Chapter 3: Thunderstorms and Cookies

Disclaimer: SM owns Twilight.

Ms. Swan

Seth and I arrived in Forks the last weekend of June in the middle of the night. It was so nerve racking just getting there with Seth following behind me. I was afraid we would get separated in the bad traffic, but luckily we didn't. We had a fun time on our road trip, stopping at all the touristy places. The only problem we had along the way was my car had a blowout, and thankfully I had my strong brother to change it for me. My ex-boyfriend Eric had a flat once and he called for help rather than change it himself – so embarrassing.

Carlisle arranged for a moving company to pack up everything from the apartment and transport it to Forks. Everything would be there when we arrived, which would be very nice; however, I didn't want him to feel like he had to take care of me. Carlisle and Esme treated us like we were their children when my parents died. They wouldn't take no for an answer when they set up the moving company. I was grateful for them.

When we pulled up to the house I immediately noticed the work that all of my friends did on the house, and Edward. Coach Masen was hot as hell. Alice sent me a picture of the gang standing in my backyard a few weeks ago, and I couldn't help but notice the sexy man with no shirt on. Rose and Alice both teased me, trying to get a rise out of me over Edward, but I would never tell them that I found him… fucking attractive.

He was dating Lauren, though.

"Let's just leave our bags in the car… we'll get them in the morning," I said to Seth as we both got out of our cars. We were both exhausted and I just needed to lie down. Rose called the day before to let me know that our things had arrived and Emmett set up our beds. I love that man.

I made sure to let them know prior to arranging some of the furniture that I didn't want the master bedroom, as it was my parents' room. It just didn't feel right to be in their bedroom.

We both collapsed in our rooms, only sleeping for a couple of hours. Emmett, Rose, Alice and Jasper all came over that morning, waking me up from my deep sleep. Once we caught up for a bit, we went over to Carlisle and Esme's house for lunch. It was so nice to be back home.

I took Seth back home to start getting settled in. I was going to Port Angeles with Rose and Emmett to pick up a few things for the house, and Rose wanted to show me her dress shop that she and Alice owned. She and Alice had several dresses there waiting for me to take home. I had nowhere to wear them so I didn't know why they wasted such pretty things on me, but Rose insisted that I take them.

"It's so good to have you back home, Bell," Emmett said as we sat in the waiting area of the boutique. "It really hasn't been the same without you here."

"I know… it's just going to be hard. I haven't really dealt with… their deaths because it's hitting me pretty badly now." I hadn't spoken to anyone about it, but as soon as I stepped foot in the house I grew up in, I missed hearing my mother's laughter fill the room and seeing my dad perched in front of the television, watching the sports channel. In Arizona, I didn't have to face things that I would miss on a daily basis, but being here… it brought back everything. I still needed my parents, especially my mother. I was still young and it wasn't fair that I had to live without them.

"You can always talk to me, Bell… just remember that." Emmett reached over and pulled me against his chest, hugging me tightly. "Remember, Bell… I'm your big brother."

And he was.

Rose walked back into the room and gave me a sympathetic look. "You guys ready to go or… do you need a moment?"

"Nah, I'm ready," I said as I pulled away from Emmett and stood up.

We got back home early that evening, promising to get together the next day for a cookout at Carlisle and Esme's house. Seth was busy playing football on his Xbox when I got back, so I decided to do something I hadn't done since my parents died.

Thirty minutes later, I pulled up to the cemetery, grabbing the flowers I picked up from the store earlier that day. Even though I hadn't been back to the cemetary since their funeral, I remembered exactly where their grave was. I made my way through the maze of headstones and sat down in front of my parents' marker. I ran my fingertips over the smooth marble stone, thinking of how much my mother would have despised the fact that I picked out a standing headstone, rather than a flat one. She didn't want 'anything flashy' she had said in the past, though I never took anything she said seriously because I thought I had several years left with her.

"I miss you both so much – you have no idea. I had so many things I still needed to learn from both of you. I hope that you are proud of the way I've handled things with Seth. We just moved back home… it's going to be so hard without both of you here." I broke down for the first time since their funeral. I left Forks, pushing all of my anger away… yes, anger, because I was so frustrated that this happened to our parents… to us… "I'm so sorry I didn't move back home after I graduated. I should have… you'll never know how much I regret that. I could have been here at least… I could have seen you one last time."

I continued talking to my parent's grave, praying they could actually hear me wherever they were. I stayed there until I heard thunder in the background, signaling a storm approaching. I got in my car and left, promising myself that I would visit their grave at least once a week. My parents weren't necessarily there, but it was a peaceful place where I could just let go of everything that I held in for so long.

Once I was out on the road for a bit, my car started weaving slightly. I had a fucking flat tire. Just great. Perfect. I didn't have a spare because I had used it when I got the flat on my road trip to Forks. I tried calling out, but my cell didn't have a signal since the cemetery was a little ways outside of town. I turned on my emergency flashers and just sat there… waiting for the heavy rainstorm to let up so I could walk into town or get a better signal on my phone.

It was starting to get dark and I just couldn't believe the luck I had. I prayed Emmett or someone would happen to be driving down the road, but that wasn't likely. Seth would start to get worried if I didn't show up after a while; however, I didn't tell him where I was going.

As I sat there, waiting for whatever to happen, I made a mental note to change wireless companies since mine obviously didn't work too well in Forks.

Bright lights flashed behind me as the only vehicle to show up all night was about to drive by, only they didn't drive by. Whoever it was stopped their vehicle behind mine and I could feel myself start to panic. This was like one of those horror movies – stranded, unable to call anyone and a crazy killer on the loose, disguising themselves as a good patron. My imagination was in overdrive as I heard a car door slam and footsteps sloshing up to my car. A timid knock on my passenger window made me jump. I held my pepper spray in my hand, ready to attack if I needed to. I really needed to fucking grow up.

Coach Masen

I knocked on the driver's window, not too hard as I didn't want to scare the person. The window rolled down and I was taken aback by the person sitting behind the wheel.

"Do you need any help?" I asked, memorizing every beautiful detail of the woman in front of me. She was gorgeous; however, she looked completely terrified.

"I'm just waiting for my friends to meet me out here… I'll be fine, but thank you for stopping."

"Are you sure you don't need any help? I can change your tire for you… you don't even have to get out." The rain was soaking through my shirt quickly and drenching my hair. I wiped my eyes and smiled warmly, trying to reassure this woman that I wasn't some crazed killer.

"Well… I don't exactly have a spare. I just had a blowout a few days ago and didn't make it over to buy another one yet…"

Something about her voice sounded so familiar. I ran my hand through my wet hair and sighed. "Hmm… I can give you a ride somewhere or you can come back to my house to call someone. My cell is dead or else I'd let you use it."

She seemed really nervous or worried.

"My name is Edward Masen… I'm a teacher at-"

"Oh my gosh," she whispered, but smiled widely at me. "I'm Bella Swan… we spoke on the phone before."

Fuck me, she was gorgeous.

"It's nice to finally meet you," I said stupidly, holding out my hand. She reached out her small hand, placing it inside my grasp. "I've heard a lot about you."

"Oh, no," Bella groaned as I chuckled. "I don't even wanna know…"

"Nothing bad, I promise."

I didn't even remember the fact that I was literally soaked from head to toe. Bella turned off her car and grabbed her bag before getting out. I just stood there, dumbly watching her. Bella smiled at me as we walked towards my truck. I followed her to the passenger side, opening the door for her. She stuttered a sweet 'thanks' as she stepped up inside. Once I got in the truck, my interior lights were on and for the first time I was able to actually see her face.

Bella was beautiful. My cock instantly hardened as I noticed what she was wearing – little black shorts and a fucking white tank top that was soaked from the rain. I tore my eyes away from her breasts, trying to look at anything else to get my mind off of ripping her shirt off. I focused on her big brown eyes and breathtaking smile. I couldn't help but notice the redness under her eyes and I wondered if she had been crying. I didn't ask as it might have embarrassed her.

"I just live down the dirt road up ahead," I said, breaking the silence between us. Bella shivered and nodded, wrapping her arms around her small body. The rain was falling so hard that, even though she wasn't outside for very long, her clothes were already soaked. "Are you cold?"

"A little," Bella replied timidly. I turned up the heat and reached in the backseat, grabbing my jacket. "Here you go."

"Thank you… Sorry I'm getting your seat all wet," she said quietly.

"It's fine, I promise. It'll dry."

Once we got to my house, I immediately noticed a box sitting on my front porch. I parked in the garage and led Bella to the living room, handing her a blanket as she shivered. I grabbed my cordless phone and handed it to her so she could make some phone calls.

While she was on the phone I grabbed the box from my front porch. It was from Lauren. She had drawn a sad face on the top of the box. Give me a fucking break. I took the box upstairs to my room and changed into some dry clothes. I grabbed one of my old t-shirts and took it downstairs, just in case Bella wanted to change.

"Emmett, Jasper, and the girls went to see a movie in Port Angeles… I can have my brother pick me up, but do you think his car would make it down the muddy road?"

"Probably not… I can take you home, Bella."

Bella seemed hesitant at first, but nodded in agreement. "Thank you, really… I'm sure this isn't how you wanted to spend your Saturday night," she mumbled.

I quickly disagreed with her. She couldn't be further from the truth because, honestly, I didn't want to take her back home. What was wrong with me? I didn't even know this woman. However, I really wanted to know more about her.

"You know, I have Ray's number… from the auto store in town. I'm sure he wouldn't mind meeting us over there to get you a new tire," I said, hoping to spend more time with her.

"Oh, I don't want you to go to all the trouble… I'm sure my car will be fine overnight and I'll have my brother-"

"It's not a problem, Bella… I was just going to be at home tonight anyway."

And then she blushed. God, she was gorgeous.

"If you're sure…"

"Definitely…" I stuck my hand out, holding the t-shirt. "Do you want to put this on? I'm sure you're cold." I was willing to do anything to have her cover up her hard nipples standing at attention under her tank top; it was distracting me too much.

She nodded, mumbling a shy 'thanks' and looked around. "Bathroom?"

"Second door on your left," I said, pointing towards the hall. While she was in the bathroom, I unloaded my bags from my truck and carried them up to my room. As I made my way down the stairs, Bella was standing at the bottom, looking at the pictures hanging on the wall.

"Thank you, really… I… I really appreciate this."

I chuckled at her uneasiness, still blushing the entire time. "Do you honestly think I would leave you on the side of the road?"

"Well… I just wasn't expecting anyone to pass by… and you don't even know me," Bella said with a small smile on her face.

"Like I said, I've heard plenty about you," I said with a wink, causing Bella to groan.

I called Ray Jones, the guy that owns the automotive shop in town. We met him at the shop to get a tire for Bella's car, only he didn't take debit cards so Bella couldn't pay for it. He was going to put it on credit for Bella because he knew her and her family, but I insisted on paying for it. Bella was a blubbering mess at my insistence. So gorgeous. Was I crazy for feeling this way over someone I just met?

We were just pulling out of the parking lot when my phone rang. Alice and Jasper were close by and asked that I wait there. Alice was going to take Bella home while Jasper and I went to change Bella's tire. Alice squealed through the phone when she heard that I picked up Bella on the side of the road.

"It was nice meeting you… finally," I said as we waited for Alice and Jasper.

"Nice meeting you, too. I hope I can return the favor someday… you've been extremely nice."

I turned to face Bella, just wanting to look at her a little longer. Her scent filled my truck and I hoped that it would linger there for a while.

"Are you glad to be back home? I heard you've been living in Phoenix for a while," I said, trying to make conversation with her.

"Yeah, it's nice, but I'll have to get used to small town living again," Bella said with a quiet laugh.

"That's something I'm still trying to get used to… Chicago is definitely different from Forks."

"I bet."

Alice and Jasper pulled up, both had smug smiles on their faces. Bella bolted out of my truck as she seemed very nervous or uncomfortable the entire time we were alone. I wished that she didn't feel that way around me. Maybe someday things would be different…

I think Alice winked so many times that her eye was going to get stuck doing that. She kept going on and on about how happy she was that I took care of Bella. Bella was still blushing the whole time. I wished that Bella wasn't leaving with Alice, as I wanted to spend more time with her, but it was better that she got back home; the storm wasn't letting up whatsoever.

We said our goodbyes as we got into different vehicles and went our separate ways. Jasper drilled me the entire time, trying to fish for information like one of the fucking girls. I changed her tire while Jasper held one of Alice's umbrella's over me. When we got back to Bella's house, Jasper made up some excuse that he had to go talk to Billy who lived next door to Bella, leaving me to take her key to her.

I knocked on the door and took a step back. I heard footsteps getting closer when she yelled, "I've got it, Seth… don't bother getting up from your freaking movie…" I chuckled at her tone, a mixture of anger and frustration, though even mad, she still had the sweetest voice. The door swung open, revealing the fucking hottest woman I had ever seen. Bella had her hair piled on top of her head in a bun or something… pajama pants… another fucking white tank top… and glasses. Hot ass teacher.

"Oh, hi Edward," she said breathlessly, clutching a spatula in her hand. Bella had a dab of chocolate on her wrist and I wanted so much to just lick it off.

"Hi… I um…" I held her keys out. "Here are your keys."

"Th-thanks… do you want to come in?" Bella asked as a slight smile formed, along with her blush.

I didn't want to bother her and really needed to get back home so I could take care of the problem Bella had created with her wet tank top earlier. "No, I better get-"

"Just for a second?" Bella interrupted.

I nodded as she moved out of the doorway. There were still several boxes lying around and the walls were bare, but the house was filled with the sweetest smell. Bella led me to the kitchen where she had a table full of cookies.

"Do you like chocolate chip?" Bella asked as she waved her hand at the cookies.

"Who doesn't," I replied with a grin. "But these look… delicious."

"Thanks… I figured it was the least I could do to repay you." Bella's smile was overwhelming to say the least. "Alice had to get home in a hurry, so we didn't get to stop by the ATM but I'll get it to you quickly…"

I shook my head. "Don't worry about it, Bella. These cookies are worth the money," I chuckled.

"No, Edward…"

Jasper walked in just as I was about to protest again. "Mmmmm… I smell cookies!"

Once Jasper and I each had a plate full of cookies to take with us, we said our goodbyes and left. As we drove away, all I could think about was a way to get to spend more time with her. I wanted to know every little thing about her. I had never felt this way about another woman.

Jasper reminded me about the cookout Esme and Carlisle were having the next day, informing me that I promised I would be there weeks ago. I agreed and told him I'd see them there.

I took a cold shower before going to bed, relieving my fucking aching cock from the tense build up that Bella caused earlier that evening. My mind drifted to thoughts of her, only her, from the time I stepped into the shower until I went to sleep. She was invading my every thought, though I had only just met her.

The next morning I stepped out on my front porch, getting ready for my usual run, but stopped dead in my tracks when I noticed a gift bag next to my door. I groaned, thinking that Lauren had brought something else to me. The box she left while I was away contained several pairs of her panties. Why? I have no fucking clue. I reluctantly picked up the bag and carefully peeked inside, but was shocked by what I saw. It was my t-shirt that I loaned to Bella, an envelope, and a bottle of wine. I ripped open the envelope quickly, which contained a small card with a yellow smiley face on it and money falling out of the card.

Edward –

I just wanted to thank you again for helping me last night. I don't know what I would have done if you hadn't stopped and helped me. The bottle of wine isn't much, but it's Forks finest… and I really didn't know what you liked… Anyway, I really hope that I can return the favor someday.

Thanks again,

Bella

PS – My number is 602-355-0972 in case you ever need anything.

I was in shock. I had the phone number of the woman whose mouth I pictured around my cock in my dreams. Fuck me.

The amount of money she put in the envelope was more than what I paid for her tire… like forty dollars more. I couldn't let her pay more than she should have. I also wondered how she got to my house. There was no way she could get down the dirt road with her small car. I walked down the front steps, noticing footprints leading to my running trail. Did she walk here?

I reached in my pocket and pulled out my cell phone. There certainly was something I needed…

"Hello?" Bella answered on the first ring, sounding slightly out of breath.

"Hey, Bella… it's Edward. I just got your note and… well, I was wondering if you could help me out with something…?"

*reposting due to requests. I'll post the complete story as soon as possible, and once I'm finished with this one, I'll post the other stories as well (FFY and SSN). I'm still not finished with UtSM and don't know when I'll be able to work on it. My life has been crazy the past few years and I apologize that I have not finished UtSM, but I just haven't felt like writing or had the time. I never intended to be one of those people who couldn't finish out stories... but I'm trying to get back into writing, so I hope to work on it soon.

Thanks for reading!