As we were about to exit the big house, Emmett called for Edward. He told him that there was something the boys were planning for which they needed a neutral person and couldn't think of any other better than him. He wanted to say no, his eyes on me.
He'd said, "I'm sorry, Em. I was taking Bella somewhere."
"It's fine, Edward." I jumped in before Emmett could accept his excuse. "You should go. I'll be with Esme for some time. I didn't get any proper time to talk with her. You should probably go." And I was right about that. I never had a proper chance to talk to Esme other than the first day. There were a few times when we had talked on the phone in Phoenix, and that too how was I, what was my status now, but other than that there was nothing we talked about. I wanted to know her as well, after all, she means so much to Edward.
He sighed and deliberated for a moment before nodding at me and running away with Emmett.
While he was out, Esme gave me company.
We talked about nothing in general. She asked me to tell her something more about her and I did tell her, almost everything that I thought mattered. About my life in Phoenix, my feelings for Edward, about her family.
"Though I am sorry that you had to suffer from those on our account." She mumbled in a small voice when the topic of James came up. I had tried till now to not talk about him as the emotional wounds he gave me were still hard to fill up.
She could read on my face that I was still uncomfortable about that topic. So she decided to leave the topic untouched.
"Esme?" I broke in before she could say anything. She asked with her brows to continue. "I am very grateful for what you did for Charlie and me. I cannot thank you enough."
"Bella! Honey, you don't have to feel obligated." She murmured gently patting my hand. "It was nothing."
"Still, thank you so much, Esme. For everything."
She shook her head. "No dear. I would happily do it again – anything for you – because you mean so much to Edward and he means so much to me. He was my first child in this life. In fact, I should be the one thanking you for accepting Edward, accepting what he is. You have no idea how much I used to worry for him as he was always lonely. But since he met you, there is no loneliness in him. There are many changes that I have seen since he first met you. He is complete now – in the way I always wanted to see him."
It was so flattering to hear her say all these.
"You don't worry that I am a human," I asked in a whisper, placing all my doubts bare in front of her. "maybe a threat to you all? Especially after all of this." I shuddered again thinking of the past events.
She looked shocked like I would even consider that.
"Threat? Of course not, dear. And I am very sure – as I had told you earlier – that somehow it will work out. I just know it. You can say it's a mother's sense."
I wished with all my heart that she is right. I wanted it to be right. I couldn't imagine myself with any other person. As cliché it may sound, he was now the centre of my universe. Everything about me was for him.
"Thanks."
"Anytime sweetheart. Anything. Now, you should go. Edward must be waiting for you outside."
"Yeah." I hugged her then, tightly. Saying a silent thanks once again for what she did for me and Charlie. "I'll see you later."
She kissed my forehead and waved me bye, seeing me off to the main gate where Edward's Volvo was already parked, waiting just for me by the passenger door.
"Impatient?" I guessed.
"Not much. Just eager to spend time with you." He replied casually – but still making my cheeks turn red and my heart take a sprint – opening the door for me and helped me sit inside more properly. When he was sure I was comfortable, he was sitting on his seat in a second.
"Now, can you tell me where are we going?" I wondered again. He hadn't told me that yet, saying just one thing: You'll see.
"You'll see. It's nothing extravagant, so you needn't worry." Was all he said with his trademark crooked smile. "You'll love it." He mused, taking his car out.
"Maybe I'll love it more if I already knew what I had to be prepared for."
"Bella! Humour me." Was all he said with his dazzling eyes to make me forget what I wanted to say and nod easily.
He chuckled and revved the engine. And in no time we were hitting the road in the woods and were in a inhabitant corner of the woods I wasn't able to recognize.
He parked the car there. "Don't say we are going for a picnic in woods."
"Something like that but more amazing." He promised, opening the door for me.
"Hmm?"
He said nothing, but again lifted me and walked in the woods. "Where are we going?" I asked, terrified of the thing which I knew was coming.
"You'll see."
"You can change the answer, you know."
"You look more beautiful when you are irritated. Did you know that?"
"Don't try to flatter me!"
"Fine."
"Will we have to run?" I dreaded the answer.
"Actually, I'll be the one running." He pointed with another laugh.
"You know what I mean."
"You won't faint. Just try to close your eyes." He advised.
And I did follow him. I closed me eyes tightly, scared of what was going to come, and hid my face against his neck, wrapping my hands tightly around his neck. I could feel the coolness of his skin against my own. It was chilly, but welcoming.
I heard a small laugh and felt his lips again on my head. "What will I ever do of you?"
"Not run." I suggested. He laughed loudly this time.
I looked up at him to glare but it was the wrong thing to do. He had already started running, making my head spin fast. I – as fast as I could – closed my eyes and again hid my face against his neck.
"Bella, we are here." Were the words I heard after a minute which felt like an eternity. I don't know when did he stop or where were we. I didn't want to risk opening my eyes again to see the blur of the woods, making my head spin again. The hold of my hands on his neck didn't loose either.
I felt him sit and made me sit in his lap, holding me tightly, or rather letting me hold him tightly.
When my breathing was a little better and I knew I could risk it, I slowly opened my eyes and looked at him. He laughed, loudly again, and bent down to kiss me. I was still feeling a little dizzy but I decided I could use the distraction, and since I was sitting on his lap, my height matched his. I took the advantage of this position and tried to deepen the kiss – just a little.
The distraction worked amazingly.
I smiled and breathed in his scent. "Ah!" He groaned.
"I am not sorry." I announced with closed eyes. I was not.
He chuckled. "Good for you."
I slowly opened my eyes. At first they wandered over his godly face, rememorizing his every feature. Then I looked around. We were surrounded by trees and grasses in a small open clearing which was looking amazing with the different colours of flowers flowing along the soft breeze. It was his meadow I realised. Not that I had forgotten it. Just the same as I recalled. Except for the brilliant sunlight present then, the weather today was cloudy. A typical day at forks – but the clouds promised no rainfall. Even with the less clear sky, the beauty of the meadow was not disturbed. It was just the same. Brilliant and splendid.
"I thought," Edward said, breaking my inventory of the place, "you wanted to be away from those harmful memories, so I could not think of any better place. As it holds so many pleasant memories. At least for me." He corrected.
I shook my head, taken aback by his thoughtfulness.
"This place holds so many of my pleasant memories as well," I told him looking at him in the eye, hoping he got my meaning. "even when I came here only once." He smiled, unashamed. "Guess why?" I thought and leaned down to kiss him again. He complied eagerly.
I felt him smile against my lips. "I didn't know you have a one track mind." I smacked his arm playfully. He muttered an ouch but embraced me lovingly back in his arms. I leaned my head on his shoulder and lightly kissed his neck.
After a while I climbed off his lap and stretched my legs. He lifted them in his lap and massaged it slightly. "You don't have to do it." I objected.
He smiled lovingly, rubbing his fingers over my cheek. He picked my hand and kissed my wrist. "It's the least I could do." And he would do it, even if I tried to stop him so I gave up and let him do it. It did feel good anyway.
While he did his magic on my legs, we talked about nothing and everything in particular. I told him about trying to make Charlie easy for him and he stopped me, saying 'Let him do this in his own way.' He asked me about my back-load and asked if he could help me and I shook my head no. There was nothing he can do for that matter.
"I think I'll take care of that. I don't have anything else to do anyway." I muttered.
"Well, I can help you study." I like the offer and agreed easily to it. "Also if you don't mind, I can also see that we get the same schedule for the rest of the year." He offered further.
"No!" I croaked, too loudly.
He was bewildered at my sudden interruption. "What?"
"You cannot do that, Edward!" I said, this time making sure my voice wasn't high pitched but calm.
"Why is that?"
I exhaled slowly, not knowing how he will take him. "It'll look very awkward if after my sudden flight I have my every class with you."
I waited patiently for his reply, as I knew that it all mattered to me but not him.
"What are you getting at?" He was still confused and clearly missing the obvious part.
"Edward, they'll know we are in a relationship."
"Don't you want to announce to them?" He was dejected by this.
I sighed when he kept looking in my eyes for answer. "I want to." I promised. "It's just that, I am already anticipating all the questions I have to answer when we are in school. I know it's stupid, but I'm very bad at lying. You know that."
"If you want, you can sit with us." He offered as he played with my fingers. "This way you won't have to answer them."
"But that would be rude. I don't want to be like those girls who ignored her first friends as soon as they got the most desirable boy." He scoffed at the word desirable. "It would be mean."
"Okay. So you can sit with them, if you want. But for now, can we not talk about them."
I laughed lightly as I kissed his cheek. "What do you want to do then, Mr. Cullen?" I teased lightly as I pecked his lips.
He sighed, irritated. "Bella!"
"What?" I asked innocently.
He chuckled and shook his head bringing me more closer to him. "Nothing." He murmured gently as he looked in my eyes.
I looked in his eyes shining with intensity and love. And as much as I wanted to just look into them, I knew it was a risky thing to do.
"As much as I love this," I pointed to the way we were sitting – a tangled mess of limbs, "I should probably move. Else I won't be able to save you from myself." I joked.
I had half hoped that he would restrain me and he did. He didn't let me go away from him. "I think I can take care of myself."
"Good." I acknowledged, cuddling with him there itself. After a while, when my leg started to pain a little, I shifted to another position, stepping out of his embrace.
We talked about nothing in particular then. Just telling the other whatever thing first came in mind. After a while, when he was done with extracting almost every thought of mine, I suggested to play 'Never have I ever.'
"Really? Now?"
"I don't know. It just came in my head. Anyway, why not. There are many things that I still don't know about you."
"Bella! I tell you everything. And as of what I used to do earlier was next to nothing as I never had a life before you, just an existence." I would have felt my cheeks grow hot at that if I wasn't too concentrated on making him play with me.
"Please? It'll be fun. Just humour me." I used his words.
He snorted, said something very low for me to hear and nodded with resignation and a small pout. "Just because of you."
"'Kay. I'll go first." I announced. He chuckled at my enthusiasm and nodded.
I told him that I never had a pet before to which he answered neither have I. Then he said 'I never had a crush on my teacher before.' And then I had to spill out – thanks to his topaz, always dazzling eyes – that I, once, had a big crush on my maths teacher. He was trying to stay amused but failed when I started to describe the person in consideration. His expressions were a deadly combination of anger and jealousy. I wasn't expecting that, which made it more hard for me to hide my smile.
And we played and played, telling each other the stories behind the incidents we were speaking about. The best part was that even Edward enjoyed it, even after his stupid prediction of the game.
I came to know more about him. Like, he had never been drunk in his human life; he used to play music since he was fourteen; he had once planned a very bad prank on Emmett, his closest sibling – he was an only child to his parents, and the only siblings he had were his vampire siblings – were Alice and Emmett – because Alice was also a freak and Emmett was the first brother he had; he missed his parents very much; and many more things which I had no idea of.
"Tell me some of my things which you like the most, or hate the most." He asked, looking upwards from my lap where he was lying down. I knew that question was going to come back to me as I had asked him that question first. But he was a cheater! He just told me, "There are many things that I love about you."
"How is this not unjust? You didn't answer to my question."
"That's because I'm not able to sort them out. You can tell me till then." I snorted. "Please?"
"Nope. I'll tell if you do first."
"Fine!" He finally said. He thought for a second before answering me. "I love that you are very selfless and that you can love anyone easily with all your heart, ignoring the irrational things. But these are also the things which I hate the most about you."
"Why?"
He looked up at me like I was missing something very obvious.
"Because, these were the things which not only brought you closer to me but also almost took you away from me."
He was looking up at me expectantly. I pondered over his words and came to one conclusion: he was right. "I'm sorry." I whispered.
He rolled his eyes. "Now, your turn."
"Fine. Let me think." I added because it was a hefty list for me. There were so many things which I loved the most about him, but along with them the things which I hate about him were also many.
"I love that you are strong: as strong as I want you to be." I finally decided this was what I loved about him the most. When he tried to be near me, knowing he might fail. When he tried to fight his actual instincts to be around me. When he stopped drinking my blood even when all his instincts told him not to stop.
He knew what I was referring to and slowly his features twisted. "I almost failed." He cried. There was anguish written all over his face.
I cupped his cheek in my hand. "But that's what I like the most about you. Even when you were at the verge of failing, you didn't give up on me. And here I am, sitting beside you, harassing you with my stupid questions."
He smiled slightly. "I love you." He murmured, kissing my palm.
I bent down to kiss his forehead. "I love you more."
He snorted. "And you hate?"
"Um... Let's see..." I started to point the things on my fingers. "Your constant sulking mood, when you work your dazzling skills on me, when you make me do things even when I don't want to, when you don't let me have my way." He scowled. "When you drive in a crazy speed, when you run with me on your back making me ditzy, when –"
"That's a lengthy list."
I laughed at his pout and he growled mockingly.
"But what I hate the most is when you have to change your pre-decided plans because of me." I said, wanting to discuss this thing with from the start of the day.
"I never change anything."
"Really?" I retorted, tracing the small bruises like dark rims forming below his eyes. Although he had hunted just yesterday, he still have these under his eyes – which is always when he doesn't hunt properly. He was silent, looking at me like I was talking insane. "You should go for a good hunting trip." I offered, breaking the silence.
"Why? I just went to one yesterday."
"Because you didn't stay. You just ran back after a short time, thinking I may hurt myself when you were away. I didn't like that – hurting you. Because of me you had to leave your hunting trip you were looking forward to. You didn't hunt in Phoenix, and now I am messing with your hunting here too. I'm sorry. I never want to hurt you, but still because of me you are getting hurt. I'm sorry." Stupid tears! They found a way to spill out even when I tried to keep them away.
There was an abrupt movement which I wasn't able to see clearly but soon I felt him sitting beside me and his long arms wrapped around me.
"Bella!" There was a mild surprise in his voice. He let me bosom me in his cold embrace, running his thumb over my cheeks to wipe the tears. "What made you think that, love? It's nothing like that."
"Please don't change your hunting plans or any other plans because of me." I pleaded, my voice almost muffled because of whispering in his chest.
"I don't do that, Bella."
"Do you really think I will buy that, especially after you adjusted your hunting period last night because of me."
"You know it's not that –"
"Please, for me." I pleaded in a whisper. "If you want to go for a hunting trip, you should go. Take your time. I don't want to hinder your time with your family."
"Now you're taking it in the wrong way, Bella." I felt him shake his head minutely. "My family don't mind if I amend my plans a little bit to be with you, love. They understand. And now you need to understand this." He cupped my face in his icy hands, lifting me head, making sure I was looking in his eyes. His eyes holding mine, serious and intense. "You are my first priority. Not hunting, not my plans, not my... well, as I was saying, you are my foremost priority I will ever think about. Do you get it? So there will be times when I will change my plans a little bit, but don't you ever feel guilty about being the reason for that. Okay?"
"But your family?"
"They understand it and they don't mind it either. And neither should you."
I smirked and again leaned my head on his chest. "It's easy to say." I mumbled under my breath, hopelessly wishing he don't hear it.
He smirked and shook his head. "Why don't you get it, Bella." His voice was still intense. Intensity that could melt my heart if he wanted to. I felt his hands secure my face a little more firmly than he used to, still making sure that I was all right, and make me look in his eyes once again. "Right now, I'm holding the most precious thing, the most important person of my life in my arms and I will do whatever it takes to keep you by my side. Do you understand?"
"Except for changing me, that is."
He frowned. "Exactly!" He roared. I could see him trying to stifle a growl. He sighed with closed eyes. When he opened it again, they were still intense but not serious anymore. He was not mad at me for bringing up this topic. "What made you think that by the way?"
"When Alice said that you again went for a short hunt this morning with Jasper, I assumed that."
"Bella, love, you misunderstood it. Jasper wasn't gone for hunting. He was trying to mislead Alice hoping he could give her a surprise. So he asked me to come with him. But Alice saw it anyway."
"And she ran to Port Angeles to surprise Jasper instead?" I concluded.
"Yes. And you thought all this. How unjust that the only mind I want to read is unreadable for me."
Now I felt more awkward for doubting Edward. To escape his eyes I hid my face in his chest. He smiled and kissed my hair.
"I'm sorry."
"Don't be. I'm happy you told me about your concerns and I could help you in them."
"I love you."
"I love you more."
I scoffed which made him laugh and kiss my head once again.
"Can I ask you one more thing?" I questioned in a whisper.
"Anything." He promised. I felt his eyes on me but I didn't want to look in his eyes while questioning him this so I did not look up. "Bella?"
"You say you love me, but at the same time you say you don't want to change me..." I let the words hangs in the air, waiting for his reply.
I heard him intake deeply. "Can I ask you something?" His voice calm.
"I had asked you first."
He didn't listen to me. "If you had seen one thing which you disliked the most, then would you recommend it to anyone?"
"How are these two things related? It's not a matter of like and dislike. It's a matter of choice, and I've already made my choice. I want to be with you – no matter what."
He anyway made me lean back, scrutinizing my face. "Bella, you're just seventeen." He was still polite.
"Exactly my point. I'm seventeen and so are you. I cannot – do not want to – exceed you in terms of age. If you are seventeen then I also want to remain seventeen."
"Forever seventeen?!" He seemed mad, bewildered. "This is what you worry about. Not about leaving your everything behind but outgrowing me. This is beyond ridiculous, Bella! Pure insanity!" He was slowly losing his polite tone.
I scoffed, trying to take his words lightly, but tears again started to blur my eyesight.
"Bella?" He murmured gently. I shook my head, wiping the stupid tears that fell from my eyes. "I'm sorry, Bella. That was rude."
I shook my head, distorted.
"You were seventeen when you changed." I pointed out.
"That's because I didn't have a choice!"
"That means if you had a choice, would you have opted out of it?"
"Obviously not, Bella. I would've never done that."
"Why can't I have the option then?" I queried.
"Bella, love, I am, right now, living the life you are asking for. You have no idea what you are asking for – what are the consequences you have to pay for this. I will not let you go for such a rash decision. You are staying human and that is it! Moot point."
I felt like he was squeezing my neck.
Tears again flew out of my eyes. He sighed again, lightly – not full of anger or aggression – and hugged me tightly – very lightly for me not tightly for him.
"What if I outgrow you? What if I enter in my twenties and you are still just like now."
"No matter what happen or how much you outgrow me, I'll still love you."
"I'll ask Alice or Carlisle." I warned him, wishing he concedes.
"Carlisle will never do that." He promised. "And as of Alice, I'll make sure it never happens."
"You are such a cheater!" He laughed heartily, stopping our discussion of this topic there itself.
He kissed my hair. "I love you. And as Charlie says, many things will change but this will never change."
I nodded, not wanting to doubt it but also couldn't help but doubt it. Because I knew that soon he will get bore of me. I won't fascinate him any more. Whether he says or not, I knew this was a part of the reason he didn't want to change me. He knew I was hopelessly addicted and in love with him, and there was nothing he will be able to flip of that once he changes me.
My heartbeat hiked up thinking all these.
He laid down on the ground and I cuddled around his hard form. None of us speaking anything, dwelling in our own musings.
What will I do if he leaves me. I'll move on, definitely. I knew that, but will I be able to? None of my thought excluded him. He was the centre of my universe, but I wondered was it the same for him too. Or was I just a temporary meteor that passed through his orbit.
He had inquired me many times about why I was silent; what was running in my mind; did he hurt my feelings; but everytime I denied. He knew I just needed some time and would speak to him about this when I was ready, but I wasn't willing to speak about my insecurities with him. I didn't want him to think I was too clingy.
I cuddled around him more, peeking at him. He had his eyes closed, a small smile on his face, a tune of an old song flowing out of his lips.
At that time, seeing him so tranquil, so relaxed, I finally decided what I have to, want to, do.
I wouldn't talk about this topic with him again. He will do it himself whenever he is ready. And till that I will not think about him leaving me and just spend my time with him. Treasure the time and moments that I get to spend with him. Who knows which moment will be the last? Regret was the last thing in my mind. As long as he loved me, I wanted to be with him. And the moment he decided to part our ways, I'll let him go without any question.
He stood up as it was near to five and Esme was expecting us, also Charlie will be home early today.
"Bella?" He called again, waiting for me to take his hand. I took it with a small smile, clutching his hand tightly in my hand. Once I was standing awkwardly, I hugged him tight. "What happen?" I shook my head against his chest. "You can tell me anything, love. Is it about our argument?"
I loved it how he called me love. Somewhere in back of my mind I felt foolish to think he will ever leave me. He himself told me that I was the most important person of his existence...
"I'm sorry." I finally said, breaking the tension in the air and the tension in his shoulders. "I didn't want to upset you."
He laughed shakily, still confused. "And you accuse me of being obnoxious!"
"I'm serious."
"So am I." He held me a little tighter to him. "As long as you are willing to talk with me about all these things, I don't mind it, Bella. And I respect your views. For me to hear that you want to spend your whole life with me is the most and the best thing I have ever heard."
"Thank you."
"But please don't go to Alice. She is very good at sneaking out of my way."
"Now you are tempting me." I teased.
He laughed. "Get ready for another ride."
"Uh-oh." I muttered, already hating the part. He lifted me easily in his arms, asking the same: to close my eyes. I closed my eyes and tried to hide my face against his neck.
And the cold rush of air started. I clutched my eyes more tight, waiting for the nightmare to be over. When it was finally over, I still didn't lose my hands . I was afraid of fainting.
He made me sit on the hood of his car, giving me time to catch my breath.
He stood beside me – he seemed ready to catch me if I fall. "I'm fine." I muttered, my head still spinning.
"I don't believe you." I snorted. "Want me to distract you?" He proposed, his cold breath on my face. I wasn't in a position to say something so I just nodded, leaning forward.
He, very slowly and cautiously, leaned forward, his cold breath on my face still able to increasing my anticipation of what was about to come. And his lips touched mine, bringing the electricity between us back to spark. And our lips worked in a synchronized manner – slowly, at the pace he felt comfortable at.
As we kissed, I don't know what took over me but I – without thinking about it – not only tried to deepen the kiss a little bit, but also wrapped my hands around his neck along with my legs over his waist, securing him to me.
He stopped altogether, his lips turning to hard-rock under my touch. Before I could react he was standing a few feet away from me.
"Ah, Bella!" He groaned.
"I'm sorry." I croaked. "I wasn't thinking."
He said nothing, but I could say by his posture – rigid shoulders along with his lips in a tight line – that he was not okay. It was too much for him.
"I'm sorry. Really." I murmured, mentally slapping myself. "I had nothing like that in my mind. It just happened. I'm sorry."
He came near me after a few seconds, but instead of standing beside me, he was keeping a small distance between us. I didn't like that. I apologized him again. He said it's fine, he just wasn't expecting anything like that.
He dropped me home then. The whole drive till home was a little awkward. I kept thinking about what just happened, neither did he say anything. When we reached home, he helped me to my room and said "I'll let you rest. Alice will join you in a short time."
"Are you still mad at me?"
"Mad? Why?" He was really confused why.
"You know, because of... my stupidity."
He didn't say anything but smiled slightly. "I'll see you tonight. Till then you rest." And he was gone in a blur.
"So much for wanting to spend maximum time with him!" I accused myself as I saw his silver Volvo drive away, without looking back at me.
I tried to do some study or any other stuff, to keep my mind away from what just happened, but everytime I slipped.
Truth to be confessed, I did not want to be in a physical relationship with him – not now when he was slowly and gradually opening himself in front of me, That was the last thought in my mind. God knows what came into me then. I hoped he wasn't sulking now about what happened today. Neither about our argument or this small mishap.
Where is Alice when you need her?! She always come without any permission, but today when I need her the most she is busy somewhere. It is so unfair!
I decided I want to work in kitchen. Charlie isn't good in kitchen and I cannot let him put a fire in here.
I slowly, calculating my evert step, descended the stairs and hopped to the kitchen. After thinking for a time, I finally decided on making Charlie's favourite fish along with sweetcorn soup. He was going to be home by six, and it was already near to quarter to six. I started the preparations for the soup, making sure I don't have to walk or hop more. While working on the soup I cut the fish and started to fry it.
I managed to work everything without losing my balance, but I jinxed it. I lost my balance while carrying the utensils to the sink.
I waited for my fall but it never came. Instead I felt two strong hands hold me tightly to him, not letting me fall. I didn't have to open my eyes to see who he was. "The moment I leave you alone for a minute, you find a way to fall. What will I ever do of you?"
"You'll get used to it." I assured him to which he laughed and helped me sit on the platform, keeping my leg on the chair he had brought from the dining table.
He waited for my further instructions. I told him I can do this but he declined my offer, instead asked me to tell him what he had to do. I told him to arrange the things on the dining table and clean up the mess I have created on the kitchen platform.
He wasn't good at this but he did his best. I laughed. "Mr. Perfect isn't that perfect in kitchen."
He made a face. "I never thought I'll have to work in a kitchen after I was not a human anymore."
"Your mom would've always kept you away from the kitchen?" I guessed.
"Actually, no. She always appreciated my little help, telling me that I was doing nice, even when I knew what I was doing was making pure mess."
It was so cute.
"Renée would love you in her kitchen then." I proposed with a laugh. "She is very famous for her mishaps in there." He laughed and did the rest of the work in his speed, completing the work in a short time.
It was near to six when he was done with helping me.
"Edward?"
"Yes?" He said, looking in the refrigerator to grab something for me to drink.
"I didn't expect you now. I thought you said you'll be back by night."
"Actually, that was the plan." He said, coming to stand in front of me with a diet coke. "But then Alice was out with Jasper and I knew Charlie will be late today. And I was rude today, you know. It's just that I was taken off guard."
"It wasn't your fault." I mumbled.
"Thanks for the reminder." He poked my nose. "Now, try to be good." He commanded, leaning forward. And I did behave. I did not wrap my hands over his neck when he kissed me. Neither did I try to deepen the kiss.
"You're getting good." He mused, looking at me.
"Want to see the bad side?" He scowled. I laughed and kissed his cheek. "Look at you, Mr. Vampire. Scared of a little human!" He scoffed, making me laugh again.
"I'll see you later." He said, kissing my forehead. stepping away.
"What? You just said Charlie will be late."
"I know. But he'll be coming within two minutes. So I should rather go. I don't think he is that fond of me yet to appreciate my presence around his daughter."
"Drat!"
"I'll see you soon." He promised, and was out of the kitchen, made me sit on the recliner and was gone in a second.
As he had promised, Charlie came after two minutes. "Hey, Bella." He greeted in a cheerful mood.
"Hey, dad. What happen?"
"Nothing. Just some station fun. How was your day at the Cullens'?"
"It was fun." And I told him the edited version of my day at their place which I had been practicing for a while. "Carlisle checked me and then we had my physiotherapy. I am getting good, he said. Then I and Alice had some fun. We watched some movie and played some game. Esme made me lunch and she also insisted on making dinner but I rejected the offer as I wanted to make something for you."
He smelled the food and looked at the table. "You shouldn't have done that, Bells. You should've rested."
"Oh, no, dad. I've done enough resting. I'm getting bored." He laughed at my expense. "Should I get your plate done?"
"No. Billy and Jacob are on their way. They wanted to meet you and I invited them on dinner."
"Oh!" I knew why Billy wanted to meet me. He was still of the opinion that I was hurt because of Edward. "when will they come?" I have to inform Alice to not come here while we had Billy's company. It will be very awkward and I didn't want Charlie in this mess.
"They're on their way. Say twenty to thirty minutes."
"I've made dinner for just the two of us."
"It's no problem, honey. I'll do the rest." I asked him if he wanted some help but he asked me instead to be comfortable on the couch. And as I was tired by all the hoping, I abided by his command and sat on the recliner, playing songs on the telly, thinking what I will say if Billy asks me anything or tells Charlie anything which he shouldn't.
After half an hour the door bell rang. Charlie opened it and welcomed Billy and Jacob inside.
Jacob looked the same, except for his slightly increased height if I was right. He looked a little taller now, but still a young boy with his boyish grin. Billy on the other hand had a grim expression on his face, looking cautious and concerned.
Charlie welcomed them in and together we all sat in the hall. Charlie and Billy sat by the couch while Jacob made himself comfortable on a chair beside me.
"How are you, Bella?" Billy asked, his black eyes concerned, but relaxed. It was awkward. I had thought he will be angry at me for the stupidity I did.
"All fine, Billy. And thank you, for being with Charlie when, you know..."
"It was nothing, Bella. What are friends for. But I hope you wouldn't do that again." There was different meaning hidden in his words.
But I answered anyway. "I won't do it again, Billy. You can relax." And he did. He relaxed and sighed, looking relieved. It was strange.
"So, what did you do the whole day? I have a good idea that you are bored."
Before he could say anything else, Charlie jumped in. "No, she wasn't. She spent her whole day with Alice Cullen at her house."
"The Cullens' house?!" He seemed wild, angry, scared, puzzled.
Then I got it.
He was under the impression that I was not with Edward anymore.
Now I got the hidden meaning of his words: But I hope you wouldn't do that again and when he relaxed completely.
I didn't sat anything. Charlie just nodded, confused himself at the sudden change of Billy's mood. Jacob looked at me with apology but I couldn't worry less.
Charlie explained Billy everything and informed him about how Dr. Cullen himself asked to be my physiotherapist. He didn't say anything about Edward but mentioned Alice and Esme. Billy's face was neutral all the while.
After a while he asked what was for dinner and Charlie told him the condition. Billy laughed lightly, recalling an incident and they both went in the kitchen to prepare something else.
I was worrying what Billy wanted to tell Charlie that he excused themselves inside the kitchen. "I didn't know you had no liking for Forks." Jacob muttered, breaking the silence and my concentration on hearing anything from inside, his face dejected.
"C'mon, Jacob." I almost groaned. "It's not like that. You out of all could please not accuse me. I was stupid and did something foolish." I laughed.
"I know. I can tell that."
"So how come you are here. I thought it was just an old men's party."
"I'm here on a secret mission to escape you from the boredom." He laughed, his face serious. "You have no idea how boring their meetings are!"
"It can't be that boring."
"You should see them gossiping like women. Then you'll see what I am trying to explain."
"I'll note that." And we laughed.
It was easy to be with him. Effortless. He didn't show any signs of having a crush on me, and I was happy for that. I still felt guilty for misleading him.
Together we watched some old songs and he roasted then, making me laugh now and then. When Charlie and Billy were ready with making dinner, they called Jacob for some help. Billy came out, giving them some space to work, and sat in front of me, his expression concerned, his black eyes seemed to be carrying a heavy load.
Together we ate the dinner, but I could feel the whole tension in the air between I and Billy to which Charlie and Jacob had no clue of. Billy teased Charlie of his poor cooking skills, but even in the joyous words of Billy, I was able to decipher his hidden silent worry. After dinner, all three of them cleaned the kitchen. I offered to help but all of them resisted, asking me to rest.
Jacob talked to me now and then and I laughed with him sometimes, as it was relaxing to know that Billy had no intention of mentioning anything to Charlie, for which I was glad.
After dinner, it was time to do the dishes. Charlie volunteered himself and made himself little busy in his work.
Billy came out. "Jake, why don't you help Charlie in cleaning the dishes."
"Dad?!" Jacob mouthed, not willing to show me his unwillingness in doing that.
"Charlie would appreciate an extra pair of hands, Jacob." Billy offered and Jacob finally sighed and showed a full smile as he went in the kitchen, leaving just I and Billy alone in the living room with the company of the baseball match playing on the telly.
I knew what was about to come. Billy still thought that I was injured to death by Edward, and only he was to be blamed in that. But what he didn't know was that he was far off the mark.
The awkward silence continued.
"Bella?" Billy finally spoke. I nodded, peeking at him from the corner of my eye. "How are you?"
"I'm fine, Billy. Really. Thanks." I said, keeping it as short as possible.
"Good." Another silence followed. "Did you know that I and Charlie were together since we were kids?" I nodded. "And that when you used to come here, at Forks, you used to play sometimes with my daughters, Rebecca and Rachel." I nodded again, thinking where he was going with all these.
He came forward with his wheelchair so that he was facing me.
"Bella? You should know that I love you just like my own daughter, and that I care too much about Charlie to see him hurt."
"Billy!" I sighed, praying that he believes me. "Trust me, I know what I am doing."
"I know that." He broke in.
I kept my hand on his and patted it lightly. "Billy, it was Edward who saved me, believe it or not. If not for him, I wouldn't be arguing with you over here."
"I wish it was easy for me to believe you." He mused.
"Billy. I am happy, and safe. Trust me."
"Bella!"
"You just said you love me like your own daughter." I cut in. "Shouldn't you be happy that I am happy. And most importantly safe."
"No, I don't think that the company you want is regarded as safe by any means."
"Billy, please trust me. I know the Cullens', inside and out, and I know what I am doing. I wouldn't do any such thing that would cause me or Charlie any harm. Can you trust me on that? Please?"
He sighed with resignation. "I wish I could stop you from doing that, but I don't have anything to do with it. But then don't tell me that I didn't warn you. And I am just here if you want any help. All you have to do is call me."
"It won't come to that. I promise."
"I wish there was something I could do to make you see that what are doing can risk your whole life."
I didn't say anything as it seemed more appropriate. I just made myself stern and looked at him without apology in my eyes. I wasn't doing any wrong anyway.
Our conversation came to a sudden end as both Charlie and Jacob came in after doing the dishes. Billy patted my hand and went to Charlie, acting like we didn't have any important conversation just now.
Billy tried to be nonchalant about it, but every time he looked at me, I found worry in his old eyes. But when Jacob started to talk to me, Billy smiled at us and he and Charlie went out in the lawn for a small walk.
My mind was on what Billy was going to tell Charlie. I hoped he didn't warn him indirectly, asking him to make some distance between I and Edward.
"Bella? Bella?" Jacob waved his hand in front of me as I was staring at the window for a long time. "Everything all right?"
"Hmm, yeah. All fine. So tell me, what are you planning for your spring break."
A big smile came on his face. A stupid grin of a teenager. "Nothing much. I was planning on working on a motor."
"Motor?"
"Car. A rabbit."
"Rabbit?" I asked again. This all car talks were beyond me.
He laughed, getting that I was a big zero when it come to cars. "Nothing. I was thinking of working in my garage. What about you?"
"You mean what I will do with my cast on?"
"Yeah. I forgot. Sorry."
"It's fine."
"So tell me, what do you do all day. You must get all bored."
"You have no idea!"
"True." He agreed, thinking of something. "Maybe I can come here sometime and we can do anything, go wear your boredom off." He offered.
I felt guilty for making him belief that I liked him in that way.
"Um," His big smile started to falter. I didn't want to break his heart, and neither did I want to guide him wrongly. "I'll call you when I will need your services." At least that would cheer him up. And he was nice boy. And easy to be with.
"Okay." He agreed easily. Billy called as it was time for them to go. "Gotta go."
"See you, Jacob." He said a "Meet you soon." And was out of the view.
Billy gave me the look which said be safe. I nodded him minutely, assuring him that I will, as Charlie went to see them off.
When their truck was no longer see, I sighed longingly. Happy that it all went well.
Charlie helped me in. I sat with him while he watched some games.
"Do you have any plans for tomorrow?" He asked me after a while.
"No, dad. First school, then I guess at Edward's. Carlisle is again expecting me tomorrow. He told me we should have my physio for at least a month."
"Okay." He seems dejected.
"What happen?"
"Nothing. How will you go school then?" He asked further. "I can give you a lift."
I didn't have an answer for that either. But I had a good idea that Edward was going to give me a lift. I have to confirm with him first. And either way, going to the school in a police car was the thing I wanted to avoid in ant circumstances. "I don't know yet but I'll let you know."
He nodded, thinking about something deeply. It appeared like he was having a debate in his mind. I wondered what he was so worried about.
I was sleepy today, exhausted, that I slept with my head on Charlie's shoulder.
When I woke up, I was lying in my bed, the moonlight still sparkling through the open window. Charlie must have carried me upstairs. He cared too much about me. I wondered again how did he forgive me so easily, when I had hurt him so deep. I will be forever be grateful to all those stars.
I stretched, looking around the room.
I had expected to hear Edward wishing me a good morning but it didn't happen. He wasn't present in the room. I wondered what kept him away. I looked at the clock on the nightstand. It was near to half past ten. I yawned again and decided to wait for Edward to come, not feeling any more sleepy.
When it was near to eleven, Alice stopped by. I was waiting in my room for her. She greeted Charlie and was with me after some time.
"Before I forget," she said, "Edward will pick us tomorrow morning for school. I've told this to Charlie already."
"How did he take it?"
"Not so good. But I can't blame him for still having his doubts."
"Yeah." She helped me in my daily routine then.
It was later that I noted she was all dressed up in a black off-shoulder dress, looking just like a Barbie doll. There was only one person for whom she would dress like that. "Where are you headed to?" I asked in a teasing manner.
If she could blush, I was sure she'd be all red now. "Some of the hazards of being away from your husband for two weeks." She winked.
"What did you tell Charlie? He asked you many questions, did he? I'm sorry on his behalf. He is just so protective of me, and he is already very fond of you..."
"It was nothing. I told him I went to a party in Port Angeles." She sat on the bed with me, sighing and looking at me with a strange expression. "Thank you. It was good to have some ask me those questions, worrying about me. I don't remember a time when anybody did that for me."
I hugged her tight, sorry to raise that topic. "I'm sorry."
She patted my back. "It's fine. Anyway, I have my family now who loves me a lot. It is a good bargain."
"You have Jasper too." I added.
She blushed again, less the red in her cheeks.
"What are you doing here, then?"
She made a face. "Isn't it obvious?"
"I mean, you should be with Jasper, not me, you stupid, crazy vampire."
"Don't worry about that. He is still planning a surprise for me and asked to play along as his last try was not successful. Seriously, why does he even try?!"
"He loves you too much."
"I know." Her eyes sparkled with so much love, it felt cheating to keep the lovers apart for any more second.
"You go, Alice. I'll do my work. I can pull it off for one day, at least."
"Are you sure?"
"Absolutely." I promised.
"Okay." She finally thought and her eyes went blank for a second. "You'll be safe if you don't do anything stupid." She murmured mostly to herself than to me, "I'll go. Anyway, if I don't spoil his surprise, what is the fun then."
"You'll never change, won't you."
"There's no fun in that."
She wished me a good night, wished Charlie a bye – Charlie asked her to give her a lift but she denied the offer, telling that she had came in Edward's car – and drove away. I waved her bye from the window and stood there. Now that I was alone, I waited for Edward.
I stood by the window, waiting and waiting.