a/n- Okay...I fail. I know. It's just I had finals...then summer and relishing in the pure laziness of it! So without further babbling and such...here it is...!
"When lies become the truth,
That's when I run to you.
This world keeps spinning faster,
To a new disaster, so I run to you."
-"I Run to You"
Lady Antebellum
Bella P.O.V.
I was standing at the counter at Doggie Style, getting my hours for the next week with Alice. They didn't want me working on Black Friday, considering they were having some major sales and the place was already a madhouse. Alice couldn't be happier about my work schedule, being home for Thanksgiving and Black Friday was the highlight of the year. She claimed we needed to decorate for the holidays and shop.
I have been awake since two-thirty A.M. this morning. Rosalie got out of it, by telling Alice she'll direct the boys according to her plan. Lucky bitch. So, I grabbed some cash and flew out the door, but not without a moment with Edward.
Flashback
I was padding along the tile floor in nothing but my underwear and bra. I swore I had left my clean clothes in a basket out in the living room. I heard the lovely, lifesaving beeping of the coffee maker alerting me that my morning caffeine is ready.
I quickly whipped the pot of coffee and poured myself a cup of black, steaming goodness. I brought the cup to my lips and took a sip.
"Bella?" Edward's sleepy voice crooned.
I jumped and dropped my steaming cup of coffee, watching helplessly as it splattered across the floor. The coffee mug shattered and a deafening crack broke through the silent air of the apartment.
"Edward, you scared the shit out of me!" I gasped.
I looked up, and my mouth had issues forming words. He didn't have a shirt on, and that one piece of fabric that was missing really gave my central nervous system some problems. His pale chest was chiseled and sculpted in the most perfect of ways. Each abdominal muscle had it's own territory, and I drank in the light trail of hair that disappeared down his navy boxers. The perfectly-formed clavicles were calling my damn name. I wanted to bite them, scratch them, lick them. Hell, I wanted to fuck those damn clavicles. Only Edward Cullen would have fuckable clavicles. A shirt was separating me from this...this heaven? A shirt? Just a thin piece of fabric was shielding my eyes from his abdominal glory. It was closer than I thought.
Edward chuckled. "Clearly, I did."
"What the hell is going on out there?!" Alice whispered through the darkness.
"Um, nothing, Alice. Go back to your morning routine," I told her.
I scanned the floor for a clear spot to step. Considering I was in my bra and underwear and nothing else, I couldn't be more appropriately dressed.
"Bella, don't move, I don't want you to cut yourself." Edward ordered.
I stood still and crossed my arms.
Edward began to trot off into his bedroom. He turned his head around. "Don't worry about covering up," Edward chuckled. "I already saw you standing there."
Sure, Edward, play the obvious card.
He returned with a pair of slippers on and I nearly busted a lung laughing at him.
"Bella...please...don't laugh," he said somber expression on his face.
"Edward...they're...slippers!"
"Bella, they're not just any slippers, they're penguins."
"Oh. My. God. They are?"
I peeked a little farther as he turned on the light.
And he was correct.
Penguins.
Edward Cullen owned penguin slippers and I had no idea--just how I haven't realized that clavicles could be so damn appealing.
And they weren't just your average clog-like slippers. They were the slippers you had to stick your entire feet into, with backs and everything. The slipper consisted of the entire penguin's body, and I had to say, they were ultra-cute.
He slowly shuffled across the floor with his slippers on, clearing the glass away. He made his way over to me and reached out his arms.
"Come here, Bella."
"You could've just brought-"
"Bella, just, come on..."
"I'll crush you-"
"Bella, please be realistic,"
"Fine, Edward!" I hissed.
I stepped on the precious penguin slippers and I felt the floor leave under my feet. He swooped me into his arms, my knees were bent, his arms behind them. My shins were against his muscular chest.
I draped my arms across his shoulders and leaned into his ear.
"My hero," I murmured as I kissed his cheek. "But..." I said as I looked down. "The penguin slippers gave you confidence."
"Oh yes, the slippers..."
"How did you get them?" I pondered, looking into his deep green eyes.
"I'll tell you a quick story," he said as he shuffled across the floor.
Before I knew it I was thrown onto the couch, with Edward hovering over me. We landed with a loud 'oof'. As I looked deep into his green eyes, the more perfect he seemed. The more I wanted to have this to wake up to every morning. My daydreams of my future were dramatically changing. Instead of waking up beside Jacob, it was Edward. I saw my children with green eyes and bronze locks rather than, tan skin and dark hair. Somehow, I was okay with that.
"Well, when I was in high school..."
"Edward, that was just a few months ago!" I giddily reminded him.
"I'd rather not think of it that way, la mia vita," he said somberly.
"Aw, did you have a bad high school experience?" I asked him.
"Something to that effect," he replied. "Well...I went through this phase...and I had a thing for penguins."
Oh, dear God. He was a penguin fucker. I knew it! I should have known...
"Edward, that's called bestiality! You're sick!" I cried, smacking him and trying to wiggle out of his grip.
"Bella," he chuckled. "Let me finish!"
Whoops.
"I got very involved of the saving of the King Penguin...you know, the endangered species?"
I gulped. Sure, Edward I know all about that. I know all about penguins and their lives. Totally.
"Um...yea, Edward, I've heard of them."
I could tell he was trying to not go all penguin informative on me. He was trying his best to be civilized and human. I don't know how I would handle penguin-fanboy Edward. Maybe take him to the zoo? We could always sit and watch Happy Feet or March of the Penguins. I don't know.
"So, I became a member of this club...this club that you make a donation to every so often. And Alice decided to get me these slippers."
"Your deep-dark secret was...you had a penguin obsession?" I clarified.
He grimaced. "Yes. I realize it's not manly, it's actually pretty weird. But I'm over it."
"Well, I guess that's okay," I added. "My penguin man."
I traced my fingertip along the contour of his jaw as I placed light kisses until my lips met his. His tongue parted my lips and I groaned. His hot breath mixed with mine as I caught my breath.
"Ungh...Edward. We have to stop, I have to go." I said, tearing my lips from his.
I quickly threw Edward off of me as I scrambled for my lost clothing. I ran into the kitchen and began picking up the pieces of the mug.
"Bella, go, let me and the penguins take care of it," Edward insisted.
End Flashback
"Aw!" Alice cried. "I want that one, Bella! Look at her! She sees me!"
Alice was frantically pointing at the white Shih Poo she spotted in the glass. I had to admit, out of the dogs we had here, it was one of the nicest. I made myself a mental note to tell Jasper about it, he needed an idea for Alice's Christmas present, and he had asked for mine and Rosalie's help.
We made our way out of the chaotic pet store and onto the sidewalk.
"I would totally buy it today, and get it...but we have places to go and people to order around. We have to first call the boys and make sure that they got the Christmas tree and that they were able to get it in without trimming it. I mean, I payed seventy bucks to have it professionally done!" Alice explained.
"Uh-huh..." I replied.
"Bella, you're not really into this, are you?" Alice chirped.
"Um...well I think your excitement is really enough for everyone in the apartment, Alice," I honestly answered.
"Just imagine..." she sighed, wrapping her arm around my shoulder, her other hand flitting in the air. "Mistletoe, twinkle lights, snowflakes. The tree! Oh, the tree! It would be wrapped in millions of little lights, with a theme! I need a theme, Bella. Close your eyes, Bella! You will get a better visual."
I didn't close my eyes.
But she did.
"There will be a train! I've never had a train before! It will be going around our entire apartment, snow, sleigh bells on the door, Christmas songs playing lowly in the background...And we can all wear Santa hats!"
Hell. No. I am not wearing a Santa hat.
"And the presents all wrapped under the tree...Bella! Do you feel that, Bella? The icy winter breeze as the door opens! The snow comes whirring in, and we have to shut the door because it's so cold!" she giggled as a chill coursed through her body.
It's official, the pixie has lost her mind.
We're in La Jolla. It doesn't get below sixty-five degrees in December. She is getting way too into this.
"Oh! And the faux-snow on the windows! And the holly! Oh, Bella! This is going to be the best Christmas ever!"
"Oh, I'm sure it is, Alice!" I grinned, feigning excitement.
She tore open her eyes. "Enough daydreaming, we must go to the mall for some more shopping!"
More shopping? MORE SHOPPING?! Alice's yellow Porche--her most prized possession--was already packed, trunk, and what was considered the backseat. If we did any more shopping, we'd need to strap it to the roof of the car.
"Alice..." I said as calmly as possible as I swallowed the string of complaints that would've left my lips. "Why don't we...take a break and see how things are going back at the apartment, with the decorating?"
"I believe they have it under control. I mean, the sixteen page description of my vision should be enough. I left them detailed diagrams and maps," she added, her smile creeping up the corners of her mouth as she described the control she had over this decorating extravaganza.
Alice led the way to the car and I quickly whipped out my phone.
Rosalie.
Alice would most definitely listen to Rosalie if she called saying something was wrong. Alice had put her trust in Rosalie, claiming they had similar minds. Alice trusted Rosalie to get the job done, knowing full well Rosalie had the capability of whooping a few asses when necessary...or even when not necessary.
God...what to say to her?
I furiously entered the message.
Make up an issue with decorating. This is my SOS.
And pressed SEND.
Alice's phone began to ring.
"Ooh!" she squealed. She looked perplexed as she read the caller I.D. screen. "Hello?" she answered. "What? What do you mean they're not working?! I had those lights custom-made to perfectly fit above the doorways!" she huffed as she stopped walking. "And the garlands are yellow and not red? What about the tinsel...?" she gasped as she gripped onto my wrist. "NO!" she cried as I saw tears form in her eyes. "Not the trains...please tell me the hand-painted Christmas Barbie train is there..." she began to put her finger up to her mouth, ready to bite her nails. "We're on our way."
I immediately texted Rosalie.
You rock. I owe you.
We practically flew into the car, Alice jamming the key into the ignition. She placed her fingers up to her lips, ready to bite her nails.
"Alice, don't bite your nails. You don't wanna ruin your manicure," I said to her soothingly. "I'm sure it's not that bad. Nothing is ever as bad as it seems."
A tear fell down her cheek.
She was a little over passionate about this.
Then it hit me. It was all a lie...what was Alice going to do when she found out everything was in place? Would Rosalie blame me? I think Rosalie understood the predicament I was in. I'm sure she had her lifetime's fair share of Alice shopping trips. It was a little frightening to think of. I mean, I knew the girl couldn't be totally heartless, she was Emmett's girlfriend, for crying out loud. I'm sure she had a heart buried somewhere in that chest of nastiness. Then again, there was always the obvious issue that Rosalie didn't exactly like me...that she had a grudge against me or whatever.
We sped...the entire way to the apartment. And when her tires screeched as she parked, she decided to take up two parking spaces.
"Well aren't you feeling generous this morning?" I giggled.
She shot me a glare. Her decorating plot was being foiled, well...somewhat.
She bolted up the stairs screaming.
"I'm coming! Don't move! I'm here!" she cried, as I trailed cautiously behind her.
Alice flung open the door of the apartment.
"What is the problem here, everyone?" Alice cried.
Rosalie was standing under the mistletoe giggling while cradling Emmett's face in her hands.
Edward and Jasper were sitting on the couch, drinking bottles of water.
Alice's mouth opened wide at the winter wonderland that was sprawled out before her. The tree was lit in the corner, looking absolutely magnificent in it's twinkle lights. Green garlands wrapped in lights scalloped the walls with red bows decorating each peak. There was a train riding around the entire apartment. Alice had really outdone herself.
"It's...It's...perfect!" Alice cried, jumping up and down while clapping her hands. "So, why did you call me?" Alice asked Rosalie.
"Because it's done!" Rosalie said, mustering up as much enthusiasm as possible.
"Well, that's great...but there were no problems?" Alice asked, eying the crowd who had put her vision into reality.
"Um...no, darlin', there were no problems," Jasper said, wrapping his arm around Alice's waist.
"I don't get it...why did you need me then?" Alice asked again.
"Well, Alice, why don't you check Bella's cry-for-help text messages?" Rosalie piped up.
Oh no, she fucking didn't!
"Really, Bella?" Alice said incredulously.
I felt her hazel eyes bore into mine. I glanced down at the floor to escape her gaze.
"Bella, answer me," she demanded as I heard her footsteps come closer to me.
"I-I-I was just so tired, Alice. I couldn't take much more of shopping--"
"You mean, you couldn't take much more of me, am I right?" Alice attempted to clarify.
"No, Alice that's not what I said."
"Well, Bella, that's what it sounded like," she spat.
"Alice, that's not what I meant!" I screamed, trying to justify my explanation.
"Yes, Bella, just go crying to Edward now--just like you always do,"
I heard her heels click across the floor and the door slam.
"Alice, I'm sorry!" I called.
But it was too late. I could tell by the looks on everyone's faces that it was too late. Rosalie clicked her tongue in amusement.
"And, you! You cocky bitch! You're the one who started this!" I yelled.
Rosalie's head whipped up, and her fiery gaze met mine.
"Oh, really? Well...who sent the first text, Bella?"
I gulped.
Me.
Rosalie headed for the door.
"Rosie!" Emmett called, "Rosalie!"
She walked out the door, closing it with a click. She made her point. Emmett followed her.
"You can't just walk away from your problems, Rosalie! And I know you have a problem with me!" I screamed.
Woah, where did that come from?
Again, too late. I'm not winning today.
I glanced around the room as Jasper and Edward just stared at me.
"Bella..." Edward began.
"No, don't you 'Bella' me! I need some alone time, just...leave me alone!" I yelled.
I pressed my fingers against my temples as I ran into my room and crashed onto my bed.
I couldn't get my cell phone open fast enough.
I scrolled through my contacts and called Jacob.
He answered on the first ring, like usual.
"Bells?" he questioned, his voice a bit higher than normal--he was surprised.
"Yes, Jake..."
"What are you up to, babe?"
"Well...a little drama right now, I would greatly appreciate it if my best friend and boyfriend could help me with it," I explained.
"Okay, hold on one second, Bella. I'm picking out your Christmas present," he added.
That just reminded me. I needed to pick out a Christmas present for everyone I lived with. Along with Jacob. And Edward. I have no clue of what to get them.
"Aw, Jake. You really don't have to!" I exclaimed.
"Yes, I do, trust me. Now, is everything okay?" he asked.
"Um...honestly? No," I answered.
"Do I need to come get you, or kick some Edward ass?"
"No, Edward's fine. It's Alice...and Rosalie," I confessed.
"I'm not surprised."
"Alice...I am. But Rosalie, dammit, I shoulda' known."
"What happened, Bella?"
I relayed to him the entire story, from how I was up at three A.M.--leaving out the Edward part-- to shopping and how I exactly got us back to the dorm. I also told him about the entire Rosalie and Alice drama, not leaving a single quote or word out.
"Bella, I really don't think you're at fault here..." Jacob said.
"You may be a little biased," I chuckled.
"I just think you need to apologize. You get very self-righteous when you're angry," he added.
"I'm not angry, Jacob!" I exclaimed.
"Bells, you are. I really think you need to calm down, and apologize. You know, be the bigger person here."
"But Jacob..."
"No 'buts', Bella. You say things you don't mean when you're mad. Everyone does, it's a fact of life. We just get so caught up in it all, and we begin sputtering words out that don't make sense," he explained.
I had to admit, Jacob had a decent way of putting things.
"Oh, alright..." I gave in.
"Bella, just...do it for me. Do it for the sake of them. Remember, you're going to be living with these people. Who knows what you could be waking up to every morning?"
I grimaced just thinking about it. I could see chewing gum in my hair, all my clean clothes adorning the hallways of the building and possibly Mike Newton holding my bra as a collateral for sex. I was going to apologize even if it killed me.
"I'll do it, I promise."
"Okay, I'm going to go now, Bella, do me a favor and count to ten before you say something."
I giggled. "Alright, Jake. I will."
"I love you, Bella. Don't do anything stupid."
"I love you too, Jake. Same to you!" I laughed.
I flipped my phone closed and turned over to lie on my back.
"Ugh..." I groaned.
There was a knock at the door.
"Come in," I replied.
I saw Alice cautiously making her way to my bed.
"Hi," Alice whimpered.
"Hi, Alice," I greeted her.
"Can I sit down?" she asked.
I patted on the mattress as I sat up and leaned against the wall.
"I just wanted to apologize, Bella. I'm sorry, I've been the nastiest bitch to you and you totally don't deserve it," she said quietly.
I smirked at her. "Alice, you don't need to apologize. I'm the one who should be apologizing. I didn't realize how it would've affected you. I was the one who sent Rosalie the text to get me out of shopping. It's just...I was tired. I'm not used to going shopping all the time."
"I just want to apologize for calling you a wimpy bitch," she sighed. "And for saying you always run to Edward."
"Alice, you never called me a wimpy bitch."
"Oh, right...I guess it was when you weren't there."
I quirked an eyebrow at her. "Thanks?"
"No problem, babe," she giggled.
"Friends?" I offered.
"Friends," she agreed. "And you know...it's okay if you like Edward. I don't mind, Bella."
I realized that we didn't really go over everything, every issue. But I wasn't about to dig it any deeper. Alice, from what I understood, was a forgiving person and she had no trouble at all with apologies. I was just at the point, where I was sick of fighting with everyone and anything that had feelings. I just figured the theory of forgiving and forgetting was the best thing to do right now. We couldn't afford to be fighting, especially when we slept in the same room.
"Don't even get me started on what's going on in my head right now," I told her.
"I just wanted to let you know, that I've got your back. And I'm always here if you need me."
"Thanks, Alice."
She began to get off my bed. She turned to me.
"Bella, just...be careful, okay? I don't want to see you get hurt."
I gave her a smile. "Alright, I'll be careful."
"Good. Now, Jas and I were going to grab a bite to eat...along with Emmett and Rosalie. Do you want to come?"
"Um, I'm actually okay here, I think I'm going to heat up some Thanksgiving leftovers and get some sleep."
She smiled at me, "Okay."
She walked out the door, and I heard the shuffling of feet out in the common room and then silence.
Glorious, glorious silence.
I made my way out to the room and I saw Edward smirking underneath the mistletoe.
"Well, aren't you a sight for sore eyes," he crooned from his spot.
"Look who's asking for trouble...standing under the mistletoe," I giggled, walking towards him.
He looked up and gave me one of his ultra-sexy crooked smiles. The exact one that made my heart melt, my heart either stop beating, or sending it into overdrive.
And his eyes were going to spark in...three...two...one.
His eyes ignited with a fire, setting his bright emerald irises ablaze. I didn't realize how close I was to him until he wrapped his arm around my waist, pulling our chests together.
"Edward..." I whispered. "Would you kiss me under the mistletoe?"
"I'd be delighted," he chuckled.
His lips descended upon mine as my insides turned to some sort of pureed soup. I slumped into Edward's strong arms and delicious clavicles. My fingers wandered over his shoulders and wound through his bronze locks. I gently tugged on the ends as our tongues battled for dominance. His hand found its way under the back of my shirt, and his warm thumb began caressing my lower back. Goosebumps surfaced on my skin as I hungrily breathed into his mouth, catching a necessary breath.
"I love Christmas decorations and their traditions," I breathed into his ear.
"Me too," Edward chuckled, enveloping me in an embrace.
Edward's lips placed one final kiss upon my forehead. He rested his head upon mine, and I placed my flushed cheek against his warm, thumping chest.
We swayed to our own melody, our own music. We were lost in each other, completely unsure of where our lives, our relationship or our actions were going to take us.
a/n- So the lyric doesn't exactly refer to Edward :O. Our little Bella is confused (what else is new?) and Alice and Bella had their first argument. Who saw that drama coming?
Just wanted to do some pimpage for Aileen...her Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy oneshot for Age of Edward is banging (in more ways than one ;)) It'll make you want to cry...no more like uncontrollable sobbing. I know I did!
She also has a new story...For Better or For Worse. It's effing gold. It involves some good smuttin'. That's all I'm gonna say :P
Alright...don't be bitter! Review, review, review!