Thank you all for continuing to like my little story! I truly appreciate your reviews and feedback. I think you'll like this chapter. Thanks as well to my beta BittenEV who makes me look good.
The song for this chapter is "Closer" by Tegan and Sara.
Disclaimer: Not mine. Belongs to SM.
Chapter 4—Closer
The week had flown by, and now it was Friday. The whole school was abuzz with excitement. Tonight was a big basketball game against our archrivals, LaPush High. The winner would take the division title.
It had been a good week for me. Edward was true to his word about being kinder. We talked every day now in biology, and he made an effort to be more outgoing when I visited the Cullen house. Part of me believed Edward had really changed, but there was still that nagging little part of me that worried he'd go back to his old ways. I tried to ignore that second part, though, because Friendly Edward was a really great guy.
Thankfully, Edward was feeling much better. After his illness last weekend, Carlisle and Esme had kept him home from school on Monday for a doctor's appointment. Because of HIPPA laws and privacy requirements, Carlisle sent Edward to Dr. Hunter, a trusted colleague. She examined Edward and ran several blood tests, but everything came back normal. No one seemed to worry since Edward was now feeling fine.
Alice and I joined our group in the cafeteria for lunch when Nessie came to our table. She was so happy that she was practically vibrating.
"Geez, Ness, calm down! You look like the Energizer bunny on crack!" Emmett teased.
"I can't help it! I'm excited about the game tonight!" Nessie replied.
Emmett smiled knowingly. "This wouldn't have anything to do with a certain basketball player from LaPush, would it?"
Nessie's mouth was agape, and her hands went to her hips. "Emmett! You suck!"
Everyone laughed, but I was confused. "What's going on?" I asked.
"Our little Nessie has a huge crush on Jacob Black, the starting center for LaPush," Emmett explained. "Instead of acting on it, though, she just drools over him from afar."
"I do not drool over Jacob!" Nessie exclaimed exasperatedly. Everyone at the table gave her a pointed look. "OK, maybe I do. Ugh!" She collapsed in a chair and buried her face in her hands.
I laughed a little then smiled. "Hey Ness, I happen to know Jacob Black."
Nessie sat up straight, and her eyes were wide. "What?! You know him? How?"
"Jacob's dad and my dad are best friends," I told her. "Jake and I were playmates when we were little. I'd be happy to put in a good word for you."
Nessie launched herself at me and grabbed me in a huge hug. "Thank you so much, Bella! I'll name my first born after you if this works out."
We all laughed until Emmett noticed something and raised a finger. Everyone looked in the direction he was pointing. Edward had entered the cafeteria and was heading in our direction. Alice had told me that Edward spent lunch in the library, so I was just as surprised as everyone else to see him.
"Hey, everybody," Edward said as he sat in the chair next to me.
Alice reached across me and felt Edward's forehead. "Nope. No fever."
Edward gently pushed her hand away. "Can't I just enjoy lunch with my cousins and my friends?"
"You never 'enjoy lunch' with us," Emmett said, making air quotes. "I mean, I'm glad you're here, but why the sudden change?"
Edward shrugged. "I guess it's finally time to get my head out of my ass and join the living."
"Hallelujah!" Alice exclaimed, drawing the attention of other students. "What? I'm glad you got your head out of your ass."
Edward laughed. "I know. I'm sorry I've acted like a jerk. I really am trying to be a better person, and I hope you can forgive me."
"Damn, the shrink must have put you on the really happy pills," Emmett exclaimed. We all looked at him, and Rose smacked his arm.
Then we looked at Edward, waiting to see how he would react. To my surprise and probably everyone else's, he laughed again. "No, Em, he didn't fool with my happy pills. I meant what I said about becoming a better person."
"Well I'm happy and it has nothing to do with pills," Alice said. "You've had me worried all these months. Don't ever do that to me again!"
"I won't, Ali," Edward promised.
Once the initial shock of Edward joining us had worn off, we fell back into our usual small talk. Nessie was still excited about the prospect of meeting Jacob, and Emmett was still teasing her. It was pretty funny.
All too soon, though, the bell rang. Edward gently touched my arm as we stood up and gathered our things. "Bella, may I walk you to class?"
I smiled at him. "Sure. We're going to the same class."
Alice winked and gave me a thumbs up when she heard my response to Edward. I shook my head and rolled my eyes at her.
"So, Bella," Edward began as we made our way to biology. "Are you going to the game tonight?"
"Yeah. I'm having a sleepover with Alice tonight. I'm meeting her at your house and riding over with her," I explained. "What about you?"
"I'll probably be there. I want to support Emmett," he replied. "It all depends on how I'm feeling."
"I thought you were feeling better," I said, surprised.
Edward gave me a small smile. "I am, but I'm always tired. I don't know if it's from being sick or a side effect of my anti-depressants."
I looked at Edward in surprise at his casual mention of his meds. He didn't seem shocked by my reaction.
"I know, you can't believe I'm talking about the happy pills," he began. "It's OK. Right now they're just a part of my life. I'd be an even bigger asshole if I wasn't medicated. Besides, you don't seem like the type to judge me for taking pills to cope."
I took Edward's hand and squeezed it gently. "I'd never judge you for that. It takes a big man to admit that he needs help."
"Thanks, Bella. It means a lot to me to hear you say that." Edward was smiling widely, but I also swore I saw his eyes glistening with unshed tears. He also gave my hand a small squeeze.
Unfortunately, we had reached our class. I wanted to keep talking, but our time had run out. Edward gallantly pulled out my stool for me, and we settled in for an hour of biology.
The rest of my day flew by, and at 5:30 I was pulling up in front of the Cullen home. This time, Alice assaulted me as I was getting out of my truck.
"Bella! You're here!" she squealed.
"Really, Ali? Did you miss me that much?" I tried to grab my overnight bag, but Alice's python-like grip was making it difficult. "Alice! Can't breathe!"
Alice let go long enough for me to grab my things and then dragged me into the house. She was already in her cheerleading uniform, her long black hair French braided. "Just leave your bag in the foyer for now," she said. "Cheerleaders have to be at school by six. Let's boogie!"
I laughed at my friend. "Ali, with the way you drive, we'll make it with plenty of time to spare." Alice wasn't an unsafe driver, but she did have a lead foot. Esme and Carlisle were constantly warning her about it.
Thankfully, Alice had "oh shit" handles in her Mustang, and I held on tight as we made it to Forks High in record time. Alice ran off to join the rest of the cheerleaders in the gym. I was heading to the student section when I heard someone call my name.
I looked up and saw a tall boy with russet skin and black hair pulled into a ponytail jogging towards me. "Jacob?"
"Bells! It's so good to see you!" Jacob grabbed me in a huge bear hug before picking me up and spinning me around.
I was a little dizzy, but I managed to return Jacob's hug. "It's good to see you too, Jake. I'm surprised we haven't run into each other before now."
"I've been keeping busy and all that," he explained. "I'm trying to keep my grades up so I can get a scholarship."
"You'll be great," I assured him. "I have all the faith in the world in you."
Both Jacob and I happened to look up and see the Forks High cheerleaders pointing in our direction. Alice was giggling, but Nessie was turning fifty shades of red.
"Uh, Bella, do you know that red-haired cheerleader? Nessie Wolfe?" Jacob asked.
Now it was my turn to giggle. "Yep. She's a friend. Very sweet girl."
Jacob seemed nervous. "Ummmm, do you think you could put in a good word for me? She's pretty cute, and I'd like to get to know her."
I smiled knowingly. "I don't think that'll be a problem. I'm pretty sure the feeling is mutual."
"Really?" Jacob visibly relaxed.
I nodded. "She'd love it if you talked to her."
"Great! I'll have to chat her up after the game." One of Jacob's teammates called to him. "Crap. Gotta go, Bells. I'll talk to you soon."
"Have a great game!" I called out as Jacob joined his team.
I found a seat in the student section as the gym began to fill up. The Forks-LaPush rivalry was a big one, and the gym was going to be packed tonight. Angela joined me a short time later. She was wearing a shirt with Ben's number on it and had a sign she had made to show her support for her man. Esme and Carlisle waved to me when they arrived. I had to laugh at Esme's ensemble. She was wearing a shirt that said "Emmett's Mom" along with a huge button that had Alice's cheerleading picture on it. Only Esme could pull off such a look and make it glamorous.
It was just before tip-off when I felt someone squeeze in next to me. I looked up and saw Edward. "Is this seat taken?" he asked with a smile.
I smiled back. "Of course not. Is everything OK? You're a little late."
Edward shrugged. "Yeah, I'm good. I fell asleep when I got home, though, and slept a little longer than I had planned."
As he spoke, I noticed the dark circles under Edward's eyes. I reached out and began to trace them with my index finger. Edward closed his eyes and sighed contentedly.
The roar of the crowd brought us back to reality.
"I-I'm so sorry," I stammered, mortified at what I had done. "I didn't mean to touch you like that."
"It's all good," Edward assured me. "Besides, I liked it."
I was grinning like an idiot and didn't know what else to say, so I was happy when Angela interrupted our moment. "Hey, Edward!" she said excitedly, leaning over me. "Glad you made it!"
"I wouldn't have missed this game," Edward replied. "I've heard the rivalry with LaPush is a good one."
We settled in and enjoyed the game. As predicted, it was a great one. The entire game was close. The gym was noisy, and I was totally into the game. Angela and I were cheering loudly. It looked as if the game would go into overtime, but Emmett hit the winning shot at the buzzer. The gym erupted into cheers as the Forks fans poured out of the stands and onto the court. I flopped down in my seat, exhausted from all of the excitement.
"Do you want to get out of here?" Edward had to yell in order for me to hear him over the crowd.
I nodded. Edward took my hand and led me through the crowd. "Crap!" I exclaimed. "Alice is going to wonder where I went. I'm supposed to be meeting her."
"I don't think she'll mind." Edward pointed to mid-court where the cheerleaders were. Alice was waving wildly and winking at us. I shook my head and laughed as I allowed Edward to lead me out of the gym.
Edward opened the passenger door of his silver Volvo and helped me in before jogging to the driver's side. "Where to, madam?" he asked as he started the car.
"I don't know," I replied dumbly. "Alice had mentioned something about a party."
"There's a party at Ben's house, but I really don't feel up to going," Edward said. "I could drop you off there if you want to go."
I shook my head. "Nah. I'm really not a party person."
"We can go back to my house," Edward suggested. "I promise to be a gentleman. No funny business. Just talking."
I laughed at the sincere look on Edward's face and knew there was no way I could say no. We rode back to the house in comfortable silence, but every now and then I caught Edward glancing at me. I only noticed because I was doing the same thing to him.
Once we reached the Cullen home, Edward led me around the house to the fire pit in the backyard. He quickly had a fire going and sat next to me on the bench.
"So, Bella Swan, tell me all there is to know about you," Edward said.
"There really isn't much to know," I told him. "I'm quiet, nerdy, and bookish."
"I beg to differ," Edward disagreed. "I think you're quite a spitfire. You've put up with all my crap and never backed down. You deal with my crazy cousins on a daily basis."
"Your cousins are amazing," I replied. "I never had many friends in Arizona, so I love being with them."
Edward seemed shocked. "I find that hard to believe."
"It's true. Remember? Nerd." I turned the tables on him. "What about you, Edward Masen? What do I need to know about you?"
"I'm sure Alice has told you all you need to know, happy pills and all," he said quietly.
"But I want to hear it from you. Only if you're comfortable telling me, though."
Edward gave me a small smile and took both of my hands in his. "I am comfortable telling you." He paused for a moment before beginning. "I'm from Chicago. My dad was a lawyer, and my mom was a music teacher. She's the one who taught me to play the piano."
"I didn't know you played the piano," I said.
He nodded. "I haven't played, though, since, well, you know. Anyway, my life was great. I had the best parents ever. I had my family here in Forks. I had great friends. Everything was perfect. Then some drunken fucker took it all away."
Edward grew silent. He dropped my hands and turned away. I placed my hand on his shoulder in an attempt to soothe him. "I'm so sorry," I murmured.
Edward clasped my hand and brought it to his lips, kissing it softly. "It's been so hard. I miss them so much. At first, I wanted to die too. Even though I had visited Forks a lot, it wasn't home. I missed my life in Chicago. I was crazy with grief. Hence the shrink and the pills. Anyway, I figured the best way to cope was to become this heartless asshole. I figured I couldn't get hurt again if I stopped caring. Then you showed up."
I was stunned. "What do I have to do with this?"
Edward took my hands again and smiled. "There was something about you, Bella. You were this breath of fresh air that charmed everyone. Alice has had her share of fake friends, so I knew you were a good friend and person if she took to you so quickly. I was afraid to let my guard down, though. I didn't want to get hurt. You not taking any of my shit only made me crazier about you. I really did do some thinking that night I got sick. I knew I had to at least be friends with you. I'd really like more if you'd do me the honor."
It took me a minute to find my voice. "Edward, I really thought you were the biggest jerk ever when I first met you. I'm glad you're trying to change, and I really like this new and improved Edward. I'm afraid, too. I'm afraid that you'll go back to your old ways and you'll hurt me. I won't let you do that. I won't let you hurt me."
"I promise I won't hurt you," he assured me. "I really want this, Bella. I want to live again, and I don't want to be alone anymore." He paused for a moment. "Would you like to go on a date with me tomorrow night?"
I saw the sincerity in Edward's eyes, and I couldn't help but smile. "I'd love to go on a date with you, Edward. What did you have in mind?"
"How about dinner in Port Angeles?" he suggested. "There's a place called The Bloated Toad that I'd like to try. The name is weird, but Em and Alice rave about it."
"I've heard good things about it too," I replied. "Let's go there."
"Thank you, Bella," he breathed as he put his arm around me and pulled me closer to him.
We remained that way for a long time, just content with each other, until the fire began to die. Edward made sure it was completely out before leading me inside the house.
Alice was heading upstairs when Edward and I reached the staircase. "And just what have you two been up to?" she demanded, hands on her hips.
Edward laughed. "Give her the details, Bella. You know she won't give us a minute's peace until you do." He gave me a quick kiss on the forehead before disappearing upstairs.
Alice dragged me up to her room and demanded to know what had happened. I told her what she needed to know while she squealed at such a high frequency I was sure dogs could hear her. She wanted to come over and beautify me for my date, but I assured her that I was capable of dressing myself. She only relented when I promised to call her on Sunday morning to tell her all about my evening.
As I nervously waited for Saturday evening to arrive, I thought that maybe I should have taken Alice up on her offer. It took me forever to decide on an outfit, but I finally chose a blue V-neck sweater and jeans. I straightened my hair and only put on minimal make up.
Edward arrived promptly at 6:30. "You look beautiful," he said as I let him into the house.
I blushed profusely. "Thank you," I replied softly.
Thankfully Charlie came into the living room and broke some of the tension. He shook Edward's hand and clapped him on the shoulder. "Edward! Good to see you! What are you kids up to tonight?"
"Hi, Charlie. We're heading to Port Angeles for dinner at The Bloated Toad and then maybe the coffee shop or bookstore. I'll have Bella home by midnight."
"No worries," Charlie said. "Just be careful and have fun."
Edward and I made comfortable small talk on the way to Port Angeles, and the hour drive flew by. Once we arrived at the restaurant and were seated, we talked about anything and everything: our childhoods, families, books we loved, school, hobbies. Edward actually had a great sense of humor and kept me laughing throughout dinner.
After dinner, we walked across the street to a coffee house that had live music. We sat close to each other in a booth as we discussed our similar musical tastes. Edward was surprised to learn that I was a fan of classical music. I made him promise to play the piano for me soon.
Neither of us wanted the evening to end, but unfortunately it did. Edward walked me to my front door before midnight, just as he'd promised. "I had a great time tonight, Bella," he said. "I can't remember the last time I laughed so much. Thank you."
"I had fun too," I replied. "I'm so glad I gave you a chance, Edward."
"So am I," he smiled. Edward then became serious. "Bella, can I kiss you?"
I didn't trust my voice, so I just nodded. Edward put his arms around my waist and pulled me closer to him. I put my hands on his shoulders as our lips met. Edward's lips were soft, but the kiss was searing. I felt it all the way to my toes. My legs felt like jelly. I couldn't believe such an innocent kiss could be so amazing.
"Wow," I said as we broke apart and Edward rested his forehead on mine.
"Yes it was." Edward kissed my cheek before reluctantly pulling away. "Good night, Bella."
"Good night," I said as Edward headed back to his car. "Please text me when you get home so I know you made it safely."
Charlie was already in bed when I got inside. I was glad because the blush on my face would have totally given away the fact that I was smitten with Edward, and I knew Charlie would tease me a bit about it. I was uncharacteristically giddy as I went up to my room to get ready for bed. I had just changed into my pajamas when the text tone on my phone went off. I picked up the phone from my nightstand and smiled.
I'm home but my safety is in jeopardy because I won't give Alice any details. Sleep tight.—E
I laughed and texted back.
I promised Alice I'd give her a recap in the AM. Silly pixie! You sleep tight too.—B
I definitely fell asleep with a huge smile on my face.
The next few weeks were spent in an Edward-induced haze. We spent as much time together as we possibly could. Baseball practice had begun and Edward was one of the team's starting pitchers, but he made time for us. If I wasn't at the Cullens, he was at my house. We had fun dates to the movies, the bookstore, and even the coffee house again.
I began to feel guilty about neglecting Alice, though, so we planned a girls' night sleepover. Edward and Jasper decided to do some male bonding over video games.
Alice and I had a great time. We watched chick flicks, pored through her fashion magazines, and shared the latest gossip. Apparently Edward and I were not the only new couple in town. Nessie and Jacob finally met at the party after the big basketball game and had been inseparable ever since.
About 1:00, just as we were falling asleep, I received a text. Alice did too, and she turned on the bedside lamp to see.
Can you please come to my room?—E
"Did you just get a text from Edward?" Alice asked sleepily.
"Yeah. What's up with that? It's pretty cryptic."
"We're about to find out," she replied.
Alice didn't even bother to knock when we got to Edward's room. She just walked right in, and we found Edward sitting on the edge of his bed looking as if someone had dumped a bucket of water on him.
"What happened?" I exclaimed as I ran to his side.
"I don't know," he whispered. "I woke up drenched in sweat. My bed is soaking wet too."
"Is this the first time?" Alice asked sternly. The look on her face dared Edward to lie to her.
Edward shook his head. "It started about a week ago. The first time I thought maybe I was running a fever and it had broken. It's happened twice more since then, but tonight was the worst."
Alice frowned. "I'm going to get Mom and Dad."
"Ali, no. Please don't," he pleaded.
"This isn't normal, Edward. I'm waking them up." Alice left no room for an argument. She turned on her heel and left the room.
"She's right. Esme and Carlisle need to know," I insisted. I scooted closer to Edward and put my arm around him. I didn't care that he was sweating profusely. Something was wrong, and he needed me.
"I'm scared, Bella," he said in a barely audible voice. "I've been feeling better and now this is happening."
"It'll be OK," I assured him. "Let Carlisle help you." He nodded as Esme and Carlisle flew into the room with Alice right behind them.
"Oh my gosh, Edward!" Esme exclaimed, obviously shocked.
Thankfully Carlisle was calmer. "Alice said this has happened before. What's going on?"
"I don't know," Edward replied. "I just wake up covered in sweat. Tonight was the worst. My bed is all wet too. I don't know what's wrong."
"I don't know either, but we'll find out. It could be something as simple as an infection and fever breaking," Carlisle said gently. "First, though, we need to get you out of those sweaty pajamas and you need a shower. We'll change your sheets."
"I can take care of it. You don't have to do it," Edward insisted.
"Go. We've got this. Let us take care of you." Carlisle pointed to the bathroom. Edward reluctantly grabbed clean pajamas out of his dresser drawer and went to shower.
Alice and I stripped the bed while Esme got some clean sheets. I helped her make the bed, and the four of us waited for Edward to come out of the bathroom. When he did, he looked sheepish.
"I'm sorry," he began, but Esme cut him off.
"Don't you dare apologize," she gently chided. "You have nothing to be sorry about. You're sick, and you need us."
"You're going to see Dr. Hunter on Monday," Carlisle said. "Something's not right, and we need to figure it out. Now get some sleep. We'll talk more in the morning."
Edward nodded as he got into bed. "Can Bella stay here with me? I promise we won't do anything. I just don't want to be alone." He looked scared, and I knew there was no way I could leave him.
Esme smiled at him. "Of course. Now both of you get some sleep. Love you, sweetie." She leaned over and kissed him on the forehead.
"Love you too," Edward called out as his family left us alone. I climbed into bed next to Edward and cuddled up next to him. "Thank you for staying. I meant what I said. I really don't want to be alone."
"I'm here," I said softly. "You're going to be all right."
Edward kissed the top of my head, and I soon heard his breathing even out as he fell asleep. I lay awake for a little while longer with my head on his chest, listening to his heartbeat. As I finally drifted off, I said a silent prayer that I'd hear that heartbeat for many nights to come.
