'Hey Shortstuff! Okay now we are all here, I have an announcement to make, w-' Em got cut off by a certain pixie.
''Can I tell them, Em? Please!'' she pulled the Cullen pout. He grinned, leaning over Jasper to ruffle her hair, much to her annoyance.
''Go on then.'' Alice bounced in her seat and started to explain.
''Okay, so when we went to see Dad, Mom came too for the first time, and it turns out that they had a chance to chat quite a bit. You know they spilt because of his job, yeah?''
Carlisle Cullen was a doctor at a Vancouver hospital, and worked on ER, so his hours were too irregular to keep up with the family. Esme decided she wanted the children to be brought up in a reliable environment, so she left with Alice and Em. Edward was stubborn and kicked up enough fuss to stay, with the help of Carlisle's aunt. Esme hasn't seen Carlisle since she left, until the last two weeks it seems. She wouldn't give in. It's where Alice and Emmett get their stubbornness from.
''Well, when Dad saw Mom it made him realise his job wasn't worth it and his actions were mistakes all those years ago. So...'' She left a 'dramatic' pause. She had placed her hands over her mouth, trying to hold in her big secret. She looked like she was about to burst.
''So they're getting back together?'' Jasper asked, leaning his elbows onto the table.
''You're not leaving are you?'' I asked, anxiously.
''Come on Ali, put us out of our misery.'' Rose didn't have any patience. She leaned her head on Emmett's massive shoulder.
''Well, Dad and Edward are moving down here! We are going to be a family again!'' She looked so darn excited, bless her. I'm so glad her parents managed to work it out after all of these years. She was bouncing in her seat as we all grinned.
''Dad's stopped working for ER, and wants to work in a less demanding job with regular hours. I think he decided to give in to Mom. They've always loved each other, they just forgot. You should see Mom. She's so happy that her families finally complete. I can't believe Eddie's coming!'' Emmett boomed, with a massive grin, showing his dimples.
I've never met Edward. Em and Ali have always visited Vancouver, so the Hales and I never had the chance. He's Alice's twin, and older by a few hours, and from what I've heard, a pretty decent guy.
''I'm so happy for you!'' I said, giving Emmett a hug.
''You won't be a gooseberry anymore, Munchkin!'' he joked whilst trying to nougie me. I groaned at his never ending nicknames while mid-squeal.
''I swear Em is the only person who can get you to be girlie.'' Alice stated referring to my squeal. ''So are you excited to meet Edward? I think you two will get on well.'' Alice said shooting me a look, I don't know what about.
''Urm yes...'' I replied, warily. ''So when are they coming?''
''It turns out Mom and Dad talked a lot while we were there, sorting everything out so they'll be here in about a few weeks. I think they want to be back together quickly, not wanting to waste any more time separate. I'm so excited!''
The famous Edward Cullen would be making an appearance. I wonder what he's like...
x ~ x ~ x
''I win!'' Emmett roared, punching his fist in the air, shaking the couch.
We had gone back to the Cullen's house after school. Their house was huge, and easily too big for 3 people. Also, thanks to the beautiful and modern décor inside, it was a dream house. Esme's passion is interior designing.
We were settled in the lounge. I was sat on the floor Indian style, opposite me was Jasper on one of the couches, and then to my right Ali, Rosie and Em were settled, directly opposite the massive and highly unnecessarily big TV. I guessed Emmett had begged/pouted to get it. He's hard to say no to...
We had given into Emmett's pleas and game night commenced. He's a bit over competitive... he had already won about 5 Wii games and we'd just finished Monopoly.
''Em, baby, you have to count up the properties too.'' Rose explained, patting his head.
''But Rosie, everyone else is bankrupt!''
''I'm not.'' I announced. ''I just don't announce my winnings.'' I said, fanning myself with my money.
''Ohhhh fine!''
10 seconds later...
''Rosiiieee...'' He sang, nuzzling her neck, ''can you please count it up for me? Pretty please?''
''What's it worth?'' She replied, pretending to be uninterested, watching Alice paint her nails.
Em leant up his body closer to her and put his hand on her leg, moving it up her leg.
''Well, when we go to bed tonight I'll do that thing with m-''
''EEWWW! EMMETT! Stop! My poor ears!'' Alice cried, covering her ears, almost spilling the balancing nail varnish.
''Ergh! Do not want to know, Em!'' I scolded at the same time, launching a pillow at them.
Rose grinned at us, clearly her plan had worked. Emmett boomed out a laugh as he catches the pillow, leaning in to whisper the rest of his sentence. Rosalie blushed in response. Rose never blushes. Ever. She's as crude as any guy, so nothing embarrasses her. Until now. Ew.
She grabbed up his properties, and counted it up, quietly. We all stared, intrigued but not wanting to know. I was glad I didn't sleep over when she does usually. It's a known fact that whenever Rosalie stays round 'Alice's', she sleeps in Em's room. I think even Esme knows.
''Hello, my gorgeous children! Have you all had a good day?'' Esme asked as she walked in the door, glowing with happiness. I can see what Emmett means by You should see Mom. She's so happy that her families finally complete. She was glowing. Their front door opens straight into their living room, so she came in and perched on the sofa behind me, dropping her hand bag. She was naturally beautiful, and slender, making you wonder how she gave birth 3 children with her figure. Her rich brown hair, which is bronze-coloured in certain light, making her eyes glow.
We all called out ''Hey Mom'' like always because it makes her laugh.
''Yup, today was good. We told them about Dad and Eddie!'' Em said. It's also known that Emmett calls Edward Eddie and he hates it.
''We're really happy for you, Esme'' I said giving her a hug.
''Thank you, Bella, dear. It still seems a bit unreal to be honest!'' She laughed. It was really nice to see her so happy, and she deserved it so much. She was the most kind-hearted person I know. She blew us all a kiss, and headed upstairs to change.
''I see what you mean about her being happier...'' Rose hissed, to which Alice nodded, grinning. She finished counting up, and placed the properties back onto the coffee table.
''So who won, Rosie? It was me, yeah?'' I rolled my eyes; Emmett's head was back in the game straight away.
''Urm actually, Bella won...'' Rose admitted, patting his arm as his face dropped and he huffed.
''Nice Bella! Someone finally beat Em.'' Jasper said, smiling whilst holding out a fist for me to knock mine against. Which I did, whilst grinning at him.
We all cleared up Monopoly, well, all of us but Em who was sulking on the sofa, leaning with his back against the arm.
''Hey Em? I'm really sorry... maybe your just having an off day. Do you forgive me, brother bear?'' I asked, moving up beside the sofa and putting my arms around the back of his massive shoulders, linking my fingers together on his chest. He turned his head to see my face and I pouted, not nearly as well as the Cullen's, but it seemed to work as a grin appears on Emmett's face. I only had chance to notice the evil glint in his eyes, before I was suddenly yanked forward by my arms, over Emmett and onto the spare sofa seat in front of him, landing with my head in his lap and my body stretched across the sofa. I flopped with a thump. He had pulled me over his shoulders! I was frozen in surprise, which caused him to break out into booming laughter.
''I forgive you, Pipsqueak!'' he announced making me groan at the nickname. Sitting up, I scowled at him, and teased him with: ''and to think I was going to make you cookies...''
His eyes lit up. Emmett loves my cooking. A lot.
He heaved himself onto the floor on his knees and looks up at me, with his pout. ''Please can you still make them, Bella? I'm sorry I pulled you! Please. Please.'' Oo he was pulling out the big guns with the use of my actual name.
I pulled a dramatic sigh. ''Fine'' even though I was planning to make them all along... Alice suddenly squealed.
''Can I help you! We can put smarties in them and everything!'' she bounced.
''As long at Bella is in charge, love, and you do everything she says?'' Jasper asked, making sure we didn't have a repeat of last time, when Alice took over and insisted on the oven being hotter and at making double the mixture. Needless to say, we had one big burnt cookie...
Alice, Rose and I started on the baking, with me telling them what to do, whilst Em and Jasper played on the Wii. 30 minutes later, the cookies were in the oven, at the right temperature, and baking away. We washed up and joined the guys.
After watching them bowl until the buzzer went off, we took the trays out. A squeal rang out: ''They're perfect!'' Alice exclaimed as she clapped her hands.
''Yum! Can we eat them now? Pleeeaaasee...'' Emmett and Jasper suddenly appeared, following their noses to the food. Typical guys.
We all started munching on cookies, and made our way back into the living room, chatting causally.
''I was thinking about all of us going camping this summer? What do you think guys?'' Jasper spoke.
''Awesome idea, man!'' Emmett was as enthusiastic as ever...
''I'm in.'' Rosalie jumped in, going to bite her cookie. You would have thought she was very self-conscious about her weight seeing as how perfect her body was, but no, she ate the same Emmett did... which is A LOT. I'll admit – I'm teensy bit jealous...
''Me too!'' Ali squealed. ''We can go on a shopping trip to get everything! And we need to check with parents. I'll ask Charlie for you Bella.'' Alice had a very weird relationship with my dad. She had him wrapped around his little finger, and would say yes to anything. I think he appreciated that I had a best friend who was good to the core.
I nodded. ''Yep, I'm in. Wanna go as soon as school finishes? Then we have the rest of the holidays too...''
They all murmured in agreement as the doorbell rang. Emmett heaved himself up and strode to the door and yanking it open.
''Dad! Eddie!'' we heard a groan, Edward I assume, at the nickname. I thought they were coming in a few weeks... we all got up to meet the new Cullen's.
''Hey son! Surprise!'' Carlisle voice was gentle but firm, a good dad voice... He came through the door.
He's a good looking man of about 40, with Emmett's brown hair, Alice's blue eyes, and a similar size to Emmett, though not as huge. They gave each other a man hug, with the pats on the back, making me giggle.
Then Edward walked in. To call him gorgeous would be practically an insult. My jaw mentally dropped. He looks so much better in real life than in the pictures I've seen. The bronze hair an untidy mess and looking like he'd just rolled out of bed, with a strand falling over his face. I watched as he runs his hand through the already dishevelled hair. As it fell back, I was glued to his striking deep green eyes made even greener by the black sweater showing off a gorgeously toned body. He had a pale-ish complexion making him beautiful yet still masculine. He is reasonably tall, same height as Carlisle and a bit shorter than Em. And I'd been staring at him for about 5 minutes straight.
I blushed and looked away. I could tell that everyone was waiting for us to do or say something, so I met his eyes again and was instantly mesmerised. He stared back into mine, looking curious and slightly amused. I could feel a ghost of a smile spreading across my face, though I couldn't help it. I don't think anyone would be able to either, being in the same situation.
He turned his face up into a beautiful crooked smile, dazzling me. Carlisle cleared his throat loudly. Oops.
''Hey, urm, I'm Edward. You must be Bella.'' His velvet voice made my insides melt. He held out his hand to me. Wake up Bella! As I placed my hand in his, I got the feeling of something electric passing between us, warmth spreading through me. I swallowed a gasp. I wanted to stay joined to him, feeling this bliss, but at the surprise, we jolted our hands away, not knowing what just happened. His eyes were wide in surprise.
''Urm... hi.'' I stuttered looking down, the blush appearing on my cheeks. I think he introduced himself to the Hales, then. I'm not sure as I was still trying to put myself back together.
Esme came downstairs at all the noise and greeted Carlisle with a short but affectionate kiss. As she pulled away, they looked into each others' eyes with love and adoration making me feel like I was intruding on their private moment.
We all sat down in the living room, leaving me between Alice and Edward. I tried not to touch him, even though his shoulder was so close to mine. It felt like there was an elastic band pulling us together, that we were straining to separate. I looked up to find him looking at our arms curiously. He felt it too.
''I'm so pleased your here, boys, and to have all my family in one room but how did you manage to move so fast?'' Esme questions from her cosy place under Carlisle's arm, her eyes sparkling with happiness. It made the corners of my mouth twitch. She was happy. I zoned in on Edward as he spoke.
''Well, there are only two of us, and we are guys, so we don't really have that much.'' Edward replied, chuckling when Alice leant around me and slapped his arm.
''And the only large things we had to transport were the cars, and they were already here so we just packed up, realised we were done, and caught the plane.'' Carlisle finished, talking loud enough for us all to hear, but gazing at Esme. I'd imagine he was a good father, well he must be seeing as Ali and Em are his kids.
''So are these all my children? I'm sure I only had three.'' He chuckled, looking around at us all. We all laughed with him. Alice jumped in to explain.
''This is Jasper Hale-''
I interrupted: ''The only person on earth who can calm your daughter down...''
Ali stuck her tongue out at me, and continued ''...Rosalie, his sister-''
''The only girl for me!'' Em roared, grinning as Alice huffed. He placed his hand on Rose's leg.
''...and Bella Swan!''
''The one who blushes alllll the time...'' Rose adds, grinning at me. I scowl back.
Then I notice that Carlisle is in fits of laughter and Edward is chuckling beside me at our banter.
''And they may as well be your children for all the time they spend here!'' Alice announced, waving her hand in the air, sitting right on the edge of her seat.
We all laughed. They continued their catch up while I tried to focus on the conversation, but failed, as I was hyper-aware of the certain bronze-haired boy on my left.
His arm was about 2 inches from mine, and I could feel his every movement by the way the electric between us stretched or contracted. When he laughed it tugged the corners of my mouth. I had never really experienced this thing before, and to be honest, I was extremely curious. I always took a while to click with people, if at all, even with the other Cullen's. But with Edward I felt like I'd known him for years not hours, and I seemed to just get him, as he did me. Like when he came in, we had a whole conversation in our faces... weird, but it felt so natural. I needed to get a grip, so I tried to concentrate on the current conversation.
''-so Bella should ring him and ask. I'll go grab the stuff we need.'' I caught Alice mid-sentence. I had to call who?
''I'll run down to the shop and get one.'' Edward replied. ''I could drop Bella by on the way?'' Drop me where?
''That okay with you, Half-pint?'' Em asked, as he leant over and waved a hand in front of my face.
''Urm... I kind of zoned out. What's going on?'' I said with a sheepish grin. Edward chuckled. Oh crap. Did he notice I was 'zoned' on him?
''You're staying round tonight!'' Alice declared. ''I know it's Tuesday and a school night but I want you all to get to know Edward. Plus we haven't had a sleepover for agggeeesss!''
''Ali, we had one last week. But I'm up for it.'' I agreed. ''I'm just going to ring Charlie, and tell him th-''
''Nope. Edwards passing yours to get a DVD, so he can give you a lift!'' Alice interrupted, smiling. Aah, so that's where he was going to drop me...
''If you're sure that's okay?'' I said, meeting Edward's deep green eyes. I focused all my energy on listening and not getting lost in them.
''I don't mind taking you, at all.'' Edward reassured with a smile. ''It'll give me a chance to get to know my apparently new sister.'' At the word sister, disappointment flooded through me. Of course he just wanted to think of me as that.
Jasper and Rose went to get a load of pillows and blankets, while Esme and Carlisle left to put some pizzas in the oven for us.
''Hey Bella, can I talk to you a sec?'' Alice asked.
''Sure, Ali.'' I replied, shooting an apologetic smile to Edward. I followed her into the dining room. She stood with her arms crossed as Rose suddenly appeared next to her.
''What?''
''What's with you and Edward?'' Alice questioned. O God...
''What do you mean? I only just met him, Ali.'' Was I that obvious?
''Well you and Hotward were staring at each other like you were the only ones in the universe. Carlisle had to clear his throat three times before either of you noticed.'' Rose is honest, and she had a smug grin on her face. Hotward? Kind of suits him actually. Wait a sec... he was interested too? I pushed down the bubble of hope. He's Alice and Emmett's brother. You've only just met him.
''I don't know what you talking about. I have to go tell Charlie I'm staying, so I'll see you in a bit.'' I finished, walking back to Hotward (it has a nice ring to it, don't you think?). He was waiting by the door.
''Are you ready to go?'' Edward asked, having handed me my coat like a gentleman, whilst being careful not to touch my skin.
''Yep, I think so. Let's go.'' I grabbed my bag, as Edward opened the door and we headed out to his Volvo. It had already been sent down from Vancouver. I don't know how I didn't notice the extra car...
We settled into our seats, buckled up and headed out of the driveway. He cleared his throat.
''So... is um, is Charlie you boyfriend then?'' He asked innocently, making me burst out laughing.
I sputtered out: ''He's urm... he's my dad,'' adding another compulsory giggle. He chuckled, making me melt in my seat by the rich sound. Maybe it was my imagination but I could have sworn he looked relieved...
I looked up at him, as he grinned crookedly... my breath hitched. Oh god... he definitely suits Hotward.
I cleared my throat, shaking my head to clear that too.
''I have an idea. Want to play 20 questions? That'll help you get to know me.'' I suggested, really wanting to find out more about him...
''Sounds good,'' He smiled at me. ''Okay... urm... Favourite ever song?''
''... at the moment it's Hometown Glory by Adele.''
''The Weepies, World Spins Madly On. Favourite... book?''
''Wuthering Heights by Emily Brontë.''
''Um probably... Noughts and Crosses by Malorie Blackman. Not very manly, but great writing.'' I giggled.
''No I understand. All of her books are awesome.''
''Next, okay... Best Film?''
''Remember Me. So powerful.''
''Shawshank Redemption. Amazing.''
''I love that film!'' He smiled at me with his green eyes glowing.
''Favourite lesson?''
''English Literature. I'm a book worm...''
''Music. I love my guitar.'' God I bet he's really good, too. I want to hear him play...
''Could I... maybe...h- hear you play sometime?'' I stuttered out, staring at my hands.
He looked unsure, but said: ''Okay.''
''You don't have to...'' I rushed out, back pedalling.
''No, I want to,'' he reassured, gently touching my hand that was resting on my leg. The tingling is welcome this time. ''It's just you'll be the first person to hear me play, other than my old teacher.'' He smiles kindly at me, his eyes burning.
''Oh,'' I replied. ''...what about your parents? Don't you ever play at home?''
''I only used to when Dad was at work. It's quite personal to me... but I ... I'd like to play for you.'' His face was only promoting his sincerity. He actually wanted to play for me.
''Want to make a deal? I hear you play in exchange for something...'' it's only fair.
''Like what?'' he nodded slowly.
''Not sure...'' I replied, biting my lip.
''How about I'll let you know when the time comes?'' he grinned smugly. He was planning something.
''What's the cocky grin for? I think I should have a veto.'' He rolled his eyes at me, smiling crookedly. My heart sped up slightly.
''Okay, it's a deal.'' He nodded with his statement. ''Right. Back to the questions because I still want to know more about you.' He said, smirking, ''Okay... Favourite colour?''
''Urm green. Forks is so green because of all the rain, unlike Phoenix.'' I hated Phoenix; it was too hot and humid. He looked questioningly at me, so I saved him the trouble. ''My mom and her husband live there, let's just say I don't have many good memories there.'' He smiled kindly, not pityingly like I usually get which surprised me. ''But Forks is so fresh and green. I love it.'' I smiled as he nodded in agreement.
''Yes, it's beautiful. Mine's blue, and don't ask me why.'' He laughed ''I just think it's quite a natural colour. Okay... First best friend?''
''Jessica Stanley. You'll meet her tomorrow, sadly.'' He chuckled, raising an eyebrow.
''Bad ending of a friendship?''
''When I moved away to Phoenix when my parents got divorced we lost touch, and I came back to the cold shoulder, and excluded from her friendship. She never really accepted it wasn't my fault that I had to leave.'' I spoke quietly, looking down at my hands, not really liking the way good things ended.
''Maybe it's a good thing that you're not friends anymore if she can't see that...'' he questioned.
''Yeah, that's what I'm starting to think...'' I reached my hand up and felt my bruise on my arm. Yes, it was definitely a good thing we weren't friends anymore. It's a shame 'civility' isn't in her vocabulary... ''Your turn, so who was your first best friend?''
''Emmett Cullen. How sad am I!'' he laughed. ''We've always got on well, really, including Alice, but then again it might be a little different now I'm back to living with them. I hope we continue to get along what with sharing a house... Okay, what about first boyfriend?'' The atmosphere suddenly became serious, his eyes curious.
''I urm...I...I've never been with anyone...'' I admitted, looking at my hands, blushing. I felt my body tingle as his hand cups my chin, tilting my face up to meet his eyes. They were glowing.
''That's a good thing. Don't be ashamed. Any guy would be privileged to be with you.'' Just at his soft words, my heartbeat sped up and my blush deepened.
''Favourite gem stone?'' he changed the subject, somehow knowing I needed to be distracted, placing his hand back in his lap.
''Emerald.'' I've blurted out before I can stop myself, causing me to blush. He looked over and noticed. Oh god. Don't ask why. Don't ask why. Please.
''You're blushing. Why is it your favourite, then?'' He looked at me curiously, raising an eyebrow. I shook my head. ''Please tell me... I'm curious now.''
''Nope.''
''Please? Mine's a sapphire. It was my Grandmothers favourite.'' He smiled sheepishly at me.
''See? Your reason's sweet. Mine is just embarrassing...'' I would stay strong. He pulled the Cullen pout. Well there goes that idea...
''Fine! It's the colour of your eyes! It um.. changed today.'' I said, giving in. I crossed my arms, and looked out the window. That's when I realised we'd been sat outside my house for who knows how long. I'd been giving him directions with my hands, rather than breaking our question time, and automatically stopped, not realising that I should go in.
I reached for the handle, but his hand gently held my shoulder. Probably to tell me to stop acting like a stalker.
''Don't go.'' He whispered.
I'd already turned around before I realised he had leant forward to stop me, and we were now inches apart. I could feel his warm breath on my lips. His hand came up from my shoulder to cup my face, running his thumb across my cheek slowly, leaving a smouldering trail. I placed my hand on his smooth neck, lacing my fingers through his hair pulling him closer. The places where our skin was touching were burning, the current running through us; the relief of not pulling the elastic away. We both leaned in slightly and our lips parted, our breath now mixing together, centimetres away. As our lips meet, the electric current grows in strength, sending a scorching heat down to the pit of my stomach. Our lips perform a slow sequence of movements as we reach to hold each other, my hands in his silky hair and on his bicep; his on my waist and cupping my cheek softly. I breathe in through my nose, taking in his heavenly scent as our lips dance. He squeezes the hand on my waist, bringing me closer to his perfect body. I was just about to deepen the breathtaking kiss with my tongue when I suddenly I realised that this was Edward Cullen. My best friend's brother. What am I doing pushing myself onto this guy I just met?
I pulled away, and looked out the window, blushing a new shade of red. I missed his touch already. I felt cold without the buzz and warmth from him.
You just ruined a friendship before it had begun, well done Swan. I needed some fresh air to cool down. That amazing moment needed to be forgotten and I was still burning from the intenseness and connection we shared. It was unlike anything before, and made me crave more. I wanted him. That was new.
'' I'll...urm... just go tell Charlie.'' I stuttered and bolted out of the car as fast as I can without falling. If he's there when I come back, we may have a chance at friendship. If not, then it's obvious I've just ruined everything.
''Dad?'' I called out as I walked through the door.
''Hey Bells! In the living room.'' I could hear the game from here.
''I'm staying at Alice's, is that okay?'' I half hoped he would say no...
''Sure, honey. Have a good time.'' He sounds distracted by the game, so I headed out again with a sigh. Not the responsible father I needed right now. I wanted to see the gang, but it would more than a little awkward now, which was entirely my fault.
I don't need to get anything as Alice has spare stuff at hers because of how often the gang stay round.
I re-open the front door carefully, wondering if he stayed or left...
A/N: Any good? Hope it's okay!
Saga Lover
Xx