Disclaimer: I don't own any of these characters. They all belong to the amazingly talented Stephenie Meyer.
Chapter 8: Collide
Edward and I spent the remainder of the morning and afternoon talking about every subject imaginable. We discussed everything from favorite foods (he loved pasta) to classical music to family traditions. He also revealed what that mysterious and intoxicating fragrance around the house was. His mother had always loved putting vases of fresh lilacs in various parts of the house. She also loved baking, and the sweet smells of sugar and honey could always be counted on to waft through every room. He ended up growing so attached to the scents that they followed him even after he died. What I smelled had been the combination of the lilac and honey. In addition to everything else, Edward told me that as a young boy, he had a dog named Cedric. He shared a funny story about Cedric that had us laughing for quite a while. Apparently one time, Edward thought it would be funny if he tried to dress up Cedric in one of his father's shirts and hats. As one could probably guess, that didn't go too well. But I told him that at least he'd been able to keep a pet for more than a week. My being responsible for the early demise of three goldfish as a child pretty much ruined any possibility of having any more pets.
Of course, our conversation also drifted to past relationships. He seemed genuinely surprised that I had never been in one. According to him, I was "much too beautiful to have never had a significant other (I blushed at this statement)". I was equally surprised to find out that he'd never had a girlfriend.
"Edward, you've seriously never been with anyone?" As with him, I was shocked that someone who looked as good as he did could never have been in any relationships.
"No, I haven't. Though if I recall, there were several girls who showed an interest in me. But can you blame them, what with me being the handsome man that I am," he teased.
I laughed. "Actually no, I can't. You are very handsome if I may say so myself."
He smiled crookedly. "Why thank you. But I just wasn't as drawn to them as they were to me. So I simply let them know in a very polite way that I wasn't interested."
I decided to be bold. "Are you interested now?"
He moved closer so he could put his arm around me. The electrical current, if possible, seemed even stronger than before. "Interested would be an understatement, Bella."
I blushed. "Well, to say that I'm interested in you would also be an understatement."
He looked at me, an excited expression lighting up his face. But this happiness quickly faded to sadness and doubt. "The thing is, Bella, this isn't the most normal of situations that we're in. In fact, it's pretty damn confusing." He stood up and began to pace back and forth. "I really care about you, Bella. I know it may be a little early to say that, but it's true. You make me feel more alive—no pun intended—than anyone else ever has. But how can we truly be together when I'm stuck between two worlds? It's like a slap in the face, you know? Just when you think you're in the clear, you realize that something's standing in the way. Close, but no cigar apparently."
I got up and put my hands on his shoulders. "Edward, I really care about you, too. And believe me, I've thought about the same things you have." I chuckled humorlessly. "A ghost and a human—there's something you see everyday." We both shook our heads at how impossible a match up like ours was. "But this is how I look at it. As much as I'd like to be with you, in more ways than one I'll admit, we can't really do anything about that. So let's just try to be happy with what we've got."
Slowly, a smile spread across his face, and he took one of my hands and held it to his cheek. "More ways than one? Really?"
I turned red. "Well, don't you feel the same way?"
He laughed. "More than you know." He immediately looked thoughtful. "Bella, would you be open to me trying something?"
"Um, sure," I said cautiously.
"Don't worry, Bella. It's nothing bad—at least, I'm hoping it won't be bad."
"Edward, what is it?"
He looked slightly bashful. "May I try to kiss you, Bella?"
I was too shocked to form a coherent response, so I simply nodded. He put a finger under my chin and, without breaking eye contact, very slowly lowered his face to mine. When we were about two inches apart, he paused. Judging by the look in his eyes, it was as though he was wordlessly asking my permission to continue. I nodded once, and he closed the distance, pressing his lips to mine.
It was like holding his hand in that I couldn't physically feel his lips on mine. But what did happen made me shiver in delight. It felt as though I was melting into him—two becoming one. He was just as much a part of me as I was of him. The intensity of the moment grew as an incredible feeling of warmth began to travel through my body.
A god—Edward is like a god! Without thinking about it, a soft moan escaped my lips.
He pulled away immediately. "Are you alright, Bella," he asked, concerned.
He obviously must've misinterpreted my moan as one of discomfort. "Yes, Edward. I'm absolutely perfect."
He stepped closer to me again, smiling widely. "Indeed, you are perfect."
He is just too much, I thought as he brought his lips back to mine. He began running his hand down my spine, adding that feeling of electricity to the warmth that was flowing through me. The pleasure was almost unbearable. But a sudden sound from outside made me break way from him—the sound of a car door. I glanced behind me at the clock. It was 6:00 PM.
"Oh, shit! Charlie's home."
Edward looked disappointed—and so was I for that matter. I didn't want this moment to end. But if Charlie was going to have a decent dinner, I needed to stay downstairs and whip something up.
"Edward, I've really got to make dinner. But if I had it my way, I'd kiss you all day. You're amazing," I said happily. "Do you want to wait for me in my room? It'll be an hour and a half, two tops."
"I'd wait for you all day for you, Bella," he said, melting me with his gaze.
I smiled blissfully. "See you in a bit, then."
He kissed me lightly on the cheek, then disappeared just as the door opened.
"Hey there, Bells!"
"Um, hey dad," I said, still lost in my Edward haze.
Charlie hung up his belt and walked into the living room. "Did you have a nice day?"
Hell yes! "Oh yeah, just relaxed and hung out." And spent the day with an amazing guy—well, ghost really. "So what would you like to eat? You in the mood for anything in particular," I asked, making my way to the kitchen.
"Hmm, it doesn't really matter, Bells. Anything's great." He went to sit on the couch and flipped on the TV.
"Alright." I decided to make some spaghetti. I loved spaghetti and hadn't had it in a while, so I thought now would be as good a time as ever. Of course, I did have an ulterior motive. Spaghetti was very easy to make. It didn't require much effort at all. So, a quick and easy dinner meant more time with Edward!
About twenty minutes later, dinner was ready and we sat down to eat. I was glad Charlie wasn't one for conversation, because I knew I wouldn't be able to talk and make sense at the same time. I was just too caught up thinking about Edward.
I ate my pasta as quickly as possible—without looking suspicious of course. Then I cleared the table and washed the dishes. It was time to make my move.
"Dad, I think I'm just going to turn in for the evening. I'm pretty tired."
Charlie turned to look at me. "Already? It's only 7:00."
"Yeah, well, I've had a busy day."
He raised an eyebrow. "But you said that all you did today was relax."
Ugh, why did Charlie have to play the parental card now? But then, I had an idea. I put my hands on my abdomen and put on my best "I'm PMS-ing" face.
I let out a moan. "Cramps, dad." If there was one thing Charlie couldn't stand, it was girly stuff. "It's almost that time of month and it's wearing me out."
His eyes got wide and he cleared his throat. "Well, uh, go ahead then. Feel better, Bells."
Wow, that was easy. I'm a pretty bad liar, so I don't know how Charlie didn't catch me. But there was no time for over thinking it. "Thanks, dad." I went upstairs slowly then practically flew to my room.
Of course, Edward was there already. He was sitting on my bed. As soon as I walked in the room, a huge smile lit up his face.
"Well, you're earlier than I thought you'd be."
"I'm a fast eater, what can I say?"
He chuckled. "Ah, yes. How was the pasta?"
"How did you know," I asked, surprised.
"I told you, you fascinate me, Bella. Besides, I couldn't bear to wait for you in your room. I had to see you—whether you knew it or not."
I blushed and walked over to sit next to him on the bed. He put his arm around me. "You're too sweet, you know that?"
"Yes, actually I do," he teased.
I playfully smacked him but he gently took hold of my arm and began tracing patterns on it with his fingers. I shivered at how wonderful it felt.
He looked at me slyly. "So Bella, I don't want to come across sounding like a pig, but would you be interested in perhaps picking up where we left off earlier?"
I suddenly remembered that I'd just eaten. And he probably wouldn't find tomato sauce and pasta residue in my mouth very appealing.
"Can I have a minute first?"
He gestured broadly. "Go right ahead."
On my way to the bathroom, I grabbed my pajama shorts and tank top to change into. I brushed my teeth quickly, changed, and ran my brush through my hair. As I walked back into my room, I noticed that his eyes popped a little at the sight of me.
"Bella, there are no words to describe how gorgeous you look."
My face turned red again as I stopped in front of him. "I'm just in my pajamas, Edward."
He stood up and cupped my face with his hand. "That makes no difference to me. You are, and always will be, the most beautiful creature I've ever laid eyes on. Even your name is a testament to your beauty. After all, 'Bella' does mean 'beautiful' in Italian."
I looked up at him and immediately began to laugh quietly.
He looked offended. "What? What did I say?"
"Edward, if you ever happen to meet anyone else that you end up falling for, promise me that you'll never use a line like that on them!"
"Which one," he asked, confused.
"The one about 'Bella' and 'beautiful'. It was very sweet, don't get me wrong. But it was just so…well, it was somewhat cheesy."
He surprised me by beginning to chuckle, himself. "Hey, I'm new at this. Don't come down on me too hard." But he abruptly became serious. "I meant what I said, though. You are incredibly beautiful. And just so you know, I have no interest in meeting and falling for someone else. You, Bella Swan, are the only one I'll ever…"
I froze. "'The only one I'll ever' what?"
He paused and took a deep breath. "Bella, this is only the first day we've known each other, but we've covered so much ground. So much so that I feel like I've known you for years. My feelings for you go much farther than I thought they would for anyone. Let's just say that I more than just like you. But I don't know if I'm ready to tell you the exact words—not yet anyways."
It was obvious which words he was referring to. "Why not?"
He ran a hand through is hair. "Well, first of all, I don't want to scare you off by coming on too strong or anything."
"I don't think you're coming on too strong, Edward." My eyes welled up. "I feel exactly the same way about you."
"Bella, please be serious. You also have a huge chance of meeting some other guy that you're crazy about—who's actually human. You could grow old with him. And in case you didn't realize, I'm not getting any older. I could never put myself out there knowing that our chances of realistically being a couple are slim."
"Edward, please believe me. I am serious—serious about you. I understand where you're coming from, really. But I'm not going anywhere."
"What about when you get older?"
"We'll just deal with it when the time comes."
"What about—well, you know…" he trailed off suggestively. "As much as I'd like to, we couldn't possibly, well…"
I laughed nervously. "Well, though I would like to of course, I guess I don't really need to. Just being with you is enough."
He sighed. "That's nice of you to say. But are you sure? I feel like I'm depriving you of a lot of things."
I wrapped my arms around his neck. "Edward, you could never deprive me of anything."
He began to grin and wrapped his arms around my waist. "You know what I said earlier? About you being an auctioneer? Well, I think if there was a career that involved cheering people up full-time, you would do wonderfully with that, too."
"Huh, is that so? I guess I'm just multitalented."
"I guess you are."
He bent his face to mine—more confident now—to kiss me. It started gentle enough, but grew more heated (quite literally if you factored in the warming sensation flowing through me) and passionate as we continued.
"But Isabella, what I wouldn't do to have just one day to be human," he said, kissing down my neck to my shoulders. Each of these kisses was like a shock to my system, energizing my body and soul. I remembered what he'd said about that I make him feel alive. He did the exact same for me.
"Why," I breathed.
He looked up at me from where he'd been kissing my left shoulder. "So I could kiss you properly—and I mean really kiss you."
My stomach fluttered in delight at the thought. The feel of his warm, soft lips on mine, his tongue exploring my mouth—and maybe other places as well…
He continued talking between kisses. "I could take you out on a real date. To dinner, the pier, a movie—wherever you'd like."
That would be pretty wonderful.
"And if I may be so blunt," he began, his green eyes smoldering, "I would spend the entire night memorizing every curve of your beautiful body; every sound you'd make when I would please you; the way your hair would look fanned out on the pillow underneath me."
My eyes were closed, picturing the scene in my head. I felt like I was going to lose it. Before I even realized what happened, I had let out a very audible moan.
"God, Edward—have you any idea what you're doing to me?"
He chuckled. "Hmm, no, I don't think so. Why don't you explain," he asked teasingly.
I sucked in a long breath to steady myself. "You're driving me crazy. You're…"
Suddenly, I heard the sound of footsteps coming up the stairs. Fuck, Charlie must've heard me. I flew to the bed, curled up on my side, and got under the covers. Edward disappeared simultaneously. A few seconds later, my door cracked open and Charlie poked his head in.
"Are you ok, Bells," he whispered. "I thought I heard a noise."
"Yeah, dad. Just the cramps," I replied, trying to add a tone of discomfort to my voice.
"Oh, ok—sorry. Sleep good," he said, closing the door.
A few seconds passed, then just as quickly as Edward had disappeared, there he was again. He came to lie on the bed beside me and gently stroked my arm with his fingertips. The sensation me made realize how tired I was and I yawned.
"You should sleep, love. You've had a long day."
Love? I smiled widely despite my groggy state, and I felt myself becoming even more relaxed.
"Goodnight, dearest Bella," he whispered, leaning over to tenderly kiss my cheek.
As I was drifting to sleep, I thought about all the conversations we had today. And I realized something. Though I would be content to have everything stay as is, I desperately wished—like Edward—that he could be human, if only for a day.
If only…
Hello dear readers! A week-long hiatus deserves an equally long chapter. I believe this is my longest yet…and they just keep getting longer. Anyways, I'd like to give a big shout out and thank you to Vixen Hood for tipping me off about Edward's scent. I had only seen it in the other books described as 'indescribable'. LOL. But it is briefly mentioned in Breaking Dawn after Bella is changed; his "honey-lilac and sun" scent. Sounds like a pretty wonderful scent to me! Just to clear up any possible confusion, when Edward and Bella kiss, it's exactly the same as the touching deal. They can't physically feel each other, but there's that force field/tingly/energy thing. She can't go through him, but she feels that electrical current sensation…just an FYI :-) Also as an FYI, all this sex talk in the chapter is definitely foreshadowing—there will be Bella/Edward lemons later on in future chapters…but you'll just have to wait and see how that happens! Oh, and how'd you all like the name of Edward's dog—'Cedric'! I'm not at all saying that Cedric Diggory is a dog, because he's not. He's fine as hell…haha. But I just thought the name would be cute. Anyways, next Thursday, I'm going to be heading out of town for an extended weekend (for my birthday!) so I can't update next Thursday. However, I will give you chapter 9 on Tuesday before I go. And to make it less confusing, I'll update every Tuesday instead of Thursday (because I don't want to make you all wait for 9 days for an update). Ok, time to cut the rambling! Read and review :-)