Thank you so much IamTheAlleyCat for beta'ing and Ncsupnatfan for pre-reading.
This time I have an ask for you to go with your chapter. I am now on 12 week self-isolation to protect myself as a vulnerable group. I'm struggling a little already, so I was wondering if any of you have any- Vamp Story - fic recs for me. If you do, and I sincerely hope you do, drop them to me in a review/PM. Also, if you enjoy the chapter or have thoughts on it, please review. I have lost WiFi and only have access of my laptop thanks to a lovely neighbour but can't watch my TV streaming services so I'm stuck with recorded and DVDs which I don't have many of thanks to the advent of streaming services. Reviews really do mean a lot to me and I love hearing from you. Anything you can give, review or rec, would be most appreciated.
Updates will probably come randomly while we're all dealing with the crisis. Keep an eye on your inboxes.
Chapter Eighteen
Bella
When I began to wake the next morning, I didn't immediately understand the blissful feeling that I was enveloped in. Then a voice spoke beside me, and the memories of what had passed in the night rushed at me.
"Good morning, love."
My eyes flew open to be met with golden ones staring back at me.
"You stayed!" I said happily, remembering the first time I had said that to him, the day after the meadow and our declarations of love.
He smiled widely. "I assume you don't mind."
I nuzzled closer to him, resting my head against his chest. "I don't mind at all."
He traced a cool finger up the length of my arm. "I'm glad."
In the wake of his touch, goosebumps formed on my skin. I sighed happily. This was heaven, laying in the arms of the man I loved, having spent a night together in the way I had never thought was possible for us. The slight aches of my body were nothing compared to the way I felt inside. It was as if someone had granted a wish I hadn't known I still held.
It was more than just the physical; it was the fact we were together again and, this time, I knew we would not be parted. I felt secure in his love in a way I hadn't before. Then, it had been like a dream that my young self didn't feel she deserved. It hadn't made sense to me that a being like him could love me as much as I loved him. I knew better now.
Loath as I was to break the perfect moment, my human needs pressed their advantage with a growl of my stomach.
Edward chuckled at my sigh. "Breakfast time?"
"Yes," I said, pushing back the bedclothes and swinging my legs around to the edge of the bed. I heard a soft growl behind me, and I turned to see Edward's dark eyes fixed on me. I knew it was a different kind of hunger that tempted him to what I had once feared, and I shivered. He reached out a hand to stroke my bare back just as my stomach growled again.
The moment was broken, and we both laughed.
"Later," I promised.
"Stay here," Edward said. "I will bring you breakfast."
"That sounds lovely, but I need a human minute, too," I said. "I'll be downstairs soon."
Edward nodded as he smoothly got out of the bed and began to pull on his clothes from where they had been tossed on the floor. As sad as I was to see his naked body hidden, he was still stunning in a pale blue shirt and charcoal pants.
"Human moment?" Edward asked, sounding almost hopeful as he caught me staring longingly.
"Yes," I agreed. "Yes! Human."
I walked into my bathroom and closed the door behind me. Leaning against the wood, I sighed happily. This, Edward in my home, Edward loving me and me being able to love him back, was making me happier than I had thought possible.
Edward
I listened to Bella humming in the shower upstairs as I searched her cupboards for something to make for her. I found a selection of fruit in the fridge, and I set to chopping it up for her and arranging it on a plate.
The sheer fact I had the opportunity to do the simple task for her made me happy. The truth of our situation was a heady feeling. I couldn't keep myself from smiling. This was bliss.
I heard the shower shut off followed by the sounds of her drying off and dressing. As she walked down the stairs, I set a mug of coffee down on the table beside her platter of fruit. She came into the kitchen, and my breath caught all over again. She was dressed simply, in jeans and a black t-shirt, but she was still stunning.
"Coffee," she said gleefully as she sat down at the table.
I took a chair opposite her and rested my chin on my hand as she began to eat and drink. There was something supremely satisfying in seeing her eat something I had prepared, even though it was only fruit.
I had forgotten this small thing I had enjoyed so much. Charlie had always left the house early, be it for work or fishing, and sometimes I had come back to her house early to make her breakfast. Fiercely independent as she was, she didn't complain too much when I did.
"What are your plans for today?" I asked.
She lowered her mug and said, "I've got to go by work and see the Chief. He'll know I'm back in town, and we need to make arrangements for what I need to do to get back to work."
"How will he know you're back?" I asked.
She smiled. "He's a cop, Edward. We notice things, and we look out for our own."
I nodded thoughtfully. I liked the way Bella's friends and colleagues took care of her—it was a vast improvement on some of her Forks friends, Angela Weber being the exception.
"What arrangements will need to be made?" I asked.
She shrugged. "Probably a psych evaluation again. I'll need a doctor's clearance for me physically, too. Basically, I jump through hoops until they've decided I'm okay."
She sounded resentful, but I was pleased they would take it seriously. Bella had been shot to kill. She would have died had her vest not saved her. An experience like that was sure to have some residual effects.
"What are you going to do?" she asked.
What I wanted to do was stay with her for the rest of time, to never be parted, but that wasn't a viable answer. I would need to do things differently this time. I couldn't follow her around unseen on sunny days, not that Astoria had many of them.
"I suppose I should go home for a while," I said. "They will know we're together again. I'm sure they're running out of patience waiting for me to come tell them everything." I chucked. "Well, not quite everything."
She grinned. "Yeah, you should probably see them. I'll go by the station and then come to your place?" She framed it as a question.
I smiled widely. "That would be perfect."
"Okay." She popped a last piece of pear in her mouth and pushed her plate away. Standing up and carrying it and her mug to the sink, she said, "I'll see you in a few hours."
I got to my feet and wrapped my arms around her. She immediately nuzzled against my chest.
"Each hour will feel like a lifetime," I said.
She laughed against me. "It's not that long. Besides, you'll need to get used to it. When I'm back at work, we'll have less time."
I groaned. "Work."
She laughed. "Yes, Edward, the work that I love."
"I know," I sighed.
She did love her work, and her friends, and the gym, and all the things that would hold us apart. I knew it would be different now. We would not have endless days of school and nights in her home, but I wished we could. This new time together was going to be harder than before.
I slipped into the house through my bedroom window and went straight to the bathroom to shower. I heard the others react to my return when they heard the shower start up, and though their curiosity was obvious, they stayed engaged in their various activities of reading, sketching and playing a convoluted chess game that involved four boards.
I was in no hurry to rush the shower, enjoying the heat of the water, but eventually, I took pity on them, shut off the water and stepped out. It took me only a minute to dry off and dress, and I fastened my last button as I left the room.
Though I hadn't said a word since my return, my family had gathered in the living room on the couches and armchairs I reminded myself Bella had picked out.
I liked that she had some involvement in our home already, not just in our hearts.
I had seen Carlisle's memories of their home improvement week and the enjoyment they both got out of the activity. Now, secure in my relationship with Bella and her love for me, I could enjoy her relationship with Carlisle in turn. I was glad they had built a friendship separate to me, as I loved them both dearly and wanted them to enjoy each other's company as much I did.
Eyes followed me, gauging my expression as I came down the stairs and made for an armchair. Though I kept my face neutral, Jasper was undeceived.
Whoa. Well, that went well after all. Good for you, Edward. I'm happy for you.
I nodded to him and took my seat. There was silence for a moment, and then Emmett burst out, "Well? What happened. Do I get to call Bella my sister again?"
I took a moment, enjoying my secret, and then said serenely, "I don't think Bella would object to that."
"You mean you're…?" Esme asked.
"Yes, we are together again."
Esme beamed. "Oh, Edward, I am so happy."
"So am I," I said fervently. "More than I can say. I wished for another chance, but never truly believed I would have one."
"Another chance?" Rosalie asked, her tone scathing. "You mean she had you jumping through hoops for this?"
The mood in the room changed palpably, and Jasper shifted uncomfortably in response.
My anger surged. That Rosalie of all people was going to misjudge Bella, when she was the one that had brought me back here in hopes of this outcome, angered me.
"No, Rosalie," I said stiffly. "Bella made me jump through no hoops. She was as gracious and kind as she always is to me."
She scoffed. "So, breaking your heart when you came back for her was nothing was it?"
Emmett laid a hand on her arm and said her name quietly.
I closed my eyes for a moment. "Why are you unhappy now when this is what you have wanted for five years? For us all to be together again, for me to be happy?"
She tried to hide her thoughts, but I caught them before she could refocus them on the inner workings of her BMW. Because she's going to throw it all away. Everything I want.
I was tired of this thought process. I knew, perhaps better even than Emmett, how much Rosalie wished she was human. I knew her longing for a child and her wish to be able to walk in the sun with normal people again. I was tired of it. Especially as she was judging Bella for what she didn't want anymore.
"You're wrong, Rosalie," I said.
"Stay out of my head!" she hissed.
I went on as if I hadn't heard her. "Bella does not want to be changed anymore." I stopped a moment to let that sink in. "She wants a human life with human experiences."
The only one that didn't react with shock was Alice.
I narrowed my eyes. "You already knew?"
She nodded. "I was hoping she was just saying that because you weren't together at the time, though. I thought it would be different now."
"It isn't," I said.
"Exactly," she said. "It hasn't changed."
She closed her eyes and showed me the vision that had turned my world upside-down all those years ago. Bella, red-eyed and pale, her arm intertwined with Alice's. A vampire.
I closed my eyes, absorbing the shock. "That's not possible. She doesn't want it, and I would never, none of us would, do it otherwise."
Alice shrugged her small shoulders. "I just know it will happen. It's the most solid thing I have ever seen. It's decided."
"How can it be?" I asked breathlessly.
"I don't know."
I raked my hands through my hair. How was this possible? What could I do to change it?
I was certain in my decision to respect her choice, I would not coerce her to change her mind, so how was it possible she was fated to be something she didn't want?
I looked to Carlisle for guidance, but he looked helplessly back at me. He had no more idea that I did.
One way or another, Bella was going to be one of us unless I could find a way to stop it.
Bella
When I arrived at Edward's house, there was a welcoming party waiting for me on the porch.
Smiling, I pulled to a halt and cut the engine. Edward opened my door for me and pulled me into his arms at once. I laughed against him as he drew deep breaths of my scent through my hair. When he released me, I looked past him to the others that had come to greet me: Esme, Emmett, and Alice. Esme looked about ready to burst with happiness, and Alice and Emmett were grinning at me.
Hand in hand, Edward and I walked up the stairs to them, and Esme opened her arms tentatively to me. I felt no hesitation in stepping into her embrace.
She sighed happily and, when I stepped back, she stroked my cheek. "I missed you, Bella."
Though I had seen her many times in the weeks since the family had come to Astoria, I understood what she meant. I had kept myself back from them slightly, not quite trusting myself to relax and believe they would stay. I knew now that Edward was going to stay; therefore, their place in my life was safe.
Alice took my hand and squeezed it gently. "Welcome back," she whispered.
Though the rest of the family present anywhere in the house or garden would hear her, the words were for me alone.
We walked into the house, and Edward led me to the couch. I sat, and he immediately took his place beside me and pulled me against his side. I was content as Emmett, Alice and Esme took seats with us.
"How did it go at the station?" Edward asked.
"Not bad. I was right about the psych assessment and doctor's clearance, but there's not so much to deal with as last time when I was the one that took the shot. Mostly they just want to make sure I'm okay before I'm back on duty."
Edward nodded thoughtfully. Emmett was the one that drew my gaze though. He looked uncharacteristically solemn.
I caught his eye. "You okay, Em?"
He smiled slightly and said, "Yeah, I'm good."
I wasn't convinced. I wondered if he was still dealing with his misplaced guilt. I held no blame to him. I was fine now, and their secret wasn't exposed. Things were good.
Jasper drifted into the room, then, and took a seat on the arm of the couch beside Alice. He shot me a look and winked. I was sure he was reacting to the happiness I was feeling.
Though I had said my emotions weren't his to pick over, and I had meant it, I had no objection to him enjoying the feeling along with me.
He looked at Emmett, then, and a frown creased his brow. With a concentrated look, he fixed his eyes on hit brother. I watched as Emmett's tension drained away to be replaced with a more familiar smile. I supposed Emmett, and probably the rest of the family, were accustomed to his assistance, as Emmett didn't seem bothered by Jasper's intervention.
Carlisle came into the room, then. Though he smiled, his gaze seemed serious when it settled on me and Edward. I wondered at it. He had seemed so sad when I had told him all those weeks ago that there was no hope for Edward and I. I would have thought he would be happy now.
"Bella, would you come with me a moment," he said. "There's something I want to show you."
"Carlisle, there's no need," Edward said stiffly.
"It's okay," I said, patting his leg. "I'll be right back. Maybe you could get me a drink?"
He frowned but stood and held out a hand to help me to stand.
Carlisle walked to the door and held it open to me. I walked through and waited for him to follow me out. We walked across the meadow that made up their yard, across to a wooden gazebo with a stone bench that was a new addition I guessed of Esme's making.
I sat and waited for Carlisle to sit with me before asking, "This is pretty and all, but I'm guessing it's not why you brought me out here. So, what's up?"
Carlisle looked uncomfortable. "This is awkward."
"I can take awkward. What do you want to talk about?"
"Edward," he said apologetically. "It's just…" He cleared his throat unnecessarily.
"What, Carlisle?"
He drew a breath. "When we went to Fort Stevens, you said the time for you and Edward was over. You seemed so certain. I wondered what had changed."
I understood the true question beneath what he was saying, and the fear it encompassed.
I tried to keep my tone steady as I said, "You're worried I am going to be the one to break his heart this time?"
He looked apologetic. "Are you?"
I bit back my annoyance, not wanting to be sharp with this man I cared for. "No. I said that before I had seen him again, before I let myself feel. I was afraid, Carlisle, for my heart the way you are afraid for his."
"And now?"
"I am not afraid anymore. I don't think Edward could leave me again if he tried." I sighed. "I don't know how to prove to you that I won't hurt him other than to show you through time. I could swear my love on every god and every star, but it wouldn't mean the same thing as you seeing it for yourself."
He looked deep into my eyes, seeming to search for something. "I think you're right. I am sorry I asked you this. I should have known better than to doubt you."
"Perhaps. You asked because you love him, though, so much so that it makes you all the better man because of it."
He smiled and wrapped an arm around my shoulders. He pulled me close and kissed my hair. "As I love you. You are part of my family."
I leaned against him and said, "I won't leave him, Carlisle."
Though I knew that part was a lie. A time would come in which I would have to leave him, because I wasn't timeless. I was human, and that meant no eternal life. I would give him enough love to last him forever, though.
That was the best I could do.
So… That was the family's reaction. I always enjoy these kinds of scenes, but I'm curious to see what you think of what Carlisle said/asked. Do you think it was fair of him to ask after everything that they did to her?
Until next time…
Simaril xxx
