A/N: Meant to put a little bit more in last chapter's ending notes -
-After re-reading old chapters as well as the sequel in this little "Trilogy" Series, I realized that now, I actually really dislike the fact I put in OCs into this story instead of leaving it with the main characters of the Twilight books. I'll try keeping some included on the fact that a few of them were used or written in the sequel. But I'd love to stray from ever using them in the plot.
-This remake is meant to reflect more of a Glee feel (the show). There will be songs used (that much has been very apparent in earlier chapters) and such. For an obvious disclaimer, any and all songs I may use or implement into the story line aren't mine to claim. For the most part with these songs, I keep the Glee cover - if it exists - in mind and/or is what I listen to imagine the scene for the characters, than actually listen to the original song.
-There are many ideas I'd like to explore with this story. I hope I can stretch the story and plot out well enough to include them in. But it'll depend on the actual time restraints within a school year.
-Finally, though briefly mentioned in the last chapter's note: There may be some more adult themes explored. But a weak argument I can say is that these are young teenagers wanting to explore all that entails or what may entail to adolescence. I will try writing said themes/plots that may follow that, as tastefully as I possibly can. Unsure as of yet just how detailed I may actually go but we shall see.
Recap of Chapter 19:
With fears that Bella and Edward's relationship will be torn apart by Charlie, it was left intact with his approval as well as Jacob's. Looming fears still hang over the couple; between preparations for competition against the nasty Harmonicals, and continual fears of exposure of their taboo relationship to their friends and the school, these star-crossed lovers are still having to dance around to keep things under wraps. And after a second Thanksgiving dinner down at the reservation, the Swans come up to a torn apart home - Bella's room in the worst shape. What could this mean for the young teen? Is she at further risk from some apparent stalker set out to find some dirty secrets on her?
Songs (Obvious disclaimer - I do not own the rights to these songs):
"Faithfully" by Journey
"Rolling in the Deep" by Adele
Chapter Twenty
~Edward~
"You ass! Do you always have to drop my bags out of the car like that?" I glanced over upon hearing Alice's shriek, snickering at the scowl Emmett was giving her. He was at least being nice enough to unload our items from our adoptive father's trunk.
"Sorry, princess. You only just have clothes in here so it's not like it's going to get hurt with me dropping it on the damn asphalt."
"It's still a nice fucking bag you jerk!"
"Calm your tits sis."
"Emmett, I'd appreciate it if you didn't act like that to Alice." I now looked over finding Carlisle was stepping out of the car, coming around to help him unload. His expression held a bit of exasperation, his blue eyes narrowing at him. Emmett let out a loud whining noise while Alice stuck her tongue out at the behemoth.
I chuckled at my siblings before turning back around.
Thanksgiving break had ended since it was a mere two-day break for us students to relax on the weekend at the end of November. It was a rather... eventful dinner to say the least, having dealt with Alice and Rosalie's constant annoyance towards Emmett, Jasper and I. Poor Esme and Carlisle tried their best in keeping things civil between us five. The twins' father wasn't really going to have any arguments when dinner rolled around, giving his children harsh, stern glares as if challenging them to even attempt one. At least before the dinner, Alice and Rosalie stuck in the kitchen to help out with some preparing, not really bothering us boys when we were playing video games in Emmett's room.
Alice's sudden squeal broke me from my mental musings, and I turned to find her skipping over to someone I knew all too well. Bella had arrived just moments after us, and I guess Charlie had parked his cruiser in front of Carlisle's car. She looked gorgeous as always; her luscious locks pulled back into a bun, while she wore a clinging sweater dress to that small figure of hers. I felt my own heart pounding when I caught sight of my secret lover. God damn it, the things she does to me. She looked up when she heard the pixie's excited scream, smiling at her before she was engulfed into a hyper-active, bear gripping hug by the little thing.
They chatted with one another briefly before another car pulled in to park in front of her dad's cruiser. A minute later, the twins stepped out. Jasper made his way over to me on the sidewalk to which we gave each other a "bro-hug". I glanced out of the corner of my eye again to see the interactions going on between the girls. Rosalie had glided over to the girls, where she and Alice immediately began chattering away. Both were so focused on each other that they didn't notice Bella glancing over at me and giving me a small smile - a greeting. I winked over at her, signaling my acknowledgement to her.
I was worried about her. Especially what had happened on Saturday...
Flashback
I stepped out of my Volvo after having pulled up to the small white house, and noticed the Swans were already standing on the porch. Bella smiled brightly upon seeing me pull up, and tackled me into a tight hug after I was standing by them.
"Hello love." I murmured to her, hugging her back just as tightly.
"Edward."
"Hello Charlie. What is it that we'll be doing today? I hope I'm not intruding on any activities."
Charlie was standing there behind his daughter, hands on his hips.
"You aren't intruding on anything. And this is a bit of a serious matter that I think would be wise to do. Now, you know of the current issue that happened for Bells and I yesterday yes?" I nodded solemnly to his question.
Bella had texted me last night, as I was practicing some pieces on my piano, that she and her father had their house broken into while they were away at the reservation. I had immediately rushed away to my room for privacy before calling her in a panic. She reassured me that she was fine, but in her voice I could tell she was shaken up by the ordeal, even so much as sounding like she had been crying. I pressed her to ask her if she was really alright. She had told me that while most of the house wasn't in total disarray, her room was the worst case versus every other room. After she described to me how bad it was, I was glowering at the floor. Why would some random intruder ransack her room that badly? She had shown me around her room when I was over there and there was nothing that important or valuable in there; not even the computer she had that was stolen, would ever really be worth that much.
She was just as confused, but at least she wasn't home when the invasion took place. That made me feel slightly sane that she wasn't hurt from anything by this, as well as the fact that Charlie already had his units looking into this, doing investigations after they had looked through her room for prints.
Then she told me that her father wanted me to come over tomorrow for something. He was going to give me something. At the time, I had no clue as to what it would be but agreed to come over per his request.
Bella's squeezing of my waste brought me back to that moment. I looked over at Charlie to see him staring at me, a certain type of intensity in his brown eyes.
"Now, I wouldn't ever really be comfortable with this. But this is something I had thought of out of the blue, and gave it heavy consideration last night after we came home. This is something that is really not legal. Trust me - and I'd rather not ever do this for some random kid. But I feel that in this case, I really would like to have this precaution for the sake of my daughter's protection. I talked with her about it, and she isn't really comfortable with it either, but knows I'm doing this for her sake and understands the idea behind it." he continued, sighing.
"What I'm talking about, is that I would like to get you a license to carry a gun."
I balked suddenly, my eyes bulging out at the words that just came from the police chief.
He's going to get me signed up to carry a weapon? I'm only 18 and yet I have the Police chief entrusting me with a weapon for usage of protection. Was this a joke?
Charlie's smirk in reaction to my expression almost convinced me that it was a joke.
"I know, an absurd sounding idea. But at this point, this is something I am willing go to. I talked it out with my department as well. The real issue is that I will have to talk with your father and mother about it. This is an extremely serious thing to consider taking on. Bella has since told me about our two least favorite people being at that school of yours. If I had any say in it, I would gladly take them out of it so they don't pose a threat to my Bells; but we all know that I can't. So I'm mainly concerned about her safety here, and frankly - you're her boyfriend, of which I know you're willing to go at any length to make sure her safety is taken care of. So this is my way of saying I want to entrust an extra precaution to make sure she is safe against any threats there. You hear me boy? I don't want you fucking this up, and you're to only ever use this weapon for means of protecting yourself and my Bella if you feel that there is any big dangers. I also don't want to hear about how you somehow go on a psychotic break and end up as the next mass-murderer of a school shooting. I know deep down that that is highly unlikely, but it's still something I want to bring up."
After hearing his reasoning, I nodded my head then. He was right. I was extremely worried and protective over Bella. Though... I have no idea who this second worry is; I only know of Joshua. But I guess I'll have to ask Bella about it by what he means by that.
Charlie then nodded and clapped his hands. "Alright well, let's head down to the station so we can get this show on the road."
End of Flashback
So by that point in the day, Bella, Charlie and I spent the rest of the afternoon at the station. It took awhile to get all of the paperwork done and over with, undergoing heavy questioning to see if I was in the right state of mind to own such a weapon at a young age. Afterwards, we went to a gun shop, showed the cashier all of the paperwork (and went through some more) before I was given a simple pistol to own on my own. In the next day, Carlisle and Esme joined us three on a lunch date to discuss it more in-depth.
We let my adoptive parents in on my relationship with the Chief's daughter as well as explaining to them about the importance that Charlie felt was necessary, for me to own a gun. Esme was shocked upon hearing it all. She quickly took a shine to my woman, loving just how sweet, shy and courteous she was; but when hearing of her stalkers (Bella told me over texts Saturday night about James), she was in complete worry over it. Surprisingly, Esme understood the need for the gun, and approved of me owning it, knowing how much I really cared about Bella like I did.
Carlisle was a bit more hesitant. Of course, he could see how much I adored Bella, and approved of our relationship. As well as the fact he was worried for her in the case of the assholes that wanted to stalk her, he couldn't help but be worried for her safety as well as mine. But he wasn't sure how smart it'd be for me to own a weapon - much less have it with me while I'm on campus. He asked Charlie if he would be talking with the principal about it (of which the Chief said he had already called him and informed him.) After hearing that, Carlisle relented and agreed to it, knowing the simple importance of us having it for our safety should we really need to use it.
Emmett's grunt had me turning to look back at him, breaking my internal musings of the weekend. He had finished carrying out our bags from the car.
"Jesus it's like that pixie takes everything from her closet with her."
I rolled my eyes at him and his whiny nature.
"Be a gentleman to your sister, Emmett. It's nice that you took out the bags like you did."
"I know dad."
Afterwards, Carlisle hugged us and said goodbye to us. Charlie and the twins' dad left right after him, before the girls walked over to us. Rosalie had her bags with her, as did Bella. Sadly, Alice needed hers so no doubt we were going to get into some petty argument now.
"Well well, it's been a long weekend since I last saw you sweet cheeks." Emmett was quick to start up trouble, smirking over at Rosalie. She let out a groan with a rolling of her blue eyes.
"Wish that would've lasted. Now I have to put up with you again." She growled at him. The shit-eating grin on his face faltered a little but remained nonetheless.
"Excuse me heathens, but I would like to get my bags so my girls and I can at least head back to the dorms and cut this little chit-chat short." The pixie spat, pushing past Jasper and I - who were standing in front of the bags. I grunted from her shoving, holding onto my arm.
Jasper watched her bend over as she was grabbing her bags. I had to hold off from glaring at him; even if Alice could barely stand Emmett and I since we loved to annoy her, I was still a bit protective over my own adoptive sister. So I didn't really appreciate my best friend staring at her ass like he was - it was the same for any man who wanted to ogle my lady as if she were a piece of meat.
"Yo, Jazz. Fuck off with your leering eyes on my bestie." Seems as if I wasn't the only one that observant to his stares. Jasper glanced over at his twin with a beet red face and a glower of his own. Alice stood right back up with her bags and barred her teeth at him while narrowing her eyes. She was pissed to hear this.
"Should I knee you or punch you for staring at me?
"Uh..."
"Okay, look. Sis, just go. You have your bags. No need to get violent." I immediately stepped in, deciding that we needed to avoid having a fight. We barely just got back to the school after a short break - we weren't even fully on campus yet. Bella pulled Alice away from us and took some of her bags to help her out, before the three of them strutted off after throwing one more dirty look at us.
"Bro, really?"
"What? I can't help it..."
"Dude that's our sister. Even if they don't like us, can you keep the ogling to a minimum?"
Jasper rubbed the back of his neck awkwardly from our chastising.
"It's not like you ever listen to me when I tell you to calm your shit whenever you look at my sister." Jasper argued with a grumble at Emmett; Emmett's cheeks turned a light pink.
"I-I don't know what you're talking about."
I snickered, shouldering my bag. "Face it Em, we both know you have the secret hots for Rosalie just like Jazz likes Ali." I boasted, rolling my eyes. Like I had said to Bella, this "war" was beyond ridiculous with these guys and girls. I knew my friends had crushes on the girls mentioned, but this whole thing was holding them back from actually being decent human beings with them. Course, I'll never admit to them about my relationship with her. That'd lead to a disaster. But at least I could openly pick on them about their choice of crushes.
"Bro, I just wouldn't mind fu-"
"Don't go any further with that statement, dumbass." Jasper's hiss cut the behemoth off; he knew what Emmett wanted as of now from his twin. Emmett rolled his grey eyes, snickering.
"Come on; I'm freezing my ass off out here. Let's get back to the dorm." I muttered, shivering a bit when a small breeze blew by. Curse this fall weather. The two of them shouldered their own bags and we walked onto campus. At least we were lucky that teachers decided to leave this as a day-off just after returning back to campus. It gives us students a chance to unpack and get back to dorm-life, or another day to get any homework assignments done before classes start back up fully.
We strolled to the dorms, where I noted the other students who were here. Some were rushing to the dorms to get back to their rooms and relax, while others were running up to their friends and giving them hugs, shouting out how much they missed each other over the break. It didn't take us long to reach the dorm building, and even a shorter amount of time for us to make it back to our room.
Ben was already in the dorm on his bed, unpacking his clothes.
"Hey Ben-miester!" Emmett's boom caused him to jump a bit, but he soon laughed it off.
"Hey guys."
We did our little handshake in greeting, before we all began unpacking. Emmett however stopped about halfway before he let out a long groan.
"I'm already bored. I'll do my unpacking later. Any of you sticks want to come down to the lounge to get some grub with me?" he asked, already making his way to the door.
"I'm game. I'm starving."
"Sweet! Eddie, Ben?"
I scowled at that cursed nickname, but shook my head.
"Nah man, think I'll stick up here and finish unpacking. Plus I had a big breakfast before I got back here."
He shrugged his shoulders at us before he and Jasper left. Once I was sure they were gone, I took out the locked case that held the pistol Charlie got me.
"What's that Ed?" I looked over at Ben who saw me take out the case. I shrugged my shoulders.
"It's a pistol." I said offhandedly, chuckling when his eyes got wide.
"The hell? Why do you have a pistol?" he squeaked out, his eyes big behind his already large glasses. I snickered at his shock again while I got the key out and unlocked the case. There it sat staring back up at me, glossy black yet nothing too detailed about it.
"It's a long story man."
"I got all the time right now so lay it on me." he replied back, pushing his glasses up his face. I proceeded to tell him - both short and long - of what happened this week with Bella. Considering he and Mike, with Angela and Jessica, were involved in our secret relationship, it would be fine in my eyes to let them know about the seriousness that is to me owning a gun. He let out a low whistle when I was finished.
"Damn man, didn't know that. How's Bella then after all of that?"
"I don't really know. She tells me all the time she's fine after it happened, but I feel like she's on edge still after it. She's fine with the fact I got this, on the fact that her dad is okay with me having it for usage of protection. And I'll use it if I need to if I feel like she's in danger."
He nodded to that, shrugging his shoulders.
"Well I guess it's a good thing you have it then. Does Emmett or Jasper know about the gun?"
I shook my head while I turned the gun over a couple times in my hands. "Can't ever tell them about this - not yet at least. The fact this involves me protecting Bella alone just restricts me from mentioning it. Till this stupid 'war' thing blows over somehow, and whenever I can tell them about our relationship - this gun has to remain a secret to them."
"Oh. Right. Didn't think of it like that" he replied, a small chuckle escaping him.
We left the conversation end there, where I set the gun back into the case, locking it and stowing it away in a drawer of mine. From there, Ben and I walked out from the dorm, deciding we would go down to the game room in the lounge. Mike was there, along with some baseball buddies of mine. Jason - a redhead with brown eyes, overall a general jokester -, let out a "Oi, Captain!" when he saw me enter the game room. Mike and Kyle - a blond haired, hazel-eyed guy, who's normally more reserved than Jason -, looked up when they heard Jason let out his yell, but laughed when they realized it was me.
"Yo my brotha!" Jason greeted me with a handshake, pulling me into a bro-hug. I laughed at his antics after he moved onto hugging Ben. I did the same kind of hug to Kyle and Mike.
"So how was that break bro?"
I shrugged; "It was alright I guess. Dinner was... interesting to say the least."
Upon having the four of them glance at me weirdly, I explained just who came over. That led to them snickering. Kyle and Jason knew of Rosalie and Alice (Alice more so since she was my adoptive sister; so the few times the two of them had came over to our house on other breaks to play some guys or hang out with Emmett and I, they met her.)
"Sounds like it was interesting then." I rolled my eyes at Kyle's comment.
We spent some time with them, up until I felt my phone buzz in my pocket. I stepped away, thankful the guys were distracted with their game to notice me. I pulled out my phone to see who texted me.
To: Edward
From: Bella
Hey! You busy?
I was quick in replying back to her, telling her I wasn't. Her next text didn't take long to reach me.
Think we could meet up somewhere - like the theatre room or something? Being out in the open probably isn't smart right now for the fact everyone's out today.
Now I wonder what she wanted to meet up for? Don't get me wrong, I won't turn down some alone time with my girl. Just getting a bit worried it was something serious. I sent her a reply back, saying that meeting up in the theatre room didn't bother me.
"Going somewhere Ed?" the boys noticed I was heading somewhere since I was already making my way out of the game room.
"Yeah. Meeting up with a student I said I'd tutor in English. Probably will be back in an hour or something. Don't wait up for me!" I was hasty with my reply, already taking off into a jog out of the room.
I was quick in wanting to reach the theatre room, not bothering to stop for long when some other members of the baseball team noticed me running on by and said hi to me. I didn't want to stick around for a chat with them since I wanted to see what was up with Bella, so I continued with my lie about needing to head off to a tutor session to escape them. Thankfully, I reached the theatre room. There I found her, sitting on the edge of the stage. She looked up when she heard me jogging down the aisle to head over to the stage to join her.
"Hey babe." I breathed to her once I was on the stage. I sat down on the edge with her, and lean over to give her a kiss. She was quick to reciprocate the feeling, letting one hand come up to my hair and thread those little fingers of her through my messy bed-head of hair. I hummed around our lips, perfectly content. It has been a long while since we got to kiss and spend some time together alone like this. I felt her tongue peek out, and I knew what she wanted.
Bella let out a little moan when my tongue met hers and began our usual dance for dominance. She tilted her head just a bit to let the kiss deepen, and I leaned over with my other arm, trapping her on the spot. She shifted and drew herself closer to me, to which I responded by pulling her on top of me. I couldn't help myself in how I felt with having her straddle my lap. She giggled around our lips now, noting the other greeting she was receiving down there.
We continued our little make out before we pulled away. Our panting breaths filled the theatre room that was mainly silent as we were the only two in here.
"Hi." she finally greeted me back breathily. I let out a little chuckle, my face feeling hot from what we stirred up together.
After we had calmed down together, we shifted around to where now I had my legs spread enough for her to sit between them. With my arms wrapped around her front, I kissed her cheek.
"So, tell me what's up? I'm not upset that I get to spend some alone time with you, but sounds like you wanted to bring something up with me." I began, gazing at her. She nodded her head while she drew lazy circles on my pant leg.
"Well for starters, I'm extremely happy to see you again." I smiled from how shy that little statement sounded to me. I kissed her cheek once more squeezing her.
"As am I." she giggled to my shared sentiment.
"I guess as well, I feel safe to be back in your arms." she added, and I bit my lip. There it was, I knew she was still a bit shaken from what happened over break.
"Still a little shook up from what happened darling?" her nod was barely visible when she answered my question. "Dear I can promise you that I won't ever let anything happen to you. I agree with what Charlie had said, that it's a good thing you're back on campus. It's really not a secure thing to say that the intruder won't come back to your house. I'm not sure who broke in and did what they did in your room, but I'm happy you're here to where I can watch over you and knew that you're secure here with me." I continued and she looked up at me, small smile on her face.
"I know that baby. And I'm happy that I'm here with you, knowing that you're here to protect me from anything that may harm me." she paused to bend her head down a little to kiss my hand. "I don't know... I guess I'm still over thinking everything on the fact that Joshua and James are here. I try my best to be brave, and not have a bit of a panic attack if they're right in front of me. They like to taunt me and harass me, so I just wish I could have you there with me whenever I actually come face to face with them." she continued, staring at her feet over the edge of the stage.
"I also fear... what if it was one of them that had broken into my house like that?"
"If there's any prints left behind, then I'm pretty sure the police will catch it and arrest them for it." I immediately replied with conviction. I was torn really now that she brought that up; on one hand, a small part of me wished it was one of them, that one of them had been dumb enough to leave behind their prints so the police could catch them. A little daydream popped up, where I could just see Charlie stuffing the two of them - handcuffed - in the back of his cruiser, the chief's gleeful smirk shining through on his face. It was a hopeful wish, so that way we could know that both of them were behind bars and I would know that neither of them would be around to potentially harm my sweet Bella. However, the other side was filled with a bit of dread towards the idea. It sickened me a little to think what if they had gone through her room? Just rummaging through her personal belongings - her own clothes. Even more so, they would know how to break in again; what if Charlie was home? I knew that'd put her over the edge with worry, fearing the two asses would do something to harm her father.
Bella bit her lip when I pointed it out, but nodded her head. "True, I didn't think of it like that."
I smoothed her hair down after I freed up one of my arms to move back to her long hair. "Love, trust me though. I'm sure right now you are safe and nothing will happen. I have that gun and permission to use it should the need arise. I'll use it in a heartbeat if I feel like we're in danger from anything. I will never let you get hurt by anyone - I'll especially protect you from Joshua and James. You have my word on that."
She sent a smile up to me when she heard that statement of mine, determination and conviction strong in my tone.
We sat there together for a bit in silence, just enjoying each other's company. But then she made a noise to herself as if she remembered something.
"Remembered something?"
"Yes. I think we should go over our duet that we're going to sing at the competition." she said, standing up from her spot. I made a little whining noise when she scampered off backstage; I heard her giggle in the distance.
She rejoined me and I took her offered hand where she helped me stand to my feet.
"You remember the song we were supposed sing?" Bella asked me, raising an eyebrow. I nodded my head, knowing exactly what we were supposed to sing. I absolutely loved the fact we were going to sing this - mainly it was a romantic song (or sounded like it) and I frankly felt like it spoke true to how I felt about my girlfriend. The good thing about us practicing for this duet is that we didn't really have to do the actual choreography in this little session. It was more so we still needed to get the lyrics down; the choreography that is planned for us when we actually sing this at the competition, will be practiced another day.
She pulled out a little remote from her pocket and pressed a button - then the music started and I knew when to begin my part.
(A/N: E = bold; B = italics; E&B = together.)
Highway run
Into the midnight sun.
Wheels go 'round and 'round
You're on my mind.
I began, staring over at my girlfriend with a hard gaze, wanting to pour as much emotion into this song as the original singer had done. Those milky white cheeks of hers immediately began darkening when I was staring at her.
Restless hearts
Sleep alone tonight.
Sendin' all my love
Along the wire.
God. I thought to myself when Bella began to sing. She never gives herself that much credit, believing her vocals weren't as amazing as they really were. She has no idea just what she does to me. A lustrous, breathtaking siren she was.
They say that the road
Ain't no place to start a family.
Right down the line
It's been you and me.
And lovin' a music man
Ain't always what it's supposed to be.
Oh boy, you stand by me
I'm forever yours
Faithfully.
We spun away from one another, distancing ourselves on stage. But I never let my eyes stray from her form. I, in a manner of theatrics during our little rehearsal, stretched my arm out to her. She copied me, a smile gracing onto her face when I did so.
Circus life
Under the big top world
We all need the clowns
To make us smile
Ooh
Through space and time
(Through space and time)
Always another show,
Wondering where I am
Lost without you.
And being apart
Ain't easy on this love affair.
Two strangers
Learn to fall in love again.
I get the joy of rediscovering you
Oh girl, you stand by me.
I'm forever yours
Faithfully.
By the time we got to this part of the song, I was starting to get a bit choked up. It was a bit silly for me to start feeling like this. But for some reason with how I was singing this with Bella, I felt the lyrics deep within me. The overall message may not totally apply to us, but I took at least the meaning of us remaining side by side with one another through this secrecy of our relationship, to a literal point.
Oh, oh, oh, oh
Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh
Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh
Faithfully
(Faithfully)
I'm still yours.
(Oh, oh, oh, oh)
Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh
Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh
I'm still yours
(Oh, oh, oh, oh)
Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh
Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh
I'm still yours
Faithfully.
When the song had finished and we ended our duet, I looked over at her and saw that she was fanning herself, snickering.
"What?" I was confused as to why she was doing that. She glanced back up at me, her brown eyes looking misty-eyed.
"Is it silly of me that I really felt such a strong sense of love while I sang this with you, babe?"
I let out a loud laugh, mainly in relief. I was going to voice my own concerns about how I felt during our rehearsal, wondering if it would've been weird for me to feel like that as well with here when we were just merely singing together. She jumped a tad from the suddenness that was my laughter, but relaxed while I walked over to her lazily.
"I wouldn't be so embarrassed my dear. Honestly, I will admit that I was getting a bit choked up when I was singing it with you too."
She perked up immediately, and dashed over to me, tackling me into a tight hug. I sighed happily when I had her back in my arms. I rubbed her back while she did the same for mine. Both of us didn't want to, nor did we have to, put the feeling into words. Right now, we both knew how we felt about one another and what we were going through - mentally and emotionally. While we were only two teens in high school, having only been dating for probably four months at the bare minimum, our emotions were intensified for one another. She was perfect in every aspect. Bella had her flaws, as well as a bit of a dark past that has scarred her to the point where she nearly collapses into a nervous breakdown around the idiots we have to put up with. On top of it, it's left her feeling vulnerable towards other men; a constant struggle to actually trust anyone.
But she was my perfect - and imperfect - lover. I could see past these faults and issues easily, it won't ever mar the image I have of her. Bella was mine to have, and I know that I will remain faithful to this woman. Forever.
(The next day)
A loud beeping of an alarm clock awoke me. I sat up with a groan, rubbing at my face with my hands. Yesterday's catch-up day had been for the most part, uneventful and short. After I had finished up with my meet-up with Bella, I took her to the music room and we decided to try some chords and practice a bit of the numbers involved in the competition. We were lucky that no one else was in here - else we'd risk running into one of our classmates who would question as to why we're together.
It went on for another hour or so since we were trying to spend as much time together as we could before we have to return back to our friends. But that dreaded time came by and we knew that if we were out for much longer, they'd be sending out search parties to try and find us on campus. I gave her a searing kiss, holding her to me as tight as I could. She had returned the fervor, threading those fingers of hers through my messy bedhead of hair to try and plant herself to be permanently attached to me. If only. But we broke apart to heaving our breaths at one another, smiling goofily at each other. I watched her prance off, eyeing that bouncing backside of hers when she had turned away from me. I chuckled at myself, before I took off in a job to head back to the dorms to end this day.
"UuuuNNNNGGGhh!"
Jasper and Ben were startled awake upon hearing Emmett's roaring yawn. I was already sliding out of my bed, smacking Emmett on the back of his head on my way out of the bedroom to head off and shower. I didn't need to turn around to know he was sending daggers my way for hitting him.
Once we were all finished in getting dressed, we left the dorms. And as if on cue for our usual routine, we ran into the ladies.
"Good morning, sexy babes." As per usual, Emmett was the first to start trouble with the girls. They all scoffed at us, their annoyance towards us just beginning. I sent a wink to Bella when they were distracted with their usual bickering; she rolled her eyes back in greeting.
"You know, you all should really find a new route when it comes to heading off to first class. It's getting really old having to run into your 4 like this." Rosalie spat at us, hands on her hips.
"You sure about that? You four could easily find your own path. We usually always beat you here first." I decided to play along with the bickering today; as of late, I tend to let Jasper and Emmett handle it. The fact that Ben and I had to act like asses to our secret girlfriends made us a bit uncomfortable so normally we're usually silent. The two of them for the most part are quick on their feet to retort back. But unsure if they'll start getting suspicious with the fact I'm just normally quiet during these encounters - so may as well try throwing them off once in awhile.
"Are you trying to claim this spot as your own? It's a free spot, jerk." Bella knew what I was trying to do; she and Angela were basically in the same boat as Ben and I. I shrugged at her false-inquiry, snickering.
"Just saying is all. The spot is free - but so is the rest of the paths on campus. So what's to say that we have to be the ones to find a new path?" I challenged, raising an eyebrow. Alice huffed, stepping in now in front of her best friend.
"Aah, my little feisty sister. Trying to defend Swan here I see." I taunted, internally wincing at myself. God I really hate having to put on this act.
She rolled her eyes at me then. "Of course I'll defend Bella from you, you twit. As if I'll let pigs like you just try anything with her." Alice began, scowling. I heard Emmett's guffaws behind me.
"As if our little pixie sister can do anything -"
"Emmett, really. Shut the fuck up as you don't know anything about my strength." Alice cut him off, snickering at his scowl now.
"Pllleease! You're nothing but a shrimp here. Somehow you have strength with your shopping bags but wouldn't say you have much else of it elsewhere."
The bell suddenly rang off in the distance. Had we really been standing here for that long? Alice huffed at us again before she and Angela took off towards the main building. Jasper and Ben separated from Emmett and I; Rosalie and Bella were already hurrying towards the main building together. Even if I wasn't obvious in my observation, I could see from the corner of my eye Emmett was watching Rosalie leave.
The love-sick puppy. I thought to myself, sighing. He'll never admit it but I know he was crushing on his best friend's twin.
The first few classes breezed on by; soon we were in theatre class. I hung around the guys for a bit before the teachers came into the room. Mrs. Idle clapped her hands together to gain everyone's attentions. Mr. Kartachna and Mrs. Looseily sat down at the desk that was just below the stage and looked over to Mrs. Idle who cleared her throat.
"So, I hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving break," she paused when some of us in our large group made noises of acknowledgement and agreement to that statement. "But now we must sadly get back into the swing of things and focus on the impending competition we have with the Harmonicals. So! I would like Edward and Bella - our leads for the group - to please step forward. For practice, I would like you two to sing Adele's song "Rolling in The Deep". Now I know this really a solo but I have the lyrics printed out on a piece of paper for you two to learn when you'll be jumping into sing. As for the rest of you, I did the same thing - though the rest of you are backup. This is going to be done acapella - so no instruments. I'll give you a few minutes to glance over this music and then we shall practice." she said, coming up onto the stage to hand everyone sheets of paper.
Mrs. Idle told me to go and read over the lyrics with Bella, so ignoring the quick glances and glares from her friends, Bella and I walked off to the side to study how we're supposed to sing this. It didn't take us long to get it down thankfully and we were called to come back together. Idle went down to join the other two directors of our group.
"Alright everyone, let's get this show on the road! Bella, start us up whenever you are ready." Idle directed to my girl. Bella cleared her throat, a little hesitant to start up our song for the day. But she otherwise took a deep breath before she began.
There's a fire
Starting in my heart
Reaching a fever pitch and it's bringing me out the dark.
Just as I opened my mouth to start up my part -
Finally
I can see you crystal clear
Go ahead and sell me out and I'll lay your ship bare
We stopped stone cold upon hearing the cut in. Bella's brown eyes darted towards the entrance of the auditorium and I followed her gaze. The others on stage were looking to us waiting for us to continue, but upon realizing that it wasn't me who continued the song after Bella's part, they followed our gaze. Even the directors had noticed our pause and turned towards the voice that had joined us.
All but two people knew who joined in on the song.
"Oh. I'm terribly sorry, was I interrupting something?" I felt Bella inhale a sharp intake of a gasp. It was quiet but with me standing so close to her, I heard it clear as day.
Standing near the entrance of the auditorium was James and Joshua. It was James who had stolen my part in singing. James was dressed like the rest of us, his blond hair that was long and unruly, was pulled back. He held a devilish glint when he spotted Bella's frozen form while I was sending my own glares at him.
"And who might you be, young man? We were practicing something - but it appears you stole our male lead's part."
"I apologize deeply. I'm James Anderson. And I must also apologize to stealing your part, man. I didn't know that you'd be singing it!" he directed the last part at me. I knew he was being sarcastic; the shit-eating grin on his face from the fact he knew I was annoyed with him being here, didn't leave his face. "My friend here told me about this group here, and I couldn't help but come by and check it out. You see I love to sing myself; I was the star-lead at my old school. Of course, I wouldn't dare ask I take the lead from the gentleman up there, nor would I press myself into this group if it's not allowed at such a late date. I wouldn't mind trying to get a spot in this group but of course I would rather audition the right way if that is ever so possible."
I could feel my stomach begin to churn with bile.
"Uh... Mrs. Idle, can I please go to the nurse? I'm feeling extremely queasy all of a sudden." Bella's anxiety from her two stalkers was enough to send her over the edge.
"I can take her." my immediate offer to rush her to the nurse earned shocked stares from the other group members, but I ignored them. I personally really wanted to flee from this place. I couldn't believe what this fucker was trying to do, trying to weasel his way into the group just so he can have a chance at being closer to Bella.
"Are you two sure? You'll miss out on some rehearsing for the competition if you do."
"I-I'm sorry Mrs. Idle, but I honestly don't believe I can perform right now with how upset my stomach is right now." she pressed, borderline begging to leave. Hearing the desperation in her voice, she relented and let the two of us make our hasty escape. We snaked our way around the two who stood still near the entrance of the auditorium, before we were finally free.
After having walked a safe distance away from the auditorium, Bella dove to the nearest trash can. I rushed over to hold her hair back, trying to take long deep breaths to calm myself down. My heart panged when I heard that she was beginning to sob heavily to herself. I waited until she was finished, before I took us around a corner for privacy, and hugged her to my chest. I let her cry it out while I stroked her hair.
Bella lifted her head a few minutes later.
"Why... W-Why me?" she whispered brokenly, and I let out a groan of my own.
"Why did I have to be punished like this? Why did they have to decide to try and join this vocal group? God... How am I going to be able to do anything with him there?!" she was beginning to go into hysterics by this point. I knelt down in front of her, grasping onto her slender arms and looking up at her tear-soaked face.
"You can always leave the vocal group Bella. I would never want you to stay in this group if he's going to be in there. I can see it right now you're so close to having a meltdown from just seeing those two be in the same room as you. I don't want them near you ever, I never want you to be alone if they're around you so close like this. I think that if you can't handle him there, if Mrs. Idle somehow even considers to let him be in the group - or even be a fucking crew member -, then I do not want you to suffer and I want you to remove yourself far from this situation." I whispered to her urgently, looking up at her with pursed lips. My love was in a state of anxiety from seeing those two. I can't imagine just what will happen to her if James somehow gets to be a part of this vocal group or even be able to be near her like this.
She let out a blubbering whimper and I pulled her back into my chest. She wasn't finished with her crying and I wanted her to be calm before she thinks over this offer. It'd be smart for her to leave the group so James won't be able to be near her. It'd hurt our chances at the competition, and the others would no doubt question why she would leave so suddenly out of the blue like this. I don't even know what kind of reason she would be able to give them. But competition be damned, and to hell with the others if they so much as give her crap if she were to choose to leave. They don't know just how much stress she's in right now from seeing those two. Beyond those who know her history with Joshua, they don't know who James is or why he's just as equally terrible as Joshua. However, I can only assume that the girls are going to be barking mad with questions when they can get her alone.
We sat together, me silently listening to her crying once more.
"I... I want to stay in the group." I looked down at her when she had suddenly spoke this. Bella had finished her sobbing, with only tears still falling from her brown eyes. I was a bit shocked to hear her say this with such determination.
"What?"
"I am going to stay in this group. I'm going to stay for the competition." she repeated, her voice thick with conviction. She gazed up at me then, and despite there being tears, her eyes were alight with fiery passion.
"I'm tired of running away from them, Edward. They still make me uneasy, nervous and a bit scared whenever they are near me. But if I continue to let that fear show, they'll always have their grip on me. They'll always know and feel that they can easily scare me away and manipulate me. Well, I'm tired of it. I need to steel myself together, straighten up and show them they no longer can do that with me. I survived Joshua's torture. I know I'll never let myself be alone with James, I'll always have either of the girls with me. Or I will always remove myself from him. But running away and giving up on the group is not what I want to do. I am going to stay in this group, we are going to sing together as a team, and we will win against those snots that call themselves a singing group." she growled. I couldn't help but let a smile come out.
That's my girl.
"I'm glad to hear it. I promise you this though; I honestly do not care if the guys question it or find out about us like it but - if James tries any bull with you, just know I'll be there in a heartbeat to sock him in the jaw." I murmured to her; that elicited a giggle out of her.
I stood us up then, and began tugging her in the direction of the nurse's office.
"Where are we going? Don't you want to go back to rehearsals?"
"We told them we're going to the nurse's office, remember? Besides, I think you and I need some time off and try adjusting to this turn of events. I say, let's go get excused from classes for the rest of the day and find a quiet place to relax together." I reminded her gently, chuckling when that cherry stain of hers came across those cute cheeks.
"But, what if our friends come looking for us?"
"I think we can set up a plan for that, with Angela, Jess, Mike and Ben. We'll still make it back to our dorms in time before classes are done for the day, babe. I just want to spend some time with you love." I pleaded, pouting to her. Bella snickered at my attempt of a puppy dog pout.
"Well... the idea sounds heavenly actually. Perhaps, you and I could run to a hidden spot somewhere on campus, and, shall we say, have our tongues get reacquainted with each other?" she offered next, strutting up to me and walking two of her fingers up from my chest to my jaw, tapping it then. I couldn't contain the whimpering moan that escaped me.
"You're such a vixen." I hissed to her before I raced to the nurse's office with her behind me. Bella's giggles couldn't be contained.
A/N: A tad short of a chapter - and a bit of a hasty ending there; perhaps a bit of a filler.
It's a bit awkward now that I realize that implementing songs into stories - and having said characters 'sing' in the writing - that it doesn't feel like it'd make for super great writing. I'd hate for it to almost break the momentum of the story. But seeing as I planned this to be a "Glee" feel of a story, I plan on having the characters 'sing' in the story.
Feedback would be appreciated, yet not begged for.
~LadyLily~
