13. Return to Me
BPOV
When Edward came out of the bathroom half naked I couldn't help but notice his chest; there was a tattoo there. The most significant thing about it though was the letter B that stood in the middle of it. I didn't ask about it because, honestly, I didn't want to know; not yet.
I offered to rub his back because he looked like a fool rolling around on the floor, I didn't think it completely through before I offered though. With my hands touching his skin, his back, I wanted to touch all of him and not just subject to approved touchable parts. Things were moving too fast, feeling too right and going too well for the little amount of time we've been back in each other's lives.
That is the kind of thing that ruins relationships; moving fast and trusting your heart. I couldn't trust my heart or anyone else, especially Edwards. I wanted to, god knows I do, but it's something I can't just turn on; trust is earned and that's exactly what he would have to do. Earn it.
Being in his arms was like finding the place I fit best in the world, exactly where I was meant to be and I never wanted to leave. He didn't want me to either and he gave me his word that he would call me every chance he got. I told myself I needed to believe him, I had to give him the benefit of the doubt if I wanted him to gain the trust back. He couldn't do it no matter what he did if I didn't try to trust him, and give him a chance, first.
There was a knock on the door and he growled in frustration before I got up so he could answer it. "No, you're staying with me until you leave." He took my hand in his and pulled me to the door. I smiled widely behind him; I was smiling a genuine happy smile. That thought just made the smile grow.
"Teresa?" His voice was alarmed and panicked all at the same time. "What are you doing here?"
"I came to get my things since you're never going to call me." Standing at the door in her heels and Gucci bag, I'm guessing, was a young—looked to be—half Hispanic, Puerto Rican maybe, woman; very exotic looking and beautiful. It didn't pass my notice that she said she came for her things because Edward never called her. What kind of things could she possibly have here?
I released Edward's hand as she pushed her way past him and she noticed me for the first time. "Oh," she stepped back to look me over, "Is she your new victim?" She looked over at me, "Don't get your hopes up honey, he isn't worth it." She stormed past me and continued into the living room. Edward gave me a look before he followed and she didn't stop until she got to a back room that I assumed was Edward's.
"Where are my panties?" she shouted from the room.
"I don't have any underwear that isn't mine Teresa. It's been what," he counted on his fingers, looking down at them. "Four months. If you left them here I threw them away."
She stormed out of the room and sauntered towards him before she stopped right in front of him." Four months and you never called me: Why not?" She pleaded, dropping her arms to her sides.
"Because I was an asshole and didn't like what I was doing," he replied and it only further confused me with the conversation.
"Oh, so because you were lost or what-the-fuck-ever, you have to break my heart in the process? Well FUCK YOU Edward Cullen…you ain't shit," she spat at his feet and stomped down the hall towards me.
"Good luck honey, you're going to need it." She continued to the front door, opened it and then slammed it behind her.
He came towards me and suddenly I was having second thoughts yet again. "I am so sorry about that Bella, I honestly forgot about her it's been that long." Four months ago he slept with that woman—who knows how many times—then didn't call her back and totally forgot about her completely. What does that say about his character? This could be some evil plan he has to get back at me for not leaving him a number.
I needed more proof, that's all there was to it; and more time.
A tear escaped my eyes and I hid it as I walked towards the couch to collect my things. "I have to go Edward," I said as he tried to help me. I didn't want him to help me, I wanted to be away from him so I could think properly.
"Bella Wait!" I could hear the rush of his bare feet padding across the hard wood floor in the hall. "Please Bella, don't let that get to you, it was nothing."
"That's the problem," I said calmly, "It was nothing. All of your relationships have been nothing so what makes me believe that I won't become nothing at some point?"
"Because you have always been my everything; you're the only woman I can see being with. I can prove it to you if you'll let me." He was trying to get in front of me so I would have to look at him. I didn't want to look at him.
"I will let you, but you also have to give me the time I need." I started toward the door and had to put my bag down so I could slip on my shoes.
He was right there beside me, "Have it, you got it; all the time you need." His words were rushed, he was panicking…well so was I.
I had my bag back in hand and my hand on the door knob, "I'll talk to you soon."
His hand came up to rest on my shoulder and his voice came out gingerly, "Can I still call you every day? Every chance I get? I don't want to start out with not keeping my word." He was right, that wasn't a good way to start, but that wouldn't make it any easier for me to think rationally.
So I had another idea, something not as personal. "How good are you at texting?"
"I've been known to send a few texts here and there, but I'm sure I can get it figured out. I might ramble though, I find a lot of joy in writing." He warned me and I could tell he wasn't happy. I was hurting him again, but like it's always been; this isn't only about him.
"Send me a text, and I'll call you." I didn't want to look at him, my perseverance would be shattered; I had to avoid that.
"That works for me." His voice was saddened and it made my heart ache but I had to be strong; for me. "Can I get a hug before you go? Please."
Against my better judgment, I released the door knob and he took me into his arms. I kept my eyes away from his because I was already teetering on the edge of my resolve. "I'm going to miss you so much," he said, his face pushing into the crook in my neck.
With that I loosened my hold on him and quickly exited the apartment without looking back. It didn't occur to me that I had nowhere to go until the elevator doors opened on the first floor. Lucky for me though, Alice and Jasper walked through the front doors shortly after my exit from the elevator.
"Hey," I greeted them; they were totally engrossed in each other and were startled by my presence.
"Hey," Alice replied with a confused smile. I watched them as they took in my appearance. "Are you ready to go?"
"Yes, a woman came to Edward's door looking for her things. I'm ready to go." I didn't speak anymore; I just walked past them and toward the car.
I could hear Alice's approach and she appeared next to me before I reached the car. "So, what happened?" she asked between breaths.
"We were having a conversation about something," no need to go into detail, "And there was a knock on the door. He dragged me to the door with him and there stood Teresa looking for her panties."
She was shocked, more so than I was it looked like and it almost made me feel better; almost. "What did he say?"
"He told her he didn't have any underwear, that it was four months ago and if she did leave them then he threw them away." Her expression did a complete 180.
"Four months ago? Bella, you can't hold that against him." She was really defending him; I could see her point, but that wasn't mine.
"I'm not holding it against him, what I don't like is the way he blew her off. She said he never called her and he told me it was nothing. Alice," I stopped in front of the car and she stopped in front of me. "I don't want to be nothing; I can't be nothing. Not when it comes to him."
Alice took my arm and shook me, she was going to do one of her lectures, here it comes: "I don't think you would ever be nothing to him, to anyone. Bella you have a lot of great qualities. You're organized, you can cook, you have a sense of humor, and you love deeply and irrevocably, not to mention you have a degree and a full time career." She pointed out.
I may possess some of those things but I'd give them all up if I could know that Edward felt for me even half of what I feel for him. Jasper came out onto the sidewalk toward us. "We're going to communicate every day, that is, if he keeps his word."
"So it's not completely caput for you two?" there was hope in her eyes.
"Not completely, I just need time…and proof."
"Eee," she squealed, "It's like a fairy tale story." She threw her arms around me and Jasper had a very confused look on his face.
EPOV
Journal Entry 420: August 14, 2008
The days are going by so slow, when I talk to Bella it goes by too fast.
Every day I'm always waiting; waiting to text Bella, hoping it isn't too early or too often or vise versa.
Or I'm waiting to see if she calls me.
She said for me to wait for her to call, I'm getting really sick of waiting.
I want to hear her, to decipher the tone in her voice.
I don't know how much longer I can wait.
Week seven; it's now middle of August and I have yet to receive a phone call from Bella. We text every day of course, some days she even texts me before I text her. Those are my good days. My bad days are the days when I receive one text at night that usually reads something along the lines of "I was busy tonight". Sometimes I only get a "Good night".
I don't know what she is thinking; she isn't talking to Alice or Alice isn't spilling no matter how much I beg and bribe. I desperately wanted to know where her heart is. I need to know that I have some smidgen of a chance to win her affection.
The dreams are still present every night but they've changed in torturous ways. They've evolved into hot steamy mirages that I can never quite grasp. I know it's there, I can almost feel the pleasure of it, almost feel her lips kissing down my chest, her body straddling mine as she moves further and further down toward the mother land.
Then I wake up drenched in sweat like it isn't all just a dream. The only proof is the empty spot beside me; the sheet and blanket still tucked under the mattress like they were the previous night. I was surprised every morning when I looked in the mirror to see a full head of hair still in its usual disarray. I thought I would have pulled it all out by now.
Today was an important day for me. First, it is my two year marker at the Rose Garden so that means I will be getting a raise and vacation time will be coming around which I plan on asking Bella if I can go up and see her.
I need to see her, I need to see that she is still thinking of me, that she looks forward to my messages and that she waits all day like I do. I crave the reassurance that she is as in love with me as I am with her; I need it more than I need air in my lungs.
"Edward, can you believe it's been two years?" Chelsea, the receptionist for Mr. Jones greeted me. The same receptionist that was eye fucking me when I came in for my interview. Every day was the same with her, I was surprised she never broke down and asked me to ask her out; she sure put out enough signs that even a blind man wouldn't miss.
"I know, time really flies," I humored her.
"Mr. Jones is ready to see you; he said to send you in the moment you arrived."
"Thanks," I tried to suppress my crooked smile but it came out full force because of the overwhelming happiness that was coursing through me at the thought of seeing Bella, very soon. "Wish me luck."
"Good luck you," she said in a reserved sultry way. I shut the door behind me, thankful for the short conversation with her; she could talk you away all day if you let her.
"Edward my boy, so glad to see you; I have good plans for your future." Mr. Jones shook his head, "I knew I was taking a well deserved risk with you," he added.
"Thank you sir," I knew now to let him do all the talking.
"We're going to discuss your raise and a few other things if you don't mind." He rustled a stack of papers and continued, "We are raising your salary to $72,000 a year and upping you vacation to two weeks which is effective immediately and you will receive yearly Christmas bonuses."
I was speechless, not about the money or the bonuses; I had vacation time that I could take now. "Thank you," I finally found my voice. "I won't let you down."
"If you continue the way you have I don't see any way you could son. You've made your father proud, I am sure of that." He didn't know Carlisle wasn't my real father and I never felt the need to correct him. "He will hear of this." He started typing away at his computer, it's all done and the changes have been made." He cleared his throat, "There is one catch."
Week nine, I was just about to hit the sack when my phone rang in the living room. I got to it and the caller ID almost sent me into a heart attack.
"Hello," I answered out of breath for no reason except that my heart was beating so fast it felt like I'd just run a marathon.
The voice that carried over the phone was just as I'd imagined only a zillion times more gratifying. "Edward," she sounded just at winded as I was.
I started imagining the worst, what would cause her to call me in such a panic? "Bella, what's wrong?"
"It's Rose, she's gone into labor. She's early and the doctors say she might not have long."
All I saw was Emmett; I could imagine how much he was probably panicking, "Is she okay?"
"She should be fine, they're more worried about the baby," her voice drifted off to a whisper and I was no longer tired.
"I'll be there as soon as I can. Are you okay with that?" I had to be sure, not that it would stop me from going and being there for my brother, but I needed to know what I was going in to.
"This isn't about us; this is about your niece or nephew and his or her parents."
"I know, I just wanted to know how you felt about it."
"Its fine, just hurry, I don't know how much time you have. You might miss it."
"I'll be there."
We hung up after that and I dialed Mr. Jones home number, 10:30 at night. "I hope I don't get fired for this," I said out loud as the phone rang next to my ear. I grabbed a few things and headed out the door before he answered.
"Hello?" he didn't sound happy.
I turned the key in the ignition before I spoke. "Mr. Jones, It's Edward, I'm sorry to call at such a late hour."
"What is it Edward?" He asked, not worried but curious. I don't think anything fazes that man, nothing except family. His office is littered with photos of his kids; he and his wife on vacations and away for holidays. There was a slight chance he would say no to my going.
"My sister in law went into labor and she isn't due for another month. I need to be there for support, my entire family is flying in to Seattle. I'm already on my way. If you say I can't go I won't, but please consider it." I practically held my breath while I waited for his response.
"Edward, this is not a good way to request your vacation, you could have just asked."
"This honestly isn't about my vacation but I can see how you would think that. I will only take a few days and without pay if that's what it takes."
"No, no you can have your seven days, but be prepared to show me pictures. I have a soft spot for newborns." That was his way of keeping tabs on me, and he really does have a softness when it comes to family; just like I said.
"Thank you sir-"
"Edward, stop calling me sir that is my father."
"Sorry Mr. Jones. Thank you."
Be safe, have a good time." The conversation ended and I sent Bella a text.
I'm on my way, just passing over the Oregon Boarder. Three hours tops. Can you send me the address to the hospital so I can Google it.-E
I got directions and the welcome to Seattle sign passed in my rearview mirror 2 hours and 45 minutes later. I found the hospital without a hitch and I mazed my way through the halls until I found the waiting room for maternity. It was empty, all except for Bella.
She was sitting with her legs propped up against her chest on a long couch and I could see the cord to her headphones running down to her lap where her iPod was resting. I would almost bet my soul that the book in her hands was Wuthering Heights, the same tethered one from the past. I walked further into the room and I watched as her whole body tensed even before she saw me. She turned and looked directly at me, a smile flirting at her lips.
I greeted her nervously, unsure of what to expect, "Hey."
She pulled her ear bud out and closed her book. "Hey, how was the drive?"
"It was long, tiring. How is Rose?" That was the most important thing. I had to fight with my inner instincts to take her into my arms.
"She's doing good, the baby's vitals are normal and she's starting to dilate. They're letting it run its course as long as everything keeps up." Her voice was laced with worry and some other emotion I couldn't pin point. Her eyes were glowing yet dull, she was conflicted. "You can go see her. I was just sitting out here waiting for everyone to arrive in case the nurses gave you any trouble." She giggled lightly but it seemed to be forced.
"Will you go with me, show me where it is I mean." I corrected myself because this day, this moment wasn't about us, our past and our problems. It's about Rose and the newest Cullen that is fighting as we speak to be brought into the world.
"Yeah, sure," she started gathering her things and I stood before her. She passed so close to me I could feel the electric current between our skin.
BPOV
Time is a funny thing; at times it will fly by, you don't even know where it went. Other times it will seem like it's standing still. The moments I don't hear from him feels like an eternity of time passes. When we have our conversations that go on for hours, it feels like time is on fast-forward.
Days after I returned home I wanted to call him. Multiple times I dialed the number and sent it but hung up before the first ring. I didn't want to seem too eager or desperate. So I dealt with the messages and the all too vivid dreams.
I won't go into detail but wow were they exhausting and far too teasing in my book. Not that I'm some nympho or anything but I am human, and I want and desire the same things most other grown women do and that is companionship, love and devotion. I was starting to feel that Edward was definitely in the right category for that. I couldn't dream up a better man, I'd much rather dream about him: Which I do every night like I always have.
"Mrs. Swan," Jason asked in the middle of recital.
"Yes Jason."
"I think something is stuck in my trombone instrument," he took the trombone off from around his shoulder and I walked to his side. We both looked at the same time and saw a glutinous ball in the tube.
"Great," he mumbled and three boys that were behind him started to snicker.
"Do you think this is funny?" I asked them. I was in no mood to put up with their shenanigans today. They all straightened up and shook their heads. "I will not tolerate this kind of behavior in my class. You should be taking notes from Jason, not trying to sabotage him. He is part of your band," I pointed out. "If one of you looks bad the whole band does." I started to address everyone, just so they all knew, "There is no I in team," So cliché, I thought to myself, "This is a team effort. If one of you is off key then the whole thing sounds disheveled. You must work together to achieve the same goal, that goal will not be reached by playing jokes on each other."
Something inside was ringing, some kind of alert but I couldn't figure out what it was from so I pushed it aside. "Now," I raised my baton, "From the top."
Later that day when I got out of class and done with my duties for the day; I sent Edward a text. I couldn't wait to see how his day went.
How was your day?-B
It was torture until now…how was yours?-E
Long, I had to put some kids in my class in their place for trying to sabotage one of their band members. That was interesting.-B
Sounds like your day was eventful. Hey, I have a question for you. What would you say to me coming up for a visit? Of course I'll stay at Jasper's but we could hang out.-E
I don't know, it's kind of soon don't you think? I don't know if I want that right now to be completely honest. My mind is so unmanageable. I'm not used to that.-B
I miss you so much Bella, I just want to hear your voice, see your face, feel your skin. I'm sorry if I want to be near you but I won't hide the fact that I'm going absolutely insane without you.-E
I have to go, I'll talk to you later. I'm sorry, now just isn't a good time, not yet.-B
It was hard to tell him no but it was even harder to think about what could come of a visit. He would have to leave again and each time is worse than the last. None, of course, were near as bad as the first.
I was over at Rose and Emmett's place and we were having one of our many weekly get togethers. Rose was folding laundry from the washer when she ran out waddling like a duck. Some kind of liquid was all over her legs and she looked to be in shock.
"My water broke, my fucking water broke."
Emmett rushed her to the hospital while Alice, Jasper and I followed in our own cars. "Call Renee and Charlie," she said out the window before they pulled away, "And Carlisle and Esme." Then they were screaming down the road in Rose's Audi.
"I'll call mom and dad," Alice said when her phone was already to her ear and she got in the car with Jasper.
"I got Carlisle and Esme on the line," Jasper informed us, covering the receiver with his hand, then returning to his conversation.
I pulled out my phone and navigated to my messages. I decided this was worth calling for, he deserved that much. So I called the only person that needed to be informed. I called Edward.
Hearing his voice was like hearing heaven's gate open. I swear I heard a chorus behind his greeting. We talked briefly and then he was on his way. My body started to vibrate in anticipation. He was going to be here, in the flesh, I couldn't wait to see him. I wasn't ready to admit it, but I was definitely excited.
I made my way to the hospital on the east side of town and traffic wasn't horrendous like I expected; it being 11 at night. Still hectic though, it was a Saturday. My nerves were all over the place. Rose was in early labor, the family all on their way, Carlisle and Esme were sure to be catching a flight this very moment. Alice informed me when I arrived that Charlie and Renee were already on their way; would be here in three hours.
Edward was on his way, he would be here in two hours…two hours. That was on repeat in my head until I got to the room.
Rose was on the bed, a sheet over her, monitors wrapped around her oversized belly and she looked drained. "Hey," I said coolly as I went to her side. Emmett was there, sitting on a chair at the head of the bed.
"Oh Bella," Rose breathed. "It hurts like hell," she laughed painfully. The monitors beeping rhythm began to increase, the sound echoing in the room. Rose started to wither in the bed, her hands cradling her belly.
I'm not the most experienced with childbirth, none at all to be exact, but I do know some and she was definitely having a contraction. Emmett rubbed her shoulders while she leaned forward and Alice was rubbing her feet. The alarm started to decrease and Rose's breathing did with it. She fell back onto the bed, her head like a 50 pound weight on her shoulders.
I got closer to her, leaning over Emmett so she could hear me. "You're going to have baby Rosy, a mama." She smiled; adoration only a mother could possess.
"I know," it looked like she was going to cry, or maybe she already was. "It's all worth it."
I brushed her hair back with my fingers and gave her a hug. "You hang in there, I'm going to go read out in the waiting room and wait for the family. They'll come get me if anything changes okay." I wanted to comfort her but there wasn't much I could do. About the only thing that I could do was give her privacy.
"Thanks Bella."
The monitor started to beep again and that was my cue to leave. Not that I didn't feel for her, I just didn't want to be another pair of eyes watching her while she's in pain.
I would want to suffer alone.
I found a comfy spot by the window and curled up there with my ear buds blasting and my Wuthering Heights in hand. I was still captivated by the story after 10 years; time seems to pass so much quicker when you're in another world. I felt it when the elevator doors opened, the feeling of his presence.
I tried not to look at him, but failed miserably when my head snapped in his direction and there he stood with one hand in his pocket and the other running through his bronze, tousled hair. He gave me a nervous look and his voice shook when he spoke. "Hey."
I took the one ear bud out and shut my book, "Hey. How was the drive?"
He asked about Rose and I gave him the rundown of the situation. He asked me to show him where the room was and all I wanted to do was touch him. I felt selfish for wanting that on this, of all days, but I'd been fighting with myself about seeing him and the feeling I have when he's close to me is indescribable.
Why do I not want this?
Why do I pretend to not want this; is the bigger question.
Because I'm scared of rejection and have a phobia of people abandoning me, people such as Edward who has done it before.
If I ever wanted to get over it and move on I would have to give him that chance, the chance to regain my trust and he couldn't do it if I kept pushing him away. Then it clicked, the moment at school when I felt like I was missing something, I needed to follow my own advice.
He almost ran into me he was that close.
"Edward," I said not looking up to meet his eyes.
"Yes," he breathed as if he were holding it in.
"This book," I held Wuthering Heights firmly in my hands and showed it to him. "This book has been through so much, it's been my savior for many years. It's the same one that I had in my hands when I first saw you in the group home."
"I knew it," he said mostly to himself.
"I want to start over, or at least start fresh. This can be our first meeting." I smiled and finally looked up into his beautiful green eyes that were looking so intensely into mine.
I turned to exit the room and Charlie and Renee were just getting off the elevator. "Bella how's Rose," she asked before I reached her.
"She's doing well, we were just headed there." Edward was right behind me and Renee was sizing him up.
"And who's this?" She asked with perplexity and to be quite honest I didn't want to tell her.
"Oh this is um, Emmett and Jasper's brother Edward; we should get going." I tried to change the subject but she wasn't going to let it go that easily.
"Edward, really?" she whispered as I drug her down the corridor towards Rose's room.
"Yes, please save it," I snapped at her. I didn't want Edward to know that everyone knows about us. I mean the old us not the new and exciting cant-wait-to-leave-this-hospital us.
Six hours later I was an Aunt to a beautiful little boy whose name was still unknown: Eight pounds three ounces and a full head of blond curly hair. We got to see him through the nursery window because at first, he was in special care because of the early birth.
After seeing Rose and the baby Edward and I left, it now being seven in the morning. I agreed that Edward could stay at my house because I wanted him to. I wanted him to sleep in my bed but that I wouldn't admit nor ask him to do. I wanted this to work and we would have to go slow if it's going to. He followed me to my place and parked on the street a few blocks down. When I came out of the parking garage he was standing on the sidewalk waiting for me.
"Hey, so this is it huh," he spun around in a circle looking all around him. "Not too bad, it actually reminds me a lot of my apartment, Portland in general."
"Yeah, Seattle's bigger though," I teased and started the walk up the stairs to the entrance. He followed right behind me, his one bag draped over his shoulder.
Thankfully I'm a fairly clean person so I didn't have to worry about the conditions of my living quarters before I opened the door. I flipped the switch and heard Edward shut the door behind us. There was a light thud on the floor and then his hand grasped mine in the darkness. He pulled me to him and his breath hitched as my chest collided gently against his; the electric current reverberating through me.
His voice was like a lullaby as he spoke, "I want to do this right Bella. I want you to be in my life forever, just as you've always been in my head."
I moved out from under his arms and made my way to the front room of my apartment. I needed space to breathe; to think before I said anything. "I'm scared," is what managed to escape my lips.
"Please don't be scared, I'm not going anywhere." He dodged around to stand in front of me, his hands resting on my shoulders. "I'm going back to Portland but I'm still yours; forever Bella. I don't want or need anything or anyone else as long as I have you."
I needed to change the subject, this was happening all too soon.
"You can sleep on the couch and I'll prepare breakfast in the morning. The remote is on the corner table; you're welcome to watch anything you want. There's food in the fridge if you're hungry." I avoided eye contact because I couldn't confront his pain yet. I knew he felt it because I felt it too.
EPOV
A nephew; how fucking cool is that. I thought of all the uncle nephew things we were going to do together, all the guys days out we were going to have; Emmett, Jasper and I. I was thrilled; more so about going to Bella's place than anything.
I followed her to her apartment and had to park a few blocks away due to lack of parking. I waited for her on the sidewalk; it was eerie how much the scene around me resembled Portland. The buildings were similar along with the roads and street signs. I thought I might get a conversation out of her, that we could sit up for hours and talk about whatever. I wanted to know everything about Bella, everything I missed. I wanted her to remind me of things that I've forgotten, like the way her hair shimmers red in close lighting or the softness of the skin at her wrist. I was reminded of that when I caught her hand in the dark; I wanted to hold her in my arms, never let her go again.
That was until she told me that I was sleeping on the couch and she retired to her room. It was like her entire attitude toward me changed. Then I remembered the way her eyes looked when I first saw her; conflicted. She wants me, but she's afraid of getting hurt, again. I don't blame her, I feel it to. I felt it when she took her presence away from me and I watched as she retreated. I let my shoulders drop when I went to the couch. I fell onto it, tired as fuck and passed out without even thinking of anything. It was a long day, a long drive and a long morning.
I was looking forward to tonight, thinking maybe Bella would take me out and show me the town. That would be ideal.
I woke up to darkness, a light glow coming from the kitchen. I could hear the sound of clattering cookware and sizzling oil. Then I smelled the bacon, "Mmm." I took a deep breath through my nose and that helped me wake up. I still felt tired but I knew what was waiting for me in the kitchen.
I got up and peeked around the corner to the kitchen. Bella's back was to me and her hips were swaying back and forth. I noticed the wire from her head that disappeared behind her shoulder. I smiled to myself and darted back towards the couch only to continue to the bathroom.
Bella had plates set up and she was dishing out our food when I returned, this time making my presence known, "Morning."
"More like night," she shrugged. "It's five and it's already dark out, can you believe it?" she didn't meet my gaze and I wanted to look into her eyes to see what she was feeling.
"Yeah, so what are your plans for the night?" I took a seat at the bar where she was serving our breakfast/dinner.
"I don't know, it's Sunday night; do you feel like doing anything?" she turned to put the dishes in the sink and took off her apron and hung it up next to the fridge.
"Whatever you want to do is fine with me," I purposefully implied that whatever we did would preferably be done together.
"Oh, well in that case you're in for a pretty boring night," she chuckled softly.
"Sounds good to me, I'm on vacation." I stretched my limbs and my ankles popped forming the perfect sound effects. "Plus," I added, "Boring means relaxing." I let out a sigh and she pushed my plate towards me and put a fork next to it on the counter.
"You took your vacation?" she asked simply.
It sounded like a simple question but really it was much more than the words spoken. It was you took your vacation without asking me if it was okay, without thinking of my feelings first. I didn't mean to take my vacation it just sort of fell into my lap. "Yeah, my boss said it was okay if I did," I trailed off there. I really fucking didn't think of how she would feel about me being around for a week.
"Will you be here the whole week?" She sat down in the seat next to mine and took a bite of the delicious looking egg omelet she made.
"Well, not technically here," I referred to her apartment with my mouth full, "But in Seattle yeah." I grabbed a piece of bacon, crispy just like I like them, and bit off a piece of it nonchalantly.
"Oh, will you be staying at Jaspers or a hotel?
"I haven't asked them, but I'll probably just stay at a hotel. I don't want to impose on them." The omelet was delicious, just as I suspected and it was loaded down with melted cheese and pieces of ham.
"You can stay here if you want to, I don't mind. But I won't be here during the week until around four or so. If you don't mind hanging out by yourself you're more than welcome."
I didn't expect her to offer but I was so fucking elated that she did. "Yeah, if you don't mind; I don't want to impose."
She giggled, "You'll never be imposing Edward." We ate the rest of our meal in silence. The only thing that could be heard was a light moan that her cooking brought out in me. I noticed in my periphery that every time she heard it the edges of her lips curved into a smile.
I tried to help her clean up but she wasn't having it. I managed to get a hug out of her when I thanked her for the best fucking meal I've had in months. She didn't seem to be uncomfortable with it, so I didn't refrain from holding onto her for as long as I could get away with.
"I'm going to see Rose and the Baby," Bella told me when she got out of the shower, her hair wrapped up in a turban fashion. "Do you want to go?"
I was sprawled out on the couch before she came out and when I heard her approach I jetted up to a sitting position. "Yeah, do I have time for a quick shower?" I started rummaging through my things to find fresh boxers and clothes.
"Yeah, I'll finish up in my room, the bathrooms free."
She turned to leave and that's when I noticed I didn't pack any soap. "Shit…Bella," I called and she reemerged from the hall.
"Yeah," her hair was cascading all around her face and down her shoulders; still wet from the shower.
I had to find my voice, "Um," I cleared my throat, "I didn't pack any shampoo or soap. Do you mind?"
"Go for it," she replied without hesitation and returned to her room.
Honey and Lilacs soap and Lilac shampoo with Honey conditioner; all the things I suspected I would find. I remember her smell from when we were younger, it's still the same as it has ever been.
We drove to the hospital together in Bella's A5; she knew the city so she insisted on driving. I didn't argue, the more time I spent with her the better I felt.
Rose was doing great and so was Emmett. The baby, now named Ethan, was out of the incubator and in a bassinet next to Rose's bed. All the happy grandparents were there huddled around the little bundle of new life. Alice and Jasper ran out to get everyone some dinner and Emmett was beaming next to Rose in a rocking chair.
"Hey," Bella called when no one took notice to our arrival. "How's my little nephew?" She cooed and joined in with the rest of the proud observers. Renee was the one to give up her spot as there was no room for Bella to squeeze in.
I heard a lot of ohhs and ahhs coming from all of them and I waited for someone to give up their spot. I didn't want to interrupt.
It didn't take long; Charlie backed out and ushered me to take his spot before Renee filled it back up again. I did as I was told; I couldn't wait to see little Ethan. He was sure to be big and stocky like his goofy father.
First of all, this chapter was originally two chapters but I put them in one because they were both fairly short and I really truly do not like posting short chapters. I don't know why I can't seem to make each POV longer than they usually are but I just can't. CA was always 6000 words or less, BMNM was always 2000 to 4000 and this one is just all over the place. I don't really know why but I'm going to try and make them at least 5000 words. Might not be a big deal to some but it is to me LOL.
So next chapter will be some fun and excitement but were not quite there. On another note, since I put these two chapters together you will get Edward and Bella as they should be...sooner!!! Next update will be Wednesday...maybe Tuesday night if I'm up to it.
Thanks for leaving me your thoughts. I'm so sorry if I haven't replied to you but it's one of those things where I could either write the story, do homework or reply to reviews. I almost always choose to write the story. Bad me, homework should come first...right? I didn't think so haha.
Thank you Scrimmy, once again...ly
Thank you to the reviewers and the new comers.
I hope you liked it...let me know your thoughts.
Leave me sum luv....lil' button just below
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