Disclaimer: Everything Twilight belongs to Stephenie Meyer.
Author's Note: As always everyone's support is absolutely amazing! I'm really glad you guys enjoyed last chapter and how it was lighter. This one is as well. The next couple of chapters will not be very angsty since we are working our way up to 'The Event' ;)
I was listening to the radio the other day—as I was posting the last chapter, actually—and a song came on that I had never heard before. I was listening to the lyrics and I immediately thought of this story. The song is called 'The Scientist' by Coldplay. You guys should really listen to it if you haven't already and you will see what I mean. It fits in with this story really well and it is a beautiful song so definitely check that out!
I hope you enjoy this chapter! Xoxoxo :)
Bella POV
"What did you get Edward for his birthday?" I asked Alice curiously while we were waiting for the waiter to bring us our lunch.
Edward's birthday was tomorrow and no one had brought it up. Not once. I knew it was because Edward wasn't a huge fan of having parties thrown in his honor—even though he had no problem making me the center of attention on many occasions.
Because of this, however, the Cullens were planning a surprise party for him and for that reason, no one in the family mentioned his birthday—not even Edward himself.
I had been contemplating how to handle this situation for the last couple of days. I wasn't sure what I should get him, if anything at all. I knew I had to put on the charade of getting him a gift for the sake of the family, but I wasn't sure exactly where to cross the line.
"I got him this new pocket-sized PDA for work so he can write his whole schedule down in there instead of having to lug around notebooks all the time," Alice said excitedly, obviously proud of her gift choice. "What did you get him? Something appropriate for opening in front of the family, I hope." She grinned widely and gave me a suggestive look.
"Oh, um, well…" I shook my head and wondered if lying would be a good option at this point. "I actually have no idea what to get him," I blurted out. The truth was something I hadn't been using a lot lately, so I figured I could use the good karma.
"Well…what are your options?" she asked, sitting up straighter and going into full Alice-planning mode.
"Honestly? I have no effing clue. Everything I think of seems too lame or cliché."
She nodded contemplatively before her eyes grew wide and she smiled at me. "How about a new coffee maker," she suggested animatedly. "Edward loves coffee."
I raised an eyebrow at her incredulously. "A coffee maker," I repeated dully. "Alice, that's not even a little sentimental."
"Oh, you want sentimental?" She smirked at me and brushed her short spiky hair aside before continuing, "Skimpy lingerie and massage oils. There's your sentimental."
I shook my head and rolled my eyes at her as our food arrived. We thanked our waiter and waited for him to leave before resuming our conversation.
"I honestly do not know what you want from me, Bella," Alice sighed as she squirted some ketchup onto her French fries. "A coffee maker is too boring for you and a night of amazing sex is too much? I just…can't help you if you're not willing to compromise."
"I'm willing to compromise, Alice," I argued, growing frustrated with her lack of helpfulness in this situation. "But you're not exactly giving me anything useful to work with here and you know it."
She groaned and took a huge bite of her cheeseburger as she eyed me calculatingly. "Fine, you're right," she relented, putting her burger down. "I was half-assing it. Hunger was clouding my judgments."
I chuckled and shook my head at her excuse as I took a bite of my pastrami sandwich and chewed slowly and deliberately as I went through possible gift options in my head.
It was Edward's twenty-sixth birthday. It was a pretty big deal, even though he didn't want to make it one. And he would understand that we needed to put on a show for the family, so whatever gift I got him—no matter how embarrassing or awkward—would just have to be accepted without question because we were husband and wife…theoretically.
I chuckled darkly at that last part and quickly thought of yesterday.
Spending the entire day with Edward hadn't been as bad as I thought it was going to be. We didn't talk about the hard stuff and I actually enjoyed myself.
But there were times through out the day when he acted strange and I couldn't understand what was going through his head. Like when that guy James greeted me at the card shop. Edward's words still rang through my head.
"It works both ways."
It works both ways?
He couldn't honestly have been comparing the girls who stared at him with the guys who gazed at me? Those were completely different situations…I think.
I didn't really notice James' flirtation. I actually thought he was a little weird and he made me sort of uncomfortable. I did, however, notice those two girls snickering and batting their eyelashes at Edward when clearly he was with me.
But still, his words stuck to me. It wasn't the same thing, but now that I thought about it…it seemed very similar. Edward noticed James flirting with me, but I hardly did. And I always noticed girls coming onto Edward, but he claimed he didn't. Could it really work both ways as he had said?
I would admit, I noticed a few guys here and there giving me…'the eyes,' but it always made me uncomfortable and I would quickly look away or try my best to end any conversation started by bluntly mentioning that I was taken. Plus, I only had my eyes on
Edward. And he never said anything about them so obviously he didn't think it was a problem.
That was the difference.
I went to Edward and told him my concerns. If he had come to me with similar worries, I would have heard him out and tried my best to understand him and figure out a way to make the situation easier for him. I didn't want to hurt him.
That was what bugged me the most. If our situation was reversed, I wouldn't brush off Edward's distress about other guys coming onto me. I would do something about it. So why hadn't he?
That was the difference.
"It works both ways."
Yea, it did work both ways. But I never heard him complain once about any guy who hit on me so he couldn't just hit me with that bullshit now. It was not the same thing.
I so desperately wanted to hear is logic—to understand what made him look at things from that perspective, but I wasn't sure how or when or even if I should bring that up. I doubted that it would be a pleasant conversation.
"…sitting in a thong on the beach with gorillas attacking."
I suddenly came back to the present when I heard Alice's last statement. I practically choked on my sandwich.
"What?" I asked, shocked, not sure if I had heard her correctly.
She smirked at me. "I knew you weren't paying attention," she said, shaking her head and popping a fry into her mouth.
I laughed and shook my head, clearing my mind of all these thoughts about Edward. They seemed to be taking up permanent residence in my head nowadays.
"Yea, I'm sorry. A lot on my mind," I murmured quietly.
She let out a gust of air and swallowed her bite slowly. "So back to the Edward convo…" she trailed off.
No. No more talk about Edward. He was already all I ever thought about these days anyway.
"What are you going to do about the gift? His birthday is tomorrow," she said, stating the obvious.
I rolled my eyes and finished the last bite of my sandwich. "Thanks, Sherlock."
She sighed and paid for the meal when the waiter arrived. I tried arguing, but I knew it was a lost cause. Alice already had the receipt signed and her leftovers packed before I could even pull my wallet out of my purse.
"Why don't you…get him a puppy? Aw, Bella, I know he would love that! You could have a little baby in the house," Alice suggested excitedly as she locked arms with me and led me out into the cold, crisp Seattle air.
We started walking down the sidewalk where most of the shops were. I was looking in the windows, trying to find something to get Edward.
"I don't think a pet is a good idea right now," I worded carefully. I didn't want Edward to have to deal with the responsibility of caring for an animal since we didn't live together anymore. Alice didn't know that though, so I had to make sure to keep my excuses light.
"Fine," she huffed. I was surprised she didn't press the issue any longer.
"I'll find something," I added quickly. "It'll come to me. Tonight, hopefully," I grumbled.
Alice laughed and grabbed my hand as she led me into a boutique. "Yes, you will. In the meantime…I think a little retail therapy is in order!" She grinned widely at me and I didn't even have the energy to fight back.
XxXxX
"So…big day tomorrow," I murmured quietly as I turned the page in my book.
This had become our nightly ritual. Edward would get into bed and turn his lamp off, while mine would remained on for at least thirty minutes while I read, sitting beside him with my back against the headboard. Edward was always close to being asleep by the time I turned the light off, but I knew he never fell asleep until I lay down beside him.
When he didn't respond, I chanced a glance at him and saw he was looking at me with a somewhat shocked expression on his face.
"What?" I asked, suddenly self-conscious.
He sat up on his elbow abruptly, eyes still fixated on mine. "You remembered my birthday," he said quietly. It wasn't a question.
I stared at him confused for a minute before slowly nodding my head. "Yea…of course I did." I laughed slightly, wondering why the hell he was being all weird about something so trivial. "Edward, I've known you pretty much my whole life. Are you really that shocked?" I asked incredulously.
He shook his head and ran a hand through his hair. "I just figured…after everything…"
"What?" I asked disbelievingly. "You thought because we're separated that I just…forget things like that? Edward, your birthday is a big day. I wouldn't forget that." I paused and looked away, shaking my head and laughing humorlessly. "Frankly, I'm a little insulted.
"Bella," he started, sitting all the way up and leaning toward me. I looked at him and saw his expression was torn. "It's just…no one's brought it up…I'm sorry, this all sounds stupid now." He shook his head and looked away.
I sighed and shrugged. "I guess I kind of get it. I can see how I'd be the last one you'd expect to bring it up. But I couldn't forget your birthday…even if I wanted to." My heart clenched at the truth in my own words.
He chuckled darkly, but his eyes remained focused on his lap. "Yea? Why?"
I let out a gust of air, shaking my head to clear my thoughts. I wasn't sure what to say to him.
"Because it's…important," I spoke softly, hating how weak and vulnerable I sounded. "I always remember the important things."
I remember everything about you, I added silently.
He finally looked up at me, his expression soft and understanding. "I'm sorry I offended you," he said sincerely.
"No need to apologize." I smiled reassuringly at him and he offered me a half-hearted one in return.
I turned the lamp on my bedside table off and put my book down as I finally got under the covers and lay on my back. Edward did the same and we both laid in silence for a while before he finally spoke again.
"Bella…" he started quietly.
I cleared my throat inconspicuously, not trusting my voice at the moment. "Yes, Edward?"
"I remember the important things, too," he murmured softly.
I smiled in spite of myself. "Such as…?" I pressed teasingly.
He chuckled into the darkness and I realized how much I had missed that sound. "A lot of things," he replied, evasive.
"My birthday?" I prompted.
"September 13th," he answered automatically.
"Favorite color?"
"It changes day by day…depending on your mood." His answer caught me off guard. I had said this to him before, but I couldn't believe something so unimportant had stuck with him this whole time. "What about my favorite color?" he challenged.
"Blue," I replied, looking over at him and laughing softly. "You're such a guy."
He laughed and nodded. "Favorite hobby?"
"Playing the piano. Do you still do that, by the way?" I asked curiously. I had wondered for a while now, but had never found it in me to ask. He used to play several times a day and was always composing new pieces—it was his passion and he was amazing at it.
"Not really," he sighed. I could hear the regret and sadness in his voice. "I haven't been…inspired, I guess." He chuckled and I sensed no humor at all from it.
I nodded and almost instantaneously felt the light mood dissipate.
"Happy early birthday, Edward," I whispered into the darkness.
He laughed a genuine laugh before turning to lie on his side, facing me. "Don't remind me. I just hope no ones says anything."
"Obviously your family is going to wish you 'happy birthday,' Edward," I stated obviously.
He sighed. "I guess. At least they didn't plan anything like every other year."
I bit my lip to keep from blurting out that they had—in fact—planned something. And that he would probably hate everyone for it.
I, too, had helped in the planning process, but I was merely an accomplice, offering advice or suggestions when needed. Honestly, planning Edward's surprise party seemed bit intrusive. I felt like I had no place doing things like that anymore and I was surprised that this thought made me a little nauseous.
"You're right," I said instead. "Goodnight, Edward."
"Mmm…night, love," he whispered sleepily.
I looked at him shocked, but his eyes were closed and his breathing was even. I realized he was half-asleep.
Hearing him utter those words…those words that I had heard many nights before…did something to me. And I couldn't tell if it was a good thing or a bad thing. But now I knew exactly what I was getting Edward for his birthday.
XxXxX
Carlisle and Esme had gone all out in setting up the surprise party—we would all happily admit that they were the masterminds behind the entire thing. There were several family members present, but the rest of the party was made up of a lot of our friends from college as well as some from high school. And then there were friends of the family that hadn't been around in years.
I was in the kitchen, putting the large cake Esme had ordered on the counter when Alice came jumping in.
"Bella! Shots!"
I looked at her and rolled my eyes, smoothing down the midnight blue dress she had picked out for me. It wasn't too fancy and I got to wear my sandals so I wasn't complaining.
"Alice, the party hasn't even started yet and you're already trying to get drunk?" I asked incredulously
She put a bottle of vodka on the kitchen island and began pouring two shots as I walked over to stand beside her.
"Well, Edward is going to be really pissed when he comes home and finds out we threw him a surprise party, so…I'd rather be out of it when the yelling begins," Alice quipped back, raising her glass to me.
"Edward won't do that," I replied softly, staring down at my drink that was still sitting on the counter.
"What makes you so sure?" she demanded. "I've seen him when he gets mad. He can have quite a temper when he wants to."
Oh, I know.
I looked up at her and sighed. "Because…he'll know how much effort you guys put into doing this for him and he's not going to be an ass about it."
She narrowed her eyes at me and I was slowly becoming uncomfortable under her scrutinizing gaze.
"You're biased," she accused quietly.
I tilted my head to the side and laughed slightly. "How?"
"Well, you love him. Obviously you only see his good traits. You're biased," she repeated.
I shook my head. "Alice, believe me, I see the bad things too."
"Oh yea?" she challenged, setting her shot glass down and crossing her arms over her chest. "Like what?"
I stared at her disbelievingly, my mouth hanging open. I immediately thought of the situation we were going through now, but I couldn't very well put that out there. I tried shuffling through other things in my head, but I came up absolutely blank. Edward wasn't a bad person…he just did something that pissed me off. Something that had hurt me.
"See!" Alice accused. "Nothing!"
"I can think of things, Alice, they're just personal things between Edward and me," I claimed defensively.
"Uh huh…" She nodded, unconvinced.
"Drinking, Bell?" Rose asked sarcastically as she and Emmett sauntered into the kitchen. "Are you sure that's such a good idea? Remember last time you and Edward—"
"You guys!" Esme's voice flitted into the kitchen, effectively cutting Rosalie off.
I smirked at her and gave her the infamous 'take that bitch' glare as Esme announced that Edward and Jasper had pulled up. Alice grabbed my hand excitedly and we walked into the dark and crowded living room. Alice pulled me into the corner with her and we waited until we could hear footsteps coming up to the front door.
"Alright, Edward, we are going in now," Jasper said loudly.
A few of us couldn't contain our laughter at how obvious Jasper was being. But Edward wouldn't catch on because he was absolutely positive that everyone had accepted his wishes and were not planning anything for him. Maybe Alice was right…shots might have helped.
The door slowly opened and Edward stepped inside. The house immediately lit up when someone turned the light switch on.
"SURPRISE!"
Edward's face was priceless. He stumbled back a bit and bumped into Jasper—who was in absolute hysterics from Edward's expression—and just stared at everyone with his mouth hanging open.
"Happy birthday, Edward!" Esme said happily, hugging him tightly since she was closest to the door.
"Th-Thanks, mom," he stammered uncomfortably. "Hi, everyone."
Everybody took turns wishing Edward a 'Happy Birthday' and I couldn't contain the giggles whenever he would shoot one of his parents or siblings a death glare.
Half of the guests went outside where Carlisle was having a barbecue and Emmett and Rosalie took a few of their friends out to see the lake. Edward finally detached himself from one of Carlisle's oldest friends and walked over to where Alice and I were standing with Jasper.
"Happy birthday, Edward!" Alice chirped happily, hugging her brother before pulling away and smiling brightly. He scowled in return. "Oh, get over it!" Alice reprimanded. "I made it up to you. Look what I had Bella wear. And it's all for you, Eddie boy."
I probably blushed three shades of red at Alice's comment. Seriously, that girl needed a muzzle.
I chanced a glance at Edward and saw that he was looking me up and down before his eyes finally landed on mine. His scowl was gone.
"Happy birthday, Edward," I murmured as sweetly as I could.
He smiled slightly at me before I realized that Alice and Jasper were standing right there and were probably waiting for some act of affection from the two of us. Edward seemed to realize this at the same time I did because just as I stepped in to kiss his cheek, he leaned forward and put his arm around my waist…and kissed my lips.
I moaned quietly into his mouth and kissed him back gently before he pulled away too quickly and looked at me with a slight glint in his eyes.
"Thank you, love," he whispered, kissing my nose before looking at Alice and Jasper. "Care to tell me whose idea this whole thing was?" Edward demanded, keeping his arm firmly around my waist.
Alice shrugged and giggled. "It's your twenty-sixth birthday, Edward. You didn't really think we would just brush it off, did you?" she asked, smirking.
Edward huffed and shook his head, turning his gaze to me. He was smoldering. "Do you want a drink, Bella?" he asked quietly. I nodded wordlessly.
"Hey! You didn't want to drink with me!" Alice whined angrily.
I looked at her and opened my mouth to say something, but Edward beat me to it.
"She was waiting for me," he said smoothly, grabbing my hand and leading me toward the kitchen, Alice glowering behind us. Jasper chuckled and effectively coaxed her into going outside with him.
We got into the kitchen and Edward dropped my hand as he walked to the counter and grabbed the first bottle of wine he could get his hands on. I grabbed two glasses and met him at the counter.
"Shit, I need a drink," he sighed, pouring both of us a glass.
I laughed quietly and took a sip of mine. "They're just trying to be nice, Edward. It'll be over before you know it," I said reassuringly.
He looked up at me for a minute before nodding and taking a sip of his wine. "I guess I'm just not in the partying mood right now."
I nodded dumbly and swirled my drink around in my glass for a couple of seconds before finally looking up at him. He was staring out the window where everyone else was hanging out by the barbecue, seemingly lost in thought.
"But seriously, happy twenty-sixth birthday. How does it feel?" I teased.
He broke out of his trance and offered me my favorite crooked smile. "Well twenty-five was one hell of a year, I'll give you that."
My mouth opened slightly—I didn't want to say anything, I was just trying to process his meaning. It had been one hell of a year…for both of us.
"Yea, well…another year starts now, so…to new beginnings," I said, holding up my wine glass.
He gazed at me intently for a minute before nodding curtly and softly clinking his glass with mine. "New beginnings," he murmured, taking another sip of his wine and keeping his eyes on me.
"Edward!" Carlisle called as he walked into the kitchen. "Come on, you two, we're about to eat." He smiled brightly at us and waited. Edward took my hand and led me outside where the rest of the party had ventured off to.
We spent the rest of the night talking and mingling with everybody. Edward kept me by his side the entire night and I found that it was actually getting easier pretending to still be with him. It seemed easier for Edward, too. And that was scaring me. Either we were just so devious that it didn't phase us to lie to our family anymore or…we weren't faking as much as we used to.
The second possibility was just as frightening as the first. But if I was being honest with myself, I was having a harder time differentiating between what was real and what wasn't anymore.
Like the kiss in the living room. Was that real? It felt real to me. But was it real to Edward? Or was he just doing it for Alice and Jasper's sake? These questions were driving me insane and I didn't have anyone to turn to.
The one who knew—the one I would have gone to had she not been such a bitch about it—was Rosalie. She and Emmett were the only two who understood the situation, but they weren't an option. And that fucking pissed me off. Friends were supposed to be there for you and help you no matter what—not play games with you.
The party slowly winded down and more and more guests started leaving shortly after we had cake. Finally, it was just the eight of us left to clean up the enormous mess.
"Leave it for tomorrow. Edward, come open the presents we bought you," Esme said sweetly.
Edward had opened presents from everyone through out the evening, but the ones from all of us had been saved until we were alone.
Alice went first, clearly excited with her gift choice.
"Whoa, thank you, Alice," Edward said sincerely, beaming at her and kissing her head gently.
"I thought it would come in handy," she replied, taking the box that had the PDA in it and looking at it adoringly—she loved buying things for people.
"Me next!" Emmett announced. "Rosie and I…bought you and Bella…tickets to the symphony! We know how much you've been wanting to go, Edward, and it's in a week so…there you go." He and Rosalie seemed to be smiling genuinely at the two of us, but I could sense the underlying tension fill the room.
"Thanks, guys," Edward answered half-heartedly.
"Yea, that's amazing," I said as nicely as I could, smiling at the two of them and running my hand through Edward's hair gently. I had to keep reminding myself to do these little things because I knew someone would notice something was off if Edward and I never touched each other at all.
Edward smiled at me—what seemed like a genuine smile—and took the hand that was running through his hair and kissed my palm gently, causing my breathing to hitch slightly.
"Okay, enough," Alice complained jokingly. "Bella, you have all night to give Edward his real birthday present." She smirked at us knowingly, causing me to blush—again. "But for now…how about the family friendly gift?" she teased.
I cleared my throat uncomfortably and took the small, wrapped rectangle that Carlisle handed me. He smiled sympathetically at my embarrassment.
Suddenly I felt nervous. My present…well…it wasn't exactly a PDA or tickets to the symphony, but it was something that I thought Edward would appreciate. Maybe even like. It was the thought that counted…right?
"Here," I said, my voice wavering slightly as I handed it to him.
He smiled at me and took it, unwrapping it slowly before furrowing his eyebrows and looking down at the leather bound journal.
"You told me you haven't been inspired to write music in a while," I started quietly, hating that all eyes in the room were on me—except Edward, who was still looking down at the journal. "I saw this and…it looks just like the one you kept in high school…where you used to write down all of your ideas, so I thought that maybe…this would inspire you to write again."
It was extremely quiet in the room, but I heard Esme gasp quietly and I saw her place a hand over her heart from the corner of my eye and lean into Carlisle. Edward was still staring down at the journal intently and I was getting more and more nervous.
"I know it's not…the most amazing—"
"No, Bella, it's perfect," Edward interrupted me, looking up at me and smiling softly. I could see it in his eyes—he actually liked it. "Thank you," he whispered, his eyes darting to my lips. My breathing picked up slightly and I'm sure everyone noticed.
"Oh, just kiss her already!" Jasper bellowed, putting his arm around Alice as she giggled.
I laughed shakily and shook my head, trying my best not to blush for fear of remaining permanently red for the rest of my life.
"Come on, Bella, we won't mind. Give him a birthday kiss!" Esme cheered. I could not believe Edward's mother was actually pressuring me into kissing her son right in front of her.
I continued staring at Edward and he noticed my hesitance. I was put on the spot—something I detested—and I really had no idea what to do.
"Are you waiting for an invitation, Bella? Kiss him!" Rosalie egged on, smiling what seemed to be—for the first time in days—a non-evil smile.
"Yea, Bella," Edward whispered as his eyes danced from my eyes to my lips. "Kiss me."
I swallowed the enormous lump in my throat before finally leaning in and pressing my lips to his. His family started clapping and cheering around us and I couldn't help but smile against his lips.
Edward brought his hand up to cup my cheek gently as he continued kissing me, his soft lips moving in synch with my own.
"Okay! Break it up, you two!" Jasper complained jokingly, throwing a small pillow at us. It hit me roughly on the head.
I pulled away and rubbed the side of my head before glaring at him. "Jasper, what the hell?" I demanded, rubbing the sore spot.
He just laughed loudly and shook his head. "I'm sorry! I had to stop before you two defiled Esme and Carlisle's couch!"
My mouth dropped open at that, but Carlisle effectively ended the awkward situation by getting the present that he and Esme had gotten for Edward.
We spent a little while longer sitting there talking and laughing as Edward thanked everyone for their gifts. Esme and Carlisle were the first to head to bed—they were exhausted seeing as it was almost two in the morning.
"So party wasn't so bad after all, right Edward?" Alice quipped as she stood up and stretched.
Edward sighed and shrugged. "Wasn't horrible," he teased.
Jasper stood up and swiftly picked Alice up, causing her to squeal loudly. "Alright, I'm taking my future wife upstairs and doing naughty things to her," Jasper teased as he sprinted upstairs.
Emmett and Edward both grimaced at the thought of their little sister doing…naughty things, and Rosalie and I just laughed.
"Happy birthday, Edward!" Alice and Jasper called in unison once they reached their bedroom. The door closed and then it was just the four of us…again. I really hoped Emmett and Rosalie could act civil for one night.
"They're like a couple of monkeys," Rosalie laughed as she sat on the couch next to Emmett.
I laughed and nodded, deciding to pick up all of the ripped wrapping paper off the floor. Rosalie started helping me after a while and we placed everything in a plastic bag.
"Ah, yes. Tis the life. The women doing all of the work," Emmett cooed, placing his hands behind his head and leaning back to watch us.
"You're an ass," Rosalie bit back, picking up a pillow and hurling it at his head.
"Mmm…I love your ass, Rosie," Emmett said in a low voice, causing me to almost gag.
"Well, keep acting like a chauvinistic pig and you're never going to see it again," Rosalie replied, her mouth turning up into a partial smile.
I shook my head and rolled my eyes as Rosalie and I set the plastic bags with trash in them by the front door for someone to take out in the morning.
"I'm tired, Emmett. Take me to bed," Rosalie teased, smiling seductively at him.
Emmett saluted her before turning to Edward and patting his shoulder. "Happy birthday, man."
Edward smiled and nodded. "Thanks, Em. Night you guys."
"Night, Edward," Rosalie said, walking over and kissing Edward's cheek. "Happy birthday." Rosalie took Emmett's hand and the two of them headed upstairs.
I looked down at Edward and saw that he seemed just as surprised as I was about Rosalie and Emmett's courteous behavior.
"I think they're being nice…because it's your birthday," I reasoned, smiling slightly as I sat down next to him.
He chuckled and ran a hand through his disheveled hair. "I know, but it's nice when they're nice." He laughed and shook his head before looking up at me. He was staring at me with that smoldering expression again and I found myself becoming flustered…again.
"So…you really like your present?" I asked, unsure. "I didn't know what to get you…if anything…and…"
"It's prefect, Bella," he replied sincerely. "Thank you."
I smiled slightly at him and nodded before standing up and stretching.
"Tired?" he asked softly.
I nodded. "Yea, long day."
"Sure was," he agreed quietly, standing up and following me upstairs.
We did our nightly routine—brushed our teeth, got dressed separately, and headed to bed. I was just finishing the last chapter of my book when I realized I hadn't brought a water cup up with me. I looked over at Edward and saw that his eyes were closed and his breathing was somewhat even, but I could tell he was still not fast asleep. I got up from the bed slowly and he shifted a little bit before opening his eyes and looking at me.
"What is it, love?" he asked sleepily.
Again with the love. That was the second time he had said it in a sleep-induced haze. I knew it was because he was half-asleep while saying it, but then why did it…do something to me?
"I'm just going to get water, Edward. Go back to sleep," I whispered. He nodded before rubbing his hand over his face and cuddling back into the bed.
I sighed and walked out of the bedroom slowly, careful not to wake anyone, and headed down to the kitchen. I was surprised that the light was on and that Emmett was sitting at the kitchen counter, digging into a slice of leftover birthday cake.
"Hungry, Em?" I joked as I walked to the cabinet and grabbed a glass before going to the fridge and getting water.
He looked up at me and chuckled softly. "I always get hungry after…you know…" he trailed off suggestively.
I stopped pouring water for a second, trying to get the mental image of him and Rosalie out of my head, before shaking my head and filling my glass all the way. I took a sip before glancing at him.
"Well, night," I said quickly, walking back toward the stairs.
"Bella," Emmett called quietly.
I halted my steps and turned around to look at him. "Yes?"
"Come here."
I sighed and walked over to him slowly, knowing he was going to say something that I didn't want to hear.
"What?" I asked, annoyance evident in my tone.
"You kissed Edward tonight," he stated.
I laughed without humor. "Yea, well everyone was basically cheering me on so I kinda didn't have a choice."
He shook his head and I furrowed my eyebrows in confusion before he spoke. "No…I mean…you kissed Edward tonight," he said slowly and deliberately.
I stared at him confused, seeing as he had just repeated himself. "Yea, I know, Em, you said that." I was becoming more frustrated with him by the minute.
"Okay, let me explain. You kissed Edward tonight—" He put his hand up when he saw me open my mouth to interrupt. "You kissed Edward tonight," he continued. "It wasn't a hoax…it wasn't for pretend…and it wasn't fake. It was real, and it was all you guys."
I stared at him dumfounded for a minute, processing what he was saying and not knowing what the hell to do with it.
"Are you sure you guys are still faking it?" he asked me after a few moments of silence had passed.
"Yes," I answered too quickly. He noticed.
"Really? Because…I don't think so," he accused.
"Oh, yea? Is Rose filling you with all this bullshit information, Emmett?" I demanded angrily.
"Actually, no. Funny thing is…she didn't even mention it."
"So what?" I shrugged, becoming defensive.
"Nothing." He shrugged nonchalantly before picking up his plate and placing it in the sink. He leaned back on the counter and stared at me. "Just thought I would put in my two cents." He paused for a minute eyeing me, speculating. I hadn't seen Emmett this serious…ever. "I think you know, Bella," he said, smiling cheekily at me.
"Know what?" I asked, genuinely confused.
"That you're not faking it anymore." His smile was practically blinding as he brushed past me, almost knocking me over when his should bumped into me, and headed back upstairs.
I stood there in the middle of the kitchen with my arms crossed over my chest, staring at where Emmett was just standing. I chuckled darkly, shaking my head at his words. He didn't know what the hell he was talking about.
I walked over to the sink and picked up the plate he had just put in and began washing it. I needed something to get my mind off of everything.
"I think you know, Bella…
…You're not faking it anymore."
And just like that, the plate fell from my hands and into the sink. The sound was loud as it echoed through the walls of the kitchen, but I couldn't care less. It was then that I, myself, realized something…
I wasn't sure if I was faking it anymore.
Author's Note: Emmett can be sensitive when he wants to be :)