I write the words. Fran, Dani, Ariel, and Gemma help them make sense.
I don't know what to expect when I walk inside the…I don't even know what to call it. The Gun Store, like Rose calls it? The Ammo Supplier?
I guess it doesn't matter as I follow Edward to where the answer to my problems rest. He comes to a stop at a counter in the back of the store, and I carefully listen as he recites from memory exactly what I need for my tiny little gun.
He's explained it before. He's a hunter. He knows his guns. He's comfortable with the man behind the counter, telling me without words that he's a reputable man around here.
Reliable. Trustworthy.
Skilled when it comes to both repairing trucks and gun safety.
It should send me into a panic, the thought of how easily he could dismantle my truck on purpose and use that gun on me instead of me using it to protect myself.
But it doesn't.
Instead, I feel something I haven't felt since my parents died when I was little.
I feel…safe.
Unnerved at my own admission, I run a hand through the curls I have left as I stand next to Edward as he waits for the man to return.
"Here," I say suddenly, digging into my purse beneath my meat tenderizer weapon to hand him a wad of cash. I have no idea how much these things cost.
Out of all the places I've been since I left Rhode Island, this is where I feel most out of place.
I feel him turn his body toward me, his arm knocking against mine accidentally, as he reaches for the money. His little smirk is back on his face again, but he nods wordlessly and accepts it.
In the brief amount of time I've known him, I know Edward is a simple man of few words. He doesn't question the things I do; well, he questions some of them but doesn't make it a big deal.
I'm giddy when our purchase is complete, and we're walking back to the Jeep. He hands me the bag just as we're about to part ways, him to drive and me to sit beside him. The smile on his face is contagious, and I can't help a smile of my own from making an appearance.
I'm on Cloud Nine as I open the passenger door to climb up into Edward's Jeep. So lost I am to the high of the purchase of the bullets that I lose my grip on the incline and pitch forward, myself, the bag of ammo, and my purse going with it.
The contents of my purse spill out into Edward's front seat, and we both freeze as he eyes the meat tenderizer with a raised brow.
"Is this -"
"Yes, it's my weapon, okay?" I interrupt him and quickly move to grab all my belongings, which have scattered all over the place.
He watches me as I hastily grab everything and shove it all into the bag from the store.
"Why do you do that?" Edward asks softly. "Feel the need for protection?"
He's figuring you out, Bella.
It's a beautiful day here in Jersey (despite the tornado down the street from my house last night), so I'll be at the beach for the day. Hope you're all doing something you love today!
See you tomorrow!