Sorry I didn't update yesterday. Writer's block was killing me. So I went shopping with my girlfriends! Perfect way to get inspired, right? Well, I hope so. I'll let you guys be the judge.
EPOV (sexiier then you since 1901):
It wasn't long before Bella drifted off into a deep slumber. She wiggled closer to me while she sleep mumbling words that didn't make sense. I could never understand why she enjoyed my company in her bed. I was sure to be uncomfortable to sleep next to, what with my hard body and freezing skin. But she didn't mind in the least. Maybe my cool flesh was as comforting to her as her warm body was to me. If that was the case, I was more then happy to obidge.
Near midnight, I was disracted from Bella by a loud comotion in the living room. Renee and Charlie seemed to be in a argument. Some things just never change. I groaned inwardly. Don't they know Bella is trying to sleep? No wonder they split up if the fights were this bad. But as I listened closer, a few words reached my ears. Marriage, Bella, and Edward.
I suddenly sat up. This was a thousand times worse then what I had thought would happen. Not only were Bella and her mom on tenderhooks because of the engagement, but now Charlie and Renee were going at it. Hadn't I caused this family enough grief? I tore my eyes from Bella's face to focus on the ongoing shouting match downstairs.
She's both of our responsibility! Where does this man get off, telling ME to think of what was in MY daughter's best intrest?! Renee was livid. «I don't give a damn what you think! I am her mother. I am the one who raised her! So ultimately, wether or not she marrys Edward is my disicion!»
Charlie was desperately trying to control her rage. «But that's where you're wrong, Renee! Neither of us really have a say in this! This is their life! How can you try to dictate every single thing Bella can and can't do!» Why I she being to difficult. Renee promised Bella she'd give this a chance. «When will you realize that if you don't accept that your daughter –our daughter- is grown up, then you may lose her! If she means so much to you, then you have to let her go sometime!»
«Oh don't start that bull again!» He wants to play dirty, fine! «Setting someone free and all that crap! Do you still delude yourself into thinking that's why you let me go? Why you never came to get me?! Because you wanted me to be happy!?! You and I both know that is a bunch of-«
«Renee don't you DARE even pretend to act like you know why I did what I did! Quite obviously, we weren't right for each other if you can't tell that's the type of person I am. Bella could tell. She even did the same thing!» I should leave Bella out of this. I swear, this woman doesn't know her own child. I might not either, but I understand her just a bit better. «And you can't deny that you're a hell of a lot happier now!!»
Why can't this man just see my side! I wasn't always happier. Before I found Phil, I was misrable. But he'd never understand that. «Yes, I am happier now, Charlie. Because I managed to escape a teenage marriage that was never right from the start.» Her voice became colder. «It only makes sense that I want to protect Bella from my same mistake. From another your man like you.»
Charlie matched her icy tone. «You can't protect her from everything in the world, Renee. She's not a child, so I suggect you stop treating her like one.» He turned away to walk up the stairs. «And Bella has changed since she's been here. I've noticed it. She has grown up a lot. Wish I could say that same about you. Good night.» He stomped up to his room, but paused outside of Bella's room.
I was under her bed in an instant; there was no time to get out the window and her closet was packed from her shopping spree. Her father opened the door carefully, peeking his head in. Bella turned over in her sleep, whispering. «Stay… Please…» She rolled over again with a sigh. «I love you…Edward. Edward…» Charlie's eyes widened. Oh Bella… With a smirk, he walked into her room and stood beside her bed. Her breathing became more regular. Charlie pet her head, his eyes focused on his only daughter. Ever her dreams are proving me right. «Good night, Bells. Sweet dreams.» He kissed her forehead and left.
I was about to ecsape my hiding place, when Renee choose to make an appearance. She sat on the floor as she watched Bella sighed happily. My sweet little girl, so peaceful. I never should have let her come here. And I missed her so much. Renee stroked Bella's hand, running her finger over the ring. Honestly, what was she thinking!
Even unconcious, Bella wanted to prove her wrong. «Edward… Oh Edward. Love you… forever… promise?» She burried her head in her pillow while her mother froze. Forever, huh? Sorry sweetie. That truly is only in your dreams. Renee placed her head on the bed, staring at her child, but letting her mind wonder. Oh my Bella has gotten so brave. Forks has changed her. Or could it have been this boy? Why am I so afraid to let her try to find happiness? Am I really just being pessimistic? But I have every right to be… My marriage failed; its only natural to think her's will do. My god, that sounded so pety!
I had to agree with her there. Renee was sounding just like Jessica and Lauren. Now I understood what Charlie ment by saying Renee hasn't grown up. She has the same issue Charlie does: they never got over their break up. Neither of them was willing to get over their mistakes. Renee for just leaving. Charlie for not following.
What if Bella hadn't forgiven me? Could we both have ended up like her parents? Bitter, clinging to the past,… and alone? I shuttered at the very thought. Well I guess that proves we have a more mature relationship then they did.
Renee stood up. Shaking her head, she strolled out of the door. No, it can't be. Jealous? Of my own daughter? Or… am I jealous that their marriage has so much potential? Urgh. I need an asprin. She shut the door behind her, lost in thought.
I flew back into Bella's bed, enjoying her warmth as she snuggled to my side. I kissed her lips lightly as I held her close. «I missed you.»
One of her eyes flew open as she smiled. «Well, I missed you too.» I paused, then laughed under my breath. «So much for being a bad actress.» She mumbled into my chest.
Bella was always a surprise. And it took a lot to surprise a vampire. Her eyes were now firmly open. I exhaled into her face, hopefully dazzling her back to sleep. «I'm sorry. Did I wake you when I left your bed?»
She shook her head, trying to fight a wave of sleep. «Nah. Renee's screaming did. They haven't fought like that in years. Not since I was here one year and broke my neck falling off a playset.» Typical Bella. «But I was still half asleep untill Renee cam in here. It's a bit unnerving to have a person watching you while you sleep.» That made me laugh again.
«Oh really?» I pulled her body closer.
Her eyes closed, Bella's warm cheek pressed against my torso. «Yeah, it is. Lucky for me, you're a vampire.» Before I could respond, my Bella was already knocked out. I kissed her again. «Yes lucky, indeed.»
0- o O o -0
After hours of just staring at Bella, she began to awake again. Charlie had already left; something about more strange foot prints being found the in area. Renee was still asleep thanks to her late night medicine. It was still pretty early, only 5:32, but Bella had fallen alseep at 9. She yawned, arching her back. «Mmm. Morning Edward.»
«Good morning yourself.» I picked her up, bridal style, and carried her to the rocking chair. «It's still pretty early.» I sat down, holding Bella in my lap. She flushed slightly, but beamed when I craddled her in my arms. I rocked up back and forth for a bit, humming the wedding march.
She giggled. «Only three more days, Edward. I think we can wait that long.» I groaned. «So, we're all set then?» I nodded. Our last day of school was tomorrow. The following night would be graduation. After graduation, we would fake the car accident. Bella and I were so impatient, we decided the very next day would be our wedding. Then the three days that followed that would consist us packing while Bella underwent her transformation.
«Yes, my love. Everything is set. Esme is up in Alaska right now finding out new house.» I could feel Bella quiver in my lap. «Nervous?» Her face turned slightly pink. «Don't worry. We'll take care of you. I swear, I won't hurt you. Granted, the change itself will be… excruciating.» I winced. «For both of us.»
Bella smiled. «Oh, I'm not worried about when I change.» She played with her engagement ring. «I was thinking about… the wedding.»
I resisted the urge to burst out laughing. «You're more worried about the wedding instead of the pain of tranformation?» She bit her lip, staring out the window. «Oh Bella! You can be so silly.»
Bella hopped off my lap as I rolled my eyes. «I can't help it. Pre-wedding jitters.» She skipped to her dresser and picked out clothes for today. «And besides that, I'm nervous about what Alice is planning for the wedding. Whose idea was it to let her make the plans anyway?»
«Alice's, of course.» And no one wanted to have to go against Alice. If we had learned anything these past few decades, it was never come between her and party planning. Or shopping. That and never let Emmett run loose in the toy section of WalMart. Not after the supersoaker incident.
«See you in a bit.» she kissed my cheek and gathered the rest of her things. I jumped out the window as Bella made her way to the bathroom. I ran to my house to pick up the Volvo. In a matter of minutes, I was home. To my surprise, Alice was waiting in the car.
«I want to see what Bella will choose to wear today.» She responded as I turned on the engine. If she knows what's good for her, she'll pick one of my outfits and not one of Rosalie's.
I did a U turn to get back on the road. «What, you can't see which one she'll pick?» Her only response was a annoyed look in my direction. We sped back to Bella's house. I parked quickly, then joined Alice at the front door. She let herself in with me in her wake.
While I made Bella a poptart, my sister leaped up the stairs. Bearly two seconds later, Alice's irritated thoughts floated down to me. No way Bella. I'll use force if necissary. That's right, but afraid of the scary vampire.
Poor Bella. «Alice, stop threatening my fiancee.» I called in a normal voice. I knew she would hear me.
Oh fine. Killjoy. And stay out of my mind. I want Bella's outfit to be a surprise!Alice then focused her thoughts on a song she heard the other day, trying to block me from my mind no doubt.
That sent off the red flags in my mind. "Alice…" If she was blocking me, I feared to know what was going on in that room.
She ignored me as she recalled the lyrics of that song. I like where we are, when we drive, in your car. I like where we are... Here…
A low growl filled my throat. Alice just loved to infuriate me. And she was very good at it. I guess that's what sisters are supposed to do. Blocking Alice completely now, I set myself to the task of finding all of Bella's school things. Once her books were zipped in her book bag, I retrieved her breakfast. And they still weren't down.
"Hurry it up Alice. Bella still has to eat." I mumbled, resting my head on the table to wait for them.
It's not as if we'll be late. "Calm down Edward. We'll be down in a second."
I lifted my head off the table as Alice helped Bella into the kitchen; she was being literal when she said a second. Ta da!
'Ta da' indeed. Alice must have kept threatening Bella because she somehow had forced her into a skirt. And a rather short jean one at that. For the second time this week I found myself gawking at her body. To compliment her skin, Alice had picked out a tight fitting long sleeved, V-neck top. The cut of the shirt brought out her delicate curves nicely.
Bella's face was a brilliant red as I took in her outfit. Stop staring like a moron, Edward, or your face may stick like that. Alice smugly thought to me. "Well, what do you think?" It was a rhetorical question, but I answered anyway.
I pulled Bella into my arms, still staring. "Beautiful…" I whispered, kissing every inch of her face. To describe her, that word seemed inadequate. She giggled nervously.
Alice folded her arms. "Hey, she's got to eat, remember?" But I didn't want to release her. I lifted her into my arms again, running my lips up and down her neck. Bella hands stroked through my hair, tracing small circles. "Play kissy face later, lovebirds! It took so long to convince Bella to wear that skirt that it's gotten late." She dragged up out the door, the pop tart in here hand.
Bella made to get down, but I wouldn't let her. "And who said I was done kissing you, missy?" I said, using her own words against her. I tossed Alice my car keys. I smiled at her confused expression. I never liked being in a car when I wasn't driving, but I had made a few exceptions. However, letting someone else drive my car was completely unheard of.
Really? "You're letting me drive?" I didn't bother to answer. I just slid into the back seat, Bella still in my arms, now sitting on my lap. Wow, this is new. "Hey Bella." She called to her as she turned on my Volvo. "I told you; Rosalie was right! Aren't you glad we bought you that skirt now?"
She was too dazzled to reply. Bella merely laid her head against my chest, taking in my fragrance. I rested my hand on her exposed leg, growling coyly. "I'm sure glad you did." I whispered. She laughed joyfully, driving just over 70.
As the school came into view, I rolled on top of Bella in the back seat. Alice turned around, shoving me lightly. "Hey, didn't you reprimand Emmett and Rosalie for just thinking about doing that stuff?"
Never taking my eyes of Bella, I pushed Alice, trying to get her to leave. "Not the same. This is my car, after all." I leaned in to kiss her luscious lips. My sister hopped out of the car. But instead of leaving, she opened the back passenger door. I growled at her, but she ignored me and scooped Bella into her arms.
"H-hey! Alice." Bella tried to squirm out of her iron grasp. I followed after them, plotting how to distract Alice. But Alice turned to face me, putting my future wife on the ground. She held out a finger to me, waiting. As I was about to question what this was about, the school bell rang. Crap, now we were late.
Alice folded her arms. "And now we are all late. Thanks a bunch, Edward." She turned and sprinted to her first period. I stared after her for a second, but then gathered Bella in her arms. I rushed us to Spanish. Senorita Hidalgo was talking to the class obnoxiously as we walked in.
"Nice of you two to join us." She said as we hurried to the back of the room. "I would think, considering you only have two days of school left, you could at least make it to class on time. And Ms. Swan, I see you made a miraculous recovery from your 'sickness' yesterday."
Bella turned red. Wanting to calm her down, I rubbed her leg affectionately. After a while, the teacher turned back to the board to discuss whatever it was she was talking about. I wasn't really paying attention. Nor, I'm sure, was Bella. She smiled shyly, crossing her legs in the wonderfully short skirt. I made a vow to finish that kiss later.