*Disclaimer: I own nothing.
Running on Fumes
Chapter 8
By: EJJCullen
The ride to the Diner was awkward at best and filled with complete silence. It was, however, amusing to see Renee sitting behind the cage in the back of Charlie's cruiser. I caught him a few times glancing in the rearview mirror and smirking. I had to admit it was funny. Charlie claimed that the Volvo was in need of a timing belt and wouldn't start, leaving us no option other than to take the cruiser. When Renee made to get into the passenger seat, Charlie told her that it was my day, therefore I should sit up front. She huffed life a five year old when Charlie opened the back door for her. He even put his hand on the back of her head as she sat down, it was out of habit for Charlie, and the look on Renee's face was priceless.
We parked off to the side and walked into the Diner meeting the Cullen's in the front lobby. The Diner was the only restaurant in town and although it was called a diner it was broken down into three sections to meet the needs of any and all events. Each section had a name; to the left was the 'railcar', on the right was the 'lounge' and we had reservations in the back room called the 'chateau'.
The 'railcar' was made up of booth tables and a large counter that ran down the length of the room. People could seat themselves where ever they wanted and the menu was all day breakfast, lunch and dinner. The 'lounge' was more of a pub type atmosphere. They had TV's on the walls broadcasting various sporting events, there was a large bar and all the tables were high tops with stools and the menu consisted of wings and things. Where as the 'chateau' was the most formal of the rooms. It was located in the back of the diner and had elegant tables of various sizes to accommodate groups, chandeliers hung from the ceiling, and each table was immaculately dressed with linens and candles. This menu was pricier and had entrées that were top of the line.
As we greeted the Cullen's I took in the differences between our two families. Carlisle and Edward were decked out in black dress pants, button down shirts, and in Carlisle's case, a black jacket. Carlisle wore a crisp light blue shirt with white collar and cuffs, while Edward had on a green shirt, that matched his eyes perfectly, and had the sleeves rolled up to his elbows. Esme looked beautiful in a burgundy dress that hung to her knees and had a black belt accentuating her thin frame and matched her stiletto heels. They looked as though they all belonged together.
The Swan's on the other hand looked like a random group. I was the most dressy, while Charlie wore a pair of khaki pants and a red plaid button down with black boots and Renee looked like she shopped in the juniors department with her too tight jean skirt, barely there yellow shirt that fell just short of her waist showing off her stomach and a pair of wedge sandals.
My eyes instantly sought out Edward's. He smiled brightly at me and dropped a kiss on my cheek as we all exchanged pleasantries. The hostess led us to our table and my eyes dropped to Edward's behind as he walked a step in front of me. His dress pants hung low on his hips and showed off his tight backside. When he stopped at the table I practically ran into him.
Our table was large and round in shape situated in front of a giant stone fireplace in the center of the room. There were only two other tables in use in the room and they were several tables away giving us a good amount of privacy. Charlie and Carlisle sat next to one anther quickly engaging in conversation while Renee and Esme sat next to one another with Esme on Carlisle's right. Edward took the seat next to Charlie leaving me two chairs to choose from. One was next to Renee and the other next to Edward. I chose the seat next to Edward leaving and empty chair between myself and Renee.
Once our drink orders were in the table fell into uncomfortable silence.
"So, Bells, why don't you tell us how you spent your day today birthday girl?" Charlie asked, clearly trying to break the silence with a "safe" topic.
"Oh," I said, blushing slightly as I recalled the afternoon events with Edward. As if sensing my discomfort, he placed a hand on my knee and squeezed lightly. "I just lounged around and took a dip in the pool." My eyes found Edwards as the word 'pool' left my lips. The corner of his lip twitched as he held in a smile.
"Right, Edward said he joined you for a swim after school." Esme mentioned, breaking mine and Edwards gaze. "You must love having a pool in the backyard. We had one in Chicago, but it was indoors and you always smelled like chlorine after taking a dip."
"Yeah the whole ground floor smelt like a YMCA." Carlisle added with a laugh.
The conversation died quickly as we all looked over the menu deciding on what to have. The waitress returned with our drinks and took our entrée orders. She disappeared quickly to put them in while another server brought out garden salads. The silence continued as we ate, but all too soon we were forced into another conversation to fill the quiet.
"So, Edward, do you plan to return to Chicago for college?" Charlie asked.
"I'm not sure Charlie, I actually have my eye on a few schools on the East Coast." He said. My head shot up quickly upon hearing this and I listened intently as they continued.
"Really?" Charlie asked. "Bells is looking at the North-East for a few schools too."
"It's a bit competitive, so I just hope my grades gain me entrance into the few schools I have my eye on." Edward said.
"Which schools are those?" Charlie asked.
"Well, I really like Middlebury, Dartmouth and Yale." Edward said as my jaw slowly opened wider and wider at the mention of each school.
"Wow! What a coincidence," Charlie chuckled. "Bella was looking into Middlebury and Dartmouth!"
"Really?" Edward said, turning his eyes from Charlie to me. "Maybe we will end up at the same college." He raised his eyebrows at me and smirked slightly.
"That would be fate." I said blushing a little more as Edward's fingers began tracing patterns along the inside of my knee.
Charlie and Carlisle began going back and forth over how great it would be if Edward and I ended up on the same college campus allowing them to share trips to and fro. Esme sat smiling gazing at Edward and me, while Renee sat back watching the whole exchange with an evil smirk.
The entrées came quickly and once again the table fell into a peaceful hush as we each dug into our respective dinners. As the empty plates were cleared Carlisle cleared his throat and gave his wife a nod.
"Bella, we wanted to get you a little something for you to celebrate your special day. Happy Birthday." Esme said holding out a thin, rectangular shaped box wrapped in pink paper with a silver bow on top.
"Oh, thank you Mr. and Mrs. Cullen," I said, shocked that they felt the need to get me something. "You didn't have to get me anything."
"Oh, nonsense dear." Esme said, dismissing my comment.
I peeled off the paper and opened the box to reveal a new ipod touch.
"Oh my goodness, thank you so much, I lost my ipod on my last run. Thank you." I said, Esme winked at me and Carlisle shot me a genuine smile, while Edward gave my knee another affectionate squeeze.
"Boy, you have just been spoiled this year, haven't you Bella?" Renee said smirking.
"She certainly has, but Bells deserves all of it." Charlie said, shooting me a smile.
"Thanks everyone, I really appreciate it." I said, suddenly feeling self-conscious.
"I have one more little surprise…" Renee said pulling an envelope out of her purse.
"Um, excuse me." I said standing and walking off in the direction of the restroom. I needed to get away immediately. I couldn't face the destruction that Renee was so proudly bringing.
I rounded the corner to the restrooms and doubled over taking deep breaths. I felt light headed and nauseous. Feeling a hand rub gently on my back I stiffened.
"It's ok Bella," Edward said softly. "Calm down."
"It's…not…okay…Edward." I panted between breaths.
"Come on, you need to pull it together." Edward said, lacing his fingers through mine and gripping it tightly. "Let's go back and face this together. It will be better once it's out in the open. Then we can deal with it and be able to move forward."
"Ok," I said, standing up and walking back to the table hand in hand with Edward.
As we approached the table it was as if everything happened in slow motion. Renee and Carlisle were both standing up yelling at each other across the table while Charlie sat with his head lowered pale as a ghost. Esme looked up to see us approach and her movement caught Charlie's attention as he too looked over at us. His eyes met mine and my heart broke. He looked completely devastated. His eyes lowered to my hand in Edwards and his eyes widened in horror.
"Bella," he said calmly as we finally reached the table. "There is something about Edward you need to know. He's…your half brother."
"WHAT!" Esme and I said in unison.
"No, Charlie," Esme continued. "Do you remember the Labor Day picnic at the beach near LaPush?"
Charlie nodded slowly, and then his eyes widened in understanding.
"Oh my God," He said as he looked at Esme. "He's…"
"Yes." She said.
"Wait, what are you talking about?" Renee spit childishly.
"Well, Renee," Carlisle explained. "Just as Bella is not Charlie's, Edward is not mine."
It took a moment for the realization to kick in before Renee turned to Charlie.
"You cheated on me!" She yelled.
"And there is one more thing Renee," Carlisle said pulling out a sealed manila folder. "Your finances are officially cut off."
As Carlisle handed Renee the folder, I panicked. There was only one thing that I could think of that could be in that folder, but how? I destroyed the jump drive! They must have printed the photos before I got the drive. But how could Carlisle do something like that to his daughter?
Renee opened the folder and her jaw dropped as her eyes met mine and narrowed.
"You little bitch!" She screamed as she dropped the folder and stormed out of the diner.
I stood rooted to the floor unable to speak. Tears fell softly down my cheek as I reached out and picked up the folder. Pulling out the pages within my heart beat frantically. I flipped the pages over and was shocked. I expected to see photos of me and Edward, but what I held in my hands was a pile of legal and financial documents clipped together with a business card attached. The card was for a Jane Vultori – attorney and financial consultant. From the looks of the card she seemed to be high priced.
"Bella," Carlisle said. "Let me explain all of that."
"She knows that Renee was blackmailing you." Edward said.
"Oh," Carlisle said. "Well, I didn't do that just to keep Renee away from our money. I did it because it also belongs to you Bella."
"I think its time for me and my daughter to leave." Charlie said standing from his chair and rounding the table to escort me out of the dinning room.
"Thanks again for my gift," I said quietly as we disappeared out of view.
The ride home was awkwardly quiet. We pulled into the driveway and Charlie cut the engine but didn't move.
"Bella, I don't know what to do or think here." He admitted. "You're my baby girl, and I can't imagine my life without you. I just need you to know, that even though we don't share the same DNA, I love you." He hugged me tight.
"Thanks Dad. My head is spinning, so I am glad that your not just going to kick me out and have Edward move into my room." I said with a laugh.
We exited the car and headed up the front walk towards the house when the headlights from the Cullen's car pulling into their driveway caught our attention. We stood, watching as they got out of their car and looked over towards us.
"I guess we all have a lot to talk about, huh?" Charlie said, motion to the Cullen's.
We walked over towards the Cullen's and met them just outside their front door.
"Why don't we all go inside and talk." Esme suggested.
We all followed her inside and settled in their living room.
"Charlie," Carlisle started. "I know that this is a very sensitive time, but I do want to get to know my daughter."
"And I want to get to know my son." Charlie agreed.
Several hours later we came to an agreement that we all could agree upon. Charlie and Edward would start spending time together as would Carlisle and I. They decided on having an 'open door' policy which would allow Edward to come to Charlie any time and the same applied to me and Carlisle. It seemed to take some of the awkwardness away from the situation.
"Bella, do you think I could have a word alone with Carlisle and Esme?" He asked.
"Sure." I said getting up to leave the living room.
"We'll be in the den." Edward said, grabbing my hand and leading me down the hall.
Once inside the den I was hit with the memories of the last time I was here. I needed to talk to Edward about what he did the other day.
"Edward, I think we need to talk about the other day." I said, looking him straight in the eye.
His eyes widened momentarily before he dropped his head in defeat.
"I owe you an explanation."
"Just one?" I laughed. "What was Carlisle going to do with those pictures?"
"What pictures?" He asked.
"You know," I blushed. "The ones of you and me…"
"Oh…what would Carlisle want with those?" He asked.
"I found them on his computer!" I admitted.
"You have the jump drive?" He said, as if he was relieved. "Oh, thank god. I thought my mom or Carlisle had found it. I've been looking for it everywhere. Wait, how did you get it?"
"It doesn't matter how I got it, what matters is why those pictures were taken to begin with."
"Well, that was your idea." He said as he took a step towards me and wrapped his arms around my waist. "I never would have thought you would have been so adventurous."
"I'm not." I said.
"Right." He chuckled as he started to kiss my neck.
"No, Edward, really. If you hadn't drugged me, I would have never done that." I said, pushing his chest to look him in the face.
"Bella, I didn't mean to hurt you…that's not what I was trying to do." He said, sincerity reflecting in his eyes. "I just wanted to give you something to help you relax. Your so on edge when you're around me I thought that it would help you be yourself more."
"Edward, I'm on edge around you because I like you and I've never been this close to someone before. So much has happened over the past few days between me and you and all our parents. Now I need you to be honest with me. Why would Carlisle want those pictures?"
"Carlisle?" He said taken aback. "He didn't even know about the pictures."
"Then why did I find them on this computer?" I said motioning to the computer on the desk behind him.
"Oh…" He said, a blush creeping up on his cheeks. "Well, my mom was using my laptop and I was down here looking at them and I got a little carried away…I must have left it down here by accident when I went upstairs to…uh…clean up."
"Oh," I said, just as embarrassed for making Edward fess up to jerking off to our pictures.
"So…" He said pulling me close again and kissing my neck. "Where is the jump drive?"
"I destroyed it." I said giggling.
"Oh," He said disappointment dripping in his voice.
"Well, I guess we could always make new ones. You know, this time with me remembering it." I said moaning lightly as he placed more open mouthed kisses down my neck.
He hummed in agreement against my shoulder as his hands lowered to the hem of my dress slowly pulling it up. I could feel him hard against my hip as he found his way to my behind and discovered my black thong.
With a possessive growl, he lifted me up, walked over to the desk and placed me on the edge. He sat in the leather desk chair and palmed his erection as he gazed at me with lust clouded eyes.
"What are you doing?" I panted, wondering why he would start something and then just back off.
"I'm letting you make the decisions, I don't want to overstep again Bella." He admitted honestly.
"Well, you can't just get me all worked up and then stop." I whined.
Chuckling, he stood up finding his way in between my open legs and kissed me passionately. Our kiss quickly deepened as his hands danced along my thighs before he pulled on the edge of my thong. I lifted my hips to allow him to pull my thong off completely and I watched as he pocketed it. I guess that explains where my panties went the other day, I thought.
In no time, his fingers were sliding along my wet slit teasing me. I bucked my hips towards his fingers as he purposely avoided the place I wanted him most. I could feel him smile as our tongues tangled together. On the next pass of his fingers I practically huffed in frustration. Finally he pushed two fingers into my core as I gasped with pleasure.
I began to undo his pants as he continued to finger me, tightening the coil in my stomach. As soon as his pants were undone, he pushed back and sat back down on the chair. With his pants and boxer-briefs around his ankles he wiped his coated fingers along his shaft.
"Come here." He moaned.
I practically hopped off the desk to get to him. When I was standing between his knees he lifted a finger and twirled it around motioning for me to turn around. I did as instructed as he lifted my skirt to my waist and carefully situated my legs on either side of his thighs before slowly pulling me down onto his shaft.
We moaned as our bodies connected and he pulled me back against his chest as he lifted his hips thrusting in and out of me at a slow pace. Increasing my pleasure he added his fingers to my clit.
"Bells!" I heard Charlie call as he approached the office.
"Fuck!" I whisper-yelled.
Before we could blink, the door opened. Luckily Edward and I were blocked by the desk and to the casual observer it appeared that I was just sitting on his lap.
"Time to go kiddo" He said.
"Uh, ok." I said, slowly standing up, earning a hiss from Edward in the process. 'Sorry' I mouthed over my shoulder to Edward.
"Good night kiddo." Charlie called over to Edward as we exited the office. "And remember, our door is always open if you ever need anything."
"Yeah, thanks Charlie. Maybe I'll take you up on that offer some time." He said more to me than Charlie.
When Charlie and I got home, we said our good nights and I quickly headed off to bed making sure to pull out my pink silk night gown to wear to bed in hopes that Edward would make his way through my window at some point tonight.
