Chapter 30 - Reality Checks Bounce

BELLA

Edward and I had gone on three dates now and had been kissing in his room at the end of each one. Things had been progressing nicely. We spent the dates talking and getting to know each other. I knew his middle name was Anthony, and he was actually a junior, named after his father. I let him know my middle name was Marie, named after my grandmother. We talked easily, light and casual, but nothing of consequence. I guess in the end, that should have been the first sign. I was too busy being consumed by his hands that I didn't see what was really coming. He touched my chest over my shirt last time, and I was excited to see where we would end up going tonight.

It was the day after Christmas, and I gave Edward a set of guitar strings, because I'd heard they could break easily, and it was nice to have some on hand. I also got Max a t-shirt that said 'I love my daddy' on it. Edward loved it and put it on him right away.

Edward pulled out a box that was bigger than I expected. When I opened it, I gasped. It was a medical kit with stethoscope, thermometer, pen light, and an ear light, with a few boxes of covers for the ear light and thermometer.

"I know it's for humans, but you know, I figured it could work on pets, too."

"It's amazing. I can't believe you did this," I whispered in awe.

"So, um, is it okay? Do you like it?"

I set the box aside and jumped into his lap, kissing him immediately. "I love it. I really love it. Though now I wish I would've gotten you something better."

"No, I know you spend most of your money on taking care of the strays and paying for college. Besides, guitar strings are perfect. They just prove that you know me. Alice gave me a sweater, guess which present will actually get used," he said holding up a purple sweater with yellow diamonds.

I cringed a little. "Didn't you say she was going into fashion?"

"Oh yeah, this is the latest thing in France, definitely not my style, though."

"So what did Carlisle and Esme get you?"

"Carlisle gave me a gas card and a voucher for oil changes, and Esme gave me an iTunes cards and a mini fridge," he said pointing to the little black fridge that took the place of his nightstand. "Want a drink?" he asked. I shrugged, and he passed me a nice cool water bottle.

"Stocked with water bottles, huh?" I said raising my eyebrow at him.

It took him a minute, but it finally clicked, and he started laughing. "I wish; I can't do that with Max around. I have to keep my junk away from his claws," he chuckled.

"What about me, do you want to keep it away from me?" I asked. He scooted closer to me on the couch.

"No, I don't ever want to be away from you," he said looking down at my lips. We started kissing again. This time he pinned me down on the couch and pushed between my legs. The seam of my jeans pressed against me in a wonderful way. He started grinding against me as we kissed, and I was getting hot all over. My body was screaming for him.

I should have known things were going too well. There was a knock on the door, Esme calling us for dinner. We all sat around the table chatting quietly. Carlisle asked about my college plans, and I told them about my online classes and how I would be finishing up my associates at the PA community college before I could transfer to UW. But again, I would have to take most of my classes online, hopefully only taking classes at UW when it was absolutely necessary. It was just in case my mom got sick, because I would need to return home quickly.

"Edward and Alice will be going to NYU in for the fall semester. They're leaving in July, so they can get settled there with their friend, Jasper," Esme said proudly.

I felt like I had been kicked in the gut. Edward was leaving. He had never said a word about it, but I guess I should have expected it. There was no reason for him to stay. I plastered on a fake smile. "That's great. You must be very proud."

"More upset, actually. I just got them, and I'm losing them both already," Esme complained.

"We'll be home for the breaks, Aunt Esme," Alice said leaning over and hugging her. "It won't be that bad."

I looked over at Edward to see he was staring hard at his plate. He had yet to look at me, since his aunt had dropped the bomb. The bomb that he should have detonated himself but hadn't.

EDWARD

I wanted to strangle and kiss Carlisle when he had interrupted us. Once Bella was gone, he let me know that he had been able to get the gift I wanted for her. He thought it was wonderful she was going into the medical field, even if it was just the animal one.

Bella and I spent the next several days together. I helped her with her animals, and she let me take her to my place so I could kiss her. I never asked to go into her house, because I knew I couldn't. No one was able to go in except the chief and Bella. It didn't bother me at all. I did, however, want to sneak back to her house every evening after she left, so I could watch her strip through the window and head for the shower, before going into the main part of her house, but I restrained myself. It didn't mean I wasn't plotting ways for me to be there, though.

Things were getting exciting between us. She was so easy to talk to, and it made it easy to forget that my plans would be pulling me away from her. Her lips were very distracting, and I finally was able to get my hands on her beautiful breasts. She was still wearing her shirt, but who cared. They were so soft and warm. She made little mewling noises when my fingers found the tips through her shirt. It was so hot. I wanted to get my hands inside her shirt. In fact, that had been my plan before we were interrupted. It was like Esme and Carlisle had little alarms that went off anytime Bella and I got close to each other. It was driving me nuts.

The day after Christmas, we exchanged gifts, and she loved what I gave her. What she didn't know was I absolutely adored the strings she gave me. She knew me so much better than my family. They all gave me practical gifts, where she gave me something I wanted. It was perfect, she was perfect. I just didn't know how to tell her.

Of course, reality came crashing down on us at dinner. Esme talked about me leaving, and I could see how hurt Bella was. I hadn't told her of my plans, but then she hadn't asked, either. I knew I couldn't ask her to come with me. She had to stay close to her mom, and I understood that. I just hoped she would be willing to make it work while we were apart.

After dinner, things went downhill fast. She picked up her coat from my bed and gave me a tight smile. "I have to go," she said.

I knew she really didn't. "Bella," I called to her, but she just walked faster. I grabbed her arm when she made it to her car so I could stop her. "Please, listen to me."

She shook her head. I didn't miss the tears that were forming in her eyes. "It's fine, Edward. I know we're just friends. I'll see you around," she said and slipped away from me.

I tried calling her several times for the next week, but she never took my call. Finally, I just broke down and went over there. She had forgotten her present, and I wasn't going to let her not take it. I found her in the shed, sitting with a couple of kitties in her lap. I came in unannounced, carrying the box with her gift. "You forgot these," I said.

She didn't say anything.

"I'm not letting you refuse it, because I'm sure the patients you have would benefit from them. I know you won't let your pride hurt them."

She looked up at me and glared. "Pride? You think it was pride that had me running out of your house?"

Okay, she was pissed. I just shrugged timidly and took a step back.

"You're such a pompous asshole. Get out," she sneered at me. God, even her sneer was beautiful.

"Bella, please, let me explain," I begged.

"No need, Edward. We were just friend…with benefits," she choked on the last part. "I'm revoking your benefits."

"Bella, it wasn't like that at all."

She shook her head at me. "It's fine, Edward. I'm just glad we stopped, before I did anything I'd regret." She took a deep breath. "We're still friends, Edward. I just need time." She looked up at me, and I could see the damage I had done.

"Okay," I whispered. That was it, that was all she would give me, and I would take what I could get. Maybe when I came home for breaks, she would see that it could work between us. That I wanted to make it work between us.

That I wanted her.