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That's Why You're Beautiful

Chapter Sixteen

(3 weeks later)

The time flew by surprisingly quickly with Edward around and, before I knew it, Alice was having another session of chemotherapy.

She was a lot stronger about it this time around and coped incredibly well. The fact that only two more sessions awaited her probably made the mood a little more positive, not to mention her wedding being a few days away.

"Gosh, I can't believe I'm getting married!" she grinned. "I thought nobody would ever have me!"

Jasper nudged her gently in the ribs, smiling all the time.

"Have you got everything sorted?" I asked.

"Yeah," she nodded. "Did your parents get their invite in the post?"

"Yup. Edward was happy when he received his, as well," I added.

"How's it been living with him?" Jasper questioned and I once again had the familiar feeling I'd been getting around them lately. They always exchanged glances with each other and I swear that I saw them sharing winks on one occasion.

"It's been great," I replied honestly. "Edward's lovely."

That was an understatement. I'd had so many laughs and fun times with him over the weeks that I'd grown to actually love having him around. I thought back to a few days ago when I had received a phone call from the police.

"Hello?" I answered tentatively, smiling weakly when Edward gave me the thumbs up.

"Is this Bella Swan?" a deep voice asked.

"Yes..." I murmured, watching as Edward stood up to take a seat beside me. He watched my expression carefully and I chewed on my lip, waiting for the news.

"Well, Miss Swan, we're very pleased to tell you that Emmett Adams has been sentenced to a total of three years in jail."

I very nearly did a little celebratory dance there and then but settled for punching the air with my fist.

"Thanks," I gushed. "That's fantastic news."

"No problem," the man replied before hanging up.

I told Edward about the sentence and a brilliant smile spread across his face. Before I knew it, I was hugging him and bouncing around the room like a child over-fed with candy.

"I've been so worried about that," I breathed when we finally pulled apart. "It's such a relief... Thanks again for everything."

"S-Stop thanking me," he laughed. "I d-didn't do anything."

I was brought out of my thoughts by Alice's voice. "Thinking about Edward again?" she teased, quirking an eyebrow.

"No," I answered quickly, lying through my teeth. "I was just thinking about what I'm gonna have to put up with on the hen night."

She giggled. "Don't worry. There won't be any strippers or anything." I jokingly pouted. "No, it'll just be us two at the flat."

I frowned. "What should I do about Edward?"

"Can't you get rid of him for the night?"

"Alice," I warned. "He's not a dog."

She rolled her eyes.

"Maybe he could come along with us?"

I glanced over at Jasper, alarmed by his suggestion.

"It would be a laugh," he continued.

"He was an alcoholic," I told him. "Maybe it's not appropriate."

His eyes widened slightly but he nodded. I thought to myself. "I'm sure I'll think of something."

"And besides, we need to sort out a time for his makeover," Alice added.

"You're not seriously going through with that, are you?" I retorted, shaking my head in disbelief.

"I don't see why not. I'm sure he'll be willing..."

"Yeah, sure..." I muttered.

"Anyway, what are your plans for today?" she asked and I winced. This was even more fuel for her and Jasper; I was planning to spend the day with Edward and let him visit Mom and Dad. He was currently visiting his own parents, explaining the whole sitation about his flat. They'd just gotten back from their vacation and he believed that it was the perfect time to tell them.

I didn't know if they'd approve of me... but he had no-where else to stay at the moment, so there was no other option.

"Well," I said carefully. "I was thinking of introducing Edward to my parents."

Alice actually snorted this time and my face prickled from a sudden heat. "What's wrong with that?"

She recovered herself. "Sorry, it just sounds like you're a couple or something. How weird would that be?!"

I swallowed a few times, thinking of the idea. It seemed quite appealing to me...

My eyes widened at my thoughts and I shook my head, trying to forget Alice's influence. "Anyway, I'm gonna go now." I glanced at my watch; it was five minutes until the time that I'd agreed to meet Edward outside. Of course I wasn't going to tell them that...

"Have a nice time," she teased.

"Alice, the last time you said that, I ended up scalding myself."

"That was hardly my fault," she replied quietly.

"I'm sorry," I sighed. "I know. Sorry."

"So when will I see you next?"

"Probably tomorrow," I answered swiftly.

"Alright. Please remember to arrange the makeover with Edward."

With a final eye roll, I reluctantly agreed.

***

"So, what did your parents say?"

Edward's breathing faltered for a moment before he regained his composure. "They... um," he swallowed nervously. "They... they didn't s-say much."

"Oh really?" I asked skeptically, stopping behind some traffic. "I wonder why I'm not convinced."

"N-No, seriously, Bella, they didn't seem too opposed to the i-idea."

I simply raised my eyebrows, continuing to stare ahead.

"Are you sure your p-parents will w-want to meet m-me?" he asked suddenly and there was insecurity clear in his voice.

"It was their idea, Edward."

He shifted about a little in his seat. "Please, Edward, they are nice people. It'll be fine."

I pulled up into the drive and soon cut off the engine. The scene momentarily brought back some memories of the time when I'd returned here and I was alarmed at how long ago that seemed.

"You ready?" I asked.

He fumbled with his seatbelt, eventually managing to remove it. "I t-think so."

I unlocked the door of the house and we both stepped inside. It was literally seconds before I heard Mom and Dad's voice, and they soon emerged out of the lounge, pausing in front of us and staring at Edward.

"Hi," I murmured. There was silence.

"So, um," I cleared my throat. "Mom, Dad, this is Edward."

Nobody said anything for a few moments and Edward suddenly decided to step forward, holding out his hand.

"It's l-lovely to m-meet you," he said sincerely. "B-Bella's told me great things about you b-both."

Mom smiled immediately after this and I sighed in relief; he had won her over. It didn't really take much, thankfully.

"Edward, it's lovely to meet you too. I'm Renee and this is Charlie."

Dad nodded towards him and I gave him a stern look. He was studying Edward as though we were both teenagers coming home after a first date. Maybe Alice was right after all...

"We were sorry to hear about your flat," Mom continued. "Have you been back there since?"

Edward nodded. "I h-had a quick look a few days ago. They're re-decorating at the m-moment and I s-should be b-back in there in a f-few weeks."

"Oh, that's good, then," Mom smiled, glancing at me momentarily. "So, do you two want something to eat?"

We both exchanged a quick look. "If you wouldn't mind, Mom. I am quite hungry."

"You haven't changed much then, Bells," Dad teased, causing a blush to spread quickly across my face.

"Thanks," I murmured.

***

"T-That was lovely, thank you, Mrs Swan," Edward smiled, placing his plate gently onto the table. "Did you make it yourself?"

Mom nodded rigorously and I sighed, waiting for the story about the family recipe.

"I actually baked it this morning," she said proudly. "It's an old family recipe from a few centuries ago."

I nearly laughed at the look on Edward's face. "That's v-very impressive."

Mom looked unbelievably smug and I almost expected her to brush some dust off her shoulders. "Do you cook, Edward?"

"Oh, every n-now and then," he answered. "I p-prefer takeaways, to b-be honest."

Our eyes met and we exchanged a brief smile, remembering the pasta incident.

"So, we were actually thinking of having a clear out," Dad said suddenly after he finished off his piece of cake. Everybody turned to look at him in interest and surprise.

"Oh?" I asked, frowning a little.

"Yeah, the basement is way too crowded at the moment and there are always people out there in need of things."

I nodded. "OK. When are you gonna start?"

"Actually, we were going to take a look later today," Mom told us, looking as though she was debating something. "Maybe you'd like to help?"

My eyes moved to Edward and he actually looked enthusiastic. It did sound fun... "Do you want to?" I asked him. "I mean, if it's not too much trouble or anything..."

He shook his head. "Would you m-mind me taking a look? I'm naturally c-curious."

Mom laughed. "Of course not. We could do with an extra pair of hands. You'd better mind yourself though; there are plenty of cobwebs down there."

"I think I can c-cope," he replied with a chuckle.

"That's sorted then," Dad said, standing up. "Down to the basement we go..."

"Hi ho, hi ho," I murmured under my breath, earning another laugh from Edward.

***

"Gosh," I murmured, dusting some cobwebs off a pile of old records. "They really do have so much stuff down here... I never even knew."

To my left, Edward was coughing a little. "Are you alright?" I asked.

"Y-Yeah," he spluttered. "I'm f-fine."

"You don't sound it."

"It's j-just the dust."

I knelt down to take a look at some ancient furniture and soon noticed Edward's gaze being pulled towards a large object that was covered in an old cloth. I couldn't remember what it was and became naturally curious, as Edward would say, and promptly joined his side. The whole thing seemed incredibly mysterious.

"I have no idea what that is," I said. "Wanna take a look?"

His eyes lit up. "Of c-course."

We trekked over, Edward nearly losing his balance over a pile of boxes along the way. I was glad that he didn't trip over; he might not resurface above all this junk.

"I can't believe Mom and Dad gave up," I grumbled. "They were only down here for about ten minutes."

He laughed lightly. "Yes, w-well, it takes a lot of c-courage to look around here."

I smiled to myself and we eventually reached the strange object. We both gripped onto a piece of the cloth and looked at each other excitedly.

"Ready?"

He nodded and we both pulled off the cloth, revealing a dusty old piano. I felt a burst of disappointment, the complete opposite to Edward's reaction. He was staring at the instrument in amazement and his mouth was permanently fixed in a little o shape.

"It's b-beautiful," he murmured.

I watched him take a good look at it, sweeping some of the dust carefully off the cover. He lifted something up to reveal the dirty keys underneath; they were off colour and looked closer to brown than white. He delicately trailed his fingers along them, all the while shaking his head in disbelief.

"Do you play?" I asked after a while.

He looked up at me, almost seeming surprised that I was still there. "I used to when I was little, but the p-piano was t-taken away after a while." He stared ahead, looking reminiscent. "I h-haven't really come across one in years. I've m-missed playing."

I walked over to his side, taking a closer look. "I can't even remember Mom and Dad having this."

After a quick rummage around, I found the stool amongst a pile of boxes. "Why don't you play something?"

He glanced over at me hesitantly. "I-I haven't played in a w-while... I wouldn't be v-very good."

"It doesn't matter," I answered, placing the seat down. "Just improvise. I'm sure it'll be brilliant."

He smiled momentarily and I took a seat beside him. Our shoulders touched and I shivered lightly. His fingers hovered over the keys and I turned towards him, giving him an encouraging smile. His face was very close to mine and I was aware of my heartbeat thumping in my ears. After taking a deep breath, he began playing.

My eyes closed automatically when the beautiful, haunting music flooded the room. It echoed off the walls and caused every muscle in my body to relax. I watched his fingers effortlessly drifting alone and took a glance at his face. He was concentrating with his eyebrows pulled together slightly, but he looked over in my direction, smiling along with me.

After a time that I couldn't even begin to measure, the music drifted away and the last note hovered, slowly fading in the air.

"That was beautiful," I breathed. "You're wonderful." I wasn't just referring to his playing skills.

He smiled crookedly and my face flooded with heat. "It's b-been a while."

"Was that completely improvised?" I asked.

He shrugged his shoulders. "Kind of."

"You're so modest."

He didn't reply and my eyes moved to the piano. "Do you want it?"

His eyes widened almost instantly. "The p-piano? Me?"

"Yeah," I nodded. "You can't waste your talent and my parents would only give it away anyway."

"B-But, I-" he trailed off. "I c-couldn't possibly-"

"Edward," I interrupted. "We'd all love you to have the piano. When your flat's done up you can keep it there."

He smiled briefly. "Thank you so m-much. It really means a l-lot."

My hand found its way to his. "No problem. You'll have to let me come over to hear you play, though."

"Of c-course."

I didn't want to drag my eyes away from his just yet and we ended up staring at each other for a long time. I might have imagined it, but his face seemed to edge slowly closer to mine, and the breath caught in my throat.

"Bella!" Mom called, ruining the moment and causing us both to jump apart. "Bella, are you two alright down there?"

"We're fine!" I yelled in irritation. "Do you want to go now?" I asked Edward quietly.

He nodded, looking a little dazed. "Y-Yeah. If y-you like."

"I promise you, this piano is reserved for a Mr Edward Cullen."

He smirked, something which I loved. "Good."

***

Edward and myself were sat quietly in front of the TV later that day, and the topic of Alice and her makeover soon drifted into my mind. I didn't know whether I should just tell him; I was worried about his feelings and what he would think.

Then again, it was Alice's wish and I could bend the truth a little...

I eventually pulled my eyes away from the screen and looked over at Edward nervously. He noticed my gaze and frowned. "Is s-something wrong, Bella?"

"Nothing's wrong, it's just..." I chewed on my thumb nail, thinking of how to word my thoughts. "Well, Alice wants to prepare things for the wedding."

He nodded. "That sounds f-fair."

"And..." I winced, fearful of how this would sound. "She wants to give most of the guests a makeover."

I held my breath, waiting for his reaction. To my surprise, he smiled. "That s-sounds interesting."

"Does it?" I frowned.

"Yeah," he grinned. "I'm assuming it includes m-me, too."

I nodded. "Yeah. Are you up for it?"

He considered this for a moment. "Y-Yes. I think I am."

"I'm really sorry about it, Alice can be quite rude sometimes," I babbled. "She's just-"

"It r-really is alright, Bella," he interrupted, smiling in amusement. "I think I n-need a makeover. I'm r-really u-up for it, actually."

I couldn't help smiling back at him. "She won't go easy on you, y'know."

"I g-guessed that. But I'm n-not the one who has to g-go to her hen p-party."

I placed my head in my hands, groaning loudly. "Don't remind me."

I'm sorry if this chapter is a bit... filler-y but it needs to be done. The wedding's in two chapter's time now. Yay!

Anyway, this'll be the last update before Christmas so I hope you all have a lovely time! Sometime next week I'll update again and will hopefully have another new story up.

Reviews would make a lovely present...