Twilight = Not Mine. It all belongs to Stephenie Meyer. She is a very nice lady who lets us play with her creations.
And now back to our regularly scheduled program, already in progress…
Playlist for Chapter Twelve – "Two Steps Back" by Jordan Millar & The Question and "Balance Beam" by Blue October
Chapter Twelve – Two Steps Back
~Edward~
"I'm on my way," Alice said as soon as I answered my cell phone. I was just about to call and ask her to come take my place outside of Bella's room to protect her while I ran to clear my head after the evening's events. Sometimes having a psychic sister saved a lot of time otherwise wasted on explaining one's situation. Of course, it also meant that Alice had witnessed the whole sordid incident.
I slowed to a human's jogging pace as Alice approached.
Edward, you can't run every time you experience a new emotion from being around Bella.
"Just give me time to process it, Alice," I replied.
"So Bella had an erotic dream about you… and a pretty good one from the way it looked… There's nothing wrong with that. I don't see why you're getting so bent out of shape about it."
I sighed. How would she ever understand?
"Don't you get it? I nearly lost it back there. I was fighting with every ounce of my strength to not take Bella then and there. I could kill her you know. One wrong move, the tiniest crack in my control, and I could break her beyond repair. I love her Alice, with everything that I am. If I hurt her, I would end myself."
"Edward, please listen. You WON'T hurt her. Every fiber of your being has been conditioned to keep her safe," Alice reassured me.
"But how do I know that I won't let my guard down, Alice? I can't be sure and I am not willing to take the risk. I won't touch her. I can't," I croaked, my voice filled with agony.
"You just have to believe in yourself. Bella believes in you, and we believe in you. I wish there were a way I could convince you…" Alice stopped speaking mid-sentence, and looked up at me with an expression I couldn't read.
"Look, Edward, you left too soon." She smiled sadly as she replayed her memory of the vision she'd experienced beforehand. "If you had stayed, you would have seen this…"
In Alice's vision, I saw Bella sleeping in her bed, lying peacefully on her side, her face lit up with the most beautiful smile I had ever seen as she sighed, "I love you, Edward." I felt my dead heart leap in my chest.
"As I love you, Bella," I whispered to myself.
She loves me.
She loves me!
The next morning I waited for Bella in the school parking lot. If I were still human, my heart would have been pounding in anticipation. I was impatient to see her, and yet I was nervous about how I would respond to her nearness after what had happened the night before. Finally her rusted monstrosity of a vehicle roared into Bella's usual parking spot.
Don't think about her dream… don't think about her dream… don't think about her dream…
"Good morning, Bella. Did you have a good weekend?" I asked, knowing full well that she had a very good end of the weekend. Must not think about her dream! It didn't help that she had what appeared to be a full-body blush in progress. This is not awkward in the least.
Don't think about her dream!
I steeled myself to react calmly when I responded to her question about my "trip" with my family. In reality, Carlisle, Esme, Emmett, and Rosalie went to Goat Rocks Wilderness to hunt larger game. I stayed in Forks, with Alice and Jasper. At first, I had refused to leave my watch over Bella to go hunt. Alice truly loved Bella, and Jasper would support Alice in anything, and together they convinced me that they were capable of protecting her while I obtained nourishment so they agreed to watch over Bella when I needed to hunt. I was beyond grateful to my family for standing behind me in my mission to protect Bella from any harm, including the sadistic nomads.
Bella and I continued talking and laughing on our way into the school. By the time we reached the classroom for Bella's advisory, my anxiety had calmed, and I could relax and enjoy her presence.
~Bella~
I woke up Monday sticky and covered with sweat, but feeling more rested than I had since I first moved to Forks. I remembered dreaming about Edward, and a blush covered me from head to toe. I'm sure he would wonder why I couldn't look him in the eye when we saw each other at school. This was definitely an awkward situation I'd never found myself in before.
My breakfast Pop-Tart remained uneaten for once, as there was no room left over in my stomach with the butterflies that had moved in. Hopefully Edward wouldn't notice how nervous I was this morning. I had ended up washing off my failed attempt at applying makeup… my hand had been shaking so badly that my mascara ended up looking like a Zorro mask around my eyes. I took one last look in the mirror and gave up. I was as ready to face him as I would ever be.
The parking lot was mostly empty when I pulled the truck into its usual spot, but leaning against his shiny Volvo, looking more like a Greek god than should be legal, was the subject of my most vivid dream ever. I gathered my courage and got out of the truck as he walked toward me.
"Good morning, Bella. Did you have a good weekend?" Edward said as he joined me and we headed to class. I could hear the smile in his voice.
"Hi Edward, it was fine." I asked, trying not to make eye contact, my cheeks flaming. "How did your trip with your family go?"
"It was nice. We went hiking at Goat Rocks Wilderness. My family is really into the outdoors, so we take off every chance we get. When we start to get better weather, we'll spend a lot of time camping. It means enough to my parents that they even take us out of school to go when the weather is nice," he answered.
"Wow! I can't imagine getting to miss school to go hiking, but then, I'd probably end up breaking both my legs. I'm not the most coordinated person around."
Edward laughed and winked at me as he said, "Yeah, I've heard that somewhere before."
"From who!" I nearly shouted, embarrassed to the core.
"Some girl in my gym class, goes by Bella. You've heard of her?"
"I may have," I answered, grinning from ear to ear.
By the time Edward dropped me off at advisory, my apprehension over my dream had worn off, and we were back in our conversational comfort zone again.
"Don't forget we agreed last week to go on a date this Friday," Edward reminded me as school let out at the end of the day.
"Unless I were in a coma, it would be physically impossible for me to forget about it," I told him.
His laughter filled the hallway as we walked to my locker.
"So, there are three movies showing at the theater, 'Flightplan', which we've already seen, 'Serenity', a science fiction movie, and 'The Greatest Game Ever Played', a historical movie about a young unknown golfer who ends up winning the 1913 U.S. Open."
"Oh! 'Serenity' is based on the 'Firefly' TV series. I love that show!" I said excitedly.
"Would you like to see it then?" he asked.
"Yeah, that would be great! The trailer for it looks amazing."
"For dinner before the movie, do you prefer Italian or Chinese?" Edward leaned against the locker next to mine, grinning at me with that dazzling crooked smile, and my train of thought was completely derailed.
"Um… what was that again?" I asked, dazed. I'm fairly certain that my eyes had glazed over. I had no idea what he'd asked me.
"Would you prefer to eat Italian or Chinese before the movie?" he repeated.
"I love them both, but Italian sounds really good right now, so… Italian?"
"You don't have to ask me Bella, I'm happy with whatever you want," he said, laughing.
All I want is to spend time with you. I could feel the heat rising in my face. I wondered if he could feel it from where he was standing.
"Okay, so Italian for dinner, and we'll see 'Serenity' afterward. The movie starts at 7:30, so we can eat at 6:30, which means I need to pick you up at 6:00," Edward clarified.
"So we'll be leaving Forks at your usual warp speed? What if you get caught speeding? It would be even worse with me being in the car. Charlie would have you stuffed and mounted over our fireplace mantle…"
"Fine," he sighed in resignation. "I'll pick you up at 5:45, and we'll crawl to Port Angeles."
"That sounds much better. Deal," I said, nodding my head and grinning from ear to ear.
I had been so excited for Friday's date with Edward that I could hardly stand myself when the day finally arrived. I had pulled every article of clothing I owned out of my closet to try to find something suitable to wear. With an hour and a half until Edward picked me up, I was starting to panic when the doorbell rang.
I ran downstairs to answer it and was surprised to see Alice bouncing on my doorstep.
"Bella! I'm here to help you get ready for your date," she said before I could open my mouth to greet her.
"Hi Alice. Thanks, I was starting to think that I'd end up wearing a bath towel to Port Angeles."
"Let's see what we have to work with, shall we?" Alice raced up the stairs to my room carrying a professional-looking train case and immediately started rifling through the clothes piled on my bed. Shirts and pants went flying across the room as she pursued her prey of the perfect outfit relentlessly.
"Aha! Here we are!" she shouted triumphantly as she turned to hand me a dark blue blouse with a small ruffle around the v-neck and at the end of the sleeves.
"Is this the only skirt you own?" she asked, holding up my long khaki skirt.
"Yeah, I don't have many special occasions to wear a skirt for," I told her.
"Okay, wear these jeans," she said, pushing a pair of faded skinny jeans into my hands.
"Ugh… No heels either?" Alice turned and cocked a dainty eyebrow at me.
"Uh… Have you seen me walk? Klutz here," I said, pointing to myself. "I'm a hazard in flat shoes. Can you imagine me trying to maneuver in heels without spraining an ankle or causing some sort of catastrophe? Do you think Edward will really care what kind of shoes I'm wearing?"
"No, he probably won't even notice that you have shoes. But it matters to me!" Alice pouted. "We'll just have to work on you and heels. I can just picture the cutest pair of Christian Louboutin pumps on you."
"Sure thing, Alice." I rolled my eyes and got dressed in the clothes Alice had picked out.
"Now come sit down so I can work my magic on you," she said as she removed hair styling accessories and makeup from a case that appeared to be bottomless.
At 5:30, Alice had completed her makeover mission, and I was primped and coiffed.
"Voila!" she said, waving toward me as I faced the mirror. "You look beautiful!"
"Wow, Alice! I should have you do my make-up every day!" I congratulated her. She had done a wonderful job, applying light makeup that only enhanced my best features, and pulling my hair back at the sides, allowing it to hang loose down my back.
"Edward will be amazed," Alice announced, smiling at her handiwork.
"Thanks, Alice. You really are the best!" I said as I gave her a quick hug of gratitude.
My heart hammered in anticipation of Edward's arrival. I could feel my palms getting clammy.
"Stop that!" Alice scolded. "I worked too hard to have you sweat your makeup off! Take some deep breaths and try to relax."
I did as Alice suggested, managing to calm my heart rate down a little, but my stomach refused to stop doing flips.
I heard Charlie's cruiser pull into the driveway. "My Dad's home, come downstairs and let me introduce him to you."
"I'd love to meet him," Alice squealed.
We headed downstairs and met Charlie in the living room.
"Dad, this is my friend, Alice Cullen. She's here to help me get ready for my date with her brother, Edward." I held my breath waiting to see what Charlie would say. I had mentioned to him last week that Edward was going to take me out this week, but I hadn't said anything to him since.
"Hello Alice, it's nice to finally meet you, and I'm looking forward to meeting your brother before he takes off with Bella this evening. I'm sorry I didn't get a chance to get acquainted when you all went to Portland, but I had to fill in for one of my deputies at work that weekend. I thought it was really nice of you and your brother to invite Bella to go, and tell your parents that I appreciated them staying there at the hotel with you."
Wow. That was the most I'd ever heard Charlie say at one time in my whole life.
"It was our pleasure, Chief Swan," Alice said respectfully.
"Please, none of that 'Chief Swan' nonsense, just call me Charlie," he requested.
And just like that, Alice had Charlie eating out of the palm of her hand.
"I hate to run, but Edward will be here soon, and I need to get home," Alice announced, giving me a sly wink as she walked out.
"I'll be upstairs finishing getting ready, Dad," I said as I ran past him to get to my room. "When Edward gets here, be nice, please?"
"When have I not been nice to one of your friends, Bells?"
"When have I ever gone on a date before, Dad?"
"Good point. I'll be nice," Charlie promised.
The butterflies in my stomach multiplied.
~Edward~
By Friday, Alice still hadn't seen any visions of the nomads, but I wasn't about to take chances with Bella's safety. Emmett and Jasper had volunteered to act as Bella's "Secret Service" agents, Emmett going so far as to don a dark suit and sunglasses. Jasper looked more comfortable in jeans and flannel shirt.
"All you need is the earpiece, Emmett, and you fit the part," Jasper laughed. "You look like a douche, man. She's not even going to see you as long as we're doing what we're supposed to."
"I happen to rock this look, thank you very much," Emmett huffed, nose high in the air. "You look like you just fell off the turnip truck, ya hick. Besides, this is Armani, and Rose got it for me."
"Wow, look at the pot callin' the kettle black! You're startin' to sound like Alice with the 'Armani', man, and it's scarin' me," Jasper teased.
"At least she has taste," Emmett retorted.
"Yeah, taste in men," Jasper shot back.
"Gentlemen, can we please focus on the task at hand?" I asked them with a sigh, pinching the bridge of my nose.
"Sure bro'," Emmett replied seriously, back in agent mode.
"Alice said she couldn't see if those vampires were going to be a threat while I take Bella on our date, so I'll feel a lot better knowing that you will be keeping an eye out for anything unusual. We are going to Bella Italia first, and then we will be at the Lincoln Theater to watch a movie."
Jasper laid out the strategy. "Bella will never know we're there. Emmett and I will stay outside of the restaurant – I'll keep an eye on the front of the building, and Emmett can watch the back. When you go to the theater, Emmet can sit several rows ahead of you, and I'll sit in the back, closest to the exit. We'll know if they show up at either place, and those bastards will never know what hit 'em."
"Just let me get my hands on them… I'd love nothing more than ripping them into pieces," Emmett said longingly. It's been a LONG time since I've been in a good fight.
"Thanks guys, I really appreciate your help," I told them.
"Yeah, well you've been on a date how many times before? Oh yeah, NEVER," Emmett stated. "I wouldn't miss this show for the world. I might even buy popcorn."
"Thanks, Em, I love you too," I answered.
We'll keep her safe, Edward, I promise, Jasper thought.
Charlie answered the door when I picked Bella up. As usual, I had difficulty reading his thoughts, but one thought in particular came through loud and clear. I know how to hide your body so it will never be found, so don't even think about trying anything with my daughter. I watched as his thick moustache twitched slightly with his mental declaration.
"Hello, Chief Swan, I'm Edward Cullen. It's a pleasure to meet you," I said as I extended my gloved hand to shake Charlie's.
"Hello, Edward," he said gruffly as he squeezed my hand. "Bella will be down in a minute. Why don't you fill me in on the details of your plans for the evening?"
"Well, sir, we are going to eat dinner at Bella Italia, in Port Angeles, and then we're going to see the movie 'Serenity' at the Lincoln Theater. The previews start at 7:30, the movie should be finished by 9:45, so I should have Bella home by 10:30."
"Alright." Charlie sternly nodded his approval. His moustache twitched in the opposite direction this time.
"Dad, are you giving Edward a hard time? Remember your promise," Bella yelled as she bounded down the stairs.
My breath caught at the sight of her. She was absolutely lovely in a dark blue v-neck shirt that showcased her graceful neck and just a peek of her delicate collar bones. The color was stunning against her creamy complexion. Her hair flowed in mahogany waves down her back. Her freesia and lavender scent wafted toward me, and I was spellbound.
"No, Bells, just making sure he's going to treat you right and keep you safe," Charlie responded.
"I promise I'll take good care of her, Chief Swan. You have my word," I told him earnestly. Nothing in this universe was more important to me than Bella's well-being.
"Okay Dad, we'll see you later," Bella said, grabbing my hand and dragging me hastily out the door. "Let's get out of here before he embarrasses me to death."
"He's just making sure you're safe with me," I explained. It was true. Charlie Swan may have been an intimidating man of few words and obscure thoughts, but the love and concern he felt for his daughter was palpable.
I hurried at human speed to open the car door for Bella. I refused to behave like the mannerless brutes at school did with their girlfriends. Their lack of chivalry was utterly appalling.
The ride to Port Angeles took slightly less time than planned. We made it there in under forty minutes, and I only barely exceeded the speed limit. Bella had a death grip on the grab handle the entire way there.
When we arrived at the restaurant, I bristled at the hostess' uncomplimentary thoughts about Bella. She led us toward a larger table near the front of the restaurant, and as Bella was starting to take her seat, I told the hostess that we would prefer a more private table, handing her a crisp $50 bill for her trouble. She led us to a quiet booth in the back and left us with our menus.
Our waitress arrived to take our drink order, rudely ignoring Bella as she waited for my selection. If I'd had an appetite, her lewd thoughts would have surely ruined it. I focused my attention on Bella.
"What would you like to drink?" I asked her.
"Um, a Coke please," she answered softly.
"Two Cokes, please," I told the waitress without taking my eyes off of Bella.
The waitress said something I didn't hear and scurried off. As far as I was concerned, the only person in the room was Bella.
"You look beautiful," I blurted out.
"Thanks. So do you." Bella blushed deep crimson and lowered her head.
When she looked up again she asked, "Have you eaten here before?"
"No, but Esme gave it a good review," I told her sincerely. She had said good things about the restaurant… well, really about the owners who were interested in having her redecorate the place.
We studied our menus for a while, and then the waitress returned with our drinks and a basket of breadsticks, which I offered to Bella. She must have been hungry, she grabbed one as soon as I pushed the basket her way and started nibbling on it adorably.
"What can I get for you?" the waitress purred. Maybe me covered in chocolate sauce? The thoughts of the waitress were nauseating.
I really wasn't ready for Bella to know what my diet actually consisted of; I knew at this point she would run screaming for the hills, so I ordered the beef ravioli. Ewwww, disgusting. I inwardly shuddered at the thought of choking it back up later.
The waitress nearly walked off without taking Bella's order when I asked Bella what she wanted to eat.
"I'll have the mushroom ravioli, please."
The waitress scrawled Bella's order on her pad and headed back to the kitchen.
"Wow, they should probably bring a mop out here to wipe up her drool," Bella said, laughing.
"Huh?"
"She was nearly falling over herself to get your attention," Bella replied. "I could have been sitting here naked with my hair on fire and she wouldn't have realized I was right beside her."
"Oh. I hadn't noticed," I told her. I had tuned the waitress out and Bella was all that existed.
"Yeah, you seem to have that effect on people," she pointed out.
"Do I have that effect on you?" The words were out of my mouth before my brain had even processed them.
"Always," she said, looking down and blushing the most beautiful shade I had ever seen.
The waitress returned shortly with our salads. Yuck. This was not going to be easy for me. Remember, this is for Bella. Just suck it up and eat the lettuce, Edward.
We talked about our classes while we waited for our entrees. I told Bella that I was in complete agreement with her evaluation of Mrs. Wagner, our World Studies teacher. She truly was amazing. After having spent decade after decade of my existence in one form of World Studies or another, Mrs. Wagner actually managed to raise my interest in the class. Bella and I both laughed at Mr. Berty's pompousness, and at Coach Clapp's never-ending craving for fast food. We were just discussing the merits of having Mr. Wood for Chemistry when our waitress set my plate of meat ravioli in front of me, followed by the mushroom ravioli, which almost ended up in Bella's lap. I knew that the waitress had intended for Bella to be wearing it, and grabbed the plate as it started to "accidentally" slip.
Our waitress was working overtime to not get a tip from me, and I wouldn't have left one if not for Bella. I didn't want to appear rude in her eyes.
I tried my best not to grimace as I forced down a square of meat-filled pasta. My body revolted at the intrusion of the repulsive solid, and I struggled to maintain a pleasant façade. Thank God there was no cheese on or in it. Cheese was simply the vilest of human foods to a vampire.
I hastened the ravioli's journey with a huge swallow of Coke. It's a good thing that blood isn't carbonated.
"What's your favorite movie?" I asked.
Bella paused to cut a piece of her mushroom ravioli in half, and chewed it thoughtfully.
"That's easy. My favorite move of all time is 'The Princess Bride'."
Ah, one of my favorites as well! "Are you kidding? Fencing, fighting, torture, revenge, giants, monsters, chases, escapes, true love, miracles..." I laughed as I quoted one of the opening lines of the movie.
"Doesn't sound too bad. I'll try to stay awake," Bella responded with the next line.
"But 'Ferris Bueller' comes in a close second. Charlie and I used to watch it together all the time. We still stop whatever we're doing and watch it if it comes on TV."
"Alice and I love that one too. It has some of the best lines ever, and it is set in Chicago, where we used to live when I was little. The part where Principal Rooney asks the pizza shop owner the score of the baseball game – 'nothing-nothing' – and then asks who was winning and the guy says 'the Bears' absolutely kills me!"
I loved the movie made in my hometown, and the scene of Ferris and his friends at a Cubs game never failed to make me smile. Even after all the years that had passed, I was still partial to any sports teams from Chicago. I had actually attended the opening game in 1914 with my father at what would later be renamed Wrigley Field. Back then it was called Weeghman Park, and was the home of the Whales. I also went with him to watch the White Sox win the World Series in 1917. And even though they got their start in 1919, it wasn't until many years after my change that I got to see a Bears game.
"My favorite part is the look on Principal Rooney's face when Jeannie tells him that he left his wallet in the house, then she tosses it over the fence into the dog run, and the dog wakes up… A few minutes later you see Rooney limping along the street with his clothes shredded. It's classic!"
It was nothing less than providence that Bella and I shared the same taste in movies and music.
~Bella~
We were quoting lines from our favorite movies, his laughter wrapping around me like a down blanket, and feeling utterly content, I laughed with him. For the briefest moment, an image of rainbows sparkling in the forest filled my mind, and then in a flash it was gone. What in the world was that about?
"Edward, I'm curious. Why do you and Alice never eat anything at lunch?" I finally asked. The question had been burning within me for a long time now, and I hoped he had a reasonable answer.
"Easy," he said, chuckling softly. "Esme always makes an enormous breakfast for us. She swears it is the most important meal of the day, and who are we to argue? We're still so full that we don't have room for food at lunch time."
"Oh." I was struck with the oddest sense of déjà vu. "I seem to remember being told about breakfast being the most important meal of the day when I was a little girl. I never can remember who told me, but it was good advice and I've always followed it."
"I sometimes have a hard time remembering what I was told yesterday," Edward joked.
"Right, Mr. Photographic Memory. I believe that story," I laughed. "I've seen you in class, and I know better."
"Okay, so what is your favorite type of food?" I asked him.
"Right now I'd have to say venison, but only if it is fresh, never frozen. The freezing process just destroys the flavor," he answered. "Have you ever really looked at meat with freezer burn? It just looks nasty – never mind the taste."
"I was sort of hoping you'd say fish. Charlie spends all his free time with rod, reel, and Billy Black amassing enough fish to feed entire villages for years. When his friend Harry Clearwater was still alive, he used to send his homemade fish fry to the house, which was really good. Charlie and I have both tried to duplicate it, but we haven't had any luck. I don't suppose your family could use a couple hundred pounds of frozen fish, could they?"
"Um… thanks, but no thanks?"
"Yeah, I kind of figured that," I told him, sighing dramatically. "I guess we're stuck with the fish for all eternity."
"Sorry, I wish I could help you with your fish problem, but no one in my family is a fan." Edward shuddered visibly.
The waitress suddenly reappeared to ask Edward if there was anything he needed, studiously avoiding me as she batted her eyelashes at him. Edward didn't even look up, and I almost felt sorry for her. Almost.
"Do you want any dessert? We still have plenty of time before the movie starts," Edward offered.
"No, thank you, I'm stuffed. If I eat any more I won't be able to breathe, which would really ruin the movie experience for us. But don't skip having dessert just because I'm not having it." I always felt bad if people declined dessert on my account.
"Actually, I'm pretty full, too. I'll get the check and we can walk over to the theater." Edward flashed that crooked grin and I felt my heart go into overdrive.
~Edward~
We finished our meal and I ignored the slip of paper with a phone number that the waitress had included with our check. I tucked some cash into the folder and we headed for the theater.
Emmett and Jasper had taken their positions, Emmett near the front of the theater and Jasper in the back row. I nodded slightly to Jasper as Bella and I took our seats in the middle of the center row.
Nice, Emmett thought. She looks hot, Edward.
"Just keep an eye out for the nomads, Emmett," I growled under my breath.
I could hear Jasper chuckling behind us. Ya know, Edward, most couples like to sit closer to the back when they're on a date.
"That's only if they are not interested in actually watching the movie, which is what we are here to do. Bella is a fan of the TV series it's based on, and she's excited about the movie. So there," I told Jasper too softly and quickly for any human ears to hear. I resisted the childish urge to turn around and stick out my tongue at him.
Hey Edward, I can coach you on some moves that might work on Bella. Emmett filled his mind with random "instructional" images, including the time-honored "yawn and stretch" technique.
"Shut UP, Emmett, I don't need any advice from you. Just watch for any signs of trouble," I snapped.
Sure thing, Edward.
The previews started playing and I tuned Emmett and Jasper out, concentrating on Bella instead. We kept a running commentary on which of the new movies looked promising, and which ones looked like a waste of time and resources. When the feature finally started, Bella sat forward in her chair and watched with anticipation.
I remembered her reaction to the tense scenes when we watched 'Flightplan' and waited impatiently for the suspense to build. It didn't take long before Bella was clutching my forearm tightly. I could feel the familiar energy humming between us, concentrated where her hand was wrapped around my arm. I never wanted it to end.
Although the majority of my attention was focused on Bella, I found that the movie was actually very entertaining. Science fiction was a genre that I had enjoyed since it first appeared on the silver screen. Emmett, Jasper and I had camped out in line to see the premiere of the original 'Star Wars' movie, and then saw it a dozen times again at the theater. Even Rosalie liked it, mostly because she identified with Luke and his ability to repair mechanical things. Emmett liked it primarily because he had a secret crush on Princess Leia. Luckily, Rosalie never picked up on that, or she would have been less inclined to wear the tiny gold bikini slave-girl costume that Princess Leia wore in 'Return of the Jedi'. Even though I only saw it in Emmett's thoughts, I would pay good money to be able to forget that image.
Hey Edward, this is turning out to be pretty good. That Inara chick isn't half bad, Emmett thought appreciatively. Rosalie should be thankful that she can't read minds.
Ha! Those Reavers would be no match for us, Jasper's smug mental voice pointed out.
Jasper was on target with that observation. I doubted that crazed cannibalistic humans would be any match for a vampire.
All too soon, the movie was over, and Bella was stretching as we rose from our chairs. A sliver of skin between her shirt and jeans caught my eye, and I struggled to block any inappropriate thoughts from my mind. She smoothed her shirt back into place and I quickly recovered.
"Did you like it?" she asked me excitedly as we left the theater.
"I thought it was great! I'll have to go back and watch the 'Firefly' series now," I told her.
Emmett and Jasper were already waiting in their positions outside the theater.
"Thanks for helping out, I owe you," I told them quietly.
Nah, you don't owe us anything except a big lip lock with Bella, Emmett answered.
"Not gonna happen, Emmett," I sighed. "I can't let myself get that close. I won't take any chances that could end up hurting her."
Jeez, this again? This is getting ridiculous, Edward. Don't you listen to anything Alice tells you? Jasper's irritation was evident.
"I've always listened to Alice, and always followed her advice. But I'm afraid she trusts my control too much," I explained, again.
Whatever, Jasper thought. You'll come to your senses eventually.
I walked Bella to the car and opened the door for her, putting Emmett and Jasper's thoughts behind me. I didn't want to waste my precious time with Bella focusing on the negative, so I took a deep breath to let her scent calm me. Bella stopped and turned before she got in, locking her eyes with mine. I was lost, deep in the chocolate brown, the connection between us tangible. It was almost as if I could feel her in my mind, not her thoughts, but her very soul. The sound of a throat being cleared broke the spell, and Bella got into the car.
You go, bro'.
"SHUT UP, Emmett!"
The ride home was quiet, but the silence between us was comfortable. We each just enjoyed the other's company for the thirty-four minute drive. Bella didn't even complain about the speed.
When I walked her to her door, Bella paused to tell me goodnight.
"I really enjoyed this evening, Edward. Thank you so much for taking me," she said softly.
"It was my pleasure, Bella. We need to do it again, soon," I told her.
She grabbed my gloved hand, trapping me in her gaze again. "Good night, Edward."
"Good night, Bella. Sleep well."
She released my hand and went inside.
Whew! That was close. I knew it would have been the wrong thing to do, but I really wanted to kiss her.
A/N: Happy Thursday, everyone! (It IS still Thursday here in Central Daylight Savings Time land…) Sorry it took until the end of the day to get this posted, but RL has been throwing major curve balls my way.
Mucho thanks and endless love to my Beta and Bestest Friend of All Time, Christine, aka A Little Distracted, for helping me through an epic bout of writer's block.
Love, hugs, and a Rob and Peter sandwich to FangMom, who pre-reads my chapter and provides the most entertaining running commentary EVER! I love ya, hun!
Lotsa love to Mkystich for the most amazing banner ever and the nicest review ever on her blogsite "Love of a Writer" http:/mkystich(dot)blogspot(dot)com, and to jedigirlsc for her pimpage of MIF…
Random story fact #5: Wrigley Field was built in Chicago and opened in 1914 as Weeghman Field, home of the Federal League Whales (baseball team), who won the last Federal League Championship in 1915. The Chicago Cubs (National League baseball) took over the stadium in 1916, and it was known as Cubs Park between 1920 and 1926, when it was re-named for the team owner (and chewing gum magnate) William Wrigley, Jr. From 1921 until 1970 it was also the home of the Chicago Bears (National Football League).
Random story fact #6: The Chicago White Sox (American League baseball) were established in 1901 (the year Edward was born!). They won the World Series in 1906, and 1917 (the year Edward went with his father). They appeared in the World Series in 1919 (the year that "Shoeless Joe Jackson" – remember the movie 'Field of Dreams'? - was on the team) but several members of the team were accused of purposely losing games for gambling purposes. The White Sox did not win a World Series again until 2005.
This is what I get for being a member of a household of baseball and football freaks…
I want to pimp my favorite Aussie band, Jordan Millar & The Question. I heart them. Hard.
Fanfic rec's of the week (they own me):
"Bad Fauxmance" by stella luna sky
"I Don't Believe in Vampires" by lazykate
"Somewhere Between Crimson and Blue" by antiaol
Reviewers will get a teaser of Chapter 13…