Chapter 5
Even with my overdose of alcohol, I managed to drive safely through the city and pull up at Edward's apartment. We had parted our long and emotional kiss when I realised that Edward should get home as soon as possible so he could rest his back.
Never, had I ever thought that I would ever fall in love with someone. It scared me. It petrified me when I thought about how quickly our relationship had taken off. It had taken months for Jasper and Alice to confess their feelings towards each others. And here I was, falling in love with a man who in a few weeks and who I hardly knew.
I cared so much for Edward. He really was a wonderful man. He's beautiful, strong and honest...and someone who I know I can trust and rely on. He would just understand and look after me...comfort me...like when I told him about my past. I was lucky that I had fallen for someone that was so kind and a lovely person. If I had fallen for any of my last boyfriends, I would end up getting hurt and mistreated...although with Emmett as a brother I can't see that happening.
Frank held the door out for us, asking if Edward was alright as he leaned on me.
"I'm fine...just had some random chick leap on me," Edward smirked, winking at me.
"Well you got lucky there, sir!" Frank laughed at us, taking the keys from me.
I rolled my eyes and towed Edward in to the building.
Edward jumbled in his pocket for his keys once we got to his door, slid it open and hobbled in.
"Come on," I said. "It's late. Maybe you should just hop into bed and get some sleep, yeah?"
Edward nodded, raising his eyebrows at me.
"By sleep do you mean-"
"I mean I'll tuck you in and then leave," I laughed.
"Don't leave," Edward mumbled.
"Do you need help changing?" I replied.
"I'm serious," Edward said.
I looked up at him. He looked down at me.
"I'll go once you fall asleep...and I'll come back in the morning tomorrow," I whispered.
"That'll do," Edward murmured.
"You get changed and hop on into bed, and I'll go get some ice and medicine," I ordered, kissing his nose. "Where is your medicine cabinet?"
"In the bathroom on the left," Edward replied, making his way over to a room I guessed as his bedroom.
I headed down the hall into the kitchen where I grabbed some ice from the fridge, wrapped it in a towel, poured some water, grabbed some painkillers and headed to the bedroom. I hovered outside. What if he was getting dressed? Should I knock or just enter?
I knocked quietly.
"Come in," Edward replied in a sexy voice.
"I brought you some ice..."I trailed off as I noticed that Edward had no top on and was lying shirtless on top of the bed with only low slung jogging bottoms. "I thought I told you to get ready for bed?"
"I am," Edward frowned looking down his body.
I waved my hands up and down the top half of my body.
"This is how I sleep," Edward chuckled.
"Whatever," I replied.
I walked up and set the glass of water and the painkillers on his bedside table and the ice. As he picked up the glass and painkillers, I took a look around his room. The walls were painted in a pale cream, with matching sheets and a duvet. His furnishings were all black and made out of dark wood. He had a huge plasma screen on the wall opposite his bed and a complicated sound system beneath it. His bed was huge, obviously being a King size bed. He had a sliding door which must lead out to a balcony as I noticed lots of the cities lights. Opposite the door was another door, slightly open and I recognised it to be another bathroom. His floor was fluffy and white. But what fascinated me the most was the wall which had a huge frame with some beautiful photography. I walked up to it, ignoring Edward calling my name and gazed over the beautiful pictures, each one telling a different story. My hands traced the important lines and features as I connected with the photos.
"Bella?" Edward questioned.
"Mm...sorry," I answered. "These are beautiful pictures."
"Yeah, I found them at an old gallery in England when I was there," Edward replied.
"So that's where she is..." I whispered, looking at all the photos as I imagined her coming across all these people and sceneries and taking photos of them as she travelled the globe.
"What?" Edward said. "Who's 'she'?"
"My Mom," I murmured, tracing my hand over the familiar signature at the bottom of the frame.
"Wait, your Mom took these?" Edward asked, hobbling out of bed and coming up behind me.
"Yeah...I guess she did," I sighed, looking down.
"You don't keep in contact with her?" Edward frowned, wrapping his arms around my waist and leaning his head in the crook of my neck.
"She left us years ago," I murmured.
"I'm sorry," Edward said, pitying me.
"Well I'm not," I snapped, pulling away. "She was no good for us. We're better off without her. And besides, I take better photographs than she ever did-"
"You take pictures?" Edward gasped.
"Yeah...I used to love it...but now it's my 'everything'," I smiled. "I used to run off to the woods after school, discover some new hiding place where animals loved to hang out and I'd be there...with my silly little digital camera...taking photos...I soon found one of my Mum's old professional looking cameras in the basement after she left...it became mine. I made friends with Alice and she became my new favourite beauty to capture...I hate posy shots...you know where girls have had the makeup and hair done and their in a professional looking studio. I hate planned pictures. I like pictures that come straight out...you know when someone is laughing I would quickly take a picture before a new emotion came along...sorry. I'll stop talking now," I blushed.
"No! Please don't," Edward gasped. "What do you do with your pictures?"
"Nothing," I said truthfully. "Some I frame and put around the flat...if they are of Alice, Jasper or Emmett, I usually use them as gifts for birthdays and Christmas. Or if they're really beautiful, Alice will sell them in her shop. But mostly...they get stuck in my scrapbook...I mean scrapbooks..."
"Can I see them sometime?" Edward asked.
"Absoloutely not!" I shrieked nervously.
"What if they were of me?" He winked.
"I haven't taken any of you," I giggled, although I really wanted to.
"I'll see them sometime...you better watch out," Edward grinned cheekily. I just about died.
He towed me over to the bed where he scrambled under the covers with me. I rested my head under the crook of his chin, and he wrapped his arms around me.
"You smell good," Edward sniffed.
"Thanks," I giggled.
"Oh, wait, maybe I should put some ice on your-" I shot up out of bed, but he quickly shut me up as he flipped me over on my back and kissed me. I sighed into him and held onto his shoulders as he threw his tongue inside my mouth and his hands trailed down my body. My chest moved up and down rapidly as he kissed my neck. I arched my back and he groaned, sucking onto my skin. I breathed at a fast pace in his ear and moaned my appreciation.
"Fuck, don't stop!" I moaned, clutching on to his hair.
"You should know I'm not doing this with you know," Edward said in-between kisses. "My back still hurts and I need to be able to bang you really hard."
I groaned loudly and grinded my hips into him. He responded lightly, but it told me that he wasn't going to 'bang me really hard' like I hoped.
"Fuck, you do things to me," I sighed into his ear.
"I should fucking think so," He chuckled in mine.
He pulled back I and immediatly missed his warmth and presence. He lay down beside me again, stroking my hair.
"You don't have work in the morning, do you, baby?" Edward asked.
"I can take the day off? Alice won't mind," I replied. I worked in a small boutique that belonged to Alice. Although it was small, it was very successful and made a lot of money. She sold clothes, jewellery, shoes and if she really liked my photography, she'd put it up for sale.
"Good," Edward smiled, continuing to stroke my hair.
I soon fell asleep to Edward brushing through my hair. I slept incredibly peacefully. I didn't wake up once. I felt safe in Edward's arms...he made me feel like he would protect me...no matter what happened. And I couldn't believe that he hadn't pushed me about my relationship issues with my Mom. He had accepted my messed up family even though he came from a rich and family loving background...that was all I ever hoped...He was perfect for me in every way...I was in love with Edward Cullen.
I was woken to hear loud thumping and the doorbell ringing. I knew where I was in an instant...as I felt Edward's grip around my waist.
I could feel Edward stirring beside me as he groaned, stretched and rolled over to the edge of the bed. I noticed the bruising on his back was much worse than it was last night and he clutched at it as he hobbled out the room to the loud thuds on the door. I heard the door open.
"Is Bella here?" A loud, booming, familiar voice demanded.
Uh oh.
"Yes, she's-"
"What the fuck man? You fucking slept with her? Dude, you sick bastard! You hardly know her! I-" Emmett started yelling.
"Oh shut the fuck up, Emmett!" I heard Rosalie snap. "You fucking slept with me! You have been for the past few days!"
"I did not need to know that," I groaned, groggily walking out into the living room.
"So is it true?" Emmett demanded at me.
"Is what true?" I mumbled, wincing at his loud voice.
"You slept with Edward? How could you do that, Bells? I-"
"Oh my god, we're back to square one!" I shouted. "It's none of your business if I slept with Edward!"
"So you did-" Emmett snapped.
"Emmett, honey; if I had sex with Edward last night...I don't think I'd be wearing this," I gestured at the dress I had wore yesterday to the club and my smudged makeup around my eyes.
Emmett looked down at me.
"Oh," Emmett mumbled, as a blush crept onto his face.
"Yes, 'oh'," I snapped. "Now get the fuck out!"
"Edward! You didn't even think to lend her a shirt?" Rosalie gasped at Edward's manners.
Emmett bowed his head and walked out the door.
"Sorry, Rose," I said. "You can stay if you want."
"Nah, someone has to cheer up that overprotective pussy!" Rosalie giggled as she followed him out the door.
I blushed, shutting the door and breathing deeply.
"At least you don't get overprotective anymore, Edward," I grinned as I turned around and gasped.
He was much closer than I thought he was. He had on a cocky grin and his eyebrows were raised in a questioning way.
"Excuse me, Miss Swan?" Edward spoke sexily. "I wasn't under the impression this was your apartment. How dare you send away our guests without my permission? Did you not think I had a say in this?"
"I...I, uh..." I stuttered as I watched him approach me.
"A punishment is required," Edward said.
"Punishment?" I gulped, as my eyes darted towards his bedroom.
"Yes, a punishment," Edward grinned as he stood in front of me. "TICKLE FIGHT!" He charged towards me and I quickly ducked under his arm and giggled as I ran round the living room in a crazy circle. I shrieked as he cornered me.
"Shouldn't you be resting your back?" I giggled as he crept closer.
"Fuck that," Edward smirked as he lunged and grabbed me, lifting me in his arms and then body slammed me onto the couch. I gasped as he crawled on to me and began tickling me. I shrieked, twisting this way and that in desperate attempt to get away from the tickles. I kicked him by accident in his chest and he growled and tickled my ribs and toes and under my chin even harder.
"I surrender!" I screamed. "Stop! STOP...FUCK...STOP...Edward!"
He smirked and continued tickling me. I was laughing my head off and tears were streaming down my face as my tummy ached from laughing so much.
"Edward...please," I pleaded with new urgency. "My dress..."
He looked down at my dress as it slowly crept up around my waist revealing my underwear. He blushed, pulled it down and gave me a big raspberry on my arm and then swaggered towards the kitchen.
"Time for breakfast," Edward winked at me over my shoulder. My tummy rumbled and he chuckled.
"Edward, can I use your shower?" I called as I pulled myself up into a sitting position.
"Sure, babe," Edward replied. "There should be spare towels under the sink and the shampoo is on the rack. You can use my ensuite."
"Thanks."
I made my way back into Edward's bathroom and quickly pulled my dress off. It was quite tight on me and was uncomfortable to wear, and felt dirty from all the grime at the club. I shuddered as the cold air hit me. I climbed into the shower and gaped at all the different shower caps and nobs. I pressed a button and shrieked as cold water splashed from three of the caps. I quickly pressed another button that shot even colder water out at me from four more caps.
"You fucking piece of SHIT!" I screamed as I desperately began turning different nobs in desperate attempt to make the water warmer. I slipped on the wet floor and fell onto the floor with a big splat. I stood up, shivering, grabbed a towel from the sink and poked my head around the door.
"Edward?" I called...no response. "EDWARD!" Still no fucking response. "YOUR FUCKING SHOWER IS LIKE FUCKING ICE! HELP!"
Edward strode in to his bedroom and shook his head at me.
"You could have said earlier you were having some difficulty," Edward chuckled.
"I FUCKING DID!" I screamed clutching at the towel as Edward squeezed past me. He looked down and cleared his throat as he quickly made his way to the shower. I looked down. Through the thin fabric of the towel, my nipples were erect from the cold water and air. I blushed, pulled my arms around my top half and watched sheepishly as he started turning the nobs in different directions. He put his arm under the water and smiled at me.
"Fixed it," Edward smirked and then the smirk vanished as he slipped on the floor and fell on top of me as he lost his balance. Thankfully he held me tightly around my back so I didn't hurt it.
He looked up at me from where his chin was resting on my chest...not good for a couple who had never seen each other naked before.
"Shit," he blushed and quickly stood up and pulled me up with him as I gripped at my towel that was threatening to fall down. "Sorry, hmm...I...breakfast...yes." Edward stuttered helplessly as he staggered out the bathroom.
On normal terms I would have been offended that a man was frightened to see me naked or collapse on top of me, but with Edward I knew he was just embarrassed he had fallen onto me and didn't mean to offend me, so I found it highly amusing.
"Thank you," I called out after him as I clutched at my tummy from giggling too much.
"Uh...your...your welcome," I heard Edward stutter as he made his way out.
I snorted and shook the towel off me and stepped into the shower. I moaned out at the warmth from the shower as I soaked the shampoo into my hair and moaned at the pleasure as I scrubbed off the grime.
After I was finished, I grabbed a towel and dried myself off. I wasn't sure what I was to do next. Should I just go out and wear a towel? That didn't seem practical, did it? I picked up my dress, slid on my panties and walked into Edward's bedroom. I nearly stood on the long, white shirt that Edward had obviously folded up for me to wear by the door. I smiled. I dropped my dress in the corner of the room and buttoned up the long, white shirt. It hung so it was a couple of centimetres below my bum. The sleeves were huge so I rolled them up. I looked at myself in the mirror and grinned at my black pants showing through the fabric. I pulled my hair to one side and opened the bedroom door.
The smell that hit me was orgasmic. I couldn't remember the last time I had had a big, english breakfast. Bacon...mmm...
I heard Edward on the phone with someone as I made my way through the apartment to the living room. Edward was facing the doorway as he leaned against the cabinet and watched me enter. I smirked as he noticed my pants and he shook his head but smiled. I walked up to him, stood on my tip toes and trailed my hand down his bare chest and then peeked in the saucepan at the sizzling bacon. I had never been much of a cook, and never did it at home, so I was happy to learn that Edward was very capable at cooking.
"Mmm..." I moaned and grinned at the bacon.
Edward cleared his throat. "Yeah...okay...yeah, listen I gotta go, Dad...me too...thanks for understanding...yep...see you soon then...bye," Edward ended the call and set the phone on the counter.
"Were you trying to get me all flustered while I was talking to my, Dad, Isabella?" Edward joked. "Stop moaning!"
I blushed and kissed him, deeply and passionately and stuck my tongue down his throat. Edward sighed into my mouth and I smiled and pulled away.
I opened the fridge and grabbed ice from it and wrapped it in a cloth and sat on the counter. I motioned for Edward to stand between my legs and I traced some ice down his back. He shivered but stayed where he was. He pulled away when he went to rescue the bacon and sausages.
"Looks like I'm not the only one who's nipples get erect when their cold," I laughed.
Edward mumbled something.
"Pardon?"
"I said that's not the only thing that gets erect when I'm around you," Edward muttered.
I coughed and burst out laughing as I fell on the floor and rolled around as Edward ignored me and started serving breakfast. I could tell he was humiliated by what he admitted and was trying to cool his cheeks down.
"Oh, Edward..." I gasped. "You make me laugh!"
He rolled his eyes and continued loading up our breakfast plates. I stood up to admire the crisp bacon. I followed Edward as he led me to the breakfast bar on the other side of the room and hopped on the nearest stool.
Edward set the plates down and then ran to get our knives, forks, tea for me and coffee for Edward and ketchup.
I squirted the ketchup all over my bacon and sausages and quickly took a bite.
"Fuck me," I groaned. "You can cook!"
Edward smirked proudly and took a bite of his food. "I get it from my Mom."
"Is your mom a good cook?" I asked.
"No," Edward laughed. "She's a fucking AMAZING cook! You'll see for yourself on Sunday."
I gulped. "Are you sure you're ready for me to meet you parents? I mean, we've only be dating for less than a week."
"Yes, but on Sunday, we'll have been dating for a week and a bit!" Edward smirked sarcastically.
"I fucking love your smirk," I sighed, staring at his mouth.
Edward chuckled and grabbed me by the back of my head and pulled me to him as he kissed me ferociously. I smiled into his mouth and wound my hands into his hair and leaned on to him as his tongue licked my lips. I pulled back.
"God, you're amazing!" I giggled.
"Yeah? Well you're fucking adorable!" Edward laughed and spooned some of his bacon up and fed it to me. My lips clamped round his spoon and I looked up at him through my lashes and smirked and let go. He gulped.
We continued to feed each other during breakfast, until I was full to the brim of Edward's wonderful food. He made food taste lush! I would seriously make him cook for me every day of the year if I had my way...maybe one day he would? Woah...Bella! I thought as ideas whirled round my head as I imagined us staying together forever...
Once I was finished eating, I frowned as I realised that I ought to be heading home soon. I had already rang Alice and told her I was going to have a day off, but I didn't want to totally abandon her all day long though. I decided I would take her some lunch and do whatever she needed help with at the shop. I realised that I would have to get changed obviously and grab my things from the flat, but that meant being apart from Edward. He realised this to.
"So I guess I better be dropping home soon, huh?"Edward sighed as he piled the dishes into the dish washer.
I nodded. "Yeah, if you wouldn't mind. Are you doing anything today?"
"Well I think I should do some resting," Edward laughed.
"Sounds like hard work," I giggled.
"Yep," Edward smirked. "I hate not doing anything. It's boring."
"Well, I could come round later and we could have dinner or something?" I asked.
"I'd love that," Edward smiled. "I'd rather order though...I can't be assed to cook."
"What happened to 'I hate not doing anything', Mr Lazy Bum," I smirked.
He grinned and kissed me softly. "Do you want me to drive you home then?"
"If your back feels better than yes," I sighed, as I cuddled him.
I couldn't be bothered to slip my dress on again, so I just wore Edward's shirt and carried my shoes, dress and bag as we headed out to the car. I noticed that Edward had pulled on some grey sweats and a plain white t-shirt. It made him look even sexier.
We both smiled at Frank as we made our way out to the street. He laughed at my choice of outfit.
Edward zoomed away as he followed the New York traffic. He had been to my flat before, so I didn't bother with saying any directions. He pulled up in the flats parking lot.
"Thanks for the night, Edward," I grinned. "I had a great time."
"Me too," Edward laughed. "I'll see you later then? Around six?"
"See you then," I smiled as I leaned in and hugged his face to mine and kissed him. His hands roamed down my body as I shivered, and yanked open the door. I pulled away, gave him one last peck and jumped out the car.
"You're such a tease!" Edward groaned.
I stuck my tongue out at him and skipped towards the door leading into the flat. As I let myself in, I turned around and waved as Edward pulled out of the parking lot and sped away.
I made my way upstairs and called out to see if anyone was in. Alice was at work and Emmett and Jasper must be out at the gym or Emmett might still be with Rosalie. I walked into my room, and smiled to myself as I took of Edward's shirt. No way was I going to give this back to him. The shirt smelt too good. I grabbed my jeans, a t-shirt and pulled on my sweater. I pulled on my boots, secured my hair in a pony tail and walked out of my room, grabbing my bag. I was just about to leave the apartment when I grabbed my camera from the living room and delicately shoved it in.
On my way to the shop a couple of blocks away, I took some photos of the buildings towering over my head and a bird perched on the traffic lights. I walked straight into the shop and then quickly out again as I noticed Jasper and Alice behind the tills canoodling. Alice looked up and smirked at me through the windows. I pretended to be looking through my camera but put it away again as Jasper exited the shop and tried to smooth the creases in his shirt and zip up his jeans. He looked round at me, smirking.
"Oh, can I see them?" Jasper chuckled as he noticed my camera.
"See what?" I asked.
"The photos," Jasper replied impatiently.
"Of...?"
"Oh, I thought you were looking through pictures of me and Alice having a bit of foreplay just now," Jasper smirked as he rubbed his crotch.
"You are a sick perv," I blushed, looking away. "You should know that."
"Oh, I do Bells," He winked and walked down the street, whistling like everything was normal. I laughed and headed into the shop and raised my eyebrows at Alice as she buttoned up her shirt.
"I thought you were with Edward," Alice defended herself as I raised my eyebrows.
"Yes, I was, but I thought you might need some help...I had no idea you were doing something very unprofessional behind the counter!" I giggled.
She snorted. "You're just jealous!"
I blushed and she laughed.
"Do you seriously need any help?" I asked.
"Yeah, if you wouldn't mind. Can you hang up all those dresses over there please?" Alice said, nodding towards the right wall.
"Sure," I smiled. I grabbed the dresses and began to hang them all in size order.
"Good night then?" Eh?" She smirked at me and I coughed and blushed a bright red.
"Yes," I squeaked.
"I fucking knew it!" Alice squealed as she raced towards me. "How was it? More importantly, how was he? Did he make you see fireworks? Was he rough? How hard-"
"Alice!" I blushed. "We didn't...well...you know..."
"Huh? But you just said..." Alice trailed off, disappointedly.
"I didn't say anything! We fell asleep on the bed..."Alice's face fell. "But...we did make out a bit!"
Alice glared at me, shrugged and turned away.
"Damn. Me and Jasper thought you'd get layed!" She laughed.
"Sorry?" I mumbled.
"You better be," Alice groaned. "I've just lost $20 to Jasper!"
"You made bets!" I shrieked.
"Yes," She yawned. "How is Edward, by the way? He took a bit of a tumble yesterday, huh?"
I smirked. "He's better. I'm going round later to do more nursing."
"That's my girl!" Alice winked. "He did treat you well when you got home though? He didn't upset you? Or hurt you?"
"No! He was a lovely gentleman, positively lovely. And he was very charming. Infact-"
"Bella," Alice growled. I tended to talk nonsense when I was hiding something.
"He didn't upset me..."I sighed. "His choice of art did though."
"No?" Alice gasped, wide eyed. I nodded. "Oh, Bells, you poor thing. Did you tell him?"
"Yes," I sighed. "He was comforting about it and we talked about it for a while and he seemed genuinely concerned."
"Good," Alice growled.
"Good?"
"Yes, good. He seems 'positively lovely' if he comforted you. What a 'lovely gentleman'. 'So Charming' and-"
I gave her the finger and she grinned but gave me a hug.
"I'm so happy for you," She murmured.
"Why?"
"I'm serious when I say that Edward seems really lovely. He seems so polite and you two get on so well! I'm really happy that you've found someone-"
"Alice, don't go there. I mean, I'd love to think of Edward like you and Jasper think of each other, but I've basically only known him for two weeks! I can't see us going there that quickly!"
"Well...you never know!" Alice smiled and tucked my hair behind my ear.
"Thanks, Alice," I grinned and continued hanging up the dresses.
"Hey, why don't I do that, and you go home? You look shattered!" She laughed.
"Sure? Thanks, Al. My head is killing me! I drank way to much last night!" I groaned.
She nodded and waved me goodbye as I walked down the street. I headed in the opposite way to the apartment, hoping I could head to the bookstore and buy some books. I loved books ever since I was a little girl. I loved to escape to a whole new world and forget about the current one. Romance novels were my favourite by far...I always had such high standards of my Prince Charming...maybe that was why I was so happy with Edward...because he was mine?
Fuck...I know this was going fast...but I truly did feel happy with him. He made me feel sexy, beautiful and confident. I really hoped that this would relationship would work out...I loved hanging out with Edward...He made me feel special and warm inside.
The days slowly past by filled with me visiting Edward every day apart from Friday when he was feeling better and had to attend an important meeting with Carlisle. I had dinner every day with him other than Friday, and even stayed round again on Wednesday when his back was giving him hell. After all, I did owe it to him – after all I was the one that hurt him.
As much as I was enjoying every second I spent with Edward, meeting Edward's parents on Sunday was really making me nervous. I confronted Edward about it on Saturday, but he told me to relax and it would all be fine. He said even if his parents disapproved of me, it wouldn't stop him from dating me. This was supposed to comfort me, but 5 minutes later the nerves returned.
On Sunday morning Alice shushed me as I cried onto her shoulder asking her if she could ring Edward up and cancel. She refused and instead forced me into her dark blue dress with a bow under the bust line that hugged my figure. It was short sleeved and flowed to the middle of my thighs so it wasn't too short enough for Edward's Mother to frown upon, but was also something that Edward would find teasing. I pulled on my grey cardigan that I wore to the triple date and brown flats. Alice did some light makeup on me – only a few flicks of mascara, a bit of powder, lip gloss and blush that highlighted my cheekbones. She crimped my hair so it flowed down my back in elegant waves and left it at that.
Alice was right. Dressing up a bit smarter than usual did help me calm my nerves a bit, but not much.
Emmett was just as bad as me, if not worse. He looked slightly green as there was nock to the door, but shuffled to it anyway and opened it and pulled Rose into him. Edward walked in shyly and his eyes lit up as he met mine. They travelled lower, taking in my outfit and he grinned and loped towards me.
"You look gorgeous," Edward whispered into my ear. "They're gonna love you."
I grimaced but felt a bit happier knowing Edward approved. He wore light wash jeans, a white shirt and tennis shoes. He looked much more casual than I looked.
We said are goodbyes to Alice and Jasper and walked down to the parking lot. I searched for Edward's black convertable, but couldn't find it. Him and Rose towed us over to a shiny, silver Volvo. I looked at Edward.
"We wouldn't have all fit in my car so this is my other one," Edward smiled and I blinked. How many cars did this guy have?
"Two," Edward said.
"Huh?" I said, dazed.
"I have two cars...?" Edward frowned.
Oops, I just spoke out loud.
"Are you alright, Bella?" Edward asked, stroking my face.
"Just nervous," I gulped.
"How many times do I need to tell you that my parents are going to love you until you realise I'm telling the truth?" Edward said. "You've met my Dad, and he loved you!"
I nodded and climbed in the front next to him and he sighed, shutting my door and walked round the back. Rosalie and Emmett filed in the back.
The whole ride there I didn't speak and neither did Emmett, making the car ride very uncomfortable and awkward. I looked out the whole window the whole time, letting my mind wonder as we drove past less houses and more greenery.
I didn't know how to explain to Edward why I was so nervous. This was the guy that I was falling in love with. I felt that I had to impress his parents beyond measures. They had to love me. But what if they didn't? What would I do then? Edward was my car ride home, I couldn't just walk out, could I?
Another 15 minutes past and I noticed Edward taking a sharp left and veering off the main road down a thin winding road with towering trees above us. We drove another few minutes until there was a clearing in front of us with a huge white mansion taking up the entire space. I gasped as we drove over the pebbles, round the fountain and stopped at the entrance way. I craned my neck up to take in the towering three story mansion. I felt Rosalie and Emmett clamber out behind me and Edward was already at my door holding it open for me as I stumbled out. My mouth was open as I stared up at the huge double doors in front of us and the giant windows.
Edward wrapped his arm round my waist and looked down at me.
"Well...?" Edward said.
"Well what?" I replied, not taking my eyes of the mansion.
"What do you think?" Edward rolled his eyes.
I looked up at him. "It's...well...wow!" I tittered nervously.
Edward cracked up laughing and kissed my forehead and then slowly my lips. For a second I forgot where we until I heard the huge doors open and a young, beautiful woman came running out. She had caramel coloured hair that rested on her chest and had on an adorable lilac dress. I jumped away from Edward immediatly.
"Edward! Rose!" The woman cried and gave them both warm hugs and kisses on their foreheads. Emmett and I glanced at each other as the woman continued to tell Edward off for growing his hair so long and not cutting it off and gushing over Rosalie's new shoes until she came to her senses and looked round at Emmett and I.
"You must be Bella!" She cried, flinging her arms round me and giving me a loving, motherly hug. She pulled back from me, holding my cheeks. "Edward's told me so much about you, love! It's a pleasure to meet you! I'm Esme, Edward and Rosalie's Mother. Edward you didn't tell me how beautiful she was!" Esme scolded, smacking Edward's arm.
"Um, Mum, trust me – I did. It would be an insult otherwise," Edward chuckled, grinning at me. I blushed and Esme laughed and turned on Emmett hugging him as well and introducing herself.
I smiled shyly as Edward raised his eyebrows at me.
"I told you she'd love you," Edward mouthed cockily. I rolled my eyes, returning my eyes towards Esme and Emmett who were laughing at something Emmett had said. Esme seemed like such a lovely woman, who made me feel so welcome, that my nerves disappeared as she hugged me.
"I'm so glad you two could make it!" Esme gushed, grabbing mine and Emmett's hand as she towed us up the stairs and through the doors as Edward and Rose followed. "I've been looking forward to this all week!"
I gasped at the gorgeous pale, but classy interior with chosen red accessories brightening the room. The entrance hall had stairs leading upstairs, a beautiful chandelier and doors leading off to other parts of the houses. Esme beckoned us into a room looking like a lounge or entertaining room. There was an open planned kitchen at the end where Carlisle stood pouring drinks. Esme patted a chair and told us all to sit down round her.
"Sorry, I'm not usually so loud and annoying-" Edward coughed. "-But it's so exciting to meet you!"
"Thank you for inviting us into your home!" Emmett grinned, pulling Rose across on to his lap as she snuggled up to him.
"Yes, thank you. Your home is beautiful, Mrs Cullen," I smiled shyly at her. Edward wrapped his arms around my waist and pulled me between his legs. His arms stayed wrapped around me in my lap and I held onto them for comfort and courage. He let his head dip onto my shoulder and I felt his warm breath tickling me ear. I blushed as Esme catches Edward kissing my neck softly and me biting my lip as I suppress a giggle. She leaned back and looks smug all of a sudden.
"No problem, dears!" Esme beamed. "Any time either of you are passing, please do come and visit!"
I smile at her and she returns it.
"Carlisle, where are those drinks?" She laughed, glancing round at her husband who was carrying a tray of wine towards us. Oh wait, you are all of age, aren't you?" Esme exclaimed, glancing at me. Yes, I still did look like a nineteen year old.
"I assure you she is," Carlisle laughed as Edward said at the same time "Most definitely!"
"Oh god," I groaned. Everyone burst out laughing, including me as I covered my face with my hands as Carlisle explained to Esme the first time he met me in the club.
Edward chuckled quietly in my ear and slowly pulled my hands away from my face.
"Don't hide your face like that again, gorgeous," Edward breathed as he looked at my lips. "Now, let's turn that frown upside down..." Edward whispered as he kissed me. My lips immediatly turned upwards and I laughed as he smirked.
"You're funny," I tell him.
"I know," He snorted.
He returns his attention to the conversation going on that Carlisle's holding with Rosalie and Emmett. Esme's looking at me again with a smile twitching at her mouth. She notices me staring and quickly looks away as a soft blush covers her cheeks.
Okay...She seems so lovely and motherly and welcoming and everything, but I wish she'd quit looking at me like that. It makes me conscious that she's laughing at me or something. Like seriously why is she always smiling at me? I guess smiling is better than frowning, but...I thought.
"So, Emmett, Bella, where are you originally from?" Carlisle asks as he sits beside Esme and grabs her hand.
"Well Bella and I group in Washington in a tiny, tiny town called Forks...I don't know if you've heard of it or not, but it's known for its rubbish rainy weather," Emmett laughs.
"Yes, our parents raised us there for a while, but...well...our Mother left us when I was eleven and Emmett thirteen. I don't think she could handle living in a boring town any longer, and...she just left..."I mumble, looking at Emmett so he could take over. Edward rubbed calming circles on my hand, trying to comfort me. When nobody was looking he wiped a tear that escaped from my eye. I glanced up quickly to see Esme frowning and quickly looking away again.
"Our Father stayed there with us. He was the Chief of Police, so he had his duties. But as soon as Bella turned eighteen, we both escaped and came here...We don't see or speak to her anymore but visit and talk to our Father as much as we can because we feel guilty for leaving him all alone," Emmett frowned. "However, he keeps talking about this woman named Sue, so I think his inner romance is coming out."
Emmett chuckles nervously and Rosalie kisses him on the lips.
"Well, I'm so sorry to hear about your, Mother," Carlisle sympathises. "But it seems like the two of you have a very close relationship now because of it."
"Yes, Bella will always have a special place in my heart," Emmett grins goofily at me and I laugh and mouth 'I love you' to him which he returns. Everybody awes.
"Yeah, never get on the wrong side of Bella because Emmett will not be happy a man. Take it from my experience!" Edward laughs.
"Edward, what have you been doing!" Esme scolded.
"Nothing Emmett hasn't sorted out," Edward shrugs, glancing at Emmett.
"That's true, Mrs C," Emmett laughed. "Edward's not gonna step out of line whilst I'm here."
"Good," Esme giggled. "Least I know someone can control him!"
We all laugh.
"So have you always lived in this house, Mrs Cullen?" I ask politely.
"Bella, dear, please call me Esme! Well, yes, we have. We've always lived on the outskirts of New York as I am a little worried about gangs and such," Esme said, raising her voice higher as Rosalie laughs, "but of course Carlisle started to work in the city, so we had to find somewhere I felt safe. We actually designed and made this whole house to our needs a few years back. It's still rather far from the city centre, but it's home now."
"Wow, you designed this? That's incredible!" I gush. Esme continues telling me the stages of planning and building the mansion and the troubles they had and the doubts she had of ever finishing it, but it certainly has payed off.
"If you excuse me, I'm just going to check on the food," Esme stands up and heads towards the kitchen.
"Here, let me help Mrs C," Emmett say, jumping up with Rose as they walk towards the kitchen.
"Mmm, this wine is delicious, Carlisle," I gulp down another sip.
"It's actually from France. My brother has a vineyard there," Carlisle smiles.
"Really? Wow, that's amazing!" Carlisle and I start talking about different wines and his brother in France and soon enough Edward gets bored and nips to the toilet then checks in on dinner.
This is going rather well, I think.
A/N Yeah, I think I got a few tenses mixed around here, but I hope you can get past that. I hope you're enjoying the story so far! Please review and let me know how I am doing!