoke up -

"Are we really not going to talk?"

"I'm sorry. For all that happened... but Bella you didn't even tell-" he sounded anxious.

"Let me stop you right there... I know you all think I'm fragile... but this has got to stop. It's not like I have a stalker after me... you guys-"

"No Bella! You don't seem to understand how much we are scared for you! Why can't you see -"

"That you all are doing this for me!?" I finished for him. "I'm not a child Edward! I am happy that you guys care so much but - why can't you see that I don't need protection."

"Because you... because I..." he wasn't really saying anything. He was fumbling for words.

"That's what I thought. You guys are scared for me. I get it. But you need to realize that I'm not scared. I enjoy the company and the check-ins, because I know there are people that care for me... but controlling every aspect of my life is not acceptable or comfortable.. for me."

"Yeah but Bella -"

"Seriously Edward! Can't you leave it at that and accept that I'm safe and can take care of myself. What could possibly go wrong?"

"Seriously Bella?! What the fuck? How's that supposed to calm me?" He was angry. No... he was fuming.

"What the hell??? What's that supposed to mean!?"

"You sit there accusing of us controlling you.. when we all trying to take care of you! And why are you so stubborn... we admittedly made a mistake couldn't you just tell us, instead of scaring the crap out of me or us. You didn't even bother to message us. I was about to go to your apartment since you hadn't responded to our texts or calls, but when I saw you with my parents do you know how relieved I was??! How relieved everyone else was??!! And you say what could possibly go wrong??? Are you serious?? Riley, the lawsuit, Victoria... do I need to continue-"

"Edward! Stop it!" I had enough at this point. I was pretty sure my cheeks were a deep red, my anger was just spilling out. "You think I don't know that?! I agree that it was my mistake that I didn't answer your texts or calls... but my phone died. What I can't get is why all of you would sacrifice so much of your lives just -"

"Because we worry and we care. Is it that hard to accept-"

"Yes!!! You heard Riley. You heard Victoria. I.am.not.worth it. Especially not for you, that's why I don't understand why-" I began sobbing.

I was pulled in for a hug. Edward's chin was resting on my head.

"Because Isabella, I have strong feelings for you. I know we are both not at the stage... where those feelings can be said out loud... but I can see it in your eyes as much as I can feel it in myself." He whispered the last part. I gasped at that... how... when...

"Bella" he moved away and lifted my chin to look into his eyes "I know we are not ready to say those three words... yet. But I have no doubt that... we can reach that place together. To be honest I was more scared that I would lose you... not because you were not independent enough to take care of yourself. We, myself included, know how strong and brave you really are..."

I smiled at him... of course I was being the stupid one... jumping to conclusions.

Wait... if he is ready to say those three words then... it means that he's not saying them because he is only really giving me space. Goddammit... I was being so selfish...

I knew I was already there. But I needed time and if I did say it to him, then this currently wouldn't be a great time. He needed my full attention. Right now I was focused on helping myself... once again selfish... but necessary to accept all my feelings .

Ughhh... so confusing.

"You look cute when you do that." Edward finally smiled at me.

"Do what?"

"Scrunch your nose when you are lost in thought."

"I do no such thing." I stated in mock reproach.

We both laughed. It felt good.

"Great... we had our first argument, before we even became a couple." Edward smirked.

"Ha ha... but seriously, I'm pretty sure we are already a couple at this point." I smirked at him.

"Uhhhhh..."

"Is there a problem?"

"I always thought that when I asked you to be my girlfriend... it would be more romantic."

"You always thought that?? Even after all the hell you've been through because of me? Surely you-"

My rambling stopped because Edward kissed me. I responded eagerly... and only broke arpart when we needed to come up for air.

"Sorry... I needed for you to know... no matter what I will always be there. Even when you need me to remind you of that fact." Edward said seriously.

"You can make me keep quiet like that... anytime you like." I couldn't stop smiling.

"We will be ok... right?" I had to ask... because, I had to know.

"We will be more than ok beautiful. And I promise to be there to remind you... always" with that he gave me a quick peck.

"Let's go downstairs now... my parents will be wondering where we are... plus I need to introduce them to my girl properly." He held my hand and led me downstairs.

I don't think he realized it or if he did, he didn't say anything more... but when he said "my girl" my heart started beating faster, there were butterflies in my stomach and my cheeks felt hot. All possible tropes for love - check.

I'm ready for whatever the future holds for us.

A/N:

I'm glad Edward and Bella worked things out!

Next chapter is their date... what will be in store for them then?

Hope you enjoyed this chapter!