DISCLAIMER: Stephanie Meyer owns Twilight not me. I just love playing around with the characters we all know and love. :-)
Authors Notes:
***So much happening. Nice long chapter too. Newest record holding 'longest' chapter :-)
***Poor inexperienced Bella, powerless to our Sexy Edward's charm and charisma.
***Not many reviews last chapter :-( :-( :-(. I'm told that I don't get more reviews because I don't leave enough questions unanswered. I think that's a compliment. Lol.
*** I do have lots of followers, and keep getting more, so I know my story has interest but comments do mean the world to me so REVIEW if you can.
***QUESTION: Who is everyone's favorite character in my story and why? Bella, Edward, Lizzie,... My favorite is Edward though I'm also quite partial to his siblings. I do love Alice and Emmett.
KEYS
"Words like this are being texted to someone"
"Words like this are being texted from someone"
"Words like this are being spoken from over the phone" or "Yelled conversations"
CHAPTER #19: Awkward Engagement
BPOV
"God I'm a lost cause." My head was buried in my arms on my counter while Angela starred at me with a look of pure disbelief and confusion. I wasn't actually looking at her but I knew that would be her facial expression.
"So...you what? Ran?"
"No, I just...left...quickly."
"Uh-huh." Clearly she didn't believe me.
"What was I supposed to do?" I looked up in irritation.
"Well here's a crazy idea... talk to him. Talk out your discomfort. Kiss him goodnight. You know NORMAL things."
"I did kiss him goodnight." I mumbled and she rolled her eyes.
"And I'm sure he was completely lost as to what was wrong with you."
"It's not like I immediately ran out."
"Really? I'm well aware of your flight versus fight instincts B."
"He invited me out for tonight. I stayed to say yes?" Why did my statement sound like a question?
"Hmmm. Was there a smoke trail as you left?"
I groaned as I thought back to last night in Edward's office. I had gone to the bathroom, simply as an excuse to give him some privacy with his ex-wife. He mentioned Lizzie's unicorn to me and I stupidly gave him the all clear to go in my purse where he found...oh God. I hung my head again as I remembered how humiliated I felt.
"You're over-reacting."
"I'm sorry. Were you there?" I was feeling a bit snarkier than usual but Angela brushed off my hostility.
"It's just some pills. He probably doesn't care. Why would he?"
"But him and I haven't... you know."
"Yes I KNOW. Your discomfort is announcing it loud and clear."
"So it's..weird...okay."
"Only because you're making it weird."
"You're just comfortable because you're more...experienced than me." Why do I feel bad like that I'm calling her a 'loose woman' or something?
"Fair enough." We were sitting in the kitchen while I ate breakfast and she downed more coffee. "Seriously though, you guys haven't...talked about it? At all?"
"No." I took a deep breath. "Do you think he's expecting...sex...now?" I absolutely hate how naive and innocent I feel right now.
"Now that he knows you're on the pill?" I nod and she shakes her head at me. "No..." I release a breath feeling a little bit better, but then I realized she let the sentence trail as she took a deep drink of coffee.
"What?"
"Birth control doesn't automatically mean 'Hey lets have sex as soon as possible'. If that was the case everyone would sleep together on the first date." She rolls her eyes at me while I blushed realizing that makes sense. I really am naive.
She seemed to read me for a moment before adding... "However..."
"However?"
"If anything has him thinking sex is on the table it's you agreeing to a whole weekend alone with him. Trust me that's dropping way more hints than any pills in your purse." OH GOD...
"I'm an idiot aren't I?"
"Of course not."
"What should I do?"
"What I said from the start, talk to him."
…...
The talk wasn't something I had even the slightest clue on how to do or even how to bring up. Do I just blurt it out? 'Hey what sounds good for dinner tonight?' 'Oh I don't know. So about my pills and you know... sex...'...Yeah... I have no idea how to bring this up.
The worst part was how easy I know this will all be for Edward. The man is so incredibly perfect in so many ways and the last thing I need is all the things that have him so far out of my league showing like a neon sign. He's sexy, confident, and unafraid, all three characteristics I'm certainly not capable of being.
KNOCK KNOCK
Despite my nerves I have to smile at the sound of the door, knowing my two favorite people are behind it. "Who's there?" Angela looks up from her magazine to give me a puzzled look. She had been lounging on the couch enjoying her day off.
"Boo."
I smiled at the sound of Lizzie's voice.
"Boo Who?"
"Don't cry Ms. Swan. We're here now." I laughed at her cute voice as I opened the door. Standing there was a very eager Lizzie reaching up for a hug. Such a cutey pie... I picked her up into a tight hug before looking up into Edward's attentive eyes. He smiled at me as I hugged Lizzie closer. I put her back down and she quickly ran inside as Edward moved forward to enter. As soon as I closed the door he pulled me into his chest so he could kiss me at the earliest opportunity. His left hand held my right with our fingers intertwined and his other hand held my jaw, steering my mouth at the angle he needed to make our kiss more R-rated than it should be. I wasn't going to object though, after all no-one could object to this man kissing them.
"Awww." We both pulled back as Angela and Lizzie spoke the word together. One was a genuine sentiment while the other was mocking...
I of course blushed and Edward pulled me closer, completely uncaring of our audience. He resumed kissing my head sweetly; once, twice, I lost count of the small kisses. "I missed you baby." He whispered as he held me, making me smile so wide it hurt.
"I missed you too." I leaned up to give him just a quick peck, only now realizing that this was the first time Lizzie had really seen her father and me like this. It wasn't upsetting to her was it? He'd told me that he'd talked to Lizzie about the two of us but knowing that he was willing and even wanted to be affectionate with me in front of her made me ridiculously happy. It meant he saw me, him, us as something real. Something that was going to last.
We introduced Angela to Lizzie and for the first time in my life I actually saw Angela blush as Lizzie told her she was beautiful. It was honestly adorable. After a brief good bye, we left to go to dinner, pizza this time. I was very surprised when Edward told me Lizzie had asked for me to join them. I'd loved when we'd gone to the diner the first time and now that Edward and I were officially together I really wanted to be included in their family time.
He took us to a place with a bunch of arcade games and play areas for kids. It was huge and I was surprised I'd never heard of the place before. It was a ton of fun watching Edward try to be firm with Lizzie as she repeatedly tried to run off to the games despite his 'Not until after you eat' rule. It was clear she wasn't worried about upsetting him because she owned him, hook line and sinker. He gave up fighting and told her she could play until our pizza was ready. I laughed when he gave in and he shot me a narrowed glare which made me laugh more.
"I'm glad you find all of this so amusing Ms. Swan."
"Me too. Dinner and a show." His eyes narrowed further so I blew him a kiss. We were sitting at a booth like last time but I was across from him as he was sitting with Lizzie. I think it had been a strategic set-up to restrain her excited little self to her seat. Of course it didn't work as she was now running laps in the indoor kids gym area.
"Hmmm." He stood up and moved to sit next to me, putting Lizzie in his line of sight and me in his clutches. He reached for my face and gave me a few feather light kiss, melting me completely, before pulling back and staring into my eyes. "Have I told you how beautiful you look when you laugh...even at my expense?"
"No." I whispered back but didn't look away. He smirked before kissing me again, longer this time.
"You really are so beautiful when you're mean to me." He smiled through his statement and I laughed again, giving him a quick peck. After a few minutes he got up to get the pizza while I kept my eyes on Lizzie. She kept looking back to me with a wave which I returned. As I saw Edward heading to the booth I got up to grab Lizzie. Luckily for me as her teacher she was more willing to listen to me the first time than she was Edward. She took my hand and led the way to the table. She made me sit with her, leaving Edward all alone now.
"Are my girls ditching me?" I blushed at him calling us that while Lizzie just laughed and stuck her tongue out. He returned the sentiment and I laughed at the two goof balls.
"Boys are gross." She spoke seriously while Edward blinked in surprise. "Right Ms. Swan?" She looked up at me innocently
Great...
"Some of them. I don't think your daddy is gross though." I was smart enough to keep my eyes away from Edward through this conversation. Lord only knew how much fun he would have with me.
"Tommy is gross." I nodded seeing as he was the boy that had hit her.
"He was very mean but let's not let him ruin our nice night out with one of the good boys." I glanced at Edward who was fighting laughing at my talk with Lizzie.
"Are you a good boy Daddy?"
Now I was trying not to laugh. "Of course baby girl. I'm very good."
"Aunty Alice says all boys are trouble."
"Your aunt is a wise woman. Listen to her." I laughed harder at how quickly he agreed with his sister. After Lizzie practically inhaled her two slices of pizza she was off like a bullet to play some more. I watched her wave a few times, making sure to wave back in response to her wide smiles. Edward again moved to sit next to me so that we were both facing the play area. He pulled me against him so that my back was pressed to his chest. I loved the feeling of his chest against me and he intertwined our fingers on each hand, which I loved even more. I smiled ridiculously as he played with our fingers absentmindedly as we watched Lizzie play.
After a few minutes of bliss against his chest he spoke up. "Are we going to talk about yesterday?"
"Um, what about it?" I was fairly certain playing stupid would get me nowhere yet I was doing it just the same. Apparently the hope he'd have forgotten about my odd behavior was as ridiculous as I'd feared.
"Hmmm." His hands released mine and instead he wrapped my arms around my middle, keeping his arms there as well. We were now cuddled in his arms and I had no hope of escape, not that I could possibly want such a thing. "Well I remember kissing, holding, and flirting with my gorgeous girlfriend while she was straddling my lap. Which side note that is my new favorite positioning for you so whenever possible I must insist you do it..." He trailed off at his 'side note' and despite my nerves involving the impending conversation I smiled. No matter what was happening Edward could always make me smile. "Then after a short break you seemed to be desperate to leave my office as soon as possible..." He trailed off suggestively, obviously wanting me to fill in the blanks.
"Was there a question in there?" I shifted my neck just enough to give him my fake innocent smile in which he narrowed his eyes. Suddenly he began tickling my sides and I had to practically bite my tongue to stop from screaming as I tried to wiggle away from him. "UNCLE, UNCLE..." I gave in quickly as I had zero tolerance for tickling. He chuckled but stopped his onslaught. He gently spun me around so he could watch my eyes. He still had one around me while the other was on my lap, gently holding my leg. I was always so aware of where his hands were on me. Not in an anxious 'What's he doing' way but more of a 'I love when he touches me' way.
"What happened beautiful?" His eyes stayed trained to mine as he asked. I gave a heavy sigh as I glanced down, watching his hand. I had been thinking of nothing but this since last night and yet I still didn't know how to explain it. My mind went back to 3 different 'relationships' in which a somewhat similar conversation had resulted in the relationship ending. They may not have been long romances but they had done their damage in hurting my already limited self esteem.
"Daddy, Ms. Swan... look." We looked up and Lizzie was going down the slide upside down. We both laughed while waving before looking back at each-other.
"Can we talk about this later?" I honestly wasn't stalling, it just felt weird talking about sex and birth control here. I knew no one was listening but it still felt strange.
He looked back at Lizzie as he seemed to think about it for awhile. Eventually his eyes met back with mine. "But we will discuss it?" His tone was kind but firm, clearly my quick exit had bothered him more than I'd thought it would.
"I promise." I nodded and he smiled, happy with my answer. He pulled me close again and we exchanged a few soft kisses while Lizzie continued to burn off the energy only children could have.
…...
"Thanks for inviting me guys." After the slightly awkward conversation I'd had such a fun time with them tonight. Edward had had to chase Lizzie down when it was time to go and it was hilarious watching him try to grab her as she led him, unwillingly, into a game of tag. I had laughed so hard as he tried to get the upper hand but man she was fast. He'd asked for my help and I'd just said, 'Nope, you got this.' He wasn't nearly as amused as me but it was all in good fun. He got me back by encouraging Lizzie to tickle me which meant two against one.
Well I guess I deserved it...
"You're welcome Ms. Swan." I looked back at Lizzie and her wide smile.
"Sweetie when we aren't at school you can call me Bella." It was weird for her to address me formally considering everything. Honestly I didn't care if she called me Bella at school either, in case she had trouble distinguishing.
"Really?" She looked so excited and I laughed.
"Yep. I think you're a big enough girl to call me by my first name." Lizzie beamed and I reached back to give her a small high five.
I had no sooner turned back around when Lizzie spoke up again. "Bella?"
"Yes Lizzie?" I turned back around and she had an excited look on her face.
"Are you my best friend?"
"Awww, do you want me to be?" She nodded her head rapidly and I laughed. "Then yes I can be your best friend. Will you be my best friend too?"
"Okay." Her eyes got even more excited as she agreed. I glanced at Edward who shot me a smile before returning his eyes to the road.
"Do you want to have a sleep over party?" At this Edward laughed hard and I ignored him.
"For your birthday?" I knew her birthday was in November so I figured that was why she was asking. It was coming up fast.
"That's to far." She pouted and I smiled.
"We'll think of something."
…...
When we pulled up to my building I offered for them to just drop me off but Edward insisted on walking me to my door. I wondered if having his daughter with him would be awkward for other women on a kind-of date, especially walking me to my door. Maybe I was weird but for me it was amazing. Him trusting me enough to be around his daughter in a personal way with him meant so much to me. It meant he saw us long term and I had never felt like that with any man I'd been with. It had always felt temporary, like tomorrow would be new with possibly no him. With Edward though I couldn't picture a future without him. Did he feel the same?
"Goodnight Bella." Lizzie gave me a big hug at my door and I gave her a tight one back. She gave the best hugs, warm and loving. As soon as she let go her hand naturally fit back into Edwards leaving him only one available.
He didn't miss a beat though, pulling me in for a sweet one-armed hug, of course kissing my cheek and offering me a wink which made me blush and him chuckle. "Goodnight Beautiful."
"Goodnight Cullen's." Lizzie laughed while waving as Edward mouthed 'I'll call you'. I nodded before walking in and locking my door.
…...
"You made good time." I'd had a quick shower before crawling into bed ready to get in some reading as I waited for Edward's call. He called me much sooner than I'd thought he would though.
"Lizzie's always been easy to get to sleep."
"Even as a baby?"
"Yep. I think she was difficult until maybe a week old then I could already get her to sleep 5-6 hours at night, easy."
"Are you a baby whisperer?" I laughed thinking of him getting a baby to fall asleep with a simply shush noise.
"One of my many talents, Beautiful."
"Good to know."
"It is indeed." I could almost see his smug grin as he said that. I had images of Edward holding a newborn baby and the image made me smile an impossibly large grin. Thank God he isn't here to see me...
Of course if he was here I wouldn't have to sleep alone...
"So I have your full attention now."
"You always do."
"Now that's good to know." I laughed at his purred words before taking a deep breath. I wasn't going to keep him waiting for an explanation any longer.
"I'm sorry for acting strange yesterday."
"You were perfect baby. You always are." His smooth voice was criminally powerful. "It meant a lot that you came to me when you did." I smiled.
"I saw how upset you were with the situation involving Lizzie and her mom. I just wanted to be there for you." I blushed while I spoke, hoping I didn't sound ridiculous.
"And you were." His statement sounded like he had more to say yet nothing else came out. Strange... I smiled realizing that if we were face to face right now he would be stroking my face, or brushing my hair behind my ear. All while staring at me with those amazing green eyes... God I miss him already... How can I miss him when I was just with him? How long had it been? 2 hours? Maybe?
"I had gone to the bathroom to give you some privacy with Tanya, in case she called about something I shouldn't hear..."
"Why would you not be allowed to hear anything?" He interrupted my explanation and seemed genuinely confused and maybe even a little defensive.
"I don't know." I honestly didn't have an explanation other than their conversation felt private.
"Bella, you are my girlfriend and Lizzie is my daughter. Her mother will always be in my life in some small way because we have a child together."
"I know..." I didn't want him to think I was uncomfortable about that."
"Let me finish beautiful." I really loved his nickname for me. In fact I loved it more and more every time he used it. "Tanya will always be in my life but if things go well with us, meaning you and me, you will be in my life as well." My breathing hitched just slightly at his words. "You never need to be apart from what's going on with Tanya, especially since I guarantee that will only ever be about Lizzie. I want you involved in that, need it even. It's important to me... Lizzie is the most important thing in my life Bella, and I want to share that with you."
"You make it really difficult for us to be apart when all I want is to kiss you." I laughed while wiping away the small tear that had escaped because of his sweet words.
"If I was there with you we'd be doing a lot more than simply kissing." Now I was really blushing.
"I know."
"So is that why you left? Did Tanya's call make you uncomfortable?" He sounded doubtful.
"No."
"Then why?"
"You went into my purse and..."
"Yes?"
"You found my pills..." My face immediately turned scarlet, I could actually feel the heat as it spread over my face.
"Your birth control pills?" He sounded confused still, even more so now.
"Yes."
"That made you uncomfortable?" His tone just screamed 'What?'
"Yes and I know that's stupid..."
"It's not stupid, sweetheart." He sighed but it sounded like in relief. Had he really thought I was upset about Tanya calling? Him accepting her call? I loved that they co-parented despite the ugliness between them. Edward being a great father is one of the very first things that attracted me to him. I wouldn't change a thing about that, or him for that matter. "True I don't understand WHY it made you upset but I still don't think it's stupid. Just talk to me. Why did it freak you out like it did?"
He's so calm, incredible, and as always sweet and comforting. I should have just talked to him last night. He was probably worried all night that his ex-wife, custody challenges, and actual REAL problems were making his girlfriend a flight risk while I had been dwelling on insignificant things that didn't even matter. "I'm sorry I was being ridiculous."
"Bella talk to me." His voice was firm again. "Just talk. I'll listen."
"We haven't talked about...sex...with each-other...in anyway...and..." Oh God. Why am I so pathetic?
"Hmmm." He seemed puzzled and amused. "Okay, that's a fair point."
"It is?" It didn't feel like it was a fair anything, more juvenile and absurd.
"Sure... so do you want to talk about sex... with each-other... in different ways?" He was mocking my stuttering from a moment ago but amazingly it lightened the mood and relaxed me. How does he always make me feel better?
"How do you always do that?" I laughed.
"What?"
"You always make me feel better."
"That's my job."
"Thank-you..." He chuckled at my gratitude. "So that's why I left. I was uncomfortable, but not about Tanya, I promise."
"Okay." He was definitely relieved now which made me want to kick myself for not just talking to him in the first place. "So about sex..."
I honestly couldn't help it as I burst out laughing, big loud laughs. I laughed so hard I felt tears in my eyes. "Seriously?! 'so about sex...', that's how you lead into the topic?" It was hard to get the words out in-between my laughing.
"You brought it up. I'm just responding. I don't think there's an easy or 'normal' way to bring up intercourse."
"Intercourse?" Who honestly calls it that? I continued laughing at how silly this all was while simultaneously being such a serious subject.
"Do you prefer coitus?"
"Coitus?"
"Copulation, congress, carnal knowledge, making love, hanky-panky, mattress mambo, down-and-dirty..."
"Okay I get the point." I laughed.
"We haven't really been in the position to progress until recently."
"I know." My voice was smaller now, the humor dissipating.
"Is that why you were upset by me finding the pills? Did you think I would pressure you?"
"NO!" It really wasn't that at all. Edward was obviously a sexually driven man but he was also respectful with me and I had no doubt that if I was to lay on the brakes he would understand. Did I want to though? That was really the problem. I didn't know what I, ME, wanted. It was confusing.
"Okay, so what's wrong?"
"I was nervous it would cause problems for us."
"Problems?"
"The last couple of guys I was seeing kind-of...pushed the issue...a lot."
"What does that mean exactly, pushed?" He sounded pissed but trying to contain his anger. "Did they try to... force you?" Yeah he definitely sounded angry.
"No." I spoke calmly, not wanting him so upset. "It was more manipulative and pushy. It's why I'd ended it, each time. I didn't like them making me feel guilty for saying no." I sounded small as I got the words out.
"Baby..."
"I really liked one of them, a lot, but I hated how he made me feel when I said it was to soon."
"How long had you been with him?"
"About a month." About the same amount of time I'd been with Edward actually... He seemed to wordlessly understand the point I was trying to make which was an incredible feat as I wasn't even sure of it myself. Was I telling him I'm not ready? Am I ready? I honestly don't know.
"Okay."
"Okay?"
"So did you want to discuss the birth control itself? For the future, however near or far?" I could hear humor but burning curiosity as well. I was just now considering the fact that Edward had been sitting on his own questions about our physical future through all my own issues. Of course it didn't take a genius to acknowledge Edward was more than ready for sex but knowing that he was fine with waiting and just wanted to make me comfortable made me smile. I'd never been with a guy that was this understanding. They were always pushy and very impatient, making me uncomfortable, more-so than I already was. Shamefully it had pushed me into more than I was ready for in the past... way more. I was more self-aware now though and I knew what not to tolerate. Perhaps this was one of my draws to an older man over guys my own age? Patience and understanding, both things I really need.
"What do you mean?"
"Anything you want to talk about to make you feel more comfortable."
"Can you give an example?"
"Okay. Do you want a secondary form on top of taking the pill?"
"What?"
"Condoms baby."
Oh...
"Whatever makes you the most comfortable, beautiful." I had to fight sniffling through my happy discomfort.
"What do you want?" I hated not knowing. He was only talking about what I wanted and I needed. What about him?
"Honestly?"
"Always."
"Bella..." He heavy sighed and seemed a little at a loss for words. This was a first... "I can truthfully say I have no care on the subject of... any of that.
"What do you mean?"
"I hate to play the gender card but I AM a MAN, plain and simple. Whenever you're ready... I'm happy to do whatever you need."
"What about what you need?" I hated feeling like his opinion didn't matter.
He laughed a long husky laugh. "The only thing I'll need is you beautiful, trust me." I blushed realizing what the change in his voice meant.
"Just me?" Was I being a masochist or a sadist asking a question like that?
"Belllllllla..." I couldn't resist the small giggle at just how... frustrated he sounded. Who knew I had any kind of power over the all-powerful Mr. Cullen? "Do you really want me to be brutally honest? I'm trying not to be graphic and keep a gentlemanly composure but I can get descriptive..."
I laughed through the sniffles. "I just don't want to disappoint you." The idea that I might was horrifying. I wanted him to enjoy me...
"Not even remotely fucking possible."
"I'm not all that experienced." Or at all really... God how do we have that talk? The V word... I knew he wasn't picking up that detail but how do I say it?
"I don't care. You could never disappoint me."
"You don't know that." I felt myself tear up a bit. Can I stop being so emotional? How many times has he seen me cry now? To many... Terror, insecurity, worry... all of it came from the very real possibility that my age, naivety, innocence, inexperience,... something was going to pull us apart someday. The reason that was such a heartbreaking thought was because I knew from the bottom of my heart that I'm completely 100 percent, no room for doubt in love with this man.
"Trust me. I know."
…...
"There isn't enough time slots available to add additional classes." I was going over my proposal with Jasper involving expanding my art program for next year.
"I don't see why not."
"Bella, you do realize how many other programs there are right? Plus every grade level?"
"That's why I don't want to sort the classes by grade level, just abilities."
"Currently you just do an introduction to art course..."
"...and it's doing so well. I want to have more advance courses for my art students next year."
"You can't go from 1 class to 3 Bella."
"Why not?"
He heavy sighed as I stubbornly dug in my heels. I had worked on this proposal since our first PTA meeting when I realized just how little seriousness or care my small art course was going to be given by comparison to the more tried-and-true programs. I wouldn't be swayed though.
"How do you know you will even be able to fill a beginner, intermediate, and advanced course?"
"How do you know I wont?"
"That's not an answer you know..." He was amused by my attitude I could tell.
"I filled my beginner class easily..."
"Yes because you are a kindergarten teacher so filling it with your own students was fairly easy. How do you expect to have a sway over students in 1st, 2nd, 3rd, etc... Or their teachers, parents?"
"What do you mean?"
"Art isn't exactly a big field extracurricular wise..." I narrowed my eyes and he raised his hands in surrender. "You know I'm not lying. A lot of emphasis is put on things like music, dance, sports, and of course advanced academic courses. The arts are left in the dark, you know that."
"And I want to change that prejudice." I flipped to my second binder which was my own art class yearbook I was working on with my students. It was showing off all they've learned so far, with lots of pictures of their projects. It was a work in progress of course but I knew the parents would love the memento when it was done.
"Bella..." He grabbed it from me and looked through it. "You aren't making this easy on me."
"That's not my job. I'm supposed to encourage my students creativity, no matter what."
"Feisty today I see?" He raised his brow at me, warranting a shrug on my part.
"Look this is all very impressive however I don't think it's enough to pull parents attention in for continued class interest." I went to speak but he stopped me. "Simple 5 year old's art projects aren't going to be able to provide funding or intrigue with the harder people we need to sell this to..."
***Buzzzzzzzz, Buzzzzzzzz, Buzzzzzzzz***I looked down at my phone where I was getting a text from Edward.
"How's it going?"
"Not great..." I had told Edward about my proposal awhile ago and he encouraged me to write up a business model to show what the program could do long term for the school. He even offered to let me try out my 'pitch' on him for practice. I felt horrible that he felt guilt-tripped into helping me as he was already working impossible hours any day he didn't have Lizzie but he was insistent on helping me and wouldn't listen when I told him he didn't have to. More so than just listening to me though he helped me figure out what to say, arguments to make, and even helped me to make a power-point presentation as well. All in all the whole thing had taken me a ton of work but the look on Jasper's face when I pulled everything out had made it all worth it though.
"I very much doubt that. Who could refuse you?"
"I know you can't. ;-)" I smiled as I calmly looked back up at Jasper who was reading through more of my research.
"Very true gorgeous... Need me to kick his ass for you?"I fought hard not to laugh at his text. I had been so tense about this meeting and the more hard, albeit fair, points Jasper made the tenser I got. As usual though Edward made me laugh, though that was certainly not what I wanted to do during a serious meeting...
"Not yet...I'll keep you posted... ;-)"
"What will sell it?"
"The 3 P's. Profit, Popularity, and PR."
"What?"
"Say the word and I'm all yours."I smiled but listened to Jasper.
"Profit... money. Which means the class will need to be financially sound, bringing in more than it spends. Popularity means lots of student/parent interest. The more interest there is the easier sell the investment, both financial and time, will be.
"And PR?"
"Even if a program doesn't benefit financially PR is something the school can never have to much of. Find a way that the program can do the community good. If it can help the school's image then it stands a fighting chance."
…...
"I'm sorry baby. At least it wasn't a no."
"I know I just have to approach this from a more business angle. Foolish me focused on how much art benefits children emotionally, spiritually, and every other way." I rolled my eyes through my annoyance. Truthfully though Jasper made very good points and I couldn't argue with his advice. After all it wasn't just him that I had to sell this to.
"God I love when you show attitude. So fucking hot."
I laughed. "Isn't Lizzie in the car with you? Watch your language."
"Haha Daddy. Bella yelled at you." I heard Lizzie over the car speaker as well as Edward's groan.
"That's because your daddy used a naughty word. Right Lizzie?"
"Right Ms. Swan." She was getting better about calling me Bella outside school but she still slipped. "That means you need a time out, daddy."
I laughed as I heard Edward switch off the speaker along with his car. "Does that mean you'll be the one punishing me, beautiful?"
"Behave."
"We both know that's not possible." Very true... I had been so worried about Edward acting different after our heart to heart, but thankfully he hadn't. He still flirted shamelessly and worked hard to keep me blushing and incoherent.
"I'm almost at your house. Are you guys home?"
"Subtle subject change as usual..."
"What can I say, I aim to please." I smiled as I followed the GPS instructions for the next turn. I was finally used to driving Edward's SUV and I couldn't deny how much I was going to miss it once I got my own car back. It was taking much much longer than I thought which just showed my lack of car knowledge. Considering the damage I really shouldn't have expected it to be done within a week but what do I know about body damage?
I had repeatedly told Edward I would return his SUV and get a rental but he insisted I keep it. I had all but laid the keys back into his unwilling hands when he did this move to stop me. He wrapped his arms around me from behind and whispered into my ear how 'sexy' I looked driving his car and he liked the visual. I of course being the naive girl helpless to his charms gave in...every time he used it against me...which was often.
"Lizzie is taking her sweet time dress shopping so we are running a bit late. Maybe an hour and a half?" Apparently Lizzie's maternal aunt had had a baby and Tanya was taking her on a four day weekend to meet her new cousin, in New York. Lizzie was so excited about a 'new baby' and had told Alice, who insisted Lizzie get a whole new wardrobe for her 'big city' trip. That was where poor Edward came in... He had been roped into taking Lizzie shopping as she wanted to surprise her aunts with pictures of her 'grown up girl dresses' in New York.
"Oh." I was already pulling up to his house.
"Are you there already?"
"Yeah, but I can wait..."
"Don't be ridiculous. Let yourself in."
"How?" It wasn't like I had a key...
"You're in my car right? Use the garage door opener. I never lock the inside door."
"Are you sure?" I was going to be alone in his house?
"Yes... Why?" I smiled at his confusion. It was sweet how much he trusted me. Just like Edward had warned me last Sunday, we hadn't actually been able to see each-other much over the last week and a half. Most of our interactions had been over the phone which thankfully had been at least daily if not 2-3 times. He had set one night aside for a 'date night' for us but he ended up just helping me with my presentation the whole time while we ate Chinese take-out.
God I'm an awful girlfriend...
I had admitted as much to his face but his response of kissing me senseless made me feel better about it all. Was it possible to fall more for someone every-time they touch you? I wouldn't have thought so until Edward. I hadn't told him I loved him yet because truthfully I was afraid he wouldn't be able to say it back. We hadn't been together long after all.
"Make yourself comfortable. We'll be there as soon as possible I promise." He groaned at another dress Lizzie was evidently showing him so I laughed. I had offered to go with on the shopping trip and Edward loved the idea but apparently Lizzie wanted to 'surprise' me with her new dresses too.
Poor, Poor, Edward...
Such is the life of a single dad I suppose...
Edward had to let me go so he could try to hurry Lizzie up so I reluctantly clicked the garage opener to let myself in. It opened the furthest of the garage doors so I parked the car in the furthest spot, where I'd seen it originally. The space was longer then any garages I'd seen before, enabling such a long car to park but I would still need to keep the door up if I wanted to open the hatch where my suitcase was. My suitcase... I considered bringing it inside but maybe I should wait until Edward gets here? It's not like I knew where I should put it...
His bedroom obviously... but where's that? I'm not comfortable with just taking liberties in his home, especially where his room is concerned. My nervousness went to war with my excitement and surprisingly my excitement was winning. Our long conversation about my worries had done me a world of good and put my mind at ease. Of course I still have the burning question of 'Am I ready for more?' but I'll cross the bridge when I come to it.
I left the garage door up in case I decided to get my suitcase later. I locked the inside door as I slowly made my way inside the house. The garage entrance opened up into the very large laundry room that I still couldn't get over the size of from the first time I saw it. In addition to the washer and dryer the room had a full sized counter, linen closet, and sink inside. Weren't laundry rooms typically crowded? Right outside of that was the kitchen, as beautiful as I remembered it was. The island was huge with a built in sink. Along the wall was a double oven, gas stove, lots of counter space and a huge refrigerator. I honestly felt it could fit at least 1 ½ of mine inside it. There was a door off to the side and I was curious how large the pantry would be, so I peeked. Unsurprisingly it was as big as everything else. Every pantry I'd ever seen was about 5-7 shelves maybe 5 feet deep. This one however was at least 10 times the size. In fact it was probably the size of most laundry rooms, while his laundry room was the size of my bedroom.
I started to feel a little guilty for snooping so I went to the living room to enjoy the artwork Lizzie had picked up. I still loved that enlarged photograph that reminded me of home. I really need to find out where it had been taken...
I decided to turn on the t.v. Just to have some noise when I heard...
KNOCK KNOCK
I glanced at my phone and saw that I'd only been here for maybe 20 minutes. Typical Cullen's playing with me. I smiled as I reached the double french front doors.
"Who's there?" I smiled wondering what Lizzie and Edward would come up with this time.
"Tanya Denali"
I think my breathing actually stopped... Oh God... I immediately looked at my phone again, wondering where the time had gone. The plan, from my understanding, had been that she would pick up Lizzie at 7 before taking her to the airport for an overnight flight. It was barely 5 right now...
Oh God... what do I do? I had already announced that someone was here so it's not like I could ignore her. I wasn't exactly comfortable with that anyway, then again what other options did I have? Invite in Edward's EX-WIFE to chill with his girlfriend in his house without him here? I don't believe she even knows we're seeing each-other, as I'm sure Edward would have told me how well THAT had gone over...
I had originally planned to meet Edward for dinner after Lizzie was picked up but she told me that she really wanted to see me before her 'big girl' trip and she wanted to show me her bedroom. I was of course a sucker to her sweet face and request and now... here we are.
God what do I say to Tanya? I've never even spoken to the women, she was always in and out as fast as possible when picking Lizzie up and I never saw her at drop-off...
What do I say?
"One minute please..." I fidgeted nervously with my phone while my eyes bounced from it to the door at record speed. Should I call Edward? Ugggggg. I took a deep breath to calm myself before facing the inevitable. How bad can this be, right?
I unlocked the door and slowly opened it. There she was, Edward's ex and Lizzie's mom. She was as beautiful as every other time I'd seen her and just like those other times she had her eyes glued to her smart phone. "Ummm, hello."
Her eyes flashed up to me and I noticed how cold they looked. They were a beautiful blue color but there was something distant about them too. "Hello." Her voice was as cold as her eyes and it sounded calculating. Her eyes immediately started sizing me up. They shifted downwards then up before her icy stare rested solely on my own eyes. I felt like I'd just been x-rayed and I hated the feeling. It was almost violating. I was wearing an extra-long thick brown sundress with pink hearts on it. It was long sleeved which was nice in the colder weather. Soon enough I would have to forgo my usual dresses for more weather friendly garments so I was getting in all the usage I could before then. I had worn it for the first time the second week of school and had been a little hesitant about it because of how girly it really was. I'd immediately felt better though when Lizzie had told me it was the prettiest dress she'd ever seen. She was such a sweetheart and I wore it specifically today since she was doing dress shopping and this was her favorite one of mine. Under Tanya's glare though I felt like I was being judged for my more girly fashion sense.
She was wearing a beautiful cream colored blouse that almost seemed to shimmer along with very tight black pants that fit her perfectly and looked incredible on her figure. She was also wearing black jewelry; earrings and necklace, that matched her outfit. She was of course beautiful and so very obviously the opposite of me...
This would be the first time her and I had actually talked, except for over the phone, and yet I couldn't think of a word to say... 'Uhhh, hi nice to officially meet you. I've heard of you from Lizzie... and Edward. She's such a wonderful little girl. By the way I'm also dating her father, your ex-husband. I hope that doesn't make you uncomfortable...' YEAH... This is gonna be fun...
"Is my daughter home?" Her eyes were continuously scanning me and I was fighting a nervous blush. What was she looking at exactly? Is it a power play I don't understand?
"Edward and Lizzie aren't back yet. He was taking her shopping for your trip." I smiled weakly but she didn't respond, maybe she was as lost for words as me at the moment. "I just talked to them and they should be home in about an hour. Did you want to wait inside?" Was it wrong to invite her in? It felt worse not to honestly but it also felt weird to invite someone into another person's home...
"Fine." She walked past me with confidence while her eyes held me for a moment to long. What was that about exactly? I really wish I could think of a reason to find a mirror right now. Was my hair a mess? Makeup? My hair was styled into a soft loop ponytail. It was easy to do and I thought it was pretty... Was she judging me?
I'm reading to much into this... I hope... Maybe?
"Ummm, the living room is this way." I wasn't sure if she'd ever been inside the house before considering how much her and Edward disliked one-another.
"I know my way around." Her condescending tone succeeded in shutting me up as we made our way the short distance to the living room. God this tension... it actually felt heavy on my chest.
"I'm sorry I wasn't aware of that." Why was I apologizing? I hadn't said anything rude, unlike her... However this woman was still one of my students parents and could make my life a living hell if I didn't play nice with her.
She sat down on the large couch so I sat across from her in the large lounge chair. As our eyes met I had a silly thought that if we were in an old movie we would hear a grandfather clock ticking somewhere in the room. "So, Ms..." She trailed off and I stared at her in confusion. Was she asking my name? She knew me...sort-of. I'm her daughter's teacher...
"I'm sorry?" I was sure I looked as confused as I felt.
"Your name? Who are you?" She looked irritated now. She honestly doesn't recognize me? I don't look that different do I? My hair was up whereas at school it was generally down but I wore it up sometimes... Plus my signature sun dresses weren't exactly common place. I watched her eyes, looking for a sign of a joke I just didn't get. Nothing... She really doesn't recognize me? How is that possible?
"Ummm" What do I say? Somehow I think reminding her that I'm her daughters teacher would be interpreted as me saying 'You're an idiot'. I was not interested in making this any worse however so I went with the ambiguous first name introduction. "My name is Bella."
"Bella..." Her eyes darkened. Oh God she finally recognizes me. "Lizzie has mentioned you, in passing." Oookay...
"Edward's hiring them young I see."
"Excuse me?"
Judging by her smirk she wasn't assuming I was a housekeeper... Honestly should I be more offended for myself and the innuendo that I'm 'for hire', or should I be offended for Edward and the implication that the only women interested in him are ones after his money.
What exactly would that say about her? Part of me really wanted to say something along the lines of 'how much were you' but I held my tongue.
"I don't work for Edward." For once I spoke with confidence. Her demeaning Edward was awakening a protective side of me I didn't expect. Despite any tension between them he was still the father of her child and she owed him basic respect.
Those icy eyes, yet again took me in but I sat firm, unwilling to slink back from her."You're his new little girlfriend, aren't you?" Little?
"I am his girlfriend yes." I really didn't like that 'little' comment and in fact truthfully it pissed me off. Her smirk stayed which did nothing to ease the feeling either.
"Jesus how old are you?" Excuse me?
"Why is that important?"
"That young huh?" She actually rolled her eyes and shook her head.
"I'll give Edward a call. See how far away him and Lizzie are." I was just about to click call when she spoke again.
"When I heard from Lizzie that Edward was dating someone I didn't know what to expect." Her eyes scanned me yet again. Then she smiled, almost sweetly, almost. "How long have you two been...seeing one-another?" Why did she space it like that? Also the way she said 'seeing one-another' made it sound like she was thinking something else entirely.
"Not long." Edward please come home to me...
"Really?" She was amused.
"Well we were friends first. A few months now."
"Friends?" She now looked like she wanted to laugh.
"Yes. We've grown pretty close though." Why was I still talking? I smiled despite my discomfort as it was impossible not to given the topic of Edward. He always made me smile.
"I'm sure you have." Okay I definitely picked up on her implications now and I knew I was reaching my fill of her.
"I need to use the restroom. Please excuse me."
DEAR GOD. I hadn't realized how much I'd taken with a grain of salt what I knew of Tanya. I closed the bathroom door and pressed against it. Breath in and out. What was her problem with me? I hadn't done anything to her yet she practucally announced I was with Edward for his money. She didn't even know me. Who was she to make assumptions like that? Was she jealous? It's not like I stole her husband from her. They haven't been together for a couple years now...
I heard the garage door and immediately scurried out of the bathroom to meet them at the door. THANK GOD.
Edward opened the door and Lizzie squeezed in under his arm as he laughed at her excitement. She hugged me before I got a chance to say anything so I of course hugged her back. "Bella, Bella. I want to model my dress for you." I barely had a chance to blink before she went running out of the room towards her upstairs bedroom.
Kids are so fast.
"Hey beautiful." Edward was smiling so I figured he hadn't noticed Tanya's car out front. Granted the garages were on the opposite side of the front entrance so it made sense.
"Hey...ummm" I was about to announce our company in the living room but Edward didn't seem interested in waiting for me to speak. He pulled me to him and kissed me before I could stop it. He was so fast, well that's what I told myself anyway. Truthfully I've never stopped him kissing me and had no plans to do so in the near future. It was literally my favorite thing in the world to do. His hand brushed my hair down my head a few times as his lips claimed mine excitedly. I couldn't resist smiling as we exchanged a few long sweet touches, especially since we hadn't seen each-other in a couple days. He really had been working way to hard.
I lost track of time as I always did when this man touched me. He held my lower back tightly to himself as he leaned down to deepen our kiss even more.
"You look so fucking adorable." I giggled despite my nerves. "I love your dress. So you." Him mentioning my outfit reminded me of someone else who had taken notice of it as well... Talk about a mood killer. "Finally you're all mine now." He whispered huskily into my ear and if not for my thoughts I'd be putty in his hands. I smiled as I pulled back, though the happiness I should have felt didn't reach my eyes.
"Ummm, Tanya's here."
"What?" He looked confused, clearly his mind elsewhere.
"She said 'Tanya's here'." I cringed as I heard her voice from behind me. God had she been watching us? The idea made me shudder.
"Tanya?" Edward still held me though not as close as he had been. I tried to pull away subtly since she was still watching us. His eyes had gone to her in acknowledgment but at my movement they were back on me. The look he gave showed he wasn't pleased at my efforts to leave his side. Instead of releasing me he leaned in to kiss my head in a quick but sweet gesture.
"I'm not going to hide you baby." He whispered the words in my ear and I smiled in spite of myself. He always made things better.
"Sorry I'm early." She didn't sound sorry at all...
"Why are you early. I thought your flight was after 9." He looked unaffected by the tension in the room and his arm was still wrapped around my side, holding me to him casually. How can he be so calm? She'd never seen us together yet he was acting like everything was normal. Meanwhile I honestly doubt I'd ever been this uncomfortable in my life.
"I was hoping to take Lizzie out for dinner before hand." Her eyes stayed on me as she spoke to him." I hated it.
"Bella wanted to make Lizzie dinner tonight." Oh God. Yes I was supposed to make my spaghetti that Lizzie loved but why draw attention to it? I had hoped that I could hide out in the kitchen cleaning while Edward saw Lizzie away. Apparently none of my plans were going to be happening tonight.
"Oh?" Her tone was full of judgment but her eyes were on Edward now, which was a relief.
"Lizzie asked her to."
"Did she now?"
"Mommy!" Lizzie came running into the kitchen wearing a beautiful gray dress with black damask print all down the arms and along the trim. It wasn't zipped up all the way which made me smile.
"Here Lizzie let me zip you up sweetie." I spoke up when I noticed. I would have let Tanya do it except that Lizzie had stopped by her dad and me. I leaned down to zip her up and tie the bow beneath the zipper.
"How do I look?" Her eyes were on me and I smiled.
"Gorgeous and just like a fashionable New York girl." She beamed at the compliment before turning to her mom. Tanya's eyes were narrowed at me and I immediately looked away. Great...
"Mommy how do I look?"
"Very pretty. I know Irina will be jealous of that dress." Lizzie giggled before hugging Edward.
"Daddy helped me pick it out. He said it looked like something Bella would wear."
Oh that was going to go over well...
"Is it?" Her eyes were back to appraising me but at least I saw an opening.
"Hey Lizzie how about we go make sure you have everything packed okay?" I reached for her hand and she took it with a big smile.
"I thought we were making spaghetti?" She looked so disappointed. No wonder Edward caves to her every wish. She has mastered puppy-dog eyes. I had brought some of my already made spaghetti sauce so all it needed was to be heated up but something tells me the plan has changed.
"But you look so pretty, Lizzie." I picked her up and played with the lace on her dress. "You don't want to stain such a beautiful dress do you?" Her eyes widened as she shook her head. I smiled through the feeling of both Edward and Tanya watching us.
"You look pretty too, Bella." I laughed before giving her a squeeze. I love this little girl and she was able to make me feel so much better with her genuine compliment. Who cares what Tanya or anyone else thinks so long as I'm pretty to Edward and Lizzie. "Thank-you pretty girl. So let's go get you packed up so your mom can take you out for dinner. Big girls in pretty dresses should be treated out." She nodded in agreement as I made my way with her towards the stairs. I glanced back at Edward who gave me a smile before turning back to Tanya. Judging by the silence between them things were going to get bad once I was out of earshot.
"Race you to your room." I put her down at the top of the stairs and she ran down to the last room at the end of the hall. I followed just as I heard Tanya raise her voice. Thankfully I couldn't hear anything being said as I probably didn't want to know.
Lizzie's room was incredible. She had a bay window with a built in bench and a built in bookshelf next to it that took up the whole right wall. Instead of just books though the shelves held cups filled with paintbrushes, crayons, colored pencils, erasers and every other art supply you could think of. There was also baskets with toys and a few works of art. Her bed wasn't up against a wall like I was used to. Instead it was in the direct middle of the room and had princess bedding with crowns and scepters all over it. On the opposite wall was her dresser, a desk, and a closed door. The wall with the door we'd entered from had a floor length mirrored closet that was open enough for me to see a huge closet.
"It's so pretty in here." I smiled as Lizzie jumped on her bed where she had apparently dropped off her bag from the store. How had she lifted that? I joined her where she was sorting through the bag. I noticed her suitcase on the ground, already closed.
"I want to pack this." She held up a dark pink dress that sparkled. It was every girly girl's dream dress. She held it for me to see and it was amazingly soft. It was thick so hopefully it would be warm enough for New York. I'd never been there but had heard the winters were freezing.
"Sure let me take the tags off." I grabbed a pair of scissors from her art wall and took the tags off it and the dress she was wearing. "Do you know if your daddy packed everything else you need?" She shrugged as she went running to play with her pencils. I smiled as I shook my head. I got off the bed to grab her suitcase. It was heavy and felt full. I laid it out before opening it. Underwear, socks, shoes, jackets, sweater, laminated emergency phone number sheet. I laughed reading all the phone numbers along with his message of 'Call me anytime baby girl'. This is the exact reason I've fallen so hard for this man. I smiled when I realized my own number was on the list as 'Bella' not 'Ms. Swan'. I had the brief thought that Tanya wouldn't approve of such a thing but skated past it. I realized that Edward forgot her toothbrush.
"Can I pack my pencils?" She held up her colored pencils.
"Do you have a smaller bag to take on the plane with you?" I doubted she'd be awake for any arts and crafts but when it came to kids it's usually best to just humor them.
"My panda backpack." She went to her closet and opened it to reveal a small panda stuffed animal backpack.
"Perfect. Pack some of your pencils and maybe a small notepad." I saw a star shaped pad of paper on the wall that would fit perfectly and handed it to her to put inside.
"Will the baby like me?"
"The baby was just born right?"
"Mommy said he's a week old."
"Well he's still to little to really recognize people but I'm sure he'll think you're very sweet."
"Will Mommy have another baby?"
"I'm not sure."
"Will Daddy have anymore babies?"
"Ummm, maybe."
"Do you want babies."
"Yes."
"Why don't you have any kids?"
"I do have kids. I have your whole class." I smiled as she laughed.
"That's a lot Ms. Swan."
"It is indeed." I laughed at her perplexed face.
"Can I pack Bubbles?" Edward told me that he had talked Lizzie into keeping the figurine at home now which was a relief considering how fragile ceramics are.
"You don't want it to break again do you?" She shook her head while looking disappointed. "I tell you what." I reached her desk where Bubbles was sitting, and picked it up. "I'll keep Bubbles with me for the next few days and anytime you want to check on her you can give your dad or me a call and I'll tell you how's she's doing."
"Really?"
"I promise." She held out her pinky for a pinky swear which I accepted. She gave me a hug before giving Bubbles a hug and kiss goodbye. "I'm going to go check on your dad really quick okay." She nodded before going back to her drawing. "Stay in here okay?" She nodded again while flashing me a smile.
I stepped out of her room and walked a few steps before noticing the raised voices were still going strong.
"It's none of your fucking business." That was Edward and he was so pissed it was almost scary.
"If your little barely legal fling is going to be around my daughter it is my 'Fucking business'."
"Do you even hear yourself?"
"I have a right to know who's around my child when I'm not."
"You have no right to say who can and cannot be in my life Tanya. You lost that right when I divorced you."
"I'm still Elizabeth's mother." Their voices were getting a bit quieter now. Should I go back into Lizzie's room? I felt like I was snooping but I also felt the need to make sure they didn't get any louder. I knew Edward would hate it if Lizzie heard their fight.
"Bella is my girlfriend and that wont be changing because you disapprove of her. I disapprove of just about everything you do and I can't do a thing about it."
"How old is she?"
"As I have already stated 'None of your business'. That's how old she is." I sighed hating my age, yet again. He hadn't even told her because he most likely knew it would be worse than what she was imagining.
"I never pegged you as the mid life crisis, 30 year itch type."
"What the hell does that mean?"
"Sleeping with a woman who looks almost half your age is disgusting, cliché, and a horrible example for OUR child."
"Bella is not 'half' my age and she's important to me. Deal with it, or you know what, don't because I don't care."
I shouldn't have come over so early. Edward and Lizzie had asked me to but if I had waited this wouldn't have happened. Tanya would have been waiting in her car, no passive aggressive animosity building in her. Edward and Lizzie would have come home in peace and Tanya and Edward would have parted amicably. Instead they are fighting and things are only getting worse for Edward and most likely Lizzie too.
"... sure as hell isn't a fling." I missed the first part of that as I was berating myself.
"Oh yes I'm sure she means SO MUCH to you. Or at least her talents do"
"I swear to God Tanya if you make one more inference that Bella is a whore you and I are going to have a serious God Damn problem." So it hadn't been my imagination that she felt that way towards me...
"Oh please. No one will take this 'relationship' seriously and everyone else that sees it will think exactly what I do." I hung my head as I listened, feeling worse and worse. I even felt bad that I was up here while Edward was fighting this battle alone. I should be defending him as much as he is me. Edward isn't some superficial jerk that just wants a young status symbol on his arm. He cares for me and I know he does.
"And anyone else who saw you right now would see exactly what I do. The bitter jealous ex unable to move the fuck on." I had to smile at his comeback. Spot on. The man could read people and their insecurities. It was probably why he was a great lawyer and in another life he probably would have been a great psychologist.
"You can't convince me that this is about anything other than getting in a young woman's pants while she lets you to get into your checkbook."
"Get the hell out of my house." He wasn't yelling now but his voice sounded so much scarier.
"Not without my daughter."
"OUR daughter isn't ready yet and YOU are early."
"Don't be petty Edward. It's not a good color on you."
"She has another hour so I can say goodbye to her properly, then you can take her to dinner."
"Fine."
"You can wait in your car."
"Are you serious right now?" She sounded in disbelief.
"Do I look like I'm kidding? I wont have you saying anything against Bella, especially where she or Lizzie can hear it." That made me feel guilty that I'd heard most of this, though I don't know why. They are yelling after-all.
"You're worried that I will hurt her feelings?" She sounded amused. How is that funny?
"No I'm worried about what I'll do if you try. Now leave, I would like some time with Lizzie before I don't get to see her for a few days."
"I can't believe you're getting so worked up about some girl." I heard their voices dim so I gathered they were making their way to the front door. I followed and went down the stairs so I could meet Edward once she was finally gone.
"That girl, as you put it, means the world to me." I heard the front door open and glanced around the corner to see Tanya step out while he held the door. I smiled despite how angry he sounded. At least it was almost over. I still felt so bad for Edward right now. He shouldn't have to put up with any of this, especially alone. I should have figured out a way to stay with him. I just didn't want Lizzie to witness any of this, in case Tanya hadn't been able to hold her tongue.
"It wont last you know."
"I love her you know." She turned silent. "I'll see you in an hour." With that he closed the door and I felt my eyes widen at his revelation.
He loves me
END NOTES (Don't read until after you've already read the chapter as there may be spoilers):
-Spacing is not going exactly how I originally intended but oh well. The original plan was for their weekend to be told from BPOV but the way everything's gone means Edward's POV is next so I will need to change some ideas around...ugggg
-How's everyone liking everything? Review and let me know.
-Edward getting scolded by Lizzie used to happen to me all the time by my middle child. She'd always says 'Oh Mommy, that's a bad word..." ***Sigh*** Mommy has her flaws...
-Remember REVIEWS are writing fuel. ;-)
