Hello! I have spent the last few weeks re-editing the previous chapter so that they are all in the same tense (which took me waaay longer than I thought) but at last - Chapter 14 is here, and warning – this one is JAM PACKED! It has taken a while to get it all done, but it's here and I am literally so excited to write the next one! Thank you to all of you who gave ideas for the Halloween costumes, I am glad I am not the only one who struggled to think of some! XD. A few of you said the one I have chosen, so a special shout out to 2brown-eyes, pinklady34 and Lilypad10. One other person gave me a great idea for another character's costume – but that wont be revealed till next time ;)
Thank you for all the reviews, favourites and follows – as always, I am amazed by how many of you are enjoying my story. Please continue to share your thoughts with me. I know this is a slow burner of a story (mostly because of my rubbish updating schedule) but this story will not go unfinished – ever. The next chapter is a biggie so please review, and tell me what you want to see happen next!
Lots of love to you all and I hope you enjoy! xo
14.
I swing our interlinked hands together playfully, making Edward chuckle.
"You're in a good mood," he observes.
"Mmm, I wonder why…" I pretend to think, tapping my chin with my free hand. Is it a result of the multiple orgasms I had experienced last night? Or the further three I had this morning? I have lost count really.
Chortling at the smug smile on my face, he draws me forward to kiss me full on the mouth. We laugh against each other, our teeth clicking.
His fingers thread through the hair on the base of my neck, holding me to him – as if I would ever escape. The way his lips move against mine makes me want to rewind back to earlier this morning. Tangled in his bed sheets; our sticky bodies joint together in vigorous movement; the scent of our lovemaking thick in the air.
When things begin to get a little heated; me grinding against his hard on while his hands move to my ass - we are forced apart by the ding of the elevator. Edward re-buttons the top of his shirt that I had managed to pull apart during our brief tryst. The cheeky smirk on his face is totally infectious.
"Oh, shut it," I push him away lightly.
He moves back to me, kissing me on the nose "don't worry baby; I like that you can't keep your hands off me."
"Carry on with that attitude, and I can assure you – I'll be keeping these hands all to myself."
"Can I watch?" he wiggles his eyebrows, impishly.
"You wish. Weirdo."
"I kid, I kid. Anyway, what are you guys going to do tonight?"
"Oh you know… the usual. Half-naked pillow fights and practice make out sessions."
His eyes glaze for a split second; he shakes his head with lust "you have been spending way too much time with Emmett."
I widen my eyes, "His level of crudeness cannot be matched."
"True."
"Nah, we'll probably watch trash television, eat junk food and online shop. Alice hasn't physically shopped since before the ball."
"A full four days without shopping?" Edward mock gasps, "the horror!"
"Hey! That is an actual record for Alice! The shop assistants probably miss her, she knows a lot of them by name at this point."
"Well they aren't the only ones."
Edward and I come to an abrupt stop at the familiar voice. Stuck in our little bubble, neither of us had noticed the hunched form of Jasper at the end of the hallway.
"Jazz…"
He looks awful. Sitting in front of our blue door, his shaggy blonde hair is untidy and a little greasy. There are dark circles under his eyes, not unlike Edward's when I had first seen him at the ball. His khaki green t-shirt and grey jeans are creased and the laces of his sneakers are untied, as though he just jammed his feet in with haste.
I have never seen him appear so unkempt. He looks as exhausted and distressed as Alice. It just cements the thought that this can't go on any longer. The truth has to come out, for both their sakes.
"What are you doing here?"
Edward holds out a hand, heaving Jasper up.
"It has nearly been two weeks Bella… Two weeks," Jasper yanks at his hair. "I… I can't do this anymore! I love her but this is killing me. If she wants us to break up, she needs to tell me to my face because I can't go on second-guessing myself. It's not fair."
The Jasper I know usually has this calm aura around him; not this crazed and impatient energy, but I can also understand it. The emotion I see etched across Jasper's face is the same one I held mere days before my chat with Edward.
I place a comforting hand on his forearm, "I get it Jazz. But she doesn't want to break up with you. She adores you."
"Then why Bella? If she does not want us to break up, why treat me with such animosity? I brought her soup the other day, thinking that my girlfriend was ill and do you know what she does? She scrunches her nose up, looks like she is going to throw up and then shoves me out of the door! Not one word or one gesture to show me that we are good... What the hell is going on?"
I glance at Edward helplessly, but his attention locks on Jasper.
"Jazz, man… I know it is tough, but Alice is struggling as well."
Jasper's hands form into tight fists at his sides, his face blooming an angry red.
"Then why is she fucking doing this? Why wont my girlfriend who apparently adores me,"he spits out the word "and is feeling the same pain I feel, isn't letting me in the same room as her? I have been here all night, and she won't even talk to me through the fucking door!"
"I am going in to see her Jasper. I'll see what's going on and convince her," I turn to Edward "this has gone on long enough. No more, I am sick of secrets."
That haunted look in his eyes that has somewhat disappeared over the last few days, flashes through them briefly. He simply nods at my words.
"Don't come in until I say, okay?"
Jasper reluctantly agrees, his head dropping forward in resignation.
I quickly unlock the door, noting that she had triple locked it and edge my way in. The hallway is very empty and quiet, which worries me. When Alice is alone, there is always something going on, perhaps the TV or radio, or her chatting (on the phone, but mostly to herself). I cannot even hear her crying.
At first instinct, I enter the bathroom; but she isn't there. With my concern growing, I call out her name.
"Al? Alice?"
I hear a faint hiccup in response, immediately nursing my worry. Following the noises, I slowly approach Alice's room and open the door.
It's a strange feeling when I step inside. Alice's room is so bright. There are sketches plastering one wall, and collages of different models and outfits. Then on the neighbouring wall, Alice has painted wild swirls of colour, displaying her artistic talent. The comforter is a canary yellow, matching the fluffy carpet on the floor.
Yet, despite all the colour and frivolity, the atmosphere is downright sombre. I don't know if it is the because of the grey midday light that bathes the room, or the fact that there is smashed glass scattered over the wooden floor. I quickly find the source, which is a now destroyed picture frame of her and Jasper.
Alice lies in fetal position, on top of her unmade bed. She hasn't even looked up to see me; her whole body just shakes with broken sobs.
I step carefully over the glass, and wordlessly sit next to her hunched form. As the bed dips under my weight, Alice peeps up at me. Her face is a splotchy red and her grey eyes are unbearably sad. Her hair sticks to her face from the tears.
I stroke the strands off her face.
"Why didn't you call me when he arrived Al?"
It pains me to think that she has been in this state all night, while I was rolling around in bed with Edward. I feel ashamed of my selfishness. What kind of friend does that?
She rubs her eyes, "because you and Edward have finally fixed things Bella. You have put up with me all week; all my moans and cravings and mood swings. I didn't want to disturb you."
"Alice, you know that whenever you are upset, angry – whatever – I want to know. Now what is the real reason?"
"That is the real reason!" She cries, "and…"
"And?"
"I didn't want you to be disappointed in me," She weeps – scrunching her eyes closed.
"Now why on earth do you think I'm disappointed?"
Her breath comes out in a shudder "b-because I haven't told him yet."
"Oh sweetie," I sigh "I'm not disappointed. We talked about this. All I am concerned about is how this will effect you and the baby."
She whimpers "I am already a shit mother. I know all this stress isn't good for her, but I am being so selfish. I don't even know how to get the words out and I have thought about how this conversation would go, repeatedly. How pathetic is that?"
I held back my thoughts when she was talking, aware that she needed to get all her worries out and in the open – but my fury builds at her words. I refrain from doing so (although with effort) and grip her hands between mine.
"Mary Alice Brandon, you are not a shit mother. You are a young woman who is madly in love with someone and is scared to tell him the truth. You think you are the only person who has ever been this situation? You are not pathetic Alice. Where is my independent, argumentative little pixie gone? Where is the woman who fights me tooth and nail when I am too afraid or lazy to do something? Huh?"
She looks at her hands, "It's a little different Bella."
"Like hell it is!"
I stand up and start pacing in front of her, the anger making itself known. This is it; I have coddled her too much. She needs to hear what I am about to say.
"Alice, I love you and you're my best friend, my sister. However, what I am going to tell you is for your own good" here we go "You need to suck it up and just tell him! How, can you say you have destroyed his future, when his future literally lives inside of you? Out there, is a broken man who thinks he has done something wrong and you haven't attempted to correct him or even lessen this unnecessary guilt.
You have allowed him to wallow in his misery. Do you think that is fair? You say you want to protect him, but this is just hurting both of you. I don't think you are a pathetic mother. That little baby is going to be the luckiest kid in the world because they are going to have a strong, ambitious mother who loves fiercely and is loyal to a fault. But, they deserve to also have a father. And Jasper, while he is also young, is one of the most genuine people I have ever come across and I know that he will want to know this baby. Like you said – it's a product of both of your love."
Her eyes are round as she ogles me, digesting what I just said. I think this is the first time Alice has seen me legitimately angry. I usually manage to maintain it, or logically talk myself out of the emotion. After all this secret keeping and hearing Alice's repetitive reasoning, I have reached my peak.
"Fucking let go of me! Alice? Alice!"
I spin around, to see Jasper in the doorway, chest heaving and eyes wild. I glare at Edward over his shoulder.
"He caught me off guard!" Edward defends.
"Jasper, I told you to wait…"
"I have waited Bella, ten fucking minutes! I can't wait anymore."
"She's trying Jasper!"
"Then maybe she should try harder!" He snaps at me.
Edward lets out a low growl before stepping forward and placing a firm hand on Jasper's shoulder. Jasper turns to look at him regretfully.
"I get you are upset Jasper," he says in a low voice "but if you fucking talk to her like that again, I'll fucking throw you out of this goddamned building."
Jasper slowly exhales, and nods once. His gaze locks onto mine.
"I'm sorry Bella. I'm… I'm just frustrated. And confused, so fucking confused."
"It's okay Jazz, I get it."
Jasper walks further into the room, eyes fixing on Alice. Alice remained silent throughout the whole exchange, but her attention has never left Jasper. The way she stares at him suggests that she is almost trying to memorise him. As if she has already accepted that, he's going to leave.
"Jazz…" she gasps, standing up.
He holds up a hand, "wait. Let me get this out… Alice Brandon, I have loved you from the first moment I ever laid eyes on you and I thought you felt the same way – "
"I do!" she interjects, stunned "I do love you Jasper – "
"Then what is going on?" he asks, his voice breaking "Why haven't you fucking answered my calls or texts? Or answered the fucking door? Why have I been playing Chinese whispers with your best friend? Will you tell me what's going on?"
"I – I…"
She gapes at me helplessly. We stare at one another; grey into brown, communicating silently.
I know – I am just so scared.
I get it, but this was inevitable Ali.
What if he leaves?
But what if he doesn't?
"Would someone say something? I can't do this anymore!"
"She's –" I start.
"I need to hear it from her, Bella."
"Can't you see how difficult this is for her?"
"I do! But I want to make it less difficult for her. And I can't do that if she isn't telling me what's going on!"
"It's not as simple as…"
"I'm fucking pregnant Jasper!"
I swear the temperature drops three degrees and all the life is sucked from the room; I don't know where to look first.
At Alice – who has tears coursing over her cheeks, one hand over her mouth in shock as she watches the father of her unborn baby with fearful eyes.
Then there is Jasper – whose feet are planted to the spot, frozen. What little colour he had in his skin drains away and his body starts shaking. A range of emotions flickers over his face: shock; anger; surprise; sadness but most importantly, hope. Then he looks like is going to vomit.
I open my mouth, wanting to fill the silence but in my peripheral vision, Edward shakes his head in warning.
It is as though time stands still as we just stand there. Edward behind Jasper and Alice behind me, their gazes never leaving each other as Edward and I awkwardly watch the stand off. It occurs to me that we should leave, but my feet are stuck to the spot.
It feels as though a year has past, when Jasper finally begins to speak.
"I… you… we… what?"
Alice sniffles, "I'm pregnant."
A single tear drips down Jasper's cheek making Alice whimper in pain.
"How long have you known?"
Alice cries harder.
"How long Alice?" He shouts loudly, causing us all to flinch.
"T-two weeks."
Jasper closes his eyes, his fingers massaging his temples as he wraps his mind around that fact that he is going to be a father. I again find this inexplicable urge to say something; but I hold my tongue. This only involves them two, and this moment has been on the cards from the moment Alice saw the results of the pregnancy test.
"Excuse me for a minute."
He turns around and runs from the room. At this, Alice collapses on the bed, her weeps turning into agonising sobs.
"Bella, you stay with Alice; I'll go after Jasper." Edward tells me, grim determination settling on his features.
"But-"
"Trust me."
He leaves without another word. I fall beside my best friend, collecting her against me. Her salty tears soak through my shirt as she cries, "I knew he'd leave. I had hoped… but he left! He fucking left us."
Then unbelievably, she starts hugging her stomach. It is the most affection I have ever seen Alice show towards her baby, but the heart-warming moment is clouded by the grief that Jasper has left behind.
I hold onto her tightly, as though that would somehow keep her from falling apart. Tears begin to collect in my own eyes at my best friend's pain. I don't know what to say – what words could possibly help her feel better? She said this would happen, but in all honesty; I did not believe Jasper was capable of this. Sure, I knew there would be a lot tears and even yelling. However, this was Jasper. Logical, thought out Jasper. Jasper would never hurt Alice. Well, not in any scenario I concocted.
When her sobs slow down into sniffles, I peek down at her. Her face is nestled deep into the crook of my neck and I can feel breaths hot against my skin. Before long, an hour has past and we haven't moved from our position on the bed.
"Ali?"
She swallows heavily "yeah?"
"What you thinking?"
"I can't do this without him Bella" she snivels "I don't care if that makes me sound weak or dependent or a shitty feminist. I just love him so fucking much. How can I look at my kid everyday, seeing his blue eyes or blonde hair or nose or dusting of freckles and not break down?
"Maybe he needs time Alice. I mean it took you a while to accept it. This is huge."
"Y-yeah. But his face… God, his face! Did you see it Bella? It was like I had stomped all over his heart,"
She pulls away from me "if I had told him as soon as I had found out, maybe he could've accepted that. But because I have waited… fuck I probably wouldn't have told him today, if you and Edward hadn't of come back. Shit, if I had waited any longer…"
"But you didn't wait any longer. I am so proud that you told him Alice; and now everything is off your chest. The ball is in his court now, you have done everything you possibly can."
Alice looks so lost that all I can do is bring her back into my embrace. I hum something unintelligible, filling the silence and rock her back and forth. My mind attempts to conjure the next step we should take. I have assumed the role of Jasper in the respect that I have made runs to the grocery store for her cravings and sat with her during morning sickness.
I am more than okay to continue doing that for her, but I really hope that Edward will be able to convince Jasper to come back. To at least talk to Alice about it. I don't think she could deal with never talking or seeing him ever again.
I vaguely register the front door opening and closing, signalling Edward's return. I look quickly at my watch, startled to find that we have been sitting here for little under two hours.
"Edward's here" I say, patting her back gently.
"Fuck, I am so embarrassed" Alice moans, burying her face deeper.
"He isn't going to judge you Al, he loves you. We both do."
"Bell?"
"Alice?"
Both Alice and I shoot up at the sound of our names; stunned to see both of our men standing at the door. My eyes, as always, are drawn to Edward who looks beyond exhausted but the small smile on his face sets my heart aflutter.
More shockingly is the sight of Jasper. His eyes are also red from crying but his stance is strong; he stares at Alice unflinchingly.
"Alice, we need to talk."
Alice exhales shakily but nods. I tuck a loose strand of hair behind her ear.
"You want me to stay in the other room?"
She offers me a small but thankful smile; "you've already done so much for me Bells. You go with Edward, I think… I think I'm going to be okay."
"Call me, if you need anything" I say meaningfully.
"I will."
"And I'll be back later."
I hug her tightly, pressing a kiss in her cheek. I hope this is a step into the right direction. From the tired (and nervous) smile Jasper sends me as I grasp Edward's hand, I take it as a yes.
…
I fall heavily on to my stool, "Christ, I need a drink. And it's only two o'clock!"
Edward smiles sympathetically at me and touches my hand that rests on the bar "well at least everything is out in the open now."
"God, Edward… I – I feel so fucking guilty."
His hand pauses on top of mine, confusion twisting his face. His body moves over the bar, so that our faces are close and he searches my eyes for answers.
"Guilty? What the hell are you feeling guilty about? It was Alice's decision to keep it from Jasper, Bell. It was her secret to tell."
"It's not that!" I groan. "Edward, Jasper has been waiting outside my apartment since ten o'clock last night. Alice was all by herself, unable to explain to him what is going on. If I had been there, then maybe this would have happened a little sooner. Alice looked so defeated when I walked in to her room this morning; so broken. And what I had been doing?"
"Isabella, stop. What are you – psychic? You have been at home all week long and have not seen Jasper. It could've happened any night at any time, you can't always be with her. And Alice, baby she's a grown woman and this is something she needs to deal with. What she and Jasper need to deal with together. You have already done so much for her.
I get why you are upset; your loyalty and love for your friends is one of the many things I love about you. But if Alice really needed you and was struggling so much, then I know for a fact that she would've called you last night. Or even earlier this morning. You aren't a clairvoyant, you didn't know this would be all coming to a head today."
His finger hooks beneath my chin so I have to look back at him, "sweetheart, don't regret our time together… it was one of the best days I have had in a long time."
"I don't regret the time we spent together" I rush to say, bringing my hand to his cheek "never! I just wish that I had been there to support her."
Edward smiles softly, "and you will. We will. And she knows that."
I nod, "Thank you baby."
"Anytime."
"Not just for that… thank you for bringing back Jasper."
He shrugs "it was the least I could do."
"What did you say to him? I didn't think he'd come back so quickly… his head must be so fucked up."
He runs his free hand through his hair, "it was to be honest. He just couldn't understand why she didn't tell him… he questioned whether she really loves him."
I gasp at the ludicrousness of the statement alone. The thought of Alice not loving Jasper is just incomprehensible! The girl is head over heels for him. It was the reason why she didn't tell him!
"I… I mean. Wha- what did you say to that?"
Edward looks down at our hands, playing with my fingers "I told him my story Bella. How I kept my identity from you, because I was scared of losing you. Keeping a secret from the person you love most in this world, it drains you. You feel so weak; weak from all the constant lies, weak from the heaviness of it all. But you deal with it, because that pain is nothing compared to the pain that you will feel when you lose that person. I… I understand how Alice feels, and I simply tried to communicate to that to him. "
Hearing the raw empathy and pain in his voice, brings tears to my eyes. I raise our hands to my lips – kissing his softly. To think that throughout the early stages of our relationship, whilst I was oblivious, he was feeling drained… it hurts me. I never want him to experience that feeling alone – ever again.
"I get it. And I understand. You know that I don't resent you for keeping it from me, right? It's over now, sweetheart."
He leans over the bar, kissing me.
"Okay, okay Justin and Selena. Break it up. Jeez – you guys are so inconsiderate to us singletons. It makes me sick."
I pull away from Edward, making him groan in protest "Em, I hate to break it to you but Justin and Selena broke up."
Emmett beams, "nuh uh, they went bike riding and shit – that thing is definitely still on."
"I think you'll find that they broke up again. He's with that Hailey girl now."
"I call bullshit. And if we're talking about Hailey Baldwin, she's dating the dude that sings something about 'stitches'."
"I don't think so Em…"
Edward's head flicks back and forth as though he is watching a tennis tournament. When Emmett stops, to research his facts on his phone, Edward turns to me with an amused smile.
"I didn't know that you were so up to date with celebrity pop culture."
A mild blush touches my cheeks "I blame Alice. Without Jasper around, all she does is watch teen dramas and scour gossip sites."
"I can't believe it" Emmett sighs, "there goes not one but two celebrity couples down the drain. Jesus, this nickname thing is becoming harder by the minute! I am running out of options."
I laugh at the genuine look of devastation on his face.
"Maybe you could drop the whole nickname thing, Em?" Edward pipes up hopefully.
"Fuck no, Clyde. While I don't know the future of all the Hollywood couples, I do see a lot more nicknames in your and Bonnie's future."
As he saunters away, his statement stays with me. A light bulb goes off in my head.
"Edward!" I say excitedly.
"Yeah."
"Bonnie and Clyde!"
"Yep, can't say it's the worst he has come up with. They are pretty badass."
"No, dummy! Bonnie and Clyde. For Halloween."
A slow smile stretches over his face.
…
We spend a further two hours at Eclipse, laughing at Emmett and his antics. It is interesting being here so early in the day especially as every other time I have been here it was evening. I am surprised that there are still quite a few customers coming through the doors.
Quiet acoustic music plays in the background as businessmen and women flock the bar after a hard day at work. I notice things about the club that I have never noticed before; like the huge windows, retro brick walls and number of booths. At night, all you really take in is the chaos on the dance floor, the blaring music and flashing multicoloured lights. It is a very different atmosphere, but I can't help but enjoy this more.
Edward and I also end up chatting about the Halloween party. To say I am edgy when it comes to meeting Edward's family is an understatement. I know that Esme and maybe even Rosalie will do everything in their power to throw me off Edward and our relationship. However, I am confident in what Edward and I have. It will take a big fucking bombshell to shake us. I am more nervous about restraining myself from hitting that vile woman in the face.
Even Emmett joined in on the conversation. He admits that he has met Esme and Carlisle once or twice. Carlisle has always come off as cordial and polite, whereas according to him- Esme has a very cold demeanour. He divulged that she talked nothing but business, and retreated into a shell.
What interests me even more however, is when I bring up Rosalie. It is as if a switch turned off.
"I don't know her." He states, but his tone suggests anything but.
"Really? She was here at the club when we first met."
The rigidness in his shoulders is unmistakable. His usually friendly face becomes aloof, "We don't know each other."
His voice tells me to drop the subject, so I quickly moved on. But the question continues to linger in my mind. Have they met? That answer is answered straight away – of course they have! But why is Emmett so cold with Rosalie? What did she do to him? Emmett is one of the kindest, most jovial souls I know, it would take something big for him to act in such a way.
"Hey, baby?"
"Yeah?"
Edward tosses a rag over his shoulder and leans on his forearms over the bar; the gesture immediately takes me back to the night we met. My insides melt at the memory of his cocky smirk and flirtations. Sigh.
"Emmett is giving me a break."
After Edward and I left last night, we had received a stern voicemail stating that Edward would be working a day and night shift as payment for our 'sexcapade' as Emmett had so tastefully labelled it.
"Really?" I ask sceptically.
The way he nods reminds me of a little boy, "yeah! I mean I have an hour, and then I have to come back. Have you heard from Alice?"
"She text me earlier to say that her and Jazz were still chatting, but she still wants that girls night in so after your break I'll probably just head home."
"Well, since I have limited time with you… fancy going for a drive?"
It takes me a moment to understand what he was saying.
"You mean…"
He grins widely, "Isabella Swan, I believe that ride on my Harley is long over due."
I squeal, jumping up and down. Truthfully, I had forgotten all about the bet Edward and I had made during our first date. It's hard to believe that it was almost two months ago since that day. So many things have happened.
"Where are we going?"
"Anywhere you want. The city is our oyster."
"What are we waiting for? Lets go!"
…
My Edward is full of surprises.
I find out that he has planned this for a while, and had purchased me a beautiful leather jacket to wear. The leather is dark and supple under my fingertips. It fits like a glove, running over every curve.
He groans as he zips it up, just under my breasts "holy shit, you have no idea how sexy you look right now."
His hands run from my waist and over my ass, as he pushes me into his very hard erection. I giggle, dancing away from him.
"Easy there, like you said – we have an hour and I want to spend it right."
He quirks an eyebrow, "and you're saying that making love to your desperate, lust-ridden boyfriend would be a waste of our short, short time together."
His tone lets me know that he is joking, but the way his bottom lip juts out makes me rethink my decision for a second. I lift myself up on my tiptoes and cradle his face between my hands, loving his little pout.
"Baby, I love you," I kiss his nose delicately "and I think you know how much I love… making love to you" a coy giggle pours from my lips, "However, there is a Fat Boy S calling my name. So you're going to have to take a back seat for a moment, Mister."
I walk over to the bike (making sure to swing my hips a bit in the process) before throwing my leg over the gleaming vehicle. I put my hands on the handlebars, getting a feel for the controls. It is like I am fulfilling some sort of teenage fantasy. I have lusted over Harleys for a long time, but never did I dream that I would drive one.
I look over to my boyfriend who just stands there, hands in his pocket and eyes blazing. He looks like he wants to bend me over the bike and fuck me hard, but that would have to wait until later.
I send him a saucy smile (which really didn't help with his… situation to be honest) and toss my hair over my shoulder.
"I think I just came on the spot," Edward moans, running his hands through his hair.
"Just get over here!"
"Just wait a second."
Next thing I know, he has whipped out his phone and taken about a dozen pictures of me within five seconds.
I blink, while he looks at his phone happily.
"That's definitely my new screensaver."
"Edward, you have changed your screensaver about ten times since our fourth date!"
"I can't help it if you are too photogenic." He reasons, handing me a cherry red helmet.
From any other person, the words would sound sarcastic, but the sincerity rings clearly in his words. I can't help him kiss him over my shoulder, albeit very awkwardly.
"So Isabella, what do we do now?"
"Oh Mr. Cullen, now I am going to give you the ride of your life."
His laughter is boisterous at the familiar words, and I kick the bike to life.
We cruise down the streets, the wind feeling heavenly through my hair. I have no destination in mind, choosing to just drive aimlessly, revelling in the purring of the machine.
It is so hard to describe the ecstasy you feel when riding a motorcycle. It is like your senses are elevated. You can smell everything. On 42nd Street, there is the unmistakable scent of bacon whereas on 34th street there is the overwhelming stench of weed. It's different every place you go.
You hear white noise when riding, a buzzing in your ears that make the whole experience exhilarating.
But the best thing is that even though a part of you is concentrating in staying safe and being mindful of the other people on the road – you feel utterly free. Everything, all thought just gets lost behind you as you fly at crazy speed.
I am so full adrenaline and I have forgotten how much I miss this. I am itching to get back to Forks to revamp the engine of Big Red; I don't think I can go this long without riding a bike ever again.
It is then I feel a cold drop of rain on my hand. I curse in my head, gazing quickly up at the sky, which is rapidly becoming a dark grey. While I am a confident driver, I decide to turn back to Eclipse. Driving in New York for the first time was one thing, but in the pouring rain is another.
"Edward?" I shout over the wind, the rain coming harder and faster.
"Yeah?"
"I'm gonna take us to mine!"
"Okay baby! I probably need to head back anyway!"
I turn us around, weaving my way through the yellow cabs and cars towards my apartment complex. The rain isn't heavy to the point where it's dangerous, but enough to get us soaking wet.
I park in front of the entrance, extra slowly. Who knows when I'll get another opportunity to drive this beauty?
Edward squeezes my hips, sliding off the motorcycle and helping me off. When I pull of my helmet, I look at him – my mouth going dry at the sight. His black t-shirt clings to his chest, outlining every line of his gorgeous body. His bronze hair is flat against his head, and droplets of rain drip from his eyelashes down onto his cheeks and his nose.
He looks at me with equal fire, for what reason – I don't know. I know for a fact, I must look like a drowned rat.
I am not sure who makes the first move but suddenly our lips mash together. His soft lips taste like sweet rain and something that is entirely him. I consume it, licking away the water from his mouth and twirling his tongue with mine.
He sucks my top lip into his mouth greedily and then does the same with the bottom one. It doesn't matter that we are standing on a busy street in New York with the rain banging down on us.
His stubble rubs against my skin in heavenly ways and his wet hair curls around my fingers.
All too soon, he drags himself away. His forehead meets mine, his body trembling.
"Christ Bella – the way you rode my bike… and you look so fucking good. Fuck!"
He pecks my lips again, once, then twice.
"Do you have to go?"
He chuckles, but the noise comes out all strangled.
"God, baby you don't know how much I want to bend you over my bike and just fuck the shit out of you."
I moan, my thighs clenching at the image.
"But I need to go back to work. And you need to go in before you catch a cold."
"T-text me when you get back to work. So I know that you got back safely."
"I will, love. Give Al a hug for me."
I don't know how I manage to walk away from him, but the Cheshire cat smile never leaves my face.
…
"Al?"
I peel off the leather jacket and toe my sneakers off. I drag out the movements, fruitlessly trying to avoid the inevitable. I don't know what I am going to find. Has Jasper left Alice for good? Will I find her in a similar position to how I found her earlier today? Or have I walked in at a bad time and they are ripping each other's clothes off in the other room?
I go into my room, changing out of my wet jeans and shirt, and into a pair of yoga pants and t-shirt. Still not hearing a word, I then decide to go into the kitchen for a cup of tea. The day has been a rollercoaster of emotions, and my body feels a little tired from the events. A girls night in, really is in order.
While the kettle boils, I touch my neck that still stings a little from Edward's stubble. The burn sends a bolt of electricity straight to my core, and if I close my eyes, I can still see a wet Edward with his swollen lips and lustful gaze.
"Hey Bella."
I whip around to look at Jasper, who I hadn't even heard come in.
He loiters by the door with his hands inside his pockets and looking almost shy.
"Hi Jazz, tea?"
"No thanks. I'm actually going to head out now; I've been informed that it's 'girls night' tonight?"
"Oh Jazz, if you want to spend the night alone with Alice, I totally understand – "
"No, Bells – its fine. To be honest, after my talk with Ali, I just kind of need to be on my own for a minute. Get my head around it."
I wring my hands together, eyeing him timidly "so… so everything is okay with you guys?"
He inhales deeply "I love her Bella. And even if this wasn't planned, I always knew she was it for me. I'm not going to let that go, just because everything came a bit sooner than expected. After talking with Edward and hearing what Alice had to say – I get it."
I smile at him genuinely, my heart filling with happiness for my best friend "you are a good guy, Jasper Whitlock."
He smiles back at me, but he hasn't finished.
"Look Bella, I just wanted to apologise for my behaviour earlier-"
I hold up a hand stopping him, "Jasper, I get it. More than anything."
He nods empathetically, "but that doesn't make it okay. And especially being there for Alice, when I couldn't. I owe you."
I go to him, and hug him – "you owe me nothing. Thank you for making her so happy."
His strong arms encircle me and we embrace for a minute. He pulls away from me, a big toothy grin lighting up his features.
"Well I'm gonna go. I'll be back tomorrow morning."
"I promise we'll let you in this time." I tease.
He snorts, pushing at me playfully.
"You better Swan, otherwise we'll be having words."
Alice pokes her head around the door. I am beyond delighted to see her stunning smile – right where it belonged.
"Can I come in now?"
Jasper grins at her affectionately, "yeah. I'm going now."
"Oh, okay…"
She suddenly seems unsure, she starts rocking back on her heels and her lip is trapped between her teeth – a trait that she has surely picked up from me.
Jasper, seeing her discomfort, immediately goes to her, taking her face into his hands.
"Tink – I know that it was wrong for me to leave. But I am not going to leave you ever again. I'll be back tomorrow morning."
She looks at her feet, almost avoiding him "I don't have any right to be weird around you…"
"Hey. What did I tell you? I understand baby. I was shocked and emotional when I ran earlier, but that's not going to happen again. I swear it. You, me and baby."
Alice rises on her tiptoes to kiss him. I turn quickly to the kettle, feeling like I had intruded upon an extremely private moment.
"Bye Bells!"
"Bye Jazz." I smile, nodding at him.
I hear another kissing noise; then his heavy footsteps and the door closing.
As soon as we are alone, I run to hug my pixie. The serene look on her face makes me almost want to cry. It has been way, too long since I've seen her like this.
"What you thinking?" I murmur into her hair.
Her body sighs, "Oh Bella… just so happy. He came back to me!"
I put my hands on her shoulders, "he truly is a wonderful man."
"The best. I don't deserve him."
"Alice, you deserve each other," I admonish.
"And I feel so relieved, B. I did not realise how much this secret has been weighing on me until I said it. Now I just feel… so light."
"I am so happy for you guys! And your baby… he'll be the happiest kid in the world."
"She." Alice says absentmindedly, tugging the ends of my hair.
"She?"
"You said he… I don't know. I know it's a long way off, but I just have a feeling that she's a girl."
A slow smile spreads across my face, "so a girl."
I don't even have to look to know that Alice is smiling as well, "a girl."
We then start to squeal, jumping around like excited girls. Alice is rarely wrong on these things, and I am not going to start doubting her now. It feels amazing to celebrate the pregnancy. Up until this point, with the initial shock and then keeping it from Jasper, there was no other emotion but guilt and regret. This excited momentum is much more appropriate.
We chat about shopping for the baby over our tea. Now knowing the gender, I can't wait to buy little pink dresses and dolly shoes for her. A girl! I don't think I have ever been so ready to shop before!
"Bells?"
"Mmm?"
"I need to thank you, as well. For being here. For being my bestest friend. If you were not here earlier, well. I don't know what I would have done to be honest. Not just earlier either, but throughout everything… You have been the only thing that's kept me from breaking apart."
"You know I'll always be here for you."
"I know… And thanks for the pep talk earlier. It was tough to listen to, but I needed to hear it. If I hadn't – well, I don't think I would have been able to tell him. You made me realise that this whole thing, hiding this pregnancy, has made me lose myself. Who I am."
"And that's what I was hoping you would understand. Still, it was difficult to tell you Al. You know I hate confrontation or letting my anger or frustration get the best of me."
"Yeah, well now I know why," she jokes "you're pretty scary when you're mad B."
We chuckle together.
"When I came back, I didn't know what to expect. There was a moment there, where I thought you guys were having make up sex!"
Her gleeful expression darkens; she takes a gulp of tea as if it was a shot.
"Wait – what's that look for?"
"Well, Jasper and I have made up, but…"
"What?"
Her eyes become glassy, and I am back to feeling alarmed.
"Alice – what!?"
"He's not going to have sex with me until after my next doctor's appointment!" She blubbers "he wants to make sure everything's okay, even though I told him it was fine!"
And here comes the pregnancy hormones again, folks
…
Five Days Later... The night of the Halloween party…
I smooth down my tweed pencil skirt; I am somewhat anxious in how I am going to sit in this thing. It's so tight. Alice had fashioned a slit up the right side of it to reach a little above the middle of my thigh so it gives me some room to walk. And while I am grateful for the freedom, I am hyperaware of the way it offers view to my nude lace garter belt. It makes me blush like a high schooler discovering their breasts for the first time.
However, I want the little slip of the garter to stand as a massive "fuck you" to Esme. I am not going to the party to get approval from her, as she may expect. I am there for my boyfriend; the love of my life; the man who she had manipulated from a young age and continues to fuck around with. He is the only person I am dressing for tonight... well him and myself.
Bonnie is a headstrong and powerful woman – and that is what I want to show Esme, Carlisle and Rosalie tonight. They will not be able to push me from Edward's side. Like Bonnie and Clyde – we are a package deal.
Alice tucks in my mustard yellow sweater into the back of my skirt with effort, before rounding me to straighten the silky scarf wrapped around my neck.
"Y'know Bells, you look pretty damn good blonde," she observes, twirling a strand of my short blonde wig between her fingers.
I slap her hand away playfully, righting my little white beret.
"I just hope Edward likes it."
She snorts, "B, I wouldn't be surprised if the man decided to role play tonight. You look so damn good!"
"Alice," I groan. I didn't like talking about my sex life, no matter how open she is with hers.
"Bella, please give me some leeway here! I haven't had sex in weeks, and now Jazzy wants to take it slow before our next doctor's appointment – which isn't for another week. I am losing my mind!"
"Aw, you poor baby."
"Your lack of sympathy is not appreciated" she dismisses "Okay, now for the shoes!"
Alice pulls out a pair of nude peep-toe heels.
"Let me guess, Jimmy Choo?" I jest.
She face palms, shaking her head at me disappointed. She raises the heels up so that I can see the red soles, "the fact that you cannot distinguish a Jimmy Choo from a Christian Louboutin, actually pains me Bella."
I snort, sliding the shoes on.
She steps back, squealing "ah! You look perfect! Kourtney Kardashian – eat your heart out!"
"You sure? Not too over the top? Or slutty?"
"Isabella, you are sophisticated and sexy and badass. Those socialites aren't gonna know what hit them – trust me."
I nod, but double check in the mirror. The skirt, besides the slit and tightness is modest in the respect that it falls to my knee. My make up isn't overdone; natural foundation and a nude lip, but the chocolate eye shadow, eyeliner and mascara make my eyes pop.
Turning myself away from the mirror, I try to distance myself away from bitchy aunt/adopted mothers and socialite affairs.
"What are you going to do tonight?"
Alice sits cross-legged on my bed, watching me "Just going to watch some horror movies and get a takeaway, baby is craving some pizza."
I laugh – before Alice got pregnant, she never really liked pizza. She found it creasy and gross. But, now it is all she ever seems to eat.
"I'm glad he is here."
"Me too. I didn't realize how much I needed him until he walked out on us... you get me? Up to that point, I had kind of accepted the fact that I would have to let him go and be a single mother."
I sit beside her, "I really don't know how you two are going to keep your hands off each other though."
"Ugh. Don't remind me."
"Y'know, this is the first time we haven't been out for Halloween together."
"Well technically it isn't Halloween yet… maybe you can just reuse this costume? Or wear the one you wore last year?"
I smile, thinking about the Hermione Granger costume I had worn the year before. Of course Alice had altered it so it was "appropriately sexy"; with my little black school skirt a lot shorter and the red and gold tie a bit looser.
"Wait. Then that would make Edward…"
"Ron Weasley!" Alice laughs, "y'know – he is kind of ginger!"
We both laugh hysterically at the thought of Edward in a Hogwarts uniform with painted freckles over his beautiful face.
"Now what are you two laughing at?"
Edward and Jasper stand at the threshold of my bedroom; Jasper looking a lot more relaxed with his arms crossed over his chest, a fond smile tickling his lips. Then there is Edward.
I stand quickly taking in my boyfriend.
He was wearing a navy pinstripe suit, the jacket hanging open a little so that I can see his white shirt, silk patterned tie and a flash of braces, with his bronze hair covered by a navy hat. He looked drool-worthy.
His eyes in return, run up and down my body hungrily, hovering for a moment on the glimpse of the garter. His tongue darts out to lick his lips as he eyes the lacy garment and I rub my thighs together in anticipation.
A part of me feels – fuck it. Fuck Esme. Fuck Rosalie. Fuck all those socialite pricks. All I want is to take those braces off with my teeth and roll around in bed with Edward in nothing but his hat.
"Fuck, baby. You look gorgeous."
He holds both hands out for me to hold. As I take them, he inches me closer to whisper in my ear; "and beyond sexy. I don't think I'll be able to keep my hands off you tonight."
I blush deeply, making Alice and Jasper snort with laughter.
"No backing out now Eddie," Alice teases. "And no kisses! I have worked on this masterpiece for hours. Now go and mingle with New York's finest."
"Oh, I don't think I can abide to the first rule, Ali" Edward jokes. Alice pokes her tongue out in retaliation, making Jasper laugh again.
Edward's emerald eyes meet mine "are you sure about this? You can back out now… I'll understa-"
"Edward Mason, I did not get this dressed up for nothing! Now, let's go."
We exchange goodbyes with Alice and Jasper then make our way quickly to the car. Sadly, my skirt and wig would not agree with the motorcycle, but Edward's BMW is a good replacement.
"Y'know, I like the blonde," Edward comments, starting the car "but I am already missing my brunette."
I snicker, running my fingers through the fine strands – "I'll probably end up pulling it off halfway through the night to be fair. The clips that are keeping it on are digging into my skull."
We make small talk as we continue through the busy traffic towards the hotel in which the party is being held.
As we pull up to the valet, Edward presses a kiss on to my hand "thank you so much for coming with me tonight."
I smile at him and kiss him soundly on the cheek "baby, my place is at your side."
His smile is breathtaking, "I love you. Do you know that? So fucking much."
"I do know that. And I love you too. Now lets go show those people what we're made of…"
I hold onto him tightly when he helps me out of the car and up the steps of the hotel.
There are a few photographers waiting for us by the door, but neither Edward nor I acknowledge them except for a few quick smiles.
The hotel is every bit as grand as I imagined; the colour schemes are gold and cream and I can see my reflection in the shiny marble floors. Edward leads me to a pair of huge, doors that tower over us by several feet; they look like they belong in a film or a palace. Two large men in tuxedos wait at the entrance, staring at Edward and I expectantly.
"Name?" the tallest one asks, his beady eyes scanning over a clipboard.
Edward coughs, "uh, Anthony Cullen."
If either man is surprised, they don't show it. They simply nod, and open the doors for us- "enjoy the party, Sir."
Edward returns their nod, "You okay, love?"
I stare out at the scene in front of us; I can see crystal chandeliers with candles burning; the orange glow and dark shadows creating an eerie effect suitable for the occasion. People mingle around sipping champagne from flutes, laughing and chatting amongst themselves.
However, past all this all I can focus on is the impressive staircase that we must go down.
"Edward – hold on to me," I whisper urgently.
"Always, baby."
Music pours through the room as we walk in arms linked, and I swear I can feel a dozen eyes resting on us.
The heavy beat match our steps as Taylor Swift's song sounds through the room; her lyrics echoing the very thought that is pounding in my head right now.
Are you ready for it?