Disclaimer: I don't own Twilight.
A/N: So November is upon, which means Nano is here. I've made it my goal to not only write at least 2k words a day for that, but to also continue with my weekly updates for this story (so that's roughly another 5k words). This means that I am a writing fiend. If you want to track my progress for Nano you can do so at http:/www(dot) nanowrimo(dot)org/en/participants/zimphella. I'm only 6400 words into my 50k.
Anyway, I would like to thank those who continue to read and review this story! I appreciate it so much. Chylex28, you rock. 'Nuff said.
Design For Life
When the designs are chosen with care, tattoos have a power and magic all their own. They decorate the body but they also enhance the soul. ~Michelle Delio
BPOV
Friday morning, I woke up with a pounding headache and an aching in my ribs, but a smile on my face. I had planted one on my shy guy, and he had reciprocated. He was always sweet, but the past two days, he'd been a total sweetheart. I still couldn't believe that I'd asked him out from my hospital bed, and I giggled as I recalled his expression when I brought up sex. Edward was so clueless about how good looking he was.
I got up gingerly from the bed, went to the bathroom, then headed downstairs. I made some tea and toast, popped a painkiller, then sat down to call my mother. She had called and left me a message the other day, wondering why I was ignoring her. I wasn't. Not really. Picking up my cell, I dialed her number.
"Isabella Marie Swan! You had me worried sick. I've been trying to get a hold of you for days!" Renee screeched in my ear.
I let out a sigh. "Sorry, Mom. I've had a lot going on the past few days."
"Oh, really? What was going on that was so important that you couldn't spare five minutes for your mother?"
"I was in a car accident."
She changed her tone immediately and let out a dramatic gasp. "How badly are you hurt? Are you okay? What happened? Why didn't you call me? Why didn't you have someone call me?"
"Mom! One question at a time. I'm okay. I've a few stitches and some bruised ribs. I hit a patch of ice, and I slid into a tree."
I purposely didn't answer her questions regarding why I didn't call her. It was pretty obvious why I didn't.
"I told you not to move up there! I'm sure that Billy would be more than happy to welcome you back. You can have your old room back," she rambled on.
I rolled my eyes. Lord, she was too much sometimes.
"Mom, I'm not moving back. I like it up here, despite the weather."
"Well, okay. But if you change your mind—"
"I won't."
"Hmm ... so how are things with that Edward?"
I felt a smile grace my face. "Things are good. We actually have a date tonight."
"Oh, that's wonderful! I want you to call me tomorrow and let me know how it went. Promise me."
"I promise. I'll call you tomorrow," I told her.
We chatted for a bit longer before hanging up. By the time two o'clock had rolled around, I'd talked to Jake and Seth, getting date ideas. The weather had cleared up, so the boys decided that I should take Edward to dinner in Port Angeles. At three, I sent Edward a text, asking him to call me when he was available.
"Hi, Edward," I answered when my phone rang.
"Hello, Bella."
"I was calling to see if you would be okay with going out to dinner in Port Angeles?"
"That would be great. Would you like me to drive?"
"Please. Do you want to go the movies afterward?"
"Sounds great. What time should I get you?"
"Around seven? That would give you time to relax a bit before we head out."
He agreed and we hung up.
By the time five rolled around, I was having a clothes crisis. My wardrobe was a bit outspoken. I loved clothes that left an impact. However, digging through my closet and dresser, I couldn't decide what to wear. I didn't want to necessarily tone down my wardrobe, but I also didn't want to embarrass Edward or give him a heart attack. Thankfully, Jake sent Seth to help me out. He headed to my closet the minute I opened the door. He grabbed a pair of dark stone washed jeans and a short sleeve striped sequin embellished sweater. He paired it with a pair of killer boots, and told me to wear my pea coat with it.
"You're a life saver, Seth."
He flashed me a grin. "No prob. Now sit down and let me fix your hair and makeup."
Thirty minutes later, I was ready to go. Seth said goodbye and made me promise to tell him all about my date. Finally, it was seven and my doorbell rang right on time. I opened the door, and I was floored by what I saw. Edward looked good enough to eat. The man was the definition of yummy. He was wearing a dark green shirt that brought out his eyes, and a pair of jeans that looked like they were molded onto him.
"Wow! You look beautiful," he said in an awed voice.
I gave him a big smile. "Thanks. You look fantastic as well."
He blushed, then held out a slightly trembling hand. I loved how shy and nervous he was. Slipping my hand in to his, I closed the door, locked it, and followed him out to his Volvo. I hated how shiny and clean his Volvo was. My truck always looked like I lived in it. Although right now, it looked like I'd hit a tree with it. Oh, wait. I had. He held the door open for me, and I climbed into his car. Once he slid behind the wheel, we took off toward Port Angeles, with Edward driving exactly the speed limit. Classical music was emitting from the radio, and it took everything I had not to switch the station.
"So where in Port Angeles are we headed?" he asked, once we were on the 101.
"Seth told me about an Italian restaurant. Bella Italia, I think. Have you ever been there?"
"Once, when I was in high school. I ... uh ... took my girlfriend, Kate, there. She dumped me after dinner."
The girl was an idiot. "We don't have to go there if you don't want to," I told him, reaching over to stroke his cheek.
"It was a long time ago. Besides, I like the idea of making a happy memory there with you."
I felt as though my heart was melting. Edward was too good for me. We arrived at the restaurant, and Edward helped me out of the car. We were seated promptly, and our waitress was quick to flirt with him. He never even noticed, and that warmed my heart. After a quick look at the menu, we placed our order and then spent our time talking.
"Poor girl is dazzled by you," I told him.
He looked so confused. "What?"
"Our waitress. She has the hots for you. Poor girl could barely speak when you looked at her."
"Don't be absurd. Girls don't think of me like that."
"I do."
"I dazzle you?" he asked.
"Frequently."
"Is that bad?" he asked cautiously.
"Not at all. I enjoy it, and I enjoy you."
We were interrupted by our waitress bringing our food. We set into an easy conversation while eating. I had ordered clam linguine, while Edward had ordered the tortellini al pesto.
"How's your food?" he asked me after a few minutes.
"Wonderful. Here have a bite," I said, feeding him a bite of my linguine. I had to swallow back a moan, as I watched his lips wrap around the fork. He was too hot for his own good.
"That is good. Want a bite of mine?"
We spent the rest of dinner sharing our food. When the check arrived, I went to grab it, but Edward beat me to it.
"I've got it," he said.
I scowled a bit. "I'm paying for it. I invited you out to dinner, so it's on me. If you ask me out, then you can pay."
"I can't let you pay. It's ungentlemanly."
"No, it's not. Like I said, if you want to pay, then you ask me out to dinner."
He gave me a scowl of his own. Holy fuck, he looked hot when he scowled. "Fine. Will you go out to dinner with me next week?"
"Of course. Like I'd say no."
After paying, we headed to the movie theater, only to find that there was nothing that was playing that really appealed to either of us.
"Ugh. I hate zombie movies," he said, while we stood looking at the movie posters.
"Me, too. They're all the same. I hate to say it, but none of these movies look any good," I said.
"I agree. Want to come over and watch a movie?" he asked, sounding a bit nervous.
"And get to snuggle up with you and not have to deal with some asshole talking through the whole movie? Hell, yes."
He let out a laugh and tugged me back to his car. The ride home was quiet, the sounds of his horrible classical music filling the air. Halfway home, I had to change it. I couldn't take it anymore. Glancing at him, noting that his attention was on the road, I made my move. My hand had just reached the button on his stereo, when his hand grabbed mine.
"What are you doing?" he asked, stroking his thumb over the back of my hand.
Busted. "Changing the station?"
"Why?"
Crap. "Uh—I'm not a big fan of classical music," I said with a wince, horribly afraid that I had just insulted him.
Thankfully, he let out a laugh. "I realize that classical music isn't for everyone. You can change it if you want. Just no rap, please."
Relieved that he didn't seem to be upset, I found a station out of Seattle that played alternative rock. Limp Bizkit came over the radio, and I saw Edward wince from the corner of my eye.
"We're going to have to work on your musical taste," I told him over the music.
"Well, I'm not sure that this noise constitutes as music," he said loudly.
I snickered. "It's not that bad. Just give it a chance."
He let out a little hum. "Fine, but you have to give classical music a chance."
"Fair enough."
We pulled into his drive not too much later and headed inside. He told me to pick out a movie while he made us hot chocolate. Looking through the movies on his shelf, I was actually impressed with his collection. Normally, when I came over, he had the movie picked out. I had narrowed it down to three movies, and finally settled on A Knight's Tale. Heath Ledger was hot.
I popped the movie in and curled up on the couch, waiting for Edward to join me. He came in a few minutes later, with two big cups of hot chocolate. Yum. He handed me mine, then sat down next to me. From the corner of my eye, I saw him whispering the words to the movie. I let out a giggle. It was so cute. Then, one of my favorite scenes came on, and I couldn't help but say the lines out loud myself.
Turning to Edward, I said, "Better a silly girl with a flower, than a silly boy with a horse and a stick."
His eyes lit up and he quoted the next line, "It's called a lance. Hello?"
We both erupted in laughter. "I love this movie," I told him after our laughter died down.
"Me, too."
He set down his empty mug on the coffee table, seeming nervous about something. His fingers were moving restlessly across his knee. I was about to ask what was wrong, when he made his move. Slowly, he brought his arm up and wrapped it around my shoulders. I loved these little moments with him. Setting my own mug down, I rested my head against his chest, my fingers fiddling with the hem of his shirt. I was desperate to find out what he had going on under his clothes, but knew that it was a bit early, judging by the way he reacted when I mentioned sex the other day.
I must have nodded off at some point, because the next thing I knew, the sexiest voice I'd ever heard, was whispering in my ear.
"Bella?"
My Edward. I snuggled in closer, doing my best to get as close to the warm body next to mine as I could.
"Don'twannamove," I mumbled into the warm chest I was leaning on.
"Okay, sweet angel. You can stay right here," the voice whispered, brushing a light kiss against my hair.
When I finally woke up, there was a fire crackling from the fireplace, and I was covered by a blanket on Edward's couch. Sitting up, I stretched, wincing a little at the soreness of my ribs.
"How are you feeling?" came a voice from behind me.
I craned my neck and saw Edward walking toward me, a mug in his hand.
"I'm okay. Ribs hurt a bit, but that's to be expected. I'm sorry I fell asleep on our first date." I didn't want him to think that I was bored by him.
He sat down next to me. "It's okay. You were tired. Besides, "he started with a blush on his cheeks, "I enjoyed you sleeping with me. I mean on me. I mean—"
"Edward!" I said laughing. "I get it. I enjoyed it as well. You're quite comfortable to sleep on. And trust me, you'll definitely enjoy sleeping with me. I guarantee it."
The blush increased tenfold on his face, and he seemed momentarily out of order. "Uh—I have no idea how to respond to that."
I couldn't help but giggle. "I'm sorry. I shouldn't tease you so much."
He sat back, getting more comfortable, and pulled my feet onto his lap. "I don't mind so much when you tease me. I know you don't do it to be mean. Unlike some people I know."
I pulled my feet off his lap, rearranging myself so that I could lean against him. I ran my fingers through his crazy hair. "Has she always been like that?"
We both knew who I was talking about.
"No. When Emmett first brought her home to meet us, she was pleasant. Not really nice, but coldly polite, I guess. I don't know what changed, but all of sudden, I was the brunt of all her anger. She likes to seek me out when I'm alone and let me have it. I don't think Emmett really knows how mean she is," he said sadly.
I wrapped an arm around him and gave him a squeeze. "Have you told Emmett how mean she is?
"No. I don't want to put him in a position where he would have to choose between his brother or his wife."
"You're a good man, Edward. But I have an inkling that Emmett might know. He saw what happened at brunch. I will tell you this right now. If she messes with you when I'm around, it's on."
Edward pulled away from me slightly, so he could look me in the eye. "Please don't. I'm not saying that you can't take care of yourself, but I don't want you to get hurt over me," he pleaded.
Damn him! There was no way I could deny this man anything. "Fine. But," I stressed, "I will not let her talk down to you! She's such a freaking bitc—witch."
He gave me one of his beautiful smiles. "That's the second time you've done that."
"Done what?"
"Censured yourself. I told you, you didn't have to do that."
"I know, but I don't ever want you to be uncomfortable around me."
He let out a snort. "You're a beautiful woman, and sometimes I'm at a complete loss as to how to act around you, but I'm never uncomfortable around you."
"Silly, Edward. You don't have to act any way around me. I've told you time and time again. Just be yourself. I like who you are."
"But why? I'm sure I'm nothing like the guys you've dated before."
He looked so worried. I reached up and cupped his face in my hands. "You're right. You are nothing like the assholes I've dated before, and I'm extremely grateful for that. You're shy, you're sweet, you have a huge heart. You're also incredibly good-looking, have a good sense of humor, and great taste in movies. Although your taste in music is questionable. I've never been drawn to a guy the way I am to you."
Taking a deep breath, I gazed right into his eyes. "I really, really like you. I'm hoping that you feel the same. I wasn't looking to get involved with anyone, especially after Laurent. But then there you were. You've captured my interest from the get go. Edward, I'm not looking for a fling here. I want to date you and only you. Exclusive."
His eyes widened. "Exclusive? Just you and me?" he asked cautiously.
"No. I thought we'd invite Jasper to date us as well. Yes, exclusive. As in, just you and me. If that's okay with you?"
"Completely. I'm sure you've already figured out, but I haven't dated since high school, and I'm terrified I'm going to mess this up."
"As long as we're open and honest with each other, I don't think there will be a problem."
We both decided that after our heavy discussion, it was time to lighten things up. Although, I was glad that we had discussed things. We settled in and watched some Monty Python before calling it a night. He walked me home, holding my hand the whole time.
"I had a great time tonight, Bella. Thank you."
"I had a great time as well. And I'm sure the next date will be just as awesome."
He flushed a bit. "I'll certainly try to make it as good."
"I'm not worried. It's a date with you, so it's already good."
He blushed a bit brighter, than hesitantly lowered his head, until his lips were centimeters from mine. It seemed like forever before he finally brushed his lips against mine. I was thrilled that he had taken the initiative. The kiss started off lightly, but quickly became heated. His lips parted a bit, so I slid my tongue over his. His body went rigid for a moment, before he relaxed again. We stayed like that for a while, tongues dueling with each others, before he pulled away. His eyes were glazed, his lips swollen a bit.
"Wow," he muttered.
I let out a laugh. "There's more where that came from."
His eyes widened a bit, and I saw him attempt to adjust himself discretely.
I spent Saturday morning cleaning my house. Sort of. I hated cleaning, but knew it needed to be done. Cranking my ihome up, I rocked out to the sounds of Paramore. I was startled out of my rendition of Crushcrushcrush, by a knocking on my door. Figuring it was Edward, I threw the door open, a smile on my face.
"Laurent," I said in a cold tone. What the fuck was he doing here?
"Bells, baby. How are you? I've missed you. Give me a kiss, baby," he said, leaning in as if he was going to kiss me.
I held my hands up, preventing him from bringing his lips any closer. "What are you doing here?"
"What? I can't visit my girl?"
Was he fucking stupid? "I'm not your girl, your baby, your anything. We broke up. Remember? You dumped me so that you could move to New York with the Denali skanks," I reminded him, arms crossed over my chest.
"Baby, don't be like that. Can I come in? It's fucking freezing out here."
"No."
His jaw dropped open, then his eyes narrowed. "You got a guy in there? You do, don't you. You're fucking around on me!" he roared.
I gritted my teeth and clenched my fists. "It's none of your fucking business what or who I do. We aren't together anymore. Get that through your fucking skull. If I want to have a guy over and fuck him six ways to Sunday, I will."
He reached over and grabbed my sprained wrist. "You fucking whore! I knew this would happen. I knew the minute you moved up here, that you would start fucking around on me."
Pain radiated through my arm. I could practically feel my bones grinding together. I yanked my arm out of his grasp, gasping at the pain. "What the hell is wrong with you? You knew for months that I was moving up here, and you were fine with it. Then you meet the Denali girls and break up with me. Now, weeks later, you're back here and accusing me of being a whore? I don't fucking think so. Get the fuck off of my porch and off of my property before I call the police and have you arrested for assault!"
He stormed down my steps, but not before he turned around and told me to watch my back. I was shaking. That wasn't the Laurent that I knew. New York had not been good for him. He looked like he hadn't been eating, and his eyes were bloodshot. I was pretty sure he was on something. I locked the door once inside, and watched from the window to make sure that he got into his rental car. He peeled out, almost hitting a park car, before tearing down the street. Grabbing my phone, I decided to give Charlie a call.
"Bella. This is a surprise. Did you want to talk to your mom?" he asked, after picking up.
"Oh ... not at the moment."
I then explained that Laurent had shown up and how he'd been acting.
"I don't like the sound of this, Bells. Sounds like he's on coke or meth. What's he doing in Washington? I thought he was here in Phoenix."
"He's been in New York. I haven't heard from him since we broke up, so I have no idea why he's back now."
"Be careful. Let Jake and Seth and that Edwood boy know that Laurent's around. Wouldn't hurt to let the police know either."
"His name is Edward, Charlie. But you're right. I'll let them all know."
I could hear Renee in the background telling Charlie to let her talk to me. I gave a sigh as he handed the phone over, after warning me to be careful again.
"Hi, Mom."
"Well? How was your date with Edward?"
"It was good. We went out to eat then went back to his place to watch a movie."
"Did you sleep with him?"
"Mom!" I yelled. I could hear Charlie yelling at Renee as well. The woman had no boundaries. "That's none of your business."
We talked a bit more before hanging up. I wasn't sure where the police station was, but I decided to have Edward go with me. A little after one, I saw Edward's Volvo pull into his drive. I raced out of my house and threw myself into his unsuspecting arms. He caught me, obviously surprised, but hugged me tightly to him.
"Well, hi."
"Hi," I said into his collar.
I clung a bit tighter to him, ever so glad to see him. The thing with Laurent had shook me up. Edward kept his arms around me, pulling away to plant a light kiss on my lips. Edward was just what the doctor ordered. His eyes roamed over my face.
"What's wrong?" he asked gently.
"Laurent."
"Your ex?"
I nodded. Taking one of my hands in his, he led me into his house and sat me down on his couch.
"Tell me."
So I did. I told him how Laurent had shown up out of the blue and how weird he was acting.
"He grabbed you?" he shouted, fury emanating from his pores. He jumped up, pacing back and forth. "He had no right to lay his hands on you!"
"Edward, please calm down. I'm fine. My wrist is a bit sore, but I'm okay."
He looked abashed as he sat down. "I'm sorry. I hate it that he hurt you. He had no right. I think you should tell the Chief. He's good friends with my dad. You should have Dad look at your wrist as well."
"We can do that."
"Okay," he said. "Let me call my dad and see if he's busy."
Fifteen minutes later, we drove to Esme and Carlisle's house. We pulled into the drive, and Edward let out a groan when he saw a jeep in the drive.
"Emmett and Rosalie," he said by way of definition.
Fantastic. "She'd better watch herself. I'm in no mood to deal with her and her bullshit," I growled out.
"As long as Mom and Dad are around, she'll behave."
We walked inside, where I was immediately wrapped up in a hug by Esme.
"It's so good to see you, dear. I was so afraid that we wouldn't see you again, after all the nastiness that happened at brunch."
I returned her hug, and she whispered in my ear, "Rosalie may think she has me fooled, but I've got her number. And if she knows what's good for her, she'll be on her best behavior."
I pulled away smiling, then followed her into the house. Once seated in the sitting room, with a promise of hot tea, Carlisle sat down to look at my wrist.
"Edward said that your wrist got hurt?" he questioned
"Yeah. My ex showed up today, hopped up on something, and he grabbed my wrist. It felt like my bones were being ground together."
Carlisle frowned as he examined my wrist. He gently rotated it, and I let out a yelp. That fucking hurt!
"I know it did. I'm sorry."
Fuck. I hadn't realized that I'd spoken out loud.
"Sorry. I didn't mean to swear."
Carlisle let out a laugh that was so much like Edwards. "It's quite understandable. The good news is that it's not broken, but you'll need to wear that splint for a bit longer."
Edward and Esme came into the sitting room, followed by Emmett and the she-devil. Edward sat down next to me, placing my cup of tea on the side table near me.
"Dad, do you think she should get a protection order against her ex?"
"Honestly, I don't know if there would be enough cause to. Before you get upset with me, hear me out. Yes, he grabbed her arm, but he left when she asked him to. If he keeps coming around and harassing you, Bella, then yes, you would probably be able to."
"I called my step-dad, Charlie. He's a cop, and he said that I should let the police know, just in case."
Carlisle nodded. "That sounds like a good idea. Mark is coming over for dinner, so we can ask him if you should get a Order of Protection, but I'm pretty sure he'll tell you the same thing I did."
Edward explained that Mark was the Chief of Police and a family friend. Esme asked me if I would like to stay for dinner, and I agreed. I loved eating a home-cooked meal, and Esme was a great cook. I asked if she needed any help and was shooed out of the kitchen.
"Shoo. Go kiss my boy."
I raised an eyebrow at her. She put her hands on her hips and gave me a look. "You two are smitten with each other. It's as plain as day. Now, I know you two had a date last night, and I can only assume it went well, seeing as you're here with him."
After being shooed out of the kitchen, I went to find her boy, and maybe plant one on him. Instead, I found Emmett laying in wait for me.
"Bella? Can I talk to you for a minute?"
Knowing that this talk was long overdue, I nodded. He led me to a small solarium filled with beautiful wicker furniture. I sat down and waited for him to speak.
"I owe you a huge apology. You seemed like a nice person from the get go, and I liked you instantly, but Rosie insisted that you were using Edward. He's my baby brother, so it's my job to protect him—"
"He needs protection from your wife," I butted in.
He ran a hand through his hair, a gesture that I'd seen Edward do. "Please, let me finish."
I nodded.
"I worry about him. He's shy and geeky. Not a ladies man like yours truly. He's been hurt in the past, and I don't want him hurt again. I realize that we all made a huge error buying into Rosie's lie and that hurt Edward a lot. So, again, I truly am sorry. You're a nice girl and you seem good for him."
"I get that you worry about your brother. I'd be pissed if you didn't, but Edward is an adult, Emmett. He has to make his own choices and decisions. But, Emmett, if you don't want to see him hurt, then tell Rosalie to lay off of him. She constantly hurts him with her insults. You do as well. I know that you see it as teasing, but it hurts him."
He nodded, looking ashamed, as he should.
"Can I ask you something, Emmett?" He nodded again. "Why did she tell that lie?"
"I think she's jealous of you."
Color me surprised. "Seriously? But why?"
He shrugged his shoulders. "No idea. Maybe because everyone accepted you so easily, whereas with Rose, well ... not everyone still accepts her."
"Maybe if she was nicer, people would like her more."
"Maybe. She is who she is. I love her."
We talked for a few more minutes when we were interrupted by Edward.
"There you are," he said, worry etched on his face.
I beamed up at him as he came into the room. "We were just talking. You okay?" I asked, afraid that he'd been left alone with Rosalie.
"Yes. Mom wanted to know about our date."
Emmett did a double take. "When was this?"
"Last night," Edward replied with a smile.
"Way to go, little bro!" Emmett whooped, giving Edward a fist bump.
I grinned as Edward blushed. I excused myself to use the restroom. I had just finished washing my hands, when I heard Rosalie whispering outside the bathroom door.
"What the hell am I supposed to do? They seem to love her. It's like she fucking walks on water or something."
There was a pause.
"I don't know. This is bullshit!"
I opened the door and saw Rosalie on her phone. The look on her face was that of a kid caught with his hand in the cookie jar. She was up to something, and I wanted to know what.
a/n: dun dun dun. A bit of drama for you to have with your fluff. As always, leave me a review. Good, bad, or plaid, I don't care. Each one is appreciated. I do my best to respond to each, but once in a while I'm an epic fail. See you next Saturday!