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Chapter 15
1987
"Something you want to talk about? Uh oh," Edward looked at me warily from the driver's seat, "am I in trouble or something?"
"Not every time a girl says, 'We need to talk,' does it mean you're in trouble," I teased
"Well, Bella, with my very limited," he suddenly coughed conspicuously, "experience with women, 'We need to talk,' always leads to something bad…always."
"Limited experience, huh? Just how limited are we talking about?" I asked mockingly.
He shrugged, turning up the dial of the radio in his truck. "So maybe limited isn't the best word," he hedged, and I just laughed in my seat.
"I see," I drawled out, "all these Masen charms work so well because they've been tested and proven on other girls." I looked over at him, smiling and raising an eyebrow accusingly.
"Tested, proven, tomato, potato," he reasoned, not looking at me.
I laughed again. "That is definitely not how that saying goes, and even if you said it correctly, it does not fit for that scenario." I was personally just enjoying seeing him squirm. Did it bother me that Edward was apparently a ladies' man? I guess, but did it surprise me? Not really. Besides, he didn't owe me anything. It wasn't like he was fooling around with anyone else this summer, at least. No…this summer was mine.
I couldn't keep the smile that came to my face at the thought that this summer, I belonged to Edward, and I got Edward in return. I rubbed the tips of my fingers back and forth across his knuckles, enjoying the rough skin of his hands. "Can I be honest for a second?" I asked, a little bit more seriously, looking over at him.
"Can it wait a few more minutes? We're here…" We pulled onto the gravel road that led to the vast, open field, and I nodded, already distracted by the beauty. It was sunset now, the deep orange and red colors painting the sky in a dramatic fashion. Edward grabbed the blanket that we had used for our picnic the day before out of the back and brought it with us as we stepped out of the truck. We walked over to the tree that sat pretty isolated in the overgrown grass, and I helped him with the blue and green fleece, taking a seat on the soft material after it was spread out on the ground. I sat cross-legged with my back against the trunk, the bark scratching against the uncovered skin of my back. Edward chose to lie out in front of me, on his back with his hands acting as a pillow.
His gaze, which was looking up, was blocked by the thick branches of the tree, but the sun still found a way to leak through the gaps, casting a glow on his tan skin, bringing out all the different colors of his hair. I picked a small dandelion that wasn't covered by the blanket and played with it in my hands, running my fingers up and down the length of the stem, providing a good distraction. When Edward turned his head to the side, I couldn't help but become momentarily short of breath. I usually wasn't so affected by his looks, but he truly was a beautiful man, and I couldn't help but sit in awe in that moment.
"What did you want to be honest about?" he asked softly, his voice serious but non-threatening.
"I just…I just wanted to tell you that it doesn't bother me if you dated a lot of girls in the past."
"It doesn't?" he asked, perplexed. The skin between his eyes wrinkled together, and there was obvious confusion in his tone.
I shook my head, but I removed my eyes from his, instead looking down at the yellow flower in my hands. "I just want to make sure that I'm the only one you want to be with right now." My voice was soft, almost unrecognizable to my own ears. I was usually so confident around Edward, always so quick to come back with witty sayings and smart remarks.
He pulled himself up so his upper-body rested on his left arm, propping him so he could be eye level with me. His other hand lie idle in front of his stomach, even though I couldn't help but wish he would have reached it out to grab mine.
"Bella," he started, "what is it exactly that you want from this summer?" He looked at me with so many emotions flitting across his face that I couldn't pinpoint one exactly.
I shrugged my shoulders, feeling the skin rub uncomfortably against the tree. "I just...come on, Edward. You know how I feel, right?" I couldn't help but think of yesterday, being here with him, him kissing me at Rachel's house on the swing, even today in the kitchen at Uncle Charlie's house. Was he really trying to get me to say it out loud?
"Well, I'm pretty sure I know how you feel." I of course noticed the smug look that now took dominance over his facial features. "But that wasn't what I asked."
"So you want to address the big elephant in the room, then?" I laughed nervously, focusing my eyes back on my yellow-flower-of-comfort.
"I'm leaving in the beginning of September," he began, "and you are too. You'll be back in Ohio," he trailed off, eyes full of sadness.
I took a deep breath, summoning all the confidence I could, and looked back up at him. "I don't want that to stop us from whatever this is, Edward," I spoke honestly. "Why don't we cast off the worries that September will bring and just focus on having the adventure of our lives?" I purposefully raised my tone at the end, trying to fit a little bit of a joking manner in there to lighten the situation.
"Adventure of our lives?" He smiled. "That's a pretty tough status to live up to. Aren't you tired of giving me challenges yet, Bella?" He laughed, finally losing the earlier tension.
"I really like you, Edward. I like just being around you."
He sat up fully now, matching my cross-legged position, and he finally grabbed my hand, forcing the dandelion to fall forgotten to the side of my leg.
"You like me?" he asked all smugly, the smirk pulling at his lips, and his eyes crinkling at the corners. He actually looked truly elated, which sparked something inside of me.
"You know...I guess." I rolled my eyes and shrugged, causing Edward to laugh and pull on my hand.
"Come here," he drawled, pulling more forcefully on my arm so I rose to my knees. I followed his lead and straddled his lap, settling down so I rested right above him, our torsos almost touching and my face only a few inches from his. His arms encircled my waist, pulling me even closer so I was fully sitting down on him now.
"Well, hello," I joked, resting my arms on his shoulders and crossing them behind his neck.
"Bella," he started, his eyes going back and forth between my eyes and my mouth, "I want this, too."
"Yeah?" I couldn't keep the cheeky grin off of my lips.
"Yeah. So, prepare yourself...you're going to want to remember this moment for years to come..."
"And why is that?" My eyes roamed from his forehead, to his cheeks, jaw, hair, and lips, avoiding the piercing stare of his blue eyes.
"Because I'm about to ask you to be my girlfriend."
I knew that if I would ever look back on this, I would make fun of myself for my ridiculous girl reaction I was having, but even I couldn't prevent the full-toothy grin that I gave him. "You are?" I asked, my voice raising a pitch.
"Mmm-hmm," he hummed, matching my smile and nodding his head.
"Okay, then." I exaggerated my moments, shook myself a bit in preparation, and took a deep breath. "I'm ready."
"Bella Swan..."
"Hmm mmm," I mimicked.
"Will you be my girlfriend?"
"Well..." I faked indifference.
"Bella," he warned, voice deep.
"Aren't you scared Charlie will kill you...fire you at least?" So this one I was kind of worried about.
"It doesn't matter," he said seriously.
"Okay," I finally stated. "Yes...if you insist," I added on at the end, not being able to help it.
He pushed on my shoulder so I fell off of his lap and onto the ground, and he climbed over my body so he was hovering above me. "You're always so difficult."
I took his face in my hands, running them up the length of his jaw and back down again. "Life is more interesting that way."
He leaned down the rest of the way to kiss me then, his lips meeting mine, even though the rest of his body kept an inch or two of space between. His mouth was soft and warm, and I knew that I could get used to this, being wrapped in this bubble of intimacy and seclusion with Edward. Even if we only had a few months to enjoy it, it would be worth it.
I was sure of it.
O.o
We left the field after it had gotten dark, it becoming too cold to stay there in the clothes we were in. Edward drove me back to Charlie's, and I couldn't help but suddenly remember what I had wanted to talk to him about in the first place.
"Hey," I voiced, breaking the comfortable silence we had in the truck.
"Hmm," he acknowledged, only glancing at me briefly before focusing back on the road.
"So, this morning, with Uncle Charlie, you were definitely a lot bolder with him! Where did that come from?"
He just laughed, scratching the back of his head. "What do you mean?"
"Oh, come on, don't by all coy. Yesterday, when you picked me up and brought me those flowers, you could barely get a full sentence out. It was 'Um, sir, hi, um, sir'." I laughed, but Edward only rolled his eyes.
"You're not seriously holding my nerves against me, are you, Bella? I've seen the shotgun Charlie keeps in his room; I'm not bullet-proof, you know," he excused exaggeratedly.
"Right, yeah, guns, scary uncle...got that. But this morning, did you suddenly not care if you got a hole through your chest?" Remembering the way that Edward spoke to Charlie, even though it was pretty funny in retrospect, I couldn't help but be nervous for his safety next time they interacted, which was on a pretty regular basis.
"Okay, so no more inappropriate comments about your lack of clothing," he mocked.
I didn't say anything, still waiting for my answer to where his sudden boldness had come from.
"Ugh," he groaned out, finally catching on to the reason for my silence. "I was just...I don't know. I didn't plan on being so forward. Just seeing you...practically naked...and at that early in the morning, come on, Bella! Can't I just chalk it up to the lack of caffeine in my system? So I wasn't thinking...sue me."
I nudged his arm with my elbow. "You can relax, Edward," I joked. "I was just curious, that's all."
"Would you rather have the stuttering, incoherent Edward instead?" he asked, raising his eyebrow quickly in my direction.
"I don't know...he was kind of cute." I laughed again, not being able to help it.
"Oh, bite me," he dead-panned, shaking his head, but even he couldn't hold back his laughter.
When we pulled up to Uncle Charlie's house, I idled awkwardly in his truck for a few moments before Edward cut the engine, opened his door, and walked around to my side. I sat there, taken off guard, as I undid my seat belt. He opened the passenger side door, taking my hand to help me get down on my own two feet. I still kept the dandelion from the field in my free hand, wanting to hold onto it, even if it was just a small reminder.
"Is this okay?" he asked as he led me up to the doorstep of the old white house.
"Why would it not be okay?" I chuckled, enjoying watching him be unsure of himself.
"I don't know...you and your northern ways. Who knows, you might be offended by this kind of thing," he joked, purposefully giving me a hard time.
"Nah, I'm not offended." I shook my head slightly back and forth, keeping eye contact with him as we stood on the porch. The light above us crackled, adding to the soundtrack of the southern night. "I would like a parting gift, though," I alluded, taking another step closer.
"Is that right?" He smirked again, finding his usual confidence as his arms encircled my waist.
With that, he brought his lips softly back down to mine, chastely keeping them together for just a few seconds.
"I'll see you tomorrow?" It was more of a question as he took a step off the porch and back into the darkness.
"I guess, if you still have a job…."
"He hasn't fired me yet."
"He hasn't shot you, either. I think we should count our blessings."
He just laughed now and shoved his hands into his pockets. "You ain't kiddin'."
Even though I would probably never tell him this, I liked when his southern accent got really deep. It just added to his charm, granted he definitely did not need any more help in that department.
"Okay, Bella, you're done." The voice of my uncle broke through our little bubble, and I turned around to see the front door open as he stood with his hands across his chest.
"Goodnight, Mr. Swan…Bella," Edward called out from the lawn, walking back to his old blue truck.
Charlie just grunted, opening the door for me to step inside the house and glaring at Edward.
I decided that it would be a good moment to give the old man a hug, knowing that even if it didn't serve the purpose of traditional sentimental hugs, it would make him feel uncomfortable enough to distract him from his distress regarding Edward.
"Did you have a good night?" I asked.
He just grunted again, shrugging me off and walking back to the living room.
"Well, I'm going to bed. I love you, Uncle Charlie!"
He barely lifted his hand in acknowledgement, but I blew it off, his behavior not able to knock the smile from my face. When I got to my room, I took the flower and placed it on my desk, taking out a piece of paper and a pen, planning on writing down the events that happened this evening.
Because Edward was right...that was definitely a moment I wanted to remember.
O.o
Charlie, thank God, let me sleep in the next morning, even though I was pretty certain he just didn't want a repeat of what happened the morning before. And I was sure he probably didn't want me working side-by-side with Edward again, either. I think he was finally realizing the damage that it had caused.
I looked at my clock as I turned over in my bed and noticed that it was just a little past nine. It was plenty of time to take my time, shower, and get ready for the day. I decided since I wouldn't be working out in the barn, I might as well wear something besides the muddy boots, shorts, and tanktop. I settled on a simple cotton dress, the yellow and gray flowers blending together to make a soft pattern. The material rested a few inches above my knee...modest enough to keep Charlie from having a heart attack, but nice enough that I actually felt pretty.
I slipped on my silver sandals, pushing my sunglasses through my hair so they rested on top of my head, and made my way downstairs. It was going on ten-thirty now, and I knew that coffee was needed before I went and said my hello to the boys out back.
I sat down at the table first, after my coffee was done and poured, but I wasn't really the newspaper-reading type. Lingering in the kitchen for a few minutes, I decided to screw it...might as well make my appearance. I brought the mug out with me, even though it was probably too hot to be drinking it outside with the humidity already as high as it was.
"Hi," I voiced, walking into the barn. Edward was in the stable just to my right, running a brush through the mane of one of the horses, and Charlie was down a couple, a shovel resting firmly in his grip.
"Mornin'," Charlie huffed, looking at me for only a second before getting back to work.
"Good morning," I offered to both of them, even though my attention was directed to a now smiling Edward.
"Mornin'," he matched, his tone a lot more upbeat than Charlie's had been.
"Having fun?" I mocked, taking a step closer, and I took notice of how his eyes traveled down my frame and back up again, before settling on my face.
"Workin' hard...not all of us got the luxury of sleepin' in this morning." He winked, half his mouth turned up into a grin.
I shrugged my shoulders, followed by taking a sip of my coffee. "I'm over it." I chuckled, causing him just to shake his head and get back to work.
"What time are you done?" I asked, tilting my head to the side a bit as I enjoyed another drink afterwards.
"Uh…probably two-ish." He glanced down at his watch before quickly looking at Charlie, finally settling his eyes back on mine. "You got a hot date later or something?"
"Maybe." I smiled, crossing one leg over the other. "Riley said something about taking me out…" I trailed off, laughing.
"God, don't even joke about that." Shaking his head again, he continued to stroke the brush through the horse's mane. "But I talked to Rachel the other day, said something about a beach trip this comin' weekend. Interested?"
"Beach trip? How far away is the beach from here?"
"About hour thirty…two if there's bad traffic. We probably leave Saturday morning and stay at Rach's beach house that night, come home Sunday."
"Um," I hedged, uncertain, "I'm not really sure what he's going to have to say about that." I nodded my head over to Uncle Charlie.
"Y'all know I can hear you, right?" Charlie spoke aloud, not even looking at us as he continued shoveling.
"Well, um, right," I stammered, looking at Edward for a little help.
"Her parents will be there," Edward voiced, not sounding as confident as I would have liked.
Uncle Charlie sighed, taking a break at what he was doing and turned to us, using the shovel as something to lean on. The back of his left hand came up to his forehead, wiping the sweat away before it fell in his eyes. "Saturday and Sunday, huh?"
"Yes, sir," Edward answered.
"I've never been to the beach," I offered, hoping that would be enough to get him to let me go.
"Lies. Your mom, dad, and I took you once when you were a baby."
I rolled my eyes. "Okay, how about I don't remember having ever been to the beach. Does that count?"
He huffed again. "I swear, child…"
"Uncle Charlie, please?" I said really sweetly, my tone soft and innocent.
"Can I still trust that you'll make good decisions?" He looked at me with pointed eyes before shooting daggers at Edward.
"You have nothing to worry about," I promised.
"Well…I suppose then."
I smiled triumphantly, honestly surprised that he agreed. Edward's smile matched mine, but he kept his head down, trying to hide it from the old man.
"I guess that's settled," I spoke happily. "However, Mr. Masen…you got any plans after work?"
I didn't miss the blush that rose in his cheeks and all the way to the tips of his ears. "Hmm…I suppose I can maybe fit you into my schedule."
I winked at him before leaving the barn and walking back into the house. "You just let me know."
O.o
I was reading on Charlie's couch in the living room a few hours later, enjoying the air conditioning and the storyline of my book, when the house phone rang in the kitchen. Scrambling to my feet, I raced to answer it, noticing the clock on the stove said it was just passed twelve before I picked up the receiver.
"Hello," I started, twisting the mustard yellow cord around my finger as I leaned against the counter.
"Bella?" a girl's voice sounded.
"Yes," I answered, not sure who was calling.
"Hey! It's Rachel! I asked my dad for your uncle's number; I hope that's alright."
"Oh, hey, Rachel. Yeah, that's fine. What's going on?" I asked genuinely. I really did like Rachel, but I was kind of surprised she was calling me.
"Well, we're planning a beach trip this weekend, and I just wanted to invite you. Edward said he would tell you, but I just wanted to make sure you got the message."
"Oh, yeah, he told me this morning. Charlie actually said yes, can you believe it?" I laughed, shaking my head in disbelief.
"That's great! I'm going into Raleigh this afternoon to go shopping for a few things. Do you want to come with me?"
I couldn't remember the last time I had went into downtown, and getting out of the house and spending time with Rachel really didn't seem like such a bad idea. "That sounds great. Can you hold on for a second while I go ask my uncle?"
"Sure," she agreed cheerfully.
I put the phone down on the counter, making sure it wouldn't slip off the edge, before I ran outside to the barn. Both Edward and Charlie were still back there, Edward now holding a shovel while Charlie was feeding a white horse.
"Hey, Uncle Charlie," I greeted. "Rachel just called and asked if I wanted to go to Raleigh with her today to go shopping for the trip this weekend. Is it okay if I go?"
Edward looked over and smiled at me while Charlie shrugged his shoulders. "That's fine with me. She's driving?"
"Uh, yeah, I would think so."
"Okay, just be safe and be home before dark."
"Thanks." I smiled. I turned to Edward then. "Is that okay? I know I'm kind of cancelling our plans."
"Of course it's okay. I'm glad you and Rach are becoming friends. Go have fun, and I'll see you later."
I skipped over to him and kissed his dirty cheek. "Tomorrow?" I asked, and he nodded in agreement, looking down at me with a smile before he kissed my lips softly.
"Sure thing."
I ran back to the house, putting the phone back to my ear. "Rachel?" I asked.
"Yup, I'm here."
"He said that was fine," I relayed. "What time were you thinking?"
"Great! Um, I should be over within the hour. Cool?"
"Sounds perfect."
"Great, see you then!"
I hung up after that, walking back into the living room and settling back on the couch to wait. I liked Rachel, I really did. She made me feel included.
It was about forty minutes later when I heard a horn beep out front, and I picked up my purse and keys and ran outside to meet her. Her large sunglasses covered most of her face, but she smiled at me as I settled in to the passenger's seat.
"Hey, Bella," she greeted as she put the car in reverse and pulled out of the gravel drive.
"Hey, Rachel, can I ask you a question?" I voiced right off the bat.
"Sure," she complied, turning the knob of the stereo down so she could hear me better.
"What can you tell me about a kid named Jacob?"
O.o
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