BPOV
Chapter 5:
Thunder was booming loudly outside causing the girls and I jump. I love storms, but Angela wasn't as happy as the rest of us. She sat by herself on the couch on her phone while Rose, Al, and I started a game of Scrabble. The boys had been gone for an hour, and hadn't called us, yet. We weren't worried, but I couldn't blame my friends for wanting their husbands back. A small part of me was trying to admit that I wanted Edward back, too. I decided to take this opportunity to talk with my best friends and get some feedback. Maybe it would help me sort it out myself.
"Hey, I wanted to apologize to you both for being so secretive earlier," I said in a glum tone. Alice put the word, 'Engrave' together, putting her in the lead.
"It's no big deal, Bells. We were just curious," Al said waving her hand.
"Well, we got into an argument, actually." Rose and Alice whipped their heads up at this new piece of news.
"Really? What did you say?" Alice asked wide eyed.
"Yeah, did you let him have it?" Rose chimed in.
"Actually, yeah I did. I told him he was an insensitive asshole," I said giggling. The girls started to laugh and Alice clapped her hands.
"Good for you!" they said together. I smiled.
"I suppose so," I said shrugging. "We made up, though. I think."
"What?" they said together again and leaned in closer.
"Well he explained that he had to leave for France for an internship that left immediately, and that his phone number wasn't fake, it just obviously didn't work overseas. He said that he even got the Facebook account to try and look me up." I opted not to mention the kiss because I knew what would come along with it. Maybe it was an unnecessary kiss, but I couldn't explain it, and wasn't about to question it. It probably shouldn't have happened so fast, but that seemed to be the way that Edward and I worked.
"Well that's kind of sweet, actually," Alice said smiling.
"Yeah except that his profile picture was of some him and some french bombshell," Rosalie retorted. Shit, I had forgotten about that.
"Maybe it was a friend, Rose," Alice said.
"Yeah, okay," Rosalie replied sarcastically. I added that to the list of things that I wanted to ask Edward one day. "Just, whatever you do, take it super slow, alright? I mean, super super slow. I don't want that ass being an ass to you, again."
"Okay, Rose," I said feeling touched. I heard her phone vibrant on the floor next to her.
"Oh! Emmett just text me saying they're almost here," Rose said getting up and going for her coat.
"Hey, Angela, the boys are almost home," Alice said walking over to her and slightly shaking her awake. I remember what it was like being pregnant. You're tired all the fucking time. Angela got up quickly and rubbed her eyes. The three girls all went outside bundled up in their coats. I decided to follow along, unsure as to why. Sure enough, Edward's big truck pulled into the driveway and parked not a moment later. Four boys jumped out soaking wet, and ran towards us. We all rushed inside from the cold, and everyone was hugging. Edward had come in last, looking positively freezing. I wish I could hug him back to warmth. I turned away when his face turned toward mine, in case my eyes would give away my thoughts.
"Well, that did you guys find?" Angela said.
"The roads are completely washed out," Mark breathed out heavily.
"What? So, we're stranded here?" Rose said frantically.
"Looks like it, babe," Emmett said putting his arm around her.
"What the fuck? For how long? I have a case that needs to be processed, and court on Tuesday, Emmett!" Rose shouted.
"We don't know how long, Rose. It could be days. The roads are completely gone," Emmett said trying to calm her soothingly. "We can work from here. You brought your laptop, right?"
"Of course I did," Rose snapped. Alice and Jasper had left us probably going to get Jasper some dry clothes. Edward was peeling off his heavy wet jacket and raised his eyebrows in confusion.
"I can take that," I said quietly. "I'll put it, and the wet clothes you're wearing in the washer."
"Oh, I can do that," he said quickly.
"No, I don't mind. Go get warm," I said as nice as I could. He handed me the jacket carefully.
"Thanks, Bella." and turned to run up the stairs. I went to the laundry room and put the thick jacket into the washing machine while I waited for Edward to return with the rest of his clothes. His hair looked so adorable all over the place and wet. Though his appearance was extremely attractive to me, I found myself pulled to him in some unknown way as well. Grace. That's right, we shared a child. I shivered and reached for a bottle of laundry soap, forcing myself to read the label to make my mind obey me. Edward walked in in pajama bottoms, and a dark blue long sleeved shirt. He had these cozy looking Crocs on his feet. I forced back my giggle.
"Sorry I took so long," he said looking ashamed.
"It's no big deal. Here, you can throw them in here," I said opening the washer lid.
"Were you reading the directions on how to use laundry soap?" he said smiling. I automatically got nervous and my hears turned hot. "'Cause, if you were, I'm not sure I'd like you to do my laundry," he teased.
"Har, har. I promise that nothing will come out bright pink," I said snapping the lid shut after adding a cap full of detergent. I turned around to face him in the small room that we were in. Awkward.
"So, are you totally furious about being stuck here like Rosalie is?" he asked breaking the silence.
"Uh, not so much. I mean, it kind of sucks, but I'm not mad about it." I smiled which made him smile back at me. "What about you? What about work?"
"Well I'm actually here to re-do the flood drains, so my work starts when the rain stops" he said. "Ironic, huh?"
"Oh, so you're the guy they hired for that. My mother will want to thank you profusely." I said joking.
"Really?" he asked curiously.
"Yeah, every time it storms, our Vet office floods, forcing us to have to relocate all of the animals."
"Well then, I'd be happy to fix that for you," he said quietly.
"We'd appreciate it. Would you like a beer?"
"I'd love one." He followed me out of the laundry room and into the kitchen. I pulled out a Miller High Life and handed it to him, before I reached to refill my wine glass.
"Hey, the boys want to put in a scary movie. You guys down?" Alice said poking her head in around the corner.
"Does it have to be a scary one?" I asked whining.
"You're such a whimp. Come on, you can cuddle with me." Alice joked. Edward started to laugh quietly.
"What's so funny? I hate them!" I said defending myself.
"They're not real, Bella."
"Yeah, but they could be!" I shouted. He rolled his eyes and started for the living room, nodding his head for me to follow. I sighed and did.
Of course the movie chosen was called Cabin Fever. I hated it just by the name itself. I sat practically glued to Alice's side with Edward on my opposite side. Halfway through the movie he put his arm on the back of the couch, creating butterflies in my stomach. Emmett and Angela had fallen asleep not fifteen minutes into it, so Mark and Rosalie dragged them upstairs and went to bed. Jasper loved pointing out how ridiculous and fake the movie was, which helped me not get so wrapped up in it. Alice started to fall asleep on Jasper's chest because I felt our hand grasp loosen. I laid my head on her shoulder and started to drift away comfortably knowing that Edward was right next to me.
EPOV
Lousy music filled the living room as I looked down to a beautiful sleeping Bella next to me. She almost made it through the whole thing before her and Alice drifted off.
"Thank God that's over," Jasper said laughing quietly, trying to not wake his wife.
"Seriously. We'll never get those 90 minutes back," I joked.
"The girls almost made it," he said looking down to them. "Will you carry Bella up?" I wasn't sure how to answer. What if she woke up and freaked out? Shit.
"Sure," I said hesitantly. Jasper stood and scooped Alice up into his arms and started for the stairs. I looked down at Bella jostled from being off of Alice's shoulder and smiled. I reached for the remote to turn the TV off, and slid my arms underneath her legs and neck. I lifted slowly, glad she didn't wake up. I walked quietly up the stairs and into her bedroom. Once I pulled the covers back awkwardly, I laid her down softly and put her into a comfortable position. I pulled the covers up to her neck and forced myself not to kiss her forehead. She stirred slowly and twisted her head.
"Edward," she breathed. Was she sleeping? Should I answer? I waited to see if she would say it again, so I could know if she was awake, and answer her but she never did. Was she dreaming about me? My heart lifted and I started to quietly walk out of the room. I walked down to the couch where I'd be sleeping and felt like a 16 year old boy again. She was dreaming about me. I was filled with hope and hadn't felt so content about my surroundings in a long time. I'd never admit it out loud to anyone, but I was happy that we'd be stuck here for a few more days.
The morning came earlier than I thought as I groggily opened my eyes. I didn't see any sunlight coming through the curtains, and stopped breathing to listen. Still raining. Thank God. I continued on not breathing when I heard that someone was in the kitchen. I reached for my cell on the coffee table to see what the time was. 7:00? Damn, earlier than I thought, and I'd already had a missed call from my dad. I pulled my body upright and got off the couch walking slowly and crookedly to the kitchen. Bella's face seemed to light up when she saw me. She was sitting at the kitchen table reading and drinking her coffee.
"Still raining?" I asked as I walked over to get my own cup of coffee.
"Sure is. It appears to be slowing down some," she said quietly.
"Does this happen every year?" I sat down across from her.
"Yeah, but not usually this late in the season."
"Well, I guess I shouldn't complain because it's giving me work," I said smiling.
"Did you always want to be a Civil Engineer?" She asked.
"Um, yeah, actually. As a kid I was always building things and drawing out ways to fix certain stuff so when I found out you could do it for a living, I got pretty excited." She laughed softly. "What about you?"
"What about me what? Did I always want to be a civil engineer? No," she said laughing. I laughed back feeling embarrassed.
"No, I mean what do you do for a living?"
"I got my associates degree in Veterinary Technology. I hope to go back and get my bachelors when I have the time."
"That's really great. I can picture you being good with animals," I said smiling at her. She looked up and her eyes twinkled.
"Thanks. I've always loved them. I guess I was always around them, too, because my mother is a Veterinarian. I work at her office."
"I'm glad it's worked out like that. You seem happy," I said in a small voice.
"I am. Aren't you?"
"Yeah. I mean, I will be. I kind of lost myself over the last couple of years, so I am glad to be here and to start working on a new project."
"Well I hope you find yourself," she said sweetly.
"I hope so, too," I laughed. "How pathetic do I sound?"
"Not pathetic. Lost, but not pathetic."
"Thank you," I replied as I felt my face heat up. "And Bella?"
"Yeah?"
"I'm sorry about yesterday. I mean, I'm sorry if I need to be sorry about it. Ugh. What I'm trying to say is that I don't want to make you uncomfortable." Wow I'm a mess. She giggled.
"It's fine Edward. If I remember correctly, I kissed you back," she said smiling. Holy shit.
"True, but for the record, I kissed you first," I teased.
"Oh, we're keeping score are we?" she said faking shock.
"Sure are. That makes it, Edward:2 and Bella:0." I made a zero with my hand and smirked.
"How do you have 2?" she cried out playfully. I thought back to her words yesterday before I spoke. I was having fun with this.
"Um, four years ago?" I said faking hurt.
"That doesn't count!"
"Of course it does!"
"Well I'm a sore loser who will get revenge, so I suggest that you watch your back," she said sternly. Breathe. I was about to freak out from excitement. Did she really just say that?
"To be honest, I welcome that revenge," I said hesitantly, looking for any sign her face may give that I've gone to far. She stood up and reached for her coffee mug silently. She didn't look pissed, so I tried to keep my worry in check. She refilled her cup with coffee and creamer and headed over to the back door of the house. She stopped and turned to look at me. She smiled, and winked at me before stepping outside. What the fuck? Does that mean I follow her? I wish I could read her mind. I got up from the table and walked to the back porch coffee mug in hand. I peered out the window before I opened the door and saw that her back was to me, and she was leaning on the cedar porch railing. I took a deep breath and opened the door. She didn't turn around at my presence, just stared out into the forest. The rain made everything a lush color, and the smell was divine. I walked over and stood next to her quietly.
"Edward, do you think that everything happens for a reason?" her tone was soft and thoughtful.
"Absolutely," I said.
"That was a quick answer," she replied quirking one eyebrow up.
"I've always believed that. If something didn't happen for a reason, then why did it need to happen at all?"
"That's a smart way to look at it."
"Why do you ask?" she shrugged her shoulders and looked down to her coffee.
"Oh, I don't know. Just curious I suppose."
"Don't question it. Just let it be as is."
"Okay Mr. Philosophical." she teased. "Are you now going to tell me that you believe in love at first sight, too?"
"I do," I said quietly. I do because of you.
"You're so full of it," she said laughing.
"It's true! I've seen it! Take my parents for instance: they met when they were twenty years old and got married 3 weeks after they met. They've been together for thirty years."
"That's really sweet," she said smiling.
"What about your parents?"
"They've been together almost as long as that, but I think they dated a hell of a lot longer than three weeks before they got married," she said jokingly nudging my shoulder. Touch.
"Everyone is different," I said laughing.
"That's very true. Can I be honest with you?"
"Please do." Uh-oh. She was quiet for a moment before she spoke. I wonder what she had to say.
"Do you think we went to fast that night? I mean, do you regret it?" she asked quietly.
"I don't regret anything except leaving you like that. It was pretty shitty of me. And, no, I don't think it was too fast. I mean, for me it wasn't but I know that it was your first time, so I would have waited for that given the chance."
"Have you been with a lot of people like that? I mean, like one night stands?" Damn she was really wanting to know everything. I guess honesty is the best policy, so I would tell her.
"I can count on one hand, including you, how many people I have been with sexually. I have never been in a relationship with anyone, though."
"I can count on one finger how many people I've been with, and zero relationships," she said in a small voice. I suddenly felt emotional. This girl did weird things to me.
"Well, I'm not sure why exactly, but I haven't been with anyone since that night."
"That's really saying something coming from an overly hormonal guy," she laughed. "But, ditto. I just never have had the time or the energy for it all." How strange that we're both the same.
"I'm sorry for taking it from you that night," I said ashamed.
"I wasn't that drunk. I gave it to you, Edward." Seriously?
"Why me?"
"I can't explain it," she said shaking her head.
"I know the feeling," I replied.
"I'm sure the alcohol played a small part, but there was something about you and the music, that I just..." She paused for what seemed like a life time.
"What?" I urged.
"I just let go, and did what I felt." I saw her take a sip of coffee and decided to do the same. Maybe it would suppress the burning feeling I felt in my throat.
"Can I be honest with you?" I asked.
"It would only be fair," she said smiling.
"I wish the circumstances could have been different."
"How so?"
"Well, not at a party, and I certainly would have gotten to know you better. I would have made it more special; memorable."
"Oh, trust me, it's memorable alright. But, thank you. That's sweet of you to say."
"So, what does all of this mean, exactly?" I hedged.
"Well, I would like to say that I'd like to get to know you better."
"I think I would like that, too."
"Let's just try taking it a tad bit slower, how 'bout that?"
"Agreed. No sex for a while." I stated in a silly tone. She started to laugh and nudged my shoulder with hers again.
"It's a deal. Oh, and let's not tell anyone about it. Is that okay?"
"Nah, I'd prefer it that way, to be honest. I mean for a while at least."
"Great."
I looked down to her hand on the railing and smiled. I slowly reached my hand over and covered hers with mine gently. She looked down to our hands, and smiled widely.
"Perfect fit," I said softly.
"I've thought that for four years," she said quietly. She turned her body towards mine, entwining our hands together. She looked up to me, as I looked down to her and leaned up to kiss me on the mouth. It was soft, warm and so sweet. She pulled away with a gaze far off which I'm sure matched my own. We saw a light from inside the house turn on, so we pulled apart slowly, and grabbed our coffee cups.
"Come on," I said brightly opening the door for her. "Teach me how to kick ass in Apples to Apples."
"That may take a while," she said jokingly sighing hugely.
"I have a while."
"Good, because so do I."
I can't remember life without you, the way it used to be
It feels like a million years away
If you ever leave me, will you take me with you?
If you're ever lonely, I want to be lonely, too
My home is beside you, no matter where you may go
My love is inside you, even more than you know
BPOV
Monday was upon us and I think everyone was getting a little ansty to get out of here. The news said that the roads should be cleared up by late tomorrow afternoon, giving that it doesn't rain again, which it shouldn't. At least, that's what the meteorologist says. I was anxious to get home myself, because I was dying to see Grace. I was a little afraid to leave, too, because of Edward. We'd gotten so comfortable with each other since we've been here, that I wasn't sure how the real world would effect us. Granted that there wasn't much of us to affect, because we're going at a slow pace. After our talk yesterday morning, we let go and had a lot of fun together. The only touch between us after our hand holding was maybe an arm graze or a look one would give to the other. I really didn't want my friends to know that I was interested in him until I knew that it was something to me mentioned. I wasn't sure where this was going, and I didn't care. It was kind of a rush to hide it from everyone. Edward's attitude did a complete turn around this morning after he'd been on the phone for over an hour. He seemed distant and closed off. It worried me a bit. I hoped that when everyone went down to the beach, I'd get a minute to talk to him alone. Thankfully, that moment was upon me.
"Hey, is everything alright?" I asked walking slowly next to him. I looked down ahead of us to see our friends jogging and laughing.
"Yeah," he said quietly.
"You're lying."
"I'm just thinking a lot, that's all."
"Who were you on the phone with earlier this morning?"
"My dad," he sighed loudly.
"You can tell me," I hedged softly. He stopped walking and looked around him. "Want to walk down the beach? Preferably in the opposite direction of everyone else?"
"Sure." We turned our stride slightly to the right and continued walking slowly.
"Okay, well my parents are retired now, and they've been traveling the world for about six months so far. They've been in Japan now for a few weeks, and apparently it's like the best place in the world. At least, that's what they tell me. Anyway, evidently they came across a homeless kid, and took her in." He stopped speaking abruptly. I looked over to him and couldn't read his face. It was a new expression to me.
"And?"
"And they said that they are going to adopt her," he said distantly.
"Well, isn't that a good thing? How old is she?"
"She's 10. I guess it's a good thing it's just that I don't know if my parents realize what they're doing."
"How so? I mean, they raised you fine, didn't they?"
"I suppose, but the girl is only ten. My parents aren't to far away from senior citizenship." I couldn't place why this was such an issue to him.
"Edward, older people take care of kids all the time. I think they know what they're doing. They seem like pretty intelligent people from what you've told me." He stopped walking and looked over to me smiling.
"You know what? You're right. And at least they'll be moving here in a few months."
"Really? That's great!" I said excitedly.
"Yeah it is. I can't wait to meet her."
"Edward, do you ever want kids?" I asked slowly. Whoa. Where the hell did that come from? I found myself dreading the answer. He paused for a moment and looked out towards the ocean.
"Um, I think it's," was all he could get out before he was hit in the back of the head by a football.
"Edwardo! Get your ass over here and play!" Mark called from down the beach. I found myself secretly thanking Mark for saving me from an awkward situation. I wasn't ready to hear Edward's answer to that, yet. Edward looked over to me and smiled.
"Duty calls," he said laughing.
"Go, have fun!" I said shoving him playfully. My question would wait until I was mentally ready to hear what he had to say about it. I sighed absently as I watched him run up and down the beach throwing the ball to our friends. I pulled my cell out and decided to call my baby.
It turned out that the some of the roads had cleared up, allowing people access to grocery stores, and part of downtown Port Angeles. Rose was furious that of course the roads needed to get home on, were still closed. At least by tomorrow, they'd all be reopened. With all eight of us beginning to get our own type of 'Cabin Fever' we'd decided to take a trip to one of the dance clubs downtown. I was pretty excited about it to say the least. I couldn't remember the last time I had danced, or gone out with my friends like old times. The club was packed with people just as happy to be out of their house as we were. Alice dressed me in one of her black cocktail dresses. It had gold sparkles all over it, and swayed when I twisted my hips. My hair fell to the middle of my back, and the heels on my feet were going to be the death of me. It was strange that all of this was happening because it hadn't happened since my graduation night. I couldn't wait to see how the night turned out. Edward was hard for me to even look at because of how handsome he looked. He wore dark jeans and a blue and white plaid button up. I wanted to do what I did then: let myself feel what was around me, and give into what my heart truly wanted. Whatever that may be, I wasn't sure, and I didn't care. Edward bought me an Apple Martini, and sat across me in the small booth.
"Thanks," I said loudly, trying to block out the music. I drank the whole thing in one gulp, welcoming the burn it brought to my throat. It would be one of only two drinks that I would have tonight, that I was sure of.
"No problem." He looked over to the dancing crowd and smiled softly. Memories. Our friends were getting hot and heavy on the dance floor, so I felt awkward just sitting here with Edward.
"Hey," he yelled. I turned my head to him quickly.
"Let's dance." My heart filled at his words, and when the next song came on, as the lyrics filled the dimly lit club, we looked over to one another and smiled like never before. He held out his hand and I took it in mine without a second thought. He's it.
There ain't no reason you and me should be alone tonight
Yeah baby
And I got a reason that you're who should take me home tonight
I need a man that thinks it's right when it's so wrong tonight
Yeah baby
Right on the limits where we know we both belong tonight
EPOV
Bella was dancing against me and our bodies were moving together like never before. It was a new found way of moving. I put my arms around her waist and pulled her close to me. Her arms around my neck, I'd never felt more safe.
It's hard to feel the rush, to brush the dangerous
I'm gonna run right to, to the edge with you
Where we can both fall more in love
Everyone around us started jumping in the air to the beat of the music. All was lost around each and every person here tonight. I glanced over to our friends, dancing close together and smiling. Some people kissing with their mouth, some people kissing with their minds. I looked down to Bella and she smiled at me. I felt my heart break into a thousand pieces and scatter throughout my body. Her dress so thin against my unfortunately clothed body. She put one of her hands in the air, the other still tightly grasping my shoulder. She let her head fall back, her hair flowing through the thick air beautifully. I found myself on the edge holding her from falling, falling away from me. I pulled her back up quickly and our faces collided.
Another shot before we kiss the other side tonight
Yeah baby
I'm on the edge of something final we call life tonight
Alright
Put on your shades 'cause I'll be dancing in the flames tonight
Yeah baby
Would this be moving to fast? I held her as tight as I could without breaking her. She put her hands on my face and held it in place. My breathing sped up, as I breathed her in, desperate for more. It was as if we had gone insane; fallen off the edge, yet never spent time apart. I knew in that moment that nothing else, and no one else, could ever be compared to her. Love wasn't even the appropriate word. Maybe if I had loved her less, I'd be able to speak it more. I was lost in space with her. I brought my hands to her face, and pulled it from mine so that I could see her eyes. I stared into them for a long time, her never breaking away.
"Bella," I said into her ear. "You're it for me." I spoke with such confidence. I wanted to start from now, and never look back. I would marry this woman, and love her until the end of time. Nothing she could ever do would break me away from her grasp. She smiled the biggest smile, and no words were needed. She pulled my face back to hers with such fever, I felt it may start a fire. I had found my heart, right where I left it.
I'm on the edge of glory and I'm hanging on a moment of truth
I'm on the edge of glory and I'm hanging on a moment with you
I'm on the edge with you
Well? I love writing fast paced dancing scenes. My mind goes all over the place. It's pretty fun, so I hope you enjoy it!
Song inspirations;
If You Ever Leave Me-Barbra Streisand and Vince Gill
Edge of Glory-Lady Gaga (Also my iPhone ringtone. LOL. It suited the mood, right?)
Anyway, updating soon! Leave me some love!
-S