Chapter 8: expect the unexpected. . .

He sat there and smiled at me, and I sat with my mouth gaping open. "Don't freak out, love, it will all be alright…" he grabbed my hand and kissed my fingers and then kissed the ring. He whispered I love you in my ear as he kissed my neck. I sat back against the headboard of his bed. "So, we're getting married?" I asked dumbfounded. He shook his head, "Bella, you are so absurd. Do you not remember anything from earlier?" he looked me in the eyes, I shook my head. I didn't, which was weird. All I could remember was how his lips felt as they touched and explored my skin. I shook my head, shaking away the thought before it consumed me. "No, not really. But Edward, I … don't think that I can." I said, letting out a sigh as he intertwined our fingers. I loved him, I really did. There was no doubt about that, but I didn't think I could marry him. I broke out of my reverie when I hear my cell going off. I reached for it but Edward got to it before. He motioned if it was okay, I shrugged. He answered politely…it was Charlie.

Damn. I thought. Edward handed me the phone and I sat up further. Edward began to rub my back, forming soothing circles that left my skin burning for his touch.

Bella: Hey dad…

Charlie: Hey Bells, I'm sorry to be calling so late -he paused- Um tell Edward, I assume that's who it is, that I'm sorry as well. But I'm going ot have to work later this week so I left the keys under the eave of the house and Jacob called…

Bella: Oh, thanks dad. That's sweet of you. I think I might hang around with Edward for a while though, but we will -or I will- stop by again for a while before we have to go back…

Charlie: Okay Bells, I sure miss you. Be careful and I will talk to you soon. Again sorry for the late night phone calls.

I told Charlie that it was okay and not to worry and then hung up. I collapsed against the pillows and covered my face with my arm. I felt Edward slide down into bed, and then I felt his arm around me. "He just worries about you, he doesn't mean to be overbearing or anything…" I sighed and turned to face him. "I know, but I don't know, he just seems like he doesn't like you or something and I hate it is all…" I sat up and Edward handed me his shirt. "Lets go get you something to eat…" he said smiling and I laughed and jumped up out of bed.

We tip-toed down to the kitchen, although I'm pretty sure everyone could hear us… which meant… that they could hear everything else. Oh God. I groaned out loud. Edward turned around and stared at me confused. I went over and sat at the counter and he opened the freezer and grabbed a carton of ice cream and two spoons. "Two spoons?" I asked, raising my eyebrows at him. He laughed, "Yeah, vampires like ice cream too…" I shook my head and took a small spoonful and put it my mouth, he was so beautiful. It hurt to look at him, and hurt even more to realize that he was mine and that he wanted me, always and forever. I sighed again and set the spoon down. "What's wrong, Bella, love?" I shook my head, he put his finger under my chin and made me turn my face towards him. He stared at me and I was lost in his deep, warm, honey-topaz eyes. "It's just that everyone here has supersonic hearing or whatever. And we just made love in your house, which means they heard everything…" I finished short of breath and let my head fall onto the counter.

He startled me by his booming laugh that filled the kitchen. It mesmerized me and I found myself laughing a little to. "Love, is that all? They learn to give people privacy, and even if they did hear, they wouldn't say anything about it. Besides, it was amazing and you were so beautiful, that I wouldn't care if the whole world had heard us." I smiled up at him, "But it's so embarrassing when you think about it. I mean for me, it was amazing as well, the best. But to think everyone else heard us, it makes me want to crawl in a hole." I said with a shaky laugh. He laughed with me and wrapped his arms around me. "Don't worry, everything is alright. Lets not take something good, and turn it into something that seems foolish." I kissed his hand, which was resting lightly on my shoulder and turned to him. "Alright, I wont. But do tell me one thing, how can you eat this ice cream?" he finished off his spoonful and laughed again, "You can drink blood, cant you?" he finished, and took another spoonful. "Touché. But how come you never eat with me any other time?" he thought about it for a while, "I don't really know, but, if it would make you feel better, I will eat with you all the time from now on." I smiled and stood up, stretching. I hadn't realized how tired I had gotten. I felt lightheaded and began to fall to the side, Edward caught me in his arms. He lifted me up into his arms, carrying me like a baby. I laughed at the absurdity of his ways, but he insisted as he carried me back upstairs. He laid me back onto the bed and I scurried up to the top of the bed and tucked my legs under the covers. He climbed up and sat next to me. He pulled a book out. I relaxed and laid back onto the plush pillows and closed my eyes. "I love you, Edward. And, I'd love to be your wife…" I heard my voice trailing off, it was so distant. I heard him laugh, and say something but I was too far away to actually hear whatever it was.

My dreams were peaceful that night. No creepy forests and monsters of the darkness trying to take me away. No instead, all I could think about was Edward, what we had shared previously to now, and his ring he gave me. I tossed and turned, it was a restless night. I couldn't fall deep enough into unconsciousness to escape the reality. Maybe it was because I didn't want to, but I couldn't quite put my finger on it. I awoke to a dark and cloudy morning. I forgot, here in Forks, it rains almost all of the time. I was groggy and then I felt Edward shift next to me. I reached out to touch him, but he wasn't there. I rolled over and there was a vampire, but it wasn't anyone that I knew.

I stared at him half scared and half curious, I reached out and he took my wrist, he lowered his face and I saw the light from the room glint off of his sharp teeth. I jumped up screaming, Edward wrapped his arms around me and I fought. I fought with all my strength against them. He whispered soothing words into my ear and I felt myself calming. I tucked my face into his neck and started to weep. I wept for my dream, for the terror I felt but I wouldn't allow myself to move, and for the way I had fought Edward off. He gently brushed my hair back from my face. I dried my eyes, "Sorry, I had the worst nightmare ever." he frowned, "Do you want to talk about it?" I shook my head and checked my wrists, it was all just a dream.

It seemed late enough to consider getting up. I got dressed in a flash and kissed Edward goodbye. "I'm going to go back to Charlie's house for a little while. Besides, I need some new clothes. I feel bad about borrowing Alice's." he simply nodded, and then sighed. "It's okay. I have some work I need to do today anyways. How's about I stop by for dinner later?" I smiled, "I'd love that, actually. I'll cook for once." he smiled back and kissed me gently, my heart began to race and I felt a blush coming along. "Text me if you need anything, I'll miss you like crazy. I don't know if I can stand being away from you for so long." I laughed and hit his chest playfully, "It's only for a few hours, besides, we can still talk. I love you." I kissed him goodbye, took his car keys and walked out.

The air outside was warm and muggy, and the skies were a dark purplish green color. It had an eerie way about it, but I tried not to be to bothered with it. I got into the car and turned the radio on. Yes! I thought to myself. Edward had left his Muse CD in the car, which meant easy listening all the way to Charlie's. I pulled out and drove out toward the express way. It wasn't that long of a drive, I wasn't gone but more than 3o minutes before I got a text from Edward.

I miss you already. I might be a little late

Tonight for dinner. Something has come up

And I need to take care of it, don't worry I

Promise to be careful (which I know is what

You are thinking) and then you be careful, there

Is supposed to be a really bad storm tonight, not

Exactly sure though, but Alice has a pretty good sense.

I love you, Isabella Marie. Always.

Edward.

I felt my heart ache to be with him, but I kept driving. I'll text him when I get home. I pulled into the limits of Forks and was at Charlie's house in a matter of minutes. I went in and took a nice, hot shower. It felt amazing, and then I changed into some comfy jogging pants and a hoodie. I pulled my hair up and sat down at my desk and started up my laptop. While it loaded, I decided to text Edward back.

Sorry it took me so long to text you back hon.

I was driving and yes, the weather looks horrid

I hope it doesn't stay too long. and I miss you too.

I'm going to run to the store and get some stuff before

Charlie gets home. Stay safe, I will too. I love you. B.

It had gotten cooler outside by the time I had finished checking my email. I stepped out and locked the door. I ran to the car and drove off. The lights in the store were bright, but comforting. They reminded me of the sun back home in New York during the summer. I missed those times, I thought to myself. I went through self checkout and was out in less than an hour. It was raining by the time I got to Charlie's house. His police cruiser was in the driveway. Great, I thought to myself. I got out and walked in. "Hey, Dad?" I said, kicking the door closed and heading down the short hallway to the kitchen. "In here…" I followed his voice into the kitchen. He was sitting reading the newspaper. He glanced up at me and smiled an eye crinkling smile, and I couldn't help but smile at him. Then he stopped smiling and stared down at my hands. I smiled and turned away quick before his resolution could be found.

I tucked my hand in my pocket and slid the ring off and kept it there. I make Chicken Enchiladas. Charlie always loved Mexican food, but with my mom, it wasn't always edible. I laughed mentally as I finished up cutting the chicken and mixing everything together. I tossed it into the oven and went to sit down next to him. I cupped my hand under my chin and watched Charlie finish reading. "How was your day?" I said finally breaking the silence. He winced and put the paper down, "It was alright. No action -he grimaced as he moved in his chair- and we just sat around and played some old school games." I laughed and patter his hand. "I missed you dad, I'll have to come and visit you more often you know. By the way, why are you so sore today?" he laughed darkly, "There was just a disagreement down at the station, nothing too big to worry about." I nodded and went to check on the food. I heard a knock at the door. "I'll get it, you just relax. Oh by the way, I invited Edward to dinner. I hope -I paused- I hope you don't mind?" I said turning towards Charlie. He just dismissed it and shrugged that he could care less.

He sighed once I opened the door and I was immediately in his arms. I smiled and he kissed me slowly, passionately. I wrapped my arms around his neck, but too soon he undid them and brought them down and held them in his own. "God, I've missed you." he rubbed my hands and then the smiled dropped from his face. I looked down and realized that I still had my ring off. "What-" I put my finger to my lips to keep him quiet and I whispered, "Charlie doesn't know, and besides, aren't you supposed to like… -I paused- ask the father first?" I was stalling, and I mentally beat myself up. "Yes, would you like me to?" he said, his voice full of chagrin. I hugged him, "Please, don't be mad at me. I'm doing it for his sake…" he sighed. "First, I couldn't ever be mad at you, and second, I will ask Charlie for his permission before anything else is said about this, okay Bella?" I nodded and kissed him again. Then taking his hand slowly, we walked into the kitchen. Charlie was suspicious of our long welcoming that took place in the other room.

"Hello Charlie, how are you this evening?" Edward said politely. Charlie nodded, "Pretty good, pretty good. How about yourself?" Edward nodded, "Terrific, now that I'm here with, Bella…" he said, looking into my eyes and squeezed my hand gently. "Well, since we are all acquainted, why don't you two go and watch T.V. or something and I'll finish up with dinner." Edward frowned at me and I pushed them both out of the kitchen. "I'll call you when it's ready."

I heard them talking in the other room, but I couldn't quite make out what they were saying because Charlie had the T.V. so loud that it was almost impossible to realize that they were actually talking. I smiled to myself as I set the table. "Dinner…." I announced a few moments later. They both walked in and Charlie looked disturbed, Edward… not so much.

I served the food up and joined them at the table. "So, Edward was talking to me in the other room, and well… I don't quite know what to say." I frowned into my food, "Oh really. Well what were you two talking about?" play it safe I thought to myself and stirred the food around on my plate. "Well, I approve. I've seen how happy you are and well, I can't really stop you either way. So I'm just left to accept." Edward smiled at me and grabbed my hand. "I… wow, dad. I don't know what to say. I don't really know what you are talking about first of all… and-" he held up a hand and smiled. "Let me see the ring, really now, how dumb do you think I am?" he laughed, it was an earnest laugh. There was no trace of distress left in his voice or expressions.

I took the ring out of my pocket, Edward took it from me and placed it on my finger again and I smiled up at him. He kissed my fingers and smiled, exuberant was he in this moment, I couldn't help but feel the same. Charlie grunted and I could have sworn I saw tears in his eyes. I began to squeeze his hand in mine.

We finished dinner in silence for a while until Charlie spoke. "Don't you think you kids are moving a little too fast for all of this…" he waved his hand in the air signaling the ring and anything else that had to do with it. I shrugged and got up to clear the table. "Charlie, I love Bella very much, and I know this seems like we are moving too fast, but I can promise you that I wouldn't hurt her in any way…" Edward stopped and stared at me for a second then looked down at the table. I felt myself blush as I resumed washing dishes. "I can tell you do, but cant you guys just wait for a little while? I mean until you finish school and everything… not to mention Bells -he turned to face me- you're going to have to tell your mom." he finished smiling. I shrugged. "Dad, I'm sure mom would understand. And besides, its not like we are going to get married right away. Yeah we are young, but that doesn't mean we don't know what we are doing." I finished and returned to the table. "I know Bells, but I just… worry about you is all. You're my only daughter-" I put my hand on his again, "I know dad, and I know you're worried, but you don't need to be. I will be alright, and nothing will happen. I promise." I got up and gave him a hug.

Edward excused himself from the table moments later, claiming he needed to use the bathroom. But I got suspicious because unlike Charlie, I knew Edward had no need. I sat with Charlie for a while and then went upstairs to check on Edward. I knocked lightly on the door. It opened and I was pulled in so fast it knocked the wind out of me. "Shhh" he said, putting his finger to his lips and then I saw he was on the phone. I sat on the edge of the bathtub and waited. He hung up moments later. "Why did you need to lock yourself in the bathroom if all you needed to do was use the phone?" I asked, stretching my legs in front of me. He took my hands and pulled me up close to him. "Bella, it was vampire talk. I couldn't have Charlie eaves dropping on my conversation and hearing too much. You already know too much as it is and I'm putting you in danger just by that." I shook my head and rested it on his shoulder. "Well, what's going on?" he kissed my forehead. "Some… vampire 'royals' are coming into town to check on us. They tend to do this from time to time. But I'm going to be really protective of you and I will have to leave for a few days next week to see them. But you cant come with me, so don't even think about it. It will be out of the question." I shook my head and then kissed his cheek. He smiled and kissed me slowly, "We better go back downstairs, Charlie's getting worried… correction, frustrated." he said laughing and took my hand leading me out of the bathroom and back downstairs. I heard the T.V. come on and went in the kitchen for some water. I was feeling dizzy and strangely nauseas. I took a seat at the table and set my head down.

I heard laughter coming from the other room and then Charlie walked in. "Bells? Bella, are you alright?" I looked up and saw Charlie and then saw Edward race in right behind him. "I'm alright, I just got really dizzy all of a sudden. Don't worry." I stood up and put my glass in the sink. "Dad, well, we better get going. It's getting late. We'll stop by again soon." I hugged him and Edward shook hands. We finished our goodbyes and made it outside. It was pouring down rain and the sky was even uglier than it was earlier today. "Edward, maybe… well maybe we should stay the night here. This weather is getting really bad and I don't want to be stuck inside of it." I felt him laugh, "Bella? Are you really saying this? I have amazing reflexes -he looked down at my face- but we can stay. I think it would be better for you." he touched my cheek gently. I blushed, of course.

I opened the door and walked back inside with Edward on my heels. "Dad, do you mind if we stay the night?" Charlie darted around the corner and skidded to a stop, trying to play cool I suspected. "Of course, not. I'd be honored if you did. I mean you guys are always at his house, I'm sure his parents would like a break every once in while." Edward laughed, "Yes, I'm sure they do." Charlie turned to look at him, "Although, you'll have to sleep on the couch…" Edward nodded in agreement. "Of course." I smiled. "Well, I think I'm going to go up and take a shower. Could we have some alone time?" I saw Charlie contemplate it, "Sure. -he eyed Edward- Don't try anything funny…" and he went back in the living room to finish watching sports center.

I grabbed my bath bag and a change of clothes. "Um, make yourself at home. The internet works, radio is right there… CD's are on the shelf right there… and I'll be back in a little bit." I walked out of the room. The shower felt amazing. The hot water uncoiled all of my muscles and I began to relax. Charlie was taking all of this news fairly well, I half expected him to flip out on us and ban me from any and everything to do with him. The scent of my favorite strawberry shampoo put me in a comforting place. I was back home in New York. The comforting noises of the boisterous city at night, my friends, whom I missed dearly. Angel, Mark, Mimi, Roger, Collins, and even Maureen and Joanne. Then there was my mom, I felt my eyes fill with tears. I couldn't regret coming to this school. I loved it here and now I had Edward. I had everything I could ever imagine for myself. But I did miss her, and I even missed Phil and his younger ways.

The hot water began to run out and I had to call it quits. I got out and toweled off briskly. Then I brushed and washed my face with care. Maybe I could buy some more time with Edward if Charlie stayed up later than usual. I tossed the towel in the hamper and headed out. I heard soft music coming from my room, so, I picked up the pace and walked in, slowly closing the door behind me. I smiled at Edward as he lay sprawled out on my bed. He was so beautiful, I took a hit on my self esteem because he could look like a freaking super model and I couldn't.

I put my stuff down and he motioned for me to join him. I skipped across the room and cuddled up next to him. He wrapped a blanket around me and hugged me close. "Your room is interesting. It says a lot about you." I smiled, "Thanks. Sorry about the mess…" he shook his head and traced circles on my cheek. "No, don't worry about it. Its who you really are. Not a slob, but just normal." I looked at him and kissed the hollow of his neck. "I love you…" he whispered it back and kissed me softly on my forehead. "Bella, do you really want to marry me? I saw the way you tried to hide it from Charlie…" I shook my head. "No, I really do. I love you, Edward. And I was only hiding it from Charlie because he… well he's always worrying about me, and I don't want him to like freak out on me and everything. It had nor does it have anything to do with you…" I squeezed his hand.

He nodded, "Are you sure? I mean I would understand if that was the case…" I sat up, frustrated now. "What is with you tonight? I mean you're sounding like you don't even want to be with me, Edward, is that the case?" I sat up further facing him, with my knees tucked into my chest. He sat up as well and took my left hand in his. "You know that is no the case, I just don't want to push you into anything…" I had had enough of this kind of talk. I pushed him back onto the bed gently and laid on top of him. I held his face between my hands and looked him in the eyes, "If this gets to be too much for me, I will let you know." I said, kissing his cheeks. He took my hands away and caressed my face. "Okay." I lowered my face to his lips and left feather light kisses all over. His mouth searched for mine and when it found it, pleasure beyond this world engulfed me. He explored every space in my mouth and I traced his lips with the tip of my tongue. I sighed as he flipped me underneath him and he hovered over top of me. He lowered his mouth again, this time to my neck, "Mmmm you smell… just like flowers. Freesia, Lavender, and something else." he left a feather kiss there and moved up my jaw line and back. Then found my mouth again. I kissed him back, with as much feeling and heart as I could possibly find.

He pulled back and laid next to me again. "Not tonight, love. You are unbelievably irresistible." he kissed my hand and rested it on his chest. I yawned and he got up. "Rest, my love. You need it." I smiled and stretched as I pulled the covers up over my body. He stripped his shirt and pants off in an extremely fast gesture. Leaving them hanging on the back of my chair. He glided his way back to my bed and climbed in with me. "Sleep my Bella, dream pleasant dreams." and he kissed my forehead. I cuddle up closer to him and realized he was wrapped in another blanket. I frowned to myself, but sleep was becoming even harder to avoid. I hugged him closer to me and kissed his neck once more, before I gave up and let sleep overcome me.

I woke up to a bright light shining in my eyes. I rolled over and it disappeared. I cracked my eyes open and saw that the light was on. I glanced up and Edward was asleep. Or so it appeared and Charlie was standing over us. I gasped and sat up, "Char- Dad! What are you doing in here? Get out!" I said louder, as I got out of bed because he wasn't responding. Edward was up before me with his clothes on and everything. I looked and him and then back to Charlie. Edward pulled me back and I shook his arm away as Charlie passed out in front of me and fell to the floor. I screamed out in horror. Edward pulled me back behind him and shot forward to the floor. He ran out of the room then and down the stairs. I bent down to Charlie and checked for a pulse. It was slow and weak, but still there. I began to dial 9-1-1, but Edward's pale hand stopped me. "What are you doing?!?" I yelled at him. He shook his head and brought me up from the floor. "Don't Bella, just let it be for a second. He is alright, trust me." I shook my head, and then I saw that Charlie was taking deeper breaths now and after a while his eyelids began to flutter. I exhaled loudly and began to sob as I saw the life coming back into him. "Edward, what the hell just happened. I want the truth, no bull shit this time…" he sighed, "There is some things I should tell you, but now is not the time. I will explain them soon, but you need to take care of Charlie for the time being. Bella, my world is very dangerous right now, and if you have been paying attention to the news, there is a war.. Well not a war, but it still counts, and vampires are going on a killing spree. Some of them have special talents, as you have witnessed here. But I will not say anymore tonight." I sighed and bent down to help Charlie up.