Because i Love You
A Sincere Symposium
Disclaimer: This story contains disciplinary spanking, so if you don't like it, don't read it. These characters are not mine; I didn't write the Twilight books Stephanie Meyer did.
Author's Note:I'd like to thank all of you readers out there for all of your support; it really means the world to me! And I'd like to give a special thanx toYou-Dazzle-Me-1901 4 inspiring this next chapter! Hope you enjoy it; suggestions, comments and constructive criticisms are welcome; In other words please do review! ;p
Side Note: Again I hope I haven't confused anyone too badly with all of this jumping around. Just to clarify any confusion, this scene is taking place after Carlisle and Edward's "discussion" which took place in chapter 2: Corresponding Consequences. Again this chapter is what happens to Edward after the "discussion".
EPOV
Flashback:
Later that night, as I climbed through Bella's bedroom window, cautiously evading objects which had come in close proximity with my still smarting backside, I thought slyly, well Charlie did say I couldn't put one foot through his door; so here I am, going through the window.
My Bella lay, still fully clothed, on top of her bed. She had evidently been too exhausted to bother with customary sleeping rituals, such as utilizing pajamas and covering oneself up with a coverlet.
I approached her bedside, watching her chest rise and fall peacefully. I noted that she was not sleeping face down; which is a typical position for those who have recently undergone corporal punishment. Well, at least I know I didn't punish her too harshly; however, I can't say the same for Carlisle, I fear I shall be feeling his punishment for quite some time. Perhaps even avoiding sitting down for a day or so…Thus I stood, admiring my Bella; glad to be through with all of this "drama", as Emmett had called it.
Around 4:00 in the morning my Bella began to stir again. As usual she had tossed and turned frequently throughout the night; oftentimes muttering obscure phrases, appearing as if she were about to wake up. Thus, after witnessing several false alarms, I had begun to doubt that she would arise anytime soon. So, when she abruptly sat upright, looking around the room concernedly, I almost jumped in surprise. Her face was pale, glistening with sweat; she had obviously had a bad dream.
I rushed to her side "Bella? It's alright Love; it was just a nightmare"
She bit her lip, still looking apprehensive; her eyes shifting back and forth anxiously. "Edward?" She asked timidly
It nearly killed me hearing the worry in her voice. "It's alright Bella Love; I'm here. I haven't left. You can go back to sleep; I'll still be here when you wake up…"
She nodded her head and took my hand, pulling me gently onto her bed. I tried not to wince as my backside made contact with the bedding. Yes, I'm definitely going to be feeling this "discussion" for a while…
I wrapped my arms around Bella; rocking her softly. She was still whimpering softly, so I decided to let her calm down before asking probing questions.
After several silent moments, she sat up, somewhat determinedly. "Edward?" she asked purposefully.
"Yes, Love?" It was hard for me to conceal my amusement at her fierce expression; it simply did not match her shy demeanor.
"Edward, I need to ask you something"
Her eyebrows knitted together, causing the bridge of her nose to wrinkle. "Of course Love; what is it?"
She bit her lip, now slightly nervous; I can't stand not being able to read her mind! "Please Bella, the suspense is killing me. What are you thinking about?"
"Well… I was just wondering…Edward, why did you leave me?" her voice was sad enough that it could have made even a vampire cry. I blinked back the ghosts of tears.
BPOV
I gasped. I can't believe I just said that out loud! I hadn't intended to; it just sort of, slipped out…
"Bella" his voice sounded pained; deeply wounded by my question. "The only reason I left was because I thought I was protecting you. I needed you to have a chance at a normal, happy life. One without the dangers my world evokes."
That's the craziest thing I've ever heard! "How could you even say that Edward?!" Then I paused, considering his words for a moment. "But… it was so easy for you to leave?" He placed a cool hand on my hot, sticky cheek; causing goosebumps to run up and down my skin.
"I know it sounds foolish; believe me I do. But Bella, leaving you was the hardest thing I've done in one hundred years. I am so sorry that I ever left you Love. I can see now all of the damage I have caused by doing so. I only hope that you can forgive me because, I honestly don't know how to live without you." he continued to caress face; trying, in vain, to console me. "And, I would understand if you don't want me around anymore; I mean, I would learn to accept your decision, if…if you have moved on…"
"NO!" I shouted; completely flabbergasted by his ridiculous assumptions.
Edward hushed me. I stole a quick glance towards my bedroom door; remembering that Charlie would still be sleeping. I'm in enough trouble with him as it is; I don't need to have him barge in here and discover that I'm harboring a so called "fugitive".
I turned back to look at Edward. His ever present poker face was slipping; concern glistened softly in his dark eyes (he clearly needed to hunt). "Edward, you are the only one I have ever wanted."
I watched his face; he was pensive again. "Bella, you are the only one I have ever wanted as well." He flashed my favorite crooked smile.
I grinned sheepishly back; slightly embarrassed by all of the dramatics. He then leaned forward, pulling my chin up towards him. Our lips met and we kissed tenderly. I had missed Edward so much; I had particularly missed this part of our relationship, his gentile, almost hesitant kisses. I blushed again as our lips parted and he took my hand in his.
Hoping to change the subject to a less emotional one, I decided to ask him the question that I had originally wanted to ask.
"So…" I started awkwardly; Edward began stroking my cheek again. "Erm…when are you going to change me into a vampire?"
He froze, frowning seriously; his hand dropped to his side "never" he said plainly
"Bu…but you promised the Volturi! You promised me!" I couldn't believe he was saying this! What the hell?!
"There are always ways to keep the Volturi in the dark; there really is no need to act so rashly. Everything will be fine Love…"
"But Edward?!"
"I said no Bella" he spoke quietly but firmly.
I pouted sullenly; I would not let that be the end of this discussion. I'm becoming a vampire one way or another! "Well then, if you won't do it, I'll ask someone else!!!"
Edward scowled "You'll do no such thing"
"I will so; I'll get Alice or Carlisle to do it for me!"
He sighed in frustration, pinching the bridge of his nose with his thumb and forefinger, before saying calmly "You're so stubborn…"
I grinned back at him mischievously. "Makes you love me all the more" I smirked.
He leaned forward lovingly caressing my cheek, yet again. I tried to stand strong against his manipulative actions. He knows how easily I become sidetracked; but it really is difficult to remain focused with a gorgeous creature like Edward in the room. He smirked slyly, knowing that he had successfully distracted me from my newly found vampire fixation.
"So… did Charlie punish you as well?"
I blinked, abruptly crash landing back on Earth. My mind had been lingering on some random planet where only Edward and I existed. "Nah, not really," I grimaced uncomfortably, remembering my punishment I had received from Edward. "He just grounded me for like the rest of my life…" I blushed I would never call "grounding" a punishment again.
"Hmm" he said, obviously restraining his thoughts.
"What?" I asked inquisitively; readjusting myself into a cross-legged sitting position.
"Well_" Edward began uneasily; he was now fiddling idly with a strand of my disheveled hair.
"Well what?" Come on; spill it!
"You see Bella; I just wouldn't feel right if I didn't tell yo_"
"Tell me what?!"
He smirked, bemused. "Bella, if you'll stop interrupting me for a second I'll tell you."
I blushed for my lack of patience. I then acted out zipping up my lips; in hopes that this would convince him that I was ready to listen intently.
He laughed "Thank you Love; as I was saying, I…well, that is to say, I have been rebuked for my callousness as well…"
I could swear I saw his face redden with his words. But, I remained silent; eager for him to continue his narrative.
"You see Love, I have behaved recklessly as well; and as such, I was forced to… 'reap the due consequences' as Carlisle put it…"
Say what now?! I felt my eyes widen in shock. Had Carlisle grounded Edward?! Was he even allowed to do that?
Edward noted my confused expression and grimaced sheepishly. "Bella, Carlisle is my father for all intensive purposes; he spanked me for being reckless…"
I felt color flood my cheeks, heating up due to the awkward situation. We had both been spanked for being reckless?! So here we sat, two well punished children, nursing sore butts…
We continued to sit in excruciating silence for several more minutes.
"Erm…It must have been really hard for Carlisle to have to do that to you"
"Yes, he finds it exceedingly difficult…but he cares enough to put his emotions aside and do what he believes is right; what he believes his loved ones need."
Edward looked down at me; searching my face. I could tell that he was still feeling bad about punishing me, and he was curious if he had hurt me, and wondering if I could ever forgive him. I guess I can understand why he spanked me…like Carlisle, he only wanted what he thought was best for me.
Edward cleared his throat; trying to fill the continually awkward silence. I looked up at his concerned face. He was way too overprotective when it came to my safety, but he had been right; I had been really stupid… I should have known better…he must really care about me… My eyes widened again; this time with the excitement of my epiphany "You really do love me, don't you?"
He laughed, displaying my favorite crooked smile; then, planting a peck on my forehead he said "Yes Bella, I really do"
I smiled; breathing with ease for the first time since before he had left me.
Then Edward pulled me closer to him, gently wrapping his arms around me. I felt secure in his arms; somehow I had always known that he would be there to protect me in the end…
"May I…may I say something?"
I cocked my head sideways; unsure of how I should respond. "Um…sure, go ahead" I had been talking enough to last us a lifetime; let him get a few words in there.
He cleared his throat before continuing "Bella I've been thinking; if you are indeed as intent on becoming a vampire as you have relentlessly expressed, and if you truly want me to change you into a one myself, then I have one prerequisite…"
I bolted upright; where the hell did that come from?! I thought he said no? What is he playing at? Perhaps he has been concocting this scheme of his while my thoughts were otherwise occupied!
So, unable to put together a comprehensible response, I simply nodded my head once, seriously, and waited to hear his terms.
~ a long & intense pause ~
"Marry me Bella?"
I let out a small gasp "Be serious Edward!"
"I am. If you want to become a vampire, and if you want me to be the one to change you, then this is my one condition."
"That's the craziest thing I've ever heard!" That was the second time today I had thought those words; hmm…Edward is crazy; that's the only explanation that makes sense.
Edward smirked as if he really could read my thoughts; of course he would stumble across the one condition that I had no intention of adhering to! But damn, I really do want him to be the one to do it…
He began fiddling with my hair again; letting his words weigh heavily in my calculating mind. I sighed resolutely "Edward?!" I said fiercely.
"Yes Love?" he said as he brushed a strand of hair out of my face. I had to admit, this manipulative behavior of his, was beginning to bug the crap out of me!
I exhaled, rolling my eyes, before opening my mouth and uttering one uneasy word "ok"
Edward's eyes lit up; he excitedly reached into the pocket of his charcoal Peacoat, withdrawing a small black box. Oh no…
He grinned "Now Bella; don't be mean. Remember you have already agreed to this; I would simply like to do this the right way…" I grimaced as he got off of the bed and knelt down on one knee, before opening the tiny black box and presenting me with a beautifully delicate engagement ring. This sort of activity should be outlawed! It's just too painfully awkward!
"Isabella Swan, I love you. I want to spend the rest of eternity with you forever in my arms; will you do me the honor of becoming my wife?"
I felt my face go pink for about the gazillionth time. A part of me wanted to say something sarcastic and mean, while the other part wanted to say something embarrassingly mushy. So, deciding not to harm myself or Edward with either scenario I said "yes"
"Thank you" he replied, his eyes still dazzling "You'll never know how happy you have made me." He then eased himself back onto the bed, reaching for my left hand.
I tugged my hand away from his as I realized what he was about to do. "No way Edward!"
He frowned "Bella, I'm not going to solder the ring onto your finger." I had hurt his feelings. "I just want to make sure it fits you…"
I scowled and childishly tucked both of my hands under my bottom; hiding them from the engagement ring. It was one thing to agree to marry the love of my life, but it was quite another to display said agreement so brazenly for everyone to see. I mean really, I'm only eighteen for crying out loud! Erg…I can hear the gossip now… and what would Charlie and Renee say? What would they think? What kind of person agrees to get married at such a young age anyways?!
Edward shook his head disapprovingly "Bella don't be so infantile." He reached to take my left hand out from under my bottom.
"No!" I said firmly "I don't want it!"
Edward raised an eyebrow at my behavior. "Bella, I won't hesitate to spank you again if you continue to act immature and unreasonable."
I bit my lip nervously; hands still tucked under my back pockets. Would Edward really give his future wife a spanking?
-The End-
Lol hey guys, thanx 4 sticking with me! I hope you all enjoyed reading this story, cause I really had a laugh writing it!
And…
I am extremely grateful 4 all of your support and REVIEWS!
Sadly, this is the final chapter of this story; however I am considering writing a sequel…
Any thoughts? Please do post a REVIEW!
