Edward was over at Bella's house watching a movie since the sun was bright. It actually felt like July and Bella wished she was outside, but couldn't because Edward's skin would shine. She recalled how Edward's skin shimmered like diamonds and wondered how Alice would look when the sun touched her skin. Probably the most beautiful angelic woman I'll ever lay eyes on Bella thought with a sigh. It was days like these where Bella's mind drifted to Alice where she was thankful Edward couldn't read her mind. She shouldn't be feeling so drawn to Alice friends aside but she wanted to spend more time with her. Tomorrow was supposed to be warm and partly cloudy but she really wanted to go for a swim somewhere. Hm…she did have an idea for what she and Alice can do tomorrow and an idea was forming. Edward noticed Bella's quietness and tightened his embrace around Bella's waist.
"Everything alright?" he asked.
"Yeah why?"
Edward shrugged and kissed her forehead.
"You're just quiet is all." He told her.
Bella sighed.
"Edward, I know we were supposed to have a date tomorrow but…"
Edward groaned and he tightened his grip, any tighter and he would bruise Bella's pale skin. He flashed a glare at Bella and questioned,
"But you want to do something else or spend time with someone else?"
"Edward this is really starting to get old and piss me off. You will have a lifetime with me; just give me one day to do what I want!" Bella demanded.
Edward would have let the word 'piss' slip by since he needed to please Bella somewhat. It's funny in an annoying way how Bella was trying to be someone she's not. She wasn't the outgoing, confident, strong type yet she was trying to stand up to him.
"And what do you want?"
Bella sighed and cuddled closer to Edward, though it lacked any warmth or comfort like it used to.
"I want to hang out with Alice."
Edward growled but forced out a chuckle. Alice will be the end of us he thought but he needs to let Bella have this one day. He was confident however that Bella wouldn't stay from him. After all, he's been working on her all their relationship and knows that he's the one for Bella.
"Only if I have a date with you on Sunday."
Bella didn't feel like going out with Edward, but at least he was compromising to a degree.
"Fine we can have a date but also if I get tonight to myself too. Need to figure out plans."
And I need to figure out what swimsuit to wear Bella thought.
Edward sighed in defeat but nodded.
"May I ask why you don't want me over tonight?"
Bella rolled her eyes and shot a warning glare at him.
"You do realize you watching me sleep can come off as creepy right. Plus, sometimes I feel warmer because I have to wear a bit more clothes with you. I know you leer at me as I sleep Edward and you say you're not like the other guys, but you are."
Edward was insulted to hear that. He was not a pervert like the rest of the human males Bella met. His thoughts were pure and untainted, but yet he did feel he needed to be more like them so Bella would commit fully. Bella was pretty, in a flawed way but she did have decent enough hips and a really perky ass Edward thought.
"Bella, I have done nothing but shown the utmost respect…."
"Bullshit Edward. You've been getting more handsy with me since prom and it makes me uncomfortable. At least be honest that despite you being a vampire, you're still one that was frozen as a hormonal teenage boy. You claim to have control but you want me as your own in all fucking ways, including the impure."
And she curses Edward thought. He hissed a bit at her and stroked Bella's cheek.
"Tread carefully Bella. You know there's no man alive that can compete with me and that your heart is claimed by me. I love you Bella and you should understand this love is new to me."
Well, he was right on one thing, there wasn't a man alive that could compete with him…however he was losing to a woman.
"I've never been in love before either Edward but I want to take my time with you."
Yet I know already you don't feel right for me and I feel so wrong when with you Bella thought.
You're stupid Bella for believing that. You are my life and you will feel right with me. He heard Edward say in her mind. Bella's eyes widened as she looked at Edward but he didn't seem to be angry at all. He looked to be soft at what she had told him and this only scared Bella even more.
"Bella are you okay?" he asked.
Bella sighed and shook her head.
"Maybe I'm a little tired. Can we call it a night? I need to get things ready for tomorrow and call Alice."
Edward sighed but nodded. He planted his lips on Bella's lips and Bella slowly reciprocated it. It didn't feel as warm as it did before even with kissing a cold skinned vampire. She felt as if she was just acting in love rather than being in love. Bella felt a pang in her chest that forced her to put more feeling in the kiss and against her judgement ran her fingers in Edward's hair.
Much better Bella he heard Edward speak in her mind.
They pulled away and Edward grinned a bit.
"Goodnight Bella."
He left and with that, Bella felt relieved as she ran upstairs to get her cell. She had Alice's number on speed dial and called it to be greeted by Alice's angelic voice.
"Bella I'm so glad you called! I was thinking the two of us can go swimming. It's supposed to be very warm for you yet a bit cloudy for me. Though it won't matter if the sun breaks where I plan to take us."
Alice must have either seen her make a choice to want to go swimming or just had the same idea. Bella's heart fluttered in her chest and the thought of seeing Alice in a swimsuit excited her more than it should.
"I was actually going to call you to ask if you'd like to go swimming so that's perfect. You'll come get me in the afternoon?"
"Is 2 good for you Bella? Be sure to bring sunscreen since I don't want you to get burned. I'll pick you up tomorrow." Alice asked.
"That's perfect. I'll see you tomorrow Alice."
Bella ended the call and looked through her closet for all her swimwear. Most were one piece which, although appeased Edward in her mind, she wanted him to screw off. Bella looked over her body and she wondered if maybe…she should wear one of her bikinis for Alice.
Don't even dare. She heard Edward growl in her mind.
Fuck off Edward, my body my choice. She thought back to him.
She went through what she had and even though the blue one was tempting; it was always the color she wore to impress Edward. This wasn't his day Bella thought and looked at her green bikini and her red one. Both would cover her breasts and hug her ass but she didn't know which one to go with. She texted both Cynthia and Alice for their color opinions and both replied red, causing Bella to smile but also realized that red was very bold on her. She glanced at the red spaghetti strapped bikini top and very sensual bottom and nodded.
Alice will get a kick out of it, nerves aside. Bella thought with a smile.
Alice came by promptly the next day and waited for her outside. She was wearing her swimsuit under her shorts and blouse. Alice couldn't help but be tempted to see what Bella decided to wear for her swimsuit. She decided against that since she wanted to be surprised by Bella. Alice got a text from Cynthia and it made her chuckle.
No topless swims sis. Bella needs to take things slow.
I won't Cyn but damn why did you put that image in my head. It's what I'll be thinking about. It sucks that I can't act on my mate urges yet because of Dickward.
All will happen in time and you will have centuries to make up for this lost time if Bella becoming a vampire is what we both see.
Her sister did have a point but the waiting was just the hardest part for them both. Alice was becoming apparent to Edward's tactics and it was sickening. She just hoped Bella would be the strong woman Alice saw and that they can have their friendship blossom into romance.
Wish us luck sis.
You don't need luck to have fun with Bella. You both can do that all by yourselves.
Bella soon came out in jeans, a tee shirt, sneakers, and a small duffle bag. Alice hugged her friend and playfully kissed her cheek; though the temptation to kiss Bella's lips grew every time she did that. Bella took Alice's hand and looked softly in Alice's eyes. She wasn't going to ruin this day for Alice and couldn't help but smile.
"Lead the way, Alice."
Alice drove her car away from Bella's house and within a half hour, drove to the forest they needed to go to. It seemed a bit deserted, but Bella trusted Alice that she would be fine. The walk, or rather hike, wasn't as grueling as Bella thought but she didn't really mind roughing it. One thing Bella always wanted to do was camp out in woods like these so this was scratching a bit of her adventurous itch. Alice led them to a nice little lake that was very clean and glistening. The water seemed very inviting on a hot July day and the women were glad to be spending some needed time together. Bella cracked a slight smile to Alice but felt nervous about the swimwear she picked to wear. She hadn't been when she was picking it out in her room, but it was hitting Bella that Alice would be seeing her half naked. Then again, Alice and her were close in that way already since Alice had helped to bathe Bella. Bella felt excited but also nervous.
"What do you think of this place? It's private but fun." Alice spoke softly.
Bella smiled lightly and said, "It seems pretty nice and the water looks very refreshing."
"It is, I am glad you came here with me Bella. I feel like we don't get to see each other much ever since your cast got off."
It was a bit of an overreaction but it did feel that way for Bella. It seemed like Edward always wanted to be the center of her world but she tried so hard to spend time with Alice and Cynthia when she could. Still, just thinking of Edward bothered Bella.
"Blame Edward for that. He's starting to get….no forget it, I don't want to talk about him today. It's just us now and I want to enjoy it." Bella smiled.
"I know what you wanted to say. I get it but you're right. You are here with me. Let's enjoy this beautiful weather."
Bella smiled but also bit her lip nervously. She was regretting her swimwear choice since it was arguably the skimpiest thing she had and didn't know why she picked it, especially in front of Alice. No matter what she wore, it wouldn't look nearly as nice as what Alice would wear. A soft giggle escaped Alice's lips as she glanced at Bella's outfit. Knowing Bella, she did the same thing and her swimsuit was under clothes.
"Let me see what you picked Bella. I'm rather curious." Alice said with a bit of a flirty smile.
Bella felt herself getting hot but also oddly aroused as she took off her clothes to show a red bikini. The top covered her breasts comfortably with slight cleavage and the bottom hugged her ass quite well. Alice was enamored with how Bella looked and she had been right, Bella had a nice body under the layers she wore. She would have thought Bella would have gone with a one piece or even a navy swimsuit, but the red one really showed a wild side of Bella…one that bordered on sexy. Bella quickly crossed her arms across her exposed stomach, blushing as Alice's golden eyes looked over her. Alice chuckled as she playfully went close to her and gently tugged on Bella's arms.
"Aww come on don't hide your body, you look sexy, and my statement with your figure stands." Alice said.
Sexy? Bella thought in wonder. She did take a glance at her body and realized that she did have a decent figure. She wasn't fat but she wasn't model perfection either. Still, Bella felt oddly at ease and removed her arms from her stomach. Bella glanced over to Alice and asked,
"Your turn."
Alice smirked and took her shirt off first. She had black bikini with rosebuds and lacy straps. She then took off her pants revealing matching black underwear with a lace waistband and rosebuds at center of it.
"What do you think?"
Bella's breathing hitched slightly as Alice looked gorgeous and sexy. What a sinful yet sexy pixie my best friend is and it's just us. Bella shouldn't be thinking this way she thought to herself but she was feeling feelings she hadn't had with Edward.
"You look beautiful." Bella finally told her, glancing over her friend's marble body.
Alice smiled and she could hear Bella's heart racing. She did intend for Bella to feel something, but the heart racing excited Alice but she needed to be calm.
"We should get in the water Bella; you must be feeling so warm."
That she did, but she needed to put on sunscreen. She was pale and a sunburn was the last thing she needed.
"Unless you want me sunburned or eaten alive by bugs, I need my sunscreen with bug repellant infused in. However, I do need help getting it on me. I tend to miss places." Bella said as she got her sunscreen out of her duffle bag.
Alice smiled as took the sunscreen out of Bella's hands, her fingers grazing hers. If Alice was human her heart would probably jump out from excitement. She put some sunscreen on her hands and began massaging Bella's back. Bella was fighting so much not to moan since this wasn't normal, it shouldn't have been normal, but Alice's touches were driving her mad. Bella missed Alice's touches from her month in the cast and she lingered on where Alice's hands will travel next.
Don't Bella, you're mine. Alice is just breaking us apart. Resist her She heard Edward say in her head.
Things got harder when Alice stroked Bella's thighs with the sunscreen and Bella let a small moan escape to her horror. Bella turned pink and couldn't face Alice as she felt her stop putting on sunscreen.
"I-I'm sorry." Bella apologized.
Alice smiled softly at Bella since she was being so cute right now. They were very close and Alice decided to make Bella comfortable since these feelings had to be new for her. I'll play dumb Alice thought even though Bella moaning was music to her ears.
"You're ticklish aren't you" Alice asked
"A bit, yes, more than I like to admit."
More like aroused Bella thought but she was feeling so wrong yet right as Alice continued to massage sunscreen on her.
"Don't worry secrets are safe with me" Alice said.
More like she wanted Bella to herself to finally be her mate but she knew she had to be careful for now. But she loved when Bella moaned for her and it only strengthened her bond to her as a mate. If only Bella opened herself more, she would be so much happier.
When Alice was done, Bella felt tingly all over but she needed to cast these emotions away. She jumped into the brisk, cool water and that helped a bit while also relaxing her body. Alice smiled and jumped in after her. They enjoyed their time swimming in the lake and Bella and Alice caught glances at each other. Their pull for each other was at their strongest and it made both women feel so alive. Bella decided to be a bit playful and go underwater to get Alice on her shoulders. Alice was amused by Bella's plans but allowed her to act upon her ideas as she let Bella get in position below her. She felt Bella carefully maneuvering herself and rose Alice above the water.
"Bella!" Alice squealed as she gently
Bella chuckled but she was a bit hard to carry despite her petite body. Alice was firm and she wouldn't be able to hold her for long. Bella stumbled a bit to keep her up and she could feel Alice's fingers in her, causing her to well up with warmth.
Put her down Bella she heard Edward hiss and Bella sighed in annoyance.
Alice could feel Bella struggling to hold her so Alice decided to let go and fall back first into the water. She swam to Bella and couldn't help but smile softly at her.
"Come on, race me." Alice giggled.
Bella snorted and shook her head.
"If vampires are fast in water like you are on land, I have no shot. I don't want you to laugh at me."
Alice pouted and crossed her arms.
"I'll slow down for you to make it fair. Think of it as your handicap since I want you to race me." Alice told her.
Bella chuckled since Alice looked cute when she pouted.
"Fine we'll humor each other. It won't be fair until I'm a vampire but I want us to have fun too while I'm still human."
Alice wasn't surprised that Bella wanted to be a vampire still. In fact, she hoped Edward aside, she and Bella would be together forever no matter what happens. Deep down though Alice wanted Bella to accept herself and the fact they are mates but Edward impacted things. They raced around for a bit but Bella just wanted to relax in the water and chat with Alice. Her back was on the water and her thoughts were all over when it came to her date with Edward. Deep down something was telling her she didn't want him but she couldn't break away. She sighed deeply and that caught Alice's ears.
"What or who is on your mind Bella?"
Bella shot a soft glance and sighed.
"I have a date with Edward tomorrow. He only allowed this day with you if he had one. He's become such an asshole lately and its becoming stifling. Yet why does my stupid heart want him. He pisses me off at times and yet I still get somewhat weak in the knees. I wonder if I am that stupid defenseless lamb that Edward called me when he told me he fell for me."
That made Alice annoyed, but not at Bella. Edward was making Bella feel so weak, helpless, and under his control. The spark that had been in her, the feistiness in wanting to tell Edward off and not have him be hers was fading and Alice couldn't understand how Edward was doing this.
"Bella you're not stupid farthest from. As for defenseless, you're not completely defenseless, you certainly know how to stand your ground on things that matter. I mean you wanted to know what his problem was when you first met and you wanted answers from him. Don't know about you, but a lamb wouldn't go after a lion that way."
Bella chuckle and commented,
"Then what am I then?"
Alice mused a bit and gently tucked a strand of stray hair out of Bella's face gently grazing her cheek in process.
"A fierce honey badger, a fearsome tigress, or a powerful leopard. All animals that shouldn't give a shit or submit to a lion." Alice purred softly.
Bella smiled and chuckled at Alice's affection.
Don't humor yourself Bella. You are a lamb that fell for a lion, embrace who you are. She heard Edward in her thoughts.
Who I am with you isn't who I am. Bella thought to herself. Bella looked at Alice with soft eyes and she was starting to feel how someone should feel when in love; warmth, desire, lust…Alice was calling for her but once again Edward invaded her thoughts growling,
You belong to me Bella and no one else. What you want to be is sinful and wrong? I'm your mate.
Bella felt her heart tighten and she felt as if she was gasping for air. She cursed under her breath and felt herself tearing, groaning in frustration. Alice noticed the distress in her friend and wiped away the tears that were trying to come out.
"Bella what's wrong?" she asked.
Bella felt her body shake slightly as Alice embraced her. She reciprocated the hug and took a deep breath.
"What's wrong? I keep hearing Edward in my head. I don't know what he is doing to me, but it's driving me nuts. He's my boyfriend but I don't like feeling like shit. Is he actually doing something or is it my poor self-esteem? He's so inconsistent and my body is actually starting to hurt when I have my own thoughts."
That asshole Alice thought. He was going so far as to affect Bella's mind and invading her thoughts. He can't read them but he was making Bella hear him in her mind. It must be when she sleeps Alice thought since how else would Bella be to be chained up and bound with him. His voice and words seep into her as Bella sleeps and that was abusive and sick. That was her theory but she actually had a vision of Edward doing this, making her beyond pissed at him.
"That's because he wants you to be his little lamb as you phrased it. When you pull away and want to be yourself, he gets pissy. To him you're like a toy he wants and if he doesn't have it, he throws a tantrum like a fucking brat he is. Golden boy my ass, he has a complex at making you his."
Bella shook her head. It was her own fault for not being stronger and being so lost.
"I-I'm sorry Alice."
Alice felt upset by this since her brother was ruining this. She had to be patient though for Belle's sake and Alice would lose in a fight with Edward.
"You got nothing to be sorry for Bella. Things will be ok, just hang in there a bit more okay. Whatever Edward is doing you will fight this." Alice asked trying to reassure Bella
Bella sighed and hugged her best friend tighter. She did have an option and she was thinking about it very hard. Bella just hoped Alice wouldn't get jealous or be insulted.
"How ethical is it if I want to speak with your sister…like professionally? Wanted to ask you if it would be a good idea since I know she's your sister."
Alice smiled widely, containing her urge to jump. Cynthia had informed Bella that if she was ready to talk and open up, that she would do it. If Cynthia could help her see clearly, then there was a strong hope she would be able to do the same for Bella. It was a strong hope Bella made that decision and it will help to break her chains and awaken her.
"I think it's a really good idea. If you want to, you should definitely speak with her. She's really one of the best and she's supportive of you."
Bella smiled.
"After my date with Edward, if these feelings are still killing me and I feel so...trapped I will start making trips to Port Angeles to see her. I can't go on like this Alice."
Alice hugs Bella, running her finger softly through her hair
"I can't imagine how you feel but I am happy you're willing to stop them and have the life you want."
Bella nodded and nuzzled Alice's neck.
"Knowing Edward, he will take me to that same Italian restaurant like he did for our first date to recapture magic. He's so old fashioned that it almost hurts." Bella joked.
This caught Alice's ears and asked,
"What would you want some of your dates to be like Bella aside from standard movies and dinner?"
Bella chuckled a bit but also felt her cheeks blush.
"You're going to think I'm full of shit."
Alice playfully rolled her eyes and pressed,
"I won't, now tell me."
Bella smiled since Alice was very eager but sweet.
"Well...definitely a picnic in a forest for one. Maybe...God…never told anyone this before. Camping would be another since I always find the idea of roughing it a bit charming. Being under the stars, getting my own food with fishing, making a roaring yet warm fire…that just excites me. I've also always wanted to get a motorcycle and just drive down the open road. My truck is good, but there's a freedom a motorcycle possesses…something I always wanted.
Alice looks at Bella in amazement and surprise since Bella didn't seem to be an outdoorsy girl. Those ideas did excite Alice but she also knows Bella enjoys their girl time and shopping trips too. There was so much to Bella and that just drew Alice to her even more.
"I didn't know you liked those things; they sound incredible and definitely more fun."
Bella smiled and nodded.
"They are fantasies now since I don't see things other than the picnic with Edward. So be honest. Does me telling you about wanting to be more outgoing, woodsy, and a bit wilder excite you? I feel I can't express that to Edward but it's what I want to do and be."
"Your wanting to be outdoorsy and outgoing are all amazing. And it does more than excite me. You can tell me anything, I may not always agree but I will support you and encourage you since I know it is important to you"
Bella smiled a bit and hugged Alice.
"I don't know why I have these desires, but maybe it's because Edward is luring me in and I don't like the future I see."
Alice honestly couldn't see Bella with Edward but she had to humor her. After all, currently Edward is doing all he can to take Bella away from her as a mate.
"What kind of future do you see if you stay with him?" Alice asked. It was purely out of curiosity.
Bella rolled her eyes.
"Him being with me until I die, which means under his control and being submissive. I mean you hear how he won't turn me and he wants me to live my life. I understand the sentiment of 'loving me' no matter what but he still wants to be with me when I look old and wrinkly. Kind of sick."
Alice scoffed at the idea.
"That's not really a future Bella, that's more like entrapment. Scratch that it is entrapment. He wants power and wants you close to him. He likes feeling empowered and you growing older and senile will do that to him. He can't be a protector if you're capable as a vampire. Honestly he's a moron not to turn you."
Bella nodded since if Edward wanted her forever, he would just turn her. After all, her knowledge about vampires couldn't be good if they needed to keep their existence a secret.
"Yea...I have sick feelings that me getting older turns him on and that he doesn't want to rob me of aging. I know love is supposed to be forever, but how can I not look like his grandmother while he remains 17 and not be horrifying if 'I love him'."
"Forget Edward for a second and answer me honestly. Would you want to be a vampire?"
"Of course, I want to be a vampire. Why?"
"I just wanted to know is all. I mean there are perks to it for sure, but Edwards doesn't want that for you not because he claims he loves you, more like once you get old and grey, he can move on to someone younger like the vain bastard he is. Or worse, if your blood loses his appeal and he will move on to someone else. I swear he's a predator that way or is becoming one."
Bella had that feeling as well, almost like Edward was toying with her until he got his moment to show his true self. She wanted to be free from him but she was still trapped in multiple ways.
"You think he's full of shit and won't have himself killed to join me, do you?"
Melodramatic asshole Alice thought. No way he would do that and it is manipulative to play on Bella's love for Romeo and Juliet.
"Yes, I do Bella. You are amazing person Bella and you deserve way better than my brother."
Bella sighed and just looked into Alice's eyes.
"But I don't want to lose you if I end up not being with him."
Alice gently held Bella's face in her hands. Bella loved the cool yet gentle touch and Alice got lost in Bella's eyes. So soft and innocent, yet Bella wanted anything to be but that. The fact she was having a part in Bella's awakening made her smile.
"Bella, I promise you even if you do end up breaking up with him. You will never lose me. You mean too much to me, and I not letting you go" Alice said.
Bella smiled and chuckled.
"That eases my mind, Alice. But don't you see what is meant for us, you do have visions after all and I want to know what our future is like."
Alice smiled but shook her head. Partly not to force Bella into a romance, but she always wanted to see where their future would lead them.
" I do see a future and I promise that once your away from Edward and your not bonded or should I say trapped by him I will tell you."
Bella frowns.
"Oh come on Alice I want to know." she begs. Trust me Bella be a bit patient I promise it will be worth it" Alice said kissing Bella's forehead.
Clouds parted from the sky and a bit of sun shone through. The sunlight hit Alice's skin and it made Bella aw at the sight. Alice's skin shimmered like the brightest diamond and it truly made her speechless at Alice's beauty. She thought Edward was pure perfection, but that honor now belonged to Alice. Bella smiled a bit and hoped for the day her skin would shimmer the same way.
"Well I know I do become a vampire thanks to your sister, just how and why I don't know."
Alice smiled but also wished Cynthia didn't share that with her. She understood why; Cynthia worried James bit her and wanted the honor of turning Bella to be Alice's, still that took away a surprise from Bella.
"Cyn should have kept that to herself for the time being but I guess it can't be helped."
Bella chuckled and kissed the top of Alice's head but quickly pulled away realizing what she did.
You're getting too close and too loving to be just friends. She heard Edward growl in her brain.
Bella shook that thought off and didn't care; she loved how she and Alice can be affectionate even for friends. Alice smiled and gazed into Bella's chocolate brown eyes.
"Things will be alright I promise."
"I know they will...will you sleep with me tonight? Edward should hopefully leave us alone."
Alice saw that Edward would not come, maybe to try to smooth things with Bella on their date. She smiled and nodded at Bella. This made Bella feel calm but there was still a risk in case Edward came by, but she needed and wanted Alice with her.
"I know it's a bit dangerous with Edward being an dick, but he can't have all my nights. I'm starting to think him watching me sleep is less romantic and more sick. Who knows what he does to me while I sleep?"
"Yes I bet it probably is more creeper mod for him. I think he gets off knowing he can control you."
Bella sighed but nodded.
"He's probably getting off that he will have me in my old age if I never escape him. It probably gets him hard imagining myself as an old wrinkled lady."
Alice burst out laughing at that. It was probably bad to laugh at that but it was too funny. Bella was laughing too despite how horrifying the prospect was. Bella wouldn't put it past Edward if he had an old woman fetish; him seeing a woman he's close to grow older and weaker and him overcoming her easily.
"Then again he's really 109 so maybe he is grossly aroused to the idea of banging an old woman. Such a sick creep if that's what he wants of me. It's really gross if he really wants sex with me as an old lady." Bella laughed.
Alice continued laughing since it did sound like something that would get Edward off. He always wanted control and power but Edward will not have that. Bella had a choice in her life and she's chosen to be a vampire, a vampire frozen at a young age.
"Stop Bella, my sides actually hurt from laughing so hard at that image! He would really be a sick perverted old fucker if he wants to bang you as an old woman and him looking young."
Both women laughed even though this was about Edward and his abuses running so deep. However, Bella didn't want that to be her fate so she would think of a way to escape. It was then Bella remembered Alice was only 2 years younger than Edward as she was turned 107 years ago.
"You at least look good for an older woman. Definitely witty and charming too."
Alice smiled at that.
" Well thank you Bella, you certainly know how to make a woman feel good about herself."
"I try since you're the best-looking woman I've seen."
Bella realized what she said and was cursing mentally and out loud.
"Shit I mean…. crap sorry that came out wrong, very best-looking wrong." Bella blushed.
"Don't apologize, it is sweet of you to say and I got to say the same about you. I get why Edward wants you, but unlike him my intentions for you are good. Also, I love this true side to you; crass at times, outgoing, not wanting to put up with crap; that's the Bella that's real and not what Edward is making you be. Maybe with your talk with Cyn she can help liberate you."
Liberate Bella thought unless this was the other power Cynthia was talking about.
"And how can your sister liberate me? I know she's a good therapist but what do you mean liberate? Is that what her powers are?"
Alice nodded.
"Cynthia has an ability to liberate people's connection from someone they don't want to be with or change the connections. She was able to peacefully break my bond with Jasper and still have us be close friends. Cynthia has been able to help people out of really bleak abusive relationships. She sees you as a fighter and thinks she can break whatever chains Edward binds you with and help you to find who you are." Alice said.
Bella felt hopeful and hugged Alice.
"Y-You're serious? She can do that?"
Alice chuckled at Bella's excitement. She felt excited for Bella since she wondered just how much Bella will change for the better and that their feelings can blossom into love.
"I am a very serious Bella, I wouldn't lie to you about this. I wouldn't lie to you in general but you get what I mean. Cynthia wants you happy and that includes helping you to heal and find yourself."
Bella smiled as she rested her back on the water.
"Let's enjoy our swim before we need to head back to my house and shower. I'm not looking forward to my date tomorrow, but beyond that my future looks very bright."
As they enjoyed their remaining time in the water, Alice interlocked her hands with Bella. Both women felt a tender little spark and that gave them both hope. Edward might have her now, but one should never underestimate a true loving connection. Alice believed in Bella and in time, she will be hers.
