~ Forks, Washington - September 07, 2004 ~
"She's all ready to go, Edward!" Rose called out to me. She wiped her hands on a cloth before tossing me the keys to Bella's, SUV. "I stiffened the suspension as you asked and Emmett put new rubber all the way around."
"Plus, I put in a new stereo with a navigation unit," Emmett added with huge smile on his face.
"Thank you." I told them.
"You sure I can't come with you today?" Rose asked.
"No. But you can try her out when I get home." I replied before getting into the SUV.
As I pulled away from the house, I slipped a CD into the stereo that Emmett installed. It was new mix CD I created for Bella. As I listened to my new set of Bella inspired songs, I headed towards the police station. I had to drop off the title for the SUV to Charlie, and then Bella and I would be driving down to Seattle to pickup my new car. Even though I love cars, I was just excited about spending the day with Bella.
Since Saturday, I'd only able to spend a couple hours with her. On Sunday, I went over to have a talk with Charlie. After Bella learned about all the meddling she thought I should have a talk with Charlie about the mind reading. I was warned several times never to mention the meddling. She didn't think he would appreciate that. Overall Charlie took the whole mind reading better than I expected. He grumbled a bit about having his private thoughts being violated, but he was assuaged that I couldn't read Bella's thoughts. Charlie knew he rarely thought something he wouldn't just say, but he was glad his daughter's thoughts were protected. Surprisingly, he was more upset over Alice and Jasper's gifts.
Charlie saw Jasper's gift as invasive as it could be used for manipulation. He was in awe of Alice's gift until he realized that she could use her knowledge to influence people's lives to reach unnatural outcomes. I did my best to assure him that Alice and Jasper tempered any interference unless it was absolutely necessary, but he remained uncomfortable with their ability to misuse their talents. In the end, Bella told me it would just take time and familiarity for Charlie to be comfortable with them. As far as my gift, he pulled me aside and asked that I not reveal any personal thoughts he had to anyone else, including Bella. Since I told Charlie his thoughts were very quiet, he also wanted to know the realistic range of my gift for him. I was not offended by his reasoning that he wanted to know how to protect his mental ramblings from me.
On Monday, Labor Day, Bella and Charlie were invited to a cookout at Reverend Weber's house. Charlie wanted Bella to meet his daughter, Angela. She was seventeen and would be a junior this year like Bella and I. The Reverend had extended an invitation to my father to bring us as well, but the untimely presence of the sun kept us away. I was able to speak with Bella on the phone last night. I was glad to hear that Angela was friendly, although a bit reserved. Bella thought they both could become friends.
Today, however, I would have Bella all to myself until tonight. Tomorrow we started school, so I was happy to get some uninterrupted time with her before the craziness of high school began.
I pulled into the police station parking lot promptly at 7:00am. Today's timing worked out well. Charlie had an early shift and I wanted to get on the road so Bella and I wouldn't be in Seattle all day. As I walked in, Charlie was discussing insurance for the SUV with Bella. She wanted to help pay for it, but Charlie wanted her to save her money. He was sure she would want to buy new clothes and other incidentals that Charlie hadn't really budgeted for.
"Hello, Edward" Charlie smugly called out as a means to end their conversation. Bella shot him a terse look before shrugging her shoulders in defeat.
"Good morning," I greeted.
Bella bounced over to me with a brilliant smile. "Hi," she breathed. I wanted to lean down and kiss her, but I wanted to respect Charlie's wishes to keep our displays of affection to a minimum around him.
"Is that the title, Edward?" Charlie said in his thoughts. To him, my gift was a bit novelty that he wanted to test.
"It is," I replied as I handed it to him.
"Damn, that is freaky," Charlie mentally commented.
"It's all signed and ready to go. I also signed the odometer statement and the bill of sale. All you need to do is send in the vehicle title application and Bella is all set." I told him. "Rose and Emmett checked out the vehicle yesterday and made some tweaks, so it's better than new."
"Sounds good. Thank you, Edward." Charlie answered. "I will stop by the bank when it opens so we can settle up later tonight." Charlie said mentally.
I gave him a quick nod. He didn't want Bella to know how much he was buying the vehicle for, mainly because I was selling it to him for so little.
"I can see this gift of yours can have its benefits," Charlie thought. "You can have entire conversations, although one-sided, without anyone being the wiser."
I just smiled and turned towards Bella.
"You all set?" I asked her.
"I am!" She told me before grabbing her purse and kissing Charlie on the cheek. "I'll see you, Dad. Be safe."
"I always am," Charlie replied. "Take care driving, Bells…take breaks, okay? And, no later than 10:00pm. Tomorrow's the first day of school."
"Okay, Dad." Bella answered.
"I'll take good care of her," I told Charlie.
"I'm sure you will," Charlie thought.
Once outside I handed Bella the keys. "They're officially all yours." I told her.
Bella nearly squealed as she cupped them in her hand. "Thank you, Edward. Really." She said before getting into the SUV.
Once we were strapped in, Bella started the vehicle. I spent a few minutes explaining some of the changes Rose and Emmett made. Soon we were on our way to Seattle. We ended up catching the only red light before we left Forks. At the light, Bella leaned over and pulled me into a kiss. Before things could get too heated, the car behind us beeped after the light turned green.
Bella blushed as she pulled away form the light. "Whew," She said with a sigh. "I needed that."
"So did I," I replied without hiding my smug grin.
About two and half hours later we had stopped off in Poulsbo for a quick breakfast for Bella. We were now back on the road, but this time I was behind the wheel as I was familiar with the locations of the two car dealers I wanted to visit.
"So what kind of cars are we looking at today?" Bella asked.
"Well, I had my eye on the new Mercedes SL65 AMG or possibly the BMW 645Ci." I told her.
Bella snorted. "You know, I have no idea what any of that means," she said in an amused voice. "I don't speak car and driver."
"Sorry," I replied sheepishly. "I already have a pretty fancy car, my Aston Martin." Bella sighed at the mention of my pride and joy. She saw it for the first time after she sat through Alice's confessional the other day. She thought is was very sexy and she understood why I did not want to drive it to school. "So, I'm looking for something of an everyday driver."
"A 'beamer and a 'benz, somehow they don't sound very everyday driver-ish." Bella teased. "Tell me, are you a car snob, Edward."
"Guilty as charged," I said proudly with a wink. "You know, you own a 'benz now, so you're just as much of a snob as I am."
"Yeah," Bella sighed as she looked around the vehicle. "So just how much of a 'I mated on your daughter' discount did you give my Dad on this?"
"I am bound to secrecy. Lets just say, I hope your Dad never looks up the blue-book value on this baby."
Bella gave me a sideways glance and huffed. "Well, I really do appreciate it, Edward. I was dreading being driven around by Dad in the cruiser. So tell me about these cars. Educate me."
"Well, the 'benz is a little two-seater convertible with a retraceable hard top. The 'beamer is two-door coupe. Both are fast, yet safe, and both are Rosalie approved."
I saw a blush creep up on Bella's cheeks before she looked away from me, shaking her head slightly.
"What's that blush for?" I asked.
"Do you really want to know?" She asked back.
"Of, course. I always want to know what you're thinking." I told her. "However, when you blush, that tells me its something I really want to know!"
Bella glanced over to me before speaking very fast and very quietly, however it was easy for me to pick out each word. "I-was-kind-of-hoping-you'd-get-something-with-a-backseat."
I kept my features as normal as I could despite the shock and excitement I felt over what I just heard, and the implications I hoped she meant by her statement. However, I decided to have a little fun with her. "And just why would you want me to have a back seat?" I asked in serious tone.
"You really don't know?" She asked in exasperation.
"No, sorry," I replied flatly.
"What do you think a boy and girl can do in the backseat of a car when they are alone…parked…together…most likely at night?" She said is a soft seductive voice. I finally let her see the surprise on my face, because given the topic and her sexy voice, I could no longer hide it. "You see it's kind of something I've been wanting to do. Sort of like a right-of-passage."
Her confession elicited some torturous stirrings below my waist. The image of Bella laid out before me, or better yet, straddling me in the backseat of a car was now burned into my brain. I felt the steering wheel start to give under the pressure of my hands. I slowly peeled my fingers away before I damaged Bella's vehicle.
I glanced over to find Bella looking down at my lap before snapping her eyes back up to mine revealing a not-so innocent smile. I swallowed thickly before clearing my voice. "Those two cars will not do." I said gruffly. "But, I have an idea."
An hour and half later we pulled into the dealership in Lynnwood.
"A Jaguar? Really?" Bella asked in a surprised tone that I couldn't quite decipher.
"What? I have my standards and apparently so do you." I said smugly as Bella rolled her eyes. "Besides, I always wanted to own a jag, I've just never gotten around to it, until today."
A few minutes later Bella and were seated in a silver S-Type R. Bella glanced back towards the backseat and giggled.
I looked back as well and smiled. "No too big, not too small. I think this will do." I quipped.
An hour later a very happy sales associate handed me the keys. "Enjoy your vehicle, Mr. and Mrs. Cullen," he said. Bella and I both smiled at each other, neither of us bothering to correct him.
Just like when I picked Bella up from the airport, we took the ferry home. This time, I kept Bella wrapped in my arms as we sailed across the Puget Sound. After the ferry, I followed Bella back to Forks. We stopped once so she could grab lunch and a coffee. During the drive, I also spoke to Rose about the new car. She was excited to finally get her hands on a Jaguar. I was tempted to tell her that I was excited to get my hands on Bella while in my Jaguar, but that would have been highly inappropriate.
At just about 3:00pm we pulled up to my family's house. Before I even had the car in park, Rose was at my door opening it like a valet would, so I tossed her the keys.
"Have at it," I told her. "But I need it for school tomorrow." Rose stuck out her tongue at me, before she drove it back to the garage.
I walked over to Bella as she typed out a text message on her phone. She looked up at me and smiled. "Dad just sent me a message. He's going to work the night shift tonight. Mark is still getting headaches so Dad told him to rest." Just as she finished, Bella yawned. I'd forgotten that today would've been a very long day for her.
"Hey, how about we head back to your place?" I asked. "I'll stay for a bit then I'll head home."
Bella nodded. "I like the sound of that." She said as she stifled another yawn.
Twenty minutes later we pulled up to Bella's house. Once inside we settled on the couch and watched a movie. Afterwards, Bella heated up some leftovers for her dinner. While she ate, I told her about my many first days at my numerous high schools.
"That has to suck having to repeat high school over and over." She observed between bites.
"It does, but the earlier we start out, the longer we can stay in one place. However, this time I am actually looking forward to it, thanks to you."
Bella dropped her fork on her plate and looked up at me with a concerned look. "What about me, Edward. I'm going to be changing, getting older. How is that going to work for us?"
"I'm not avoiding the question, but are you finished with dinner?" I asked her.
"Yeah," she said pushing the dish away from her.
"Let's get this cleaned up and get you ready for bed, then we can discuss it, if you want. Okay?"
Bella nodded and I took her dish to the sink. After the water had become warm, I sped through washing everything and I was done with the dishes in just a few seconds.
"Impressive!" Bella quipped. "Remind me to enlist your help after Thanksgiving dinner."
"Anytime," I tell her. "Let go upstairs." I watched as Bella ascended the steps. "I'll wait down here. When you're ready, call down."
"You can come up, Edward I trust you."
"It's me I don't trust, so not tonight. I'll wait here." I told her before she continued going up.
I spent the next several minutes preparing for this conversation. For me it would not be difficult. I knew what I wanted. The tough part for me was not knowing Bella's possible reaction.
Ten minutes later, Bella called down. "I'm ready."
Once I reached the top of the steps, I found Bella seated on her bed, up against the headboard. She tapped the spot next to her, which I took immediately.
"So let's talk," she said. "How do you see this working between us if I am aging and you're not?"
I took Bella's hand in mine and caressed her silky skin. "I really only see two options, Bella. The first is for you to become like me…a vampire. The second is that you stay human and we stay together until your death." I hated to be blunt, but there was no reason to draw this out.
"I see," Bella replied. "I guess I knew that those were the options, but I just wanted to hear it from you. If I ask you a question do you promise to answer it honestly and not try to deflect it?"
"Of course, Love. This is a topic that demands nothing less than the truth." I replied.
"What do you want, Edward? Do you want me to become like you?" She asked with a slight tremble to her voice.
I leaned down and turned Bella's head so I could see her eyes. I knew this conversation would be difficult for her. I wanted to see the emotions that accompanied her shaky voice.
"Bella, I am not deflecting when I say that I will honestly, and without regret, accept either decision. However, my preferred choice would be for you to join me in immortality." I paused to gauge her reaction, which was not much at all. She just looked intently at me, so I continued. "One lifetime with you...hell, a thousand lifetimes will not be enough for me, Bella. But there is no reason to decide anything right now. You have a chance that none of my family was given, and that's to choose your own destiny. Whether its one lifetime or a thousand, I will be here just the same."
I leaned in and placed a tender kiss on Bella's lips. When I pulled away she gave me a soft smile.
"Thank you for telling me what you want, and what my options are. I want to think this over for a while. I'm not ready to make any decision, but I needed to know where you stood." Bella glanced at the clock before she snuggled against my chest. "What time do you have to leave?"
"No set time. I'm going to meet the family later to go hunting. The first day of school always tests my nerves, so I wanted make sure I am well fed." I told her.
Bella nodded. "Then stay for a while, okay. If I fall asleep, just stay for a bit." She said quietly. "I know you have to hunt, but could you come back afterwards. I don't know why, but I need to know that you're close."
"Sure, as long as you won't think its creepy, or that I'm some kind of weird stalker sneaking in to watch you sleep."
"It is only creepy or stalker-ish if you're not invited…and I'm inviting you." Bella glanced around the room. "You can come in through the window if you want. Use your gift and Charlie will never know."
"Okay. Now you relax." I whispered as I held her close to me.
After a few minutes Bella looked at me with unshed tears in her eyes. "I'm sorry I'm being so needy right now. It's just…hearing you say you want me to be like you…that you want me forever…I can't explain other than I just need you to stay tonight and be here." Bella paused and looked at me as if she was seeing into my soul. It was intense and loving. "This need for connection, is that a mating thing?"
"For a vampire, yes. I crave you Bella in every way. Your touch. Your voice. Your love. Your body. It's part of who I am now. I will never exist without you. Even though you're a human, if you're feeling something similar, then I would say, 'yes it is a mating thing'. And, Bella…I would never deny you that connection, as I need it too."
Bella and I leaned into one another and kissed. It was slow and needy. It was wonderful. With a sigh she pulled way and rested her head on my chest. "I love you, Edward." She said softy as she pressed herself into me.
"I love you too, sweet girl. Now relax and get some sleep." I replied. It was the first time I truly felt like our mating was reciprocal. As she drifted off to sleep, I could feel her heat and her love seep into me and make me whole. Each beat of her heart pulsed through me like the sound of a drum. I felt pure joy, and I vowed to cherish it, whether Bella decided on one lifetime or forever.
Author's Note:
I am a car guy and I have owned many fast, expensive, and crappy cars. Given this, I never understood why in canon Edward drove a Volvo as his daily driver! I have nothing against the Volvo brand. I've owned one and it was good, but also kind of boring. I owned the exact make, model, year, and color Edward chose in this chapter. The 2015 Jaguar S-Type R was a rocket and about as close as you could get to a refined, elegant 4-door race car that model year. I miss that vehicle greatly! Sadly it was just too expensive to maintain after the warranty was over.
Thank you again for the tremendous response to this story! One more chapter coming this evening...and it's a good one! One of my favorites of the story :)
-Chris